Shield Question

[gibsonSG]

...a lot of sorceresses use the "spirit" runeword as a shield, correct? It's cheap, good mods, etc.--seems like a good deal. As I'm sure a lot of you know, I have a meteorb build going on, I'm leaning towards max block, and I wonder what shield I should use for a "spirit" runeword. I think I have about 95 or so base strength, and wonder what shield a lot of sorceresses would use as a shield (4 socket, right?) for a max block build. I assume you'd want one with high defense and a "light" class (running is easier I guess?).

Get back to me with your input/personal experience, etc.

Thanks!

[k/t]

The only shields you CAN make Spirit in (for characters other than paladins) are Monarchs, Aegises and Wards. The Monarch is light, the Aegis is heavy, and the Ward is medium. They require 156, 219, and 185 Strength, respectively. The chances to block with them, for sorcs, are 42%, 44% and 44%. You do not want to try for max block with these because their blocking percentages are so low.

When people make Spirit in a shield, they invariably use Monarchs because they are light and they require considerably less strength than the alternatives.

As to how cheap Spirit is, maybe the runes are, but it's hard to find a 4 socketed Monarch.

For a max block build you would use Stormshield, Whitstan's Guard, or Moser's Blessed Circle because they have increased chance to block, and therefore require a lot less dexterity to reach 75% block. That point is the easiest to attain with Whistan's Guard, however, that shield has no mods to speak of. Stormshield is a very good shield, but very rare. With 2 Perfect Diamonds, Moser's will give you 63 to all resists, and it's easier to find.

I didn't know you had a meteorb build going on. :lol:

[gibsonSG]

I didn't know you had a meteorb build going on. :lol:

....so you're gonna laugh at me? (just kidding :D ) Yeah...I do. I hear though, that it's generally good to have a "max-block" build as opposed to the "mass vitality" build--sorceresses get shafted mad-style when it comes to the ratio for life to vitality. As opposed to like...an assassin, who gets 3 points per vitality point, a sorceress gets shafted with only 2 :( . Oh well, that's all open to debate, though I still wonder which more *successful* builds do the max-block thingy.

Thanks!

[k/t]

Yes, it's good, as long as you have a shield which allows you to reach 75% blocking without putting 800 points into dex. Spirit isn't one of them.

[monte cristo]

I generally use stormshields on sorceresses, but I wouldn't recommend that shield for pvm builds not using the tal set. The set gives massive life and helps when you put enough in str for a storm and enough in dex for max block. Without more expansive gear like life/mana scs or life skillers which are a bit too expensive to use against monsters in my opinion, you won't have much life with stormshield. If you lack resistances, find moser and upgrade it (it increases its chance to block) and then socket it with diamonds or eld runes for an even bigger chance to block. If you dont care for resistances, try whitstan or visc. Finally, if you are a pvm energy shield user, go with Gerke - resists, high block, amazing damage reduce and magic damage reduce. Good luck. And if you're on europe ladder, I can give you a storm as well.

[k/t]

I could definitely use a Stormshield, but I'm USEast ladder. I heard you can change realms somehow.

[Liliel]

For a max block build you would use Stormshield, Whitstan's Guard, or Moser's Blessed Circle because they have increased chance to block, and therefore require a lot less dexterity to reach 75% block.

Don't forget upgraded Visceratuant, Sanctuary (troll nest) and Rhyme (heater).

[gibsonSG]

Good luck. And if you're on europe ladder, I can give you a storm as well.

...I wish I was on europe now, but I, too, am on USEast Ladder. I talked to some other meteorbs on USEast and I get the general consensus that they average at around 180 base dexterity. I should put at least that much in if I'm heading for stormshield one of these days. I still have like 275 unused stat points :D . I'm just leveling now, and I'm going to magic-find once I get the character "strong" enough.

Thanks!

[monte cristo]

215 dex needed for storm to max block @ level 90. If I remember correctly from my sorc.