What merc?

[warwaffle]

What merc should I use for PvM? I'm a WW barb.

I was thinking Act 2 Offensive for the Might Aura? I'm not sure, but that seems to be the best option. For equipment, I was thinking Crown of Ages (BerBer), Chains of Honor, but I'm lost on the weapon.

I am thinking Insight for the weap since the only real source of mana leech I'll have is from ebotdz, and that's only 7% (normal...). Any other suggestions?

One more quick question so I don't have to make a new topic. Is it true that a merc that you level will have better stats than one you get later on in the game?

[Halciet]

The Act 2 Nightmare Offensive merc is the best for barbs. I generally outfit them with A Ral'd Andy's Visage, as it has massively powerful stats for a merc. Weapon should either be a Doom Cryptic Axe or Reaper's Toll. Both of those have very nice features that increase the utility of your merc.

As for the leveling issue: Any two mercs of the same type, level, and difficulty will have identical stats, whether you leveled them yourself or bought them high. However, when comparing two mercs of the same type and level from different difficulties (i.e., one from normal and one from nightmare), the earlier difficulty merc will be stronger. So, a level 70 act 1 merc from normal difficulty will be more powerful than a level 70 act 1 merc from hell difficulty.

This doesn't really matter for us though, since we must hire our mercs in act 2 nightmare. No real choice in the matter.

-Hal

[warwaffle]

Will 7% mana leech be enough to keep me whirling away? I know it's reduced in hell. Here's my equipment:

Helm: Arreat's (40ED/15IAS jewel)
Armor: Enigma
Belt: Verdungo's
Gloves: Dracul's
Boots: Goreriders
Weapon: Ebotdz + Beast
Amulet: Highlord's
Rings: Ravenfrost

The only source of mana leech in there comes from ebotdz, which is only 7%.

[Evrae Altana]

7% should be enough. Your damage should be pretty high, and WW hits pretty fast.

[NewForumBloke]

Heh, if you want pur dmg you could always go with a Might merc outfitted with a Pride Polearm giving you a Conc Aura. Then having the merc wear a Bramble for the Thorns :laugh: . I have found though that the Reapers Toll Decrep will help you a ton better, and i must say a eth Fort on a merc is just godleh!

-BLoke :smug: