Back to D2, help with zon build/equip

[Sirooo]

Ok so after a long hiatus from D2, I'm back with a new computer/connection and boy it's alot more enjoyable.

Trouble is, I only have about 3 ladder characters left :(

I'd like to make a bowazon because it's been so long since I've had one (1.09 PvP was probably the last).

Now I'm guessing Strafe/base Multi is the way to go and the pits is the place to run?

Now the hard part, equipment/setup. Currently I have a lvl14 Fanat, +3 bow Faith MAT bow. I can't remember why, but I have this and a fortitude dusk shroud aswell.

The only operational character I have is my MF Fishymancer (Aura'd up skeles/max CE) and it just rips through any area with ease. What sort of comparison will there be in killing speeds here?

Anyways equipment, I'll list what I have available and then if someone could recommend what's better that I should go and try and trade for (dont have a great deal).

Helm; 15% IAS Guillaumes, Shako, Tal's Mask
Armor; Fortitude, Enigma (would prefer not to strip necro), Smoke
Weapon; Faith Matriarchal Bow
Boots; Gore Riders, War Travs, IK boots
Gloves; 20% IAS/KB gloves (dont have any), LoH
Belt; TGod's, Credendum, String of Ears, Goldwrap (should get Nos to hit last BP yes?)
Rings; Raven, 100AR/6%LL ring
Ammy; I actually have nothing lol, Can I get Atma's for an Um? (USE, NL)

Now, How about a Merc? Act2 Might? I working on a Pride Polearm on my necro (have 3 of 4 runes, no polearm). How would that work out.
Might/Pride/Fanat sounds sexy to me. Could be quite a while before I can afford that last rune for Pride though.

Or is it better to get an Act1 Merc and give the Faith to her and try and somehow get a Windforce or something for myself?

Stats aswell? I used to build vita zons for PvP. But how is mostly Dex?


Ahhh, so many questions... if someone can answer even half of these I'll be happy :) I'm one of those people who like to have everything planned before I start building a character.

[Sirooo]

Just missed out on the Edit time limit, but I found an awesome post http://forums.diabloii.net/showthread.php?t=293297 showing the WF/Merc vs Faith/Might/Pride.

I'm still confused :P

Will depend on whether I can finish off my Pride for merc or not, and whether I can trade for a WF, what's a WF worth nowadays?

I'll probably try and get the Pride, I love the look of Mat bows over Hydra and in particular GMB's. I think I'd also have no Atma's with WF.

Edit: Mat Bow's can't be carried by Act 1 Rogues anyway, silly me.

[sirmessbu]

seems to me like you simply have to stick your faith/fort, beside that you dont need much more. Just add any piece of equipement you can afford and help you survive. Life, resist and life/mana leech.

With strafe/valk maxed and a fair some of skills in dodge/avoid/evade also some in critical strike and pierce/penetrate you should be good to go.

If I recall right matri faith with fana lv 14 gets strafe ias bp by itself. Otherwise you will miss something like 20%ias.

As for the merc, since you seem to plan on using you futur pride for necro. get you hand on a doom polearm if you can and go with might merc. Whatever weapon merc use, get a might merc. Reaper toll can be very usefull too.

Just give it a try with gear you have. Strafezon are one hell of fun. I hope I been of some help, remember to have a look in the stickied build to have an idea.

[thulsa]

Will depend on whether I can finish off my Pride for merc or not, and whether I can trade for a WF, what's a WF worth nowadays?

You can get a nice Windforce for PGems, etc.
The point being here is that obtaining a Windforce, with Atma's, is far easier than obtaining a Faith or Pride or the runes thereof.


I'll probably try and get the Pride, I love the look of Mat bows over Hydra and in particular GMB's. I think I'd also have no Atma's with WF.

See above.



Mat Bow's can't be carried by Act 1 Rogues anyway, silly me.

True, because it is a Amazon-only bow, as with GMBs, but Crusader Bows can be equipped by Rogue Act 1 mercs, in which I have a skelle-summoner who has a Rogue Merc utilizing a Faith Crusader bow....rocks. :thumbsup:
I reserved the Pride for my Act 2 might merc being currently used by my Frenzy Barb.