Blizz Sorc Question

[pallbiam]

So, I'm making a Blizz sorc to MF for the new ladder season, and I'm wondering if I should go for the 156 str to get a spirit monarch (i'm not going max block), and also wondering how many points (if any) I should put into energy, as right now I haven't put any and it's driving me crazy having to suck down a pot every five seconds. Thanks!

[Turmoil]

I had a 92 meteorb sorc on US Ladder last season and she used both spirit sword and sheild. I would say that whether you use spirit sheild or not depends on whether you trade or not. I didn't trade because I didn't want duped crap, so a spirit monarch was a very good choice IMO because better sheilds are very difficult to find. I was still using Sigon's at 91 and had been looking for a better sheild for 3 months.

However, if you trade, then I would hold off on dumping those points into str for the spirit monarch. You will probably be able to trade for something else, which will allow you to dump those points into life or energy.

As far as how many points to put into energy, there is lots of debate on this. Some say no more than 70. Some say NONE. Again, depends on whether you can expect to get good gear to increase your mana reserves. If you're willing to trade, I would hold off on putting points into energy as long as possible. I now have a 32 blizz sorc with no points into energy, and it's tough going. But I know I'll get better gear later and I'll have enough mana, and will be thankful I saved those points. The way I look at it, I can always chug pots for mana - chugging a health pot for life doesn't always help you stay alive - having more base life does.

But keep in mind that it's a game and supposed to be fun - if chugging mana pots is frustrating, and having more mana will make the game experience more fun for you, then put some points into energy. In the long run putting 20 or 30 points into energy isn't going to be a big deal. At endgame that means you'll have 40 or 60 less life, which isn't that big a deal when you have 1100 already. You're supposed to avoid getting hit anyway =P

[melianor]

Even with crap gear you will never have use for any points in energy. A few +skills to boost Warmth with just one hard skill point will do the trick. Spirit sword and shield have tons of mana on them and there are other items that can cover your energy resource. The usual tantum for stats point placement is:

str: enough for gear
dex: none or enough for blocking
vit: all else
energy: none or alot if you use ES

But otherwise i agree with Turmoil. If you feel you will be more happy with some points in energy, then go for it. Just don't dump too many points there if you will not be using ES, otherwise you will be loosing out points where you really need them.

[pallbiam]

Thanks for the answers that included multiple interesting ways of looking at the situation!