Call To Arms - Round #1: Saturday, July 28th, 10am-10pm [Archive]

Socialism

19-07-2007, 22:41

A Call To Arms for anyone who ever wanted to play in the hurried environment of a reset with a group that truly works together, untwinked, from Act 1 Normal to Hell Baal, hardcore, in one sitting. Original thread (http://forums.diabloii.net/showthread.php?t=577049).

*** ROUND #1 RUNS SATURDAY, JULY 28TH, 10am-10pm ***

TIME: A good group will finish in 8-10 hours. This includes food/washroom breaks, shopping, and off-colour jokes.

VENUE: Battle.net USEast Server. Download Skype (http://www.skype.com) and get a microphone. It's more fun with communication.

CHARACTERS: Balance is best. I’d rather not have a summoner necro, but it doesn’t matter. Just play your favourite. No duplicate builds. Please, know how to play and develop your build untwinked in hardcore by Saturday. Don’t be a burden.

DO NOT ADD YOURSELF UNLESS YOU ARE 100% SURE YOU WILL BE THERE FOR THE ENTIRE 10am–10pm EST SESSION ON SATURDAY, JULY 28th. No-shows will be permanently blacklisted.
Forum Name Account Name Build
---------- ------------ -----
1. Socialism *Glimmer Last pick
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Alternates (if any)
9.
10.

Please DO NOT sign up if you lack:
- commitment, or you think you can only stay for 9 hours (expectation is 12… nobody likes a flake)
- a very stable internet connection, because ‘oops keke my wireless died’ every 5 minutes makes you a useless, absentee player; and nobody likes waiting
- maturity and a good attitude, because you can’t fake it and we have to spend 10+ hours together
- teamwork, since playing well with others is essential for survival
- experience, because you’d better be used to hardcore and know how to develop/play your build untwinked; this is neither easy nor a learning session
- dedication, because this is all or nothing, baby

Socialism
- achieving Rockstar status, one day at a time

Tai.

19-07-2007, 23:13

I'll be there, I'll know by this evening what class I'll be piloting (currently leaning toward either Javazon or Trapper, but if anyone has any strong leanings towards those, let me know I've played everything in my time.)

Cheers
-Tai

IhatePindle

19-07-2007, 23:13

Well, like I posted in the other thread, Im in

Forum name: IhatePindle
Account name: *w.d.
Build: Paly (build optional, Im taking suggestions. I was gona go with the 1pt smite, fana/zeal off the paly forum. But it's really up to the rest of the group)

gettin a cheap headset ftw:jig:

AgentMarth

19-07-2007, 23:21

*Shinmeiryuu

Lighting Trapper

I'll try to get a headset for the teamspeak thing.

Socialism

19-07-2007, 23:45

Balance; let's not have all-lightning characters, folks.

Pindle, here are some suggestions (in order of personal preference):
- Conviction + Zeal (pgems create elemental weapons!)
- Conviction + Vengeance
- Zeal + Fanaticism
- Zeal + Holy Shock/Freeze
- I think Ranti (?) wanted to play a Cleric

Other random build suggestions:
- Fury / Fire Claw Druid
- Concentrator / Berserker Barbarian (20 BO and some in the Battle Cry)
- Enchant + Firewall Sorceress (VERY team oriented, Leaf-friendly, fun!)
- Nova / Charged Bolt / Chain Lightning + Frozen Orb Sorceress
- Poison / Cold Amazon (super balanced offense/defense with ubertank Valk)
- Bone / Poison Necromancer (Lower Resist, incredible crowd control curses)

Really, any build that runs around 91-93 skill points to complete will be great. We'll probably finish around level 80-82 or so.
Forum Name Account Name Build
---------- ------------ -----
1. Socialism *Glimmer (?) Last Pick
2. Tai. *Penorhead (?) (?) JavaZon
3. IhatePindle *w.d. (?) Paladin
4. AgentMarth *Shinmeiryuu Light Trapper
5.
6.
7.
8.

Alternates (if any)
9.
10.

clawface

20-07-2007, 02:16

Blizzard sorc/ Fire Sorc... *clawface3

Hp_Sauce

20-07-2007, 08:02

You sure are persistent Shon, I'll give you that.

Here's the thing. I'll be in Peterborough on the 28th, which means I'll have a fast internet connection (good). My g/f is going to a wedding shower that day (good). My D2 cd's are in a box in my brothers storage unit somewhere, and my current install is cracked for no-cd required (bad).

So I'm not going to sign up until
a) I talk to my g/f and see when she is leaving for this shower, etc.
b) I get a hold of some d2 install disks.

If the spots are all full before then, oh well.

-hps

p.s. Oh, and I hate you btw, for making me want to participate.

Socialism

20-07-2007, 09:19

You sure are persistent Shon, I'll give you that.Oh, you'll give me more than that, Colin... I'll get my 10 hours out of you. One way or another, honeywooshkins.
If the spots are all full before then, oh well.Not a chance. First, I doubt turnout will go that high. Second, in the event of something catastrophically funny like that happening, while I'd love to be fair and equitable, friends/old timers will take precedence over strangers/newcomers. While postcount really is no indicator of noobletishness and I've no real prejudices, someone who joined in 2005 with 500 posts just seems more reliable than someone who joined, say, yesterday.

dutes

20-07-2007, 09:23

I'll be on the Gold Coast that weekend at the National Mooting Finals followed by the Gold Coast Rowing Championships so I'm out of this one. Might be able to play in the next round though.

Xochi

20-07-2007, 10:13

Forum Name Account Name Build
---------- ------------ -----
1. Socialism *Glimmer (?) Last Pick
2. Tai. *Penorhead (?) (?) JavaZon
3. IhatePindle *w.d. (?) Paladin
4. AgentMarth *Shinmeiryuu Light Trapper
5. Xochi *Xochi/Xochi_II Bone necro
6.
7.
8.

Alternates (if any)
9.
10.

xperii

20-07-2007, 10:18

Wind Druid:thumbsup:
*xperii

Socialism

20-07-2007, 10:45

You know what would be fun? A non-specialist team. Each character with at least two evenly balanced primary skills to work with, so there'd be no napping anytime an immune waltzed by.

Ranged
Sorceress: Blizzard / Chain Lightning
Sorceress: Enchant / Frozen Orb
Amazon: Freezing Arrow / Plague Javelin / Valkyrie-tank
Assassin: Lightning / DS / Fire Trapper / Shadow Master-tank
Necromancer: Curse / Corpse Explosion / Poison or Bone / Golem-tank

Melee
Druid: Fire Claw Hybrid (I don't know, I've never played a Druid)
Barbarian: Howling Battle Cry Berserker
Paladin: Conviction/Salvation Zealot

JasonBriggs

20-07-2007, 14:42

ill be there, fire claw druid

*wnxbriggzy

IhatePindle

20-07-2007, 16:43

Not a chance. First, I doubt turnout will go that high.
Well, we'r at 8 already by the looks of it, and with no barb, unless u deside to be one Socialism...
I took the liberty of updating this list

Forum Name Account Name Build
---------- ------------ -----
1. Socialism *Glimmer (?) Last Pick
2. Tai. *Penorhead (?) (?) JavaZon
3. IhatePindle *w.d. Paladin (fana/zeal)
4. AgentMarth *Shinmeiryuu Light Trapper
5. Xochi *Xochi/Xochi_II Bone necro
6. JasonBriggs *wnxbriggzy Fire claw druid
7. xperii *xperii Wind Druid
8. clawface *clawface3 Blizzard sorc/ Fire Sorc

Alternates (if any)
9.
10.
Friday Morning

we should do ubers after we finish the game, I could come up with the first two keys.
P.S. Is there an easier way to line names up properly in the Code window.. I must of edited 8 times

Mn_Swe2

20-07-2007, 19:43

Put me on the reserv list...

I decide for a char later on if I get to join :)

mn_swe

Tai.

20-07-2007, 22:22

I can either run with a Javazon with secondary skill for crowd control and Valk tankage or take the baba depending on what youd rather run Shon.

For Baba would we rather run with Conc for the tankage or something like frenzy to make better use of the fanat? Either one with zerk capabilities of course.

Cheers
-Tai

p.s. *Tai- on east

Socialism

21-07-2007, 03:15

Hello everyone. It seems we have more demand than supply!

To manage this, I have decided to reserve Round #1 spots for forum members based on contribution and seniority.
This means higher post count > lower post count in terms of roster positioning. Should HP_Sauce, Relativity, or another oldschool 'op xbananax' member decide to enlist, I will give them a spot taken from a younger member. Sorry.

Post count is often arbitrary with little correlation to dedication, but this mechanism honors the time and contribution the veterans have put into these forums. Such is the respect they deserve.

This may seem unfair to new forumers, especially clawface, who jumped in right at the start. I don't want to discourage you from these forums, so I'll make it up to you. Anyone on the reserve list is guaranteed a spot and first choice of builds for Call To Arms Round #2. Promise.

Here's the updated roster.
Forum Name Account Name Build
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Socialism (><) *Glimmer (?)
2. Tai. (1237) *Tai. Java (light+tank) / Barb (phys+BO)
3. Mn_Swe2 (784) *mn_swe (?)
4. JasonBriggs (373) *wnxbriggzy Fire Claw Druid (fire + Oak/HoW)
5. AgentMarth (280) *Shinmeiryuu Light Trapper (lightning, CE)
6. NecromanSassin (159) *T.Bruschi_54 Frost Maiden (cold + tank)
7. IhatePindle (34) *w.d. Fanatic Zealot (physical)
8. Xochi (9) *Xochi Bone Necromancer (magic, curses)

Reserve
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. xperii (5) *xperii Wind Druid (physical + cold + Oak)
10. clawface (3) *clawface3 Blizzard or Fire Sorc (cold/fire)
11.
12.

Folks, I think there might need to be a bit more focus on the teamwork aspects of the build choices.

I'll quickly outline what a strong balanced team would have:
- at least 3 types of primary non-physical damage (fire, cold, lightning, poison, magic)
- an even-ish ratio of casters to tanks (melee mercs at a 4:1 ratio and superminions included)
- party support skills (+life, -enemy damage, +defense, +resists, etc.)
- complementary skills - what do I mean? Take the Paladin as an example. Consider Fanaticism, which makes weapon attacks faster and more damaging. Compare it to Conviction, which supports weapon attacks as well as greatly increases elemental damage.
If you have a number of elemental attackers in your party, Conviction > Fanaticism.

xperii

21-07-2007, 04:55

if something falls though and i end up in the 8, I'd be willing to switch to a conc barb or something just for battleorders.

it might come in handy later lol.

Daver

21-07-2007, 10:33

Too bad I'm just reading this now and it looks like you are filled up. :sad2: I'll try to hook up with you all in the future. If you happen to have less than 8, look me up on *davers and I'll create whatever char you guys need.

Ranti

21-07-2007, 12:55

My schedule still seems open for the 28th, althought it's subject to change depending on the job offer I have coming. Put me up on the reserve list as a cleric if you will ^_^. If you don't want me as that then...I'm prolly not in as the cleric is the only type I'm interested in lately, sorry.

EDIT: my typical cleric build is maxing out prayer first (with one point in hb, as well as putting one pt in cleanse and med), then maxing hb (sometimes getting up to convict, but usually trying to get to max healing first), getting up to convict (if I haven't done it already) and then maxing it. Primarily I like using a bow with him...just feels a bit more safe that way (although later on I don't seem to figure out how to hit enough to help). I actually never use holy shield at all. Oh yeah, I also max out FoH and BH for max synergy in holy bolt to be an undead slayer ^^;.

clawface

21-07-2007, 14:03

Ah you gota be kidding me. Its ok. Well ill keep an eye out and if one of u happen to drop ill be more then happy to replace. Peace.

IhatePindle

22-07-2007, 06:14

That's too bad, but I knew it would happen. Though I dont blame you Socialism, I know where you'r coming from... so I wont be mad when one of the "cool kids" takes my spot.

Tai.

22-07-2007, 20:44

it wont hurt to be online at the time anyway im sure a couple of last minute flakings will take place

-tai

NecromanSassin

23-07-2007, 05:46

@Socialism: Can you take me off the list and maybe put me on reserve maybe? My schedule just changed a whole lot... As far as I know I don't have to work Saturday, as long as my buddy is able to cover for me.

My parents have dinner time and stuff like that.... (which is a real rude intrusion to the party and I really don't want to let you guys down).

Good luck to everyone who joins! These parties are real fun if you've never tried them.

Socialism

23-07-2007, 23:13

DO NOT ADD YOURSELF UNLESS YOU ARE 100% SURE YOU WILL BE THERE FOR THE ENTIRE 10am–10pm EST SESSION ON SATURDAY, JULY 28th. No-shows will be permanently blacklisted.

Remember that? If you can't guarantee 100% you'll be there, I suggest you remove yourself. "Reserve" isn't for "I may or may not show up" people - it's for "I will show up because I definitely want in if one of the 8 goobers decides to flake out" people.

If your name is on the list and you're not online or in "op xbananax" at 10 AM Saturday, you're blacklisted. Doesn't that suck? The whole point of this is to make sure that people with unreliable schedules don't sign up. We like you - really; we just don't like your inability to commit.

I hate being harsh, but flakes just ruin the game plan while taking spots away from people who genuinely want to and will show up.

Forum Name Account Name Build
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Socialism (><) *Glimmer (?)
2. Tai. (1237) *Tai. Java (light+tank) / Barb (phys+BO)
3. Mn_Swe2 (784) *mn_swe (?)
4. JasonBriggs (373) *wnxbriggzy Fire Claw Druid (fire + Oak/HoW)
5. AgentMarth (280) *Shinmeiryuu Light Trapper (lightning, CE)
6. IhatePindle (34) *w.d. Fanatic Zealot (physical)
7. Xochi (9) *Xochi Bone Necromancer (magic, curses)
8. xperii (7) *xperii Wind Druid (physical + cold + Oak)

Reserve
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. clawface (4) *clawface3 Blizzard or Fire Sorc (cold/fire)
10. NecromanSassin (159) *T.Bruschi_54 Frost Maiden (cold + tank)
11. Ranti (45) *Ranti Cleric
12. Daver (20) *Davers (???)

@#$! team!

Hp_Sauce

24-07-2007, 08:05

My decision has been made finally... I wont be joining you guys on this CTA quest, perhaps next time.

Thanks
-hps

Tai.

24-07-2007, 21:50

Ha, so I am officially top ranked if we go by Post Count :)

Ownage
-Tai

IhatePindle

25-07-2007, 02:16

gona have to take it easy on the booz friday... and go to sleep before 2.

Daver

25-07-2007, 03:13

Remember that? If you can't guarantee 100% you'll be there, I suggest you remove yourself. "Reserve" isn't for "I may or may not show up" people - it's for "I will show up because I definitely want in if one of the 8 goobers decides to flake out" people.

If your name is on the list and you're not online or in "op xbananax" at 10 AM Saturday, you're blacklisted. Doesn't that suck? The whole point of this is to make sure that people with unreliable schedules don't sign up. We like you - really; we just don't like your inability to commit.

I hate being harsh, but flakes just ruin the game plan while taking spots away from people who genuinely want to and will show up.

Forum Name Account Name Build
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Socialism (><) *Glimmer (?)
2. Tai. (1237) *Tai. Java (light+tank) / Barb (phys+BO)
3. Mn_Swe2 (784) *mn_swe (?)
4. JasonBriggs (373) *wnxbriggzy Fire Claw Druid (fire + Oak/HoW)
5. AgentMarth (280) *Shinmeiryuu Light Trapper (lightning, CE)
6. IhatePindle (34) *w.d. Fanatic Zealot (physical)
7. Xochi (9) *Xochi Bone Necromancer (magic, curses)
8. xperii (7) *xperii Wind Druid (physical + cold + Oak)

Reserve
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. clawface (4) *clawface3 Blizzard or Fire Sorc (cold/fire)
10. NecromanSassin (159) *T.Bruschi_54 Frost Maiden (cold + tank)
11. Ranti (45) *Ranti Cleric
12. Daver (20) *Davers (???)

@#$! team!

While I would love to do this and would definitely be there if you committed to have me in the group, I can't 100% commit I'll be there while sitting at no. 12 on the list. That's not a knock on anybody or how you set this up. It's just that if I have about a 0% chance of being in this, I'll probably set up some other plans for Saturday. Given the blacklist rule here, perhaps you should take me off the reserve list and I can hook up with you all some other day.

Hope you guys have a riot! :grin:

TheWhiteTower

25-07-2007, 03:52

i'd make a foh/convic pally, if your down a man, i will be on all day that day as well, /w me at Satans_Prophets if u need me ;)

HCKull

25-07-2007, 05:10

I suggest the following:

1) A pally who maxs conviction to help out all of the elemental damage chars and give great ar to the phy damage guys.

2) A pally who maxs salvation to help everyone get max resists.

3) One merc who carries insight so everyones mana problems are solved.

4) One merc should have defiance aura.

6) One merc should be have might aura

5) All other mercs should have prayer because their auras will stack.

4) A trapper or two to lead the charge.

5) One boo barb.

6) 2 summoners so there well be lots of expendable tanks to most of the fightin.

7) A cold sorc

IhatePindle

25-07-2007, 05:34

any group that picks builds to evolve around each other would make the game too easy imo... then again we arent exactly well equiped, but with boo/oak and all the merc aura's we'll be fine.

AgentMarth

25-07-2007, 08:47

Well, I'm pissed, due to 5 other employee's not being able to work this Saturday, and us being unable to close, I got the shaft and ended up having to work it. I tired and tired to switch, or one way or the other not have to work it so I could game, but was completely unable to.

So basically, as much as I wanted to be there, I am out this Saturday.....

I am sorry about this, I still want to do it at least once, if you are planning another one I will do my absolute best to make it, but for now, one of the reserves will have to take my place. Is one still being planed for next weekend?

I hope I don't get blacklisted, at least I didn't flake at the last minute.....

Socialism

25-07-2007, 18:34

Forum Name Account Name Build
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Socialism (><) *Glimmer (?)
2. Tai. (1237) *Tai. Java (light+tank) / Barb (phys+BO)
3. Mn_Swe2 (784) *mn_swe (?)
4. JasonBriggs (373) *wnxbriggzy Fire Claw Druid (fire + Oak/HoW)
5. IhatePindle (34) *w.d. Fanatic Zealot (physical)
6. Xochi (9) *Xochi Bone Necromancer (magic, curses)
7. xperii (7) *xperii Wind Druid (physical + cold + Oak)
8. clawface (4) *clawface3 Blizzard or Fire Sorc (cold/fire)

Reserve
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Daver (20) *Davers (???)
10. TheWhiteTower (17) *Satans_prophets Conviction / Lightning Paladin

No Confirmation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. NecromanSassin (159) *T.Bruschi_54 Frost Maiden (cold + tank)
12. Ranti (45) *Ranti Cleric

Daver, I wouldn't punt out quite yet: Mn_Swe2 hasn't posted here, picked a build, or answered my messages- so there's a good chance he's forgotten about this and won't make it (anyone who hasn't picked a build and confirmed they'll be there on the 28th will get taken off on Friday, the 27th - so reserve list people can hop right on).

On events like this, there are *ALWAYS* flakes. I can guarantee you this. I've made this unreasonably strict specifically to deter people with flake schedules.

If you can guarantee 100% you'll be there, you're in or you're in reserve. If you'd like to be there but can't 100% be sure, you go on the no-confirm list, which doesn't get you blacklisted - but it does mean you're in the lowest ladder positioning, I guess.

Character notes:
IhatePindle: Would you think about playing a Zealot with Conviction instead of Fanaticism? With fast attacks and elemental damage on you with conviction, you don't need to worry about AR and the elemental party members get a giant damage boost.

Clawface: if you're torn between cold/fire, I'd suggest trying a Firewall/Enchant sorceress. Enchant gives great fire damage to all weapon-based characters and mercenaries; with conviction up, this does tremendous damage. Firewall + tanks + conviction = quickdeth.

JasonBriggs: If we get an enchantress (actually sort of likely), I'd go fury over fire claw - more attacks means more damage over time.

xperii: personally, I think concentration barb > wind druid, but that's just me!

xochi: bone necromancers are tough until we get insight. As our resident curser, lower resist/attract/confuse rock and dim vision is by far the best gloam-protection in the game. If we do not have a trapper (doubtful, because they're my favourite character...), you'll be cleaning up with corpse explosion.

Tai.: assuming we get xperii with BO, go javazon. I'd personally dual her with freezing arrow seeing how we've sub-par cold output. Valkyries are awesome tanks.

Mn_Swe2: I wish you'd log on and choose a character!

Daver: Prepare to take Mn_Swe2's spot. No such thing as 0% chance of playing.

HP_Sauce: Not gonna lie; disappointed.

AgentMarth: Sorry you're not in, there's always Call To Arms Round #2.

Everyone: Enjoy the rest of your week - Saturday will be an incredible experience. Good luck to you all!

StoryOfReign

25-07-2007, 21:49

I would like very much to be apart of this. I'll sit in reserve since usually at LEAST 2-3 people don't show up. I'll prolly end up showing up either way, and if there is no room just wish you guys good luck. I'd prolly hit up a hammer pal or Light sorc. Whichever the group thinks they need at the time. Just got back from Europe yesterday and I don't start work till monday. So, perfect timing.

IhatePindle

25-07-2007, 21:56

If Im not gona use fana I might as well make an avenger... I'll be weaksauce iether way. I think zeal/fana is the only viable option with shopped gear, and I know that this is going to be a team effort but I dont wana just be the gratifying meatshield with conviction for our casters...
I will make an avenger if you think we DO need conviction.

Tai.

26-07-2007, 01:08

Alright, Zonny it is, was leaning towards LF/FA anyway.

I'll be there, no worries.

To anyone who wants in but isn't on the list, be online like 20 minutes before start time and be ready to play. If we get flakes, we won't bother to try and come track people down on the forums, so take half an hour out of your day and be ready to go, if you're the only convenient fill-in you'll be up.

Cheers
-Tai

Ranti

26-07-2007, 02:00

As much as I want to be a part of this, I only have a wifi right now so I'd prolly d/c every so often :\. It seems my parents will be out of town all day Sat so I'll won't be bothered by them. I can be on and ready with my cleric to be (will have to work out the stats I want) in case there is room...just worried about my wifi unless I can get my dad to help me run a cord through the wall down to my room (I'm directly below the router) so I can be wired finally :P.

Daver

26-07-2007, 02:47

I'll play anything really. Want a meditation pally that keeps everyone in mana (probably take forever to get an Insight merc)? A conviction pally? A zon with max valk? A trapper? BO Barb? Let me know. I can be the support guy for whatever you think is needed most.

If you make me choose, I'll play a java with freeze (or cold or whatever it is that freezes groups) arrow on weapon switch because I was going to make that char next anyway. But I'm not hard up for it and I'd rather pick something that fills in the gaps for the team.

Tai.

26-07-2007, 04:37

Be there saturday Daver, if you want to run with that char fine by me (i was gonna use it) and i'll fill in something else

Cheers
-Tai

TheWhiteTower

26-07-2007, 05:00

im still down if u got a slot open, willing to be w/e benefits group, (would like to be convic/foher

Ranti

26-07-2007, 05:03

With how my wifi performed tonight with the Utopia group...unless I get that cord run before Sat, I'm prolly out. Sorry :\

Daver

26-07-2007, 05:37

Be there saturday Daver, if you want to run with that char fine by me (i was gonna use it) and i'll fill in something else

Cheers
-Tai

I honestly don't care. Make Socialism tell us what to create :tongue:

If he doesn't, I'm going to make a max find potion/max stamina barb.

clawface

26-07-2007, 12:24

oh k im back on now lol. so thats 2am on saturday till 2pm sunday. Awsome.. mite need some V drinks for the all niter lol. Good old New Zealand.
Any way of doing it on US WEST?.

See you There :D

Mn_Swe2

27-07-2007, 01:11

Sorry for not posting earlier...

If I still have a spot I'm in!

Otherwise, gl to you all :)

*mn_swe char: ILikeItHot (Fire sorc)

Socialism

27-07-2007, 21:39

Alright warriors, call time is 9:45 AM Eastern Standard Time in channel Op XBananaX on the USEast Hardcore server. Be there early so we can sort out Skype conferencing, last-minute build changes (if necessary), and whatnot.

Haven't heard from Xochi, Xperii, or JasonBriggs in awhile, hope they show. Reserves: definitely show up; you are more than likely going to be needed!

To an earlier comment about planned parties: going "cookie cutter" builds would make it too easy, true, but balance + damage variance are necessary if we want to make it through this session in under 10 hours.
Forum Name Account Name Build
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Socialism (><) *Glimmer T Hybrid Trapper (phys/light/DS)
2. Tai. (1237) *Tai. C LF/FA Amazon (Light, Cold)
3. Mn_Swe2 (784) *mn_swe C Fire Sorc (Meteor/FB build?)
4. JasonBriggs (373) *wnxbriggzy T Fire Claw Druid (fire + HoW)
5. IhatePindle (34) *w.d. T Avenger Paladin (tri-elemental)
6. Xochi (9) *Xochi C Bone Necro (magic, curses)
7. xperii (7) *xperii C Wind Druid (phys+cold+ Oak)
8. clawface (4) *clawface3 C Blizzard or Fire Sorc (cold/fire)

Reserve
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Daver (20) *Davers T Concentrate Barb (physical)
10. TheWhiteTower (17) *Satans_prophets C FOH Paladin (Lightning)
11. StoryOfReign (?) C Light Sorc / Hammerdin (Magic)

No Guarantee
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. NecromanSassin (159) *T.Bruschi_54 C Frost Maiden (cold + tank)
13. Ranti (45) *Ranti C Cleric
We have way more casters (C) than tanks (T) even counting reserves. Unless we can even things out with superminions (bears, valkyries, shadows, golems), there might need to be last minute build substitutions.

Ranti

27-07-2007, 22:03

Well, I got a 50' cable run down to my room...ended up being more cable than I needed so a bunch is sitting above me in the celing xD. The fact of the matter is I'm now hardwired. I tried it out the other night and I did still drop out occasionally but not nearly as much as with wifi. I think it might have been just a minion issue, bnet itself...or having azureus running ^^;.

Btw, early on the cleric is a low/medium tank, however in the end he does mostly turn caster.

Tai.

28-07-2007, 00:09

Well, we will have an excess of Mercs kicking around, plus my Valk/Decoy use should help a bit.

I am feeling the lack of a Baba when I look at the list, BO would speed the process up greatly I feel, cuz at the moment it seems like we have tele but until we get runes for Insight we'll have mana issues.

If we're down a member and Daver hops in with the Conc Baba I think everything should be just fine though. We'll have enough cold/ranged attacks to hold most things in place without needing a Skellymancer or anything.

Cheers
-Tai

Daver

28-07-2007, 01:42

Conc barb sounds good to me. I'll make one that maxes BO first then probably Shout and then Conc. I'll concentrate on keeping a good shield and maxing blocking each level so I can tank. Damage will only be enough to keep some leech going.

IhatePindle

28-07-2007, 01:45

No barb at all? comon people... barb is so KEY...

TheWhiteTower

28-07-2007, 02:13

im still down if no one shows up :), would like to make convic/foh but i could go zerk baba or somthing or make a fury druid w/ oak

Ranti

28-07-2007, 08:30

Meh, with all the reserves and what not...I guess I won't be in this group.

Oh well...

Socialism

28-07-2007, 09:03

BO is not key, and teleporting isn't necessary. When we need to ramp up resists/etc for Hell, we'll gear someone as a last-hit MFer and do a bunch of NM glitch Baal walks - it'll go really quickly and safely. Hell will, too.

I suppose someone who's very experienced with teleporting can get geared up with a spirit and rhyme bone/grim, go max tk/block and try for it - but I don't really see the need for it.

We'll run nightmare countess and do NM/Hell forges, get enough runes for some Treacheries, a bunch of Spirits for the casters, Rhymes, 2 Insights (for split-ups and broad group coverage), Stealths, Blacks, Strength, Smokes. If we're lucky, maybe a Crescent Moon, Harmony, or Passion. Basically, Lem/Ko/Lum++ runes are what we'd need to TRY for.

We'll take a relatively short shopping/breathe/eat/walk break when we complete NM Anya or level 55, whichever comes first, I guess (when are +3 claws available?). Remember: if you only have 3x1 spaces in inventory, you're sure to get javelins from Anya.

xperii

28-07-2007, 12:58

im idling in the channel now... see ya'll in a little less than 4 hours.

:afro:

Mn_Swe2

28-07-2007, 14:42

I am on a really old computer (didnt work with Vista on my laptop) where everything works like a charm, apart from the sound.

The soundcard only support one channel or whatever so I cant have both the diablo sound and some other sound (have tried alot before so i know this for sure) so I vote for a textbased adventure out of pure ego lol

I will be playing text based just so you know it. Sorry not being able to make it with skype.

/Magnus

Mn_Swe2

28-07-2007, 14:55

I guess i had the time wrong. Is it 1h 40 min from when i post this or 40 min?

/Magnus

Mn_Swe2

28-07-2007, 14:59

B.t.w. I say we go for fast killer team so we clear this reasonable fast :)

Hence very much appreciated if any paladin run conviction...

/Magnus

Socialism

28-07-2007, 16:04

It's currently 8:15 AM here in Toronto. Should read through the previous posts in this thread; you would see what builds people have chosen. What kind of fire sorceress are you planning?

Mn_Swe2

28-07-2007, 16:09

It's currently 8:15 AM here in Toronto. Should read through the previous posts in this thread; you would see what builds people have chosen. What kind of fire sorceress are you planning?

And Toronto is Eastern standard time? You didnt really answer my question otherwise lol

I guess xper were off by an hour then, we start 1 h 40 min from now?

Fireball main skill, meteor for static crowds.

Y, i know about the builds, just hoping the pala will be there :)

/Magnus

Socialism

28-07-2007, 16:16

And Toronto is Eastern standard time? You didnt really answer my question otherwise lol

I guess xper were off by an hour then, we start 1 h 40 min from now?

Fireball main skill, meteor for static crowds.

Y, i know about the builds, just hoping the pala will be there :)

/Magnus
Actually, the first post in this thread and the 'original' thread said Eastern Standard Time... and I'm pretty sure my post (this thread) yesterday did too - so technically, I did answer your questions : )

Sha-ZAM! Haha. Firewall/enchant > Meteoballs! :D

Ok, I'mna try to take a short nap, then I gotta pick up Tai. from the subway station. And hope he doesn't rob me blind. It's okay though; I know kung fu! Wish me luck in my nap.

clawface

28-07-2007, 20:46

anyone able to take over my barb and play in this? im at llv 20. just wondering cus its 5am here. reallly tired.

Socialism

28-07-2007, 21:21

anyone able to take over my barb and play in this? im at llv 20. just wondering cus its 5am here. reallly tired.

PM me your password if you're going to flake out

TheWhiteTower

28-07-2007, 22:35

so did you get everyone for your group? if not whisper me at Satans_Prophets

Hp_Sauce

28-07-2007, 22:47

So hows the journey going so far? 5 hours in, you should be over half done NM by now at least? Any deaths yet?

-hps

AgentMarth

28-07-2007, 22:51

Just curious, which day is the next round planed for? Next Saturday? Or Next Sunday maybe?

I still really want to do this, and I wish you all the best of luck on your way.

xperii

29-07-2007, 01:36

I wanna apologize to the group, shortly after completing act 3 after the break, i got a connection interrupt followed by realm down for about 3 hours.

you're all way ahead now, i hope you guys can do it :D

peace.

Socialism

29-07-2007, 07:11

Estimates without a dedicated teleporter were WAY off. We're currently 13 hours in and sorting out gear for hell!

Notable finds:
- Wizardspike (gogo NM Baal!)
- Tiamat's Rebuke
- Iceblink
- Felloak
- Titan's Revenge
- Stealskull
- Aldur's Boots
- Sander's Wand (x3)
- Crescent Moon Amulet
- Cat's Eye Amulet
- The Ward Shield
- 37% Chance Guards
- 25% Nagelring
- Lance Guard
- Culwen's Point
- approx 40 perfect gems (cubed up)
-

On NIGHTMARE forges, this was what we got, in a row:
- Lem (made Treachery)
- Lum (made Smoke)
- Pul (...)
- Sol (made Insight)

We've yet to complete the rest of the NM forges.

TheDarkSide

29-07-2007, 21:07

Wowser what a gaming adventure .. I joined in around 3pm or so and stayed until 2am . I just woke my lazy *** up (noon) and figured Id post about it .

Just wanted to say thanks for letting my less than twinkled fury wolf join the group . It was amazingly refreshing being able to game in a group without fear of Tppk or other shenanigans ..

I thought we did quite well as we experienced NO deaths until Hell act 3 in the Durance of Hate . Our Necro ran into a Doll and had neither Oak Sage or Bo on . Sorry about that dude ...

Anywho - we eventually made it to act 5 and after working all night and only getting a 3 hour nap in I was about ready to fall outta my chair and exited there .

Once again , thanks for letting me join the group and thanks for giving me the PUL to upgrade my Ribcracker as well .

:thumbsup:

Tai.

29-07-2007, 22:58

Yes, it was a fun experience overall.

Bit aggravating the way some of it worked out, but considering we didn't have dedicated teleport for most of it, no Necro and not what anyone would call a streamlined time - we did alright.

Cheers
-Tai

Daver

29-07-2007, 23:08

I had a blast. Thanks again for the fun. 17 1/2 hours straight is enough though lol.

Tai.

29-07-2007, 23:20

Hehe yea, we wasted a lot of time though. People popping in and out, getting caught up, redoing forges etc.

If we'd run through with a group of actual killers we probably could have split up and done things a few hours sooner, we just lacked diverse killing speed through most of the game.

Cheers
-Tai

P.S. I honestly wish I had luck like that normally... Baal loved us

TheDarkSide

31-07-2007, 09:58

Speaking of forges - I finally got around to doing my NM one tonight and guess what I got !!

a freaking DOL !!!

:sad2:

Socialism

01-08-2007, 02:14

This was a tremendous event; all in all, a ton of fun, and a great educational session to boot! Although we did not reach Hell Baal (we got to A5 Hell) this time around, I consider this session to be very successful. It took way longer than anticipated due to the absence of a summoner and a dedicated teleporter.

Bad news
JasonBriggs was a no-show
clawface randomly left
xperii disappeared after our first break
two team members used maphack (but turned it off)

Terrible news
I have a renewed interest in D2
I have a job

Sad news
after ~12-13 hours, people dropped like flies; understandable, and ultimately my fault, since I was against summoners and teleporters
after more than 13 hours, Xochi died to dolls in Act 3 Hell (thanks Tai)
mn_swe left after about 8 hours

Great news
No deaths until the last part of hell act 3!
Reserve list = most important idea ever (woot TheWhiteTower)
/f list = best battle.net implementation (woot TheDarkSide)
to all the naysayers: glitching clearly works, and holy macaroni crazy ITAMZ DROPPING!?
I brought a stranger into my home and wasn't raped

Learnings
there is no shame in flux
weapon-damage dependent melee builds are mostly useless
for a realistic sub-10 hour completion, a summoner necromancer and teleporters are crucial (baal, nightmare, and safer hell acts)
reliance on a hybrid as the sole provider of a damage type is just silly
having melee builds for tanking is futile; skeletons are far efficient
1-hand vengeance/conviction is weak; zeal/conviction outshines in safety/damage
conviction is nice, but a source of alternative damage is preferable
post normal; cows/arcane/Travincal should run until there are 2 Sol runes
post nightmare; Baal, P/E/S, and Travincal should run until team has adequate equipment for Hell - Mephisto, Countess, and Andariel should run if there's a teleporter
'willingness to stay' is directly proportional to 'interest level during play'
(thus avoid boring/useless builds)

Stay tuned for the Round #2 date selection thread, coming soon!

IhatePindle

01-08-2007, 02:28

Haha, a couple of those learnings are referred to me... Well yeah, playing an avenger was a dumb idea!
I dont think conviction/zeal would have been much better to be honest, I was outputting 700-1500 damage not counting conviction, but it was still garbage damage, even the druid wtih upped rib wasnt doing much in comparison to asn/zon/sorc.

and yeah I did leave after i think 15 hours, only because my body/mind were going numb.. couldnt take any more sitting in the damn chair, I was getting over that all sunday.

though I'd like to add, we were very inefficient through normal, splitting at best in two groups, when not really faced with much danger. Also not having barb for a while made us too careful.

Socialism

01-08-2007, 03:10

I dont think conviction/zeal would have been much better to be honest, I was outputting 700-1500 damage not counting conviction, but it was still garbage damage, even the druid wtih upped rib wasnt doing much in comparison to asn/zon/sorc.

Okay, ballpark figuring this because I'm still at work and late.

Vengeance = 700-1500 damage pre-conviction perhaps 2x/second, so roughly 2200 average damage/second

Zeal = charms/shop wands 300-600 damage pre-conviction roughly 5x/second, so around average 2250 damage/second

- faster attacks means procs carry over more often (crushing blow, mana/life leech, etc)
- tiny static mana cost means more sustainability and ease for leveling
- with wands: tiny strength requirement, heavy sacrifice/zeal investment for physical damage output unnecessary, which means easier access to party support spells which EVERY party friendly untwinked paladin should use: resist lightning, cleansing, vigor, meditation, salvation, and easier access to high level holy shield (which minimizes dex requirement and allows for more life)

Wand-based zeal/conviction build: 1 sacrifice, 5 zeal, 20 holy shield, 20 defiance, 20 conviction, 1 into all other 1 point wonders, done at 81 skill points, or level 70.

Tai.

01-08-2007, 03:44

AgentMarth

01-08-2007, 03:51

I so want in for round 2, just let me know when it is. I was thinking of making a Enchantress with ES, that way I could even do the telelporting around if needed, as long as I ended up with semi decent gear and BO, I should be able to do it with ease and it would help out alot. And having an enchantress to start character on east couldn't hurt either >_>

If not, I don't mind doing the summoner. Hell, I just want to do this period, it won't matter much what character I use.

Did you guys end up using the teamspeak thingy? I would think that would be much quicker than just typing.

I say this Sunday! I could do it!

HeroXVII

01-08-2007, 04:04

ES Enchantress would be great for these kind of things. Never run out of mana.

IhatePindle

01-08-2007, 05:36

Socialism I just dont see how, half the useful auras and a tiny bit of damage that I missed out on would have made much of a difference. I admit zeal/convictioun would have worked better but it's still a sucky build for this type of run. Fana zeal is the best choice for an untwinked paly...

Did you guys end up using the teamspeak thingy? I would think that would be much quicker than just typing.
Nah, didnt pan out, there were problems, though I think we gave up on that too quickly. It's more fun with voice com too

squiggle

01-08-2007, 06:12

Damn that sounded fun, Lets hope next one is in holidays.

Rekoc

01-08-2007, 08:47

wait wait...tai is staying and shons?!

Xochi

01-08-2007, 08:49

I had a blast playing(!) and would've gone on for the whole 15+ hours had I not died =(. Still not sure how I was BO/Oak-less at that time?

I would like to get in on the next one but first, I need to make sure I've got the time. If I can't commit to the whole time, I've got an untwinked hardcore character in the mid-50s just in case people drop out mid-session (if its anything like this past run, people will definitely drop).

Tai.

01-08-2007, 19:35

Yes Keaton, I went and gamed at Shon's place for this, got chased out of my apartment so the girl could host a baby shower for her cousin.

Sorry about your death Xochi, I don't know what the lack of Oak/BO was about either. Next time I think we're gonna have set builds to speed run it, as opposed to last time where we had a shortage of killers and all our killers were watered down hybrids.

Cheers
-Tai

Daver

01-08-2007, 20:47

Couple of thoughts:

- I still think a conc barb that maxes BO, Shout, Conc, and keeps blocking and resists maxed would work great for a tank in this. His damage isn't important. This should also be the "leader" that decides which way to go on the map and everyone follows. Range people going first was kinda weird. It would keep the party from splitting up into 3 different directions. A summons necro could be this leader too I suppose if we go that route.

- Class and build and skill point allocation should be agreed upon for every team member before we start. Clawface showing up with a frenzy barb when he committed to a sorc really screwed things up at the start. I switched to sorc at the last second and spent half the day trying to figure out what the best build would be. Meantime, our only barb quit early on and I regretted not just staying with the barb I started originally lol. Everyone needs to show up with what they promised and commit to the build that was worked out ahead of time. Also, massive lifetime bans for those that quit after only 3 hours :P

Tai.

01-08-2007, 21:22

Yea, Shon and I brainstormed some ideas for what we thought we'd need in a group, he has the list kicking around somewhere.

When we do the next one it will be much more structured, so that we don't end up with those big gaps we had last time where we all just stood around and thought "now what?"

Cheers
-Tai

Daver

01-08-2007, 21:38

I'm game for another one.

Does Sol drop from norm forge? If it does, we should do all those separate instead of just one time like we did. At least until we get 2 sols.

We should have 2 barbs. One conc with max BO and shout and one with max BO and a decent Find Item. That way we can still have to 2 teams with BO in each to split up act 2 and 3. Also, if one barb has to leave, we are still covered. The Find Item I bet ends up being very useful. 2 Insights can be split up too.

- 2 barbs
- 1 druid (Oak for big fights)
- 3 high damage that complement each other (fire sorc, trapper, cold sorc, java, etc. No hybrids or even dual elemental sorcs)
- 1 conviction pally
- 1 teleport sorc

Just some random thoughts to mull over :)

AgentMarth

01-08-2007, 21:45

I like the idea of the Conc Barb, and even moreso of following one person so a group doesn't get split up. One thing though, how many people actually know most all of the map patterns? I wouldn't want the leader to be going in the wrong direction all the time.

I'm bored, so here is my list of a fast killing, well rounded group, I wont go into to much detail because of the obvious, hell, the list itself is obvious

Sorc - ES/Orber or ES/Chant
Necro - Summoner
Amazon - Javazon
Assassin - Light Trapper
Barb - Concentrator
Druid - Windy
Paladin - Hammerdin
Extra - Zealot (Conviction or not) / Whatever you feel you're missing

It's pretty basic, but you have Light/Physical/Magic/Fire/Cold all covered, you are missing poison, but you don't really need. The Necro could just invest in LR for helping the elemental damage, since there isn't much physical going around. IMO, try to go mostly caster, since they are not so item dependent as melee (Spirit FTW). IM also won't be a problem. Insight should also be one the Sorc's Merc for teleport repositioning.

You'll have BO, Shout and Oak, lots of tanks (8 Mercs {Might/Def/BA/2 or so HF, rest Prayer}, Skels, Mages, Golem, Grizzly, Valk and Master), Concentration, Fanaticism or Conviction, and possibly Enchant all running at the same time for a solid party.

I'm still wondering which would be better though, ES/Orber or ES/Chant, ones more selfish so to speak, the other is VERY party friendly, but you don't want to just be chanting all day, so i'm leaning towards ES/Orber. Also maybe a Singer Barb for the Stun and non weapon reliance.

Sound good?

Tai.

02-08-2007, 02:27

Iirc the list we had involved:

(1 and 2)Two teleporting sorcs so we can speed through multiple areas (the splitting up in certain areas saves tons of time) let's say Orb/TK and Blizz/TK for now.
(3) Summoner Necro so we have multiple tanks and a character who actually hits their killing stride before level 30
(4) Fire Sorc - leaning towards Chant/FWall. With 7 other chars, their mercs, necros minions, valk/shadow you'll be getting more DPS out of decent chant than Meteor.
(5) Javazon - another early killer and an absolute beast in NM a5 and many other areas, also the fastest killer for last hit MFing.
(6) Trapper - Scout and additional source of Lightning damage. Deadly without high gear investment
(7) Druid - Either Fire Claws to round out the fire dmg sources and provide Oak/Shock Wave or Perhaps a Fury/Rabies hybrid.
(8) Whatever you feel is lacking from the group, a Conc Barb for BO mayhaps [though that is susceptible to the same downsides as the pally and bone nec from last round, boredom at poor killing speed] or else a Hammerdin for sheer utility.

Conviction is nice to speed killing up, but the only real area we were ever set up to make full use of the conviction without having IHatePindle simply chase me around was Baal runs and bosses. It might be in our best interest to just go for a better overall DPS setup where we don't have anyone running around doing nothing.

Just a possible set up and Pros/Cons we came up with, a lot of the choices are open ended, but it gives us two cold damage sources, two lightning damage sources and what should be an adequate amount of fire damage/phys damage.

Cheers
-Tai

Daver

02-08-2007, 03:05

As I was last time (before things got screwed up at the start and I switched to sorc), I'm perfectly happy playing the boring conc barb or any other support char that does not kill. I can go around keeping BO and Shout on everyone and hork up extra items for us with find item. Or play a summons druid with Oak and a grizzly tank.

I think physical damage is a waste in an untwinked group. We aren't going to run into a FICILI mob. Just get tanks/support and let the sorcs, javas, trappers do the killing with a conviction pally painting them up green. We really missed conviction in Hell after the Pally left. Killing slowed to a crawl.

IhatePindle

02-08-2007, 04:39

Heeeeey! I helped clear the den of evil!

but yeah, what Tai said

Rekoc

02-08-2007, 06:14

i call fury druid....the end.

Socialism

02-08-2007, 07:38

Thoughts.

1. Not right to make someone use a 'do-nothing' support build through hell. Even clerics get more action than avengers. BO Barbs - though I argue they're unnecessary, it's true that playing untwinked means blind teleporting without necessary safety equipment; this can be somewhat overcome with BO. That said, a dedicated Orb/TK/Teleport build with enough FCR/FHR/FBR doesn't need BO. Then again, getting that equipment might be nuts, yo.

2. Conviction is unnecessary. Our killspeed in hell was slow because of homogenous damage, not from lack of conviction.

3. Fanaticism / Zeal might be great untwinked... if you're playing solo. Moot point for a dedicated group.

4. Basic 'structured' party we came up with - Tai is accurate to the T, there's a bit more rationale behind the build choices though. Ideally, replace hammerdin with a BO barb or another druid (with Heart of Wolverine).

5. A variety of damage is necessary. Two barbs who do not deal adequate damage in hell won't provide an additional layer of safety; they'll slow the party down in killspeed, which allows monsters to get more hits in, which makes it more dangerous overall.

6. I have a strong feeling that 2 teleporters might be a bit much in hell. A blizz/tk and orb/tk are fine through NM, but the best equipment should go to the Orb/TK/teleport build in hell - no sense in two weak equipped teleporters when one is clearly superior.

7. Any fast-hitting melee class suddenly becomes a REAL damager with an enchantress on the loose. That's ~1k fire damage each hit (assuming ~+6 skills, which really isn't difficult to do with leaf and battle command and Lore and a random +1 gambled amulet or Magefists); so a Conviction Zealot would run with 5k fire damage per second before damage scaling with conviction. Yet another reason why Zeal/Conviction easily trumps Vengeance/Conviction untwinked.