Tomb Vipers

[BobTheWarrior]

I think these creatures have already been discussed, but my searches did not lead me to the source. If they have been, please link the thread for me.

I'm aware that the spear damage is physical instead of poision, or a least a large component of it is, and that it does damage per frame.

I believe that it does 44-51 damage per frame, from the Arreats Summit.

What I need to know is:
Are the above two comments correct, if not, why?
Is the damage considered "missile" damage?
Does a higher defense rating help against it? i.e. can it 'miss'
If it is missile damage, does the +xxx missile damage modifier help against it?

[mephiztophelez]

I think these creatures have already been discussed, but my searches did not lead me to the source. If they have been, please link the thread for me.
Nihlathak 1.0.1 (http://forums.diabloii.net/showthread.php?t=595668)

I'm aware that the spear damage is physical instead of poision, or a least a large component of it is, and that it does damage per frame.

I believe that it does 44-51 damage per frame, from the Arreats Summit.

What I need to know is:
Are the above two comments correct, if not, why?
you are broadly correct, have a read through the link provided.

dopeing up with some decent iDR (~35+) is a great way of soaking up the worst of the damage.
Is the damage considered "missile" damage?
nope. it's a cloud of poison, rather like Plague Javelin.
Does a higher defense rating help against it? i.e. can it 'miss'?
you can either avoid the cloud altogether, or stand still inside the cloud and it won't take effect. note that the effects last a few seconds AFTER the cloud disappears from your screen.
If it is missile damage, does the +xxx missile damage modifier help against it?
nope.