Maces, Masteries and Missing?

[raphiel20]

Hey all, I'm an old time player recently restoring his interest in D2 (2+years away). I've managed to get a few characters up since my return two weeks ago with some nice equip. Today I traded a nice amount of Pgems for an IK set in the hope of making myself an IK barb again.

After reading the two guides in the strat compendium I've noticed two things. Firstly they both give the message that I'm going to have difficulty hitting things and secondly They both recommend maxing mace mastery, something I've read in a thread or two in this forum today that some aren't doing anymore.

Its recommended that I get my AR up via items/charms. Now I'm not garunteed the things suggested, ravenfrost being the most important it seems (I may have one of these somewhere but have a feeling its pretty important to that char too).

So is it worth afew points in dex for a semi-decent base AR number? (though if I remember correctly adding to dex is the least useful way to increase AR).

Is it worth maxing Mace mastery for more AR like the guides say? OR putting one point into it and using the rest of the skills for something else?

I'm going for a typical WW build with:
20 WW
20 BO
20 Shout (is this still worth it?)
Rest for Prerequisite and second attack (not sure if its better for Zerk's magic damage or Concentrates synergy)

Any help with the questions I've posted and also advice (or reasons for your preference) on my secondary attack is much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Painman]

Take the Mastery. It's the only way to synergize WW damage. You can forego Mastery in other builds, because you get more %ED from points spent in other skills (such as maxing Double Swing and Taunt to synergize Frenzy damage). But WW gets no love from anything but Mastery, so you will need it.

Secondary attack, well - IK set already gives a ton of elemental and magic damage, so Zerk isn't mandatory for PIs. Only for when you're IM'd. Maxed and BO-synergized Concentrate does fabulous damage, but will you use it enough to justify the commitment of skill points.

Shout may be worth it with IK set, since the set pieces get substantial defense bonuses when you wear them all together.

[stephan]

If WW is your main skill then you really want to max the mastery. Shout is useful as synergy to Zerk, BO length and of course defense.

[raphiel20]

Thanks for the replies. Looking at the synergies and skill investment it looks like a single point in Concentrate and Zerk will give me a fair boost in damage after I've maxed my shouts. (310% concentrate and 455% Zerk [including IKs +skills]).

This should take me up to about level 80 (91 skill points used) so I guess thats a sound enough plan for the time being.

Dexterity you all recommend keepign at base I take it? Seeing as there's no requirement for it. Guess I'll be searching mules/trades for a cheap raven or an angelic amulet (already found two rings.).

Again, thank you for your help everyone.