Need some help with classic rush sorc

[PrettyFly]

Back in classic again! After so many years! :grin:

Ok, let's get to the point. I'm building a sorc to rush my mules to a3 in hell in order to convert them to expansion (so yes, this thread is ARST - another rush sorc thread). Been reading sticky guides and many threads about sorc's builds in classic and finally decided to go with orb/ball:

20 orb
17 cm
1 warmth
1 fire mastery
1 static
1 kinesis
1 tele
20 firebolt
20 fireball
rest into fire mastery
(mostly like in this thread: http://forums.diabloii.net/showthread.php?t=623491 )

What is frightening me, are posts like those:
"I didn't really care if she died to a claw viper. simpley exit/rejoin"
"I don't normally die more than twice when killing Duriel"
"Most often he is dead before killing me. Sometimes he gets me once and rarely does he get me twice"
- because i'm playing hardcore and death is not an option for me! :cry: Most of the guides seems to be designed for softcore. So is this possible to get pass hell Duriel without dying? I will be grateful for any suggestions!

PS! I don't care about mf etc - staying alive is my only purpose!
E: And I will rush only one mule per game.

[squiggle]

make a barb, And an orber.

Bo with barb, And kill cold immunes, Do rest with sorc.

[dusters]

Use twitch with 30/20 shield. Good blocking on 2 p game with maxed orb and mastery makes u quite immortal.

[PrettyFly]

TY for your input. I have one really n00bish question: what's "30/20 shield"?

E: I think I figured out: +30% faster block rate & +20% increased chance of blocking - right?

[dusters]

Right - 10 chars.