Merc setup questions

[peytron]

Okay, so I currently have a 89 zealot, and he just womps everything thats thrown at him, but his merc is not so good.

I've seen quite a few recommendations on what gear setup works best, but I'm still uncertain on what to use.

Current merc gear: Gris armour, Bonehew, Tal helm. All sockets are open.

What I need him to do, is simply increase the killing speed, and survive longer. Maybe help with the phys immunes (I'm tired of hitting the 'w' key to get the phys immune killer out, yes I'm that lazy). And maybe something with a 'slain monsters rest in peace' mod. I run nilli a lot, does my natures peace ring effect him too?

I'm looking for an ideal gear setup, not really worried about the price,
thanks everyone.

[SnickerSnack]

I recommend switching to an act 1 rogue. That's what my zealer uses. Equip her with a nice bow with lots of elemental damage, or physical since cold/fire arrow converts some damage to elemental.

Other than that, what kills him most often? Since price isn't an problem, use an eth obedience elite, eth fortitude, eth vampire gaze. I'm sure someone else can also give an expensive setup.

EDIT: Try eth reaper's toll, eth fort, eth andariel's visage.

[peytron]

I found a rare jewel just now that I think would be good to put on the merc. It has the following stats:
30% enhanced damage
+9 to max damage
+7 to strength
+8 to all resists

Would this be worth sticking in andys helm?

[Poppis]

I would rather stick something with 30% fire resistance.

Nice jewel though.

[Mursilis]

Personally I'd put a Shaftstop and a Reaper's Toll on the merc. The chance to cast Decrepify will slow all the monsters nearby down and the reduction to physical damage should help the merc survive longer. If his resistances aren't maxed with that setup, can't recall off the top of my head, you could socket the shaftstop and put a resist to all jewel in there.

You asked about the 'slain monsters rest in peace' mod. That doesn't work on mercenaries iirc, and when you wear the Nature's Peace that won't affect any monsters your merc kills, only those you kill personally.