Aldur's

[Slothman]

Hey Everyone,

Ive completed my first "good" set, Aldur's Watchtower, and have begun a character whose purpose in life is to become 'Patriach Aldur'. He's at level 17 now yet im completely stumped. I've no idea on what skills to follow (i havent invested in anything yet).
Druids are probably the race im most in-experianced with (had a slayer bear and a lvl 54 elementalist in 1.09 yet how things have changed..) so im hoping for any suggestions in general.

A few questions of my own though-
The sets bonuses seem to point to a melee build (AR boost, Leach, enhanced damage) so im kinda hoping to go melee..

with my current ed jewels i could boost the damage on the jagged star by 97% (and then more on the helm even) would that help much at all? i hear the weapon just doesnt cut it if i go with physical damage.. if i manage to get enough physical damge (with spirits help and might merc) how will i handle phys immmunes?
and on the other hand if i go the path of a fireclaws druid how will i handle fire immunes? also what kind of balance between synergies and lycanthropy/fireclaws should i go?

I could ramble on more yet i have faith that the SPF knows best and Aldur is in good hands

Cheers

[Nightfish]

If you go melee the only real option you have is going with fire claws. The damage on aldur's weapon is pathetic and nothing you can possibly do will change that. Physical damage will not see you far with that pos in your hand. ^_^ You might be able to do something with crushing blow but iirc most of the items that give CB are for slots taken up by the set. Unless you got a couple ber runes, that is. >_<

[Sledge]

If you go melee the only real option you have is going with fire claws.

fireclaws + rabies werewolf?
rabies if you've got the gear to boost the damage
or a fireclaws bear?
either way probably charge "synergies" will help

[factotum]

I'd agree with Nightfish. Even with the +350% ED you get as a full set bonus in 1.10 the damage on the weapon just doesn't cut it--Aldur's set is much better suited to an Elementalist than a melee Druid.

[Gohanman]

Well, since I've pat-ed an Aldur's druid, I'll share. My setup looked like this:

20 Rabies
20 Oak Sage
20 Grizzly
5 Lyc
15 Dire Wolves

Obviously, Carrion Wind is being used for a synergy. If you're not cool with that, *shrug*

The balance of Lyc v. Dire Wolves is flexible, but I found I had plenty of life - the points in Lyc were for duration more than anything. An extra tank (or severeal - bear or wolves, situationally) will help keep your merc alive, as will Oak Sage. With a decent army of meat shields, you can wander around biting things with Rabies.

Not a super powerful build, but fairly safe and fun. Oh, and just plug that Mace up with Eths, it's not going to be useful for physical damage no matter what you do (as has been mentioned).

[Nightfish]

Right, forgot about rabies... Ah well, I've never been a poison fan. :-/

[Slothman]

Thanks for the replies guys yeah was pretty much resigned to the fact that i wouldnt get any damage (just hoping there would be something i had missed )
Interesting to see your build Gohanman yet im not really a fan of the charges sinergy (and dont own a carrion anyway hehe)
well i guess ill just slap on some frosties and some FCR stuff and go the path of a windy druid as with firecalws i would get sick of the fire immunes

once again cheers for the input

[grogs]

I've patted an Aldur's wolf and went the fire claws route. I had 1 point in Lycan and with + skills it seemed to be long enough. As for damage, with maxed synergies he does in the 5000's max damage, pwns anything that is not FI, and even if they are FI, they do die (eventually), FI/ PI is a pain though, reapers on your merc will make life easier. Mine's now in the 80's and am working on oak sage.

It wasn't the most fun char I've played, and to be honest I was just happy to pat and then promptly retire him......