Matriarch Morana, Rift / Dragon Tail Kicker

[maxicek]

Morana
Matriarch Morana, Rift / Dragon Tail Kicker

Morana is named after the Slavic goddess of death, winter and nightmares. Winter comes in the form of Frozen Orb's from Rift, boosted by Nightwing's Veil and Facets. Cloak of Shadows, Mind Blast and Conviction cause nightmares. Death follows swiftly.


Stats
LCS
Name: Morana
Class: Assassin
Experience: 1010242035
Level: 84

Naked/Gear
Strength: 151/176
Dexterity: 93/153
Vitality: 246/258
Energy: 25/37
HP: 954/1089
Mana: 149/193
Stamina: 481/501
Defense: 23/2927

Fire: 184/144/84
Cold: 149/109/49
Lightning: 187/147/87
Poison: 195/155/95

MF: 0
Block: 36
GF: 87
FR/W: 30
FHR: 52
IAS: 0
FCR: 0


Skills
Claw Mastery: 1/5
Psychic Hammer: 1/5
Burst of Speed: 6/10
Weapon Block: 1/5
Cloak of Shadows: 3/7
Fade: 1/5
Shadow Warrior: 1/5
Mind Blast: 1/5
Venom: 20/24
Shadow Master: 1/5

Tiger Strike: 20/24
Dragon Talon: 17/21
Dragon Claw: 1/5
Dragon Tail: 20/24
Dragon Flight: 1/5

Nothing in traps.


Equipment
Weapon: 'Rift' War Scepter
Shield: Head Hunters Glory socketed with three +5/-4 Cold Facets

Switch Weapon: 'Lawbringer' Phase Blade
Switch Shield: Stormshield socketed with Jewel of Fervour

Helm: Nightwing's Veil socketed with +4/-3 Cold Facet
Armour: 'Duress' Dusk Shroud
Belt: String of Ears
Boots: Gore Rider Myrmidon Greaves
Gloves: 'Shadow Knuckle' crafted Blood Gloves - +2MA skills, 10% crushing blow, 27% lightning resist / Dracul's Grasp

Amulet: Mara's Kaleidoscope
Ring1: Ravenfrost
Ring2: Dual Leech rare with 11% resist all

Inventory: Resist Charms.


Equipment Readouts:

Spoiler

Rift
War Scepter
HelKoLemGul
One Hand Damage: 10 - 17
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 44
Fingerprint: 0x81f20ffd
Item Level: 70
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 16 Tornado on striking
16% Chance to cast level 21 Frozen Orb on attack
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 160 - 250 Magic Damage
Adds 60 - 180 Fire Damage
All Stats +7
+10 to Dexterity
38% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Level 15 Iron Maiden (40/40 Charges)
Requirements -20%
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Gul Rune


Head Hunter's Glory
Troll Nest
Defense: 538
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 71 of 74
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0xbde70324
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
200% Chance to cast level 86 Bone Prison when you Level-Up
100% Chance to cast level 37 Blizzard when you Die
Adds 72 - 114 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (9 Frames)
-12% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+15% to Cold Skill Damage
+377 Defense
+332 Defense vs. Missile
Fire Resist +28%
Poison Resist +36%
+6 Life after each Kill
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet
Socketed: Rainbow Facet
Socketed: Rainbow Facet


Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xc4ad46f4
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 43 Frost Nova when you Level-Up
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-4% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+5% to Cold Skill Damage


Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xe41a08
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 37 Blizzard when you Die
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-4% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+5% to Cold Skill Damage


Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x4f148a7f
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 43 Frost Nova when you Level-Up
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-4% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+5% to Cold Skill Damage


Lawbringer
Phase Blade
AmnLemKo
One Hand Damage: 31 - 35
Indestructible
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 136
Fingerprint: 0xce901be4
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 15 Decrepify on striking
Level 16 Sanctuary Aura When Equipped
-50% Target Defense
Adds 150 - 210 Fire Damage
Adds 130 - 180 Cold Damage Over 5 Secs (131 Frames)
7% Life stolen per hit
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
+217 Defense vs. Missile
+10 to Dexterity
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune


Stormshield
Monarch
Defense: 462
Chance to Block: 47
Durability: 51 of 86
Required Level: 73
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xe6d5ac0b
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+15% Increased Attack Speed
+35% Faster Block Rate
25% Increased Chance of Blocking
+315 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+30 to Strength
Cold Resist +60%
Lightning Resist +25%
Damage Reduced by 35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 10
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Jewel of Fervor


Nightwing's Veil
Spired Helm
Defense: 345
Durability: 36 of 40
Required Level: 67
Required Strength: 96
Fingerprint: 0xaeaeda86
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 37 Blizzard when you Die
+2 to All Skills
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-3% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+17% to Cold Skill Damage
+116% Enhanced Defense
+18 to Dexterity
+9 Cold Absorb
Half Freeze Duration
Requirements -50%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet


Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x20508977
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 37 Blizzard when you Die
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-3% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+4% to Cold Skill Damage


Duress
Dusk Shroud
ShaelUmThul
Defense: 1116
Durability: 15 of 20
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0x7300fa30
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Faster Hit Recovery
19% Enhanced Damage
Adds 37 - 133 Cold Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
33% Chance of Open Wounds
+171% Enhanced Defense
-20% Slower Stamina Drain
Cold Resist +30%
All Resistances +15
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune


String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 110
Durability: 20 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x1c6cc11e
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Life stolen per hit
+172% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 14%
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
+10 Maximum Durability


Gore Rider
Myrmidon Greaves
Defense: 180
Durability: 31 of 34
Required Level: 72
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xaeda48d3
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+173% Enhanced Defense
+20 Maximum Stamina
Required Level +7
Requirements -25%
+10 Maximum Durability


Dracul's Grasp
Vampirebone Gloves
Defense: 138
Durability: 6 of 14
Required Level: 76
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x471bf8f1
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 10 Life Tap on striking
10% Life stolen per hit
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+110% Enhanced Defense
+13 to Strength
+10 Life after each Kill


Shadow Knuckle
Sharkskin Gloves
Defense: 34
Durability: 12 of 14
Required Level: 52
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x6caac11c
Item Level: 89
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
+19 to Attack Rating
2% Life stolen per hit
10% Chance of Crushing Blow
+13 to Life
Lightning Resist +27%
54% Extra Gold from Monsters


Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x84740b9e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +20


Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x175ccda9
Item Level: 56
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+206 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen


Dread Circle
Ring
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x271b3a9d
Item Level: 98
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Mana stolen per hit
8% Life stolen per hit
Replenish Life +4
+4 to Mana
All Resistances +11
Poison Resist +13%


Shimmering Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 63
Fingerprint: 0x1bd2f068
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
All Resistances +15


Shimmering Grand Charm of Greed
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x25a8759b
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +15
12% Extra Gold from Monsters


Shimmering Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x3ae72f42
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +13


Emerald Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0x93bc4bfc
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12% Faster Hit Recovery
Poison Resist +27%


Ruby Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x709fcbb5
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40 to Life
Fire Resist +26%


Ruby Small Charm of Winter
Small Charm
Required Level: 38
Fingerprint: 0x9e0d4272
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 4 - 8 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Fire Resist +11%


Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb5a24921
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life


Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x605618d8
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life


Amber Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xbd6c66e4
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +11%


Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x9d46754c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life


Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x531d313e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life


Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x383f960f
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life


Amber Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0x47a38bdb
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +30%


Amber Grand Charm of Winter
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0x1bdb4397
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 - 10 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Lightning Resist +27%

Mercenary Equipment
Mercenary Type: A2 Nightmare Offensive (Might)
Helm: Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Armour: 'Treachery' Ethereal Ornate Plate
Weapon: 'Infinity' Ethereal Thresher

Spoiler

Treachery
Ornate Plate
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 1009
Durability: 31 of 31
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 160
Fingerprint: 0xc591f1b3
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 15 Fade when struck
25% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Ethereal
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune


Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 121
Durability: 13 of 20
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x89dfc905
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Mana stolen per hit
10% Life stolen per hit
+45 Defense
+60 to Life
+30 to Mana
All Resistances +15


Infinity
Thresher
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 71 - 833
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 142
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0x2c532938
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
295% Enhanced Damage
-53% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+42 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Finds
Hellforge: Fal in Hell.
Finds were quite frankly appalling. Up until A5 I hadn't seen anything even halfway decent. Not even a charm or Jewel worth picking up, let alone a rune. There was one high point as I found an Executioner's Justice in Crystalline Passage. Not a grailler, but a TC87 with 0% MF is pretty unusual.


Thoughts
I have done a rift kicker before, but she was a PvP character so has since had her gear stripped. This time I focused on optimising the Orb damage with Nightwing's, Facets and Conviction, as laid out in Master Zap's Guide. Rather than using traps as a backup, I decided to go for a Lawbringer + Dragon Tail switch instead, to keep the character as a pure kicker.

I played through Hell at /players3 and she pretty much ripped through Act 1. Multiple frozen orbs with conviction were tearing through everything not CI. I rarely used the DTail switch at this point, Venom, OW, Rift's elemental damage and 40% Crushing Blow was enough to take out occasional CIs on its own. I deliberately kept my Dragon Talon below level 24 as I feel that four kicks is plenty for general questing.

Act 2 was also cleared swiftly, the area knockback from Dragon Tail and the Sanctuary aura was used to give me space in the tombs. I was starting to find the low blocking of Head Hunters Glory a bit problematic, especially when surrounded by huge mobs of flayers in A3. Around this time I put a few more points into Dragon Talon so that I could drop the crafted gloves and use Dracul's Grasp if I wanted. This weakened by TS/DTail switch from level 26 to level 24, but with Lawbringer and Conviction it was still plenty strong enough at /players3. In fact, when on a few occasions the merc died and I carried on kicking, it still killed well.

By the time I got to Act 4, I was starting to feel that Frozen Orb was losing its effectiveness. It was still damaging, but if often took a few orbs to kill stuff, or even just to soften them up. Dragon Tail wasn't really used except for knockback due to the high number of Fire Immunes. Clearing the Chaos Sanctuary was slow going. The merc decided to die very quickly when confronting Diablo, leaving me to face him alone. Dracul's came in useful for this fight and I just kept kicking him with my remaining 30% crushing blow. It took a bit of time, but eventually he was dispatched.

The high number of cold immunes in A5 meant that I used Dragon Tail for the majority of the time. Waheed actually managed to keep himself alive for the entire Ancients fight. I had a few problems with a Black Soul boss pack in The Throne of Destruction, but once cleared the minion waves gave me little problems. CoS pretty much immobilises the Venom Lords. I separated the Minions of Destruction so that I didn't get pinballed by them then crushing blow cut them down to size. I stayed at p3 for Baal, kept kicking away with DT and eventually my 18th assassin made Matriarch.

After the big promise of A1, I felt the build lost its teeth a bit in later stages. On balance I don't think it is as powerful as a normal Dragon Talon kicker with loaded crushing blow. Certainly a kicker with Stormlash is much more powerful. I also missed my Stormshield defensively. I don't think that it is as strong as Dragon Tail either. It was a fun build to play and I would recommend it. Maybe going with traps may have made it better balanced, I'm not sure. I think if I did it again, using Rift as a backup for DTail may be a better bet. But then Stormlash and Sormshield would be better still...


Next
Some shopping, Trav runs and LK runs at the moment. After that the last two - Blade Fury and a Bearsin.

[pharphis]

Awesome! Interesting build. You found that Forb was enough to kill everything before you go to Act 4, basically? that's pretty nifty. Too bad you didn't find much with the char.

[thefranklin]

Nice assassin! I am disappointed it doesn't work all that well, because it has to be the coolest cold /fire hybrid. Its also too bad Ormus doesn't work with dtail, that would be awesome. Then you could put your ss back on.

Cant wait for the bearsin.

[zaphodbrx]

So, no death sentry? I imagine it would have been slow going then..
Still, well done. Pure kicker is nice stylepoints.

[maxicek]

@pharphis: Orb was pretty good through A1 & A2, but was loosing effectiveness in A3. When I made a Rift Kicker before it was largely decoration, so I wasn't too disappointed.

@thefranklin: I did consider Ormus for a long time to boost the cold damage further, but in the end decided CB, OW and FHR from Duress was too good to turn down.

@zaphod: I purposely avoided DS and didn't really miss it. She was actually fairly quick. DTail+Lawbringer+Conviction is an awesome combination in sticky points.