viable alternative to ravenclaw 1.09?

[Fyourics]

Self mp + enchant coupled with a normal ravenclaw should work wonders.

[FredOfErik]

A 5os Long Bow with 5 Jewels of Envy (20 poison damage over 2 seconds) is pretty effective for the first 2-3 acts. Even more so if paired with more jewels in the helm and body armour (3os Mask and 3os Breast Plate). 220 poison damage over 2 seconds, equippable from level 1 (with a bit of +strength gear) is hard to beat.

This. As a matter of facts I used Jason's old Envy gear (exactly as described - once again thanks for the giveaway ) for my last char. When that starts to slow down, I recommend death's set. Especially for melee chars with a fast attack (zeal/double swing/whatever).

[Jcakes]

Another cheap option is to get a 5os long bow and fill them with 5*perfect topaz. Gives 5-200 lightning damage from level 18.

[Nightfish]

Imo the best alterative to a .09 ravenclaw is respecs. Spend your points from the start in something that works well in normal. Most classes have something. Once you beat normal and have levelled a bit at baal, just reskill to what you really want to do.

Envy gear is what I mostly used until I could pick up the raven. I wouldn't really say this is an alternative to the raven because it lacks the aoe.

[spearv]

When that starts to slow down, I recommend death's set.

I enjoy using the low level sets as I'm levelling up. I get a lot of use from 2pc Cathans.