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Diablo II- Lord of Destruction [Patch 1.10] Low level Dueling Guide v1.07 Created by Jonathan Ho (AKA MysticFalcon182) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents... I About this guide II What is LLDing? A. Overview B. The basics C. Finding your items III The Attitude A. Picking fights B. Golden unwritten rules IV The Character A. Overview B. Equipment C. Commonly used LLD builds 1) Level 9 Tiger Strike Assassin 2) Level 12 Zealot Paladin 3) Level 18 Zealot Paladin V Finding your items VI Credits VII Legal Stuff VIII Updates -------------------- -I.About this guide- -------------------- This guide is written by me, Jonathan Ho (MysticFalcon182). Please do not steal things from this guide; it's not nice. I have granted the following sites permission to host this guide: GameFAQs, DII@Invisionfree. I wrote this guide due to the boredom and stupid stuff in high level dueling, and the fact that I am an avid low level dueler and would like to get more people into it. This guide is designed and written as an introductory piece to introduce one to the world of low-level dueling. I will not go extremely in-depth, as this guide covers the general strategies and characters. If you'd ever like to find me on Battle.net: *MysticFalcon182 My LLD Characters: Level 18 Amazon: AzelynTheSwift Level 30 Sorceress: AbsoIution Don't be sad if I don't know you or respond... I'm afk alot and usually assume you're on my friends list and try to /f m a message... Then again, I get too many whispers as is. This is the breakup, solely in my opinion, of the level ranges in dueling: vLLD (Very Low-level duel) Lv 9 - 16 LLD (Low-level duel) Lv 17 - 30 MLD (Mid-level duel) Lv 30 - 60 HLD (High-level duel) Lv 61 - 99 --------------------- -II. What is LLDing?- --------------------- LLD stands for Low-Level Duel[ing]. It means what it seems to; dueling with low-level characters. There are subclasses in LLDs... VLLD (Very low- level dueling) consists of characters lv9 to around lv20, and higher LLD consists of anything from there to around 30-50. I personally went into LLDing when I saw a guide on a lv9 Assassin at Diabloii.net. After patch 1.10 was released, I got completely and utterly sick of high level runewords, especially Enigma, in which anyone that played 24/7 could teleport, no matter their class. 1.10 dueling just became a battle in which whoever played the most won. Low level dueling was a unique and fun way of dueling in which everyone had an equal chance of winning, and lower and easier-to-find items were used. There are also some daring and brave individuals who create LLD characters on hardcore. Getting a full rush is nearly impossible, in my opinion, and fighting before the character is finished will be dangerous. If you're up for a challenge, LLDs in hardcore will be the way to go. This guide can also be used to aid you in an ironman tournament, taking place in hardcore, in which you quest until level 9 (rules will vary) and fight. Be sure to check out the skills section for this. ***(A)Overview*** The primary goal of LLDing is to, like any other game [or part of it], have fun. Then, you should look at the secondary goal, which is to build a powerful character that has advantages over any other character its level and stays at a planned level to duel. Most low level duelers are made to have great potential and to be able to succesfully win a duel with characters above its level. ***(B)The Basics*** Although many people argue that any non-vLLD character (lv9-16) doesn't require a full rush and shouldn't be allowed to, this guide is written revolving around the fact that your character has a full rush and all of the skill and stat point quests. If you have no access to a full rush, don't worry. A good LLD character doesn't require a rush. However, in the case that you do use a rush (Hell Baal isn't neccessary; having a Champion title without finishing Hell can also throw off people in the chat when you challenge someone there), these quests will be needed: Act 1 Quest 1 (The Den of Evil) Reward: 1 skill point Act 2 Quest 1 (Radament) Reward: 1 skill point Act 3 Quest 1 (The Golden Bird) Reward: +20 to life Act 3 Quest 4 (Lam Esen's Tome) Reward: 5 stat points Act 4 Quest 1 (Izual) Reward: 2 skill points Act 5 Quest 1 (Siege on Harrogath) Reward: 1 socket Act 5 Quest 4 (Save Anya) Reward: +10 to all resists You must also know that you most likely won't get around to doing your LLD's Hellforge quests, so here's a good time to use that "I rush you for your Hellforge". After completing all of these quests, you get to socket three items and already have an advantage over other characters your level by 12 skill points, 15 stat points, 30 all resists, and 60 life. Jerkazoid has stated that the Anya resist bug is still in effect. This bug usually works against you; if you die in a game, even after you get your corpse, you will lose however many resists you have gained from Anya. This can be fixed by rejoining the game or joining another one. RUSHING GUIDE: Act I Den of Evil- LLD has to kill at least one monster for quest to count. Hurt the monster until it has a sliver of life left, and bring in LLD and kill from range. Andariel- LLD has to be in Catacombs lv4 to get quest. Act II Radament- Pick up the tome that Radament drops upon his death. The Seven Tombs- If someone who needs quest is in Chamber upon Duriel's death, has finished the Tainted Sun, Arcane Sanctuary, and Summoner quests, and you are in Lut Gholein, you get the quest. It has also been stated that as long as you talk to Tyrael before anyone else, you'll get the quest regardless of what your log states. Act III The Golden Bird- Have someone who needs the quest kill the monster. Lam Esen's Tome- Teleport to the tome and send a tp. Have the LLD come in and take the tome off of the stand. Travincal- LLD must hit one of the Council Members at least one. Just to be safe, go in and fight one of the Council Members and die from them. Then go to a safe place in the Travincal while the higher level kills the Council. Mephisto- LLD must be in Durance of Hate lv3 to get the quest. Act IV The Fallen Angel- LLD has to have Izual on screen upon his death to get quest. Chaos Sanctuary- LLD has to be present in the Chaos Sanctuary upon Diablo's death. Act V Siege on Harrogath- Party member must kill Shenk the Overseer and the LLD has to be in Act V. The Ancient's Way- Skip. Lord of Destruction- For anyone who doesn't know how to bypass Ancients and get the quest for Baal, simply join a Baal quest game with your to-be LLD and join the party. As long as you're in town and someone else in the party who needs the quest is in the Worldstone Chamber when Baal dies, you get the quest without even having to enter the Worldstone/Throne of Destruction. ***(C)Finding your items*** Finding the items you'll be using for your LLD, in my opinion, is the hardest to do. The low-level set and uniques won't be that hard to find; just join normal-difficulty games and ask around. Set your offers much higher than what they're really worth for an automatic trade. The harder things to find would be the socketed items, jewels, and charms. Jewels, Charms, Socketed items Look in normal and/or nightmare cow level. Cows tend to drop alot of this stuff. For socketed items, such as 6-socket Military Picks, it's much better to spend your socket quest (Act V Quest I) on them. A non-magic item, when socketed, gives its maximum amount of sockets; there are exceptions. Low-Level Uniques/Sets Normal Andariel, Mephisto, and Baal. Low-level Rares/Magics Normal Andariel and Travincal will drop very generously. Unique/Rare/Set Rings Andariel in all three dificulties will drop rings probably the most frequently out of any other monster in the whole game. Cain quest in nightmare and hell will give you a randomly spawned (but frequently good) rare ring from Akara. Gems Normal Travincal, N/NM/H cow level, Hellforge Quest. ------------------- -III. The Attitude- ------------------- In my opinion and experience, there are two types of LLD people. One is the type of person who joins dueling games just for fun and challenge; they usually meet up with other fellow LLDers. The other type is a terrorist-type, joins quest games and hostiles people, then after being laughed at at called names, either hunts down the players in the game or annhilates anyone who takes the challenge. I, myself, like the latter very much. With my lv9 Assassin, I will join games, mainly Act 2 Staff games, due to their level range and length, and hostile everyone. Expect to get laughs at you because of your level, and then laughs at anyone who falls victim to your wrath. Once a higher level is introduced into the game, simply laugh at them and criticize them... Then you can proceed to bring in a higher level or just leave in a bright rainbow of colors. It is also suggest to keep quiet and not talk at all throughout the PK. This keeps your identity more mysterious and weird... It also won't make you look like an idiot and/or embarass you. Then again, you most likely will never see these people again. **(A)Picking Fights** Because your LLD character will have a full rush through all difficulties, he/she/it will not be able to see Normal difficulty games... In which you should use a mule or a character that hasn't finished the difficulty to "scout" for games. To terrorize small quest games, just simply scout with a lv1 for normal games that suit your needs. Use the game description to find out who's in the game and find a game to suit your needs. Ideal games are ones that are lengthy and attract people; Arcane and Baal runs are good to do, as so are Act 2 Staff quest games and Diablo. Then, switch to your LLD character, join, and have fun. Otherwise, scout for normal/nightmare dueling games. If you are called names, etc, called a noob... Just use reverse psychology. Their goal is to annoy you and make you angry by calling you names, and they essentially enjoy seeing you get mad. Just agree with them. "Okay, I guess I am a n00b" will reverse it and instead make them angry. Besides, you'll never see these people again. You can also go dueling, as opposed to PKing. Make games like "low lev duels"... It's also better to put on level restrictions because alot of people can't take getting killed by a lower level and have to resort to a higher level. This saves you alot of time and gold. Most of these games, without level restrictions and left unchecked, will escalate into several lv80s and 90s killing each other because one single person can't take getting killed by a lower level. Level restrictions are also useful in blocking out anyone under lv9 that comes in just for the sole purpose of stealing gold, or spambots, which in normal, are usually lv1. **(B)Golden unwritten rules** I follow an unwritten code of honor... It touches upon the basic neccesseties of dueling, what's annoying, stupid, and what's cheap. This is a fair code and I'd just wish everyone would follow it; things aren't that way though, but here goes: 1) No town hugging/running back to town Either stay in or out. Don't go back to town until you kill your opponent, die, or need to go afk/type. Punishable by gold take. 2) Don't take gold Common sense. I prefer putting level restrictions on my dueling games so low levels that come in to take gold can't... Punishable by gold take. However, in public games, do expect this to happen. 3) Don't naked kill. Don't kill people if they don't have their corpse. Punishable by naked killing and/or gold take. 4) Watch your mouth. In dueling games where characters 2x or more of my level can't kill me, racist remarks and curses have been thrown at me. I simply kill them, take their gold, then repeat. Punishable by naked killing and/or gold take. 5) No double-teaming. If two people are dueling, don't interrupt them. Don't even shoot anything or do anything that may hurt them; wait until they're done. Punishable by naked killing. 6) Don't guard the town entrance. If someone's doing this, sneak up through the Cold Plains waypoint, kill them, take their gold, and naked kill them. This is the worst offense ever. 7) Don't pick unfair duels. Just don't hostile lower levels... Unless they're extremely good. I simply kill lv70's with my lv36 when they hostile me, take their gold, and tell them to simply pick on characters the same level as they are. ------------------ -IV The Character- ------------------ ***(A)Overview*** Although LLDs have the capability of killing opponents with significantly higher levels, don't expect to win every duel you enter. Of course, good LLDs will put up a fair challenge to you, given that they're in the same level category. There are several level unofficial level categories in low level dueling. Level categories are generally sorted based on what items and skills are available at that level, and for the most part, a lower level LLD will always lose to a higher level LLD of equal skill and wealth. The below table lists several key items that are available at certain levels, and this will give you an idea of what level opponent your LLD is suitable to duel fairly. LEVEL AVAILABLE ITEMS/SKILLS Lv9 +9-14 Maximum Damage Jewels, +15 life Large Charms Lv12 Angelic Set Lv14 +10 Life Small Charms Lv16 +6 Maximum Damage w/ +48 Attack Rating Grand Charms Lv17 +15 Life Small Charms Lv18 +15-20 Maximum Damage Jewels Lv21 +3 Maximum Damage w/ +20 Attack Rating Small Charms Lv27 +24 Maximum Damage Jewels Lv29 Various unique items, Sol Runes* Lv30 Various unique items *Sol Runes, when placed in shields, helms, and armor, can reduce physical damage. If you place seven Sol runes in your equipment (3-Socket helm, 3-Socket shield, armor with one socket), this prevents 49 PvP damage, which in many cases, after applying PvP penalties and % damage reductions (String of Ears and Rockfleece), will reduce your opponents' damage to barely enough to kill you. This is most effective against characters that rely on speed rather than high damage, such as Kickers. This will also cause the average pubby character to do damage slower than your life replenish. **(B)Equipment** This guide will focus more on melee and damage-based LLD characters more than others, so it will be helpful for you [the reader] to familiarize yourself with the types of basic equipment- jewels and charms, mainly. Jewels are an extremely important factor in melee LLD, because they are where most of your attack damage will come from. Although you can build a somewhat sufficient LLD without jewels, jewels are the best choice. Unlike high level dueling, equipment will definitely vary from player to player, and as these jewels are random, many will have different types. LEVEL DAMAGE ON JEWELS 9 9 to 14 maximum; 8 minimum 18 15 to 20 maximum 27 24 maximum As you can see in the above chart, the level requirements for each jewel type are 9, 18, and 27, and (of course, not coincidentally), they are common choices for melee LLD character levels. Each level also has its charms, which are equally as important as jewels. They will provide the majority of your life total, and as with jewels, they aren't needed to create a somewhat sufficient character, but are extremely helpful and nice to have. LEVEL CHARMS 9 +15 Life Large Charm 14 +10 Life Small Charm 17 +15 Life Small Charm 21 +3 Maximum Damage Small Charm w/ +20 Attack Rating If you choose to create your own LLD build, when selecting levels, you want to keep in mind the items available at that level, and you can make your own choices. Higher level LLDing is open to lots of variances, and in my opinion, is more fun than lower LLD, in which the majority of your duels is based on equipment; whoever has better equipment generally wins. Higher LLDing is around lv24-30, where the final skills are available, and generally many spellcasters are built at this level. Below is a table of items that are available at higher LLD levels, and should be taken into consideration when making a character. HELMS Peasant Crown +1 Skills, Faster Run/Walk, +Life/Mana Magical/Rare Circlet +2 Skills, 10% Faster Cast Rate AMULETS Magical/Rare +2 Skill Tab, 20% Faster Cast Rate WEAPONS Spectral Shard 50% Faster Cast Rate Magical/Rare Orb +2 Skill Tab, +3 Specific Skill, 20% Faster Cast Rate Magical/Rare Wand +2 Skill Tab, +3 Specific Skill, 20% Faster Cast Rate Magical/Rare Scepter +2 Skill Tab, +3 Specific Skill, 20% Faster Cast Rate Magical/Rare Necro Head +2 Skill Tab, +3 Specific Skill ARMOR Skin of the Vipermagi +1 Skills, 30% Faster Cast Rate, +Resist All SHIELD Whitstan's Guard Extremely high block rate GLOVES Magefist +1 Fire Skills, 20% Faster Cast Rate Frostburns +% Maximum Mana BELT String of Ears 10-15% Damage Reduction BOOTS Infernostride +% Maximum fire resist Natalya's Soul +% Cold Resist, +% Lightning Resist, 40% Faster Run/Walk Sander's Riprap 40% Faster Run/Walk, +10 Dexterity, +5 Strength RUNEWORDS "Honor" Most common weapon for higher level melee LLD. "Strength" Crushing Blow; used with Smite or kicks. "Rhyme" Cannot be Frozen, used in Grim Shields or Bone Shields. **(C)Commonly used LLD builds** /\/\(1)LEVEL NINE TIGER STRIKE ASSASSIN/\/\ This character build was the first LLD character I created, and was the one that started my LLDing in Diablo II. It can achieve very high damage, in many instances, over 1,000 maximum on release, using mediocre jewels and items. This character can also be made with flawed rubies in place of jewels for life, but cannot compete with fully jeweled lv9 Assassins or fully jeweled LLDs, for that matter. Compared to other LLD characters, the lv9 Assassin can be extremely cheap to make, provided that you get the jewels. The jewels you will be using are: +9-14 maximum damage, lv9 The charms you will be using are: +13-15 life Large Charms, lv9 12% Faster Hit Recovery GCs, lv9 [][][]EQUIPMENT[][][] HELM: 3-Socket Mask (3x Maximum Damage Jewels) Basically a standard helm for most vLLDs. The unique cap, Biggin's Bonnet, can be a viable substitute, but not as effective. AMULET: Magic/Rare Amulet There aren't many choices to go with. I would suggest an amulet that has additions to attack rating, and possibly strength and/or dexterity. A simple +20 attack rating amulet will suffice, or you can gamble or MF for a nice rare one with other stats. WEAPON: Magic/Rare Blade Talons Blade Talons are the only types of claws you should use, since they have the fastest base attack speed, -30, and will be used to hit the closest attack speed breakpoint. 3-Socket Blade Talons with three +9 jewels will also work, but an extremely good claw should be a rare with sockets (if possible), enchanced damage, maximum damage, and attack rating. ARMOR: 3-Socket Breast/Light 4-Socket Gothic/Ancient (Max Dmg Jewels) If you're poor when it comes to LLD jewels, I'd advise using a 3-socket Breast or Light Plate. Fill said armor up with maximum damage jewels. However, if you can afford jewels with both maximum damage AND -15% requirements, you can lower the strength requirement down to something reasonable, and gain an extra socket. SHIELD: Pelta Lunata [Unique Buckler] (Maximum Damage Jewel) This unique Buckler has very nice mods- additions to vitality, fast block, and a nice block rate. This will most likely be your best choice for a shield, and won't keep your Assassin locked in blocking. GLOVES: Bloodfist [Unique Heavy Gloves] Bloodfists offer additions to life and hit recovery, allowing your Assassin to get back to attacking after being hit. DO NOT substitute these gloves for anything else, as they are extremely valuable to your character's success. RING: Nagelring / +Attack Rating Ring Attack rating on rings for a level 9 can go up to +95, which are on absolutely perfect rare rings. If you can't find any, Nagelrings give a sufficient amount of attack rating, up to +75. You'll need to try and load up on as much attack rating as you can, in order to actually hit your enemy. BELT: Death's Guard [Set Sash] Another extremely helpful piece of equipment, Death's Guard offers the mod "Cannot be Frozen", which is EXTREMELY helpful, and I don't suggest going to duel until you get this item. RING: Nagelring / +Attack Rating Ring See above ring for details. BOOTS: Hsaru's Iron Heel [Set Chain Boots] These boots offer a 30% faster run/walk, and are probably the only boots you need, being at such a low level. However, if you can find nice rare boots that have additions to stats along with run/walk, I'd advise you to use them. CHARMS: 12% Faster Hit Recovery GC, +15 Life LC You'll need two 12% Faster Hit Recovery grand charms to hit the closest hit recovery breakpoint with Bloodfists on for an Assassin. After you get these two charms, just fill up the rest of your inventory with life large charms. [][][]SKILLS[][][] 9 Tiger Strike You will max out Tiger Strike for your level, which will allow you to achieve extremely high damage once fully charged up. 4 Burst of Speed Four points into Burst of Speed will allow you to achieve the closeset attack speed breakpoint, if you use Blade Talons and Bloodfists. However, another alternative may be to use a Sigon's Shield on your second weapon setting (insert a -15% requirement jewel or a Hel rune to lower its strength requirement, or use a weapon that adds to strength), and precast Burst of Speed on your weapon switch before the duel, and then switch back to your normal setting. You will sacrifice your weapon switch, but gain an extra skill point, as three points in Burst of Speed with an extra +1 from Sigon's Shield will achieve the breakpoint. 7 Claw Mastery Your remaining skill points will be put into Claw Mastery, which increases your damage and attack rating with claws, and more importantly, gives you a chance to hit a deadly strike, doubling your damage. [][][]STATS[][][] Strength: Enough for equipment Since each stat point wasted will make a difference, put on all your equipment before assigning stat points. Items that add extra to strength (jewels in your helm and armor, rare/magical boots, amulet, or rings) should be accounted for. Your strength (with all your equipment on) shouldn't exceed 60. Any points saved in strength because of equipment should go to vitality. Dexterity: Enough for equipment and 75% block Since each stat point wasted will make a difference, put on all your equipment before assigning stat points. Items that add extra to dexterity (jewels in your helm and armor, rare/magical boots, amulet, or rings) should be accounted for. Your strength (with all your equipment on) shouldn't exceed 60. Any points saved in dexterity because of equipment should go to vitality. Vitality: All extra points Even if you can finally wear all your high strength equipment, what's the use when you die all the time? Try and save as many points in strength and dexterity as you can. Energy: Base As a melee dueler, you won't be relying on a heavy mana costing skill, so not many points in energy are needed. You can sneak in mana potions if you choose to, or have jewels with maximum damage and "Damage Taken Goes to Mana" as a secondary mod, which will allow you to replenish mana when you take damage. [][][]STRATEGY[][][] As a melee vLLD, there isn't much strategy to dueling with your Assassin. Basically, cast Burst of Speed before your duel to increase speed, charge up with Tiger Strike until you have three spheres revolving around you, and switch to Normal Attack and release. If you still haven't killed your opponent, repeat. When you choose to duel in non-LLD games, where there are normal characters not built for LLDing, you should expect to win most, if not all, of your duels. A simple lv9 Assassin using flawed rubies instead of jewels can kill most characters under lv30 with little-to-no effort. On your weapon switch, if you choose not to have a Sigon's Shield to precast Burst of Speed with, you may choose to have another Pelta Lunata and throwing spears, glaives, or javelins, to take out enemies running away when they have little life left. A bow is also a nice option, but won't be doing as much damage as throwing spears. Once finished, expect a release maximum damage anywhere from 200-300 to over 1,000 damage. /\/\(2)LEVEL TWELVE ZEALOT PALADIN/\/\ This Zealot build was created by me, but I won't take sole credit for it because many people most likely have done it before me. There are two variants- one primarily for melee dueling (Zealot variant), and one for ranged dueling and Charging (Chargadin variant). This character is a staple one, and can be used to introduce one to LLD. It gets very nice damage, and has extremely high possibilities, as Paladins are one of the few dominant characters in LLD. The jewels you will be using are: +9-14 maximum damage, lv9 The charms you will be using are: +3-15 life Large Charms, lv9 12% Faster Hit Recovery GCs, lv9 [][][]EQUIPMENT[][][] HELM: 3-Socket Mask (3x Maximum Damage Jewels) Once again, the standard vLLD melee helm. And once again, Biggin's Bonnet may be a substitute, but I strong recommend getting this helm. AMULET: Angelic Wings (Set Amulet) This amulet, along with two Angelic Halo rings, are used for 99% of melee LLDs that rely on attack rating to get their attack through. When equipped with the rings, you get a +10 dexterity bonus, and tons of attack rating. WEAPON: Two options Option 1) Death's Touch (Set Sword) If you're poor or can't afford jewels, you can equip your Paladin with the complete Death's set (you'll be using the belt and gloves, too.) This is the lowest costing alternative. However, I would strongly suggest socketing it with a Hel rune to bring down the requirements. Even after using a Hel rune, you will lose lots of stat points that could've been added to vitality. Option 2) 6-Socket Military Pick / Crystal Sword (6x Max Dmg Jewels) For the more willing player, a 6-socketed weapon filled with maximum damage jewels will provide more damage, up to almost double the first option, at around 700 to 800 damage maximum with Zeal. The difference between these two 6-socket weapons is the fact that the Military Pick, having higher requirements than the Crystal Sword, has a faster base attack speed (-10 as opposed to 0 on the Crystal Sword). It is your choice as to which weapon to use; I'd suggest the Military Pick if your character is designed more for melee, and the Crystal Sword if you're going to be a Chargadin. ARMOR: 3-Socket Breast/Light 4-Socket Gothic/Ancient (Max Dmg Jewels) If you're poor when it comes to LLD jewels, I'd advise using a 3-socket Breast or Light Plate. Fill said armor up with maximum damage jewels. However, if you can afford jewels with both maximum damage AND -15% requirements, you can lower the strength requirement down to something reasonable, and gain an extra socket. SHIELD: 4-Socket Heraldic Shield (4x Maximum Damage Jewels) Although shields that are not magically enchanced do not offer faster block rate, Paladins have one of the fastest block rates out of all seven character classes. The shield is the main reason why Paladins are dominant in LLD- it offers four extra sockets for maximum damage jewels, increasing your damage by a whole lot. If possible, get a Heraldic Shield with high Enchanced Damage and Attack Rating mods. (These mods come with nonmagical Paladin Auric Shields). Damage and attack rating range from nothing to around 60 ED / 120 AR. GLOVES: Death's Hand (Set Leather Gloves) Along with Death's Guard, you will be offered a 30% increased attack speed mod, which will greatly increase your Zeal speed. Nothing else to say, not like much is needed. RING: Angelic Halo This ring, along with another ring and the Angelic Wings amulet are used for 99% of melee LLDs that rely on attack rating to get their attack through. When equipped with the rings, you get a +10 dexterity bonus, and tons of attack rating. BELT: Death's Guard [Set Sash] Another extremely helpful piece of equipment, Death's Guard offers the mod "Cannot be Frozen", which is EXTREMELY helpful, and I don't suggest going to duel until you get this item. It also offers 30% increased attack speed when you tote the gloves of this set, which will further help you speed up your killing. RING: Angelic Halo See above ring for details. BOOTS: Hsaru's Iron Heel [Set Chain Boots] These boots offer a 30% faster run/walk, and are probably the only boots you need, being at such a low level. However, if you can find nice rare boots that have additions to stats along with run/walk, I'd advise you to use them. CHARMS: 12% Faster Hit Recovery GC, +15 Life LC You'll need three 12% Faster Hit Recovery grand charms to hit the closest hit recovery breakpoint with Bloodfists on for a Paladin. After you get these two charms, just fill up the rest of your inventory with life large charms. [][][]SKILLS[][][] The skill placement for this character will vary depending on your style of play. Many skill placements will better others in certain situations- many to take in mind are the level of your opponent, the skill of your opponent, and whether or not your opponent is also an LLD. A pure Charge build is not very recommended, as your mana will be extremely low and will run out in two to three Charges, and it isn't worth the life to boost your mana. Skill placement 1: Blessed Aim Zealot X Might A prerequisite for Blessed Aim. Also a synergy that feeds your Charge damage, so extra points can be placed here if you wish. Might can also act as your primary aura, and boost your damage; you won't need a point in Blessed Aim if you choose this aura to use. X Blessed Aim This aura is quite effective in raising your attack rating, for even with the Angelic rings and amulet combination, your Paladin will still have quite low attack rating when compared to other characters. However, if you feel like you don't need the extra attack rating, or would rather use Might as your active aura, a point into here isn't needed. X Sacrifice This is the prerequisite to Zeal, and you'll need to put at least one point into it. However, it is also a synergy to your Zeal damage, and any extra points can be fed into here. 1 Zeal This will be your main attack. Although you will only be able to hit two targets per Zeal, you should be able to attack quick and with high damaging hits. X Smite A prerequisite for Charge, and an excellent finisher when your opponent is right next to you and is at low life- Smite never misses and cannot be blocked by shields. You can also use a combination of Smite and Zeal in your melee duels to stun your opponent, and Zeal away. If you choose to be pure melee and choose to use Might as your main aura, you don't need to put a point into Smite or Charge. X Charge An excellent attack when your opponent frequently runs, is a ranged character or spellcaster, or just to finish them off. Charge also offers massive amounts of damage when you boost its synergy, and can kill low-medium life opponents in a hit or two. If you choose to be pure melee and choose to use Might as your main aura, you don't need to put a point here. [][][]STATS[][][] Strength: Enough for equipment Since each stat point wasted will make a difference, put on all your equipment before assigning stat points. Items that add extra to strength (jewels in your helm and armor, rare/magical boots, amulet, or rings) should be accounted for. Your strength (with all your equipment on) shouldn't exceed 60. Any points saved in strength because of equipment should go to vitality. Dexterity: Enough for equipment and 75% block Since each stat point wasted will make a difference, put on all your equipment before assigning stat points. Items that add extra to dexterity (jewels in your helm and armor, rare/magical boots, amulet, or rings) should be accounted for. Your strength (with all your equipment on) shouldn't exceed 60. Any points saved in dexterity because of equipment should go to vitality. Vitality: All extra points Even if you can finally wear all your high strength equipment, what's the use when you die all the time? Try and save as many points in strength and dexterity as you can. Energy: Base As a melee dueler, you won't be relying on a heavy mana costing skill, so not many points in energy are needed. You can sneak in mana potions if you choose to, or have jewels with maximum damage and "Damage Taken Goes to Mana" as a secondary mod, which will allow you to replenish mana when you take damage. [][][]STRATEGY[][][] As a melee vLLD, there isn't much strategy to dueling other melee characters with your Paladin. Your standard strategy is probably to set your main aura on right-click, and Zeal on your left-click, and click on your opponent and hold until they run away or either of you die. If your opponent does run away, you may switch to Charge and quickly take what's left of them out. This is an effective finisher, and you can also Charge into the fray to begin the duel. Your damage should be enough to kill most, if not all, of non- LLD characters under lv30 with little-to-no effort. When you're against a spellcaster or ranged opponent, or one that just likes to run, Charge at them (hotkey Charge and Zeal on your left click so your aura will remain while you're charging), and when you reach them, switch to Zeal and chop (or bludgeon) away. If you choose to be a pure Chargadin, against recommendation, you'd probably need to outfit your character with lots of mana charms, or sacrifice jewel slots in your equipment for extra mana, or pack lots and LOTS of extra mana potions. Basically, as a pure Chargadin, you cannot click and hold as if you were a basic Zealot. Your tactic should be to Charge in and run (or Charge) out, trying to get hit as little as possible, and trying to hit your opponent. If your opponent is a low-defense (or low hit recovery) character, such as a Sorceress, you can score multiple hits by clicking and holding Charge. You'll probably kill most low level Sorceresses you encounter, as they have extremely low life totals and low hit recovery. As a Chargadin, you will be doing massive damage, and with enough practice and luck, you can take out characters up to the level 40-50 range. /\/\(3)LEVEL EIGHTEEN ZEALOT PALADIN/\/\ This Zealot build is one of the most popular and effective LLD builds there are. It has great possibilities, and is extremely low-costing (when compared to the other LLD builds existing). It is one of the (if not THE) dominant character in level eighteen LLDing, can achieve high damage, and even has the capability to defeat higher level opponents. Special thanks to Nick Miller and his level 18 Paladin guide. The jewels you will be using are: +15-20 maximum damage, lv18 The charms you will be using are: +13-15 life Small Charms, lv17 [][]EQUIPMENT[][][] HELM: 3-Socket Mask (3x Maximum Damage Jewels) A standard helm for the melee LLD. I wouldn't suggest any other helm over the socketed one, and it provides a majority of your damage. AMULET: Angelic Wings [Set Amulet] This amulet, along with two Angelic Halo rings, are used for 99% of melee LLDs that rely on attack rating to get their attack through. When equipped with the rings, you get a +10 dexterity bonus, and tons of attack rating. WEAPON: Two options Option 1) 6-Socket Military Pick / Crystal Sword (6x Max Dmg Jewels) This is the less costing option, believe it or not. It will offer a very good amount of damage, without sacrificing much attack speed or having high requirements. The Military Pick has higher requirements, but has a base attack speed of -10, as opposed to the Crystal Sword, with lower requirements, and a base attack speed of 0. Your choice here. Although this choice is cheaper (and in most cases, offers more damage than that of the second, more expensive option), you will need to place extra skill points into Zeal. Option 2) 5-Socket War Scepter w/ +3 Zeal (5x Max Dmg Jewels) This weapon is ideal for the lv18 Zealot. It offers an extra three skill points into Zeal, and you will only need to place one hard skill point into Zeal in order to be able to hit five targets per attack. This saves you skill points, which you can place into Might or Sacrifice. However, a 5-socket War Scepter with +3 to Zeal is extremely hard to find, but if you can find or afford one, go for it. ARMOR: Twitchroe [Unique Studded Leather Armor] (Maximum Damage Jewel) Because you are now higher level, you have access to many more items- one of which is Twitchroe, an extremely good and stable LLD armor. Each and every one of this armor's mods are extremely helpful- 20% increased attack speed, 20% faster hit recovery, 25% increased chance of blocking, +10 strength, and +10 dexterity. With Twitchroe, you will be spared many stat points- using this build, you don't need to put ANY stat points into dexterity to hit 75% block; your items do it for you. Socket your Twitchroe using the quest in act five, and place a maximum damage jewel (most people like to place their best in a 60 defense Twitchroe) in it. SHIELD: 4-Socket Aerin Shield (4x Maximum Damage Jewels) Although shields that are not magically enchanced do not offer faster block rate, Paladins have one of the fastest block rates out of all seven character classes. The shield is the main reason why Paladins are dominant in LLD- it offers four extra sockets for maximum damage jewels, increasing your damage by a whole lot. If possible, get a Heraldic Shield with high Enchanced Damage and Attack Rating mods. (These mods come with nonmagical Paladin Auric Shields). Damage and attack rating range from nothing to around 60 ED / 120 AR. There is a also a reason behind not using a Crown Shield (which has more defense and block, and is lv18 requirement)- it has a higher strength requirement. However, if you find an absolutely perfect shield (ED and AR), you can use it if you'd like. GLOVES: Death's Hand [Set Leather Gloves] Along with Death's Guard, you will be offered a 30% increased attack speed mod, which will greatly increase your Zeal speed. Nothing else to say, not like much is needed. RING: Angelic Halo This ring, along with another ring and the Angelic Wings amulet are used for 99% of melee LLDs that rely on attack rating to get their attack through. When equipped with the rings, you get a +10 dexterity bonus, and tons of attack rating. BELT: Death's Guard [Set Sash] Another extremely helpful piece of equipment, Death's Guard offers the mod "Cannot be Frozen", which is EXTREMELY helpful, and I don't suggest going to duel until you get this item. It also offers 30% increased attack speed when you tote the gloves of this set, which will further help you speed up your killing. RING: Angelic Halo See above ring for details. BOOTS: Cow King's Hooves These boots are one of the most preferred among mid LLDs. Take out all of the useless mods, and you have an amazon +20 to dexterity, one of the most additions to a stat you will ever see on an LLD item. This will give you LOTS of extra life- 20 vitality points worth. It also has a decent amount of run and walk, which makes it the ideal boots for your Paladin. CHARMS: +15 life small Charms You don't really need much attack rating and hit recovery- Twitchroe takes care of it for you. However, many advanced players like to use Grand Charms with maximum damage, attack rating, and life, all on one charm. If you fill your inventory up with life charms, you can hit over 1,000 life, and combine that with over 1,000 damage and 1,000 attack rating, and you have a Paladin capable of many things. [][][]SKILLS[][][] The skill placement of this character is pretty basic, since this type of Paladin is geared mainly towards melee duels. However, with a point into Charge (which most people will do), you will be able to catch spellcasters, runners, and ranged opponents. X Might Your main aura- it will get more damage than a level 1 Concentration, and Zeal itself is already uninterruptable. Might will also serve as a synegy to boost up your Charge damage. Place one point into Might, and when you finish with your other skills, put any remaining points here. X Holy Fire If you choose to have a point in Holy Freeze to slow down opponents, you'll obviously need a point here, in its prerequisite. X Holy Freeze Holy Freeze is useful in catching and slowing down an opponent. However, to many, Holy Freeze is bad mannered, and shunned upon. A point can go here if you desire, but I would suggest against it. X Sacrifice Toss a point in here, and once you get Zeal to your desired level, try and max out Sacrifice, as it's a synergy to Zeal and will boost your damage up more than if you max Might first. X Zeal The number of points in Zeal will depend on your equipment- have just enough points in which you will be able to hit 5 targets per attack. With a +3 Zeal Scepter as your primary weapon, only one skill point is needed in here. X Smite A prerequisite for Charge and a possible finisher, as Smite is unblockable and never misses. One point in here if you wish to use Charge, which is strongly suggested. X Charge A nice skill to catch runners, spellcasters, or ranged opponents, and can do massive damage when you place more points into Might. Although a few Zealots don't have any points in Charge to raise their Zeal damage, I strongly suggest tossing a point here. [][][]STATS[][][] Strength: Enough for equipment Since each stat point wasted will make a difference, put on all your equipment before assigning stat points. Items that add extra to strength (jewels in your helm and armor, rare/magical boots, amulet, or rings) should be accounted for. Your strength (with all your equipment on) shouldn't exceed 70. Any points saved in strength because of equipment should go to vitality. Dexterity: Enough for equipment and 75% block Since each stat point wasted will make a difference, put on all your equipment before assigning stat points. Items that add extra to dexterity (jewels in your helm and armor, rare/magical boots, amulet, or rings) should be accounted for. Your strength (with all your equipment on) shouldn't exceed 70. Any points saved in dexterity because of equipment should go to vitality. If you use an Aerin Shield and follow all the equipment suggestions of this guide, you should be able to achieve max block with base dexterity. Vitality: All extra points Even if you can finally wear all your high strength equipment, what's the use when you die all the time? Try and save as many points in strength and dexterity as you can. Energy: Base As a melee dueler, you won't be relying on a heavy mana costing skill, so not many points in energy are needed. You can sneak in mana potions if you choose to, or have jewels with maximum damage and "Damage Taken Goes to Mana" as a secondary mod, which will allow you to replenish mana when you take damage. [][][]STRATEGY[][][] As a melee LLD, there isn't much strategy to dueling other melee characters with your Paladin. Your standard strategy is probably to set your main aura on right-click, and Zeal on your left-click, and click on your opponent and hold until they run away or either of you die. If your opponent does run away, you may switch to Charge and quickly take what's left of them out. This is an effective finisher, and you can also Charge into the fray to begin the duel. Your damage should be enough to kill most, if not all, of non- LLD characters under lv30 with little-to-no effort. When you're against a spellcaster or ranged opponent, or one that just likes to run, Charge at them (hotkey Charge and Zeal on your left click so your aura will remain while you're charging), and when you reach them, switch to Zeal and chop (or bludgeon) away. Your damage, life, and attack rating can be well over 1,000 each. An absolutely perfect Zealot has the capabilities of taking down many high level characters without being hurt much. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ -VI Credits- ------------ First off, I'd like to thank TheGreatEnigma (Belarathon), who was formerly one of the top lv9 Assassins on USEast Ladder Softcore season 1. He contributed much information to me, and this guide, and inspired me further in LLDing, and is, in many peoples' eyes, including me, one of the best LLDers Battle.net has seen. Next, I'd like to thank the great guy who wrote the level 9 Assassin guide on, Warchicken. Although his guide isn't as great as Nick Miller's, it was what got me started LLDing and gave me my first character. More credits as follows: AZNrock71 <-- Introduced me to Diablo II back in Classic. Tez <-- Helped me alot in my early years with his uber characters... Chadlique <-- Along with Tez and I, created the TJC characters that helped me furthermore understand PvP. XxNeoxX <-- Built my lv12 Paladin on Single Player for me to test. I still owe him money or something. Nick Miller <-- His level 9 Assassin Guide can be found here down in the sources, great guy :) TwistedBoner (renoBdetsiwT) <-- Helping me out with my Necromancer. And ripping me off in trades. Mr.snuggles10 (Squall) <-- Introducing me to Twisted and TheGreatEnigma, and helping out on my Assassin and Paladin. Blizzard <-- For making this great game... GameFAQs <-- For letting me post this guide up. The wonderful people on GameFAQs <-- For contributing information here and there. Sources: GameFAQs. (http://www.gamefaqs.com) LLD101. (http://www.lld101.com) Miller, Nick; Level 9 Assassin Build. (http://members.shaw.ca/BuzzardB/9Assassin.htm) RPG Forums @ Diabloii.net. (http://www.rpgforums.com) Warchicken; Level 9 PvP Assassin Guide v1.0. (http://www.diabloii.net/strategy/x-guides/asn-lvl9pvp.php) ----------------- -VII Legal Stuff- ----------------- Don't be an idiot. Don't use this guide unless you have my permission; even when you do, properly cite it and give me credit. This guide can be put up at LLD101, GameFAQs.com, and s7.invisionfree DII message boards. Send any errors, etc... to MysticFalcon182@redwall.net. If you send me 
hate mail, I will eat your sixteenth born child.  If you won't have one, I'll 
just ignore your message.  Of course, I won't touch any attachments, so doesn't
expect me to "look at a single player file" or anything.  More because I'm lazy
than afraid of a virus.

--------------
-VIII Updates-
--------------
02-21-05 Updating again.
12-11-04 Added ASCII; sad to say, but I'm quitting Diablo II, and this will be
		my final update.
11-24-04 Updating, more to come soon.
11-16-04 Rewriting guide.
04-16-04 Updates galore!  Stat and skill fixes, along with strategies.
04-09-04 Updates...  Added where to find items.
03-23-04 Revising and will soon send in again.
03-22-04 Rejected because of margins :(
03-20-04 Posted on GameFAQs and awaiting their approval.

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Copyright (C) 2004, Jonathan Ho.
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