Diablo 2 - NPF Campaign

[Hanuman]

SOFTCORE LOD LADDER USWEST
Channel - NPF
Game/PW - NPF#//#, same number game as PW, if no games are hosted make 1, if you can't join 1 make 2, ect.
Treasury Info? Check Thread or contact Menarker
PM Menarker for information and times or follow the replies in this post.

Contact Listing (If you are not on this, please PM me with your username)
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NPF: InsaneGenius
Account: Atomschlag
Character: Ketsarku
Build: Bonemancer

NPF: Vauron
Account: Vauron
Character: Vauron
Build: Lightning Sorceress

NPF: waddle2120
Account: waddle2120
Character: Behemazon
Build: Bowazon

NPF: Menarker
Account: Menarker
Character: Sharl
Build: Windy Druid

NPF: The Wandering God
Account: thewanderinggod
Character: Bjarki
Build: Bear Druid

NPF: Sithdarth
Account: Sithdarth
Character: Holysaw
Build: Paladin Zealot

NPF: 01d55
Account: 01d55
Character: Daddori
Build: Assasin (Tiger Strike / Death Sentry)

NPF: Invisible Queen
Account: InvisibleQueen
Character: Arcs
Build: Some kinda Sorc (Fire?)

NPF:Grimpond
Account: Grimpond
Character: Grimpond
Build: Bone/Summon Hybrid Necromancer

NPF: Odjn
Account: Odjn
Character: Odjn
Build: Werewolf Druid

NPF: Lev
Account: TheLev
Character: Salixia
Build: Enchantress

NPF: krogothwolf
Account: ?
Character: Grung
Build: Barbarian
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http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3944/d2npf.jpg

-Soundtrack- (http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/playlist/Diablo+II+Soundtrack/7879962)

[Amake]

I can try, but don't be surprised if I fall asleep around the beginning of act 2. The regular game is so frickin boring once you've had a taste of Median (http://modsbylaz.hugelaser.com/). I'm not sure I can even manage to unlock Hardcore by that date, if we're going that route.

Nevertheless, let's discuss a balanced team. I'm in favor of a Barbarian for tanking, taunt and Battle Orders, a Necromancer for Lower Resist, a Paladin for Conviction and Holy Bolt and as many Sorceresses as you can get for damage.

PS. What realm would we play on? US West probably has the least overall lag for an intercontinental gathering.

[Hanuman]

I played median through lately too.
Median is very intense, it's completely saturated with special effects and everything has just about the maximum gameplay effects without being too obnoxious.

The problem with it is that it loses pretty much all feeling of Diablo II... you lose the amazing "OMFG I LOVE THIS ITEM, THANK THE GODS FOR IT DROPPING" feeling because uniques generally drop 2-3 times per area, let alone act, and you lose the crisp feeling that what you are doing is actually doing something... crushing a skeleton... freezing a mob with a glacial spike, enchanting your party with an aura... it's like using swords and arrows instead of guns, you know? Feels more like you.

But yeah, would be kinda rad if Median connected to battlenet.


Well, speaking of balance, guess I should write up a quick list of mainstream builds.

Currently Popular-

Amazon:
Multizon - I'd kill for a good bow.... but how will I kill?
Javazon - Rip through enemies with explosions of lightning out in all directions.

Assassin:
Kicker - Kick you apart, she'll kick you apart!
Trapper - Lightning or fire? Throw a trap in the room and everything dies.

Necromancer:
Summoner - Zoo? Fishy? Jailkeeper? The rolling bones keep rolling.
Bone - Did someone say Artillery?

Barbarian:
WW - (((((WOOOOO))))))
Zerker - Defense?

Paladin:
Hammerdin - Resistance is futile.
FoH or Venge - Resistances? Not any more! =P
Fanac Zealer - For the Overmind!
Smiter - The invincible shield.

Sorceress:
Meteorb - Fire and Ice!
Chantress - Burn them, burn them all!

Druid:
Summoner - Hit nothing but mana.
FC - Claws of fire, yo!
Rabies - What's that? You're going to have to put him down?
Hurricane - The living storm.

Not Currently In Style-

Amazon:
Megazon - Fire and Ice, I shoot, you die!
ValkTank - Sisters, aid me!

Assassin:
Ice Blades - Freeze and Die.
MA Stacker - Lots of little lights.
Ninja - Poison Throwing Stars, YEAH!

Necromancer:
Poison - Lag? I don't have any lag?

Barbarian:
Frenzy - WEEEEEE
Singer - They nerfed my vocal cords T^T
Thrower - Zon with BO, basically.

Paladin:
Tesladin - Electric Field Activated
Frost Zealer - Everybody FREEZE!

Sorceress:
Energy Sorc - Mana be praised!

Druid:
Fire - Earth, open before me!
Fury

[Yumil]

While I don't have the time to join ya'll, I'll throw out these suggestions.

If you end up chronicling any of it, be sure to do hardcore, ending if all of you die. Besides, since the game is so old now, and honestly everyone should know what's up, the only way to spice it up is hardcore.

Again, if you end up chronicling any of it, please make sure ya'll only play together, no outside play. That way, you don't have one or two pimped out characters saving the day...it makes it much better for us rooting you on:)

Did I mention, chronicle it:)

[Amake]

I guess I never cared about items the way you're supposed to. I like the building of the character's personal skills more than depending on shiny loots. That to me feels like it's really you doing things. And I guess Median facilitates that by taking the focus away from the importance of items. Heck, past level 50 or so I only bother picking up uniques and better, and then mostly so I can disenchant them and make the items I need.

(Though if it doesn't feel like "Real Diablo" because you don't have to run Baal twenty times to gain one level, we should probably be asking if the real Diablo feeling is actually worth pursuing.)

Of course there's still the good drops to find, mostly from the überquest bosses. Though they drop 100% of the time it's still an accomplishment cause those quests are fucking hard. I have only managed to do three out of 30 yet.

For that matter, if we were to play a Median campaign we wouldn't need it to be on battle.net, now would we? We wouldn't even have to wait for the patch. On reflection, we could do it while waiting for the patch. What say you?

[A Zarkin' Frood]

It's been a while since I played D2. A long long while. I skipped the last two ladders. Or three?
Diablo II is one of the few games that's remotely playable with a Wireless connection.
I'd be in. If it's at a reasonable time. In my time zone, that is.

I'd love to play another Necromancer because I freaking love that class, both the Boner (sounds funnier than Bonemancer. Also. I personally never used a Golem for that one just to be different) and the Summoner.
I also considered playing a healer once (which isn't a Necromancer at all).

If this gets rollin and non-cool kids (i.e. me) are allowed I'd love to join.
Since Hardcore is available from the start now even that would be okay with me. Even though I don't think I'm good enough for that anymore.


(Though if it doesn't feel like "Real Diablo" because you don't have to run Baal twenty times to gain one level, we should probably be asking if the real Diablo
I found the game to be perfectly playable by just going through all the areas and kill everything. That's the only way I ever played the game
Though, I stopped playing the game because everyone did Baalruns rather than playing the game once in a while. I considered joining an Iron Man game because of that once. But I'm not good enough for Hardcore anymore, I guess.

Hey, new idea! Let's make it an Iron Man game. Ha.

[McTahr]

I was running a melee heavy Barbipants in Median XL, and I have to say that without a really good writer behind it, or at least a decent collaboration, you're looking at one really boring set-up on classic.

I mean, I had more fun storming Fauntzville or whatever and having to actually play enemies into particular strategies (It was the ranged-heavy multi-tiered level with flying dudes and five bosses spread throughout) than I ever remember having with an act boss, especially after killing them three thousand million times, and Fauntzville was just one of the mid-tier unique dungeons.

And did I mention that you didn't have to kill something three thousand million times to be effective? See:
Multizon - I'd kill for a good bow.... but how will I kill?

[Professor Smarmiarty]

As someone who owns Diablo but has never finished past the first level I'd be down if oyu need a straight man while you do all your ridiculous builds and powergamer.

[krogothwolf]

You can use regedit to unlock Hardcore mode in Diablo 2. I think there's a line that says allowhardcore=0 or something, just change it to 1 and it should unlock it. Works for .bnet as well.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Blizzard Entertainment\Diablo II is the area it's in

Edit a Dword to create AllowHardcore if it isn't already there and put the value as 1 and it should unlock hardcore.

I believe that's it. I'd have to reinstall it and check again though just to be 100% sure.

[Seil]

I was running a melee heavy Barbipants in Median XL, and I have to say that without a really good writer behind it, or at least a decent collaboration, you're looking at one really boring set-up on classic.

Having no knowledge of Median," I'm curious; is it a D&D set up, with a dungeon master doin' his/her own campaign, while the rest of the people play through it, only in the D2 universe?

I've always been interested in writing a campaign, so if someone'd play through it, give me some feedback, I promise I'll make it more interesting than "The princess is in another castle."

[A Zarkin' Frood]

You can use regedit to unlock Hardcore mode in Diablo 2. I think there's a line that says allowhardcore=0 or something, just change it to 1 and it should unlock it. Works for .bnet as well.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Blizzard Entertainment\Diablo II is the area it's in

Edit a Dword to create AllowHardcore if it isn't already there and put the value as 1 and it should unlock hardcore.

I believe that's it. I'd have to reinstall it and check again though just to be 100% sure.

As far as I know Hardcore doesn't have to be unlocked anymore. But I'm not too sure on that because I haven't played in a while. Only my brother, who's been playing the game for proabably 5 years straight with no interruptions doing baalruns and other powerleveling nonstop.

[Menarker]

How would you guys organize times to play, especially with time zone and people's work-times?

Personally, I would prefer a bit of softcore since I haven't played in years, hate the idea of lag causing my character to die and all that.

If I do end up joining (which I'm not certain), then I would be playing a windy druid. Utterly weak low levels although with some group support (before level 24) and gets more and more powerful until Nightmare mode becomes a cinch. :3

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I think if we got together we might only be able to play on weekends.
What's a measly 12 hour time difference if we can meet somewhere in the middle.

[Menarker]

Difficult a bit since I work weekends.

But I guess we'll see what members we gather up and the time differences.

[Vauron]

Having no knowledge of Median," I'm curious; is it a D&D set up, with a dungeon master doin' his/her own campaign, while the rest of the people play through it, only in the D2 universe?

I've always been interested in writing a campaign, so if someone'd play through it, give me some feedback, I promise I'll make it more interesting than "The princess is in another castle."

Median XL is "just" a mod for D2:LoD. It, among other things, completely changes the skill sets of all classes, adds several uberquests, items, and runewords.

[Corel]

I'd be up for playing too, played it years ago and the first two acts I believe?

If you need some spare players (aka. clicks) I would be up for playing, but don't expect any thing remotely skilled!

However I may or may not lag quite a bit from China, so would have to test this!

[Menarker]

Ok... for the purpose of bumping and for finding out what we got so far... I'll make a character list! Unless things have changed since I last played it, maximum number of characters in one Diablo 2 game is 8.

1: Menarker (Wind Druid) Caster > Physical and Cold Damage with Hit Point Aura Buff. (Pacific Time) Damn hard to level at first, so be patient please!
2: Insane Genius (Necromancer) Bone or Summoner Build.
3: Corel (Paladin)
4: Invisible Queen (Sorceress)
5: Smarty McBarrelpants
6: Lev?
7: Waddle2120 (Bowazon) Strafe/Freezing Arrow
8: 01d55 (TS/DT claw/shield assassin)

[A Zarkin' Frood]

On second thought. Bonemancers are kinda weak in 4+ Player games and pretty useless in a 8-Player game, so I might just do some build that blows up corpses half the time and cursebitches the other half. If the golem were more reliable I could just settle for slowing every enemy down so much it goes backwards.

A summoner is pretty much crawling destruction on higher levels. Slow, but unstoppable. Maybe I could try making a summoner that doesn't summon anything but uses co-players as meat shields instead. And combine it with the above and max out corpse explosion, the only skill anyone plays a necromancer for, ever.

Or a summon care-bear druid which is pretty useless in Nightmare and Hell but also insanely fun to play.

I played a Fire druid once, raining Armageddon down my fire immune foes in Act I Hell. I somehow ended up beating the game with him. Assisted by a lightning trap assassin, but it was cool.

Or a zealot, which may die a lot, since I'm not used to Melee builds anywhere beyond Normal difficulty.

Maybe a trap assassin?

I'm not hell bent on using a Necromancer, I just like Necros a lot.

Oh, fuck it, I'll make a suicide bomber (which is not very possible in a fresh ladder on a fresh account, or for people who don't like to grind for jewels, but that build always intrigued me)

[Menarker]

Ever thought of a Poison build? Poison would be damn useful for negating regeneration in Hell.

Some of the reasons why I'm suggesting/asking is because...

A: Regeneration in high level games are a bitch.
B: Poison could be damn useful anyhow.
C: Only one curse can be applied at a time, and since I intend to use Tornados as my main spell, I was hoping one of your main curses would be Amp Damage. (Aside from the Lower Resist which is a good idea if you go Poison.)
D: Turning foes green would be a good way to make them easier to see when/if you got a horde of skeletons. (Although I rather you get a golem and pump masteries up for the purpose of avoiding lag, but that's just me).

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Ever thought of a Poison build? Poison would be damn useful for negating regeneration in Hell.

Some of the reasons why I'm suggesting/asking is because...

A: Regeneration in high level games are a bitch.
B: Poison could be damn useful anyhow.
C: Only one curse can be applied at a time, and since I intend to use Tornados as my main spell, I was hoping one of your main curses would be Amp Damage. (Aside from the Lower Resist which is a good idea if you go Poison.)
D: Turning foes green would be a good way to make them easier to see when/if you got a horde of skeletons. (Although I rather you get a golem and pump masteries up for the purpose of avoiding lag, but that's just me).

A: That's true
B: That's also true. The reason I wasn't considering a poison build is because of the massive lags people complain about whenever a poisonous fellow is in the game. I've never had that problem myself, though.
I personally never had the problem with Skeletons unless they had an Aura or were cursed. Which, admittedly is the case rather often.
C: I tend to mix up curses according to the situation. When I played a Bonemancer solo or in a team of ranged fighters I used Dim Vision, or Decrepify if I/we had been spotted already, as my standard curse, plus bone walls/prisons, then I switched to Amp Damage while blowing up dead enemies as a basic strategy which worked rather well. I obviously can't use that strategy to a very great extent with melee fighters in the team When playing the summoner I used Amp Damage or Lower Resist. Sometimes Life Tap, sometimes Iron Maiden or even Attract, and that's precicely the reason I like the Necro so much. But damn, now I went into prattling about my playstyle. Dayumn. Since it's written out already I'll just leave it like that.
D: Yeah. In case of playing a summoning type I was thinking of not summoning any skeletons unless some additional tanking is required.
Should I play a Necromancer I'd lean more towards the Bonemancer because he doesn't require/allow summons. I'd deviate from my usual build by adding a golem and a native point in lower resist, probably.

But I'm willing to broaden my horizons and play something entirely different. It's not like I have to use the dark arts to raise dead, twist minds, pierce souls and explode bodies.

[Menarker]

*Nods*

Mind you, a single point in summon skeleton, Corpse Explosion or rather Poison Explosion if you do go Poison is useful when dealing with foes that...

A: Resurrect, such as the bone fetish shaman.
B: Foes capable of using corpses as resources such as the corpse eater or Nilithalak (think I spelt his name wrong) who has Corpse Explosion.

If you can destroy the corpses by using it yourself, then it makes things a lot easier. :3

[waddle2120]

I'll participate;

My preferred class would be a Bowazon (main skills Strafe/Freezing Arrow)

[Menarker]

Well, a Wind Druid with Physical/Cold, a Bowazon with Physical/Cold and a Necromancer (type undetermined yet). I think we got a pretty good amount of Ranged Physical and Cold at the moment. :3 Just need Fire, Lightning, Poison perhaps, and maybe Magic damage like Hammerdin.

[01d55]

I've always wanted a big regular group for D2, count me in.

I'm going to run a TS/DT claw/shield assassin.

[Amake]

Oh yeah, monster health regeneration. About 1.2% of their total health per second if memory serves. Ensures that only the best builds can make it to the end. I forgot all about that. It's another thing I like about Median; there isn't any. :3

Aaanyway, I'm calling bags on a Sorceress. Always wanted to do a single-element Sorc but noo you need friends for that. I'd go with whatever element we have the least of which at the moment seems to be fire.

[Corel]

Edit: Just to let people know that currently using a version with an invalid CD Key for Battle.net (Lost the key years ago, oops). Are people wanting to make use of ladder or just TCP/IP'ing it up?

If people are calling things, hook me up with the Paladin.

[Menarker]

I'm not certain about the ladder thing, but I think that was intended because the group is/was being created in response to the ladder resetting.

Details on new patch: http://diablo2.diablowiki.net/Diablo_2_Patch_Notes_1.13

In other words, Hammerdin NERFed. Might still be powerful, but no longer bypassing immunities.

@Invisible Queen: Well, the element that we got least of at the moment is Fire (Although also lacking lightning). Luckily enough, the recent patch buffed Fire Sorceress. :3

[waddle2120]

If we do ladder then it doesn't do much good to do anything prior to the 28th; the only thing possibly would be if were doing hardcore we can make sure everyone can make a character right away.

If we are doing the ladder; does anyone have a preffered server?

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Thanks to that link I just remembered that respecs are possible in 1.13
Which may allow some more obscure, yet fun, builds in Normal and a more optimized one later on. At least that's how I hope the respecs work. I haven't participated in the beta so I don't know.

EDIT: I thought we were just waiting till (at least) the 28th for the patch to be applied to the regular realms.

[Menarker]

Oh, so that's what the date is about? Well, I don't really care about the ladder that much. Just been bored lately, and had a hankering to play a game and this one is right up my alley. So yeah, doesn't matter about ladder or anything although waiting for the new patch sounds good.

Btw, we never did confirm whether we're doing softcore or hardcore. (Never had luck with hardcore and Wind Druid is insanely hard to level/play in the early stages.)

Well, we got every class except a barbarian. And two of the people who I had in the list eariler (Lev and McBarrelPants) still have yet to confirm what class they'll be (if they are still in that is.)

[The Wandering God]

I would totally love to get in on this.

I recommend softcore since lag is the number 1 killer of hardcore characters, and it's no fun to not be able to play along anymore.

Also, perhaps a voice chat program like Ventrilo or Teamspeak might be nice, but probably not needed.

I wouldn't mind being either a barb, fire sorceress, or a summon necro if the spot is still open.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Yo, I've been looking for the game and can find D2 but can't find the LoD expansion- is that going to be a problem? It's cool if that bails me out.
If there is way I can get in, no idea what I would play- I don't even remember the classes- whatever looks cool at the time probably unless the party really needed a role filled, in which case I'll do that and fail horribly at it.
I'd totally be down for voice chat if it's going because my keyboard is all broken and horrible for the typee typee.

[Amake]

Yes, you need the expansion, unless you can convince everyone to go vanilla with you.

As for Barbs, they have a really easy role: Cast Battle Orders every two minutes or so to double everyone's life and mana. It's the single best party skill in the game, and the only thing a Barb really contributes. The rest of the time you can take it easy, whittling away at the monsters as you please. Whirlwind after three mega-nerfs still being the most effective way to kill monsters notwithstanding. :)

[Corel]

I would totally love to get in on this.

I recommend softcore since lag is the number 1 killer of hardcore characters, and it's no fun to not be able to play along anymore.

Also, perhaps a voice chat program like Ventrilo or Teamspeak might be nice, but probably not needed.

I wouldn't mind being either a barb, fire sorceress, or a summon necro if the spot is still open.

If people decide to make use of Battle.net I'll be unable to play, so you're welcome to my spot.

Heck, if we even get more than 8 people I see no reason why can't run two intersecting games or just have fill ins of some sort.

[Menarker]

@The Wandering God: sure, I think we might have a spot for you. It's pretty unlikely that all 8 initial players will be present at every session as well, especially if there are time constraints or those working. We'd basically have a guild of sort!

I personally wouldn't be using Voice-chat programs because I'm hard of hearing. ^^; sorry about that. But I'll just keep in touch the old fashioned way. :3 (Typing)

We got quite a bit of ranged physical damage and cold damage, but a few tanks, some poison, some fire and some lightning would be nice.


If we do make a guild, we need a name... ^____^

[The Wandering God]

Actually after some thought, I decided I wanted to be a frickin' BEAR. (Especially since they got buffed.)

Also, I'll bring along some friendly spirits and/or vines to offset the lack of Barb warcries.

And it seems the general consensus is US West? (I'd prefer East, but that's me being selfish.) I'm pretty flexible in my times right now, so I'm good with whatever works for other people.

1.13 will be live in a matter of hours!

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Bears are awesome. I once played a summon bear, he only lasted through normal but was fun as hell.
Other kinds of bears are also awesome.

I think I settled on a Bonemancer for now. But I hope the respecs work the way I think they do so I may be able to change that.


If we do make a guild, we need a name... ^____^

NPF
Nuklear Powered Fellas.

Or something like that.

[Amake]

Tanks? What's that? :p

As you might know, defense rating is an almost completely useless stat since a) everyone runs all the time and b) monsters have either 3 or 4 times the attack rating they're supposed to, thanks to the Lying Character Sheet. And the one taunting ability there is (Taunt) doesn't work on any kind of bosses.

The closest you get to a dedicated tank in D2 is a meleeer dealing promiscuous amounts of damage with a lot of life leech. And if everyone's waiting for them to get to the front line it just slows down the killing. Damage, as they say, is king. ^_^

The lack of poison is alarming however. I could do a poison Necro. . .

Ah, thinking of poison makes me nostalgic for Median. There you'd get three different passive skills that adds poison damage to all attacks, and my favorite, the Druid's Gamma Field that does millions and millions of poison damage over several minutes. And of course the classic Punisher, a slow-assed missile that does so much poison damage it's been known to kill a player instantly. Some chest traps would release about 70-100 of those in a ring. Good times.

[Menarker]

Well, I was referring to Summon Necros when I said Tanks, since that was one of the requested postitions. But yes, everything you said regarding the issue is absolutely correct. Only other way to use defense is to use it in a build that focuses on it while ignoring everything else (Concentration Barb).

Should we all submit our ingame names so that we can find each other when the time comes?

I'm planning on using the name "Sharl".

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Y'know, I'd absolutely play a Summon Necro if everyone's cool with them possibly causing some lag or even game crashes when aura providing fellas are nearby. Or cursing enemies. And yelling barbarians.
The reason I chose another build was to not have to use any summons in order to be remotely effective.

EDIT: I registered Atomschlag on both US-Realms since InsaneGenius is such a horribly generic name it's already taken. Except on Europe back when I was still active.

[Vauron]

Any room for a Lightning Sorceress?

[Menarker]

1: Menarker (Wind Druid) Caster > Physical and Cold Damage with Hit Point Aura Buff. (Pacific Time) Damn hard to level at first, so be patient please!
2: Insane Genius (Necromancer) Summoner Build likely.
3: Vauron (Lighting Sorceress)
4: Invisible Queen (Poison Necromancer)
5: The Wandering God (WereBear druid)
6:
7: Waddle2120 (Bowazon) Strafe, Freezing Arrow/Immolation Arrow?
8: 01d55 (TS/DT claw/shield assassin)

Well, I deleted some names from my past list, because one person hasn't responded much despite having started the thread, one can't make it to Battlenet sadly and another doesn't have expansion.

So I think there is space. (Has to re-read thread to make sure I didn't miss anyone.)

EDIT: Think we got room to add The Wandering God and Vauron.

@ Invisible Queen: Are you still planning on making a sorceress? Fire and poison (EDIT: and plain magic) is the only element we don't have now much. (We got Vauron for Lightning and 01d55's Death Sentry also does lightning damage.)

[Amake]

I figure poison is more vital, so Pukomancer it is.

Meanwhile, how many hours is there left? I'm about to go to bed here.

[Menarker]

Yeah, we need to find out what time everyone is to meet, time zones confusions and all.

So yeah, we got space for one more and the only element we don't have is fire and plain magic (which I forgot to mention before)(Bone, Berserk, Hammerdin)

[waddle2120]

I may be a few days behind everyone; but I'll try to catch up on Saturday.

I'm going out to the bar tonight to play trivia and I have a basketball game to attend on Thursday.

Did we for sure decide on US West?

[Menarker]

Well, no one talked about it, but I'm definately up for US West since that's closer to me.

BTW, does Druid spirits stack? *Cause I tend to use Life Spirit as a Druid, but our were-bear druid might use that too, so I just want to make sure.*

[A Zarkin' Frood]

There seems to be a little confusion over what type of Necromancer I'm gonna play, so I'll make it clear.
I'm playing a Bone (or poison if you want, whatever) build unless none of the attending players mind, or would rather have a summoner. Because I don't want to ruin everyone's fun by causing the game to crash at some point. I personally don't care what build I play, this just makes my decision a bit easier.

EDIT: I see poison is taken, that takes care of that at least.
Oh, and as far as I know the spirits of the druid don't stack, they work like an Aura I think, They don't stack either.

[waddle2120]

I'm in the Central Time Zone so I'm flexible.

I'll make my character tonight on US West when I get home from the bar (11:45ish for me) and then I'll post the name here. Some of you might be on at that time...

[Vauron]

US West is fine for me. Should we try to be in the same level range or would it be an issue with a difference in levels?

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I think we should be around the same levels (which is much better, unless they change the way XP is distributed), or maybe only play in groups, I don't know how likely it is that all of us will be available at the same time

Could we use GMT as a base maybe? I think that'd make it easier to agree on a time for most people here.
I even got a picture!
http://www.myminuteintime.com/graphics/timezone_map.gif

That pic says it's almost sleepy time for me.

[Vauron]

GMT -5, weekends are free, weekdays are irregular.

[waddle2120]

GMT -6 here; also I was reading the 1.13 patch notes...

Immolation Arrow got a bump so if we have no fire I guess I could try the fire tree.

Respec is nice so I can always change if it sucks.

[Amake]

EDIT: I see poison is taken, that takes care of that at least.
Oh, and as far as I know the spirits of the druid don't stack, they work like an Aura I think, They don't stack either.
Yeah, if we're lucky just the most powerful vine is applied. But I imagine you'll rather want to flip a coin for Heart of Wolverine and Oak Sage and focus on one each.

Meanwhile, I guess IG and IQ are the Necro bros. You be bone, I be poison, I'll take care of Lower Resist and you can sink every last damn point in those sweet synergies.

...Right?

[Menarker]

-8 for time zone.

As for the spirits, only the Health one would benefit me. As a caster and non-melee type, Heart of Wolverine and Thorn Spirits are useless to me. With the were-bear druid, I can see him using Heart of Wolverine to push his damage and attack rating higher.

Weekdays at the moment are free in the early afternoon (Work later afternoon up to late evenings)
Weekends tend to work starting mornings until mid afternoon.

Also, would it be a problem if we allowed everyone to start early and work their way up to around 6th level by themselves? Not a difficult task and saves a bit of time doing somewhat boring missions. :3 But I think we're trying to avoid getting one or two players overpowered to the point that they don't fit with the party. (Since exp gain by everyone is reduced the bigger the difference between levels is apparently.)

Also the Immobilization Arrow sounds good because cold is mainly used for chilling and otherwise as another source of elemental damage. At later levels, my druid casts Hurricane which is basically a large constant AOE chilling spell with a fairly constant stream of damage. Fire is otherwise pretty balanced/powerful.

[Amake]

Let me expound on the experience formula.

With 8 players, each monster gives around 450% of its basic experience. When it's killed by someone in a party another 35% is added (and another 50% if he or she has an exp shrine effect), and then the sum is divided between all party members within two screens of the kill. It's then subject to various penalties based on the total levels of the party divided by the number of players, the difference in level between you and the monster, and additional penalties if you're above level 75.

If memory serves. The main part to be concerned about is that a vast level difference in a party makes the lesser characters get vastly less experience. It's a problem if you want to leech your way to the endgame by partying with some big boys, but not if someone pulls ahead by a level or two in an ongoing party.

(Also it's pretty funny, the least exp you can ever get for a kill is 5% and once you're past lvl 90 the most you can get is 6 or 7%.)

[Menarker]

Ah, ok.

Also...

NEW PATCH IS IN GAME!

*Has updated my Bnet and all. Playing a muling character while waiting for more news from the other players.* ^^

[Amake]

Err, I'll see you in eight. I hope we'll have a chat channel or a theme for game names or something on US West by then?

[The Wandering God]

And the patch is live!

Yeah, I'll focus on Heart of Wolverine.

My account name is: thewanderinggod
My character name will be: Bjarki (A warrior that was said to be able to transform into a bear.)

Anyway, I'll be on for a while so if anyone wants to join up, I'm game.

[Menarker]

Well, I found a somewhat powerful wand for a necro while playing on the mule character. It says it's "Crude Wand" but it has some +1 skills which is always nice to start with.

Creating a game:

Name: NuklearPower1

Password: BlackMage

if you're having problems, whisper me.

/whisper Sharl

BTW, it's USA West Server.

[The Wandering God]

So is this server US West then or what?

Okay, good times were had.

So me, Vauron, Menarker (Sharl) almost made it to the cube and level 18 before a server freeze screwed us over.

But we will be more than willing to help those who want to get through the first act.

Edit: Thanks for the reminder.

[Menarker]

Well, the first game went pretty damn well. The server conked on us though and deleted the game we were playing on or something, but at least some of us got our characters leveled up a bit and with waypoints unlocked so we can guide others toward the entire leveling thing. ^^

Bjarki: Don't forget to do the Den of Evil quest!

[waddle2120]

Acct- waddle2120
char- behemazon

Currently lvl 10.

[Amake]

NOW I find out my game is borked and I can't play. Maybe should have checked on that earlier. Sorry folks. >_>

[Menarker]

Sorry to hear that. If you ever manage to get it working, come back again.

[EVILNess]

NOW I find out my game is borked and I can't play. Maybe should have checked on that earlier. Sorry folks. >_>

If you have your CD Keys then you can register them on Battle.net and then download a copy of the games from Blizzard.

[01d55]

Yo, I've been looking for the game and can find D2 but can't find the LoD expansion- is that going to be a problem? It's cool if that bails me out.
If there is way I can get in, no idea what I would play- I don't even remember the classes- whatever looks cool at the time probably unless the party really needed a role filled, in which case I'll do that and fail horribly at it.
I'd totally be down for voice chat if it's going because my keyboard is all broken and horrible for the typee typee.

If you've ever installed it on your current computer you can most likely find the CD key in the registry. Register that at battle.net and you'll never need the discs again.

I am GMT -8.

My time, I'm more open early than late.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Yeah the computer it was on has been reformatted a few times and is on the other side of the world, unfortunately.

[Menarker]

Well, let's get some times organized!

I in particular should be ready for playing today at 12 or 1PM until 3:30 to help some people get waypoints. (My time zone being -8)

It's hard to organize a stable time group between time zone and work periods for sure.

One way to help deal with that is for everyone to add each other to the friend list while playing. If one of us signs on Bnet, we can type a command to see which of our NPF friends are online as well and thus whisper and organize from there.

I'm itching to play, but I don't want to go too far ahead in quests and levels... so I was wondering if anyone would mind if I do multiple runs of killing Andariel for the purpose of equipping other players with rares to make the going easier. :3 (Managed to do a solo run against her on my spare time. got some nice rares)

EDIT: (Got the Cube. Now anyone can ask me to convert their horde of crappy grade gems to a better one or help make full rejuv potions (save those purple bottles!).

[A Zarkin' Frood]

People, you're going too fast for an old man like me. I haven't even created a character yet.

EDIT: Am Level 1 now, will keep you updated.

EDIT2: I'm in Game "Nuke me good//Really" now, and will remain there for an hour at the most.
But my self-imposed code of honor prohibits assistance by people leveled significantly higher than me.

EDIT3: That same code of honour also dictates that I have to do every quest before I can advance to the next act.

EDIT4: After a few minutes Menarker dropped by and gave wand, head and all the waypoints then left again to get breakfast and stuff. I played for another twenty minutes until I reached Level 6 and stopped to have my daily evening shower.
Playing alone sure is slow, I almost forgot.

[Menarker]

Anyone around wants to level up a bit?

Opening up a game
Gamename: NPF
Password: Thief

I'll be playing my mule, so there will be room for lower level people. ^^

Just /whisper Jugan if you're having problems.

[Vauron]

I've got a helm with +20 mana, should any of the lower leveled ones need more mana. Now to go get back that warp and that level. >_<

Edit: Also picked up a sabre with 10% faster attack speed, if anyone wants it.

[waddle2120]

My plans for this evening fell through so I will be online around 7:30 pm central time.

(4 hours from now)

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I've got a helm with +20 mana.
Heck yes. I'd take anything if it just has mana at this point.

[Vauron]

I'm in the game White, the password is Mage.

Edit: No I'm not, apparently I'm not supposed to start games or something.

Edit2: Resetting seemed to have fixed whatever it was, name and password are unchanged.

Edit3: It really doesn't seem to like me making games.

[waddle2120]

I'm logged in

playing in a game-

NPF/Fighter

EDIT- I'm AFK on my mule in this game; it should be stable enough for transfers if you need to do so; but then again, it is Bnet

[Menarker]

Running some unique monster runs to look for good items. ^^ Anyone feel free to join in for leveling purpose if you like.

NPF1
KingSteve

/whisper Sharl for help :3


EDIT: How is everyone doing for levels? I don't want to go too far, but I don't want to drag everyone's heels either. In the worst case situation, those higher up can do repeat runs to find rare powerful items, collect gems and rejev potions, and unlock waypoints that can be linked to everyone else via TP. It's definately easier to level someone who is late to the party if someone who is higher level grabs some higher quality equipment that dropped from act bosses or higher level mooks, thus allowing them to level easier and freely on their own time.

EDIT: Playing again a bit. same game name and password

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I'll now go stumble through Act 2, trying to assemble my favourite staff.
Everyone's welcome to join me in...
Game: NPF
Password: Irrelevant

EDIT: Game just crashed on me at the worm's place.
EDIT2: Rollback de-leveled me, ugh. Now I'll have to kill two monsters to be 16 again.

EDIT3: Oh No :'(
NOW I find out my game is borked and I can't play. Maybe should have checked on that earlier. Sorry folks. >_>
I read that just now and am filled with deep sadness.
I'll desecrate twice the corpses, but It just wont be the same without another necromancer.

[waddle2120]

Seems like the two of you should both be on right now!

[The Wandering God]

Hey, I'm trying to join you guys, but I can't seem to find your game(s).

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I opened a new game now. Try that, or let me know if you're in another game.
NPF2
Relevant

[The Wandering God]

I think it might be a good idea to post your current status so everyone has a good idea of where everyone is:

lvl 20 Werebear druid
all waypoints through act 2
All that's left is to beat Duriel

[waddle2120]

Lvl 18 Bowazon (fire elemental)
Have the Cube, but nothing past that in Act 2.

[The Wandering God]

Okay, so apparently there are a lot of server crashes going on.

It seems the cause is players intentionally crashing servers to cause a 'rollback'. This means that the last bit of time is wiped and basically didn't happen.

Why? Because some people are trying to create/identify items with perfect stats. Ex: A runeword that can give a range of stats. If the stats aren't to the persons liking, they can crash the server and other games to be interrupted and lost.

The problem is epidemic now because someone publicly leaked the method to do this and it is causing many people problems.

Hopefully Blizzard will find a way to fix this, but for now, we just have to deal.

[Menarker]

>_< DAMN IT

*Is sad*

My internet had crapped out since early afternoon.

In addition, I was so happy when I found two set items before the internet cheated me. Now I only got the Isenheart's helm, when I also found a shield item and picked it up the second before I got disconnected. Didn't even get to identify it (was a kite shield I think)

Also, level 21. Managed to reach Arcane Sanctuary where I found the shield and got DCed, and thus lost it. T.T

EDIT: Opening a game. Hang out with me if you want.

NPF3
Sarda

EDIT: Finished playing for tonight... mainly because Duriel is the biggest sack of crap that I have the experience to try to fight. Such a jerk and I never feel confident fighting him, ever.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I'm Level 19 now, I think. Probably.
All that's left in Act 2 is Duriel.

I'd try and fight him alone, which would probably work but require a hit and run tactic and plenty of sacrificed Mercenaries a shitload of potions and town portals.
The only hard boss in the entire game. And he's only hard on Normal.

[waddle2120]

Did we want to see if we could coordinate a time for Duriel Smashing? Admittedly my playtime is very sporadic (I was going to say during the week; but I realized I have my bowling league saturday night; and a fantasy baseball draft on sunday...)

Things for me should clear up shortly; in the meantime I guess the worst case scenario for me is I just try and keep up with the rest of you until my schedules do correllate.

I've been staying up til about 1am or so just to get some playing in; hopefully once things settle down I'll be getting on and off earlier.

Oh ya; i'm up to lvl 19.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I just did one quick run to kill Andariel and got a nicely colored drop. There was gold, green and yellow. (Also Level 20)

Except some unique gloves Nothing worth keeping, unless you want Isenharts Helm...
Now I only got the Isenheart's helm,Oh...


The unique gloves (Bloodfist, or something along those lines)have a nice +40 HP

other noteworthy features are 10% faster attack speed and 30 % faster hit recovery, so they're good for your average Melee build
I'd like to keep em for now but if anyone playing a Melee character wants them they can have them of course.

Then I have a druid helm with +1 to bein' a bear and +1 to spirit wolf.


TWG is bein' a bear. So if you want that just drop me a line.

Please forgive me if my translations aren't spot on, I have to use a German version (english language pack doesn't work for some reason)

EDIT:
So, what do we have now?
1: Menarker: Stormbringer Druid, Level 21
2: InsaneGenius: Bone Necromancer, Level 20
3: Vauron: Lightning Sorceress, Level ?
4:
5: The Wandering God: Werebear Druid, Level 20
6:
7: waddle2120: Bowazon, Level 19
8: 01d55: ???, Level ? ??????

[waddle2120]

>_< DAMN IT

*Is sad*

My internet had crapped out since early afternoon.

In addition, I was so happy when I found two set items before the internet cheated me. Now I only got the Isenheart's helm, when I also found a shield item and picked it up the second before I got disconnected. Didn't even get to identify it (was a kite shield I think)



Good news; if it was a kite shield; its for a set that's not really that great... (Paladin maybe would use it; but we don't have any of those)

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I'm having a slightly bad connection right now, but you can find me in NPF//Stabbity
I'm probably doing some random stuff.
Come if you wanna kill Duriel or need help with something or just for the hell of it.

EDIT: Game crashed

[Sithdarth]

I visited some the other day and I can't guarantee that I have the time to keep pace but I could totally lend a hand as a Zealadin. It was my most successful build way back when D2 LOD was normal and the only thing that ever really stopped him was that damn Iron Maiden curse and Physically Immune monsters. Iron Maiden is gone and Physically Immune means squat in a group so he should be a decent addition.

Zeal + Fanaticism + HP/Mana leach + Stupidly fast attack speed weapon = awesome. It kinda sucked that I messed up and ended up with just a shade over 1k HP on that one though. As soon as I stopped hitting things in hell difficulty I died. A mistake I plan to fix.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

A Zealot is the only type of paladin I've ever played remotely successful. The only downside is that you grind down weapons quickly and have to repair them all the time. A weapon that casts life tap on hit is basically instant invincibility. Unless the enemy is physically immune or you run out of mana. But normal life and mana leech is also very effective.

What level are you on right now? I believe you were 6 yesterday but I'm not too sure anymore.

[waddle2120]

As a Paladin to deal with Physical Immune creatures (assuming you are solo) just throw a few points into Vengeance.

Lvl 1 of vengeance adds +70% of weapon damage for Fire/Ice/Lit (+210% total)

[Menarker]

Online for about half an hour. Good time to kill Duriel if any of you are on.

NPF8
Fighter

EDIT: Left for work. Had our necro join in and we finally managed to defeat Duriel. I tested the rumor about poison bottles being useful against it, and it seems to be true. Too bad I got the crappy versions compared to the more useful ones you find from the rare "Poison Shrine". Even the basic ones were better than the sort of offense I would typically give.

[Sithdarth]

I'm up to 13 now. Hopefully more soon.

A Zealot is the only type of paladin I've ever played remotely successful. The only downside is that you grind down weapons quickly and have to repair them all the time. A weapon that casts life tap on hit is basically instant invincibility. Unless the enemy is physically immune or you run out of mana. But normal life and mana leech is also very effective.

That's what:

Weapon
Required Level: 69
Vex + Hel + El + Eld + Zod + Eth
Indestructible
50% Chance to Cast Level 20 Poison Nova with a Kill
+60% Increased Attack Speed
+350-400% Enhanced damage
-25% Target's Defence
+50 to Attack Rating
+200% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
7% Mana stolen per hit
12-15% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+30 to All Attributes
+1 to Light Radius
-20% Requirements

is for if you can find the runes. That or:
Melee Weapon
Required Level: 63
Amn + Ber + Ist + Sol + Sur
Indestructible
+260-310% Enhanced damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Chance of Crushing Blow 20%
Hit Blinds Target
Slows Target by 33%
+16 Replenish Life
Regenerate Mana 16%
Cannot Be Frozen
Better Chance of Getting Magic Items 30%
Level 8 Revive (88 Charges)

The other hard thing is finding a Six socketed dimensional blade let alone a six socketed phase blade. Really any phase blade will work in terms of cutting down the repair bill. I used a:

Phase Blade
One to Hand Damage: (87 to 103) To (117 to 135) (102 to 119 Avg)
Required Level: 58
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 136
Base Weapon Speed: [-30]
+150-200% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 10-30 Damage
Adds 60-120 Magic Damage
Adds 1-200 Lightning Damage
5-7% Mana Stolen Per Hit (varies)
5% Chance To Cast Level 14-20 Chain Lightning On Attack (varies)
20% Increased Attack Speed
Ignore Target's Defense

that I socketed with a perfect skull for the longest time. Generally worked great the only real problem is I neglected vitality and had basically no HP so it was instant death the instant I stopped hitting things.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Oh, those expensive rune words...

I'm glad all I'll ever need as long as I'm playing a bonemancer is Dol-Io for White.

Finding a sufficiently socketed item can be a bitch, but you could always use the quest reward. You just have to know the level of the Monster who dropped the item to get the number of sockets you need, so yeah.

Also: Menarker and I managed to kill Duriel. Poison potions were more effective than I thought. After that I stood around in the game to enjoy my high ping. Waddle also showed up. And I enjoyed my ping some more. I'll have to find the cause of this.
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/5319/pingpingping.jpg (http://img338.imageshack.us/i/pingpingping.jpg/)
Luckily it wasn't that bad during our fight with Duriel.
I think it automatically disconnects if the ping is over 5000.

[Hanuman]

Internets broke, cya on the 29th-ish!
Edit- Back when I was in a 1000+ guild leading our D2 division we minmaxed a team build and went from a1 norm to pandemonium. What I learned from that is that D2 is not meant to be minmaxed in team games, it breaks it to the point of it not even being fun anymore =P

Though, we didn't do that in HC... I'm sure having 50 friendly units and 16 auras might keep you alive longer =]

[01d55]

So I finally got around to creating my character.

acnt 01d55 char Daddori

[Sithdarth]

So got to 18, got to Act 2, got my Cube, and gemmed a broadsword to to 115 poison damage over 5 seconds and leech 2% mana and 3% health. Also got an amulet that gives me another 4% mana leech. I'm decently geared so far for Act 2.

Oh and I found a:
Torch of Iro
Wand
One-Hand Damage: 2 To 4
Required Level: 5
Durability: 15
Staff Class - Fast Attack Speed
+50% Damage to Undead
Adds 5-9 Fire Damage
+1 To Necromancer Skill Levels
+10 To Energy
Regenerate Mana 5%
6% Life Stolen Per Hit
+3 To Light Radius

if anyone is planing a low level Necro.

[waddle2120]

I wish I had that kind of mana leech =(

[Menarker]

Back from work! Starting up a game!

NPF4
Lich

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I'm in NPF1//Super Sane
I'll kill Andariel and then do some random monster killing to find items.
If someone joins me we can do something else of course.
If you need help killing Duriel or do something else I'll gladly help you.

[Vauron]

I'm in NPF42 with the password Warbot.

Currently I am clawing my way to the sanctuary.

[waddle2120]

I'm lvl 35 now and done with Normal Difficulty.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Level 33 here, Vauron, waddle and I did quite some progress. Though, Vauron got timed out during the Anya quest in act 5.
So waddle and I had to do the rest of act 5 without him.

Now it seems we're stuck helping the rest of us to catch up.

[Menarker]

New game.

NPF2
Berserker

[waddle2120]

I'm online at the moment;

messing around currently in

npf4/ranger

[Menarker]

Well, lots of fun was had playing. A few people in Act 5 and either past level 30 or getting close. A few bits of joy and a few bits of tears (No one deserves getting an El rune from the Hellforge quest)

*Am thankful for getting an Amn*

[01d55]

We should track what runes we have, and figure out what we can spell with 'em.

I've got el eld tir ith, 1 of each.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Could someone please open his D2 folder and send me his d2lang.dll?
That would be super because I just somehow killed mine while trying to translate the game into English and my original one isn't in da bin.
EDIT: Nevermind, it works again, although in German.

I'll be on for the next hour or so doing my hellforge and then killing some bosses, If you need help add Atomschlag or whisper Ketsarku.

[Menarker]

We should track what runes we have, and figure out what we can spell with 'em.

I've got el eld tir ith, 1 of each.


I'll do you one better! I'll make you all my wish list! Anyone who wants to be Santa for me, take a look. :3 (Some of this stuff is actually fairly cheap)


Sword: Broad Sword with 4 sockets (Can only be found in Nightmare I hear). Using runeword "Spirit". I got most of the runes. (Almost enough for two uses)

Shield: Monarch type Shield with 4 sockets (Nightmare?/Hell) Rune Word "Spirit". I got most of the runes.

Body: Runeword "Chains of Honor". Fairly pricy, so I understand if I might have to get this on my own. Prefer a Boneweave type armor (Elite version of chain mail) since my character will have 158 strength at least through other equipment or just by hard points.

Helm: Runeword "Delirium". To use on a druid helm with 3 sockets with +skill bonuses to Tornado/Cyclone Armor/Hurricane if at all possible.

Belt: Arachnid Mesh

Gloves: Magefist

Boots: Aldur's Advance (Part of a Set for the druid but powerful by itself.)

Rings: Stone of Jordan (2)

Amulet: Magical/rare with +2 Druid skills and a bonus such as +Life, or resists.
(Otherwise, Mara's Kaideoscope would be really nice.)

Grand Charms: As many +skills as possible, ESPECIALLY if they come with +Life, Resists and such. :3


And for my Merc! (Ethreal stuff is even more welcome)
Weapon: Runeword "Lawbringer"
Body Armor: Runeword "Treachery"
Helm: Andariel's Visage (Unique mask in Hell).


Total runes to be used up:
(2) Tal + (2) Thul + (2) Ort + (2) Amn (Spirit weapon and shield)
Lem + Ist + Io (Delirium)
Dol + Um + Ber + Ist (Chains of Honor)
Shael + Thul + Lem (Treachery)
Amn + Lem + Ko (Lawbringer)

Total: 2 Tal, 3 Thul, 2 Ort, 3 Amn, 3 Lem, 2 Ist, 1 Io, 1 Dol, 1 Um, 1 Ber, 1 Shael, 1 Ko. (Thankfully I got a few of these runes already)

My rune collection has: 2 Eld, 2 Nef, 3 Tir (which I could convert to another Nef which I could convert to an Eth), 1 Amn, 2 Ort, 1 Tal, 1 Ral.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Oh sure, but let's do my wishlist first.

- A 2 socket wand with +3 to bone spear and at least +1 to another skill (like lower res, so I don't have to spend a point in it) For the runeword white. (Dol, Io)

- A 4 socket Monarch for Spirit (Tal, Thul, Ort, Amn, missing the Amn right now and the Ort, but those are rather easy to find) - Or alternatively a Homunculus, but I prefer the Spirit Monarch.

- A Skin of the Vipermagi. (one with 35 to all res, of course) aka pimp coat

- A pimpin' rare circlet with +1 to all necro skills as well as a bonus to resistances, cast rate or, even better, both.

- Two pimpin' rare rings with extra cast-rate and mana regeneration and/or leech (Really, cast rate over +skills, I speak out of experience.)

- A pimpin' rare amulet of +1 to all Necro Skills and ideally resistances and/or cast rate

- I'm not too sure about the boots, but they should be pimpin' as well. I used to have rares with lotsa resistances I found because I was lucky.

My wish list doesn't feature expensive rune words, but rares so that should even it out.

My runes are: 2 Tal, 2 Eth, 1 Ith, 1 Nef, 1 Thul
I'm not quick enough with grabbing runes most of the time :(

EDIT: Of course I don't expect anyone to give their precious runes or anything you need for yourself. Those're hard to find.

[waddle2120]

When they added the new runewords did they make it so that runewords are the most powerful items for those slots?

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Some of those runewords are pretty insane, yeah. They're not the best persé I'd say, though. But most of the really good ones are way too expensive for mortals anyway.

Also, Menarker: I see you want SoJ's. I suggest the following. Andariel on Nightmare is, as far as I know, the first monster to be able to drop that ring. And she also drops a lot of other good stuff (the low level kind that's still good in the high levels). So we should do runs for Andariel on Nightmare and equip someone with MF gear to deal the finishing blow. That way we can get us some pretty solid stuff. When I did this with some friends back in 1.11 we got two Mage Fists and even some armor (forgot the name) with MF per level. While we didn't get a SoJ the probability of finding one is the highest with Andariel. Finding one might take a while, but even if we don't find one we'll have enough other stuff that's useful for us.
Unless of course you want acquire one by other means like trading.

[Sithdarth]

So I fought my way to Act 5. Diablo was a bastard with that stupid red chain lightening. However, I prevailed and now I'm in act 5 and level 26. I'll probably play some more later tonight.

[waddle2120]

I see a couple of folks on, not sure what the plan is.

I made a new game with a lvl 1 character, gonna start heading through act 1-

npf1/imp

[01d55]

We seem to be having some trouble all getting on each other's friends lists. Some people can't add anyon as a friend at all! Here's how:

/f a [account name]
Adds someone to your friends list. D2 friends lists don't check for the existence of an account so if you get it wrong (say, using a character name instead) it'll just put the wrong name on your list.
/f l
Lists all your friends, if they are online, and if so what they are doing. If you are mutual friends it will tell you the name (but not password) of private games, otherwise it will just say "in a private game."
/f w [text]
send a whisper to everyone on your friends list

Oh, and if your d2 account name isn't your forum account name, mention that.

Got some more runes:
El (x3) eld tir ith(x2) tal ral ort thul sol

Hit pindle a few times, got the unique war scythe for my trouble. Prevent monster heal!

Also got a nice rare battle staff: +1 sorc skills, +2 fire mastery, +57 mana, 6% mana leech, and change.

[Amake]

Well, I decided to risk my nifty Median files to try and brave the murky waters of reinstall. Turns out my trepidation was decidedly foresightful as my computer crashed in the early stages of installing LoD. So I downloaded it, reinstalled again and got a little worried when I still couldn't get past the unfinished LoD install. So I uninstalled everything again and am currently downloading the basic game. (5 hours remaining.) Unless the ghost of the killed install process has actually cursed my computer by supernatural means, I'll see you soon.

(Maybe it doesn't want me to play Necromancer.)

[Vauron]

To uninstall Median, all you needed to do was replace Patch_D2.somethingorother with one from an unmodded game. I've still got all my median stuff in a folder, should I decide to switch back.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I'm gonna list some folks I know the names of, maybe it would be a good idea if we had every player in one neat list so everyone can befriend everybody else. So far I'm the only one I know of who has a different name than his NPF account. Because my horribly generic name was already taken. So I took the name of my snobby alter ego who only ever speaks German. You don't have to get that joke, you weren't there when Atomschlag was born.

List o' NPF users on the US West of the Diablo Two (The ones I know of)
NPF: InsaneGenius
Account: Atomschlag
Character: Ketsarku
Build: Bonemancer (His Spear pierces everything but solid walls and the shrubbery in act 5)

NPF: Vauron
Account: Vauron
Character: Vauron (not sure about that, but I think that's it)
Build: Lightning Sorceress (Electrocutie)

NPF: waddle2120
Account: waddle2120
Character: Behemazon
Build: Bowazon (Raining arrows on, like, everything)

NPF: Menarker
Account: Menarker
Character: Sharl
Build: Windy Druid (No use runnin', Stormbringer comin')

NPF: The Wandering God
Account: thewanderinggod
Character: Bjarki
Build: Bear Druid (A frikkin' bear)

NPF: Sithdarth
Account: Sithdarth
Character: Sorry, I don't remember
Build: Paladin Zealot (Crusher of the infidels)

NPF: 01d55
Account: 01d55
Character: Daddori
Build:

It's not like the character name is important, I'm just listing it for completions sake, some people have more than one anyway. Mostly for muling purposes.

EDIT: Added Builds to my knowledge, because I'm bored.
EDIT2: I just did a quick game before dinner to kill Mephisto. His drop was pretty crappy, but a random mook dropped me a Amulet with +1 to the Druids shapeshifting skills and about 30 to life. The first time we killed Baal he dropped a Circlet with +1 to all of the Barbarian's skills In case someone new decides to play a barbarian.

[Vauron]

Build: Lightning Sorceress (Electrocutie)

That amuses me more than it should.

In unrelated matters, the fact that the Countess gives better runes than the hellforge annoys me. (Eld? Really? At least she gave 2 Tal runes.)

[waddle2120]

I'm gonna be pretty busy the next few nights; so don't expect to see me much.

I'll try to check the forums to see how much I have to catch up.

I'm lvl 38 right now; and I've saved Cain on NM.

EDIT-

as far as runes go; i've got quite a few of the lower tier runes; I try to keep at least 2 of those on hand (once i get to 5 I combine 3 into the next rune).

I have a Thul and an Amn as well.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I'll wait for some of the others before I start Nightmare, I'm just doing some occasional Boss runs to get stuff (Baal can drop pretty neat shit, I once got a +Skill Charm, too bad I'm out of luck).

I'm on now, if anyone needs/wants help from a Level 36 me, just drop me a line.

[Amake]

To uninstall Median, all you needed to do was replace Patch_D2.somethingorother with one from an unmodded game. I've still got all my median stuff in a folder, should I decide to switch back. Yeah but I've got a script thingy that runs Median off version 1.11 for plugy and there's no telling what might have happened to that.

Anyway, I'm on now, username InvisibleQueen, got a skelliemancer called FearCommaItself. (Figure I'll respec when we get far enough that we need poison to neutralize monster heal, or if lag becomes a problem.)

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Hunting super beings for powerful items isn't what it used to be. I level way too fast while killing puny prime evils and get nothing for it. I don't want to get too far ahead so I try to gain the least EXP possible. It's still kinda hard if you go for Baal. It's (totally) funny because usually it's the other way around. I'm level 38 now. I have lotsa Stat and Skill points to spare because I always look for a challenge (you could also read that as "I'm lazy")

[01d55]

Just found the unique composite bow (rogue's bow) - it's got nice mods but the base item is like the 3rd kind of bow you'll ever find.

Waddle, if you're willing to spend an amn to upgrade it I'll save it for you, otherwise it gets vendored

[waddle2120]

I don't think I would use a rune to do that, if the bow had mana leech i would have considered it.

[Menarker]

Well, in my mad lust for money and power, I accumulated almost a whole stash full of runes, multiple set or unique items, hit level 44ish, and got one of my wishlist items "Magefist", while also having all the runes for one dose of Spirit runeword even though I'm still missing the base items to put it on (4 socket broad sword or 4 socket Monarch Shield).

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Well finding a suitable Monarch works best in Cowgames on hell, I guess, so that'll take a while.
I'll be on later this evening (evening for me, that is)

On a not really related note: I found a copy of StealthBot on my computer. I never used it, I just downloaded it way back to see what I could do with it.
It would theoretically be possible to have the channelbot keep track of all games with NPF in their name, as far as I've seen. I don't know if this would be of much use at this point, I just thought I'd mention it.

EDIT: We could also just have Rex The Wonder Dog standing around in some channel barking at everyone who enters.
EDIT2: Okay, I now found a Paladin shield with +2 to all paladin skills. The thing is huge so it would be much appreciated if our Paladin could tell me whether he wants it. Level requirement is 42, though.

EDIT3: Menarker, Do you still need a Dol? I just found two, but I only need one.

[Menarker]

Got a Dol Rune. I should update my rune list when I get home from school. Thank you anyhow.

Hate the project I got going on.

[01d55]

Rhyme - shael + eth - is a pretty good caster shield for cheap.

I'd like to build venom - tal dol mal in a 3 socket weapon. (gives ITD and PVM - itd is great for a kick build and PVM is essential for killing the super high level bosses)
Claws don't start popping 3 sockets until very late, however, so that's something of a long term aspiration. If we're real desperate for PVM we could always build malice instead - ith el eth (super cheap) but it drains 5hp so it's kind of annoying to carry around.

Of course everyone whose build uses shields wants spirit.

EDIT: I've heard that Larzuk will always give max sockets to a regular item if you use his quest reward on him. Waddle, if you run one of my alts to norm larz I'll test it on the first monarch shield you get.

[Menarker]

Updated Rune Count:

6 Ort, 6 Tal, 5 Amn, 3 Nef, 3 Tir, 3 Ral, 3 Ith, 2 Eth, 1 Dol, 1 Thul, 1 Eld.

Rune Wish-List:
2 Tal, 3 Thul, 2 Ort, 3 Amn, 3 Lem, 2 Ist, 1 Io, 1 Dol, 1 Um, 1 Ber, 1 Shael, 1 Ko.

EDIT: Note that I'm finding more and more runes with time such as the recent Thul I got. ^^ Thus I got enough runes for both Spirit items.

EDIT: To the one who was collecting Sigon's set and has already found a few items... I found Sigon's Shield. :3

I need to make yet another god damn mule. ^^;

EDIT: Found a unique axe that was ethreal. At first I lamented how it would suck because it can't be repaired... but then I identified it and found out that one of the mods was self-repair. So it turned out to be even more awesome. :3

EDIT: I heard that regarding Larzus's socketing reward, that it's likely that he'll give you max sockets if the monster you found the shield from was high enough level. Kinda a distinction from finding a breast plate in normal mode and finding it in nightmare, even though they are technically the same item.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

EDIT: I heard that regarding Larzus's socketing reward, that it's likely that he'll give you max sockets if the monster you found the shield from was high enough level. Kinda a distinction from finding a breast plate in normal mode and finding it in nightmare, even though they are technically the same item.

Basically you're right. You'll always get the maximum number of sockets possible. It's just that lower level items can't have as much sockets as the higher level ones. I don't know the exact numbers, though.

I always look for Monarchs in Hell's Cow Level without any MF Gear so the chance of a plain white Monarch dropping is higher. (This isn't so ideal if you don't already have a character in Hell)
Though, the number of Sockets you get from Larzuk for a Monarch shouldn't be affected by the Level of the item, since it's a pretty high level shield anyway. So socketing any Plain Monarch you find should be four sockets. Don't blame me if I'm wrong though. As I said, I don't know the exact numbers. Maybe a very early dropping Monarch shield will only get three sockets.

EDIT: I just killed the countess a few times in search of an Io. I didn't find one, but some other stuff...

Runes I have (Paranthesis indicate runes I need for myself, Everything else you can have, if needed):
(1 Tal, 1 Thul, 1 Ort, 1 Amn, 1 Dol), 1 Shael, 2 Eth, 2 Tal, 2 Thul, 1 Dol, 1 Ort, 1 Tir, 2 Ith, 2 Nef, 1 Ral, 1 Hel

Runes I need
1 Io
That's all right now, I don't want any of the real high level Rune words yet.

I'm Level 43 now (Leveling is way too fast, usually I wouldn't complain... but yeah)
What's your status now?

[Menarker]

^^ Funny how life works.

I read that if you get a sword and put it in a cube with 3 chipped gems, it'll gain a socket. And that the process is repeatable. So I was going through Countess in Nightmare to look for a normal broad sword of a high enough level, while getting runes on the side and then I would go back to normal and find about 12 chipped gems to test the theory...

WHEN BAM! A 4 socket broad sword dropped just for me. ^___^ JOY!

So I took SUPER CARE not to accidently insert one of the other runes or gems in my collection, having just killed off the Countess and all. Painstakingly double and triplechecked my Rune-Word Spelling.

Got my Spirit Sword and the seed is pretty damn good. (Seed meaning that the stats that can vary is high or low. Perfect Seed being that all the varied stats are at their max, while crap seed is where all the varied stats are low or close to low.)

Now, I got two of my wish list items. ^^




Shield: Monarch type Shield with 4 sockets so I can use Spirit Runeword.

Body: Runeword "Chains of Honor". Fairly pricy, so I understand if I might have to get this on my own. Prefer a Boneweave type armor (Elite version of chain mail) since my character will have 158 strength at least through other equipment or just by hard points.

Helm: Runeword "Delirium". To use on a druid helm with 3 sockets with +skill bonuses to Tornado/Cyclone Armor/Hurricane if at all possible.

Belt: Arachnid Mesh

Boots: Aldur's Advance (Part of a Set for the druid but powerful by itself.)

Rings: Stone of Jordan (2)

Amulet: Magical/rare with +2 Druid skills and a bonus such as +Life, or resists.
(Otherwise, Mara's Kaideoscope would be really nice.)

Grand Charms: As many +skills as possible, ESPECIALLY if they come with +Life, Resists and such. :3


And for my Merc! (Ethreal stuff is even more welcome)
Weapon: Runeword "Lawbringer"
Body Armor: Runeword "Treachery"
Helm: Andariel's Visage (Unique mask in Hell).

[waddle2120]

My Wishlist is for a Bow (any kind) that has a decent amount of Enhanced Damage and Mana leech. I used an imbue on a bow; and got something fairly decent (except it had NO enhanced damage, all the damage was elemental). It's not the end of the world if I keep using what I am; but when I get into NM and the leech %'s are reduced; I'm going to either need a ton of mana leech; or a good bow.

All the good runeword bows are waaaaay down the line (I think, I'll double check when I get time)

EDIT- I am lvl 39 and I have saved Cain in NM.

EDIT2- I could use a +1 skills Amulet; if I get on tonight it will be later; though not as late as I have been getting on; I might not be on at the same time as you until the weekend.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I did another Countess run and didn't found an Io, but an Amulet with +1 to Amazon Skills and 75 Poison resistance.

What's your status everyone?
My Level is 44 now, and I'm up to the Countess in Act 1 Nightmare. I guess I'll Not play too much until others want some Nightmare action.

Runes I have (Paranthesis indicate runes I need for myself, Everything else you can have, if needed):
(1 Tal, 1 Thul, 1 Ort, 1 Amn, 1 Dol), 1 Shael, 2 Eth, 2 Tal, 2 Thul, 1 Dol, 1 Ort, 3 Tir, 2 Ith, 2 Nef, 1 Ral, 1 Hel

Runes I need:
1 Io

I still got some items in my stash I don't need.
- 1 Druid helm with +1 to Werebear
- 1 Amulet with +1 to Shapeshifting Skills (Druid) and 32 to Life
(I'm looking into your direction TWG, in case you want those)

- 1 Wand with +2 to all Necro Skills as well as +2 to Bone Spear. (Level req is 48, I don't intend to use that since I hope I'll find an Io till then so I can use White)
- 1 Circle with +1 to Barbarian Skills (I don't think anyone will need that, I kept it anyway.)
- The above mentioned amulet Amulet with +1 to Amazon Skills and 75 Poison resistance. (waddle?)
- 1 Jewel with +5 to all Resistances

Also: I sometimes hang out in the channel NPF I'm always alone there, so I was quite delighted to find IQ there the other day. Just so you know that there are, in fact, people hanging around in the channel.

[Menarker]

I forget but due to all the running I have been doing, especially killing NM Andariel looking for Stones of Jordan, I'm around level 49 or 50. The exact level escape me since I'm not by my main computer at the moment.

As for the runes, later on I'll need a Shael rune like the one you're offering. (Got to recheck what runes I got.)

Level 51. Found the unique Edge Bow SkyStrike. I can pass it over to you if you want. It's pretty good even if it doesn't have leech.

[waddle2120]

I took a look at the Runewords for Bows-

My ultimate bow is a Breath of the Dying (which requires a Zod) rune; so in the meantime...

I've settled on "Harmony" to get me through; I need a Sol and a Ko; which shouldn't be too hard to get a hold of. Additionally I need a 4 socket Class specific bow preferably from the exceptional tier (E.G. Nightmare stuff)

[Menarker]

Have you looked at the Runeword Silence? It's damn powerful too if put on a bow. Not as expensive as Breath of the Dying either. And the resists would help you through nightmare/hell especially since you can't use a shield with a bow in Hell. (Your resists are cut down by 100% in Hell.)

But yeah, I found a unique bow that might tide you over in the meantime. ^^ Look me up when you see me ingame. (Probably not today since I'll be at work until late.)

[waddle2120]

Have you looked at the Runeword Silence? It's damn powerful too if put on a bow. Not as expensive as Breath of the Dying either. And the resists would help you through nightmare/hell especially since you can't use a shield with a bow in Hell. (Your resists are cut down by 100% in Hell.)

I'll call that Plan "B" ;)

[Menarker]

Hehe, ok. Just don't forget that I got Skystrike ready for you.

Skystrike
Edge Bow
Two-Hand Damage: (15-21) to (47-57)
Required Level: 28
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 43
Bow Class - Normal Attack Speed
+150-200% Enhanced Damage
Adds 1-250 Lightning Damage
2% Chance To Cast Level 6 Meteor On Striking
30% Increased Attack Speed
+100 To Attack Rating
+1 To Amazon Skill Levels
+10 to Energy


How is everyone doing overall? I only seen three others on a fairly regular basis. Only saw Vauron about twice or thrice and only saw TheWanderingGod (Bjarki) once.

If people are struggling, I can grab the rare/unique items I come across (got a small collection myself) and aid them that way.

[krogothwolf]

For some reason I thought you guys were playing Hardcore :( I was tempted to reinstall it but I've been depressed since my lvl 98 hardcore guy died with only 1/8th a bar left to 99 :( It was sad. And now that you guys are all in your 40's and 50's it seems pointless. Oh well, maybe next game.

[Vauron]

Well, I'm a ways behind everyone it seems. I only finished Baal off two-three days ago, and I haven't hit level 35 yet.

[Sithdarth]

I just hit level 35 myself. Ignore those guys they apparently have nothing else to do but kill the Prime Evils all day long.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Hey, It's not taking me all day to kill them, like, 5 to 10 times to find items for you catch-uppers to use. Sadly I didn't find stuff for everyone.

But don't be put off by being behind.
If someone wants to start playing now, I might consider leveling my mule (which has a very empty inventory) to help you out a bit.

[waddle2120]

I've been leveling my mules/alts; one of my goals before the end of the week is to have all my mules as permanent characters...

I'm also more than happy to play with people who need to catch up some; or jsut sit in the game to make the monsters give more exp; whatever works best for you.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I'm on now. Sitting idly in the NPF channel. I'll do some other stuff at my computer but will occasionally check there. So if anyone's up to anything drop me a line or two.

[Menarker]

You gotta sign on! I found 4 unique items in one run! ^__^ Fricken awesomeness. One wizard staff, one crossbow, one bow, 1 armor which my merc is wearing happily.

EDIT: Guess I'll wait on the channel too.

[krogothwolf]

I suppose I can re-download it from Blizzard and reinstall it.

[waddle2120]

ooo bows and Xbows! which ones?

EDIT- only 7 hours until I can get online to play; stupid job....

[krogothwolf]

What all isn't being played right now?

[Menarker]

ooo bows and Xbows! which ones?

EDIT- only 7 hours until I can get online to play; stupid job....

Well, I'm going to make an amazon mule/alt using one of those bows (Riphook), so I'll offer you the bow Skystrike or Hellcast the XBow. (Or I could give you both if you think you could use them.)

Got a "Mask of Horror" from one of the Minions of Baal. Combine that with the Riphook and Strafe for tons of fun. ^^

[waddle2120]

Skystrike appears to work better for me than the Hellcast

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I just spent 90 stat points I had left.
Most of them in Vitality.
I didn't have any life problems with just 200 HP, now I have a bit over 400

I'm still looking for an IO.
If you have a really low level character I could whip out my level 10 or so mule to help you a bit. I'll be on now for a while.

EDIT: Got IO.

This wand is so evil its stats are displayed in German.
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/826/whitefi.jpg (http://img97.imageshack.us/i/whitefi.jpg/)
Just let me summarize it by saying that It boosts Bone Spear, my main attack skill by 8 points. All other Poison and Bone Skills by 3 (or more) and a nice 20% extra cast rate.

[Grimpond]

Going for a Summoner/Boneomancer build

Acct: Grimpond
Char: Grimpond

NPF1
kingsteve
EDIT: All done for now, much thanks too Atomachslag

[A Zarkin' Frood]

[08:33:55 PM] <Atomschlag> when did you start?
[08:34:20 PM] <Grimpond> originally? like, 6-7 years ago, it's been pretty on and off since then
[08:34:45 PM] <Atomschlag> same here
[08:35:55 PM] <Grimpond> yeh, I had to reinstall since I got my new system
[08:36:11 PM] <Grimpond> man, I forgot how trippy the music was
[08:36:42 PM] <Atomschlag> I really liked it, but I heard it so much it's kinda boring now
[08:36:50 PM] <Grimpond kicks rex in the bawls>
[08:36:57 PM] <Grimpond> mmm
[08:37:11 PM] <RexTheWonderDog bites Grimpond in the nuts>
[08:37:26 PM] <Grimpond> dont hurt your teeth on the brass plate
[08:38:35 PM] <RexTheWonderDog doesn't know any comeback to that>
[08:38:41 PM] <RexTheWonderDog humps Atomschlag's leg>
[08:38:47 PM] <Atomschlag> FFFFFffff

Rex is supposed to hump someone every once in a while. Like six minutes. But he seems to do it a lot more often. Almost as if he enjoys it or something.

Gonna update the list of players here. Did I forget anyone?

Updated list o' NPF users on the US West of the Diablo Two (The ones I know of)

NPF: InsaneGenius
Account: Atomschlag
Character: Ketsarku (Level 48 or so)
Build: Bonemancer (His Spear pierces everything but solid walls and the shrubbery in act 5)

NPF: Vauron
Account: Vauron
Character: Vauron (above Level 35?)
Build: Lightning Sorceress (Electrocutie)

NPF: waddle2120
Account: waddle2120
Character: Behemazon (Level 40-ish I believe)
Build: Bowazon (Raining arrows on, like, everything)

NPF: Menarker
Account: Menarker
Character: Sharl (Level 50-ish)
Build: Windy Druid (No use runnin', Stormbringer comin')

NPF: The Wandering God
Account: thewanderinggod
Character: Bjarki (Level ?-ish)
Build: Bear Druid (A frikkin' bear)

NPF: Sithdarth
Account: Sithdarth
Character: Holysaw (Level 40-ish)
Build: Paladin Zealot (Crusher of the infidels)

NPF: 01d55
Account: 01d55
Character: Daddori (? ?-?)
Build:

NPF: Invisible Queen
Account: InvisibleQueen
Character: FearCommaItself (Level ?-ish, at least 9, I suppose)
Build: Summon Necromancer (I can see dead people, a lot)

NPF:Grimpond
Account: Grimpond
Character: Grimpond (Level 13)
Build: Bone/Summon Hybrid Necromancer (they call it an Armymancer, I think. Anyway, this build does, like, every damage type possible depending on how you play)

[Sithdarth]

So I fought a ghostly ghost today. I have no idea how a ghost becomes so much more ghostly than other ghosts that people say "Wow that's one ghostly ghost" but apparently it happened. He must have been the king of ghosts that's the only explanation possible.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

What happens when ghosts die?
Exactly.

Ghosts are people too.

[Sithdarth]

Just to put this out here I'm looking for exceptional one handed swords and exceptional shields. If they have 4 sockets that's great but if not I can work with no sockets as well.

[krogothwolf]

Grung the Barbarian has joined!

You guy's are doing ladder aren't you?

[Odjn]

Man can I buy this without going to a store?

[01d55]

Grung the Barbarian has joined!

You guy's are doing ladder aren't you?

I got a rare exceptional 2h sword waiting for you and also for me to get a new computer so I can play again.

[Menarker]

Glad to have you Krogoth. ^^ I got a rare and damn useful level 43 barbarbian specific helm that I was saving for my merc, but since have been sitting in my stash. PERFECT for you when you get higher level.

[Grimpond]

Man can I buy this without going to a store?

If you've owned d2 before, you can use the cd-key's to download them off the blizzard site.

Or you could buy it online with a credit card(?).

Starting up another game

EDITEDITEDIT:
npf2
imp

[synkr0nized]

Should I buy Diablo II for this y/n?

[Sithdarth]

Depends on how cheap you can find it for.

Here's a list of spare ruins I've got so far:

2x Eth, 3x Ith, 3x Tal, 3x Ral, 2x Ort, Thul, 2x Amn, Shael, Io

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Man can I buy this without going to a store?
Yes... http://us.blizzard.com/store/browse.xml?f=f:2

But it'll be cheaper, probably, if you buy it bundled in some store.
Dunno about where you live, but here you can get Diablo II + Expansion for €15 and less.

EDIT: Here's my runes I don't need right now.
1 Tir, 1 Hel, 1 Nef, 1 Ith, 1 Eth, 1 Amn, 2 Shael, 2 Ral, 3 Dol, 4 Thul

Additional Runes I have, but intend to use for myself
1 Tal, 1 Thul, 2 Ort, 1 Amn, 1 Sol

Runes I don't have, but need.
None right now.

[Odjn]

Bah.

I was gonna hammer it up but that didn't work out too well. Looking for a class that deals high damage, either 1 on 1 or AoE.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Then go for a cold sorceress and do some Blizzarding
Or be a werewolf.

[Odjn]

We're USAWest, nonladder?

[A Zarkin' Frood]

US West, Ladder

EDIT:
Here are some chat commands, because some people seem to have trouble with those.

Whisper someone:
/whisper (character name OR *account name (note the Asterisk))
/w (character name OR *account name (note the Asterisk))

See whether someone is online and in which game they are (in case you're mutual friends)
/whois (character name OR *account name (note the Asterisk))
/whereis (character name OR *account name (note the Asterisk))


Add someone to your Friends List:
/f a (account name)

View your Friends List (also functions as a /whois for your entire Friends List)
/f l

Message all your friends (This is what I use most of the time because I'm to lazy to whisper people)
/f m (your message)

EDIT2: I just played for three or so hours with Odjn. I was using my Mule Paladin so it was an... interesting gameplay experience since I decided that his main skill should be Vengeance but you learn that at Level 18. But it worked out in the end and we killed Duriel.
Grimpond is about as far since he mentioned something about how Duriel could suck his big fat cock. Maybe you two should get in touch.
Now I'm going to bed. In case you care.

[Odjn]

Yeah IG kept getting pissed that I gambled 12~ rares.

Edit: HA! Some crazy guy sold me a sword with a Tal/Flawless Ruby/Topaz in it, but I only paid him a ruby! :D

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I'll now bring you some vague information on how to find your way through some dungeons quicker. All that by completely legit means. That sounds too good to be true. And it doesn't always work... actually it does, but it may not be the shortest way sometimes.
But most of the time it's quicker that way.

The secret lies within knowing the fact that the random dungeon design isn't entirely random. The exit/waypoint/other landmark of importance is, most of the time, in the same direction starting from the entrance/waypoint/other landmark.
The only real trick is to know which direction that is (from the characters point of view). I don't know all the dungeon layouts, just a few, and I get mixed up some times.

For example, in the Durance of hate, to get to Level 3 starting from the waypoint you have to face the exit of the room with the waypoint and then go left from your character's point of view. If you're lucky enough it's just around the corner and you can find Mephisto rather quickly.

In the Countess' Dungeon it's always to the left, except in one level, but I don't know which one it is

In the Worldstone Keep, starting from the waypoint, you'd have to keep right to get to level 3 and in level 3 to the left, I think.

To get down to Nihlathak (mostly useful if you hunt for the Keys of Hate) there is a way, but I forgot (sorry). It's a bit more complicated anyway. As far as I remember it involves walking until you reach a certain point and then making a turn to the left or the right.

There are some maps which don't have a pattern that can be abused in such a way, but in most cases there is. It's helpful if you have some time to kill and want to go for one or two of the bosses to find some items. Mephisto is usually the easiest to find, but he's not really lucrative on Normal Difficulty.

I stumbled across that bit of information some years ago in some German Diablo II Forum, it was way more detailed, but I can't find it anymore.

[Hanuman]

Hey guys! My internet went down the last 2 times I typed in on this post, trying to say that my internets been rather shotty lately =/

Hope you guys are enjoying the game!
Since my connection only really functions well enough for gaming as much as the senile float into lucidity I won't be joining you guys in any serious campaign, but I'd be more than happy to contribute to it when you have a missing player, or just messing around when not campaigning.

This is going to be interesting... I haven't played softcore for about 2 years.

[Menarker]

^^; I found beating Act 4 easier than beating Act 3. All because those Council Members and those ABSURB bone fetish are such pains in the ass! Heck, I managed to kill Nightmare Diablo without dying. (Same couldn't be said for my merc)

[A Zarkin' Frood]

What the hell?
You already beat Act 4 NM?
And I thought people have to catch up to me.

Well, I'm gonna go braggety and promise that I can beat every Nightmare and Hell act boss without dying, Solo. Ha. (Not as hard at all if you can imprison your enemy within bones, which have absurdly high HP in Nightmare and are damn near indestructible in Hell.)

I have no work today and nothing to do.
So who's on for some Nightmare slaughtering.
Or Normal Slaughtering, I can whip out either my Level 23 Mule or my Level 15 Mule. I could also start a new mule character to help out some newcomers.
Visit the Channel NPF, maybe I'm there. Or my dog. I should be on either way.
What? I'm bored?

[waddle2120]

I'm in Act 4 NM; but I have no illusions of Diablo being easier than Mephisto (at least for me) I'm trying to get a few levels (I am lvl 57) under my belt so that my Valk has insanely high HPs; but even then I'm not certain that will give me the edge over Diablo.

I'm gonna be busy for a few days; so good luck to all.

[Grimpond]

I''m in A2 NM, but only thanks to sithdarth and menarker giving me a hand. currently leveling in A1 NM. level 36.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I'm going to go on a kill crazy rampage through Nightmare later because no one told they were already this far. Roar.
Anyone willing to risk a few limbs can join me.
I'll take your ears, MuddafuggazZ

EDIT:
just messing around when not campaigning.
This is how it always is. Not a problem for me actually, but a good excuse to pretend being pissed so I can kill my teammates. Har.

[Odjn]

I need a druiiiiiid weapon. I am in werewolf spec so it has to be fast or very fast.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I'm on my announced killing spree in Nightmare

Game: Beware I Live
Password: Run Coward Run

[Hanuman]

I've started a chantress and am going for max thunder storm, partly because I've never done it before and partly because I think it's most fitting RP wise.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I was thinking that we kinda have a weird group.
I've seen several groups being formed, and there were always, like, four paladins (three hammer, one smite), three sorceresses (all cold) and one Barbarian (designated bo-bitch)
Necromancers? For Nooblettes!
Assassins? Weak!
Druids? What? But we already have three cold sorceresses, what could we possibly need a druid for?
Amazons? Meh, Javas are so out of vogue.

But we have
Three Necromancers - one of which I've only seen once :( IQ, Don't let the Necro Tribunal die.
Three Druids - one of which I've only seen once :( TWG, Don't let the Druid Tribunal die.
An Amazon - using a bow, awesome.
A Paladin - Zealot, Not a hammerdin, weeee.
A lightning sorceress - well, it's not a cold sorceress.
An Assassin I've never seen - Well, most likely 'cause she's a ninja
And now we have an enchantress. A build I've never seen outside of Hardcore. Going for thunderstorm, a skill that's generally decried as sucking hard by the... Kool Kidz (who're not so cool as we all know).

Go NPF!

[waddle2120]

Well everyone knows that bows rule....

[Amake]

Sorry, but I remembered Sorceresses are much more fun to play. I've cast off my slave name and become Arcs. And maybe I'll play a little more in the immediate future than the two or so hours last week. ^_^

Interesting to note is now that there's respecs, Charged Bolt is about the only spell worth considering in the beginning. It is the only lvl 1 skill of mass destruction and all. But I figure it'll be fire later on.

Funny story: In the old days when immunities were newly minted it was held that a Sorceress needed three elements to solo properly. One build I liked was Meteor/Blizzard/Thunderstorm. They called it the "Weatherwoman" until someone (me) pointed out meteors aren't exactly weather. Now it's "Death from Above".

[Hanuman]

If you guys didn't have a weird group it wouldn't be fun, back in my megaguild back in the day we made the most minmaxed group ever, it took down EVERYTHING (Pand included) without runs, in seconds. the final stats were:
16 Auras on all the time, BO, inner sight, cursed and chanted:
Mercs-
Defiance
Blessed Aim
Holy Freeze + Meditation
Prayer + Thorns
Vigor + Inner Sight
Sanctuary
Might + Holy Shock

Party-
Concentration/Uuber Vigor
Fanaticism/Uuber Defiance
Conviction/More Holy Shock
-
Spirit of Barbs
Heart of the Wolverine
Oak Sage
-
Battle Orders + Battle Command + Shout + Offhand Demon Limb (Grants around level 16 Enchant)
-
Amplify Damage

Minions were a dozen or so Skeles, 6-8 Mages, 10 or so revives, Golem, Bears, Wolves, Ravens and vines.

Our powers were wind, hammers, fist of the heavens, WW+ Zerk, rabies, fury, corpse explosion and CB smite.

So imagine this, all characters glowing white out of the gate due to stacked aura animations to the point where it was just a blob of glow around 50 units within a vortex of hurricane, swirling hammers, twisters shooting out of it with whirlwinding barbarian, all weapons on fire as 2 werewolves leap from the back and pounce on the demons followed by wave after wave of skeletal soldiers, all on fire. The very air turns ice cold and freezes and electrifies everything, undead are knocked back in awe by just looking at us and even the most stout barricades of hell crumble under the sheer weight of our presence.
Good times, not very fun gameplay at that point though, heh.

If you want to maximize a character or two, here's a tool:
http://d2items.com/skills.php

[Odjn]

So I get how my build is supposed to function now, but it seems the farther I go in difficulty the harder it is for me to do that. Basically I need to build up feral rage and maintain it, then hit a bunch with fury and essentially getting unlimited hp with mana and life leech (a good deal comes from feral, like 30% at the moment maxed).

I need AR though, so I can hit more (I miss a LOT), and some higher damage/mana leech. Any suggestions?

[waddle2120]

More Dex!

As far as actual items there are some charms with AR bonus attached to them, Circlet's can have some funny mods; I found one with over 100 to AR, etc.

[Odjn]

Ok, I'm looking for


Runes: 2 Lo, 1 Mal, 1 Dol (This will let me make fortitude and grief :D)

Boots: Aldur's Advance
Gloves: Dracul's grasp

Shield: Something with neat resists or a 4s good shield.

Weapon: 5 slotted Phase Blade.

What I have:

Everything up to Shael and a hel rune.

Unique Dacian Falx Bing Sz Wang

67 - 158
+20 to str
5% chance of casting frozen orb (level 3)
+50 - 140 cold damage
Freezes target
Requirements -30%

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Yo, Lev, I kinda noticed some slight mistakes in your contact list in the opening post *thewanderinggod
*Sharl
*Waddle2120
*Jugan
*TheLevSharl and Jugan are characters of Menarker. His account name is Menarker.

You can use the list I made if you want, or use it as a base for your own. I added Odjn and you, So it should be complete.

The character it lists is only their main, though. No alts or mules.


NPF: InsaneGenius
Account: Atomschlag
Character: Ketsarku
Build: Bonemancer

NPF: Vauron
Account: Vauron
Character: Vauron
Build: Lightning Sorceress

NPF: waddle2120
Account: waddle2120
Character: Behemazon
Build: Bowazon

NPF: Menarker
Account: Menarker
Character: Sharl
Build: Windy Druid

NPF: The Wandering God
Account: thewanderinggod
Character: Bjarki
Build: Bear Druid

NPF: Sithdarth
Account: Sithdarth
Character: Holysaw
Build: Paladin Zealot

NPF: 01d55
Account: 01d55
Character: Daddori
Build: Assasin (Tiger Strike / Dragon Tail)

NPF: Invisible Queen
Account: InvisibleQueen
Character: Arcs
Build: Some kinda Sorc (Fire?)

NPF:Grimpond
Account: Grimpond
Character: Grimpond
Build: Bone/Summon Hybrid Necromancer

NPF: Odjn
Account: Odjn
Character: Odjn
Build: Werewolf Druid

NPF: Lev
Account: TheLev
Character: Salixia
Build: Enchantress

NPF: krogothwolf
Account: ?
Character: Grung
Build: Barbarian

EDIT: Thanks, Menarker.
EDIT2: Thanks IQ
EDIT3: Turns out I completely forgot krogothwolf. Don't know his Account name, though.
EDIT4: Thanks 01d55, I was kinda wondering.

[Menarker]

Daddori is an assassin. Tiger Strike/Death Sentry build to be precise if I remember correctly.

[Amake]

The name of my Sorc is "Arcs". I was inspired by certain curves in the character creation screen. If you know what I mean.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I know exactly what you mean and I updated the list. Thanks Menarker and IQ.
A little fun fact, I have no idea what my Character's name means, I only know it's Hungarian for something (actually spelt Kétsarkú or két sarkú, I don't know)

I also had a splendid time going through the sewers in act 3, because I joined Sithdarth's game the moment he found level two.
Thanks for that.

As a little reminder:
While assisting other people I leveled a barbarian mule to level 15 and a Paladin 24-ish.
If anyone needs help in those areas I wouldn't mind using those characters a bit to assist you some.

[01d55]

Daddori is an assassin. Tiger Strike/Death Sentry build to be precise if I remember correctly.

You don't. It's tiger strike / dragon tail, which actually makes sense.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I just was in an innocent muling game with Menarker and decided to go kill Baal and Diablo.

Baal wasn't too special, just a spectral shard and some boots with MF I may use when killing bosses.

Diablo on the other hand... four uniques (I forgot to put the boots on).
One of them a Skin of the Vipermagi with 30 to all resistances.
It's pretty much the best none runeword armor for casters so I'm glad to have it

The other three weren't really good, but I'm not complaining because I just found an item from my wishlist.

The others are:
Ripsaw Flamberge
Bverrit Keep Tower Shiled
Jade Tan Do Kris

If you want any of those three lemme know, Otherwise I'll sell them as soon as I need space in my stash.

EDIT: Okay people, I know this is hard to believe... look at what some random mook in the durance of hate just dropped me.
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/5732/whatthehellvj.jpg (http://img18.imageshack.us/i/whatthehellvj.jpg/)

[Menarker]

Oh man, you're so obscenely lucky today. :3

[A Zarkin' Frood]

So... who wants it?
I don't really have a use for two of them. I mean I'd love to wear them at the same time, but the game restricts me to one piece of armor at a time. I'm not really sure who could use it the most/at all at the moment.
Melee builds could also use it, of course, but the low defense and the lack of melee specific stuff makes it more useful for people who don't stand still in a cluster of enemies very often.

[Hanuman]

Viper magi would be good on pretty much any caster, I'd appreciate it because of the cast rate as I'm using damage skills until I hit a good level to restat to chant at.

Heh, reminds me of the time I found a leviathan on a fallen shaman out in cold plains.

[waddle2120]

I need to get me some MF gear!

[01d55]

With that armor resist and skills I'd use it but I've got that freeze-proof armor I'm planning to upgrade so it'd be better off in the hands of a caster.

EDIT: The following items are available to anyone who wants to use 'em

Unique war scythe (The Grim Reaper)
unique leather gloves (the hand of broc)
Sigon's Gage (huge IAS if you have any other Sigon's)
rare battle staff (+1 sorc skill, 2 fire mastery, 6 mana leech, 67 mana, and a bunch of junk mods)
rare claymore (80 poison damage, Prevent Monster Heal, 8 cold resist, 1 socket)
rare defender (+13 resist all, half freeze, 17 hit recovery)

Just ask if you see me online.

[Odjn]

I have a +1 assassin skills amulet, if you want.

[waddle2120]

I got a Mavina's Bow last night, so anything Mavina's that people find I would be especially interested in. Also after I reach level 70 I should be ok for a bit as far as bows go.

I'm going to be doing a lot of travelling for work in April; I've not yet tried installing D2 on my laptop, hopefully it works fine... I'll let you know.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

During the mysterious absence of the Forums I created a second non-mule character.

Say hit to Anamen. He's a druid. He summons wolves and transforms into a bear.
This build is very weak. But I always loved it. I'll totally solo Hell with that.

[Hanuman]

I believe our current rune score is between Mal and Gul, GJ GUYS!
We have way more than that in item stock, time to step up the trading!

Technically through normal trade ports it takes 32Guls (Gul*power5) to equal a single rune we need, but thanks to D2JSP's wacky way of doing things we can get a low enigma for 150fg where as a Lo can trade for 120... this means that we can shave off 2 runes meaning that our earnings are worth 8-16 times what they should be-- looks like we are almost there!

[Grimpond]

I have no idea what you just spewed out of your food-hole.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

D2JSP is an international D2 site for trading and rumor has it that you could download maphack there once and they weren't really opposed to it, last time I checked. If you wanna have a good time check out Europe's trading forums. They speak a very interesting English Pidgin there.

FG means forum gold and it is just a number that holds some sort of value over at jsp.
It's one of those things I'll likely never get. Some people pay real money for it.

Anyway, I wasn't on in the last few days. But I hope I'll be able to play some more again now.