03-11-2003, 08:24 PM
Mercs should not be meat shields for necros. :blink: Most people treat mercs like red headed step children (and golems for that matter too), but for necros and zons, I've always been of the opinion that they should serve two purposes:
1) Bodyguard - they kill things on your behalf
2) Minion Assistant - they cast invaluable auras improving your playing experience
Load them up with the best gear you can find, and choose Act 2's always. Stay away from Act 3's for Necros. For Zookeepers, Might or Thorns are best, pick either. For Cursing Necros, best to analyze your playing style. Are you in the thick of it? (Thorns). Do you maintain a distance? (Might/Act 5) Do you PvP? (Might/Prayer/Act 5) I say Act 5's only because you can load them up with a TON of heavy def armor and let them attract attention.
Many people discount the Act 2 mercs because they think polearm weapons are slow, unwieldy, and unpowerful. Not true - Pick up a Cruel Colossus Voulge or better yet, a Cruel War Pike. Socket them, Shael them, and watch your killer go nuts. I know when I GF with my sorc, I have a Might loaded up with GF gear and I turn off the TS and Static everything for him and let him kill. (Oops, a little OT but just an example).
I'm kind of a Merc nut, I actually shop the NPC for the name - all of mine are Emilios. I will TP to town immediately once my merc dies, they play that big a part in my playing style.
1) Bodyguard - they kill things on your behalf
2) Minion Assistant - they cast invaluable auras improving your playing experience
Load them up with the best gear you can find, and choose Act 2's always. Stay away from Act 3's for Necros. For Zookeepers, Might or Thorns are best, pick either. For Cursing Necros, best to analyze your playing style. Are you in the thick of it? (Thorns). Do you maintain a distance? (Might/Act 5) Do you PvP? (Might/Prayer/Act 5) I say Act 5's only because you can load them up with a TON of heavy def armor and let them attract attention.
Many people discount the Act 2 mercs because they think polearm weapons are slow, unwieldy, and unpowerful. Not true - Pick up a Cruel Colossus Voulge or better yet, a Cruel War Pike. Socket them, Shael them, and watch your killer go nuts. I know when I GF with my sorc, I have a Might loaded up with GF gear and I turn off the TS and Static everything for him and let him kill. (Oops, a little OT but just an example).
I'm kind of a Merc nut, I actually shop the NPC for the name - all of mine are Emilios. I will TP to town immediately once my merc dies, they play that big a part in my playing style.