12-05-2003, 12:59 AM
Its likely with synergies fireclaws is about as effective as any other skill. The problem lies in the commitment in skill points to attain that synergy. Characters are forced to really be specialists now or risk being ineffective. Being an effective summoner requires about all the points you can afford on a character. The question regarding skills becomes do you want to be weak to pi and have strong summons or strong vs pi and have weak summons? Since PI are the minority I think the former is more acceptable. I think the best solution will probably be in the equipment of you or your merc.
I found a merc weapon last night that had base damage but did about 300 lightning damage. Solo hell Act2 I found that he pretty handily took care of PI's given he wasn't overwhelmed in numbers. Using shockwave was very beneficial in giving the merc and summons time to dispose of the tricky pi in the mob.
I can certainly see finding (or making) a much better weapon than what I used. In addition putting Najs circlet or something rare with ele damge on your mercs head with some ele dmg jeweled armor could really boost and diversify his elemental damage.
I found a merc weapon last night that had base damage but did about 300 lightning damage. Solo hell Act2 I found that he pretty handily took care of PI's given he wasn't overwhelmed in numbers. Using shockwave was very beneficial in giving the merc and summons time to dispose of the tricky pi in the mob.
I can certainly see finding (or making) a much better weapon than what I used. In addition putting Najs circlet or something rare with ele damge on your mercs head with some ele dmg jeweled armor could really boost and diversify his elemental damage.