Fighter Sorc!

[adeyke]

Note that the +%def works on the base item type, in this case a mesh belt.

And note that the defense on upgraded items is bugged to be less than it should be in most cases. Certain items even lose defense when upgraded, especially if ethereal (the ethereal defense bonus is lost completely).

only exceptional uniques can be upgraded to elite on the ladder.

I know what you mean, but that doesn't match up with what you said.

Only on the ladder (or SP, TCP/IP or open) can you upgrade exceptional items to elite. You can't upgrade exceptional items to elite on non-ladder realms.