07-29-2004, 04:10 PM
You are correct about the danger that the unique version of an item might go by in the gamble screen, then you will never be able to get it that session. Have to be careful, I'm afraid.
Jamella's gamble screen is like that for everyone. I don't know why. It even happens in Single Player. it is very annoying for the "power gambler" :P
I usually try to make runewords in the preferable armour type, but if you only have one char and you really need it right away, it isn't crucial. The main reason people use Light Plate is for the lower Str requirement rather than stamina drain (and a speed penalty too) with heavier armour. Sorc don't usually have many points to spend on Str.
Faster Run/Walk does stack but it has diminishing returns. Movement speed is explained at length here.
Late A3 monsters are about the same level as early A4 monsters, certainly not less. They should be dropping about the same level in terms of base item - such things are fairly random of course. A reason you might be seeing lower quality items is because there usually aren't as many boss packs in the early part of an Act as the final stages. Bosses (even random ones) and champion monsters get a drop quality bonus that makes quite a difference. Also, the wraith-type monsters (such as Stranglers, also Gloams & Ghosts) don't drop the same as their more solid friends. They tend to drop more jewelry, charms, gems and runes, and less equipment items. Which can make a perceptive difference to your overall drops.
I have to admit I have never made Smoke in an armour, though I have heard good things about it. My developing caster chars usually get the (very good) Stealth/Rhyme combo. I would go for a 3 diamond tower over Ancient's Pledge (if you can lift one), but keep a look out for a Shael.
Good luck :)
Jamella's gamble screen is like that for everyone. I don't know why. It even happens in Single Player. it is very annoying for the "power gambler" :P
I usually try to make runewords in the preferable armour type, but if you only have one char and you really need it right away, it isn't crucial. The main reason people use Light Plate is for the lower Str requirement rather than stamina drain (and a speed penalty too) with heavier armour. Sorc don't usually have many points to spend on Str.
Faster Run/Walk does stack but it has diminishing returns. Movement speed is explained at length here.
Late A3 monsters are about the same level as early A4 monsters, certainly not less. They should be dropping about the same level in terms of base item - such things are fairly random of course. A reason you might be seeing lower quality items is because there usually aren't as many boss packs in the early part of an Act as the final stages. Bosses (even random ones) and champion monsters get a drop quality bonus that makes quite a difference. Also, the wraith-type monsters (such as Stranglers, also Gloams & Ghosts) don't drop the same as their more solid friends. They tend to drop more jewelry, charms, gems and runes, and less equipment items. Which can make a perceptive difference to your overall drops.
I have to admit I have never made Smoke in an armour, though I have heard good things about it. My developing caster chars usually get the (very good) Stealth/Rhyme combo. I would go for a 3 diamond tower over Ancient's Pledge (if you can lift one), but keep a look out for a Shael.
Good luck :)
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