08-05-2004, 06:56 PM
Hi Hulk,
I wouldn't really call this fire claws druid messed up. You mention you think something is missing, but you can't put your finger on it; are some monsters causing you trouble? Are you attempting pvp with this build and failing? Aside from your sorrow at putting a few too many points in str, it's unclear where you're having issues which are causing you to feel this druid isn't right. There are certainly some tweaks you could consider, but this build should certainly be rocking the sanctuary suburbs.
That said, I have a few suggestions.
Firstly, skill point allocation. You quote 106-107 (dependant on prereqs) skill points allocated at 85. I imagine this is a mistake - do you mean lvl 95? As you'll only hit 110 skill points when you reach 99, you'd be a wonder to have all those points so soon :) Assuming you do mean 95, I'm impressed you've got so far whilst still feeling there's something lacking from your build!
Dependant on whether you play mostly pvp or pvm you may want to go for an even more strict 'max synergy' build, and look to maxing volcano rather than going with the points in lycan/bear. I don't really consider that a necessity though, your damage is fine as-is, just a suggestion since you're looking for tweaks.
On Equipment, you list "Imp Shanks", since these aren't a unique item I'm infering that you're assuming we're familiar with the oft-duped US West Rare boots (30frw, 20fhr, 49%lit res 22%psn res 35% fire res)? We don't deal with dupes here at the LL, so my advice would be to ditch these. There are several other good boots you could go with. Not only rares, but also some uniques such as sandstorm trek or waterwalks for life/dex. Bloodfist are good gloves, but you could consider others too, souldrainer or draculs grasp can be useful - again, just throwing ideas at an already great setup.
Again, dependant on where you play this druid, you could swap out the raven for a second angelic ring (more likely for pvp than pvm). You could also go for a 110%IAS/Resist phase blade if you play HC, or just get a kick out of high res, although the two 15% ias jewels your using in it seem reasonable enough anyway!
On the skill points strength score, I don't see it as too much of a blow, I certainly don't build my chars with the precise min str req they need, I tend to find it hampers my growth if I'm not twinking until late, and I enjoy using the early levels to hone my skill usage.
In summary - Great druid, I can only suggest some minor tweaks. Ditch the duped boots and enjoy playing up a new druid if you decide to make one - In my experience, learning your strengths and weaknesses comes from progressing your character through the game and getting through the challenges diablo throws at you.
Regards,
30ftSmurf
I wouldn't really call this fire claws druid messed up. You mention you think something is missing, but you can't put your finger on it; are some monsters causing you trouble? Are you attempting pvp with this build and failing? Aside from your sorrow at putting a few too many points in str, it's unclear where you're having issues which are causing you to feel this druid isn't right. There are certainly some tweaks you could consider, but this build should certainly be rocking the sanctuary suburbs.
That said, I have a few suggestions.
Firstly, skill point allocation. You quote 106-107 (dependant on prereqs) skill points allocated at 85. I imagine this is a mistake - do you mean lvl 95? As you'll only hit 110 skill points when you reach 99, you'd be a wonder to have all those points so soon :) Assuming you do mean 95, I'm impressed you've got so far whilst still feeling there's something lacking from your build!
Dependant on whether you play mostly pvp or pvm you may want to go for an even more strict 'max synergy' build, and look to maxing volcano rather than going with the points in lycan/bear. I don't really consider that a necessity though, your damage is fine as-is, just a suggestion since you're looking for tweaks.
On Equipment, you list "Imp Shanks", since these aren't a unique item I'm infering that you're assuming we're familiar with the oft-duped US West Rare boots (30frw, 20fhr, 49%lit res 22%psn res 35% fire res)? We don't deal with dupes here at the LL, so my advice would be to ditch these. There are several other good boots you could go with. Not only rares, but also some uniques such as sandstorm trek or waterwalks for life/dex. Bloodfist are good gloves, but you could consider others too, souldrainer or draculs grasp can be useful - again, just throwing ideas at an already great setup.
Again, dependant on where you play this druid, you could swap out the raven for a second angelic ring (more likely for pvp than pvm). You could also go for a 110%IAS/Resist phase blade if you play HC, or just get a kick out of high res, although the two 15% ias jewels your using in it seem reasonable enough anyway!
On the skill points strength score, I don't see it as too much of a blow, I certainly don't build my chars with the precise min str req they need, I tend to find it hampers my growth if I'm not twinking until late, and I enjoy using the early levels to hone my skill usage.
In summary - Great druid, I can only suggest some minor tweaks. Ditch the duped boots and enjoy playing up a new druid if you decide to make one - In my experience, learning your strengths and weaknesses comes from progressing your character through the game and getting through the challenges diablo throws at you.
Regards,
30ftSmurf