09-10-2004, 01:58 AM
if you are really rich, socketing a 6 socket crystal sword with the right facets is probably the best idea to increase mage merc damage. the ideal would be +30% of one element's damage, -30% monster res. additional facets in the helm, armor and shield could get you even more damage. but acquiring perfect facets could get expensive. picking up some bad facets like 3/4 or something might not be too costly.
in the non-uber-expensive column, for a fire merc, hexfire would be pretty easy to get and effective also.
for cold or lightning, culwen's point could be decent. it has +1 skill and also 20% hit recovery and 50% poison reduction, 2 strong survivability mods for mercs.
azurewrath could be potentially useful for a merc, if he is high enough level to use it, and you can afford it. it gives +1 skill and also the sanctuary aura, which could help him prevent being surrounded by undead flayers or other undead nasties.
im pretty sure that there are no swords with fast cast on them. even hexfire, which is a sorc sword, has none. and as mentioned, heart of the oak wont work since it cant be made in swords. im pretty sure that fast cast does help act 3 mercs, so seek fast cast in your 3 armor slots. lidless is a good start with 20%.
in the non-uber-expensive column, for a fire merc, hexfire would be pretty easy to get and effective also.
for cold or lightning, culwen's point could be decent. it has +1 skill and also 20% hit recovery and 50% poison reduction, 2 strong survivability mods for mercs.
azurewrath could be potentially useful for a merc, if he is high enough level to use it, and you can afford it. it gives +1 skill and also the sanctuary aura, which could help him prevent being surrounded by undead flayers or other undead nasties.
im pretty sure that there are no swords with fast cast on them. even hexfire, which is a sorc sword, has none. and as mentioned, heart of the oak wont work since it cant be made in swords. im pretty sure that fast cast does help act 3 mercs, so seek fast cast in your 3 armor slots. lidless is a good start with 20%.