Smiter and Hammerdin guide. V2 by L4E

[L4E]

Link_4_Ever's Guide to The Three (main) Paladin builds

Hello and welcome to Link_4_Ever's guide to the Paladin builds.
This guide will go through the THREE (3) most popular builds for the Paladin, hence the Zealer, the Smiter and the Hammerdin.
Well here is the guide, Enjoy! (at the time I wrote this, zealots were popular L)
This is a character building guide, not a strategies guide. If you want strategies, then make your own or ask someone else, as everyone has a different way to play)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Legal stuff:: This guide was made for D2SECTOR.NET AND BLIZZSECTOR.NET ONLY. It may NOT be plagerised onto ANY other forums or website UNLESS i have given my WRITTEN CONSENT. This guide may be copied for PERSONAL use but cannot be used for any financial gain whatsoever.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~


§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§= §=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§
The Smiter(aka guy who hits people with his shield)
§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§= §=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§


The Smiter, a powerful paladin made to massacre all his opponents with his powerful skill known as “smite”, His power comes from the fact that “smite” cannot miss and cannot be blocked (by a shield at least). Good luck when fighting one of those!

And according to the Arreat summit:

The sword of a Paladin represents the might of righteousness and his shield symbolizes the strength of his faith. Both are tools he uses to mete out justice. Just as righteousness can give his spirit the fortitude to overcome the attacks of the unjust, so too can faith be a weapon to strike back at those who work to defeat him. To this end, the Paladin has developed several combat techniques that use the shield not only for defense, but also as an offensive weapon.
Effect: Shield bash that does damage and knock back.

• Smite always hits a target in range, so Attack Rating does not matter when using this skill.
  
• Smite does not work with Life/Mana % Steal.
  
• Smite is a weapon skill and thus is affected by Attack Speed (e.g. 'Fanaticism') and is not affected by Cast Rate (e.g. -of the Apprentice). Smite works with any "X% Chance to cast level Y (spell) upon striking" ability on your weapon.
  
• Smite does not receive added damage vs. undead with the Sanctuary aura.
  
• The Fire/Cold/Lightning damage added to attacks with the Holy-Fire, Holy-Freeze, and Holy-Shock auras do not add onto Smite damage.
  
• Smite can steal life with life tap cursed on target.
  
• Smite can also deal crushing blow and open wounds damage, but not deadly strike and elemental damages.
  
• Using Smite will reduce the durability of your weapon NOT shield

Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ
Skills
Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ


20 Smite (your main attack)
20 Fanactism
20 Holy Shield

After Fanact, HS and smite are maxed, do whatever you want (I dunno how to make a Vindicator/Templar so I wont bother)

If you don’t know what to do, try the following:

Max defiance, you will gain a giant defense boost. (My smiter has 62k def when using 4.1k stone with his normal gear)
OR
add Multiple points into resist fire (explained below) and charge and into Resist Lightning or put at least 10 skills in it.

Why?
Well, when using exile your resists will be 80/80/75/75; by maxing RL you get 80/80/85/75.

Why would you get that?
Because each TWO skills into RL (or RF or RC) will PERMANENTLY, and passively give you +1 to your maximum lightning resist (or fire or cold). THIS DOES NOT WORK WITH SALVATION.

Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=
Equipment
Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=

Smiter’s equipment is very complicated. Well actually… no not at all. Some idiots try to make it look that way but in fact, it’s very simple. A smiter requires resist, skills, and raw power (and a whole bunch of other stuff). So down here, you will see what I think is best (no I wont bother with alternates, If u wanna build a very good smiter you should lean towards this)

ALL BUILDS HERE USE CTA + SPIRIT ON SWITCH

Weapon: PHASE BLADE GRIEF (or Zerker for PvP) [Grief is the weapon that contains the highest “invisible damage” mod known to the Diablo 2 player. Unlike a Max Damage jewel, which does nothing, this mod does something (and it’s really, really something). The PB already has a base ias of 30, so even with the lowest grief your at 60ias without anything else (highest FPA reached if you have lvl 20 fanact), but a PB only has 2 range. A zerker has 0 base ias, but it does have 3 range.So when duelling, a zerker is highly recommended.

As a side note:
There are a WIDE variety of smiter weapons, I wont bother listing any others but,
Some people will say you should use LW for pvm, and grief for pvp. Theoretically, a LW is NOT a better weapon for pvm, but it’s a close call. LW is mainly a weapon you use for fun, it has high lifetap chances, fade and might, along with a shitload of CB. When you play with a LW you get a lot of fun, but a grief will still do more dmg in the end

Shield: Ethereal Exile Elite Paladin Shield with Resist (vs. Melee) [extremely High defense, excellent damage, resists, Defiance aura, + 5 to max Fire and cold resist]

Use HoZ for the +Skills, High res, etc etc. for anything other than melee


Armor: CoH (preferably eBugCoH) [65 res!! +2 Skills! 8% DR (which you desperately need for 50% DR) +20Str] PvM
Enigma is the PvP alternative. The FRW helps desynching and the str boost is very helpful
Some people say fort’s 300ed will work with smite, it's up to you to find out which of these three armors suits your needs since a different pally will use a different armor

Helmet: Ber Ber 27-31% DR CoA [ +1 skill, High DR!!! (Which you need for 50% DR) 20-30 resists!!! High as hell defense!] There is no point in a Kiras for ubers; you’re literally immortal with life tap. (if you use fort, dont bother going for this helm as you'd need insane amounts of str)

Ber’d shako is disputably as good, if not better, than a CoA, mainly because you would need A LOT of str to use a CoA, so if you use a shako, you could have about 70 more vita. It depends on what you decide your pally will be used for (I find coa is a better pvm helm, and shako a better pvp)

Gloves: Crafted 10% CB, 20%IAS and any other mods gloves (if you use a PB, you wont really need the 20%ias, but with a zerker it’s very important to have it in PvP)
The Arreat Summit - News for recipes
OR
rare ones 20%IAS +20 STR +20 DEX +3x triple resi (light, cold, fire). If you want to BM, Cleglaw's are for you. Tear any barb or Smiter apart.
If you’re afraid of not casting life tap quick enough, use Draculs grasps


Boots: Gore Riders, mainly for CB and OW (preferably uped, if your builds str allows it)
Shadow Dancers are an excelent alternative if you have the str, very nice FHR bonus along with alot of Dex (and super high def)

Belt: 11-15% DR Verdungo’s [30-40 vita!! 11-15% DR that you need for 50% DR, and the good defence]

The BM alternative is an Arachs, combined with cleglaws you'll make ur opponent wish they were already dead (and then of course you kill them


Accessories: (if on west) Raven Spiral (or rare +20 STR +15 DEX +life +mana +3x triple resi rings) / Raven Frost/ Maras [massive dex boost and resists]

other realms: Raven Frost/ rare +20 STR +15 DEX +life +mana +3x triple resi rings/ Maras [massive dex boost and resists]
There's always the alternative of absorbtion rings, dwarfs, another raven, wisps

With this gear u reach the highest IAS breakpoint (54% after lvl 20 fanactism I think). I suggest using FHR scs to reach an adequate FHR breakpoint (86% I believe) along with PCMBT gcs to increase your dmg and life/res scs. A good combination of all three is the best inventory


Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=
Stats
Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=
Ok these are quite simple. (and the same for Zealer and Smiter)


Enough Strength to use you highest requiring item (after all the charms and other equips are on)

Enough Dexterity to get 75% Block rate in hell after Holy Shield (if you use PB grief then you might need a bit more, or some dex charms)

When you’re done with Str and Dex, Everything else goes in Vitality

Nothing for energy

Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=

End of Smiter Build

Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=






§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=
The Hammerdin
§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=


The Hammerdin is a powerful new build that was first introduced by D2 players as the patch 1,10 was released. This Palading uses Blessed Hammer as his main skill, along with Teleport and Concentration as his right-hand skills.
It is possible to make a low budget hammerdin without enigma and such, but if you do he will not be able to PvP as well and will die 90% of the time

The hammerdin according to the Arreat Summit

The Visions of Akarat tell of a hopeless battle. Legions of the undead had laid siege to a small convent of nuns who were the keepers of a sacred relic, the Hammer of Ghrab Thaar. Suspended over a fiery chasm within the convent, the sisters knew the Hammer to be a powerful vessel of the Light and vowed never to allow it to fall into the hands of evil. With no weapons of their own, and no one to defend them, the nuns sacrificed themselves to destroy the hammer. Rather than let the undead despoil the church and the relic, they took the hammer and plunged themselves into the fiery chasm. At that moment, a powerful force of Light washed over the undead legion, striking them down where they stood. Since that time a well-trained Paladin is able to tap the remnants of this released energy, whirling a magical hammer to strike down his adversaries, especially the forces of the walking dead.

Effect: A summoned Hammer spirals ******d, damaging enemies. The Undead take additional damage.


This sends out a little glowing Hammer. The Hammer spins around you making a wider and wider turn until it disappears.
Blessed Hammer has the ability to damage multiple enemies if it hits them.
Ignores the resistances and immunities of Undead
Also receives bonuses from Concentration

Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ
Skills
[SIZE=3]Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ[/SIZE]



This is quite simple really.
20 Blessed Hammer
20 Blessed Aim
20 Concentration
20 Vigor
a few in HS (for max block bonus)
rest into resist light/fire/cold (distribute points in two's for these skills)
then 1 in any other skill you like (1 in redemption for example)


Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=
Equipment
Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=

A hammerdin’s equipment is pretty simple, and most hammerdins will use the same, although there may be a few complications. So I’ll just list the most high end possible gear u can get. Let’s take a look shall we

THE NORMAL HAMMERDIN (86fhr, 26%DR) (not many explanations, as this is the usual everyday hammerdin you see):

Weapon: Hoto [40fcr, +3 skills, 30-40 res. without a doubt the best for a hammerdin]


Shield: Spirit Sacred Targe /w 40+ Res [55FHR, +2 Skills, 35%FCR, Mana, vita, resists, simply the best] (for PvP, this is superior to HoZ)

Armor: Enigma Mage Plate [55Str req, adds teleport, huge Str bonus]

Helm: Shako ber'd

Belt: Arachs mesh

Boots: Eth Treks [huge psn res, str + vita bonus, kick ass defense, FHR]
Or duped realm boots (like imps on west)

Gloves: Trang's gloves (or magefists)

Accessories: Soj/Bk/ +2Pally/10 FCR, other mods Crafted Ammy.

invetory of lifer/resist scs and a few fhr scs for 86% bp
typical everyday hammerdin


Now heres the 200FHR hammerdin (8%DR) (not your everyday hammerdin, an experimental build)

Weapon: Hoto [40fcr, +3 skills, 30-40 res. without a doubt the best for a hammerdin]

Shield: Spirit Sacred Targe /w 40+ Res [55FHR, +2 Skills, 35%FCR, Mana, vita, resists, simply the best] (for PvP, this is superior to HoZ)
The only way you will ever reach 200%FHR bp and 125%fcr bp is with this shield. It also has the highest blocking of all regular pally shields. The other advantages HoZ will bring are negligible in PvP


Armor: Enigma Mage Plate [55Str req, adds teleport, huge Str bonus]
When you use an enigma mage plate, you will need Zero points into Str, and with the gear I recommend, you wont be str bugged unless you change armour


Helm: +2 Pally/ 20Fcr /Res /Dex /2x Shael/ Rare Circlet
Shako is an alternative but it will be harder to reach 125%fcr bp and 86%fhr bp


Belt: 10FCR/ 24FHR/ Dex (if possible)/ Res/ Life/ Crafted Light belt or higher
Arachnids mesh as an alternative if you cant afford the above circlet

Boots: Eth Treks [huge psn res, str + vita bonus, kick ass defense, FHR]
Or duped realm boots (like imps on west)


Gloves: Upped Bloodfists [30FHR, 40life]
Magefists or trangs gloves if you’re low on fcr


Accessories: Soj/Bk/ +2Pally/20 FCR/ other mods/ Crafted Ammy


*Charms: 2x 12Fhr PCBMT GC + 2x 5fhr. The rest = Lifers/resist scs (20/11), skillers for pvm, torch, anni



With EXACTLY this gear (not alternatives) you reach 203FHR, 125FCR. With the 200FHR you will have a higher chance of being able to take down wind druids and other hammerdins that have the usual 86fhr, always depending on how you play your character You will be doing over 10k damage depending on your charms.and will have a shitload of life too



Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=
Stats
Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=


This is the most fun part of your hammerdin. His stats.

Str: none
Dex: none OR (not recommended) 155 Dexterity at lvl 90 (75% block)
Vita: all
Energy: none

say hello to 3k+ empty inventory hp

With torch and anni you won’t need any str to use your enigma, with enigma you can use all your gear and wont need to worry for items disappearing cuz of str bug (as long as u have your anni and torch).


Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=

End of Hammerdin Build

Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=


§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§= §=§=
The Zealer(aka zealot, zealadin) *POSSIBLY outdated and innacurate*
§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§=§= §=§=
The Zealer according to the Arreat Summit
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Arreat Summit
A noble Paladin, fervent in his dedication to righteousness, can draw upon the spirit of that dedication to perform seemingly impossible tasks. When surrounded by his enemies, a Paladin versed in this skill sets upon his adversaries with the zealous fervor of many times his number.
Effect: Quickly attacks multiple adjacent enemies.
Zeal increases your Attack Rating, and allows you to attack multiple adjacent monsters. Additional points into Zeal increases Attack Rating and increases the number of swings per use of Zeal up to 5. Zeal allows you to take a lot of very quick swings at a monster while at the same time increasing your attack rating.Zeal is uninterrupted.



A Reminder - There is no point in making a Zealer if you arent diablo 2 wealthy. Unlike smiters, Zealers are always expensive, or else they suck.

Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=Þ
Skills
Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=Þ

Well, a Zealer basically uses Zeal, so even though this part is mainly pointless I’ll still write it down for those who are skeptic.

Max out these (1 to 5 respectively for optimized power at lower level)
1. Sacrifice (Zeal damage synergy)
2. Zeal (your main skill)
3. Fanactism (giant ias +ed boost, your main aura)
4. Holy Shield (massive defense +block rate increase)
5. Defiance (optional for defensive synergy to Holy Shield)
OR
5.Blessed AimThe Passive Bonus is 5% Attack Rating bonus per hard point invested while the aura is not active
(thx to snoboy for bringin this to my attention)

Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=Þ
Equipment
Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=Þ
Equipment on a zealer always varies, from PvM to PvP, from caster vs melee to barb vs zeal, it just never ends

The gear I will discuss about will be for GENERAL use, meaning you will be able to duel, and usually win, except if your opponent is using specific gear to defeat you.

Weapon: Grief Zerker with 34 Ias (after various tests, It's been concluded grief is the superior zealot weapon)

Shield: -CHAM Stormshield vs. Melee [35% DR!! Some resists, defense and cannot be frozen]
-Pheonix pally shield with 45Resist for casters (1 charge would nearly kill most casters)

Armor: Fortitude Archon [300% ED (1.5k-2.xk more damage) Over 1600 Defense, 25-30 Resist All, 80-120 life at level 80 (1-1.5 per level) +5 to Max Light Resist]

Helmet: -Visionary Tiara of the Whale (Shael+40/15Max) vs, Melee (extremely godly, visionary helms can have very different mods, a rare tiara with life, res, 2socs is best.)
-2soc CoA vs Casters (2xShael) [Mainly for Resists and fhr]

Gloves:Rare/Crafted Gloves with 20%ias (mandatory), str, res, and stats like that.

Boots: Gores (we are going for maximum dmg build, the DS is extremely helpful)

Belt: 15% DR Verdungos (must have for 50% DR with ss)

Accessories: Angelics OR [ravens for cold sorb, wisps for light sorb, dwarfs for fire sorb]

The best way to reach 50% DR is SS+15% Dungos but there are other ways, so do whichever you like
With this equipment u will surpass the needed ias for the highest ias breakpoint. If u use CoA and 2x 5fhr scs u will reach 4frames FHR breakpoint.

The average DMG for this zealot is 11k with pheonix, and 7k without it., which is simply put, insane. Not to mention 4FPA is reached (highest ias bp).

Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=
Stats
Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=
Ok these are quite simple.

Enough Strength to use you highest requiring item (after all the charms and other equips are on)
Enough Dexterity to get 75% Block rate in hell after Holy Shield
When your done with Str And Dex,
Everything else goes in Vitality
Nothing for energy

Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=

End of Zealer Build

Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ= Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=




Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=

End of L4E’s guide

thanks to FraterPerdurabo for many adjustments
Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=Þ=




CNC is very important. if u think its all wrong tell me exactly what i need to change.


FM unsticky my old one and re-sticky this one if you dont mind, thanks

Also looking for someone who might know enough about 1.11 zealers to help me re-write that part

[FraterPerdurabo]

Yet another Smiter discussion

By the way, I think you should post all 3 guides separately, makes it a lot easier to read. Now, onto the build:

Defiance: You recommend maxing out Defiance, and using Exile. I think that this is a huge waste of skill points. I believe that if you are really intent on using eExile (which means that this is a PvM build), you shouldn't max out Defiance. Instead, put points into Resist Fire or Charge.

Also, how about adding a PvP section to this as well? Because at the moment, this is really PvM stuff. So for that, I'd recommend:
1 point in Holy Freeze for SvS
1 point in Vigor for easier desynch.

Upped Zaka instead of Exile - for obvious Life Tap reasons (and you can also max out Defiance).

Maybe elaborate a little more on amulets. You haven't mentioned Highlord's either.

Armor: I think that Forti is an awesome choice for a Smiter. Let's calculate the damage with Forti. I made a Smiter for some testing a while ago, so let's look at him (uses similar gear):
lvl 31 Fanatiscm = 560
lvl 33 Smite (lvl 33 Holy Shield) = 495%ed
210 STR (I think that this is added into Smite attack as well, isn't it?)
Forti

(actually I'm not sure whether this calculation is correct or not, since I cannot remember whether Fanatiscm bonus was calculated with or without the other mods)
So perf Grief and Upped Zaka and Forti:
(46+400)x(5.6+2.1+4.95+3) = 6979.9 (after PvP penalty and max DR%) = 581.7
without Forti:
(46+400)x(5.6+2.1+4.95) = 5641.9 (after PvP penalty and max DR%) = 470.2

Once again, I am not sure that the calculations are 100% correct, but from those figures, you can see that the damage difference is quite substantial. Enigma is nice for +skills, +STR, FRW% (better desynch), life%, but Forti also has very sweet mods (extra damage, even more defense, life, resi). Imo, CoH is a very bad option. Not enough +STR to be better than Enigma, resis don't matter (explained afterwards) and the +2 skills is abundant.

Gloves: The ones that you mentioned are nice, but also, you can get rare ones 20%IAS +20 STR +20 DEX +3x triple resi (light, cold, fire). If you want to BM, Cleglaw's are for you. Tear any barb or Smiter apart.

Boots: Shadow Dancers. If you are not keen on using them, at least mention them in your guide, especially since you are using CoA. The +25 DEX on them is awesome for getting max block, and the FHR% is irreplacable.

Rings: I'm not familiar with U.S. dupes, so it would be nice if you listed the stats. On Europe, Smiters use +20 STR +15 DEX +life +mana +3x triple resi rings. Other than that, use a combo of Raven/Wisp/Dwarf (according to the rest of your gear of course, you wouldn't want to go too BM. In Europe, GM duels allow 1 piece of max resi/absorb per element [Hotspurs are BM], so you could use Raven and Dwarf).

Belt: Verdungo is definately the best choice, but Arach is awesome when it comes to BMing. Combined with Cleglaw's, you'll tear apart any melee chars.

So much for the Smiter part then.

edit: you completely forgot to mention charms for your Smiter. I'd recommend 20/11s, 3/20/20s, or 20/3xs (+defense).

As in for a Hammerdin, it's an unusual way of building one, but I would certainly disagree on it's efficiency. 200%FHR is very, very unnecessary for a Paladin. You can already reach 4 frames at 86%. The only reason for why you would want to go 200%FHR would be vs Wind Druid, but with this setup, you will have such low DR%, that it will not change a thing.

Hammer skills: HS is not really needed for PvP imo (it's an option, but certainly not the only one). Get at least lvl 14 with all gear choices for max block% and put rest into resist lightning/resist fire.

Rest of gear: Your build is quite different to any PvP hammer's, but I don't think it's very good. The entire setup.

Charms: 20/11s are the only option (once you have enough FHR% scs). Pcombs are only for PvM. 20 life SCs are way more useful than skillers. Also, +20 life 5%FHR scs don't exist, both are suffixes.

[L4E]

well i wrote "exile for melee" and hoz for everything else
maxing out defiance is also for melee duels i guess, the defense gained is really insane. lifetap is bm but ive never really seen it help THAT much to any smiter in pvp.. exile is really just for the insane defense bonus

ill add the idea of adding to charge/ fire resist, seems like a good thing to do
also ill add the 1 point in HF and vigor, i completly forgot about those :S

fort is an alternative, i guess, but id rather use an enigma (bonus str is a bit of ed too) and coh is mainly a pvm armor, especially for ubers its quite helpful. I personally would use fort if u plan on charging often and actually expecting to land hits, but most smiters have too low ar to hit with charge =/
and a small flaw in ur calc is that coh adds +2 skills, so the dmg without fort is a bit higher

ill add those gloves as well
shadowdancers too, completly forgot they existed..
the dupes on west are pretty much the same rings u said, except a bit different. ill change it to clarify

why use a highlords? :S

for the hammerdin its a strange build indeed, but its either u get a bit of DR, or u get this setup for max FHR. The max fhr isnt a survival pally, its more for a "in your face" pally, where u just tele on the person and do hammers, and with the 200fhr it should be enough to kill ur opponent before he kills u

ill change the skill tree a bit

Also, +20 life 5%FHR scs don't exist, both are suffixes.

wow, i feel stupid now..xD


ok made some changes, added a normal hammerdin part (tell me if its right) and a few stuff

[FraterPerdurabo]

Proper suggestions (Y)

I'm a little tight on time right now, but I'll probably come online in a few hours, so I can reread it all. Besides that, very nice job! Good guides!

[PoTatoes]

beautifully done. just one quick question...why points into res cold lite and fire. wouldnt the points be put to better use in holy shield?

[Bartender]

I can get 200 fcr and 200 fhr on a hammerdin ez w/o equipment.

*tmc mod* hai.

[Mathalamus]

the holy sheild is already maxed at that point.

[FraterPerdurabo]

beautifully done. just one quick question...why points into res cold lite and fire. wouldnt the points be put to better use in holy shield?

the holy sheild is already maxed at that point.

For Smiter yes. For Hammerdin, you don't necessarily need HS (you only need lvl 14 with all gear).

well i wrote "exile for melee" and hoz for everything else
maxing out defiance is also for melee duels i guess, the defense gained is really insane. lifetap is bm but ive never really seen it help THAT much to any smiter in pvp.. exile is really just for the insane defense bonus

ill add the idea of adding to charge/ fire resist, seems like a good thing to do
also ill add the 1 point in HF and vigor, i completly forgot about those :S

fort is an alternative, i guess, but id rather use an enigma (bonus str is a bit of ed too) and coh is mainly a pvm armor, especially for ubers its quite helpful. I personally would use fort if u plan on charging often and actually expecting to land hits, but most smiters have too low ar to hit with charge =/
and a small flaw in ur calc is that coh adds +2 skills, so the dmg without fort is a bit higher

ill add those gloves as well
shadowdancers too, completly forgot they existed..
the dupes on west are pretty much the same rings u said, except a bit different. ill change it to clarify

why use a highlords? :S

for the hammerdin its a strange build indeed, but its either u get a bit of DR, or u get this setup for max FHR. The max fhr isnt a survival pally, its more for a "in your face" pally, where u just tele on the person and do hammers, and with the 200fhr it should be enough to kill ur opponent before he kills u

ill change the skill tree a bit

wow, i feel stupid now..xD


ok made some changes, added a normal hammerdin part (tell me if its right) and a few stuff

Highlord is needed if you are using Cleglaw's for example. Also, it's nice in SvS to have a little stacked IAS%.

I can get 200 fcr and 200 fhr on a hammerdin ez w/o equipment.

*tmc mod* hai.

Yeah, but not everyone is a noob and some people actually like playing the game. I don't see why you bothered to post that dumb comment.

[L4E]

lol tommy u never change xD

Originally Posted by PoTaToes
beautifully done. just one quick question...why points into res cold lite and fire. wouldnt the points be put to better use in holy shield?

Because each TWO skills into RL (or RF or RC) will PERMANENTLY, and passively give you +1 to your maximum lightning resist (or fire or cold). THIS DOES NOT WORK WITH SALVA

and to add to that,

For Smiter yes. For Hammerdin, you don't necessarily need HS (you only need lvl 14 with all gear)

frater, what is (y) supposed to mean lol, see u type it everywhere and i never manage to figure it out ><

final adjusments made to the layout, apart from any build mistake, is it pretty well readable guys?

[FraterPerdurabo]

frater, what is (y) supposed to mean lol, see u type it everywhere and i never manage to figure it out ><

final adjusments made to the layout, apart from any build mistake, is it pretty well readable guys?

Try it on msn. (Y) is the "thumbs up" smiley.

I don't agree with yout hammer build still, but it's different to everyone else's, so you might as well keep it. Good job!

[crimson-tide]

ya, maybe ill read it latter and post on it? lol

Smiter
hmm i disaggree with your choices on teh smiter, and some of ur info is wrong,
1. With a 70% CB LW, gores, and gull helm, you can have 100% CB, this means u take a way 10% of their remaining life every hit, and this is factored in before damage, this makes greifa better PVM choice than grief, '
2. forts 300% ed does increase ur damage but it isnt as large amount, due to the fact ur doing very low damage
3. coa>Shako in pvp, if u are built around a Enigma as most of the pvp smiters are, this is true, beacuse they will reach Max DR, if they are using dungos with 11DR, and perf coa or any combination to reach MAx DR.
4. if u can afford 20/5 life res SC's then Enigma > COH in any option,
5. and if u want more damage, use eth upd HOZ this is the bset weapon for a smiter out their, if they are using dracs, they will be fine,

zealer
1. Bugged eexile with 1.7k def, lvl 16 defiance 62ed/45 res, this is a superior sheild, if they can afford a Perf Coa, because, they can reach perf DR just from that, 31,7,15 if their gear is all perfect, and the exile will add more def than a SS
2. you should list other options for Weapons, Death Cleaver, and ebotdz are nice if they cannot afford a greif, then Ebotdz, if they want to use something with more DS but can afford a grief, get Death Cleaver,
3. why do u over look taht Fort Adds 7 DR????????? with the gear ur using u could use a 10% DR dungos and be just happy,
The only reason i can see u did not list these choices, is because u play GM, if u play BM then u are deffintly using some of the worst gear choices with that zealer

and i have a friend useing EBOTDZ on his zealer hitting 9k Damage, using levi, ..... ur guide to the zealer is lacking, hes using Levi, and a eexile

hammerdin
all i suggest
1.is using an 08 valk for 30 to FCR,FHR,FRW,and IAS which isnt needed but ill list it anyawys