feel free to comment / converse here

This post was edited by ferdia on Feb 13 2022 07:57am

I think the only point worth adding (that isn't stated above) is: if you manage to get a 2 sock claw (18dex/-30req), then it is probably worth going with upgraded (x1) swordback for max block setup. The 50% ow helps alot (vs every char) and you only sacrifice about 30-50life depending on other eq/dex adds.
With upgraded swordback the jewel you'll want to use is 6dex/-15req/cold dmg, more dex on jewel = higher lvl req and will make the shield 30>

Edit: something else to note:
If you can get 1kmana pool, you won't need insight.
This means you can use +2shadow/+3venom claws x2 on switch..... this will give you lvl 8 bos. If you use bloodfist gloves (10ias) you will not need 20ias in the main hand scythe to achieve max trap laying speed.

This post was edited by chum on Feb 13 2022 09:07am

I'd add something regarding how summons behave:

1) Shadow Warrior uses the skills present on your left-mouse buttom and your right-mouse button. So you can control what she does by having skills out, even if your character isn't using them. (dragon tail on lmb & mind blast on rmb is ususally best as they can both cc).
additional information regarding warrior & mind blast interaction: when warrior detects an enemy, she will cast mind blast up to a total of 4 times at most. then she runs in to do melee attacks. if you want to keep your clone active in her cc, you can disengage or recast her after you see her run in.

2) Shadow Master does not care about which skills you put on your rmb/lmb. there was an old thread showing that master potentially casts skills you put more skill points in, but i found the findings pretty unconvincing. this has to be retested on d2r to know exactly how they behave in their skill selection. so far what ive noticed is that SM seems to simply favor martial skills.

master + mb thread 1: https://www.diabloii.net/forums/threads/shadow-master-spell-selection.394165/
master + mb thread 2: https://www.diabloii.net/forums/threads/mind-blast-1-point-or-2.716096/

3) Shadow Master will be immune to elemental attacks (including poison) if you cast her at lvl 10 and she casts Fade.You can abuse this by resummoning her repetitively with high +SM claws (and your 2 sojs/vmagi) and repeat until she casts Fade instead of BoS. This will be much easier in patch 2.4 with summon timer reduced to 0.6s from 6s. Summons skill level are snapshot, meaning you can swap to +0 SM claws and your summon cast on +10 will conserve her immunity.

4) If your readers are interested in a lightning sentry / kick hybrid, I would argue that getting rid of SoJ is mandatory (mdr bug). A kicker maxing dragon talon and using battle boots typically reaches 250-350 sheet dmg (assuming its a vit build with no ed% jewels). 300 average phys dmg going against a target with vmagi & soe will deal approximately 43 dmg per kick. However, if you have the lightning dmg from your sojs on top of that, instead of 43 dmg, expect 20 dmg instead. thats more than a half your dmg gone as a penalty only because you are wielding sojs just beware of this bug on any character that deals physical dmg.

This post was edited by WereWolf12345 on Feb 13 2022 09:43am

Well written guide. Great for those trying to learn the ropes for LLD Assassin.

PS. Immune Shadow in LLD. Seems toxic

Easiest way to achieve this is:
1Sin/30frw/20fcr Hat: +1
1Sin/10fcr Ammy: +1
Vipermagi: +1
2x SOJs: +2
= 5 Points

2x 2 Shadow Disc Buff Claws = +4
1 Hard Point into Shadow Master = +1
= 10 Points (Immune Shadow Master)

This post was edited by Azn Masta on Feb 13 2022 09:50am

T4I Bui and Wolf

This post was edited by ferdia on Feb 13 2022 10:00am