Im sure this has been done before, but i need some input from you guys if possible.

Tesladin using dual dream + enigma + grief and fire sunder + light sunder with max//ar//life charms using zeal as main attack.

Act 5 merc using dual hoj + dragon + flickering flame.

1) How effective is this setup if you have tried and up to what player level?

2) How does the merc deal with lack of resistance from gear from this build or should flickering flame be swapped out for guillames with res or arreats with res or even a coa with appropriate jewels (facets..ias//allres...etc). I dont like builds where i have to use pots all the time.

3) If i do use flickering flame, does the merc benefit from a flickering flame used in an eth base barb helm (+combat, +war cry, etc...)?

4) Do synergy hard points in the pally skill tree affect auras (my mercs holy fire aura, my holy shock aura from dream)?

5) As far as self all res capping @ 75....I know it will be difficult to do with a fire and light sunder at the same time (although my fire res wont need it since merc is wearing flickering flame). Do i even need a light sunder wince i will be using zeal and grief?

TIA for all responses! I have lots of questions and not many knowledgeable people to ask, so any information is appreciated!

merc doesn't add much

right now i level my pvp tesladin with phoenix sword for redemption aura and my act 5 merc has grief and last wish so it's just easy mode with the amount of sustain. if you use grief instead of phoenix you may clear faster but then you would have to spend points for prereqs to get redemption just my fav set up because i never need potions and it can kill everything no fire dmg necessary

This post was edited by Aurasmiter on Aug 1 2025 08:59pm

a dragondin deals major fire damage because of skill synergies. a merc doesn't have that so you'll find his damage quite underwhelming.

you're better off just going for a classic a2 merc or an a1 faith merc

A Paladins Synergy only applies to the Paladin, not the Merc using Aura Items. The ONLY thing that applies to the Merc is the Conviction Aura that Reduces Resistences and Physical Defense.

You can not put a Fire Sunders on your merc to gain any benefits, also, fire immunity monsters in Hell are harder to remove for our mercs Fire Auras to be effective (based on LoD mechanics) ... hey, not sure on D2;r though, Lightning immunity is easier to get rid of with Conviction alone (well based on the skill level, same as cancelling out Uber Mephistos Conviction aura).

From the two(2) previous posts and my one, I am sure you will come up to a conclusion of what your merc will be using, you may even change the merc.

My pref... Might wielding Pride ... Basic Ral'd Andys and Fortitude ... you can choose Hustle or Treachery ... up to you to test I would say.

Have fun and learn as you go.

Have merc use something that can proc lower resistance

Here is an older builds item, basically 0 tele, however uses "Charge" to get around just as fast. So this means you would Swap Enigma to Fortitude (not sure if there are others types of fort) ... reasoning, the +300% enhanced damage is for your Griefs +350-400 Added Damage. Using a Might + Pride (Conc Aura) helps increase that also.

The Dreams combined auras only adds to the Weapons Base damage if I remember correctly, of course the Pulse damage is separate, So using Sunders and Conviction is a great addition both for lightning damage and reducing the monsters physical defense.

If you can, I think this person had a good Idea also.


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Main issue with charging in though, you are sometimes too far from the mercs Auras (Might + Conc)

Hey just a thought, it is oldschool after all.