an assassin compendium

This guide is for Diablo II: Lord of Destruction v1.10; it is under constant revision. Its editor is AK404; the materials contained within can be found in guides by KalBear, Jonathan Spectre, howlingantfoods, the Amazon Basin, Lurker Lounge, diabloii.net, and Arreat Summit. Opinions expressed herein are solely that of the author, who is neither employed by nor represents Blizzard Entertainment. This document will serve as a guide; it is not the final word in all cases. Individual circumstances will call for individual attention. This is not a suggested guide for Hardcore. Diablo is a registered trademark and Blizzard Entertainment is a registered trademark of Vivendi Universal Publishing and/or its wholly owned subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

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Assassin by Numbers

Introduction to the Compendium
Part 1: Attributes
Primary Attributes
Strength
Dexterity
Vitality
Energy
Secondary Offensive Attributes
Damage
Elemental Damage
Non-Elemental Effects
Attack Rating & ITD
Leeching
Increased Attack Speed & Burst of Speed
Secondary Defensive Attributes
Defense Rating
Faster Hit Recovery
Blocking
Physical Resistance
Resistances
Absorption
Part 2: Skills
Martial Arts Skills
Physical Charge-Up Skills
Elemental Charge-Up Skills
Finishing Skills
Shadow Disciplines
Passive & Doppleganger Skills
Aura Skills
Psychic Skills
Traps
Fire Traps
Lightning Traps
Blade Traps

Equipment

Part 3: Weapons
Dual Claw vs. Claw & Shield
Basic Claws
Rare Claws: Desired Attributes
Rune Words
Alternative Solutions for the Assassin on a Budget
Exceptional Claws
Unique Claws
Elite Claws
Upgraded Unique Claws
Part 4: Armor and Jewelry
Basic Armor and Jewelry
Amulets & Rings
Body Armor & Rune Word Armor
Shields & Rune Word Shields
Belts
Gloves
Footwear
Helmets & Rune Word Helmets
Exceptional Armor and Jewelry
Elite Armor and Jewelry
Part 5: Set Items
Basic Sets and Set Items
Hsarus' Defense
Iratha's Finery
Sigon's Complete Steel
Partial Set Bonuses: Angelic Raiment, Death's Disguise, Tancred's Battlegear
Individual Set Items
Exceptional Sets and Set Items
The Cow King's Leathers
Orphan's Call
Individual Set Items
Elite Sets and Set Items
Natalya's Odium
The Disciple
Partial Set Bonuses: Tal Rasha's Wrappings
Individual Set Items
Part 6: Unique to LOD: That Other Stuff
Charms
Socketing
Hirelings

Assassin Development: Handling the Learning Curve

Part 7: Development
Variants (incomplete)
Trapper
Martial Artist
Blade Fury Assassin
Walkthrough in a Nutshell
Plays Well With Others
Amazons
Barbarians
Necromancers
Paladins
Sorceresses
Assassins
Druids
The Summary: Universal Multiplayer Tips
Part 8: Etiquette
Trading
Dueling and Dueling Etiquette
Part 9: Miscellany
Abbreviations
Frequently Asked Questions
Links & Acknowledgements

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