this is with 27-35k sor (+25% deadly strike), buffed (2x quarak for bloodlust buff)
One thing that makes major difference, max immortal for 30 dodge, and that helps a lot.
Overall survival isn't an issue, unless multiple (3+) etherborns are on screen, or you fight a sapling guard while etherborns are hitting you.
As you can see with this damage, first sapling guard takes 19s to kill.. Etherborns sometimes take as little as 3-4s, and sometimes 10+ if they decide to teleport multiple times.
Dryad spawns seem to have similar resistance to phys damage as necrobots or balls in duncraig, so despite their low hp they die slow. Plus they run away and are immune to crushing blow.
Overall, surviving isn't a problem, aoe clearing seems decent too, single target vs tough enemies, not great.
Gear is rather ok, didn't get around to find proper belt, used endless loop, because thats what I had in stash.
Decided to go for
Mercy
Mercy
Gloves
'LewElq'
Runeword Level: 110
10% Chance to cast level 18 Punishers on Melee Attack
10% Combat Speeds
+(59 to 69) to Maximum Damage
+26 Defense
+(151 to 200) to Strength
(15 to 20)% to Vitality
gloves, more damage. Gotta keep in mind that with 2h axes, 500 str = 80% ewd. Which makes
Savage
Savage
Gloves
'YstFelKa'
Runeword Level: 110
+1% Weapon Physical Damage per 50 Strength or Dexterity
(Whichever is Higher)
75% Attack Speed
+10 Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(10 to 40) to all Attributes
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Maximum Cold Resist +1%
Cold Resist +25%
10% Magic Find
runeword not all brainless choice, because losing strength can cost you close to that damage via orange text. 5000 str = 100 ewd. Then count in flat damage on Mercy, which is close to ripstar bonus.
Anyway, I can only see really incremental upgrades.
Tried whirlpool oskill to boost single target, wasn't great, damage seemed similar to spamming earthquake (and worse aoe, leeching from trash).