Storm Crows Assassin

[Deathadvocat]

Storm Crows Assassin

Introduction

The Storm Crows assassin is a dexterity-based ranged build with decent sustain and the ability to play most content in the game (probably all, I haven't tried everything yet). It requires a fair bit of farming and good gear lategame, but will reward you with almost no skill switching, max block, avoid and decent damage. It started out as a variation of the Maelstrom Assassin but is now preferred by me because of it's ability to leech life and sustain much better like that.

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Pros and Cons
Pros

SSF build with moderate farming
Good boss KIller
Max-Block
High Avoid Damage
Almost no skill switching
Almost no equipment switching (Only spare I carry is a second
Witchhunter's Hood

Witchhunter's Hood
Cap (Sacred)
Defense: (2136 - 2611) to (2161 - 2642)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(80 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Physical Resist 5%
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)


Witchhunter's Attire
(Assassin Claw Set)

with Onyxes for Phoboss)
Auto-Targeting main skill (No running after teleport bosses)

Cons

Mana is an issue early
Transition from early to midgame can be a little rough
Auto-Targeting main skill (No possibility to target against summoning bosses)

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Skillplan

1 Point for transition Skills
Perfect Beeing MAX
Way of the Spider REST
Storm Crows MAX
Maelstrom 1
Wychwind 1
Way of the Griphon MAX
Way of the Phoenix MAX
Specialization MAX
Tenacity MAX
Endurance MAX
Prismatic Cloak MAX
Way of the Raven MAX

Put about 5 points into Storm Crows early and then put the remaining skill points there when the other goals are met. Putting too many points early will increase mana cost too much.

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Attributes

Strength - None
Dexterity - All
Vitality - None
Energy - None

You will need to put points into Strength early and then respec when you get some uber-charms. Early I like to just split 50:50 between Strength and Dexterity.

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Breakpoints

Attack Speed                         Hit Recovery

FPA - Attack Speed                   FPA - Hit Recovery
15  - 0                              9   -   0
14  - 7                              8   -   7
13  - 14                             7   -   15
12  - 23                             6   -   27
11  - 35                             5   -   48
10  - 54                             4   -   86
9   - 83                             3   -   200
8   - 133

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How to play

Most of the time you can just stand still and attack with Storm Crows. Don't try to target anything, just hold down Shift to attack. If monsters get close throw in the opposite direction, that will focus your knives on the closest enemy. If you face low-mobility monsters use Whychwind for high damage. If you see that your knives aren't hitting the right monsters you can switch to Maelstrom. As you max Dexterity Maelstrom will still do decent damage even though it's just a 1-pointer. It's hard to explain but you will get a hang of it pretty quickly. Also use the videos from the Uberquests section for reference.

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Mercenary

I like to use an A2 Shapeshifter early to tank mobs, but lategame it isn't really useful at all. If you feel like using one look to the Mercenary Guide

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Gear

Early Game

► Show Spoiler

Gear
Weapon:

Ironsleet

Ironsleet
Balanced Knife (4)
Throw Damage: (9 - 11) to (19 - 30)
One-Hand Damage: (7 - 8) to (16 - 27)
Required Level: 7
Required Dexterity: 91
Item Level: 29
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
5% Chance to cast level 10 Cold Fear on Kill
5% Chance to cast level 3 Knife Throw on Striking
+(8 to 17) to Maximum Damage
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Damage
Weapon Physical Damage +12%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (1)
Throw Damage: (33 - 38) to (64 - 78)
One-Hand Damage: (23 - 26) to (51 - 62)
Required Level: 26
Required Dexterity: 132
Item Level: 40
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
6% Chance to cast level 20 Cold Fear on Kill
6% Chance to cast level 7 Knife Throw on Striking
+(26 to 34) to Maximum Damage
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Damage
Weapon Physical Damage +24%
Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Throw Damage: (79 - 87) to (133 - 151)
One-Hand Damage: (45 - 49) to (94 - 108)
Required Level: 44
Required Dexterity: 258
Item Level: 67
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
7% Chance to cast level 30 Cold Fear on Kill
7% Chance to cast level 11 Knife Throw on Striking
+(43 to 52) to Maximum Damage
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Damage
Weapon Physical Damage +36%
Cold Resist +(41 to 45)%
Socketed (2)
Throw Damage: (104 - 114) to (173 - 192)
One-Hand Damage: (57 - 62) to (118 - 132)
Required Level: 54
Required Dexterity: 508
Item Level: 85
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
8% Chance to cast level 40 Cold Fear on Kill
8% Chance to cast level 13 Knife Throw on Striking
+(52 to 60) to Maximum Damage
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Damage
Weapon Physical Damage +48%
Cold Resist +(46 to 50)%
Socketed (2)

Armor:

Akara's Robe (1)

Akara's Robe
Quilted Armor (1)
Defense: 74 to 100
Required Level: 10
Required Strength: 10
Item Level: 255
+50 Defense
+(6 to 10) to all Attributes
+50 to Life
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
Cannot be Upgraded
Socketed (2)

Shield:

Black Sheep Wall

Black Sheep Wall
Totem Shield (4)
Defense: (47 - 51) to (91 - 100)
Chance to Block: 4%
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 44
Item Level: 10
+1 to Assassin Skill Levels
+(4 to 5) to Maximum Damage
Adds 6-8 Magic Damage
2% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(12 to 23)% Enhanced Defense
4% to Dexterity
+2 to Light Radius
Socketed (1)
Defense: (175 - 189) to (290 - 313)
Chance to Block: 4%
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 65
Item Level: 31
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+(7 to 9) to Maximum Damage
Adds 18-23 Magic Damage
4% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(35 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
8% to Dexterity
+4 to Light Radius
Socketed (4)
Defense: (442 - 473) to (701 - 750)
Chance to Block: 4%
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 137
Item Level: 51
+3 to Assassin Skill Levels
+(15 to 18) to Maximum Damage
Adds 61-68 Magic Damage
6% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(58 to 69)% Enhanced Defense
12% to Dexterity
+7 to Light Radius
Socketed (5)
Defense: (650 - 693) to (1025 - 1092)
Chance to Block: 4%
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 50
Required Dexterity: 282
Item Level: 77
+4 to Assassin Skill Levels
+(31 to 36) to Maximum Damage
Adds 150-200 Magic Damage
7% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(69 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
16% to Dexterity
+10 to Light Radius
Socketed (6)

Helm:

Topspin

Topspin
Skull Cap (4)
Defense: (76 - 83) to (115 - 125)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 28
Item Level: 1
5% Attack Speed
+(31 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 50) Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
(3 to 5)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
10% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (1)
Defense: (277 - 301) to (365 - 397)
Required Level: 20
Required Strength: 55
Item Level: 31
15% Attack Speed
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
+(71 to 100) Defense
(6 to 8)% to Dexterity
(6 to 8)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
20% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (3)
Defense: (704 - 760) to (876 - 943)
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 192
Item Level: 51
25% Attack Speed
+(91 to 110)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
(9 to 11)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
30% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1182 - 1258) to (1471 - 1564)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 384
Item Level: 77
30% Attack Speed
+(121 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+(301 to 400) Defense
(12 to 14)% to Dexterity
(12 to 14)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
40% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)

Belt:

Wormtongue

Wormtongue
Light Belt (4)
Defense: (53 - 58) to (71 - 78)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 26
Item Level: 1
(31 to 50)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5-13 Poison Damage over 2 seconds
(2 to 4)% Life stolen per Hit
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
Socketed (1)
Defense: (214 - 231) to (259 - 279)
Required Level: 21
Required Strength: 55
Item Level: 31
(71 to 90)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 19-50 Poison Damage over 2 seconds
(8 to 10)% Life stolen per Hit
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
Socketed (2)
Defense: (544 - 581) to (649 - 693)
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 192
Item Level: 51
(111 to 130)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 75-150 Poison Damage over 2 seconds
(14 to 16)% Life stolen per Hit
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
Socketed (2)
Defense: (801 - 851) to (946 - 1006)
Required Level: 46
Required Strength: 384
Item Level: 77
(131 to 150)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 100-250 Poison Damage over 2 seconds
(17 to 19)% Life stolen per Hit
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
Socketed (2)

Gloves:

Featherclaw

Boots:

Zealot Rush

Zealot Rush
Light Plated Boots (4)
Defense: (67 - 78) to (102 - 119)
Required Level: 6
Required Strength: 31
Item Level: 10
5% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(11 to 25)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(21 to 40)% Enhanced Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (1)
Defense: (248 - 281) to (338 - 384)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 62
Item Level: 36
10% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(41 to 55)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (613 - 685) to (817 - 914)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 218
Item Level: 51
20% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(71 to 85)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
(15 to 17)% to Dexterity
3% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Defense: (944 - 1044) to (1247 - 1378)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 436
Item Level: 85
30% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(86 to 100)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(81 to 100)% Enhanced Defense
(18 to 20)% to Dexterity
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)

Amulet: Rare with +Skills, and any combination of DEX, HR, flat damage, Life, Laek/Maek, and Res
Rings:

Ripstar

Ripstar
Ring
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 60
+0.5625 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
+20 Life on Melee Attack

Socket Fillers
Weapon: FAL Runes
Armor (except Shield): Perfect Res Gems (Amber, Bloodstone, Onyx, Turquoise)
Shield: Diamonds

MYSTIC ORBS
Weapon: Mana Steal; Life Steal; ED; Max Damage
Armor: ED; BtD; Max Damage; DEX
Jewelry: Mana Regen; Flat Def

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Mid Game

► Show Spoiler

Gear
Weapon:

Tracker's Strike

Tracker's Strike
Flying Knife (Sacred)
Throw Damage: (181 - 199) to (246 - 264)
One-Hand Damage: (131 - 142) to (193 - 205)
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 473
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
15% Chance to cast level 6 Knife Throw on Striking
50% Attack Speed
Adds 40-100 Damage
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Damage
+(41 to 50) to Dexterity
Socketed (2)

Creed
(Assassin Throwing Set)

Armor:

Akara's Robe (Sacred)

Akara's Robe
Quilted Armor (Sacred)
Defense: 2763 to 2831
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 350 to 395
Item Level: 255
+1 to All Skills
+500 Defense
+(31 to 50) to all Attributes
+200 to Life
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Requirements -(21 to 30)%
Socketed (6)

Shield:

Tracker's Effigy

Tracker's Effigy
Aspis (Sacred)
Defense: (2622 - 3277) to (3060 - 3825)
Chance to Block: 4%
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 368
Required Dexterity: 374
Item Level: 1
+(1 to 2) to Assassin Skill Levels
25% Block Speed
+(21 to 30)% to Poison Spell Damage
+(100 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
Elemental Resists +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -33%
Socketed (4)

Creed
(Assassin Throwing Set)

Helm:

Witchhunter's Hood

Witchhunter's Hood
Cap (Sacred)
Defense: (2136 - 2611) to (2161 - 2642)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(80 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Physical Resist 5%
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

Witchhunter's Attire
(Assassin Claw Set)

Belt:

The Endless Loop

The Endless Loop
Light Belt (Sacred)
Defense: 1101 to 1143
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 105
40% Combat Speeds
+(10 to 19) to Charged Strike
Slow Target 10%
+50 to all Attributes
+75 Life Regenerated per Second
+(0 to 1) Mana on Striking
Socketed (2)

Gloves:

Water

Water
Leather Gloves (Sacred)
Defense: (940 - 1175) to (954 - 1192)
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 335
Item Level: 1
+(100 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
(11 to 15)% to Strength
(11 to 15)% to Dexterity
Fire Resist +(31 to 50)%
(13 to 19)% Gold Find
Requirements -33%
Socketed (4)

Pantheon
(Amazon Bow Set)

Boots:

Zealot Rush

Zealot Rush
Light Plated Boots (4)
Defense: (67 - 78) to (102 - 119)
Required Level: 6
Required Strength: 31
Item Level: 10
5% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(11 to 25)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(21 to 40)% Enhanced Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (1)
Defense: (248 - 281) to (338 - 384)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 62
Item Level: 36
10% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(41 to 55)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (613 - 685) to (817 - 914)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 218
Item Level: 51
20% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(71 to 85)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
(15 to 17)% to Dexterity
3% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Defense: (944 - 1044) to (1247 - 1378)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 436
Item Level: 85
30% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(86 to 100)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(81 to 100)% Enhanced Defense
(18 to 20)% to Dexterity
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)

Amulet:

Athulua's Oracle

Athulua's Oracle
Amulet
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 60
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
40% Attack Speed
(150 to 250)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Cannot Be Frozen

Rings:

Ripstar

Ripstar
Ring
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 60
+0.5625 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
+20 Life on Melee Attack

Socket Fillers
Runewords: Life and Mana Steal Jewels
None-Runewords: FAL Runes

MYSTIC ORBS
Weapon: Mana Steal; Life Steal; ED; Max Damage
Armor: ED; BtD; Max Damage; DEX
Jewelry: Mana Regen; Flat Def

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Late Game

► Show Spoiler

Gear
Weapon:

Dawn

Dawn
Weapons
'Zol'
Runeword Level: 100
10% Chance to cast level 32 Celerity on Kill
45% Hit Recovery
(301 to 500)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
75% to Strength
75% to Dexterity
35% to Vitality
75% to Energy
+80 to Mana
60% Gold Find
+(2 to 4) to Light Radius

(Balanced Knife) or

Shadow Bite

Shadow Bite
Throwing Knives
'Phul'
Runeword Level: 110
+4 Storm Crows Projectiles
5% Chance to cast level 24 Hammertime on Kill
20% Combat Speeds
Adds 75-(160 to 180) Damage
Adds (200 to 300)-(400 to 500) Magic Damage
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
(5 to 10)% to All Attributes
+(100 to 200) to Life

(Balanced Knife)
Armor: Natasha's Legacy
Shield:

Svalinn

Svalinn
Shields
'RhalLoOhn'
Runeword Level: 115
-1% to Enemy Elemental Resistances per 150 Dexterity
8% Chance to cast level 7 Life Spark when Blocking
1% Base Block Chance
15% Block Speed
20% Hit Recovery
+(151 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(30 to 40) to all Attributes
(15 to 20)% to Dexterity
+200 to Life
Fire Resist +(20 to 25)%
Lightning Resist +(20 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(20 to 25)%
Poison Resist +(20 to 25)%
Fire Absorb (3 to 5)%
Physical Resist 5%

or

The Doom Gong of Xiansai

The Doom Gong of Xiansai
Aspis (Sacred)
Defense: (3146 - 3539) to (3672 - 4131)
Chance to Block: 5%
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Required Dexterity: 559
Item Level: 105
2% Chance to cast level 12 Thunder Slam on Melee Attack
1% Base Block Chance
Adds (10 to 40)-(50 to 100) Damage
(10 to 20)% Life stolen per Hit
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
20% to Dexterity
Socketed (4)

Helm:

Witchhunter's Hood

Witchhunter's Hood
Cap (Sacred)
Defense: (2136 - 2611) to (2161 - 2642)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(80 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Physical Resist 5%
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

Witchhunter's Attire
(Assassin Claw Set)

Belt:

Black Void

Black Void
Heavy Belt (Sacred)
Defense: (3060 - 3442) to (3304 - 3717)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 120
20% Attack Speed
Adds 10-15 Damage
(10 to 15)% Life stolen per Hit
Slow Target 10%
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Target Takes Additional Damage of (25 to 50)
30% Magic Find
Socketed (2)

Gloves:

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

(Gauntlets)
Boots:

Lifecrusher

Lifecrusher
Boots
'MhalChamUm'
Runeword Level: 110
30% Hit Recovery
0.125% Chance of Crushing Blow (Based on Character Level)
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
(5 to 10)% to All Attributes
Maximum Life +(7 to 10)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(15 to 25)%

(Greaves) or

Wind Runner

Wind Runner
Boots
'SilElqSilGul'
Runeword Level: 100
+(0 to 1) to All Skills
50% Attack Speed
10% Movement Speed
Adds 25-68 Damage
250% Bonus to Attack Rating
(12 to 15)% Life stolen per Hit
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Defense

(Greaves); More Tankiness vs. More Damage [I personally prefer Tankiness]
Amulet:

Beads of the Snake Queen

Beads of the Snake Queen
Amulet
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
4% Chance to cast level 33 Scorpion Blade on Kill
Adds 5-10 Damage
Stun Attack
+(200 to 500) Defense
(20 to 25)% to Strength
(20 to 25)% to Dexterity
+100 Life after each Kill

or

Dyers Eve

Dyers Eve
Amulet
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
5% Chance to cast level 5 Time Strike on Striking
+2 to All Skills
Adds 15-20 Damage
5% Life stolen per Hit
Elemental Resists +10%
Physical Resist (1 to 10)%

Rings:

Giant's Knuckle

Giant's Knuckle
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
20% Attack Speed
Adds 10-15 Damage
(5 to 10)% Life stolen per Hit
5% Deadly Strike
+25 Life Regenerated per Second
Physical Resist 5%

Socket Fillers
Runewords: All Attribute Jewels with 45+ life as a secondary roll
None-Runewords: FEL Runes

MYSTIC ORBS
Weapon: ED; Max Damage; Life Steal; Mana Steal
Armor: ED; BtD; Max Damage; DEX
Jewelry: Life; Flat Def; UMOs

---

Ubers

All Ubers can be found on this Youtube Playlist.
It's only missing a few of the "Impossible" Ones, but I'm working on it

[Siosilvar]

Forgot this in the approval queue for a couple of days, so here's a free bump for you.

I'm also pretty sure that speedcalc is wrong just like it is for javazon and your actual throwing frame is 7 FPA @ 86 IAS.

[Maxfox]

Love the storm crows girl, but I invest mostly in physical damage for better leech. Have a bit more than 300 avg dmg crafted balanced knife, maxed storm crows (and whychwind for higher magic damage from upgrade) and regenerate full hp orb in few throws. But I'm in the very beginning of all that ubers story, so may be I'm kinda wrong.

[Marco]

always nice to see assassin guides. some thoughts:

- No 1pt shadow refuge + max shadowrush? that's nearly capped %PR and lots of MS, which are some of the hardest stats to get on gear. May be worth at least a mention in the guide even as optional if you want to reduce skillswitching.
- Keep an eye on your fhr/fbr breakpoints (this is so much more true if you decide to use shadow ref too).
- I think there is no reason to skip ult - in your spec phase bomb is massive free pierce for 1pt against bossing, otherwise beacon 20% ms is surely worth it.
- This one depends on playstyle I guess but some extra pts in blink/domain are always handy.

ironsleet + ww is pretty hilarious in early ubers. Watching monsters walk right back into ww fields.

[magz_]

Good guide! Glad I never started my comprehensive I was working on
couple questions!
1. Why no

Shadow Bite

Shadow Bite
Throwing Knives
'Phul'
Runeword Level: 110
+4 Storm Crows Projectiles
5% Chance to cast level 24 Hammertime on Kill
20% Combat Speeds
Adds 75-(160 to 180) Damage
Adds (200 to 300)-(400 to 500) Magic Damage
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
(5 to 10)% to All Attributes
+(100 to 200) to Life

? Is dawn that strong?
2. Any thoughts on using 2x

Killing Vector

Killing Vector
Cestus (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 41 to 43
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 349
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
+(1 to 3) to Assassin Skill Levels
+(33 to 55) Spell Focus
(21 to 30)% Cast Speed
+(16 to 20)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(9 to 16) to Doom (Assassin Only)
+200 to Energy
Socketed (3)

Universal Law
(Assassin Psionic Set)

on switch +

Death Magnet

Death Magnet
Quilted Armor (Sacred)
Defense: 3264 to 3831
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 500
Item Level: 118
+(0 to 1) to Assassin Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(11 to 16) to Doom (Assassin Only)
+(1001 to 1500) Defense
+(11 to 40) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (6)

Battle Devices
(Assassin Oskill Set)

with doom for extra damage? (Or Banish Crystal sword SU for ele storm crows), do you use any on switch at all?
3. Thoughts on

Wind Runner

Wind Runner
Boots
'SilElqSilGul'
Runeword Level: 100
+(0 to 1) to All Skills
50% Attack Speed
10% Movement Speed
Adds 25-68 Damage
250% Bonus to Attack Rating
(12 to 15)% Life stolen per Hit
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Defense

?

4. not a question but if you do add a section for ele I recommend anything other than balanced knives. All 3 can hit the same FPA but Balanced requires much more IAS.

[Istaryu]

Why would you use dawn for storm crows? You want high base dmg for storm crows or you are gonna do bad dmg. Shadow bite is the way to go as mentioned earlier. Because of that stacking amethysts and whatever runes for dex is probably better for the dex. And ewd is pretty much always a better mo than max dmg especially on this build that gets no free ewd from skills.

[Deathadvocat]

always nice to see assassin guides. some thoughts:

- No 1pt shadow refuge + max shadowrush? that's nearly capped %PR and lots of MS, which are some of the hardest stats to get on gear. May be worth at least a mention in the guide even as optional if you want to reduce skillswitching.
- Keep an eye on your fhr/fbr breakpoints (this is so much more true if you decide to use shadow ref too).
- I think there is no reason to skip ult - in your spec phase bomb is massive free pierce for 1pt against bossing, otherwise beacon 20% ms is surely worth it.
- This one depends on playstyle I guess but some extra pts in blink/domain are always handy.

ironsleet + ww is pretty hilarious in early ubers. Watching monsters walk right back into ww fields.

- I will try out shadow refuge. Honestly haven't seen any need for it so far. Got 48PR with just a good nat roll and other gear.
- Will look into ult, but same as above. No damage problems so far. Only ubers currently missing are Deimos, Laz, Samael and the new Scosglen Boss.
- In earlier versions I liked to put some points into blink and use it offensively, but I feel like it has too much competition from other skills at the moment.

[Deathadvocat]

Good guide! Glad I never started my comprehensive I was working on
couple questions!
1. Why no

Shadow Bite

Shadow Bite
Throwing Knives
'Phul'
Runeword Level: 110
+4 Storm Crows Projectiles
5% Chance to cast level 24 Hammertime on Kill
20% Combat Speeds
Adds 75-(160 to 180) Damage
Adds (200 to 300)-(400 to 500) Magic Damage
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
(5 to 10)% to All Attributes
+(100 to 200) to Life

? Is dawn that strong?
2. Any thoughts on using 2x

Killing Vector

Killing Vector
Cestus (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 41 to 43
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 349
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
+(1 to 3) to Assassin Skill Levels
+(33 to 55) Spell Focus
(21 to 30)% Cast Speed
+(16 to 20)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(9 to 16) to Doom (Assassin Only)
+200 to Energy
Socketed (3)

Universal Law
(Assassin Psionic Set)

on switch +

Death Magnet

Death Magnet
Quilted Armor (Sacred)
Defense: 3264 to 3831
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 500
Item Level: 118
+(0 to 1) to Assassin Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(11 to 16) to Doom (Assassin Only)
+(1001 to 1500) Defense
+(11 to 40) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (6)

Battle Devices
(Assassin Oskill Set)

with doom for extra damage? (Or Banish Crystal sword SU for ele storm crows), do you use any on switch at all?
3. Thoughts on

Wind Runner

Wind Runner
Boots
'SilElqSilGul'
Runeword Level: 100
+(0 to 1) to All Skills
50% Attack Speed
10% Movement Speed
Adds 25-68 Damage
250% Bonus to Attack Rating
(12 to 15)% Life stolen per Hit
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Defense

?

4. not a question but if you do add a section for ele I recommend anything other than balanced knives. All 3 can hit the same FPA but Balanced requires much more IAS.

1. Honestly haven't thought about

Shadow Bite

Shadow Bite
Throwing Knives
'Phul'
Runeword Level: 110
+4 Storm Crows Projectiles
5% Chance to cast level 24 Hammertime on Kill
20% Combat Speeds
Adds 75-(160 to 180) Damage
Adds (200 to 300)-(400 to 500) Magic Damage
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
(5 to 10)% to All Attributes
+(100 to 200) to Life

so far. Dawn is a really strong choice with 75%aa and will help your maelstrom damage massively, which is really handy if you want to do things like Xazax. Also I'm not a huge fan of respeccing for certain ubers. Was looking for a build that can do everything without too many problems.

2. I even tried out maxing doom instead of 1 Way of the ..., but it really didn't do much. At the moment I'm not using any switch.

3.

Wind Runner

Wind Runner
Boots
'SilElqSilGul'
Runeword Level: 100
+(0 to 1) to All Skills
50% Attack Speed
10% Movement Speed
Adds 25-68 Damage
250% Bonus to Attack Rating
(12 to 15)% Life stolen per Hit
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Defense

can be used and I tried it at first, but the damage bump wasn't really noticeable and extra tankiness is really much appreciated on a squishy build.

4. I'll look into it. IAS however is really not an issue, because 86 to reach max frames can be easily covered with charms. I think I'm currently sitting at 220% without even trying.

[nodoubt0322]

Buff or rebalance assassin throwing knife set plz xd.
Never use that set.
I've played for 3 or 4 seasons of storm crow assassin as my first char when the ladder reset.
She can ssf do most stuff before 140.
T1 or T2 level imo if you play her right.

[thysick]

NATASHA'S LEGACY......late game armor... Where i get that? /items says item not found.