The MaliceMancer

Malice Caster Necro

Overview
The MaliceMancer(?) is a Necromancer based around the Malice spell casting tree. The build deals an extreme amount of damage, both AoE clearing and against bosses, and is also relatively safe with a large HP pool, life steal, and meatshields. This is a great starting build as it is cheap to gear and breezes through early game content and many ubers.

I'm writing this guide while playing the new 1.4 patch, so it will develop as time goes on. For the time being, I will focus on a primarily Physical setup because that's how I leveled. Don't fret, I will add a poison setup soon.

PATCH 1.4 UPDATE: This patch brought two buffs to the Malice tree. A new skill, Dream Eater, was added which compliments both the Phys and Poison play styles, and it also leeches tons of life for us. And Boneyard now does damage to it'ss primary target. Both great changes.

Guide still needs...

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PROS
Really easy gameplay
Great AOE damage/clearspeed
Awesome single-target damage
Decent survivability for a Caster
Meatshields if you want them
Farms Teganze/K3BA/Duncraig in T4 Gear

CONS
Still not a tank
Gameplay almost too simple/boring

EARLY GAME (LVL 1 – 90)

STATS
Strength: Enough for gear.
Dexterity: Enough for gear.
Vitality: None.
Energy: Everything else.

SKILLS
Boneyard - Max. Fires and exploding bone spear. This is our main AoE skill, and it hits like a truck. Keep it maxed.
Nightwalker - Max. Passive that gives huge cast speed and damage boost.
Dream Eater - Max. Fires multiple bone shards in a small area, slowing enemies and stealing life back to the caster. This is our single-target skill. Does high amount of damage and leeches a lot of life. When you reach L90 the cooldown hits 0. Also works as a small AoE for tougher mobs.
Embalming – Max. Passive that gives huge increased life, and much needed mana regen.
Death Pact - Max. Passive with damage synergy with Malice tree.
Deathward – Remaining. Passive that gives decent avoid and TCD.

GEAR
Weapon:

Fateweaver

Fateweaver
Bone Wand (4)
One-Hand Damage: 5 to 6
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 5
Required Dexterity: 9
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+1 to Necromancer Skill Levels
10% Cast Speed
+(6 to 10)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
-3% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+(6 to 8)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+15% to Summoned Minion Resistances
Maximum Mana +(3 to 5)%
Socketed (1)
One-Hand Damage: 10 to 13
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 23
Required Dexterity: 15
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels
20% Cast Speed
+(11 to 20)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
-6% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+(11 to 13)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+25% to Summoned Minion Resistances
Maximum Mana +(9 to 11)%
Socketed (2)
One-Hand Damage: 13 to 19
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 42
Required Dexterity: 32
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+3 to Necromancer Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
+(21 to 30)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
-9% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+(16 to 18)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+35% to Summoned Minion Resistances
Maximum Mana +(15 to 17)%
Socketed (2)
One-Hand Damage: 16 to 23
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Dexterity: 65
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+4 to Necromancer Skill Levels
35% Cast Speed
+(31 to 40)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
-12% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+(19 to 20)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+50% to Summoned Minion Resistances
Maximum Mana +(18 to 20)%
Socketed (2)

+skills, fcr and spell damage. Great item with low dex requirement. Could also go with

Quov Tsin's Fall

for the reanimates if you need more meatshields, shoutout to ChuckNorris for this idea.
Shield:

Darkflesh

Darkflesh
Unraveller Head (4)
Defense: (87 - 100) to (169 - 194)
Chance to Block: 2%
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 5
Required Dexterity: 24
Item Level: 1
+1 to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(16 to 25) Spell Focus
5% Cast Speed
5% Hit Recovery
+(6 to 10)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(12 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +(7 to 10)%
Lightning Resist +(7 to 10)%
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (296 - 329) to (527 - 585)
Chance to Block: 2%
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 23
Required Dexterity: 35
Item Level: 31
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(36 to 45) Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
15% Hit Recovery
+(16 to 20)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(47 to 63)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +(15 to 18)%
Lightning Resist +(15 to 18)%
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (758 - 825) to (1299 - 1414)
Chance to Block: 2%
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 40
Required Dexterity: 74
Item Level: 51
+3 to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(56 to 65) Spell Focus
25% Cast Speed
25% Hit Recovery
+(26 to 30)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(81 to 97)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +(23 to 26)%
Lightning Resist +(23 to 26)%
6% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Defense: (1126 - 1217) to (1928 - 2084)
Chance to Block: 2%
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 49
Required Dexterity: 153
Item Level: 77
+4 to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(66 to 75) Spell Focus
30% Cast Speed
30% Hit Recovery
+(36 to 40)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(98 to 114)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +(27 to 30)%
Lightning Resist +(27 to 30)%
8% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)

+skills, fcr/fhr, spell damage, resists, and nice reanimates. All around awesome item for this build, with low dex requirements.
Helmet:

The Allseeing Eye

The Allseeing Eye
Coronet (4)
Defense: 58 to 106
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 17
Item Level: 1
+1 to All Skills
+10% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(31 to 50) Defense
(4 to 5)% to Strength
+3 Mana after each Kill
Socketed (1)
Defense: 144 to 225
Required Level: 23
Required Dexterity: 36
Item Level: 31
+1 to All Skills
+15% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(71 to 90) Defense
(8 to 9)% to Strength
+5 Mana after each Kill
Socketed (2)
Defense: 262 to 399
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 85
Item Level: 51
+2 to All Skills
+20% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(111 to 130) Defense
(12 to 13)% to Strength
+8 Mana after each Kill
Socketed (3)
Defense: 337 to 514
Required Level: 49
Required Dexterity: 183
Item Level: 77
+2 to All Skills
+25% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(131 to 150) Defense
(14 to 15)% to Strength
+10 Mana after each Kill
Socketed (4)

+skills, spell dmg, and %strength. Once again, low dex requirement.
Armor: Akara's Robe or

Mirage

Mirage
Sorceress Crystal Swords
'ElqOhnVezLozGurXod'
Runeword Level: 120
+80 Magic Damage per 1% Deadly Strike
10% Chance to cast level 4 Time Strike on Striking
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
50% Combat Speeds
+(220 to 250) to Maximum Damage
+(180 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
+75 to Dexterity
Maximum Block Chance +10%

Both are good options, I chose Akara's for the stats/life.
Belt:

Moonwrap

Moonwrap
Sash (4)
Defense: (16 - 18) to (20 - 21)
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 25
Item Level: 1
5% Cast Speed
+3% to Spell Damage
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Cold Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (119 - 129) to (131 - 141)
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 50
Item Level: 31
15% Cast Speed
+9% to Spell Damage
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (331 - 353) to (370 - 395)
Required Level: 35
Required Strength: 125
Item Level: 51
25% Cast Speed
+15% to Spell Damage
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (493 - 524) to (542 - 576)
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 77
30% Cast Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Cold Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (2)

The only TU belt that boosts our damage. Nice resistances too, with low strength requirement.
Gloves: Honorific MO'd with whatever you need.... resistances, spell damage, stats, fhr, etc. Then

Kali

Kali
Gloves
'LumKo'
Runeword Level: 48
15% Chance to cast level 13 Seal of Fire on Kill
+2 to All Skills
+15% to Summoned Minion Resistances
-214 Defense
5% to Strength
Maximum Fire Resist +4%
Fire Resist +25%

.
Boots:

Rabbit's Foot

Rabbit's Foot
Boots (4)
Defense: 8 to 14
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 21
Item Level: 1
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+10% to Spell Damage
+5 Maximum Stamina
(1 to 5)% Gold Find
(1 to 5)% Magic Find
Requirements -15%
Socketed (1)
Defense: 75 to 88
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 35
Item Level: 31
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+12% to Spell Damage
+10 Maximum Stamina
(5 to 10)% Gold Find
(5 to 10)% Magic Find
Requirements -30%
Socketed (2)
Defense: 184 to 215
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 96
Item Level: 51
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+16% to Spell Damage
+15 Maximum Stamina
(15 to 20)% Gold Find
(15 to 20)% Magic Find
Requirements -45%
Socketed (3)
Defense: 258 to 296
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 140
Item Level: 77
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+20 Maximum Stamina
(25 to 30)% Gold Find
(25 to 30)% Magic Find
Requirements -60%
Socketed (4)

Spell damage, magic find, and low strength requirement.

Wake of Destruction

Wake of Destruction
Greaves (4)
Defense: (90 - 102) to (135 - 152)
Required Level: 9
Required Strength: 17
Item Level: 19
+(4 to 6)% Bonus to Spell Focus
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(11 to 13)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(6 to 8)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(6 to 8)% to Poison Spell Damage
+(24 to 40)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Energy
Requirements -20%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (333 - 369) to (462 - 512)
Required Level: 27
Required Strength: 33
Item Level: 36
+(7 to 9)% Bonus to Spell Focus
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(15 to 17)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(10 to 12)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(10 to 12)% to Poison Spell Damage
+(58 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(26 to 30) to Energy
Requirements -25%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (854 - 930) to (1152 - 1254)
Required Level: 44
Required Strength: 158
Item Level: 59
+(10 to 12)% Bonus to Spell Focus
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(19 to 21)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(14 to 16)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(14 to 16)% to Poison Spell Damage
+(92 to 109)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Energy
Requirements -30%
Socketed (3)
Defense: (1274 - 1378) to (1713 - 1853)
Required Level: 52
Required Strength: 272
Item Level: 85
+(13 to 15)% Bonus to Spell Focus
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(23 to 25)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(18 to 20)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(18 to 20)% to Poison Spell Damage
+(109 to 126)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Energy
Requirements -40%
Socketed (4)

is better but takes way more strength to equip, so I wouldn't recommend.
Amulet:

The Dreamcatcher

The Dreamcatcher
Amulet
Required Level: 80
Item Level: 80
+(1 to 3) to All Skills
20% Cast Speed
-(4 to 10)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Elemental Resists +(20 to 25)%
+(10 to 15) Mana after each Kill

or anything else with +skills and good stats works too.
Rings:

Ring of Regha

Ring of Regha
Ring
Item Level: 1
Adds 3-5 Damage
+5% to Spell Damage
+(5 to 15) to Strength
+(5 to 15) to Dexterity
Elemental Resists +10%

or rare with +1 skills and good stats.

Sockets: Diamonds in your shield for all res, then Resistance gems in other armors as needed. Any free space you have drop Topazes in for more energy.
MOs: Keep resistances maxed, then MO for phys spell damage or minion resistances/life (will come in handy at 90). FCR on weapon.

LEVELING & GAMEPLAY
Once you ding that first level and get Boneyard, things get easy...just cast that 'ish everywhere! Put as many points into energy as you can to maintain mana and increase damage. Don't worry about Dream Eater as a damage source yet, just use it when you need healing.

For items, try to get the wand & shield asap because the +skills will boost your damage tremendously. With those you can pretty much steamroll content up to Act 5, at which point I would recommend farming Nihlithak for enough crystals to outfit yourself with the gears mentioned above. Complete the level challenge (soooo soo easy), and keep upgrading gear to T3 and T4 as you go. Dream Eater will get more and more usable, and with that and Boneyard you should have no trouble clearing all the way through Nightmare difficulty. Don't forget the Ennead challenge, also super easy.

Before you go rushing into Hell mode, make sure you get all the veteran tokens and cube with your class charm. You don’t want to miss out on 15% experience gains.

When you reach Level 90, you are going to use your first respec, see the next section.

MID GAME (LVL 90 – 119)

STATS
Same as before, str/dex as needed for gear. Rest into energy.

SKILLS
Boneyard - 1pt or Max*. See note below.
Nightwalker - Max. Big damage boost and huge FCR, now needed to hit 6frame cast rate.
Dream Eater - 1pt or Max*. See note below.
Embalming – Max. Keep maxed for the huge life increase for you and Veil King.
Death Pact - Max. Keep maxed, now has life synergy with Veil King.
Deathward – 1pt. At this point, defense isn't really worth focusing on because we can't get enough of it to make a significant difference. 20+% avoid is tempting, but with almost no other block/dodge/etc, it isnt worth it. Whats one missed hit when you're already taking 9 out of 10 hits? I put just 1pt here for the TCD synergy from Resurgence.
Veil King - Max. Our ultimate skill of choice... summons a beefy meatshields. This dude will survive nearly everything, and is what makes many Uber levels easy. With minimal investment he reaches 130k life, but 300k is possible without really gimping your damage.
Bane - 1pt. Physical curse casted from a minion. Pre-requisite for Deathward, but I'm mentioning it because it's useful for tough bosses... huge phys debuff, with just 1pt makes Dream Eater hit up to 40% harder (depending on the enemy).
Resurgence - Remaining. Passive that boosts minion survivability. Try to put enough points here to hit 50% minion dodge... it'll go a long ways with your Veil King. All the prereq 1pointers also help significantly.
Talon Hold - 0pts. No reason to invest, slows target doesn't work for us.
Graveyard - 0pts. Not worth the 1pt for this build.

*NOTE: You won't have enough points to max both Boneyard and Dream Eater, so you'll have to pick one.
Maxing Boneyard: Boneyard will do great damage and AoE, and decent Single Target too. Dream Eater will become just a utility skill when you need slows or heals. Use this spec for farming.
Maxing Dream Eater: Amazing single target damage. Having 6frame cast make this usable as an AoE skill as well, just hold down cast and scrub your mouse all over your enemies. You will constantly stay at full health. Boneyard, even with 1 pt, will still do decent damage and you'll find it useful in a few scenarios. Use this spec for general rift/dungeon/progression. (This is the route I chose for Uber purposes, and I highly recommend it).

GEAR
Early game gear will carry you through most ubers 120 & below. FYI.

Weapon:

Celestial Orchard

Celestial Orchard
(Necromancer Malice Set)

The Dragon Grave
Giyua's Sacrum
Femur of the Prophet
The Trickster

Set Bonus with 2 or more set items:
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels
+25% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage

Set Bonus with 3 or more set items:
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels
-40% to Enemy Poison Resistance

Set Bonus with complete set:
3% Chance to cast level 40 Doom on Death Blow
+40% to Spell Damage
+1500 Defense
+400 to Life
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%

Wand & Shield or Enchanted Shrine Craft/Bless Wand & Shield or

Karybdus' Descent

Karybdus' Descent
Marrow Staff (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 45 to 49
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 275
Item Level: 105
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Strength)%
Bane: +100% Duration
Enhances Death Ripple
2% Chance to cast level 50 Blood Skeleton on Death Blow
+(8 to 11) to Necromancer Skill Levels
-25% Cast Speed
Maximum Elemental Resists (-1 to 1)%
Physical Resist (5 to 10)%
Socketed (6)

. If using a crafted wand, Orb of Annihilation can be a useful o-skill for farming dense areas. After some testing and research, I would say to not craft necro staffs. They don't have a good affix pool, and it's hard to land something that even beats the early game wand/shield combo. Boo

Helmet:

Giyua's Sacrum

Giyua's Sacrum
Bone Helm (Sacred)
Defense: (1742 - 2129) to (1888 - 2307)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 312 to 375
Item Level: 1
+(0 to 3) to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(16 to 20)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(80 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) to Life
+(21 to 25) Life after each Kill
(101 to 150)% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -(40 to 50)%
Socketed (4)

Celestial Orchard
(Necromancer Malice Set)

or Enchanted Shrine Craft/Bless Circlet.
Armor:

The Dragon Grave

The Dragon Grave
Gothic Plate (Sacred)
Defense: (7858 - 8778) to (9425 - 10541)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 675
Item Level: 1
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
+500 Defense
+100 to Strength
+100 to Dexterity
+(121 to 150) to Energy
Socketed (6)

Celestial Orchard
(Necromancer Malice Set)

,

Lazarus' Chasuble

Lazarus' Chasuble
Light Plate (Sacred)
Defense: 8895 to 10548
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 650
Item Level: 120
+(1 to 2) to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(101 to 150)% to Summoned Minion Life
+(16 to 40)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+25% to Summoned Minion Resistances
+200% Enhanced Defense
+666 Defense
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (6)

Archbishop Lazarus
(Tribute Set)

SU Akara's Robe or Enchanted Shrine Craft/Bless Quilted Armor.
Belt:

Ashaera's Armor

Ashaera's Armor
Belt (Sacred)
Defense: 1687 to 1760
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 575
Item Level: 105
+(21 to 25) Spell Focus
+(11 to 15)% to Spell Damage
+500 Defense
(11 to 15)% to Energy
Elemental Resists +(10 to 15)%
Physical Resist 10%
Socketed (2)

,

Lazarus' Lamen

Lazarus' Lamen
Plated Belt (Sacred)
Defense: 1363 to 1493
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 675
Item Level: 120
+(2 to 3) to Necromancer Skill Levels
(15 to 20)% Life stolen per Hit
+(10 to 15)% to Spell Damage
+(51 to 75)% to Summoned Minion Life
50% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (2)

Archbishop Lazarus
(Tribute Set)

or Enchanted Shrine Craft/Bless Sash.
Gloves: Enchanted Shrine Craft/Bless Leather Gloves, or keep

Kali

Kali
Gloves
'LumKo'
Runeword Level: 48
15% Chance to cast level 13 Seal of Fire on Kill
+2 to All Skills
+15% to Summoned Minion Resistances
-214 Defense
5% to Strength
Maximum Fire Resist +4%
Fire Resist +25%

.
Boots:

Shrill Sacrament

Shrill Sacrament
Chain Boots (Sacred)
Defense: (1625 - 1995) to (1762 - 2162)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 575
Item Level: 105
Exorcism: +50% Total Damage
10% Chance to cast level 20 Nightmare on Melee Attack
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(10 to 30)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(9 to 13) to Exorcism
+(120 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
(15 to 25)% to Vitality
+(40 to 100) Life after each Demon Kill
Socketed (4)

or Enchanted Shrine Craft/Bless Leather Boots.
Amulet:

Witchmoon

Witchmoon
Amulet
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 100
1% Chance to cast level 17 Mana Sweep on Death Blow
+(1 to 3) to All Skills
+(10 to 20) Spell Focus
+(10 to 20)% to Spell Damage
Maximum Mana +(30 to 40)%

or good +3 skill ammy.
Rings:

The Seal of Kharos

The Seal of Kharos
Ring
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 80
+(1 to 2) to Amazon Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(16 to 25)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(11 to 15)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(11 to 15)% to Summoned Minion Life
-50 Life Regenerated per Second

or good +1 skill rings. Also

The Darkness

.

Sockets: Try to craft some nice spell damage jewels (at least 3% phys) and swap those out with your topazes as necessary. If you don't need diamonds in your shield anymore, switch to bloodstones for minion resistances if you haven't hit 75% yet. If you have that too, then spell damage jewels.
MOs: If you still need resistances, do that. Otherwise phys spell damage and minion life. FCR on weapon.

GAMEPLAY
Whether you chose Boneyard or Dream Eater, the gameplay is pretty much the same. Large packs aren't much of a problem, as Veil King will distract most enemies and you'll be able to dispatch everything else fast enough. When fighting bosses, try and cast Bane on your VK, it makes a big difference (especially if using Dream Eater). That's really about it... it's that simple. When you ding 105 you get to start ubers, so the appropriate section below will cover those. Once you hit 120, that's when you can really start to farm some significant upgrades, so I've chose to make that the End-Game section.

From this point onward, it's all about Rift/Dungeon strategy and gearing... gameplay doesn't change much.

END GAME (LVL 120 – 150)

STATS
Same as before, str/dex as needed for gear. Rest into energy.

SKILLS
Same as before. You'll have less and less points to put into your secondary skill (Boneyard or Dream Eater), but that's how it goes. You want to focus on making your Veil King strong so he takes all your damage... we don't have enough defenses to make ourselves tanky.

GEAR
Weapon:

Deep Water (Xis)

,

Styx

Styx
Necromancer Staves
'TahaDoj'
Runeword Level: 105
Your Cold Damage is Nullified
3% Chance to cast level 30 Pyroblast on Death Blow
3% Chance to cast level 30 Tempest on Death Blow
-40% to Spell Damage
-22% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(25 to 30) to Skeletal Flayer
+1 to Witch Blood
+(34 to 40) to Tempest
+(34 to 40) to Thunderstone
+13% to Summoned Minion Life
(25 to 30)% Magic Find

or

The Point of No Return

The Point of No Return
Gnarled Staff (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 59 to 62
Required Level: 50
Required Dexterity: 218
Item Level: 130
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
Corrupted
Can be corrupted 10 times
Empowered corruption outcomes
Failed corruptions do not increase Required Level
Successful corruptions increase Required Level by 10
Orb of Annihilation: +10% Total Damage per Corrupted Item worn
101% Movement Speed
+25 to Orb of Annihilation
Regenerate Mana +202%
Socketed (4)

for staves.

Manastorm

Manastorm
Yew Wand (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 36 to 38
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 168
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
+(31 to 40)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(9 to 20) to Immersion
+20% to Summoned Minion Resistances
+3000 Defense vs. Melee
(20 to 25)% to Energy
Maximum Lightning Resist +2%
Maximum Cold Resist +2%
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (2)

or

Daydreamer

Daydreamer
Yew Wand (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 36 to 38
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 130
Required Dexterity: 168
Item Level: 120
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
If you have No Ultimate Skill:
+20% Malice Skill Damage
+375 Life Regenerated per Second
-150% to Summoned Minion Damage
+(3 to 5) to Necromancer Skill Levels
2% Base Block Chance
+(61 to 75) Spell Focus
50% Cast Speed
+(31 to 50)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
-3 to Light Radius
Socketed (2)

for wands.
Shield:

The Collector

The Collector
Bone Shield (Sacred)
Defense: 965 to 1119
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 110
Required Dexterity: 527
Item Level: 120
Gematria
(Bonus for each Socketed Great/Elemental Rune)
+1 to All Skills
+10 Life after each Kill
+25% Bonus to Defense
+8% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
Orb Effects Applied to this Item are Doubled
Socketed (6)

,

Feardrinker

Feardrinker
Zombie Head (Sacred)
Defense: (2802 - 3312) to (3117 - 3684)
Chance to Block: 4%
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 438
Item Level: 120
+15% Malice Skill Damage
+(2 to 5) to Necromancer Skill Levels
2% Base Block Chance
+(20 to 30)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(20 to 28) to Wrath
+(120 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+120 Life Regenerated per Second
+(300 to 500) to Life
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Socketed (4)

or

The Sentinel's Sorrow

The Sentinel's Sorrow
Gargoyle Head (Sacred)
Defense: (3333 - 3750) to (3957 - 4452)
Chance to Block: 2%
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 443
Item Level: 120
-1 to Maximum Totems
Minion Damage Also Increases Your Spell Damage at 50% Efficiency
+(3 to 4) to Necromancer Skill Levels
-15% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
+(75 to 150) Life Regenerated per Second
Regenerate Mana +15%
Elemental Resists -30%
Socketed (4)

Helmet:

Black Masquerade

Black Masquerade
Bone Helm (Sacred)
Defense: (2420 - 2904) to (2622 - 3147)
Required Level: 80
Item Level: 120
+100 Spell Focus
+100% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(150 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+200 Life Regenerated per Second
Physical Resist (0 to 10)%
Requirements -100%
Socketed (4)

or well rolled

Giyua's Sacrum

Giyua's Sacrum
Bone Helm (Sacred)
Defense: (1742 - 2129) to (1888 - 2307)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 312 to 375
Item Level: 1
+(0 to 3) to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(16 to 20)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(80 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) to Life
+(21 to 25) Life after each Kill
(101 to 150)% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -(40 to 50)%
Socketed (4)

Celestial Orchard
(Necromancer Malice Set)

.
Armor:

Robe of Steel

Robe of Steel
Full Plate Mail (Sacred)
Defense: (6692 - 7471) to (8202 - 9156)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 469
Item Level: 105
+(11 to 20)% Bonus to Spell Focus
25% Cast Speed
+(21 to 30)% to Spell Damage
+(115 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+100 to Strength
+100 to Energy
Elemental Resists +20%
+250 Life after each Demon Kill
50% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -33%
Socketed (6)

or

Goetia Plate

Goetia Plate
Full Plate Mail (Sacred)
Defense: (8467 - 9339) to (10376 - 11445)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 700
Item Level: 120
+3 to All Skills
+1 to Maximum Necromancer Minions
+(151 to 200)% to Summoned Minion Life
+(51 to 75)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+100 Life Regenerated per Second
+750 to Life
+375 to Mana
-4 to Light Radius
Socketed (6)

.
Belt:

Lunar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipse
Light Belt (Sacred)
Defense: (2091 - 2422) to (2171 - 2514)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 120
+2 to All Skills
+(51 to 60) Spell Focus
25% Cast Speed
30% Hit Recovery
+(10 to 15)% to Spell Damage
+(90 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+(40 to 50) to Energy
+100 to Life
Elemental Resists +15%
+5 to Light Radius
Socketed (2)

.
Gloves:

Lamha Na Draoithe

Lamha Na Draoithe
Gauntlets (Sacred)
Defense: (1339 - 1506) to (1567 - 1763)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 120
+2 to All Skills
+150 Spell Focus
30% Cast Speed
+(16 to 20)% to Spell Damage
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
+75 to Strength
-100 to Life
Elemental Resists +15%
Socketed (4)

or

Lorekeeper

Lorekeeper
Light Gauntlets (Sacred)
Defense: (1018 - 1179) to (1159 - 1342)
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 300
Item Level: 120
+3 to All Skills
20% Combat Speeds
+(5 to 10) to Firedance
+(90 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana +(40 to 60)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

.
Boots:

Spirit Walker

Spirit Walker
Heavy Boots (Sacred)
Defense: 696 to 737
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 120
+1% Physical Resist per 18% Mana Regeneration
+2 to All Skills
+(50 to 100) Spell Focus
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
Jitan's Gate Cooldown Reduced by 1 seconds
+35% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
-15% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Socketed (4)

.
Amulet:

Vizjerei's Necklace

Vizjerei's Necklace
Amulet
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 105
+(1 to 3) to All Skills
+(20 to 30)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
(10 to 20)% to Energy
Maximum Mana +10%
+(25 to 50) Life after each Kill

Rings:

Seal of the Nephalem Kings

Seal of the Nephalem Kings
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
(10 to 15)% to Strength
(10 to 15)% to Vitality
(10 to 15)% Bonus to Defense
(10 to 20)% Gold Find

or good +1 skiller with phys spell damage and +life.

Sockets: Same as before.
MOs: Same as before. After you have a handful of charms you can stop using all res and stat MO's. Make sure you have phys spell damage and minion life on as much gear as possible (assuming you have minion res at 75+%).

UBERS

LVL 105 DUNGEONS:
Horror Under Tristram - Easy
Let Veil King tank, spam Boneyard or Dream Eater.

Infernal Machine - Easy
Approach with caution, keeping Veil King infront of you. Spam Boneyard or Dream Eater.

Death Projector - Easy
Let Veil King tank all the Zakurum, spam Boneyard or Dream Eater. If you stand with Veil King between you and Death Projector, you don't even have to move while casting.

LVL 105 RIFTS:
Island of the Sunless Sea - Easy
Boneyard ahead of you while Veil King tanks. Hit the Avatar's with Dream Eater if you have it to 0 cooldown, otherwise keep spamming Boneyard. OoA wand can be a big help.

LVL 110 DUNGEONS:
Assault on Mount Arreat – Easy
Don't even need Veil King, but you have him. You do plenty of damage.

The Binding of Baal – Easy
Same as above. Boneyard is bugged in this area though so you'll have to use Dream Eater.

Akarat – Easy
Boneyard and Dream Eater both work here, sometimes takes a try or two depending on how fast he heals.

Lord Aldric Jitan – Easy
Let Veil King tank towers as much as possible. Kill guards before they get close (you can off-screen with Boneyard).

Horazon’s Sanctum – Easy
Let Veil King tank, spam Boneyard or Dream Eater (starting to sound like a broken record?).

LVL 110 RIFTS:
The Secret Cow Level – Easy
Boneyard for the win. Keep Veil King ahead of you so you don't get jumped by Cow Ninjas. OoA wand can help big-time here. Moo ma moo moo.

Torajan Jungles – Easy
Nothing in here is difficult. Dream Eater makes short work of the Forest Keepers, othewise everything else melts.

LVL 115 DUNGEONS:
Black Road - Easy
Use your Veil King to get Boyard in the fire (resummon if needed), then spam your skills. Stay to the bottom right so you can dispatch the swarms or followers before they get to you.

Legacy of Blood - Easy
Veil King will take most of the fire. Dodge what you can and spam Boneyard on the group, or focus on Bartuc if using Dream Eater.

Bull Prince Rodeo - Easy
With little defense, keep your distance. Veil King will tank just fine, so keep it that way and spam like crazy. Dodge cows and chickens when they come.

Rathma Square - Easy
Boneyard and Dream Eater both work well here to keep crawlers at bay. Just work your way to Primus and keep your Veil King on him.

The Veiled Prophet - Easy
Let Veil King tank the enemies that rush you, just Jitan's Gate to jump over a laser beam if you need to escape. Once the beams go down, get within range and spam your skills. Innarus and the mages are both super easy.

Heart of Sin - Easy
Don't rush getting to him, specially since Trap Rat quills desync sometimes. Keep your Veil King casted in the middle of the arena so he fights Azmodan, and just run circles around casting as needed. Long fight because he has so much health, but a charm well worth it. If you keep moving, all you really need to avoid is the tower arrows.

LVL 115 RIFTS:
Kurast 3000BA - Easy
Farming here is stupid easy, both skills work well. If you plan to farm this zone, I would spec into Max Boneyard for faster AoE farming. Easy in T4 gear.

High Heavens - Easy
Keep an eye on Veil King's life, as the punisher orbs hurt. Re-summon if he gets low. OoA wand helps here.

Tran Athula - Easy
Another really easy place. 1pt Boneyard will clear just fine, but regardless of the skill you use make sure you are casting at enemies at the edge of your screen (oncoming). Don't give them time to cast arrows, and watch out for random arrowside procs. If you plan to farm this zone, I would spec into Max Boneyard for faster AoE farming. Easy in T4 gear.

LVL 120 DUNGEONS:
Twin Seas - Easy
Keep Veil King between you and her and you shouldn't have problems. If she jumps on you, GTFO M8. Spam boneyard/dream eater when shes focused on your Veil King.

Eve of Destruction - Medium
Un-summon your Veil King, go into this fight alone. Dream Eater does a decent job, but make sure you aren't getting hit by Baal otherwise he will summon other monsters. You should be able to handle one or two minions, but any more and you'll get swarmed.

Quov Tsin - Medium
Veil King can't tank this one, so unsummon him. Use the four pillars to hide behind and spam your skills once safe. Dream Eater does a lot more damage but Boneyard is nice because you can't always get direct line-of-sight behind the pillars. Of course, any +max res gear helps.

Judgement Day - Easy
Let Veil King tank all the edyrms. If you get a random guy following you just re-summon VK infront of you and let him re-collect everybody. Then spam your skills.

Banisher of Light - Medium
I found the easiest way to complete this is just make your VK beefier... around 250k life. Swap a few item that have big %minion life and you'll be OK (summoner set items are great). You'll probably have to re-summon VK a few times, but he should maintain Kabraxis's focus for a good while.

To get the gems for the Fautzinville upgrade, both Boneyard and Dream Eater specs work. You'll have to take it a bit slow, using VK/Merc to tank for you while you dish out damage. The only one you really need to watch out for is the physical one, Overkill hits pretty hard.

Kingdom of Shadow - Hard
Respec to melee for a much easier time. With virtually no defense, this is a very tough uber to complete in Malice spec. I think it's possible if you use VK/Merc/Skeles as a distraction and maybe put more points into Death Ward...

LVL 120 RIFTS:
Teganze - Easy
This character farms Teganze like a champ. Stay back and spam, let VK and reanimates tank everything. Highly recommend an OoA wand here. The only thing to watch out for is Zaggrul because you have to re-summon VK a few times. Easy in T4 gear.

The Triune - Easy
Boneyard/Dream Eater make short work of everything here. Just watch out for meteors, VK will tank everything though. VK also makes the Malic/Lucion fight very easy because he gives them both something to focus on so they don't get separated when mind control wears off.

Duncraig - Easy
This character does amazing in Duncraig. Watch out for barrels and you shouldn't have many problems (they don't even scratch VK). Hardest part is obviously the teleports, just takes some good placement and a bit of luck... Boneyard helps clear out rushing enemies quickly. If you plan to farm this zone, I would spec into Max Boneyard for faster AoE clearing. Easy in T4 gear.

LVL 125 DUNGEONS:
Lord of Lies - Easy
Just watch out for the comet, otherwise this is pretty easy. Boneyard and Dream Eater both work great, and VK has no issues staying alive. Try to name-lock him.

Ghosts of Old Bremmtown - Not Completed Yet

Yshari Sanctum - Easy
Getting the sets is super easy. The boss fight isn't as easy, but still plenty doable in melee spec. Don't use VK, he will die instantly. For an easier time you could put a point into Death Knight for the movement speed, but not necessary.

Xazax - Easy
Veil King tanks everything here, leaving you to focus on damage. Don't even worry about the poison as we have huge poison length reduction from Nightwalker. Make sure to avoid the ice nova things though, ouchy.

Astrogha - Medium
Easy but annoying. Use Dream Eater for this fight because it's a smaller AoE and easy to control. Summon VK and whatever other meatshields you want (I used edyrms). Run to Astrogha and as soon as you get line-of-sight spam Dream Eater. When a totem pops up next to you or the Darklings break through your defenses, teleport away from the fight. Give it about 15 seconds, all the totems despawn, and work your way back, killing Darklings along the way (watch out for deathstrike). Just rinse and repeat... it'll probably take about 10 times.

Nymyr's Light - Not Completed Yet

Spirit World - Not Completed Yet

LVL 125 RIFTS:
Toraja - Easy
Keep Veil King and Edyrms ahead of you, re-summoning as needed. Dream Eater and Boneyard make short work of everything. Feel free to add more summons into the mix if you feel you need them (blood skeles work well).

Viz-Jun - Not Yet Completed

Fauztinville - Medium
Dream Eater does OK here if you go slow, but Boneyard spec does much better (Keep 1pt Dream Eater for the heal). VK can tank everything so no worries there, just watch out for bouncing blades and lazerbeams. I haven't found it yet to try, but

Karybdus' Descent

Karybdus' Descent
Marrow Staff (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 45 to 49
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 275
Item Level: 105
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Strength)%
Bane: +100% Duration
Enhances Death Ripple
2% Chance to cast level 50 Blood Skeleton on Death Blow
+(8 to 11) to Necromancer Skill Levels
-25% Cast Speed
Maximum Elemental Resists (-1 to 1)%
Physical Resist (5 to 10)%
Socketed (6)

should make this area easy-peasy.

Gonna try this build after I download my D2. Will post how it performed.

>Diamonds in your shield for all res

It gives you better all-res (+30%) if you go for 1 pgem of each color in your shield.

Orb of Annihilation reminds me of oldschool Frozen Orb but with auto aim. Very fun skill. It's actually surprisingly good for single target, so I've leaned fully into OoA with Dream Eater as a support skill. I'm still deciding the exact build but it'll probably end up very similar to yours only with points into Totem Mastery for avoid on those crucial Mana Tide Totems from crafted necro head (8 points hits 50% avoid). Relatively few points in Malice skills leaves room for Death Ward investment which will be important in Fauzt. So far have taken out Baal, Kabraxis, Belial, Astro. Loving it.

Note on

Daydreamer

Daydreamer
Yew Wand (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 36 to 38
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 130
Required Dexterity: 168
Item Level: 120
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
If you have No Ultimate Skill:
+20% Malice Skill Damage
+375 Life Regenerated per Second
-150% to Summoned Minion Damage
+(3 to 5) to Necromancer Skill Levels
2% Base Block Chance
+(61 to 75) Spell Focus
50% Cast Speed
+(31 to 50)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
-3 to Light Radius
Socketed (2)

-- its real benefits only apply if you have no Ultimate skill, so no Veil King. You may want to list an alternate build specifically for this item.

Good point, removing Daydreamer until I can get that updated. I will try OoA for bossing, but I'm also trying to keep this guide separate from the OoA Necro build thats already been posted.

Semigloss wrote:Good point, removing Daydreamer until I can get that updated. I will try OoA for bossing, but I'm also trying to keep this guide separate from the OoA Necro build thats already been posted.

i'd still keep daydreamer in. it's a good wand even without the bonus synergies, plus you only listed staves as endgame, but also a line for shields, so better to have a wand option.

just want to add:
Lord of Lies-- easy
Bremmtown -- Easy
Xazax-- Easy
Astro-- Easy (will took 5min-10min with some deaths but easy, higher dmg on dream eater and you can handle it without deaths
NEPHALEM'S SACRIFICE ( Uldy ) -- took me a hour to kill him cause the permanent edrym summons and a few fails, but would still say easy... and my gear is far from perfect

quov is easy with some charms, just craft wheel of fortune, topspin and a iceshell, some gems and you can farm easily the nice trophy

Put Ruby/Sapphire/Topaz/Emerald in shield early game instead of diamonds. will give you a total of 30 all res vs 20 from 4x diamond

QT was easier than expected, had none of the absorb gear and managed to get him down. The pillars in the center of the room are your shield. Hit him on edge of screen with boneyard and dreameater, you win.

Oh and, as far as daydreamer is concerned, I didnt put one point into VK till 125..... didnt use him or skeles at all up until that point with absolutely no issues.

One thing to note with this build, once you hit 120 there is an absolute wall that needs to be powered through and will take grinding.... not a competitive build by any means. Reliable though and somewhat newbie friendly.

Thank you all for the suggestions. I started breaking into 125 ubers today, didn't go too terrible. What tips do you guys have for a necro getting elemental gems from Kabraxis zone?