Unholy Caster Paladin (Warlock)

Links
Basics : Overview - Gear - Skills
Showcase : Videos
F.A.Q

Introduction

Unholy caster is fun, and to me the perfect representation of a well balanced class. Not op, yet play just right through the whole game in good hands, and never encounter any technical issues or places it is weak. SSF can go decently far, and yet the build also scale well with investment. As for tankyness, it start off average, become really good after getting Blessed Life passive at lvl 115, then is top tier in end game.
Anyway, If you could ask me to set in stone one build, not change it forever and take it as exemple of well done balance and mechanic, I'd for sure pick this one. It's just nice all around.

I decided to keep this a Miniguide because Cube's old one (I played it !) is still mostly relevent in many part, very complete and well written. It cover many question a new player might have, such as details on how to craft tiered uniques/honorific/Shrine craft. So my goal here only will be to give an up to date general direction and put some videos, without going into the details of game mechanics or anything.

Overwiew

Skill priority : Mind Flay > Tainted Blood > Slayer > Elemental Wisdom > Blessed Life > Stormlord > Endurance. This here show a lvl 142 tree.
Take the others as they are available, Spark of Hope can start with 5 points at first. If mindflay mana cost get too overwhelming at some point, put some in slayers.
"Enough for gear" details : 88 str & 90 dex will be enough to equip the core T3 uniques. 180 str and 187 dex will be enough to get theses to T4, and get a T3 belt and armor. In general, do not invest too much in thoses, if possible not at all, equipping better gear isn't always worth losing too much energy/vit points. Let +str/dex mystics orbs on honorifics, Stormlord, Charms, and -requirements jewels / orbs do the job. After getting 110 charm is the good moment to equip low requirement sacred, and anything afterward should be possible to equip with 0 str or dex invested.
Energy increase the base damage of spells but has diminushing returns, here you can see some breakpoints
► Show Spoiler

Going for only 1580 energy for more vitality or the usual 2100 for more offense are both good choice, it depends on your needs. I recommend 1580 more. Less than 1500 can come with the malus of being a bit low on mana sometime.
105 hit recovery is fine too depending on your gear but do try to aim for 194

Alternative skillplans (lvl 140+)

One possibility is to remove stormlord points to get specialization and increase warlock skills but I don't like at all sacrifying 200 all attributes. what I recommend more is to use specialization only if you can afford to remove points from elsewhere after getting well geared, like Elemental wisdom and Blessed life. For example :

Farming with Specialization

Here is what I recommend for Scosglen or farming in general, doesn't put much into defenses or pierce, and all in damage. All we want.

"I'm doing a boss so I don't need points in Slayer right?" version

This is weird looking alright, but it's what I used for Samael. Got Elemental Wisdom and spark of hope to my needs, Blessed life until 50 phy res, and leftover points in slayer (even if Slayer damage against bosses isn't too relevent, points in the tree are still more spell damage from superbeast). Note that the point in divine apparition was a waste, since we can use teleport at this point.

Gear

Leveling (lvl 1-135)

► Show Spoiler

Weapon:

Pax Mystica

Pax Mystica
Staves
'Tir'
Runeword Level: 10
+1 to All Skills
+7% to Spell Damage
+(2 to 5) to Blink
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
(11 to 13)% Magic Find

→

Heartrend

Heartrend
Large Axe (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 7 to (8 - 9)
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 18
Item Level: 1
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
1% Chance to cast level 6 Lifeblood on Death Blow
+1 to All Skills
+(21 to 30)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(6 to 10)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(3 to 5)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Damage
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: (19 - 21) to (21 - 22)
Required Level: 18
Required Strength: 39
Item Level: 31
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
2% Chance to cast level 12 Lifeblood on Death Blow
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(31 to 40)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(11 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 10)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Damage
Socketed (4)
Two-Hand Damage: (39 - 42) to (45 - 49)
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 88
Item Level: 51
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
3% Chance to cast level 18 Lifeblood on Death Blow
+2 to All Skills
+(41 to 50)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(21 to 30)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Damage
Socketed (5)
Two-Hand Damage: (50 - 53) to (57 - 61)
Required Level: 46
Required Strength: 180
Item Level: 77
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
4% Chance to cast level 21 Lifeblood on Death Blow
+3 to All Skills
+(51 to 60)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(31 to 40)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Damage
Socketed (6)

→

Taqiyya

Taqiyya
Paladin Spears
'ElNefOhm'
Runeword Level: 70
25% Chance to cast level 42 Immolation Bomb on Melee Attack
25% Chance to cast level 42 Nova Bomb on Melee Attack
+1 to All Skills
+(30 to 50) Spell Focus
50% Attack Speed
50% Cast Speed
70% Hit Recovery
(50 to 100)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(30 to 40)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(30 to 40)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(30 to 40)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-50% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(30 to 40)% to Cold Spell Damage
+(30 to 40)% to Poison Spell Damage
+(10 to 20) to all Attributes

Helm:

Honor

Honor
Helms
'Tal'
Runeword Level: 20
7% Movement Speed
+7% to Spell Damage
Elemental Resists +7%
Poison Length Reduced by (10 to 15)%
-7% to All Vendor Prices

→

Skull Lord

Skull Lord
Blackguard Helm (4)
Defense: (49 - 54) to (71 - 78)
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 29
Item Level: 1
+(16 to 25) Spell Focus
5% Cast Speed
+(6 to 8)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(6 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
(8 to 10)% Curse Length Reduction
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (184 - 199) to (242 - 261)
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 43
Item Level: 31
+(36 to 45) Spell Focus
10% Cast Speed
+(11 to 13)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(11 to 13)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
(14 to 16)% Curse Length Reduction
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (459 - 490) to (592 - 631)
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 90
Item Level: 51
+(56 to 65) Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(16 to 18)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(16 to 18)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
(20 to 22)% Curse Length Reduction
6% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Defense: (675 - 717) to (864 - 918)
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 50
Required Dexterity: 187
Item Level: 77
+(66 to 75) Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(18 to 20)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(18 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
(23 to 25)% Curse Length Reduction
8% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)

→ Craft w Chaotic Spark / Craft with lightning stats
Body 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)

→

Queen of Glass

Queen of Glass
Ancient Armor (4)
Defense: (315 - 344) to (630 - 688)
Required Level: 11
Required Strength: 33 to 34
Item Level: 29
15% Cast Speed
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
+(76 to 125) to Mana
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (899 - 969) to (1718 - 1852)
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 57 to 60
Item Level: 40
25% Cast Speed
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
+(176 to 225) to Mana
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (2084 - 2224) to (3911 - 4173)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 175 to 186
Item Level: 67
35% Cast Speed
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(276 to 325) to Mana
Lightning Resist +(41 to 45)%
Cold Resist +(41 to 45)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (3013 - 3202) to (5650 - 6005)
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 323 to 344
Item Level: 85
40% Cast Speed
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
+(326 to 375) to Mana
Lightning Resist +(46 to 50)%
Cold Resist +(46 to 50)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

T2 →

Hypersurface

Hypersurface
Leather Armor (Sacred)
Defense: (8272 - 8918) to (8579 - 9257)
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 315
Item Level: 1
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+2000 Defense
+200 to Energy
+(401 to 500) to Life
+(101 to 150) Life after each Kill
Requirements -40%
Socketed (6)

Universal Law
(Assassin Psionic Set)

/ Craft
Gloves:

Enlightenment

Enlightenment
Gloves
'El'
Runeword Level: 6
10% Combat Speeds
2% Life stolen per Hit
2% Mana stolen per Hit
+5 to all Attributes
+(3 to 5) Life Regenerated per Second
Lightning Resist +15%
+(4 to 6) to Light Radius

→ Honorific Leather Gloves T2 → Honorific Sacred → Craft
Belt:

Rainbow

Rainbow
Belts
'Eth'
Runeword Level: 15
+5% to Spell Damage
+(6 to 10)% to Summoned Minion Resistances
Regenerate Mana +(5 to 10)%
Elemental Resists +(10 to 15)%
(6 to 8)% Magic Find
+2 to Light Radius

→

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)

T3 →

Truce

Truce
Belts
'Jah'
Runeword Level: 80
5% Combat Speeds
Stun Attack
Slows Attacker by 5%
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
Physical Resist 10%

/

Lysra

Lysra
Belts
'MalCham'
Runeword Level: 83
15% Combat Speeds
-(8 to 10)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(141 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
5% to All Attributes
+1.5 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Maximum Mana +2%
+(10 to 20) Life after each Kill
+(10 to 20) Mana after each Kill

→ Craft / Mastercrafted gloves craft with Chaotic spark
Boots: Any with resists →

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)

→

Titan's Steps

Titan's Steps
Heavy Boots (Sacred)
Defense: (1322 - 1531) to (1400 - 1621)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 105
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
Adds 40-50 Magic Damage
Adds 40-50 Fire Damage
Adds 40-50 Lightning Damage
Adds 40-50 Cold Damage
-(7 to 10)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(90 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+200 to Life
Elemental Resists +10%
+(40 to 50) Life after each Kill
5% Weapon Damage Taken Restores Mana
Socketed (4)

/

Elemental Trance

Elemental Trance
Boots (Sacred)
Defense: (1113 - 1302) to (1147 - 1342)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 500
Item Level: 120
+1 to All Skills
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
40% Hit Recovery
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(71 to 100)% Enhanced Defense
(11 to 15)% to Energy
(30 to 50)% Gold Find
Socketed (4)

/ Craft
Amulet: Rare - Wanted stats : Life, light pierce, light sd, Spell focus, +sk
Rings: Rare - Wanted stats : +sk, light pierce, light sd, spell focus
On Switch:

Pax Mystica

Pax Mystica
Staves
'Tir'
Runeword Level: 10
+1 to All Skills
+7% to Spell Damage
+(2 to 5) to Blink
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
(11 to 13)% Magic Find

→

Shamanka

Shamanka
Long Staff (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 56 to 58
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 203
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
45% Cast Speed
45% Hit Recovery
+(21 to 25)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Cold Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Poison Spell Damage
+(6 to 16) to Bloodlust
Maximum Life +(10 to 13)%
Fire Resist +(50 to 70)%
Lightning Resist +(50 to 70)%
Socketed (4)

Tiered Unique craft order

Heartrend

Heartrend
Large Axe (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 7 to (8 - 9)
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 18
Item Level: 1
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
1% Chance to cast level 6 Lifeblood on Death Blow
+1 to All Skills
+(21 to 30)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(6 to 10)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(3 to 5)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Damage
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: (19 - 21) to (21 - 22)
Required Level: 18
Required Strength: 39
Item Level: 31
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
2% Chance to cast level 12 Lifeblood on Death Blow
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(31 to 40)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(11 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 10)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Damage
Socketed (4)
Two-Hand Damage: (39 - 42) to (45 - 49)
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 88
Item Level: 51
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
3% Chance to cast level 18 Lifeblood on Death Blow
+2 to All Skills
+(41 to 50)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(21 to 30)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Damage
Socketed (5)
Two-Hand Damage: (50 - 53) to (57 - 61)
Required Level: 46
Required Strength: 180
Item Level: 77
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
4% Chance to cast level 21 Lifeblood on Death Blow
+3 to All Skills
+(51 to 60)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(31 to 40)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Damage
Socketed (6)

T2 after mephisto → Upgrade it to T3 → T2

Queen of Glass

Queen of Glass
Ancient Armor (4)
Defense: (315 - 344) to (630 - 688)
Required Level: 11
Required Strength: 33 to 34
Item Level: 29
15% Cast Speed
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
+(76 to 125) to Mana
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (899 - 969) to (1718 - 1852)
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 57 to 60
Item Level: 40
25% Cast Speed
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
+(176 to 225) to Mana
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (2084 - 2224) to (3911 - 4173)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 175 to 186
Item Level: 67
35% Cast Speed
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(276 to 325) to Mana
Lightning Resist +(41 to 45)%
Cold Resist +(41 to 45)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (3013 - 3202) to (5650 - 6005)
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 323 to 344
Item Level: 85
40% Cast Speed
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
+(326 to 375) to Mana
Lightning Resist +(46 to 50)%
Cold Resist +(46 to 50)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

+ T3

Skull Lord

Skull Lord
Blackguard Helm (4)
Defense: (49 - 54) to (71 - 78)
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 29
Item Level: 1
+(16 to 25) Spell Focus
5% Cast Speed
+(6 to 8)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(6 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
(8 to 10)% Curse Length Reduction
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (184 - 199) to (242 - 261)
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 43
Item Level: 31
+(36 to 45) Spell Focus
10% Cast Speed
+(11 to 13)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(11 to 13)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
(14 to 16)% Curse Length Reduction
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (459 - 490) to (592 - 631)
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 90
Item Level: 51
+(56 to 65) Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(16 to 18)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(16 to 18)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
(20 to 22)% Curse Length Reduction
6% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Defense: (675 - 717) to (864 - 918)
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 50
Required Dexterity: 187
Item Level: 77
+(66 to 75) Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(18 to 20)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(18 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
(23 to 25)% Curse Length Reduction
8% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)

+

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)

T3 (can be gambled at around lvl 52) after productive nihlatak farming → Upgrade thoses to T4 +

Queen of Glass

Queen of Glass
Ancient Armor (4)
Defense: (315 - 344) to (630 - 688)
Required Level: 11
Required Strength: 33 to 34
Item Level: 29
15% Cast Speed
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
+(76 to 125) to Mana
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (899 - 969) to (1718 - 1852)
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 57 to 60
Item Level: 40
25% Cast Speed
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
+(176 to 225) to Mana
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (2084 - 2224) to (3911 - 4173)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 175 to 186
Item Level: 67
35% Cast Speed
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(276 to 325) to Mana
Lightning Resist +(41 to 45)%
Cold Resist +(41 to 45)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (3013 - 3202) to (5650 - 6005)
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 323 to 344
Item Level: 85
40% Cast Speed
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
+(326 to 375) to Mana
Lightning Resist +(46 to 50)%
Cold Resist +(46 to 50)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

T3 →

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)

T3. No need to upgrade thoses last 2.

Note

Imperius' Edict

Imperius' Edict
(Paladin Warlock Set)

Imperius' Aura
Imperius' Radiance
Imperius' Sky Hammer
Imperius' Winged Feet

Set Bonus with 2 or more set items:
20% to Strength
20% to Energy

Set Bonus with 3 or more set items:
20% to Dexterity
20% to Energy

Set Bonus with complete set:
+100 Spell Focus
30% Movement Speed
+30% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
-20% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
Attacker Flees after Striking 33%
+150 to all Attributes
20% Chance to Avoid Damage

is a really good option as well. Packed with defensive stats and perfectly good enough offense. I personally don't search for it, but it's really good and can carry midgame quite nicely, and make fauzt extremely comfy for example if that's your aim. It's only issue is that it lacks pierce, make sure to equip a Gloves, Belt, Helm and if possible jewelry with some pierce as well or it will not perform as expected.

Sockets
Weapon : Perfect Ruby / Sapphires (help mana costs in normal and nightmare a lot) → Crafted Jewel
Armors : Perfect Topaz, Bloodstone/Onyx/Amber/Turquoise as needed. Resists runes as well, Ral, Ort, Thul, Amn are good early on → Resist gems, Mal, zod runes and Crafted Jewels → Crafted Jewels everywhere.

How to jewelcraft : Nightmare izual drop a catalyst of jewelcraft, transmute it until it has the +1-2% spell damage affix. Transmute with Arcane Crystals to charge it, then with a jewel to craft.
Wanted Stat : Spell focus, +Lightning spell damage, 1% all attribute or 2% vitality, life, Hit recovery, Cast speed.
To start with, any jewel with spell focus will do, no need to search for amazing ones.

Mystics Orbs
Weapon : Life after each kill (Very important ! Do that first after getting the TU4 weapon) → Lightning spell damage → Magic find/Xp gain
Armors : Spell Focus → Lightning spell damage → Resists/Hit recovery/Attributes/Magic Find
Jewelry : Lightning spell damage → Life → Defense/Physical damage reduction/Magic find

Don't forget to oil of luck ! Especially in Jewelery.

End

► Show Spoiler

Weapon:

Black Sun Spear

Black Sun Spear
Tepoztopilli (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 68 to 75
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 733
Item Level: 105
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
Amazing Grace
+(7 to 11) to Paladin Skill Levels
+(150 to 250) Spell Focus
+(30 to 40)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(30 to 40)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(35 to 50)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+150 Life Regenerated per Second
100% Bonus to Defense
Cannot Be Frozen
Socketed (6)

/

Dead Lake's Lady

Dead Lake's Lady
Grand Scepter (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 36 to 40
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 449
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+4 to Amazon Skill Levels
+4 to Paladin Skill Levels
+200 Spell Focus
50% Block Speed
+(21 to 25)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
(21 to 25)% to Strength
(21 to 25)% to Dexterity
(21 to 25)% to Energy
Regenerate Mana +25%
Socketed (3)

/

Aeterna

Aeterna
Broad Sword (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: (101 - 118) to (105 - 124)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 488
Item Level: 105
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
Amazing Grace
4% Chance to cast level 50 Blizzard on Death Blow
+(3 to 5) to All Skills
+100 Spell Focus
(20 to 50)% Cast Speed
+(20 to 40)% to Spell Damage
+(130 to 170)% Enhanced Damage
(10 to 20)% to Strength
Socketed (6)

→

Eternal Vigil

Eternal Vigil
War Sword (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 46 to 50
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 1162
Item Level: 120
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
4% Chance to cast level 53 Glacial Nova on Death Blow
4% Chance to cast level 53 Supernova on Death Blow
+(3 to 4) to All Skills
+200 Spell Focus
+(31 to 40)% to Spell Damage
-(28 to 35)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(200 to 250) to Mana
Requirements +100%
Socketed (3)

Shield: Angelic /

Vortex

Vortex
Paladin Shields
'SurBurFul'
Runeword Level: 115
Allows an additional Slayer
+(1 to 2) to Paladin Skill Levels
+50% to Spell Damage
-(10 to 15)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
Slows Attacker by 15%
+(141 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
(5 to 10)% to Vitality
Regenerate Mana +10%
Maximum Lightning Resist +2%
Lightning Resist +(25 to 30)%
Physical Resist 5%

/

The Vanquisher

The Vanquisher
Rondache (Sacred)
Defense: 5004 to 5520
Chance to Block: 2%
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 440
Item Level: 120
If You Have Not Been Hit Recently, +30% Total Mind Flay Damage
Otherwise, -10% Total Mind Flay Damage
+4 to Paladin Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
30% Movement Speed
30% Hit Recovery
-25% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana +(20 to 30)%
Maximum Lightning Resist +(0 to 2)%
+(30 to 50) Life after each Kill
Socketed (4)

/

Celestial Barrier

Celestial Barrier
Spiked Shield (Sacred)
Defense: (2525 - 2828) to (3012 - 3374)
Chance to Block: 1% + Class%
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 550
Item Level: 120
+(4 to 5) to All Skills
1% Base Block Chance
-50% Attack Speed
30% Cast Speed
-(20 to 25)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(150 to 180)% Enhanced Defense
50% Bonus to Defense
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (6)

Helm:

Ilmatar

Ilmatar
Paladin Helms
'ArcNif'
Runeword Level: 100
+1% Maximum Elemental Resist per 200% Lightning Spell Damage
+(1 to 2) to Paladin Skill Levels
+(5 to 10)% Bonus to Spell Focus
20% Hit Recovery
+30% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(5 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(10 to 15)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(141 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana +(1 to 15)%
Elemental Resists +(8 to 15)%

/

Blessed Wrath

Blessed Wrath
Hundsgugel (Sacred)
Defense: (2883 - 3327) to (3192 - 3684)
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 500
Item Level: 120
+3 to Paladin Skill Levels
+(50 to 75) Spell Focus
(25 to 30)% Cast Speed
+(10 to 15)% to Spell Damage
-(15 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(160 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
(20 to 30)% to Energy
Maximum Mana +(11 to 15)%
+(30 to 50) Life after each Kill
(40 to 50)% Bonus to Defense
+(2 to 3) to Light Radius
Socketed (4)

(if no need for max res AND not using cpark) / Chaotic Spark craft
Body Armor : Craft → Angelic /

Hide of the Basilisk

Hide of the Basilisk
Chain Mail (Sacred)
Defense: (5807 - 6817) to (6568 - 7711)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Item Level: 120
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
30% Cast Speed
+(25 to 38)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(13 to 16) to Thunderstone
+(130 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
+250 to Mana
Maximum Lightning Resist +4%
Physical Resist 15%
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (6)

Gloves: Craft →

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)

/ Chaotic Spark Mastercraft craft
Belt: Craft /

Nor Tiraj's Wisdom

Nor Tiraj's Wisdom
Heavy Belt (Sacred)
Defense: (2805 - 3315) to (3029 - 3580)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 687 to 937
Item Level: 105
+100 Spell Focus
-(20 to 25)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(15 to 20) to Lightning Shield
+(15 to 20) to Stormclash
+(120 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +10%
(10 to 50)% Bonus to Defense
+2% to Experience Gained
Requirements +(10 to 50)%
Socketed (2)

/ (

Treachery

Treachery
Belts
'ArcPhul'
Runeword Level: 110
+1 to All Skills
+(5 to 10)% Bonus to Spell Focus
10% Hit Recovery
+(15 to 20)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(12 to 15) to Singularity
(15 to 20)% to Energy
+(150 to 250) to Mana
Physical Resist 5%
+(100 to 200) Life when Struck by an Enemy

) →

Doomcloud Spine

Doomcloud Spine
Plated Belt (Sacred)
Defense: 4089 to 4479
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 675
Item Level: 120
Adds 100-150 Lightning Damage
+25% to Lightning Spell Damage
-15% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
+50 to Vitality
15% to Vitality
Maximum Lightning Resist +2%
+5 Lightning Absorb
Socketed (2)

Henchmen Trophies
(Legendary Set)

Boots:

Titan's Steps

Titan's Steps
Heavy Boots (Sacred)
Defense: (1322 - 1531) to (1400 - 1621)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 105
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
Adds 40-50 Magic Damage
Adds 40-50 Fire Damage
Adds 40-50 Lightning Damage
Adds 40-50 Cold Damage
-(7 to 10)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(90 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+200 to Life
Elemental Resists +10%
+(40 to 50) Life after each Kill
5% Weapon Damage Taken Restores Mana
Socketed (4)

/ Craft / Honorific → Angelic w +3skills and other desirable affixes (spell damage, pierce, all attributes, life, def, etc)
Amulet: Rare with +3/4 skills, life, pierce, spell focus, spell damage →

Black Dwarf

Black Dwarf
Amulet
Required Level: 110
Item Level: 105
+2 to All Skills
20% Cast Speed
20% Hit Recovery
+(15 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(5 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(15 to 25)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(5 to 20)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(21 to 29) to Supernova
(30 to 40)% Bonus to Defense
-5 to Light Radius

/

The Tesseract

The Tesseract
Amulet
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 105
+2 to All Skills
25% Cast Speed
+(1 to 30)% to Fire Spell Damage
-(1 to 20)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
+(1 to 30)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(1 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(1 to 30)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(1 to 20)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(1 to 30)% to Poison Spell Damage
-(1 to 20)% to Enemy Poison Resistance

/ Crafted amulet
Rings: Rare /

Empyrean Glory

Empyrean Glory
Ring
Required Level: 50
Item Level: 120
1% Chance to cast level 40 Singularity on Kill
(6 to 10)% to All Attributes
Maximum Life +5%
Maximum Mana +15%
15% Gold Find

/

Adrenaline Rush

Adrenaline Rush
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
+1 to All Skills
40% Combat Speeds
40% Movement Speed
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%

On Switch:

Shamanka

Shamanka
Long Staff (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 56 to 58
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 203
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
45% Cast Speed
45% Hit Recovery
+(21 to 25)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Cold Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Poison Spell Damage
+(6 to 16) to Bloodlust
Maximum Life +(10 to 13)%
Fire Resist +(50 to 70)%
Lightning Resist +(50 to 70)%
Socketed (4)

Relics :

Relic (Mind Flay)

Relic
Required Level: 75
Symphony of Destruction: +1 Beam in Slayer's Area of Effect
+(5 to 11) to Mind Flay
Lightning Resist +30%

. For the two others take whatever cool bonus, max resists, %vitaliry, lightning things, all good.

Relic (Blood Fury)

Relic
Required Level: 75
+(2 to 7) to Blood Fury
+(33 to 66) to Life
+(21 to 30) Life after each Kill

,

Relic (Raven Familiar)

Relic
Required Level: 75
-5% Movement Speed
+(3 to 6) to Raven Familiar
+5 to all Attributes

,

Relic (Firedance)

Relic
Required Level: 75
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+(4 to 7) to Firedance
10% Magic Find

are good generic caster buffs.

Relic (Nova Charge)

Relic
Required Level: 75
+(8 to 14) to Nova Charge
+20 to Energy
+10 to Frozen Heart while Carrying Periodic Relics
(Hive - Nova Charge - Path of Flames)

is a good buff as well.

Unique Mystics Orbs

Uldyssian's Spirit

Uldyssian's Spirit
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
+15 Spell Focus
+30% Damage to Demons
+3% to Spell Damage
+10 Required Level

/

Lodestone

Lodestone
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
+5% to Spell Damage
Requirements +10%
+10 Required Level

/

Auriel's Focus

Auriel's Focus
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
+2% Bonus to Spell Focus
+25% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Energy
Poison Length Reduced by 5%
+10 Required Level

/

Explorer's Globe

Explorer's Globe
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
-5 to all Attributes
2% to All Attributes
+10 Required Level

/

Periapt of Life

Periapt of Life
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
4% to Vitality
+40 Life Regenerated per Second
+10 Required Level

/

The Endless Light

The Endless Light
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
-2% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+100 Defense
3% Bonus to Defense
+10 Required Level

/

The Moon Crystal

The Moon Crystal
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
10% Cast Speed
Regenerate Mana +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Cold Resist +15%
+10 Required Level

/

Apple of Discord

Apple of Discord
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
+40 to Life
+40 to Mana
+10 Required Level

Misc : x5 life leech orbs on the weapon +

Arcane Hunger

Arcane Hunger
Occult Effigy

Cube Reagent
Cube with a One Handed Weapon
with at least 15% Life Leech to Add Bonus
All Life Leech transformed to +20% Spell Damage
Item Cannot be Unsocketed
(Max 1 Use per Item)
+10 Required Level

can of course be considered. x2 Uldyssian end up better but it's harder to get. Another thing to do on the weapon is sweat for Oil of Conjuration to success, good luck with that.

Precisions

Black Sun Spear
Black Sun Spear
Tepoztopilli (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 68 to 75
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 733
Item Level: 105
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
Amazing Grace
+(7 to 11) to Paladin Skill Levels
+(150 to 250) Spell Focus
+(30 to 40)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(30 to 40)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(35 to 50)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+150 Life Regenerated per Second
100% Bonus to Defense
Cannot Be Frozen
Socketed (6)
is cheap and amazing to use, only the best 1h and shield will beat it and you can get scosglen started with pretty much only this spear and crafts. I recommend it more than 1h + shield until you get the godly Eternal Vigil + Vortex.
For shields,
The Vanquisher
The Vanquisher
Rondache (Sacred)
Defense: 5004 to 5520
Chance to Block: 2%
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 440
Item Level: 120
If You Have Not Been Hit Recently, +30% Total Mind Flay Damage
Otherwise, -10% Total Mind Flay Damage
+4 to Paladin Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
30% Movement Speed
30% Hit Recovery
-25% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana +(20 to 30)%
Maximum Lightning Resist +(0 to 2)%
+(30 to 50) Life after each Kill
Socketed (4)
damage debuff proc on any weapon damage taken and last about 5 seconds. Against most bosses it's ok to use, and some like samael or Riftwalker III only use spell so it will never trigger, so this shield is super good for them. But never take this shield in any other place and not for farm. Angelic shields can have good defensive stats and +sk, vortex good to use in general, and cbarrier is the best to go with a cspark heavy build.
Angelics in general can be very good, aim for desired stats such as +skills, spell damage, pierce, life, def, all attributes etc. Angelic boots are BiS. Body armor and shield can be very good options if it they rolled super well, giving tons of flat life, skills and other good things. I didn't compare them directly and properly with the SSUs options so you'll have to decide which are better yourself.
A potential transition to
Deckard Cain's Heirloom
Deckard Cain's Heirloom
Short Staff (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 53 to 55
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 188
Item Level: 120
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+2.5% Spell Damage per 1% Additional Experience Gain
+1 to All Skills
-(20 to 25)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-(20 to 25)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-(20 to 25)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
Maximum Fire Resist +2%
Maximum Lightning Resist +2%
Maximum Cold Resist +2%
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
(21 to 60)% Magic Find
''Knowledge is Power''
Socketed (3)
for endgame is possible, but is too much of a pain to set up for me (crafts and crafted jewels with xp gain, many umos, etc) and I'm extremely satisfied with Eternal Vigil + Vortex so I won't go in this territory myself.

skills

The build is overall pretty complete, Slayer and Mind Flay are the 2 main skills and can do anything. Slayer is both a buff for more mindflay beams when close to it and good for clearing by itself, so always keep one around. Either defensively to protect and buff yourself while sniping with Mind Flay, or agressiely, close to enemies.

As oskills goes, Superbeast gives Lightning and Physical/magic spell damage. One skill stand out exceptionally well and end up being pretty much part of the build's kit, and two others are nice to have.

Chaotic Spark From crafted Paladin Helms
Good Farming skill with that deal a bit less damage than Mind Flay, but pierce through enemies and has a better coverage, making it much better in dense places. Fauzt and Viz Jun typically are way more comfortable with it, but it is also true for scos and lab, especially since the mastercrafted gloves introduction. Another good point of Cspark is that it stuns enemies, making farming pretty safe. Melee heavy rifts such as Duncraig for example are made comfier due to that stun. During leveling, both Mflay and spark will clear dunc at about the same speed, but spark should end up feeling a bit better because of that stun.
Anyway this skill is especially good as long as you outdamage the zone. It shine the most in low level rifts due to that, but if you have high enough damage you will be able to use chaotic well in scosglen or even high labs without issues. Sadly I didn't showcase it, but do try if you like the feeling of the spell or want the optimal farmer.

Nova Charge From

Relic (Nova Charge)

Relic
Required Level: 75
+(8 to 14) to Nova Charge
+20 to Energy
+10 to Frozen Heart while Carrying Periodic Relics
(Hive - Nova Charge - Path of Flames)

,

Stormchaser

Stormchaser
Pike (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: (144 - 159) to (225 - 249)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 712 to 950
Required Dexterity: 786 to 1048
Item Level: 120
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
50% Movement Speed
50% Hit Recovery
Adds 2000-3000 Lightning Damage
-100% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
+50 to Nova Charge
+(6 to 16) to Great Hunt
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
Cannot Be Frozen
Requirements +(50 to 100)%
Socketed (6)

,

Elemental Band

Elemental Band
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
+10% to Spell Damage
+1 to Path of Flames
+1 to Nova Charge
+1 to Lightning Arena
+1 to Hive

A buff that I personally didn't get the opportunity to try it in 2.4 and showcase as much as I should. That will launch lightning novas periodically and help doing damage around.

Stormchaser

Stormchaser
Pike (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: (144 - 159) to (225 - 249)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 712 to 950
Required Dexterity: 786 to 1048
Item Level: 120
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
50% Movement Speed
50% Hit Recovery
Adds 2000-3000 Lightning Damage
-100% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
+50 to Nova Charge
+(6 to 16) to Great Hunt
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
Cannot Be Frozen
Requirements +(50 to 100)%
Socketed (6)

is not usable alone, but is good to keep because you can prebuff nova charge with it, and get it with 50 more levels. But the buff will disappear when switching out without the relic or elemental bond equipped, that's the thing. So the best is to have the relic, and the relic alone will do fine.

Singularity From

Treachery

Treachery
Belts
'ArcPhul'
Runeword Level: 110
+1 to All Skills
+(5 to 10)% Bonus to Spell Focus
10% Hit Recovery
+(15 to 20)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(12 to 15) to Singularity
(15 to 20)% to Energy
+(150 to 250) to Mana
Physical Resist 5%
+(100 to 200) Life when Struck by an Enemy

,

Relic (Singularity)

Relic
Required Level: 75
+(9 to 14) to Singularity
Magic Absorb (1 to 3)%
+(16 to 30) Life after each Kill

A bit gimmicky and optional, but singularity is just generic strong against non moving, non teleporting targets. Scosglen's Sapling gards, Riftwalker III, Giuya's nests, Phoboss, deimoss... Due to the build having a decent, not amazing but decent physical spell damage %, Singularity is in a nice spot where it feel good to drop it sometime and a nice support, without becoming the main skill either. It's not exactly worth to aim for the belt, but it's fun to use with the relic in very specific situations.

Showcase

Here's clips from my 2.4 season, where I played uhc from level 50 to 148 (I could have played from lvl 1 but wanted some variety), excluding Laz, that I did with a respec to unholy melee since it's pretty much the easiest way to do laz of the game.

(lvl 105) Sunless sea
(lvl 115) 115 ubers Yes idk which ubers are interesting so I'll just say "hey they're all there". Note : Do

Truce

Truce
Belts
'Jah'
Runeword Level: 80
5% Combat Speeds
Stun Attack
Slows Attacker by 5%
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
Physical Resist 10%

for safe TA farming, don't be like me.
(lvl 121) 120s
(lvl 123) Tran Athulua & Duncraig farm
(lvl 126) 125s part 1
(lvl 126) 125s part 2 ; Belial & Baal
(lvl 128) Fauzt farm is going well
(lvl 131) Uldy (do it a bit later and with a bit more def to be safe)
(lvl 131) Void
(lvl 135) Giyua
(lvl 136) Riftwalker III
(lvl 136) Atanna Khan Note : This is the moment I quit ssf, as I bought a Black Sun Spear
(lvl 139) First time in Scosglen
(lvl 144) First Samael clear . That video make the fight look easy but it was a very lucky run, but since I had exactly 0 umos at this point a lucky or at least decently normal fight was needed. Anyway on this scuffy set up the fight was pretty inconsistent, but later on with better gear it ended much better.
(lvl 144) Scosglen on a decent set up
(lvl 147) Dimentionnal Labyrinth Tier 6 7 8 & 9
(lvl 148) Dimentionnal Labyrinth Tier 10
(lvl 148) Deimoss
(lvl 148) Scosglen on a decently big set up

F.A.Q

Any question I get asked ever will goes there and fill up this section. Since this guide isn't exhaustive at all there likely will be some things.

► Show Spoiler

Which merc do I use?

I don't recommand a merc at all. Mercs and reanimate tend to make enemies scatter everywhere to focus different things, and that doesn't come well with mind flay aoe, nor with Slayer role as a clear skill, nor with chaotic spark which work much better with enemies rushing the player. Baiting tanly enemies at a specific point to spam mind flay on them safely is Servants or Valor role.
Though, mercs can help leveling in normal & nightmare, at that point it's ok, take some A1 girl and give her your best bow and that's it until she die.
And yeah I really hated reanimates on this build, if there were an alternative to

Skull Lord

Skull Lord
Blackguard Helm (4)
Defense: (49 - 54) to (71 - 78)
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 29
Item Level: 1
+(16 to 25) Spell Focus
5% Cast Speed
+(6 to 8)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(6 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
(8 to 10)% Curse Length Reduction
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (184 - 199) to (242 - 261)
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 43
Item Level: 31
+(36 to 45) Spell Focus
10% Cast Speed
+(11 to 13)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(11 to 13)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
(14 to 16)% Curse Length Reduction
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (459 - 490) to (592 - 631)
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 90
Item Level: 51
+(56 to 65) Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(16 to 18)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(16 to 18)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
(20 to 22)% Curse Length Reduction
6% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Defense: (675 - 717) to (864 - 918)
(Paladin Only)
Required Level: 50
Required Dexterity: 187
Item Level: 77
+(66 to 75) Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(18 to 20)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(18 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
(23 to 25)% Curse Length Reduction
8% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)

I'd jump on it trust me. They help in TA but any other place I wanted to cry and was severely considering sacrificing an AC for the RIP recipie, and if you're not pressed for time I suggest you to do so.

why do u put points into ward of fate, servants of valor and conclave?

Servent of valors are nice baits, you often see me using them against bosses, in labs, to bait Scoglen sapling guards poison, and quite a few others situations. I did not take them while leveling because I forgot, but even in nightmare they start being useful to be safer against dangerous mobs like Corpulants or some archers. Simply put, they can tank while you're safe from afar, sniping with mindflay. Conclave just help them be tankier, and ward of fate is a prerequite. But the point is not to make them tanky or anything with minions stats, just to spam them or let them bait for a very short time when it's useful.

Which cycles did you use on Corrupted Wormhole?

A random mix of ene/vit/mf/life or whatever work at first, but in the long run the best is by far one with only medium and Large vitality.

Have fun !

Finally! I was afraid I would have to figure it all out myself.

Great as always !

Big and good :flip:

What was your tooltip like for mindflay? And what was your final pierce % for sam?

magz_ wrote:Big and good
What was your tooltip like for mindflay? And what was your final pierce % for sam?

I wouldn't even have tried sam without 199 pierce, and the tooltip barely got above 11k min light damage.
Currently, without Vanquisher but Vortex I have 10 106 - 12 088 light and that's what I do low labs with, but I'll have to sacrifice some damage later probably.
If you want more tooltips, I have a note saying that 5k mindflay 100 pierce is enough to try Uldy, and I remember that in this part of the game I had about 4.7k but more pierce so I tried anyway. My current gear only has twice that tooltip, but I can easily do 2 min uldys now though so time sure have changed.

thanhluan115 wrote:Great as always !

ty~

paolo12 wrote:Finally! I was afraid I would have to figure it all out myself.

TUs actually aren't easy to figure out at all, I'm sure many did the misstake of going 1h + shield instead of the 2h axe, as well as many details I figured on the way. Have fun if you end up trying !

love the guide. looking forward to seeing the lab footage. did you ever try Imperius' Edict paladin warlock set? How did you like it if so? Do you think that set could farm dunc / fauzt easily with this build?

I just noticed; how come you don't take griffon's for big spell dmg? Do you lose too much defensiveness?

intex wrote:love the guide. looking forward to seeing the lab footage. did you ever try Imperius' Edict paladin warlock set? How did you like it if so? Do you think that set could farm dunc / fauzt easily with this build?

Imperius' Edict is a really good option as well. Packed with defensive stats and perfectly good enough offense. I personally don't search for it, but it's really good and can carry midgame quite nicely, and make fauzt extremely comfy for example if that's your aim. It's only issue is that it lacks pierce, make sure to equip a Gloves, Belt, Helm and if possible jewelry with some pierce as well or it will not perform as expected.

tldr yes it's good for fauzt, you can easily do fast and safe clears. A little bit faster and safer that you can see in my fauzt farm video, it should.

magz_ wrote:I just noticed; how come you don't take griffon's for big spell dmg? Do you lose too much defensiveness?

Yes it's a question of trading 2 mr for -1. So for scos or labs it's no, and for lower content use Cspark helm now. So I know both Blessed Wrath and Griffons can be good but I never needed it. It's probably real good if they drop early of course, but idk.
Another question could be why I recommand Ilmatar and not Indigo, and the reply is defense, the tad bit of sd Ilmatar have, and that hr is more important than cast speed. And it's easy to get and reroll.
Oh and also my current gear gives naturally +8 max light res, so I actually have no space for light res gems, which make the sd not that big.

So yeah there's many good choices but I just didn't find any use for it.

Updated with labs videos for anyone interested, from T6 to 10.
Does not include deimoss yet, since it was my first time ever against him it ended pretty badly. I'll try again when I get more T10s

Edit : Deimoss added, second attempt was the good one

Ilmatar vs Indigo: Ilmatar is much cheaper, UN rune for indigo is one of most sought runes.