Invaluable Items - Part 2

Part 2 is focused on one special set the game provides called Deaths Disguise. This set gives unbelievable amounts of power to the dual wielding barbarian early in the game. It can literally take you from Act I through to the beginning of Act IV without having to leave the game for more item replacements. This set alone is a major time saver.

Deaths Disguise
http://www.battle.net/diablo2exp/items/sets/sets2.shtml#deaths
Deaths Touch - War Sword
One-Hand Damage: 10 to 25
Required Level: 6
Required Strength: 71
Required Dexterity: 45
Base Weapon Speed: [0]
+25% Enhanced Damage
4% Life Stolen Per Hit
Adds 25-75 Cold Damage, 3 sec. Duration

The flat physical damage of 10 - 25 makes this weapon formidable even before the set item bonuses are applied. Once 2 of the 3 set items are equipped everything changes with the introduction of the 25 - 75 cold damage. Don't worry about the duration as you will have 2 of these weapons if done correctly. You will most definitely want to socket both swords with Hel runes in order to bring down the massive strength requirements for this weapon. With this done your strength req = 57 and dex req = 36. This will reduce the amount of charms required to be able to equip them by clvl 6. Note you need 2 different set items equipped to get the set item bonuses.

Deaths Touch - Leather Gloves
Required Level: 6
Durability: 12
Poison Length Reduced by 75%
Poison Resist 50%
30% Increased Attack Speed

Deaths Guard - 8 box Sash
Defence: 22
Required Level: 6
Durability: 12
Cannot be Frozen
+20 Defence
All Resistances +15

Partial Set Bonus (2 of 3 items equipped)
+8% Life Steal (2 Items)

Complete Set Bonus (3 of 3 items equipped)
+8% Life Steal
40% Bonus to Attack Rating
All Resistances +25
+10 to Minimum Damage

As you can see, all items in the deaths set have a level requirment of 6. Getting all of these bonuses is no huge feat but I do have a few tips:

• Gothic Plate - can come with a maximum of 4 sockets and no level reqirements. Socketted with 4 flawed Amethyst gems will grant you a 16 point strength bonus. Use charms to equip then it will carry its self, keep the charms however as they will come in handy later. Strength req 70.
• Great Helm - can have 3 sockets and no level requirements. Socket with 3 flawed emeralds for the 12 points of dex which will help in the later part of normal which changing over to 2h swords. Strength req 63.
• Charms - Strength charms are essential for getting some items equipped, it will be up to you to work out how many of each. Stamina charms are incredibly valuable to the build early game due to the lack of points going into life and thus lowered stamina. Basically you will want to collect every stamina potion that drops.