UberTank's best friend -> Soul Stealer axe

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Has anyone noticed how powerful the Soul Stealer axe is (found in the Fields of Slaughter in HoF mode)?

Here are its stats:

Damage: 1d8 + 5
Attack Bonus: +5
Enchantment: +5
Damage Type: Slashing
Special:
Cursed: This item requires a Remove Curse spell to be unequipped
Willpower: +3 bonus
Speed: +1 additional attack per combat round
Vampiric: +1d4 hit points drained from target and temporarily added to wielder
(Fortitude save for none)
Insanity: 25% chance wielder and/or target will become berserk. +5 STR, +20HP,
hit points hidden for the duration of the insanity
Weight: 7 lb.
Required Feat: Martial Weapon, Axe
Type: One-handed

Notice the Insanity enchantment of this weapon. 25% chance wielder and/or target will become berserk. Focus on what it does to the wielder. The +5 STR is not cumulative but the +20HP is! Keep in mind that the hitpoint gain is not drained. It is a flat 25% chance of gaining 20 hps/hit.

Unlike vampiric weapons that may not work on some monsters or require saves, this hit point gain works against all. A high level fighter with 5 attacks almost guarantees gaining at least 20 hitpoints every round, and often times more. My 26 level barb gained over 1200 hps after a battle in the Goblin Fortress. The gain is temporary (obviously) but last more than just a few rounds.

So how does one effectively use this weapon? It is cursed and the character wielding is uncontrollable in battle.

First, keep your other characters clear. My barb wiped out my entire party on more than one occassion. Once a battle is engaged, dedicate a cleric to keep an eye on him. Early in the fight the Axe wielder will not have gained many hit points; it is important to make sure that he stays alive long enough to reap the benefits of the Axe.

This takes a little getting used to because his hitpoints are masked. After a few rounds check his hitpoints in the Character Tab, his current hitpoints will not be displayed but his total hitpoints will. You'll be shocked. Cast Heal again. Voila, instant UberTank with 1000+ hps.

Make sure your cleric has Exaltation memorized. It will cure your tank of the insanity (so he doesn't attack friendlies). Use this spell towards the end of a battle. Remove Curse does not work.

If you can get the weapon, try it out. It's really fun seeing your 500 hitpoint Half-Orc turn into a 1700 hitpoint Orc-God.

HoF is where this weapon/strategy really shines since it takes many hits (thus many chances for +hp) to bring down a foe. Finally, a tank that can survive HoF.

Cheers.

 

i cheat that item..quite strong for barbarian half-orc along with a paladin with remove curse when needed..nice post there very detailed...

 

i dunno about best 4 ubertank, but the most fun weapon is that quarterstaff in black raven monastary, the harmless staff i believe. have u seen its stats? may not be the strongest weapon, but extremely fun to use.