Anyway, what I'm wondering is: does mana become a concern later on? I thought it would from the beginning (7 per second is a lot in the early stages), but short bursts will kill almost anything right now for about 2-4 mana. As I invest more points into Inferno and the mana cost goes up, does this start to become a factor?

Also, what equipment would usually be needed for an Inferno Sorceress? Fastest hit recovery would seem to be a good idea, since you're standing still while you cast Inferno, but what else should I be looking for?

Hehe, I can't wait to see how fast I can kill Andariel.

-- Addiction

Andariel? Put it this way: Using lvl 8 Inferno on a 13th level Sorceress, gave me enough time to think of taking a screenshot and actually take it before the evil witch died Andariel's life span was barely more than a second from the time Inferno started on her (She had dropped a bit of life following my character around the corner into the entry chamber whilst following exactly in a 1 point Blaze trail).

Duriel? Tough, but doesn't last long!!! As long as your hired mercenary has the good sense to block that charge . . .

Items? I'm playing this character as Fire exclusive. No other spell trees in other words, so the lack of cold spells means monsters can run you down pretty quick (usually to die near your feet). In this case I'd strongly recommend:
-Wall of the Eyeless (shield is the best way to go when lacking ice IMO)
-Magefist (of course)
Other than those two, common sense rules. You'll get hit a fair bit - compensate!

Mana? Did I mention the Wall? Actually, I found mana is hardly a problem (so far). Even on minimal Warmth. Watch out for the SHIFT-Click spray attack style though. I found aiming to be trickier than I first suspected and have wasted mana at times as a result. Also watch the time delay on a high level Inferno. It'll stretch to the edge of the screen in the end and it takes careful judgement sometimes to turn off the burn at the right moment.

I like to think that I played some small part in making Inferno Sorcs more popular (at least I know I did with whyBish and Elric. Hey guys!) lately.

When you face Andariel, be prepared to laugh your arse off at the ease of her demise. She's a pushover with a pumped Inferno. Mana isn't much of an issue later on, since high level Warmth and a decent mana pool will set you up nicely. At level 51, my Inferno Sorc has maxed Inferno, Fire Mastery, and Warmth, and about 110 Energy (more than I needed, but now I know) and can cast her level 23 Inferno for a good 35-40 seconds without letting up. She's in Hell difficulty, in Act III right now, down in the Kurast Bazaar. So yes, this is viable for Hell difficulty. =o) The plan is to play her through the game without using any further skill points, so she's still just Inferno/Warmth/FM upon receiving the title of Baroness. Wish me luck.

As for equipment, you're going to want some high blocking on a shield and some hefty +life on her items. +skills can be VERY helpful, since it'll enhance both Inferno itself and Fire Mastery. Other than that....you know the drill. You've been around long enough on the D2 scene to make the right choices.

(Begin brag) I just found a +1 Sorc Skills, -4 magic damage, +5 LR, +40 mana amulet that's done Lenore well (end brag). MDR and Hit recovery can go a long way to keeping you alive. And of course you know to try and max your resists.

Keep us posted on your Inferno Sorc. And if you have anymore questions/reports, don't hesitate to post on the forum! I'd love to hear how you're doing.

See you in Town,
-Z

Z&G

"No shepherd and one herd! Everybody wants the same, everybody is the same: whoever feels different goes voluntarily into a madhouse."

The Bard's Tavern

-- Addiction

See you in Town,
-Z

Z&G

"No shepherd and one herd! Everybody wants the same, everybody is the same: whoever feels different goes voluntarily into a madhouse."