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Series playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?playnext=1&list=PLPo00Kvl9Ha2gxq2Gh04OyrzH0jVhCVR3
Grim Dawn: Ashes of Malmouth is the first expansion for Grim Dawn, and it adds two new classes: the Necromancer and the Inquisitor, as well as extending the story by two acts.
In this series we'll play a Drain Essence using Death Knight (Necromancer/Soldier) through all three difficulties on hardcore, or my character will die trying.
# Build outline
Skill tree and Devotions:
* Very basic level 35 build: https://www.grimtools.com/calc/d2j0v9rZ
* Very basic level 50 build: https://www.grimtools.com/calc/nZorKxoV
* Endgame build with possible items: https://www.grimtools.com/calc/wV1jpQBZ
* Endgame build updated (4 May 2018): https://www.grimtools.com/calc/4VxdvgpV
The basic builds come equipped with green items that can be bought/crafted/farmed reliably or come from quest rewards. Some have nice synergies, boosting relevant skills, others are there simply to attach a component to (Ectoplasm, Focusing Prism, Soul Shard, Wrathstone). The Spectral War Shield is the only item that I think is mandatory for this build, because it greatly boosts Drain Essence. The bonus range and extra targets are very powerful.
Items from around level 40 and onwards will be based on whatever you find. Blue and Purple items are random drops, so it's less useful to plan for them.
Components: outside of the energy components I mentioned earlier, use them to fix your resistances. When those are maxed, get more health, armour or damage. In Elite and Ultimate, augments are used as bonus components. Wrathstone in your weapon + shield give you TWO auras you can activate to boost damage and have retaliation damage early on.
Notice that early on I keep Drain Essence and its support passives at a low level. Those skills increase in energy cost every 2-3 levels, so only push it over that limit if you have the energy to sustain it. Remember you can refund some points at the seer if needed. Spe..
