Breath of the Dying: Weapon Rune Word - Diablo 2
Breath of the Dying is the highest level Weapon Rune Word in the game and the best available Rune Word for many different Classes and Builds in Diablo 2. This is also the only Rune Word in the entire game that uses a Zod Rune which is the highest level Rune in the game.
This Rune Word is commonly Socketed into an Ethereal Berserker Axe since the Rune Word will make the weapon Indestructible and the Berserker Axe offers the highest DPS for a one-handed weapon in the entire game. In addition to all of the damage bonuses that this weapon offers the 50% Chance to cast Poison Nova when killing an enemy will decimate large groups of enemies with ease.
Keep in mind that all Rune Words you create will retain any pre-existing bonuses found on the item. If you find a 'Superior' piece of armor with +Enhanced Defense, a Superior Weapon with +Enhanced Damage or a Helm/Weapon that has +Skill bonuses for a certain class, all of these will remain on the final Rune Word that is created. It's also possible to 'ebug' a piece of Ethereal Armor that you find which will increase the Defense bonuses by 50%, check out my Ebugging Guide for more information.
Farming High Runes: Out of all locations in the game one stands above the rest for farming specifically High Runes, the Countess during Act 1. The Countess has a guaranteed chance to always drop a High Rune and can even drop more than one. Check out my The Countess Farming Guide for more information.
Required Runes:
Level Req: 69
Other Req: N/A
Slots: All Weapons
50% Chance To Cast Level 20 Poison Nova When You Kill An Enemy
Indestructible
+60% Increased Attack Speed
+350-400% Enhanced Damage (varies)
-25% Target Defense
+50 To Attack Rating
+200% Damage To Undead
+50 To Attack Rating Against Undead
7% Mana Stolen Per Hit
12-15% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
Prevent Monster Heal
+30 To All Attributes
+1 To Light Radius
Requirements -20%
Breath of the Dying Rune Word in Ethereal War Spike.