Grief: Weapon Rune Word - Diablo 2
Grief is an odd Rune Word since it doesn't offer any +Enhanced Damage many people overlook it, especially once they see it on a weapon and see such low numbers in Damage. However, Grief can be one of highest DPS Rune Words in the game when used properly.
The +340 - 400 damage affix on Grief counts as a flat increase to your overall Damage whereas +Enhanced Damage doesn't. What this means is more hits = more damage; for that reason Grief is best suited when Socketed into fast weapons like a Phase Blade.
Note: The +340 - 400 Damage Modifier on this Rune Word works on the Paladin Smite skill and is one of the few damage increasing modifiers that actually does.
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: 59
Other Req: Ladder Only
Slots: Swords and Axes
35% Chance To Cast Level 15 Venom On Striking
+30-40% Increased Attack Speed (varies)
Damage +340-400 (varies)
Ignore Target's Defense
-25% Target Defense
+(1.875*Clvl)% Damage To Demons (Based on Character Level)
Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
-20-25% To Enemy Poison Resistance (varies)
20% Deadly Strike
Prevent Monster Heal
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
+10-15 Life After Each Kill (varies)
