Faith Runeword - D2R 2.6

Faith

Runes: Ohm + Jah + Lem + Eld

4 Socket Missile Weapon

Ladder Only Runeword

Level 12-15 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped (varies)

+1-2 To All Skills (varies)

+330% Enhanced Damage

Ignore Target's Defense

300% Bonus To Attack Rating

+75% Damage To Undead

+50 To Attack Rating Against Undead

+120 Fire Damage

All Resistances +15

10% Reanimate As: Returned

75% Extra Gold From Monsters

Faith is one of two potential weapon choices for the end-game Bowazon and also the weapon of choice for Act I Mercenaries. 

Bowazons usually have to choose between Faith and Windforce. This is actually an extremely close comparison where Windforce wins slightly in terms of damage output at higher levels:

DAMAGE COMPARISON

Assuming a standard Bowazon setup at level 99 using Fortitude and an inventory of 10 Max Damage Grand Charms and 3 Max Damage Small Charms:

Faith Grand Matron Bow

Base Damage: 62-320 (191 Avg)

+Max Damage from Items and Charms: 145

+Min Damage from Items: 15

% Enhanced Damage from Auras: 548

% Enhanced Damage from Items: 420

Estimated Dexterity: 565

(1180-7128) Estimated Damage with Standard Attack

4154 Average

Windforce + 40 Enhanced Damage / 15 IAS Jewel

Base Damage: 39-574 (306.5 Avg)

+Max Damage from Items and Charms: 145

+Min Damage from Items: 15

% Enhanced Damage from Auras: 144

% Enhanced Damage from Items: 420

Estimated Dexterity: 535

(593-7901) Estimated Damage with Standard Attack

4247 Average

As demonstrated by the calculations, at level 99 with perfect gear, Windforce outperforms Faith in damage output by approximately 2%. However, since Windforce scales with character level, Faith will be stronger for lower level characters. Still, there are other factors to consider:

Standard Attack / Grand Matron Bow OR Hydra Bow / Level 15 Fanaticism

9 Frames = 22 IAS

8 Frames = 46 IAS 

7 Frames = 92 IAS

In order to get to the fastest attack speed breakpoint, 92 IAS is necessary from items. Windforce contributes 35 IAS when socketed with a jewel whereas Faith has no built-in IAS which places severe item restrictions on the build. Generally, Faith users must use a 45 IAS helm, 20 IAS amulet (The Cat’s Eye or Highlord’s Wrath), 20 IAS gloves (Laying of Hands) and a 10 IAS belt (Nosferatu’s Coil). Windforce users on the other hand have the option of using Atma’s Scarab for Amplify Damage and Razortail for 100% Chance to Pierce.

A second factor is difference in mercenary choices. Windforce builds rely on an Act I mercenary to provide them with Fanaticism while Faith builds use the customary Act II mercenary with either Pride or The Reaper’s Toll. Amplify Damage has higher damage potential than either of these options but does not proc consistently. Act II mercenaries are also much better meat shields for your glass cannon character. Faith also has 10% Reanimate as: Returned which consumes a corpse to create a skeleton that will follow you for 60 seconds. Overall, Faith builds are arguably more consistent and easier to play.

Finally, the stats indicate that Windforce has higher base damage and Faith builds offer more enhanced damage through auras. This means that Windforce will scale significantly better in parties where other players are providing enhanced damage auras.

ACT I MERCENARIES

Act I Mercenaries are able to equip Faith bows. This mercenary build is exclusively used for the increased attack speed that Fanaticism Aura provides – otherwise, an Act II Might Aura Mercenary would offer more enhanced damage. The standard build for this mercenary is:

Normal Act I Rogue (Cold Arrow)

Merc Helm: Ethereal Andariel’s Visage + 30 Fire Resistance / 15 IAS Jewel

Merc Weapon: Faith Grand Matron Bow

Merc Armor: Ethereal Fortitude Archon Plate

Act I Mercenary / Grand Matron Bow / Standard Attack / Level 15 Fanaticism

10 Frames = 16 IAS

9 Frames = 35 IAS

8 Frames = 70 IAS

If you'd rather skip farming you can quickly buy gear at Rpgstash's D2R Store.