Holy Thunder: Weapon Rune Word - Diablo 2

Holy Thunder is a decent low level Rune Word for Paladins but is unobtainable until Nightmare difficulty since four Open Socket Scepters can't drop on Normal. The Holy Shock bonus along with the damage bonuses from Holy Thunder are usually why this weapon is chosen for twinking low level Paladins but it's often over looked how useful the Lightning Resistance is in this level range too.

You can obtain 3 of the 4 Runes required to make this Rune Word from Act 5 Quest 2: Rescue on Mount Arreat. Any pre-existing bonuses on the Scepter prior to creating this Rune Word will remain.

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: Eth -- Ral -- Ort -- Tal
Level Req: 23
Other Req: N/A
Slots: Scepters Only

+60% Enhanced Damage
+10 to Maximum Damage
-25% Target Defense
Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
Adds 21-110 Lightning Damage
+75 Poison Damage over 5 secs
+3 to Holy Shock (Paladin Only)
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Lightning Resist +60%
Level 7 Chain Lightning (60 charges)