Hammer of the Ancients

Hammer of the Ancients is a tier III skill in the Battlemaster Skill Tree, which causes a big 2-handed hammer to appear in the Barbarian's hands, with which he smacks an enemy for increased % of weapon damage.

Background

Diablo III Skill [e]

Hammer of the Ancients Active, 5 ranks
Used by:	Barbarian
Skill Description:
A massive attack that deals X% weapon damage plus an additional Y physical damage, and has a Z% increased chance to critically hit
Skill Details:
Type:	Direct Damage
Quantity:	Instant
Effect:	Target
School:	Physical
Fury cost:	1 Fury orb
Cast time:	None
Duration:	None
Cooldown:	None
Synergies:	None
Requires:	N/A
Prereq of:	N/A

The Barbarian calls for aid from his ancestors, and they respond by lending him this huge hammer.

Skill Design

This Skill is pure gold, allowing Battlemaster Barbarians to start almost every fight with at least 1 fury orb, causing the fight end before it starts, and if they survive the initial skill, then the increase in fury gain will make casting other skills a breeze. It is on a 30 second cooldown, but is completely fury free, probably being the only Fury free skill for the Barbarian (assumed).

It is highly recommended that Barbarians of all builds should consider spending 5 points into it. However, the 25% increase in damage taken can become a problem, and may even result in unexpected deaths, so watch your health.

Skill Rank Table

(legend (A) = Assumed)

Rank: 1/5
- A massive attack that deals 175% weapon damage plus an additional 12 physical damage, and has a 25% increased chance to critically hit.
- Fury Cost: 1 Fury Orb
Rank: 2/5
- A massive attack that deals 200% weapon damage plus an additional 18 physical damage, and has a 30% increased chance to critically hit. (A)
- Fury Cost: 1 Fury Orb
Rank: 3/5
- A massive attack that deals 225% weapon damage plus an additional 24 physical damage, and has a 35% increased chance to critically hit. (A)
- Fury Cost: 1 Fury Orb
Rank: 4/5
- A massive attack that deals 250% weapon damage plus an additional 30 physical damage, and has a 40% increased chance to critically hit. (A)
- Fury Cost: 1 Fury Orb
Rank: 5/5
- A massive attack that deals 275% weapon damage plus an additional 36 physical damage, and has a 45% increased chance to critically hit. (A)
- Fury Cost: 1 Fury Orb

Say hello to my little friend...

Synergies

None known.

Skill Rune Effects

None known.

Development

Hammer of the Ancients was seen in every Diablo 3 game demo to date, and was iterated and moved, judging from the latest demo. The old Hammer of the Ancients was in tier II and dealt 100% weapon damage, an additional 2 physical damage and increased the damage of critical hits by 20% at rank one.

Media

You can find pictures in the Diablo 3 screenshot and picture gallery:

References

Full Barbarian Skill Trees and Stats