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Welcome to my first Steam Guide!

I just beat Cinder 12 and Cinder 16 with essentially the same build on back-to-back attempts!
These were my first two runs after Patch 0.2.2.
My runs before this patch were much more stressful and less successful.
I noticed some buffs on Auras and Companions in the Patch Notes and decided to try the Necromancer again.
This Necromancer build made it so easy that I had to share it with the rest of you Tiny Rogues out there.
I hope this guide helps anyone stuck on the higher Cinder levels!



(disclaimer - this guide does not describe how to unlock the Necromancer character)

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The most useful Trait early on is STRONG TOGETHER.
Next, I'd take INFLUENCE.
Your horde of Companions will wipe most of the early floors without you having to lift a finger.
Then grab your auras and boost them with INSPIRING PRESENCE.
I got INSPIRING PRESENCE after I already had two Auras. The AoE increase was a big help.

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• STRONG TOGETHER

+2 Max Companions. Since Skeletons are 0.3 a piece, you now have 10!
(corrected, thanks to HeraldOfOpera with the quick maths - 0.3 is not 0.3 repeating.)
The Skeleton buffs for your Character don't have much synergy (with this build) so the downside isn't noticeable. Real Necromancers command an Army of Undead!

• INFLUENCE

Companion Attack Speed boost per Aura. At four Auras, they get a 100% increase!

• INSPIRING PRESENCE

This was buffed in the patch to add 10 Power per Companion. Power increases Aura size - with 10 Companions, your Auras cover a large portion of the room!

Auras:

• POISON AURA
  
  
• BURN AURA
  
  
• SHOCK AURA

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Always be on the lookout for gear that boosts your Companions and Auras.
The list below is what I used to beat Death (and Tiamat for giggles). HOLY ARMOR and OCCULT MARK were doing most of the heavy lifting by Floor 8.

Inventory at Floor 11:

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• Body Armor - HOLY ARMOR

+1 Heart / +1 Armor and Holy Aura.
You won't be able to wear this early on (or if you don't boost your STR) without the HERCULES BOOTS.

• Accessory - FROSTFIRE RING

Cold inflicts Burn.
This item can probably be swapped out for most anything else that is relevant to the build/useful.

• Helmet - OCCULT MARK

Keep using your Magic weapon (Drain Mana) during Combat to to add stacks of Corruption. Your Companions will appreciate it!

• Boots - HERCULES BOOTS

Generally required for the equip load capacity boost to wear HOLY ARMOR.

• Gloves - SPELLBINDER GLOVES

Boosts debuffs.
This item can probably be swapped out for most anything else that is relevant to the build/useful.

• Weapon - LEGENDARY FIEND COMMANDER CODEX +4

OK, so maybe I got a little lucky on C16 with this find..
The IMP Companions don't count toward your limit! Plus a buff? Yes, please.
Honestly, as long as you have a strong weapon you should be fine. I think the real damage in this build comes from the Traits. Your focus should be to boost Auras and Companions with your gear.

• Offhand - PHYLACTERY TALISMAN

+1 Revive.
This item can probably be swapped out for most anything else that is relevant to the build/useful. I didn't end up needing the Revive.

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Notes:

You may have noticed the Offhand/Gloves/Accessory didn't lend much to my build. I think this just highlights how strong the Auras and Companions have become with v0.2.2. Comment below if you have suggestions - I'd love to hear what works for you in these slots!

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Final Attributes/Stats:

• STR 4
  
• DEX 5
  
• INT 37

I really only picked up INT and INT/STR or INT/DEX food.
By the end of Floor 11, I had 2 Mana / 2 Stamina / 4 Hearts / (0)1 Armor / 1 Soul Heart.
(of course, I gained and lost several Soul Hearts over the run)
Prioritize any additional Armor, Heart or Soul Heart room rewards.

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Starting Gift:

• TENT

Forget the Soul Scarf. That was all a dream. You're an independent Tiny Rogue that don't need no gift! Kidding of course, but you can probably get away with most choices now that Soul Scarf has been nerfed. I don't think I benefited from the TENT more than once, but it's a good safety net before the build ramps up.

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Charms:

• (TENT)
  
• GOLD CHARM

I just couldn't find helpful Charm rewards on my C16 run. I seemed to have more luck with my Gear rewards. I'm not saying you should avoid Charms, but this highlights that they aren't required (at least for this build).

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Companions:

• SKELETON WARRIOR (x4 with STRONG TOGETHER Trait. APS of the Warrior is a little higher, so I took it as my 10th)
  
• SKELETON RANGER (x3 with STRONG TOGETHER Trait)
  
• SKELETON MAGE (x3 with STRONG TOGETHER Trait)
  
• IMP (x4 granted from Weapon - not subject to Companion limit)

Before getting STRONG TOGETHER I used one of each SKELETON.

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Masteries:

I'll get this written up in a future edit. Screenshot for now:

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Other Tips/Strategies:

• As the Necromancer, you'll want to save all the Souls you can. Don't waste Souls at the Bonfire - ignore it somehow; pretend this is Demon's Souls. Just remember that more Souls = more Companion Damage from your Character Passive.
  
  
• There are new Gameplay Settings for Aura/Companion Opacity. This is a fantastic addition - I find myself very distracted by anything that isn't an enemy sprite/projectile. Fewer things to look at = fewer times I'm getting hit or Dashing unnecessarily. I have these down at 40% (personal preference).
  
  
• Let your Companions cook - focus on not getting hit. The safest thing to do in a crowded room is just stay away from enemies and let your Companions do all the work. If anything gets close, your Auras should light it up.
  
  
• OCCULT MARK's Corruption animation will leave dark blue trails that you can use to track down far/hidden mobs (or bravely run away, away).
  
  
• Spend ALL of your money on Arcade/slot machines and then bomb them if they aren't broken. You get so many goodies! Don't worry, it's not a gambling addiction.. probably.
  
  
• Stay calm and only use your Dash when absolutely needed - remember that this is not a DEX based build. Your HUGE brain is a bit of an easy target.

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Please comment with your feedback, suggestions and additions! I'm excited to hear if this works well for others - I have a feeling that Cinder 12-16 has been made generally easier by this patch (v0.2.2).

Shout-out to enenbon and their 'Cinder 16 General Tips' Guide for some great info on surviving Cinder 16 pre-0.2.2.

- Poop Ship Destroyer

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