Claws of Thunder Assassin Build
The Claws of Thunder Assassin is a pure lightning-based martial arts build that harnesses the power of thunder and lightning through charge-up combos. This build uses Claws of Thunder to build powerful lightning charges, then releases them through finishing moves to create devastating electrical effects. Unlike Phoenix Strike's tri-elemental approach, Claws of Thunder specializes entirely in lightning damage, offering consistent elemental effects and spectacular lightning-based combat that turns the Assassin into a "storm warrior." Start off with adding 1 point to the following skills: Dragon Talon, Tiger Strike, Cobra Strike, First of Fire, Burst of Speed, Weapon Block, Shadow Master, Mind Blast and Cloak of Shadows. Max out the following: Claws of Thunder, Dragon Claw, Claw Mastery and Fade.
Attributes, get as much Strength as needed to wear the gear. Make sure to get a HellFire Torch and an Annihilus Charm. Put no point in Energy and some point in Dexterity, try to hit about 200 and the rest into Vitality.
Weapons, get Mosaics with 3 Claws of Thunder and other bonuses. Armor, you want to go for Enigma, you can also play around with either Chains of Honor or Fortitude. Helmet, go for a Griffon's Eye or a Shako. Gloves, go for a Dracul's Grasp or a Rare Glove with 2 Martial Art Skills and 20 Increased Attack Speed. Belt, Thundergod's Vigor or an Arachnid Mesh. Boots, you can get Gore rider, Sandstorm Trek or War Traveler if you want extra Magic Find. Rings, you want Raven Frost, Stone of Jordan or Rare Rings with Faster Cast Rate and Life Leech. Amulet, you want Highlord's Wrath, Cat's Eye or a Crafted Amulet with 20 Faster Cast Rate.
Inventory, you want Martial Art Skill Charms with Faster Hit Recover or Life. Annihilus Charm and HellFire Torch are needed as well as some Resistances and Life Small Charms.
Act 2 Mercenary with Might or Holy Freeze Aura. Vampire Gaze or Andariel's Visage for Helmet. Infinity with a Thresher Base for Weapon and Ethereal Archon Plate Fortitude for Armor.