Plague

Runeword

Sockets:: 3
Allowed Bases:: Sword, Knife, Hand to Hand
Req level:: 67

20% Chance to Cast Level 12 Lower Resist when Struck
25% Chance to Cast Level 15 Poison Nova on Striking
Level 13–17 Cleansing Aura When Equipped
+1–2 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+220–320% Enhanced Damage
-23% to Enemy Poison Resistance
0.375% Deadly Strike per level (0–37% at levels 1–99)
25% Chance of Open Wounds
Freezes Target +3

Description

One of the new 2.4 Runewords, Plague is well suited to Act 3 and Act 5 mercenaries, and calls for the comparatively under-utilised Cham high rune to craft.

Key details

Enemy Poison Resistance affix, along with Lower Resist proc make it suitable for Rabies druids.
Placed in a Claw-class weapon, it works to amplify the effects of the Venom: Skill.

D2Emu Tips

Now that this runeword is confirmed for claw type weapons, Plague can be used to potentially make + 5 Lightning Sentry Claws with a + 3 automod and + 2 to all skills White claw type weapon.
Plague was ladder only during Patch 2.4 and Patch 2.5 (Ladder Season 1 & 2).
A budget alternative to decrease the elemental resistances if you cannot afford Infinity.
One of the best weapons for Poison Dagger, rivaling Blackbog's Sharp - if only this skill was ever used...
A superior use for Plague (3s PB) is the Frenzy Barb (mercenary of A5) with Plague for Lower Resist and Cleansing, in combination with Azurewrath ( Ber/ Shael/ Amn) is best in slot to use.