I decided to try stacking energy shield - at minimum level.

That level 2 toon has more energy shield than max level ones!

can any of the red attacks wipe you out? ie are there attacks that 100->0 you regardless of defenses

Depending on the stats of that amulet, you might be able to squeeze out JUST a little more es with everlasting gaze. I dunno, unless that amulet has a real solid es roll. At this level you have like no mana so idk.

Very impressive at any rate. It's almost like es is an inherently obvious, clearly superior defensive layer. I'm shocked, is what I am.