Post Mod-4 Holy Avenger Repost

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

Since they nerfed the Forums, I figured I'd repost the latest & greatest Holy Avenger series Paladin build for anyone looking to roll something new before/if they ever fix the forums.

With a tip-o-the-hat to Grenfell for the original build, and the rest of the community to help tweak to what it is today... a Survivabilty Machine with decent DPS, high-saves, moderate AC, and very nice UMD.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

32 Point Build stats
Human - Lawful Good

Str 17 + 3 (Levels) + 6 (Item) + 2 (1750 Tome) = 28 (+9)
Dex 11 + 1 (Tome) + 1 (Rogue's DEX 1) + 1 (Human Adapt 1) + 6 (Item)= 20 (+5)
Con 13 + 1 (Tome) + 6 (Item) = 20 (+5)
Int 8 = 8
Wis 9 + 1 (Tome) + 6 (Item) = 16 (+3)
Cha 16 + 1 (Tome) + 2 (Paladin's Charisma 2) + 1 (Human Cha 1) + 6 (Item) = 26 (+8)



Hit Points:
-------------------------
20 - Heroic Durability
110 - Paladin 11
12 - Rogue 2
10 - Fighter 1
70 - Con Bonus
16 - Toughness
50 - Paladin's Toughness 4
10 - Draconic Vitality
-------------------------
298 - Hit Points without False Life Items


Saves
-------------------------
7 / 3 / 3 - Paladin 11
0 / 3 / 0 - Rogue 2
2 / 0 / 0 - Fighter 1
5 / 5 / 3 - Stat Mods
5 / 5 / 5 - Resistance +5 Item
8 / 8 / 8 - Divine Grace
4 / 4 / 4 - Paladin Aura w/ BoG 3
-------------------------
31 / 28 / 23 - Standing, No Buffs!!!
-------------------------
1 / 1 / 1 - Luck Item/Bless
4 / 4 / 4 - Greater Heroism
-------------------------
36 / 33 / 28 - w/ Buffs


Feats:
-------------------------
1 - Weapon Proficiency: Kopesh
1 - Weapon Focus: Slashing
3 - Power Attack
6 - Toughness
9 - Improved Critical: Slashing
12 - Skill Focus: UMD
14 - (Fighter Bonus) Power Critical: Slashing
-------------------------
Note: If you are not a big fan of Power Attack, I might suggest Least Dragonmark of Passage. 3x 14 minute Expeditious Retreats is very useful, and if you take Lesser Dragonmark @ 15, you get Dimension Door. Alternately: Dodge, Stunning Blow, Improved Critical: Bludgeoning/Piercing, Toughness (again), Mental Toughness, etc. NOTE: Mental Toughness would require taking Toughness @ 3 and Mental Toughness @ 6.


Enhancements:
-------------------------
Bulwark of Good 1
Resistance of Good 3
Rogue's Dexterity 1
Human Dexterity 1
Human Charisma 1
Extra Lay on Hands 2
Energy of the Templar 1
Critical Accuracy 1
Fighter's Item Defense 1
Paladin's Charisma 2
Human Versatility 4
-------------------------
That should leave a couple of extra points for your personal modifications.


UMD:
-------------------------
17 Ranks
8 - Charisma Bonus
3 - Golden Cartouche
3 - Skill Focus: UMD
4 - Greater Heroism
1 - Rabbit Gloves
-------------------
36 UMD - Auto Success on Raise Dead Scroll. Heal Scroll on a 4
Note: This is without using Human Versatility Skills Boost. HV4 means auto-success on Heal Scrolls, and a Ressurect Scroll on a 4 (I think)


To Hit:
-------------------------
13 - BAB
9 - STR Bonus
5 - Weapon
4 - Greater Heroism
1 - Weapon Focus: Slashing
3 - Divine Favor
5 - Human Versatility / Paladin's Attack Boost 4
2 - Recitation
1 - Haste
1 - Rage Potion
-5 - Power Attack
-------------------
+39/+39/+44/+49


Damage:
-------------------------
9 - Strength
5 - +5 Weapon
1 - Rage Potion
2 - Recitations
3 - Divine Favor
5 - Human Versatility Damage Boost 4
5 - Power Attack
-------------------------
+30 Damage - 1d8+30 (17-20)x3 with a +5 Kopesh - 31-38 damage w/ 93-114 Crits


AC:
-------------------------
10 Base
10 Armor (+5 Mithral Breastplate / Kundarak Delving Suit)
5 Dex (5 Dex Max for Mithral Breastplate / 6 Dex Max for KDS)
7 Shield
3 Spec Optics
2 Chaosguarde
2 Natural Armor (Invaders Ring)
1 Paladin Aura
1 Bulwark of Good 1
--------------------
41 AC
--------------------
2 Bulwark of Good 3
3 Chattering Ring
--------------------
46 AC
--------------------
1 +5 Mithral Tower Shield (4 Dex Max)
3 Ranger's Barkskin
1 Cleric's Shield of Faith
5 Paladin's Armor Boost 4 / Human Versatility Armore Boost 4
--------------------
56 AC / 58 AC when blocking


Important Items:
-------------------------
Heavy Fortification (BAM Necklace or Belt/Ring)
-------------------------


Level Progression:
-------------------------
Paladin - Level 1-11, Rogue 12-13, Fighter 14
-or-
Paladin - Level 1-8, Rogue 9-10, Paladin 11-13, Fighter 14
-or-
Rogue - Level 1, Paladin 2-9, Rogue 10, Paladin 11-13, Fighter 14
-------------------------


Skill Points:
-------------------------
Paladin Levels: Tumble (so you can tumble in whatever armor you wear), Jump, Balance.
Rogue Levels: MAX UMD, rest into Balance
Post-Rogue Levels: Max UMD, then either Jump or Balance
-or-
Paladin Levels: UMD & Jump
Rogue Levels: Max UMD, rest into Balance
Post-Rogue Levels: Max UMD, then Jump or Balance
-------------------------
The first option ends up with a slightly higher overall Balance score, but sacrifices good UMD until the 2 Rogue Levels. I like to take the UMD from the start to be able to start UMD'ing RR items before Level 10/11

[Bromm]

Level Progression
Paladin - Level 1-11, Rogue 12-13, Fighter 14
-or-
Paladin - Level 1-10, Rogue 11-12, Paladin 13, Fighter 14

First level of any evasion build MUST be rogue for all the extra Skill points on creation.

Looks good otherwise.

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

Level Progression
Paladin - Level 1-11, Rogue 12-13, Fighter 14
-or-
Paladin - Level 1-10, Rogue 11-12, Paladin 13, Fighter 14

First level of any evasion build MUST be rogue for all the extra Skill points on creation.

Looks good otherwise.

This is a good point... and I forgot to update with that.

Feats:
1- Toughness
1 - Skill Focus: UMD
3 - Weapon Proficiency: Kopesh
6 - Power Attack
9 - Improved Critical: Slashing
12 - Weapon Focus: Slashing
14 - (Fighter Bonus) Power Critical: Slashing

Corrected Level Progresion:
Rogue L1 & L10
Paladin L2-L9 & L11-L13
Fighter L14

[Riekan]

Also, Paladin Toughness III is 30 hit points these days.

[Treerat]

Level Progression
Paladin - Level 1-11, Rogue 12-13, Fighter 14
-or-
Paladin - Level 1-10, Rogue 11-12, Paladin 13, Fighter 14

First level of any evasion build MUST be rogue for all the extra Skill points on creation.

Looks good otherwise.


Wrong, wrong, wrong! Talk about outdated misinformation.

If he's only concerned about 1 rogue-skill (UMD) then it makes more sense to wait for the rogue levels.

Rogue at 1: 4 points max into UMD with the rest wasted in other skills
Rogue at 11: Can put all 10 points into UMD

So which is more efficient? Putting at most 4 points into UMD then having to dump the rest into skills that will never get the attention to be useful past 5, or getting the full 1-to-1 point-to-rank ratio for a native skill.

[D'rin]

How are the shadow avengers working at the higher lvls? I have one at 14th lvl but haven't played him since I hit 14th. I respeced for toughness and he now has better hit points but since he started with 10 con he is still only at 230 or so with improved false life. He currently has a 24 str since he has not gotten his favor tome. With the reduction of divine favor I just don't feel he is nearly the powerhouse he use to be.
How are people feeling about their holy/shadow avenger?

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

I still play, and *LOVE* my Holy Avenger. I am aroun 260 HPs, with a +5 CON Item and no False Life Item (but 100% Fort). He is still a house in most quests. I can outkill most fighters (+5 Flaming Adamantine Kopesh of Righteousness is just sick!), Raise Dead at need, 187 point LoH, UMD any Level 5 Scroll (L6 or a roll of 5 or 6)... I love him.

Sure, I wish I had a bit higher standing AC (it's 41), but still, he is great damage, and max survivability. Respec into Toughness, and make room for Paladin Toughness 3, and it will make a BIG difference!

[Riekan]

What are you all wearing for armor? With such a low starting dex, even in light armor, I can't imagine that your evasion is working all that great.

My version is stuck at level 13 and I haven't played him for awhile. He has the Centurion Armor and I am reluctant to give it up for evasion, so maybe I'll just start playing him again and have the rogue levels for maxed UMD and not worry about evasion. He's got 1500+ favor, and some good raid loot, so I really don't want to reroll him. I've been on the fence with it for awhile and had turned him into a mule, but I do miss the character.

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

My Armor breakdown? I am at work, so I don't remember everything... but.

12 Starting Dex + 1 (Tome) + 1 (Rogue's Dex 1) + 6 (Item) = 20 (+5)

10 - Base
10 - +5 Mithral Breastplate
5 - Dex Bonus
7 - +5 Heavy Mithral Shield
3 - Specatular Optics
4 - Paladin Aura (+1 Base, +3 BoG 3)
2 - Chaosguarde
------------------------------
41 AC Standing & Unbuffed
------------------------------
5 - Barkskin
1 - Shield of Faith
1 - +5 Mithral Tower Shield (No FTSM, so +2 for Shield, -1 for Max Dex)
2 - Defensive Fighting
2 - Recitation
1 - Haste
------------------------------
53 AC w/ Buffs & Stances - Potentially +5 for Human Versatility/Paladin's AC Boost 4 for 58 AC

Not the greatest, but it works..

[D'rin]

I started casting displacement from scrolls when I head into battles that I am worried about. It does not last long but 30s of 50% misses makes a differance.

[Riekan]

I understand how to get the AC to a respectable level. My question is more what is your reflex save starting with such a low dex, as we all did. Is evasion working enough to make it worth the light armor. If you can get hold of the KDS then sure, run with it. I don't have +5 Mithril Breastplate, but I do have +5 Mithril Fullplate. However, wearing it negates evasion...

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

Reflex Save:
3 - Paladin 11 Base
3 - Rogue 2 Base
5 - Dex Mod
7 - Divine Grace
4 - Spectacular Optics
-------------------------
22 Reflex Save
-------------------------
4 - Greater Herosim
1 - Rabbit Gloves / Luck Item / Bless
2 - Recitation
5 - Human Versatility or Paladin Saves Boost
-------------------------
34 Reflex Save when Buffed


And yes, I find that even a 22 base is enough to help... I usually have GH running, so 26 is good enough in most quests... now when it is a Level 12+ quest on Elite, sometimes I fail on a 2 or 3, but not that often. I think it is still worth the tradeoff.... and with a net loss of -1 AC (13 MFP + 3 Dex vs. 10 MBP + 5 Dex), it isn't that much of a hit.

+5 Mithral Breastplates show up on the AH, at least on Mabar they did, quite often, and quite resonable... I think I bought a suit a month ago or so for 100,000 pp... and that was the "Low Population" Mabar! ;)

[Riekan]

Yeah, I've looked on Sarlona for months and when they do pop up it's usually for 12Mill or so in gold. More than I want to spend on a single piece of equipment. Guess I'll have to keep looking.

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

Too bad you're not on ArgoBar... I have 3 of them now.. and only need 2 of them!

[MasterofDungeons]

Too bad you're not on ArgoBar... I have 3 of them now.. and only need 2 of them!

/bow
/wink
I am on ArgoBar...

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

Build is corrected and prettied-up.

1) Updated for +1 Tomes - Didn't realize how often they were dropping (I've been playing my lowbies).
2) Updated for +6 Stat Items - No reason not to
3) Cleaned Up Formatting
4) Added Feat Options/Alternatives
5) Fixed various Calculations in Saves, Hit Points,
6) Added Damage Section

[Vinos]

How many SP do you have?

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

Sorry, I forgot about that:

Spell Points:
-------------------------
100 - Paladin 11 Base
60 - Wisdom Mod (+3)
20 - Energy of the Templar 1
100 - Pearl of Power X / Wizardry 4 Item
-------------------------
280 Spell Points

Energy of the Templar 3 would make that 320 SP.

[Riekan]

Nice update. However, I noticed a couple things that need to be changed.

You have Human Adaptability in Str, Dex, and Cha. I'd probably drop it from Str, upgrate the build to a +6 Str item, since there's 2 in raids and they drop randomly now. That way, you can take your 1750 Tome in Str if you haven't found a +2 Str tome yet.

Also, if your going to swap Power Attack for Mental Toughness, make sure you're aware that you can't take MT until the 4th level of Paladin as you won't have spells yet. In that case, take Toughness at 3 and MT at 6.

In the AC section, the KDS is armor 11: 5 base +6 Max dex.

Otherwise, looks good. This is definately a solid build that has stood up to time.

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

Nice update. However, I noticed a couple things that need to be changed.

You have Human Adaptability in Str, Dex, and Cha. I'd probably drop it from Str, upgrate the build to a +6 Str item, since there's 2 in raids and they drop randomly now. That way, you can take your 1750 Tome in Str if you haven't found a +2 Str tome yet.

Also, if your going to swap Power Attack for Mental Toughness, make sure you're aware that you can't take MT until the 4th level of Paladin as you won't have spells yet. In that case, take Toughness at 3 and MT at 6.

In the AC section, the KDS is armor 11: 5 base +6 Max dex.

Otherwise, looks good. This is definately a solid build that has stood up to time.


DOE! I didn't realize I had a REALLY Adaptable Human! :)

Updated with that fix (removed Human STR 1, Upped to +6 Stat Item). Also fixed some formatting, and a few minor errors.

KDS is 5 base and +5, so it is still, technically, "10" AC, but with +6 Dex max, but this build has +5 Dex, so KDS and MBP should be interchangable, stats-wise. Yes, KDS can get one more Dex Bonus, but I think 20 Dex is sufficient for this build.