Arcane Psychoe Reborn - After it was deleted.

[Nick_RC]

*This has gone through several revisions and has benefited from the input of a lot of players. There are 4 schools of thought. Either 13Wizard/1Fighter or 12 Wizard/2 Fighter, then there is Warforged or Dwarf. Each has its pros an cons but I personally lean towards the WF version of the 13/1 breed - everything below will show this.*

I have read everywhere and have never seen an example of a fighter wizard working in DDO so i Have set my mind to coming up with something that will combine the two classes too produce something that will work well high end. I have found the trick is not to generalize and to specialize.

This guy is the Arcane Psycho. Basically I have forgone any save based spell like PK, charm, finger etc and gone for damage and buffs while retaining stats of a fighter. I have started with a base intelligence of 11. Because ddo lets us use equipment as prereqs for level casting i will take advantage of this and because I’m only really doing buffing it wont matter to much apart from a smaller sp pool.

Bit of a disclaimer. Basically you have to declare that you are a tank at soon as you join a party. Send them a tell saying you will keep the party perma-hasted and that you can self buff, but that’s the only buffing you are likely to do except for rare circumstances. You are a tank and to function to the best of your ability you need the spellpoints for yourself. Pugs might have a problem with this and you may face rejection if you fill the last slot and they don’t have a real caster.

On to the fun stuff. You have around hp which is a good tank number. You have a 30/32 Strength as good as a good fighter. Perma Displaced and Stoneskinned, replaces AC and in higher content is much more useful. You will have resistance to any energies, protections if necessary, perma-rage, able to self cast GH on yourself and true seeing when you need it, immunity to magic/force missiles and what i consider nearly THE MOST important thing - Permateleport - I am extremely lazy and there is nothing better than teleporting everywhere.

You also have maxed intimidate to ensure you can keep the squishies safe and make the rogues happy!

Playstyle. Buff up and play like a tank I keep thinking of different scenarios from which this guy could be useful i.e casting a nasty firewall - running into the middle of it pull out the paralyser and hit everything near you alternating keeping the enemy in it all the whilst chopping at them with an axe!. Good times.


The Arcane Psychoe – Warforged

Warforged Nuetral Good

15 Wizard/1 Fighter

Starting Stats

18 +4 (lvl)+2(tome)+6(item)+2(Rage Spell) = 32'
11 + 1 (tome) + 3 (item) = 18
18 + 6 (item) + 2(enhancement) +2(Rage Spell) = 28(30+2tome)
11 +6 (item) +2(enhance) +1(tome) =20
6 +6 (item) =12
6 6 +4 (eagles Splendour)

Feats/Level

1.(wiz) Extend, Toughness
2.(Ftr)PA
3.MT
6. Spell Pen, (Wiz)Maximise
9. IMT
11.(Wiz) – Empower
12. Greater Spell Pen
15. Improve Crit
16. (Wiz)Quicken


Enhancements

Tweaked for personal taste but priority should go to

Fire/cold manipultion/crit
Spell Points
Spell Pen
WF Con

End Game HP

20 Base
60 Wiz lvl
10 Ftr lvl
10 Gianthold HP
30 GFL
18 Toughness Feat
18 Minos Legens
144 Constitution

310hp (might look a little lite BUT if you play one you will know that perma SS and Displ and full hp healing reconstructs makes this go a LONG way.



Saves (Will post when I get home cant remember Base-all in the low 20s except fort which is higher)

Will - 9(Base) +5 (Res) +2 (Luck) -1 (Stat) +4 (GH) - +19
Fort - 7(Base) +5 (res) +2 (Luck) +9 (Stat)+4 (GH) +29
Reflex -5(Base) +5 (res) +2 (Luck) +2 (Stat) +4 (GH) +18


Skills

Intimidate (Max)
Concentration (Max)


Equipment

Helm – Intimidate
Necklace – Minos Ligens
Necklace - Emerald Claw Fearsome and intimidate +11/13(torque of prince raiyum is what i use when i dont need to intimidate much)
Trinket – Head of Good Fortune
Cloak - Napkin
Belt – GFL
Gloves – Strength (i used fang gloves becuase i managed to pull a +3 str tome out of reaver)
R1 – Con
R2 – Superior combustion 4
Bracers – Steady Handed Arm Bands/ethereal Bracers
Boots – Innocent
Goggles – Mentau
Docent - Blue Dragon

Likely Spells(I only need 3 essential per level generally so swap out extra for whatever)

1. NightShield, Expedious retreat, Jump, Grease, Tumble
2. Resist Energy, Blur, Scorching Ray, Falselife, Knock
3. Haste, Displacement, Rage, Protection from energy,
4. Firewall, Stoneskin, Fire Shield, Dimension Door, Enervate
5. Teleport, Cloudkill, Cone of Cold, Break Enchantment,
6. True Seeing, Tensers, GH, Reconstruct
7. Greater teleport, Summon Monster, Waves of fatigue (pvp)
8. Ottos Irresistable, Polar ray


To Hit (with DP up)

16 BAB
1 Haste
5 weapon
11 Strength
1 Steady handed Arm bands
4 GH
-5 PA

+33 on first swing (DP should be up all the time)


Cheers


Nick

[Nick_RC]

Have been leveling my warforged and love him. I have forgone a few enhancements here and there and have got a mithril defender. At 14 il replace with my efreet...and let rampage through the squishies when i FO hehehe.

[rimble]

Been having fun with my WF 1 Fighter/4 Wizard (mostly solo'd to this point). Next level should be nice. Made him a little different and am going to see if I can squeeze into some Adamantine Plating at higher levels.

Your 'after the idiots deleted it' dig in the subject is so childishly passive aggressively unnecessary. We're all aware of the situation, get over it.

[Slayer918]

Your hitpoints are off by 3... toughness is 16 hp each time you take it... not 17...

Also If you could find a way to eek out a few more points of to-hit on the WF version you could pick up warfordged power attack w/o suffering too much to-hit... I like to have atleast +30 first swing... thats just me tho...

Also IMO taking con enhancements to 2nd level is a waste of APs... 6 aps for +1 fort save and 14 hp?

Here's your SP pool via ddowiki:
610 base
075 MT
075 IMT
132 Int
100 magi weapon swapped after buffing
20-50-80-110 energy of the scholar 1-2-3-4
1,012 - 1,042 - 1,072 - 1,102

Also please adjust to show that fighter should be taken at level 1... otherwise intimidate is going to be harder to keep maxed...

Silly aussies forget so much...

[Nick_RC]

Connner you crack me up you noob.

Thanks for the sp total - i try and be at 30 first swing would be nice for the PA enhance tho.

Also i wont be taking the fire chain to the max i dont beleive - il put some into force and repair so that my repairs are more effective. Il put my final enhancements up for the wf version in a bit.

About the con enhancement - sorry want to be over 300hp pal. all those little 14's add up.

Catch ya in guild chat noobsauce.

[CaptGrim]

Also i wont be taking the fire chain to the max i don't believe - il put some into force and repair so that my repairs are more effective. Il put my final enhancements up for the wf version in a bit.

About the con enhancement - sorry want to be over 300hp pal. all those little 14's add up.



First of all, glad you started your thread up(agian) Nick. I love sharing the fun of this style build with others.

at 3 repair/force enhancements and 12 lvls of wiz will put you at 156hp/reconstruct, enough for 2 to fill you up.

my build is different but similar, and breaks down like this:

First-of-one WF spell swd...At the time of building he was the only spell swd(viable), I knew about... **** you Nick :/

Strength 17 22 +1 tome, +1 fgt enhc,+3 increase 28 at14,30 raged
Dexterity 8 8 bah AC pfft
Constitution 16 20 +2 enhance +2 favor tome
Intelligence 16 20 +1 tome +3 enhance
Wisdom 9 10 +1 tome
Charisma 6 6 dumped

1 wiz- extend-toughness
2 fgt- WF slashing
3 wiz-toughness
6 wiz-Maximize-MT
9 wiz-toughness
11-wiz-quicken taken for Fog spells(solid and CK) but will spec out for empower with new meta system
12-wiz-toughness
14fgt-Imp. crit slashing

will be at 303hp end game

skills are maxed: repair, concentration, jump, and balance(cross classed)

no P/A and NO tensers, I can re-stone/reconstruct myself at a moments notice

IMO Imp. crit makes up for the DPS P/A, not to mention the higher to hit, A good holy of PG falcion and your all set

no intimidate...but with higher Int I have more SP to firewall for the aggro.

Also this build was designed around raid loot...the torc specifically....basically unlimited SP with this type of build...yea I'm running queen nonstop till the raid loot change...I think this guy has a good chance to solo it so I will give that a shot soon.

he's close to cap now and I'm working on gathering raid loot and favor for the +2 con tome

With out P/A hes had NO problem hitting even in elite content, and he will DPS all but the best built/played fighter/barbs

IMO this build is not for novices, you must re-stone/heal, gain/drop aggro, heal other WF(you don't have to but I like to help the party) not to mention the cost of scrolls(until you can cast SS you'll be buying ALOT of them).

But the build is full of reward. mainly the utility of a wizard with out the squishiness.

My reputation precedes me in a good many pugs on Sarlona, When I say "I'm a tank not a caster"...followed by laughter...then someone else chimes in "No really this guys is awesome"... lol ok that's only happened like 2 times but was so funny I had to share

[jjsscram]

Could this build still be pulled off by going 2 pally and 12 sor? Was thinking of more sp, and the saves for a bit more defensive build. Trying to get 2 wf put togather for me and my wife to play togather.

thanks
jjsscram

[CaptGrim]

To be honest I wouldn't...

As for saves, well my build above has **** reflex, but decent fort and will.

Combined with WF immunitys I have no problem with casters.

When M/C a caster you will already be hurting for spell slots, but M/Cing a sorc will make that even slower.

While I don't switch spells too ofter on my build, I do like the option to.

If your looking for more sp play with the numbers a bit to get your int up some.

Also if your only going to be duoing with her, you could max your Int and have a decent con and str, while healing her and letting her get most the kills as a WF barb or Fgt. then you could have full CC abilitys, max SP, and fight in a pinch.

[Shrazkil]

As a repost.

I went the opposite direction as nick. Thoroughly enjoy the Dex based "arcane pschyo"

3 rogue/11 wizard Warforged

8 str
18 dex (+2 tome +3lvl)Currently 30
16 con
16 Int (+2 tome at lvl1)Currently 26
6 wis
6 cha

Build retains full rogue skills , alot of mana , decent dc's (though honestly i do the non DC approach to casting). AC can hit well over 50 , allowing it to still be useful in gianthold elite (along with stoneskin and displacement, high ac is sick).

Feats -
lvl 1 = Extend , dodge
lvl 3 = Weapon Finesse
lvl 6 = Precision
lvl 9 = toughness
lvl 12 = mental toughnes
lvl 15 = Improved Crit
lvl 18 = Improved mental toughness

HP currently 237 non buffed , evasion always a plus.

[Deusxmachina]

Could this build still be pulled off by going 2 pally and 12 sor? Was thinking of more sp, and the saves for a bit more defensive build. Trying to get 2 wf put togather for me and my wife to play togather.


Certainly. Check the pally and sorcerer forums for Rentz's Arcane Avenger, assuming it's not still lost.

It's a tough call which way to go. Depends on what race you prefer, how many spell slots you want, if you want UMD, etc. Either one can be great, and you can modify them to your preferences of course, too.

[Lithic]

Paladin levels are for wusses :P

If you want a real battlemage, go 2rogue/12sorc hehe

[Heathen_Child]

My reputation precedes me in a good many pugs on Sarlona, When I say "I'm a tank not a caster"...followed by laughter...then someone else chimes in "No really this guys is awesome"... lol ok that's only happened like 2 times but was so funny I had to share


So it was you!!!!

I just got my psychoe up to 10 yesterday. Took me a few weeks of Pugging around Aerenal to get people to understand what, 'I'm not a caster' meant, and then they go and merge us. First group I get in, I offer up, 'hey all, just want to point out, I'm not a caster'. And some guy goes, 'Oh, another one of you. Ok. We'll need to get a caster.' Almost fell off my chair.

Even got my guildies to understand it now. Like pulling teeth until they ran with me. :P

I look forward to seeing you around the server some time Capt.

A-

Also, I was thinking about droping the cleave GC train and going either THF or TWF. Dual wielding Dwarven axes just seems like fun. Of dwarven main and a hand axe in the off hand. Then I could drop PA and take improved crit. Any thoughts on that?

[Aspenor]

Paladin levels are for wusses :P

If you want a real battlemage, go 2rogue/12sorc hehe

Only follow Lithic's advice if you like playing Gimped Robots :D :rolleyes:

STARSCREAM!!! YOU HAVE FAILED ME YET AGAIN!!!

[CaptGrim]

So it was you!!!!

'Oh, another one of you. Ok. We'll need to get a caster.' Almost fell off my chair.

LOL yeah I'm not sure about Adar but many folks on Sarlona get it now :D

I look forward to seeing you around the server some time Capt.

You bet look for FirstOfOne...hes about all I play now days

Also, I was thinking about droping the cleave GC train and going either THF or TWF. Dual wielding Dwarven axes just seems like fun. Of dwarven main and a hand axe in the off hand. Then I could drop PA and take improved crit. Any thoughts on that?


Thats hard to say, did you go with Nick's build or something diifernt like mine?

2 lvls of fighter or 1?

what are your others feats?

WF or dwarf?

I wouldn't go with TWF tho, and I LOVE Imp. crit(DPS with falcion is tremendous)

Anyways good luck and feel free to shoot me a tell in game, We can quest when you hit 11.

[Heathen_Child]

Thats hard to say, did you go with Nick's build or something diifernt like mine?
Closer to Nick's.

2 lvls of fighter or 1?
Only planned on one, but I have 4 more levels inwhich I could take another
what are your others feats?
I took PA, extend, maximise, Cleave, Greater Cleave and some toughnesses so far. I have planned 1 more toughness or improved crit
WF or dwarf?
I went Dwarf for the axe feat and the HP's. Plus I have a decent collection of high end Dwarven axes. Banisher, vorpal and some banes.
I wouldn't go with TWF tho, and I LOVE Imp. crit(DPS with falcion is tremendous)
So maybe look at two handed instead?

Anyways good luck and feel free to shoot me a tell in game, We can quest when you hit 11.

I certainly will. I'm mostly on Psychoe right now trying to level up. Yeah, Nick, I managed to get, and keep, the name. :) But I get easily conned into playing Heathen when we need a raid/GH cleric. But that will become harder, 'cause I'll be 11 soon enough. See you then.

[CaptGrim]

You may want to get mental toughness, and Imp mental toughness as it sounds like you sp pool is rather low. But seeing as your not a WF you may not need it. IMO cleave and great cleave adds plenty of splash damage, but more is always better. :D

As for the second lvl of fgt. thats up to your tastes

2 lvls adds a +1 str enhance, improved crit, and 6 more hp...more DPS now.

1 lvl adds the 4th in the line of SP enhancements, 75ish? SP, and most importantly, haveing lvl 7 spells now and 8th next cap increase. but you have to wait till lvl 15 for Imp. crit.


BTW I just saw a 3rd O.o wiz/fgt build on Sarlona, 12wiz/2fgt WF... so slowly we are taking over the server :D

[Lithic]

Y
...BTW I just saw a 3rd O.o wiz/fgt build on Sarlona, 12wiz/2fgt WF... so slowly we are taking over the server :D

On argo, Tinted Faces has at least 5 lvl 10+ battlemages (two psychoes, one Warforged of the stick, one elven spellsword, one old-timer 1ftr/13wiz that our guild leader runs, #3 and 4 are in the sorc forums) with at least 2 more created, but under lvl 5. Others have predicted all battlemage groups, and so far I think that may happen sooner rather than later.

[Nick_RC]

I certainly will. I'm mostly on Psychoe right now trying to level up. Yeah, Nick, I managed to get, and keep, the name. :) But I get easily conned into playing Heathen when we need a raid/GH cleric. But that will become harder, 'cause I'll be 11 soon enough. See you then.

Hey Heathen - Gratz on keeping the name - My new reroll is Babyeater and i love the name...i get alot of rude emotes but w/e :p

Ok basically for your build,

I personally like the 13/1 approach - you will probably get a little more immediate results by going with impr crit and taking the second fighter lvel. However I am definately not doing that as the level cap increase will come by soon enough then i can take impr crit at 15 AND being able to get th next tier level of spells.

Im somewhat confused as to ur mention of dwarven axes - You should be using a greataxe as it gives much more of a damage biist than a one hander and all the dwarven bonuses applies to that too. As to feat selection, Cleave and greatcleave are cool but because i intimidate and play a Warforged as opposed to a dwarf (naturally less hp because of no toughness enhancements) i put my feats into toughness and MT feats.

Gluck with the build!

Rage

[Nick_RC]

LOL Lithic - Tinted faces are breeding a batch of them! man when we are all togeather its like a freakin powerhouse! Its Awesome!

Capt Grim - nice work on ur build and thanks for posting comments when i cant as im still settling into a new country. Loving the WF. Got the torq from the dq and it rocks.

Rage.

[Lithic]

You got the torc for babyeater?

**** you dark, I hate you! :D

Ok soon as I get home, we are getting starscream ready, and raiding or else :P

[CaptGrim]

LOL Lithic - Tinted faces are breeding a batch of them! man when we are all togeather its like a freakin powerhouse! Its Awesome!

Capt Grim - nice work on ur build and thanks for posting comments when i cant as im still settling into a new country. Loving the WF. Got the torq from the dq and it rocks.

Rage.

NP man, I love talking and sharing info for these battle-mage style builds.

As for the torc, your a lucky man I've have been and will be running queen every 3 days, till I get it...I'm sure all sp concerns are out the window, correct?

Side note : has anyone else noticed that the bowl bug from offering isn't working on new toons(still works on my old ones)....I hate running that quest with this build as all the dispelling makes me less than uber :(

[Nick_RC]

You are absolutely correct in regards to the bowl and new toons. We still do ok in there - i normallly just do a sprint through with my wizard buddy he charms a couple and im a glorified lever puller :D

Re the torque - I have had it on my Battlecleric for a while now - it sees much more action on my BC as he gets hit WAY more (30str divine favour, PA beautiful greatexes + enhancements...draws alot of heat:D Thing is we just dont get hit as much with displacement. I have noticed it comes up with a around a 5-8% hit rate - maybe 1 in 20 or 1 in 15ish. It doesnt solve ur mana problems... i think of it more like i can pretty much reconstruct myself for free in any given quest.

I know what you mean about talking about your battlemage its just so freakin COOL!. I still love playing my Battlecleric tho, and i cant resist the power of a 'proper' sorc, but this build has ruined nearly an other melee class for me. Battlemages have been cropping up all over argonessen - Its awesome!

Grim - I wish you had intimidate too - drawing a radius affect of agro into a max empowered firewall is surely a thing of beauty...and then you get to start swinging with a massive greataxe!!!! MUAHAHA - words cannot describe how effective it is!

What you to hit like? I have just turned on PA as ive hit lvl 12 with my wf reroll - I am using DP clickies constantly and very nice greater banes. I am not finding i miss very much. Maybe something worth considering? Also i dont believe i will run with tensers on at all - being able to reconstruct and firewall is crucial - i have ahd enough experience micromanaging characters with bot a BC and 2 Battlemages now to be able to handle it accordingly.

Gluck on the torque! Oh and by the buy i am trying for the bracers from there as well - but a buddy of mine has them on his wf barb and they still give neg levels - which really sucks as wf are supposed to be immune :(

Rage

[Nick_RC]

You got the torc for babyeater?

**** you dark, I hate you! :D

Ok soon as I get home, we are getting starscream ready, and raiding or else :P

Ya geryls wussy 11 ranger and Babyeater who's at 12 still 2 manned it this morning. That was the one piece of raid loot aside from the head that i thought was a must have for full optimisation! Oh and i found a better looking docent so i dont look like a WF housewife anymore. Its pretty sexy.

Still want stuff tho so wel definately hook it up. Battlemage style ftw.

[CaptGrim]

You are absolutely correct in regards to the bowl and new toons. We still do ok in there - i normallly just do a sprint through with my wizard buddy he charms a couple and im a glorified lever puller :D

yea its not to bad unless you are the only melee and draw all the aggro, and thus all the dispells

Re the torque - I have had it on my Battlecleric for a while now - it sees much more action on my BC as he gets hit WAY more (30str divine favour, PA beautiful greatexes + enhancements...draws alot of heat:D Thing is we just dont get hit as much with displacement. I have noticed it comes up with a around a 5-8% hit rate - maybe 1 in 20 or 1 in 15ish. It doesnt solve ur mana problems... i think of it more like i can pretty much reconstruct myself for free in any given quest.

Well not as good as I had hoped, but still want it :D

I know what you mean about talking about your battlemage its just so freakin COOL!. I still love playing my Battlecleric tho, and i cant resist the power of a 'proper' sorc, but this build has ruined nearly an other melee class for me. Battlemages have been cropping up all over argonessen - Its awesome!


I totaly agree, my TWF dwarf who is a dps machine is about to get all his good gear taken away for my Battle-mage as he is just too much fun, and I hardly play my fighter anymore. As for a pure caster your right my pure drow wiz can do things that are just sick and I will never stop playing her but I'm having loads of fun with this style toon.

Grim - I wish you had intimidate too - drawing a radius affect of agro into a max empowered firewall is surely a thing of beauty...and then you get to start swinging with a massive greataxe!!!! MUAHAHA - words cannot describe how effective it is!

Well I play alot with a High A/C intimatank and we trade aggro back and forth the mobs just turn in circles and die :D . But If I throw a well placed firewall, I get all the aggro I want 90% of the time. But I'm often the first one in. *guilty as charged* yes I'm a zerger :P

What you to hit like? I have just turned on PA as ive hit lvl 12 with my wf reroll - I am using DP clickies constantly and very nice greater banes. I am not finding i miss very much.

Well with no P/A and a GH I can hit anything, thats without DP clickes...I do have some but never really use them as I don't really need them. IMO a good Falcion(or SoS)+imp.crit= P/A in DPS



...

[CaptGrim]

I just wanted to add...The WF is sick in PVP. I really don't PvP much at all but was bored today and went in...after killing all comers 1 at a time...3 jumped me and I killed them all :D .

After about 5 more kills and no deaths I threw up Fire and ice shield, brambles, and shock grd docent.... was hilarious I didn't swing once and just kept healing and SSing myself and 2 were almost dead and had to back off before they killed me.

It is great fun annoying folks cause when they FINNALY get your hp low ....BOOM back to full again :D

[Heathen_Child]

I personally like the 13/1 approach - you will probably get a little more immediate results by going with impr crit and taking the second fighter lvel. However I am definately not doing that as the level cap increase will come by soon enough then i can take impr crit at 15 AND being able to get th next tier level of spells.

Yeah, I think I'm staying with 13/1. I'm only 13K from level 11 now and then the GH will get me capped right quick. I figure a week or two of play.

Im somewhat confused as to ur mention of dwarven axes - You should be using a greataxe as it gives much more of a damage biist than a one hander and all the dwarven bonuses applies to that too. As to feat selection, Cleave and greatcleave are cool but because i intimidate and play a Warforged as opposed to a dwarf (naturally less hp because of no toughness enhancements) i put my feats into toughness and MT feats.

I swapped over to the Greataxes over the weekend. Hot da__! I'm critting for 120's. It's real nice when you see 3-4 of those numbers pop up in a cleave. I'm really seeing your point. I may go for the THF feat and drop Great Cleave though. Either that or the Improved Crit. Haven't decided. I got some shards, so I'll probably try them all.



I don't really need the MT or IMT as I'm not self healing. I got a Magi robe for buffing on entering a quest, and some nice +5 MBP in case I need some extra protection. Working well so far.

[Line-dog]

I made a 32pt Dwarf per this template and so far its pretty fun.

I moved him through the Good Blade quests, Low Road, and Durk's all solo on Normal. I was using Mage Armor, and Shield to self buff. If rushed by 3 or more I would use Hypnotism for CC to conserve expensive heal pots. Once in Durk's keeping Mage Armor + Shield up (both extended) and using the occasional Hypnotism (not extended) quickly depleted my SP. By the time I was in Durk's I could wear a Power III robe but had not taken the SP Enh. Now I understand that buff durations will start to last much longer, but soon I will be throwing more self buffs, casting WoF etc..., and hopefully being perma-hasted. So, I'm trying to find out if spell points is an issue. Keep in mind that as a Dwarf I'm not using SP to repair myself.

My question though is with as many HP as Dwarves get would it be a mistake to reroll him now and drop Con from 18 to 16 and raise Int to 15?


Thanks Nick for the very fun, and well written build. Also, thanks to anyone with some insight into this question.

Cheers-

[Nick_RC]

I made a 32pt Dwarf per this template and so far its pretty fun.

I moved him through the Good Blade quests, Low Road, and Durk's all solo on Normal. I was using Mage Armor, and Shield to self buff. If rushed by 3 or more I would use Hypnotism for CC to conserve expensive heal pots. Once in Durk's keeping Mage Armor + Shield up (both extended) and using the occasional Hypnotism (not extended) quickly depleted my SP. By the time I was in Durk's I could wear a Power III robe but had not taken the SP Enh. Now I understand that buff durations will start to last much longer, but soon I will be throwing more self buffs, casting WoF etc..., and hopefully being perma-hasted. So, I'm trying to find out if spell points is an issue. Keep in mind that as a Dwarf I'm not using SP to repair myself.

My question though is with as many HP as Dwarves get would it be a mistake to reroll him now and drop Con from 18 to 16 and raise Int to 15?


Thanks Nick for the very fun, and well written build. Also, thanks to anyone with some insight into this question.

Cheers-

Ok a few things here.

1. Low -mid lvls can be frustrating. As you get further in levels managing your sp is ALOT easier. Your buffs last a really long time extended and cost as many sp as ur using now.

2. Using hypno etc is probably not the best way to conserve ur small sp pool as it is unlikely they wont land.

3. If you were to reroll I urge you to roll a WF. WF get alot of abuse in the game but you take care of it yourself with them. You are a soloing machine as a WF. The first one I leveled was a dwarf - Amazing offensive capabilities as you weret using sp to heal yourself...however there is nothing that a dwarf can offer that compares to a self cast reconstruct that hit for 150 sp. Its amazing. You can break all the rules with this guy and you dont NEED anyone.

4. As to the stats I went on my wf Str 18, D 11, C18, Int 11 wis and cha dump. Why i put points into dex was because i wanted a good save vs AoE spells 30 resists + a good reflex save goes along way to saving hp - 2 levels of rogue on this build really is not worth it if you can get ur reflex save up high enough. To answer your question tho - As a dwarf sure go ahead and dump con down 2 points and raise int. 2bh i dont beleive it will effect the way he plays endgame. Even with a starting int of 15 ur cc stuff wont likely hit endgame(i generally only play on elite so looking at it this way). Its just a trade off really - extra hp vs extra sp. As a dwarf with access to nice toughness enhancements its prob not a bad idea - just make sure you stay above 300hp - thats what i shoot for with a frontline melee.

Hope you enjoy it and continue to have fun - Push through those lower levels and get to 12 - once you get there it turns insane. One final thing - if you reroll - reroll as a wf - TRUST ME - its amazing!

Rage

[Vinos]

3. If you were to reroll I urge you to roll a WF. WF get alot of abuse in the game but you take care of it yourself with them. You are a soloing machine as a WF. The first one I leveled was a dwarf - Amazing offensive capabilities as you weret using sp to heal yourself...however there is nothing that a dwarf can offer that compares to a self cast reconstruct that hit for 150 sp. Its amazing. You can break all the rules with this guy and you dont NEED anyone.

Hope you enjoy it and continue to have fun - Push through those lower levels and get to 12 - once you get there it turns insane. One final thing - if you reroll - reroll as a wf - TRUST ME - its amazing!

Rage

I made one of your original builds(dwarf) and he is a killing machine. I love smoking the fighters in the party in kills and soaking up the clerics SP(since he's only 5/1 he still get whacked alot) I did just want to point out that if you remember when you 1st posted this build I suggested you make him a WF and you said that it was a bad idea becuase tensers would prevent a reconstruct(which is true). What changed your mind?

[CaptGrim]

I made one of your original builds(dwarf) and he is a killing machine. I love smoking the fighters in the party in kills and soaking up the clerics SP(since he's only 5/1 he still get whacked alot) I did just want to point out that if you remember when you 1st posted this build I suggested you make him a WF and you said that it was a bad idea becuase tensers would prevent a reconstruct(which is true). What changed your mind?


Not speaking for Rage, just my own xp with my WF battle mage.

I've found that the bottem line is that tensers is not needed unless you run P/A and then just use Divin power clickies as you can still cast and heal.

If your guy is 5 wiz now I'd mem haste and Displacement, buy ALOT of Stone skin scrolls...then you get a feel of this builds defense end game.

next lvl get rage(+1 to hit and damage, and +7 hp...-4 a/c) or Heroism(+2 to hit).

your right at the lvl where all the wizard starts to pay off, with those 3 main spells(SS,Displace, haste)


BTW I just noticed you solo'd reaver...even with 2 lvls of fighter my battle mage has done it 3 times now and just abuses fear, sysmbol of fear, and fearsome docents :D works just fine(although self healing does help a bunch when you are tring to fear them all in the puzzle room :D ).

[Vinos]

Not speaking for Rage, just my own xp with my WF battle mage.

I've found that the bottem line is that tensers is not needed unless you run P/A and then just use Divin power clickies as you can still cast and heal.

If your guy is 5 wiz now I'd mem haste and Displacement, buy ALOT of Stone skin scrolls...then you get a feel of this builds defense end game.

next lvl get rage(+1 to hit and damage, and +7 hp...-4 a/c) or Heroism(+2 to hit).

your right at the lvl where all the wizard starts to pay off, with those 3 main spells(SS,Displace, haste)



BTW I just noticed you solo'd reaver...even with 2 lvls of fighter my battle mage has done it 3 times now and just abuses fear, sysmbol of fear, and fearsome docents :D works just fine(although self healing does help a bunch when you are tring to fear them all in the puzzle room :D ).

Sounds chaotic for the Reaver lol. With Korac I just toss out dancing balls and pray they hold. I won't re-roll my battlemage though(I just hate those low levels too much and I snagged a carniflex) My SP are the issue right now though. I have about 320 or so and it's hard tp keep both haste and displacement up given the short duration of the spells at 5 wiz. I did find a nice treat though at the AH. 2 robes with 3 charges of divine power each ML 6. I can buff my to-hit to like 22 or something at level 6. Good idea about the SS scrolls though. That will help alot.

[Vengenance]

Ok I did it to, just rolled an Arcane Psychoe, not quite like yours but similar. I hate to even consider leveling another toon, but was goofing around the other day with my daughter and we created it.

Catch ya later Dark, oh btw your BC sucked last night. :D

[Line-dog]

Edit: Never mind. After a closer look I see that you don't have both a False Life item and the False Life spell in your HP calculations.

[Heathen_Child]

Sounds chaotic for the Reaver lol. With Korac I just toss out dancing balls and pray they hold. I won't re-roll my battlemage though(I just hate those low levels too much and I snagged a carniflex) My SP are the issue right now though. I have about 320 or so and it's hard tp keep both haste and displacement up given the short duration of the spells at 5 wiz. I did find a nice treat though at the AH. 2 robes with 3 charges of divine power each ML 6. I can buff my to-hit to like 22 or something at level 6. Good idea about the SS scrolls though. That will help alot.

Just checking back in. Finally hit 13 the other day. And, finally made a bit of a name for myself. Now even folks in my guild like running with me. :p

In any case, Vinos, definitely go with the SS scrolls. I bought a stack of 99 and by the time I was out I could cast it on myself. I also abused barkskin pots. The little bit of extra helps. It's also not a bad idea at the lower levels to go sword and board or throw on some armour. The extra AC comes in handy during the battles and you just swap to the robe to rebuff.

[Vinos]

Just checking back in. Finally hit 13 the other day. And, finally made a bit of a name for myself. Now even folks in my guild like running with me. :p

In any case, Vinos, definitely go with the SS scrolls. I bought a stack of 99 and by the time I was out I could cast it on myself. I also abused barkskin pots. The little bit of extra helps. It's also not a bad idea at the lower levels to go sword and board or throw on some armour. The extra AC comes in handy during the battles and you just swap to the robe to rebuff.

I haven't played mine for a while. Too much of a loot #$%. Looted out though for now so back to it. I am also going to roll a WF version up and compare them.

[Heathen_Child]

I'll give the Wf a try. Just pulled an arcane sigil docent of something or other, so that gives me a reason to try it.

Only 10k from 14 now. And 500 favor from my tome.

[Vinos]

Something to add for the WF ones for early levels. Take the addy body feat until you get 2nd level spells. The extra AC and DR really makes a difference in those early levels and having a 35% spell failure doesn't really matter until you get into the better buffs like blur and bull strength.

[Arovin]

Moved to its own thread.

[Rekker]

Well, Vessel is approaching level 12. I held him from PoP until level 11 since most groups seem to have 14s in them and I didn't want to waste the awesome XP from there. So far he does quite better than expected. Granted I can't FoD a frog, but dropping maximized/empowered firewalls then pulling out a +4 frost greataxe of pure good and going to town is a TON of fun. I think I have 8 Divine Power clickes with 3 to 5 charges on each that keep his BaB up and when I rage and use Madstone rage I can do a lot of damage.

Glad I read up on this post Nick !

I still need to decide if I want to take the 2nd level of fighter at 14 or 15 or even at all :?

[CaptGrim]

Well, Vessel is approaching level 12. I held him from PoP until level 11 since most groups seem to have 14s in them and I didn't want to waste the awesome XP from there. So far he does quite better than expected. Granted I can't FoD a frog, but dropping maximized/empowered firewalls then pulling out a +4 frost greataxe of pure good and going to town is a TON of fun. I think I have 8 Divine Power clickes with 3 to 5 charges on each that keep his BaB up and when I rage and use Madstone rage I can do a lot of damage.

Glad I read up on this post Nick !

I still need to decide if I want to take the 2nd level of fighter at 14 or 15 or even at all :?


Take it at 14 for imp crit slash, or not at all and take imp crit at 15 for your feat.(your BaB will be high enough then)

[Gol]

I didn't even make the credits list! :(

13/1 WF here and loving it.

[Nick_RC]

Well, Vessel is approaching level 12. I held him from PoP until level 11 since most groups seem to have 14s in them and I didn't want to waste the awesome XP from there. So far he does quite better than expected. Granted I can't FoD a frog, but dropping maximized/empowered firewalls then pulling out a +4 frost greataxe of pure good and going to town is a TON of fun. I think I have 8 Divine Power clickes with 3 to 5 charges on each that keep his BaB up and when I rage and use Madstone rage I can do a lot of damage.

Glad I read up on this post Nick !

I still need to decide if I want to take the 2nd level of fighter at 14 or 15 or even at all :?

Sorry About slow reply bro,

Personally i wouldnt take the second lvl of fighter you are really not gaining that much. i would just wait till 15 for impr crit. The extra sp and the option of getting the next tier of spells is more exciting for me than going ICjust to have by lvl14.

Glad ur having Fun!!!!

Just as an update babyeater has been 14 for some time now. He has managed to get himself the raid loot he needs the most - i.e the dq torque, the Sword of shadows :)

[Aeneas]

Was wondering if you knew of anybody with a successful halfling, dex based arcane psychoe build? Maybe with weapon finesse and shining crescents instead of an SOS and high dex for reflex saves and AC.

[Rekker]

Bump :)

[Shrazkil]

Was wondering if you knew of anybody with a successful halfling, dex based arcane psychoe build? Maybe with weapon finesse and shining crescents instead of an SOS and high dex for reflex saves and AC.

I have a Dex based warforged arcane psychoe. The warforged was too appealing to give up for a couple extra points of dexterity.

I went 3 rogue/11 wizard. (mainly for arcane trickster pre-reqs.) I have AC well into the 50's , and use finessable power 5's.

Works very well, can firewall and just shield block in the middle , mobs RARELY hit me, considering they have blur/displacement to hit through, and THEN my AC to worry about. To top it off, i dont have to worry about hold ruining my day and stopping my ac defense. I went with precision as well, since power 5's and spells are my offense.

[Slayer918]

I have a Dex based warforged arcane psychoe. The warforged was too appealing to give up for a couple extra points of dexterity.

I went 3 rogue/11 wizard. (mainly for arcane trickster pre-reqs.) I have AC well into the 50's , and use finessable power 5's.

Works very well, can firewall and just shield block in the middle , mobs RARELY hit me, considering they have blur/displacement to hit through, and THEN my AC to worry about. To top it off, i dont have to worry about hold ruining my day and stopping my ac defense. I went with precision as well, since power 5's and spells are my offense.

Would you mind posting a breakdown of your AC?

[alchilito]

Beautiful Nick. Thanks man !!!!

[Nick_RC]

Well my internet connection sucks at the moment so i thought i'd do a recap on Babyeater @lvl 16

Oh man the power of this guy has significantly increased at level 16. Wow its like night and day.

Some of the benefits brought in.

1. Ottos Irresistable dance.

Wowsa. 20 intelligence FTW lol. I have changed feats and enhancements to max out spell pen and oh boy was it worth it. You are nigh on indestructable with this spell. WoW!!!!!!! I just cant beleive how valuable this spell is. For any that made it try it. Youare only 1 spell pen behind a maxed out wizard/sorc and ur low intelligence doesnt mean a thing! Orange names...everything fails against this. It is truly amazing.

2. New Feats- Improved crit and quicken.

Finally have the BAB to take impr crit. Fortunately I was lucky enough to pick up a sword of shadows at lvl 14. Now i have than and its a fantastic staple weapon as everyone knows. I still keep certain greater banes around esp for non crittable creatures. But the Impr crit considerably adds to dps. I have a smiting Falchion that works beautifully in Rainbow. I had quicken previously but switched it out for spell pen so i could take my 15th level free wizard feat as quicken. :) It Rox.

3. More powerful reconstructs, more hp/sp.


All in all these guys are nearly indestructable now.More hpand quickened reconstructs, longer displacements and hastes,full resists and more protection from Stoneskin and throw on top of that the most powerful single person CC in the game and you are sitting pretty defensively. Offensively the Impr crit, increase in strength, and more sp for dps becomes brutal.


How is everyone sitting for damage spells? Fire seems to be reduced alot in effectiveness but pick and choose and you will still do good damage. Im going to rejig my enhanncements again to see how many i can fit into the force line so that i can unload into a red named before charging in.

As always would love to hear feedback from others as to the changes they have made at 16 and how they are playing there Psychoes. Dispelling in this mod, while still there has reduced alot IMO.

N

[chezen]

I'm coming back to the game after a long hiatus. I have a couple of questions on DP:

1) Is there a static reward drop for clickies?
2) Can I purchase scrolls/wands/etc?

Thanks.

[saber7]

I have started a 15 wiz/ 1 ftr worforged battle mage and was wondering what any of the non-dexed based battle mage's AC's were. Just trying to see if I should even bother with my AC or just keep up displacement. I believe that the end AC for this character right now is 11 minus any items so just want to see if I should re-work it. :)

[Vinos]

Displacement and stoneskin are your AC. A str based tankmage will be lucky to break 35 ac.

[Gareth27]

I'm curious as to why you took spell penetration feats/enhancements if you are going with damage spells, due to the low int modifier, also what is DP? (Cause I'm Prolly a moron and should know what it is)

[Dungnmaster001]

I'm curious as to why you took spell penetration feats/enhancements if you are going with damage spells, due to the low int modifier, also what is DP? (Cause I'm Prolly a moron and should know what it is)

DP = Divine Power I believe....

[Rekker]

Awesome news about Otto's. Gonna have to give that one a try !

[Stealthbr]

Double Post oops

[Stealthbr]

Cool build but how will the Spell Penetration feats and enhancements help this build?

[Huebacca]

Cool build but how will the Spell Penetration feats and enhancements help this build?

Otto irresistible dance has no save.

[Tallyn]

Otto irresistible dance has no save.

You are correct in stating there is no save, yet it still has to penetrate Spell Resistance.

[Stealthbr]

Whats the duration of haste/displacement at lvl 15 wizard? Is it a waste to have both blur and displacement on?

[Gareth27]

i think i'll take the spell penetration feats later in the build.....Level 4 and liking this guy a lot...

[WeaselKing]

Warforged builds shouldn't die. Bump.

[Lucian_Navarro]

I have started a 15 wiz/ 1 ftr worforged battle mage and was wondering what any of the non-dexed based battle mage's AC's were. Just trying to see if I should even bother with my AC or just keep up displacement. I believe that the end AC for this character right now is 11 minus any items so just want to see if I should re-work it. :)

I have a Drow, (1) Fighter/ (15) Wizard, 16 DEX (can get 20 but cant use it all) and she can hit a 54 AC, more if outside influences.

So it is possible to have a high AC with an average DEX