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[unbongwah]

I'm looking to roll a War or strength domain Battle Cleric as a first lifer
Downside to Strength domain is it doesn't provide any crit bonuses like Holy Sword; and Warpriest didn't get crit bonuses the way War Soul did. So unless you're either multiclassing or using Vistani Knife Fighter, your melee DPS is significantly worse than War domain, despite the STR bonus.

Str 15
Dex 10
Con 14
Int 10
Wisdom 17-I'm planning on using the human adaptability to boost this 18
Cha 10
So the first question is: are you focusing on melee or spellcasting? Because if it's melee, your STR & CHA are too low and your WIS is too high (you'll use gear to boost it); and if it's spells, then you should max WIS even if it means lowering other stats.

Deity Ontar Feats so I can get access to Warhammers
If you take either War domain or half-elf fighter dilettante feat, you will gain access to all martial weapons and aren't restricted to warhammers. So then your deity choice becomes about which level 6 ability you want.

Stunning blow
Shield mastery
Toughness
Combat Casting
Toughness and Combat Casting are just bad feats - drop them. S&B cleric is doable, but it's by far the weakest DPS option, so ask yourself if the little bit of extra survivability is worth it on a battlecleric. [Hint: it's not.] Stunning Blow can be good, but it's a lot less important than other feats would be.

Axel's build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/454776-Axel-s-THF-Melee-Cleric-Build) is far from F2P-friendly, but there's a lot of good info about how to play a battlecleric as well as what they can and can't do well.

[Nimnor]

Downside to Strength domain is it doesn't provide any crit bonuses like Holy Sword; and Warpriest didn't get crit bonuses the way War Soul did. So unless you're either multiclassing or using Vistani Knife Fighter, your melee DPS is significantly worse than War domain, despite the STR bonus.

So the first question is: are you focusing on melee or spellcasting? Because if it's melee, your STR & CHA are too low and your WIS is too high (you'll use gear to boost it); and if it's spells, then you should max WIS even if it means lowering other stats.

If you take either War domain or half-elf fighter dilettante feat, you will gain access to all martial weapons and aren't restricted to warhammers. So then your deity choice becomes about which level 6 ability you want.

Toughness and Combat Casting are just bad feats - drop them. S&B cleric is doable, but it's by far the weakest DPS option, so ask yourself if the little bit of extra survivability is worth it on a battlecleric. [Hint: it's not.] Stunning Blow can be good, but it's a lot less important than other feats would be.

Axel's build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/454776-Axel-s-THF-Melee-Cleric-Build) is far from F2P-friendly, but there's a lot of good info about how to play a battlecleric as well as what they can and can't do well.

Then a Melee Cleric them how and how do these stats look for a battle cleric

Str 16
Dex 8
Con 14
Wisdom 12
Int 10
Cha 16

would this be better or should I drop the Cha to 14 and bump the Int to 12?

[unbongwah]

would this be better or should I drop the Cha to 14 and bump the Int to 12?
INT is just for skill points so it's up to you. INT 10 (or INT 8 on human) is enough for max Concentration and Heal which are the two vital skills for a battlecleric IMO.

With the improvements to 2H weapons (Strikethrough etc.), now is probably a good time to update a newbie battlecleric build. :)

F2P Battlecleric
Cleric 20
Lawful Good Human


Stats
28pt 32pt Level Up
---- ---- --------
Strength 16 16 4: STR
Dexterity 8 8 8: STR
Constitution 14 16 12: STR
Intelligence 8 8 16: STR
Wisdom 10 10 20: STR
Charisma 16 16 24: STR
28: STR

Skills
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Concent 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Heal 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
------------------------------------------------------------
8 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2


Feats

1 : Two Handed Fighting
1 Human : Maximize Spell
3 : Power Attack OR Empower Spell
6 : Empower Healing Spell
9 : Improved Two Handed Fighting
12 : Improved Critical: Slashing
15 : Greater Two Handed Fighting
18 : Quicken Spell
21 Epic : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic : Intensify Spell
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Handed Fighting
27 Epic : Stunning Blow OR Empower Spell
28 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
29 Destiny: Dire Charge OR Deific Warding
30 Epic : Epic Damage Reduction OR Empower Spell
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Celestia

2 Cleric : War Domain

1 Deity : Follower of: Onatar
6 Deity : Onatar's Forge


Enhancements (80 AP)

Radiant Servant (41 AP)

Healing Domain, Pacifism, Positive Energy Burst, Improved Empower Healing, Positive Energy Shield, Radiant Servant

Extra Turning III, Wand Mastery III
Improved Turning III
Intense Healing III, Unyielding Sovereignty
Endless Turning III, Incredible Healing III, Divine Health
Positive Energy Aura, Cure Focus



Warpriest (31 AP)

Smite Foe: Melee, Resilience of Battle, Sanctuary, Blur, Haste

Divine Might III, Sacred Touch III
Smite Weakness, Wall of Steel III, Inflame III, Melee/Ranged Power Boost III
Greater Inflame III
Ameliorating Strike, Silence the Wicked: Melee I, Holy Striker: Doublestrike III



Human (8 AP)

Damage Boost, Strength

Improved Recovery
Great Weapon Aptitude III



Leveling Guide

War0 Smite Foe: Melee; War1 Divine Might I, II, III
Hum0 Damage Boost; War1 Sacred Touch I; War2 Smite Weakness
War0 Resilience of Battle; War2 Wall of Steel I, II, III
Rad0 Healing Domain; Rad1 Wand Mastery I, II, III
Rad1 Extra Turning I; Rad0 Pacifism; Rad2 Improved Turning I; Rad1 Extra Turning II
Rad2 Improved Turning II; Rad1 Extra Turning III; Rad0 Positive Energy Burst; War0 Sanctuary
Hum0 Strength; Hum1 Improved Recovery
Hum2 Great Weapon Aptitude I, II, III; Rad2 Improved Turning III
Rad3 Unyielding Sovereignty; War2 Inflame I, II
War2 Inflame III; War3 Greater Inflame I, II, III
War1 Sacred Touch II, III; War4 Ameliorating Strike
Reset Warpriest

Radiant Servant: Improved Empower Healing

(none)
(none)
Intense Healing III
Endless Turning III, Incredible Healing I, Divine Health
Positive Energy Aura, Cure Focus




Warpriest: Smite Foe: Melee

Divine Might III, Sacred Touch I



War0 Resilience of Battle; War2 Wall of Steel I, II, III
War2 Smite Weakness; War0 Sanctuary; War2 Inflame I
War2 Inflame II, III; War3 Greater Inflame I, II
War3 Greater Inflame III; War1 Sacred Touch II, III; War0 Blur
War4 Ameliorating Strike; Rad4 Incredible Healing II
Rad0 Positive Energy Shield; War4 Silence the Wicked: Melee I; War4 Holy Striker: Doublestrike I, II
War4 Holy Striker: Doublestrike III; War2 Melee/Ranged Power Boost I, II, III
War0 Haste; Rad4 Incredible Healing III; Rad0 Radiant Servant



Destiny (24 AP)

Divine Crusader

Endless Turning III, Purge the Wicked
Confront Any Foe, Consecration III
Sacred Ground, Empyrean Magic, Blessed Blades
Crusade
Castigation, Heavenly Presence, Celestial Champion
Strike Down


Wisdom: you need WIS 10 + <spell level> to cast cleric spells. Early on, you can use Owl's Wisdom wands or potions until you have sufficient +WIS gear. But if you don't want to deal with the hassle at low levels, you can start WIS 12 CHA 15 instead. We'll be using gear or enhancements to even out our stats regardless.

Race: I went human for the extra feat and skill points, plus the racial Enhancements. Damage Boost, +1 STR, heal amp, and +20 Strikethrough for only 8 APs is a pretty good ROI compared to a lot of races. Non-humans lose a feat and have to decide between either dropping a skill or bumping INT to 10. Half-elf is less optimal, although I suppose you could invest in Diplomacy and take Diplomatic Immunity; not sure which dilettante feat I would take, though, since War domain renders fighter dilettante moot and the other options aren't appealing.

Deity: like I said earlier, since War domain grants all weapon proficiencies at level 5, your deity choice (https://ddowiki.com/page/Deity_feats) is mostly about which level 6 ability you want. I went with Onatar mostly for the Melee Power bonus, but Olladra or Sovereign Host is also fine.

Weapons: At early levels (1-4), just go with quarterstaves or S&B. At level 5, you switch to regular 2H weapons; Carnifex (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Carnifex) is still the best option at that level IMO, but use what you like or have available. We take Improved Critical Slashing weapons at level 12, at which point you focus on greatswords, greataxes, or falchions. In epics, you have the option of switching to greatswords and taking The Book of War from Divine Crusader, which turns them into one of your favored weapons; that in turn lets you take advantage of favored weapon bonuses like Warpriest's Righteous Weapons and Wrath of the Divine.

[SpartanKiller13]

INT is just for skill points so it's up to you. INT 10 (or INT 8 on human) is enough for max Concentration and Heal which are the two vital skills for a battlecleric IMO.

Race: I went human for the extra feat and skill points, plus the racial Enhancements. Damage Boost, +1 STR, heal amp, and +20 Strikethrough for only 8 APs is a pretty good ROI compared to a lot of races. Non-humans lose a feat and have to decide between either dropping a skill or bumping INT to 10. Half-elf is less optimal, although I suppose you could invest in Diplomacy and take Diplomatic Immunity; not sure which dilettante feat I would take, though, since War domain renders fighter dilettante moot and the other options aren't appealing.

Deity: like I said earlier, since War domain grants all weapon proficiencies at level 5, your deity choice (https://ddowiki.com/page/Deity_feats) is mostly about which level 6 ability you want. I went with Onatar mostly for the Melee Power bonus, but Olladra or Sovereign Host is also fine.

As always, great stuff from Unbongwah.

Extra skill points can always grab Jump, it's pretty great for melee fighters in particular :)

If you go HElf, I'd probably go Rogue if you have the Dex 13 (SA damage is nice when partying), otherwise Warlock (a bit extra spell damage, esp for Blade Barrier; and a lil extra melee damage, b/c why not).

I'd recommend Sovereign Host for a new player, the level 6 ability is super useful. Instead of having to worry about "is that a curse, a disease, some stat penalty, whatever" you can solve anything short of death + full-heal in one button-push once/rest, which is pretty awesome.

[Waveclaw]

I'm thinking of reincarnating into a paladin, but have not yet found the perfect build for me.

I'm thinking of a f2p human paladin (32 pt build and 36 pt build) using longswords dual-wielding and lots of light damage plus smites. Will be using pally spells. DPS and survivability is preferred. Not a lot of clicking and using skills in combat (I'm just not great at that...)


What I have on my reincarnating char:
+2 Dex tome
+1 Spellcraft tome
+3 Heal tome
+1 Haggle tome


If it's not clear enough let me know! I'm still pretty new to this game, but I'm enjoying it a lot :)

[unbongwah]

TWF Knight
Paladin 20
Lawful Good Human


Stats
28pt 32pt 34pt 36pt Tome Level Up
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- --------
Strength 15 16 16 16 4: STR
Dexterity 15 15 15 15 +2 8: STR
Constitution 14 14 14 15 12: STR
Intelligence 8 8 8 8 16: STR
Wisdom 8 8 8 8 20: STR
Charisma 14 15 16 16 24: STR
28: STR

Feats

1 : Two Handed Fighting
1 Human : Precision
3 : Stunning Blow
6 : Improved Two Weapon Fighting
6 Swap : Two Weapon Fighting replaces Two Handed Fighting
9 : Improved Critical: Slashing
12 : Greater Two Weapon Fighting
15 : Quicken Spell
18 : Empower Healing Spell
21 Epic : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic : Bulwark of Defense OR Two Weapon Defense
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
27 Epic : Epic Damage Reduction
28 Destiny: First Blood OR Elusive Target
29 Destiny: Dire Charge OR Deific Warding
30 Epic : Epic Reflexes
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Ethereal Plane

1 Deity : Follower of: Onatar OR Sovereign Host
6 Deity : Onatar's Forge


Enhancements (80 AP)

Knight of the Chalice (41 AP)

Slayer of Evil, Courage of Heaven, Slayer of Evil II, Improved Courage of Heaven, Slayer of Evil III, Champion of Good

Holy Combatant, Extra Smite III
Adept Combatant, Divine Might III, Exalted Cleave, Action Boost: Power III
Holy Combatant, Sacrificial Strike I, Lead the Charge III, Exalted Strike I
Knight's Training, Censure Demons, Vigor of Life
Ascendency, Censure Outsiders, Vigor of Life, Avenging Cleave, Retributive Strike



Sacred Defender (31 AP)

Holy Bastion, Sacred Defense, Divine Righteousness, Redemption, Glorious Stand

Extra Lay On Hands III, Durable Defense III
Bulwark Aura III
Resistance Aura III, Strong Defense III, Charisma
Spellshield Aura III, Swift Defense, Hardy Defense III, Charisma



Human (8 AP)

Damage Boost

Action Surge: Strength II, Improved Recovery, Don't Count Me Out III



Leveling Guide

KoC0 Slayer of Evil; KoC1 Improved Second Strikes I, II, III
Hum0 Damage Boost; Hum1 Improved Recovery; Hum1 Action Surge: Strength I
Hum1 Action Surge: Strength II; Hum2 Great Weapon Aptitude I, II, III
SD0 Holy Bastion; SD1 Extra Lay On Hands I, II, III
SD1 Durable Defense I; SD0 Sacred Defense; SD1 Durable Defense II, III
Reset All Trees

Knight of the Chalice: Slayer of Evil, Courage of Heaven, Slayer of Evil II

Holy Combatant, Extra Smite II
Adept Combatant, Divine Might III, Exalted Cleave
Holy Combatant, Sacrificial Strike I, Lead the Charge III
Knight's Training, Censure Demons




Human: Damage Boost


SD0 Holy Bastion; SD1 Extra Lay On Hands I, II, III
SD1 Durable Defense I; SD0 Sacred Defense; SD1 Durable Defense II, III
SD2 Bulwark Aura I, II; SD3 Strong Defense I, II
SD3 Strong Defense III; KoC2 Action Boost: Power I, II, III
KoC3 Exalted Strike I; KoC4 Vigor of Life
KoC0 Improved Courage of Heaven; KoC5 Ascendency; KoC5 Censure Outsiders; KoC5 Retributive Strike
KoC5 Avenging Cleave; SD0 Divine Righteousness; SD2 Bulwark Aura III
SD3 Charisma; SD3 Resistance Aura I, II
SD3 Resistance Aura III; SD0 Redemption; SD4 Swift Defense; SD4 Hardy Defense I
SD4 Hardy Defense II, III; Hum1 Improved Recovery
KoC5 Vigor of Life; Hum1 Action Surge: Strength I, II
KoC0 Slayer of Evil III; SD4 Spellshield Aura I, II, III
SD4 Charisma; SD0 Glorious Stand; KoC1 Extra Smite III
KoC0 Champion of Good; Hum1 Don't Count Me Out I, II, III


For levels 1-5, you're better off with 2H weapons IMO to take advantage of Strikethrough bonuses from THF+Second Strikes+GWA. Then just before taking level 6, we swap THF for TWF+ITWF and switch to longswords with Knight's Training.

Also you might prefer Tenacious Defense (+20% HPs) instead of Hardy Defense (+6 CON) in heroics, then swap once you start using Epic Defensive Fighting.

[Waveclaw]

Wow, thanks! :) Will surely try that out! :)

[stryker7]

I'm just returning to the game after 2-3 years off and realized I'm in the middle of my FVS life, the problem here is that this was started before the update that seems to have wrecked my build plan for this guy. He is currently level 10 (with 11 banked) as a warforged FVS. I have past lives of fighter, barbarian, and monk.

The original goal of this guy was to be a THF and just cleave his way to 20 pretty quickly so I can keep going through the TR cycle. From what I've read that isn't a viable strategy at this point and I'm really just looking for a way to salvage this build so I can get to 20 without tearing my eyes out. I do have a heart to redo all my levels (obviously at least 10 need to stay FVS). Any help that you can provide me would be super appreciated!

I'd like something that I can play through to 20 relatively quickly though keeping in mind that I am a bit out of date and out of practice.

[SpartanKiller13]

I'm just returning to the game after 2-3 years off and realized I'm in the middle of my FVS life, the problem here is that this was started before the update that seems to have wrecked my build plan for this guy. He is currently level 10 (with 11 banked) as a warforged FVS. I have past lives of fighter, barbarian, and monk.

The original goal of this guy was to be a THF and just cleave his way to 20 pretty quickly so I can keep going through the TR cycle. From what I've read that isn't a viable strategy at this point and I'm really just looking for a way to salvage this build so I can get to 20 without tearing my eyes out. I do have a heart to redo all my levels (obviously at least 10 need to stay FVS). Any help that you can provide me would be super appreciated!

I'd like something that I can play through to 20 relatively quickly though keeping in mind that I am a bit out of date and out of practice.

I'm not sure why you couldn't keep going as a THF FvS? It's not "optimal" but you shouldn't have a problem cleaving to 20 or frankly probably even 30. Cha/Wis-based allows you full spellcasting as well, which is pretty neat (and leaves Divine Will/Might as a fantastic melee buff).

THF is in a great spot right now. Where are you reading otherwise? U45 revamped THF, and it went from the weakest melee style to the strongest. Cleaves can now Doublestrike as well, so they got a neat buff to boot.

War Soul isn't an amazing melee DPS tree, but it's not a bad one either. You get +1/+1 crits (although that takes til level 12/18), 15% Doublestrike is great, and Ameliorating Strike is pretty nice. Also obviously Divine Will/Might is fantastic. I'd also recommend Magical Backlash (it's really fun) and of course grab the Favored Weapon line. Even the cores are decent, and the capstone is crazy good for boss-killing (mediocre if soloing, but still not bad).

I assume you're running Mithral body? If you're running Adamantine I'd Fred swap that, otherwise you can probs just pick it up at 12. My understanding is that Divine Vessel T5 is hot garbage, but the rest of the T5 seems solid.

I'd run War Soul + Warforged and only go into other trees later. Warforged tree is pretty awesome (Weapon Attachment, Memories of the Last War x2, Great Weapon Aptitude, Healer's Friend, Tactics), so it's pretty easy to spend most of your points between those two trees. Later on you can spend a few points in Beacon of Hope for the Core 2's cheap AoE heal (and some Healamp) and then go wherever (Falconry ideally, Sprint Boosts & 5% HP).

-----

I really don't think you'd have any problem getting to 20 as a THF Warforged FvS. You can out-heal Reaper self-healing penalty up through mid-skulls, and you should have solid casting in heroics without too much difficulty. Max Cha or Wis, use it for melee DPS and crowd control, and then go ham :)

I've definitely considered a THF WF FvS life, on a bunch of occasions, FWIW. Just never got around to it yet, as I want to farm more Greatswords first :P

Level 12 is where you'll get a lot of power all at once, so I'd play it at least a bit past 12 before deciding too much. You get T5 War Soul, another feat, Blade Barrier, permablur, etc.

-----

I mean if all you want is melee cleaves and FvS PL, you could 8/6/6 FvS/Barbarian/Fighter (take Fighter 6, then Barbarian 6, then FvS 8) using Kensei Core 3 for +1 crit multiplier and Ravanger T5 for +2 crit threat range. You'll have Blood Strength & Blood Tribute for sustain, and you'll be fine to 20. Way less fun without Silvanus IMO, but it works well enough and has respectable melee DPS.

Just make sure you killsteal for Blood Strength, and spam Blood Tribute a lot.

[stryker7]

I'm not sure why you couldn't keep going as a THF FvS? It's not "optimal" but you shouldn't have a problem cleaving to 20 or frankly probably even 30. Cha/Wis-based allows you full spellcasting as well, which is pretty neat (and leaves Divine Will/Might as a fantastic melee buff).

THF is in a great spot right now. Where are you reading otherwise? U45 revamped THF, and it went from the weakest melee style to the strongest. Cleaves can now Doublestrike as well, so they got a neat buff to boot.

War Soul isn't an amazing melee DPS tree, but it's not a bad one either. You get +1/+1 crits (although that takes til level 12/18), 15% Doublestrike is great, and Ameliorating Strike is pretty nice. Also obviously Divine Will/Might is fantastic. I'd also recommend Magical Backlash (it's really fun) and of course grab the Favored Weapon line. Even the cores are decent, and the capstone is crazy good for boss-killing (mediocre if soloing, but still not bad).

I assume you're running Mithral body? If you're running Adamantine I'd Fred swap that, otherwise you can probs just pick it up at 12. My understanding is that Divine Vessel T5 is hot garbage, but the rest of the T5 seems solid.

I'd run War Soul + Warforged and only go into other trees later. Warforged tree is pretty awesome (Weapon Attachment, Memories of the Last War x2, Great Weapon Aptitude, Healer's Friend, Tactics), so it's pretty easy to spend most of your points between those two trees. Later on you can spend a few points in Beacon of Hope for the Core 2's cheap AoE heal (and some Healamp) and then go wherever (Falconry ideally, Sprint Boosts & 5% HP).

-----

I really don't think you'd have any problem getting to 20 as a THF Warforged FvS. You can out-heal Reaper self-healing penalty up through mid-skulls, and you should have solid casting in heroics without too much difficulty. Max Cha or Wis, use it for melee DPS and crowd control, and then go ham :)

I've definitely considered a THF WF FvS life, on a bunch of occasions, FWIW. Just never got around to it yet, as I want to farm more Greatswords first :P

Level 12 is where you'll get a lot of power all at once, so I'd play it at least a bit past 12 before deciding too much. You get T5 War Soul, another feat, Blade Barrier, permablur, etc.

-----

I mean if all you want is melee cleaves and FvS PL, you could 8/6/6 FvS/Barbarian/Fighter (take Fighter 6, then Barbarian 6, then FvS 8) using Kensei Core 3 for +1 crit multiplier and Ravanger T5 for +2 crit threat range. You'll have Blood Strength & Blood Tribute for sustain, and you'll be fine to 20. Way less fun without Silvanus IMO, but it works well enough and has respectable melee DPS.

Just make sure you killsteal for Blood Strength, and spam Blood Tribute a lot.

This is actually very reassuring to me, I feel like it will be easier relearning the game by finishing a more melee centric run. This guy was started before WIS/CHA melee bonus for FVS was a thing though so I have something like 32 STR, 16 or 18 WIS and I think CHA was dumped. I did see a couple other builds on the forums from 2018-2019 though that seemed to mirror a lot of what you are saying here, so I may just be tweak my stats to follow that.

[SpartanKiller13]

This is actually very reassuring to me, I feel like it will be easier relearning the game by finishing a more melee centric run. This guy was started before WIS/CHA melee bonus for FVS was a thing though so I have something like 32 STR, 16 or 18 WIS and I think CHA was dumped. I did see a couple other builds on the forums from 2018-2019 though that seemed to mirror a lot of what you are saying here, so I may just be tweak my stats to follow that.

Since you're Str-based, there's no need to worry about DC casting. Just buff up, throw heals as needed, and use Blade Barrier at level 12+ for your offensive spell (just kite enemies across the edge of it when fighting groups). Divine Will gets you a DPS/Tactics bonus, but it'll matter more the higher your Wis gets as you level up.

At level 10ish, I'd probably try to farm up a Ravenloft set (https://ddowiki.com/page/Category:Silent_Avenger_Set_(Heroic)_set_items) (it's free until August) and then throw on Str/Wis/Con items and the usual melee stuff like Seeker/Deadly and call it a day :P

Make sure you grab THF feats whenever possible, otherwise get Improved Critical and then whatever you want (PA > Cleave > GCleave?). Pretty straightforward :)

[Murzo]

INT is just for skill points so it's up to you. INT 10 (or INT 8 on human) is enough for max Concentration and Heal which are the two vital skills for a battlecleric IMO.

With the improvements to 2H weapons (Strikethrough etc.), now is probably a good time to update a newbie battlecleric build. :)

F2P Battlecleric
Cleric 20
Lawful Good Human


Stats
28pt 32pt Level Up
---- ---- --------
Strength 16 16 4: STR
Dexterity 8 8 8: STR
Constitution 14 16 12: STR
Intelligence 8 8 16: STR
Wisdom 10 10 20: STR
Charisma 16 16 24: STR
28: STR

Skills
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Concent 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Heal 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
------------------------------------------------------------
8 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2


Feats

1 : Two Handed Fighting
1 Human : Power Attack
3 : Maximize Spell
6 : Empower Healing Spell
9 : Improved Two Handed Fighting
12 : Improved Critical: Slashing
15 : Greater Two Handed Fighting
18 : Quicken Spell
21 Epic : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic : Intensify Spell
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Handed Fighting
27 Epic : Stunning Blow OR Empower Spell
28 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
29 Destiny: Dire Charge OR Deific Warding
30 Epic : Epic Damage Reduction OR Empower Spell
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Celestia

2 Cleric : War Domain

1 Deity : Follower of: Onatar
6 Deity : Onatar's Forge


Enhancements (80 AP)

Radiant Servant (41 AP)

Healing Domain, Pacifism, Positive Energy Burst, Improved Empower Healing, Positive Energy Shield, Radiant Servant

Extra Turning III, Wand Mastery III
Improved Turning III
Intense Healing III, Unyielding Sovereignty
Endless Turning III, Incredible Healing III, Divine Health
Positive Energy Aura, Cure Focus



Warpriest (31 AP)

Smite Foe: Melee, Resilience of Battle, Sanctuary, Blur, Haste

Divine Might III, Sacred Touch III
Smite Weakness, Wall of Steel III, Inflame III, Melee/Ranged Power Boost III
Greater Inflame III
Ameliorating Strike, Silence the Wicked: Melee I, Holy Striker: Doublestrike III



Human (8 AP)

Damage Boost, Strength

Improved Recovery
Great Weapon Aptitude III



Leveling Guide

War0 Smite Foe: Melee; War1 Divine Might I, II, III
Hum0 Damage Boost; War1 Sacred Touch I; War2 Smite Weakness
War0 Resilience of Battle; War2 Wall of Steel I, II, III
Rad0 Healing Domain; Rad1 Wand Mastery I, II, III
Rad1 Extra Turning I; Rad0 Pacifism; Rad2 Improved Turning I; Rad1 Extra Turning II
Rad2 Improved Turning II; Rad1 Extra Turning III; Rad0 Positive Energy Burst; War0 Sanctuary
Hum0 Strength; Hum1 Improved Recovery
Hum2 Great Weapon Aptitude I, II, III; Rad2 Improved Turning III
Rad3 Unyielding Sovereignty; War2 Inflame I, II
War2 Inflame III; War3 Greater Inflame I, II, III
War1 Sacred Touch II, III; War4 Ameliorating Strike
Reset Warpriest

Radiant Servant: Improved Empower Healing

(none)
(none)
Intense Healing III
Endless Turning III, Incredible Healing I, Divine Health
Positive Energy Aura, Cure Focus




Warpriest: Smite Foe: Melee

Divine Might III, Sacred Touch I




War0 Resilience of Battle; War2 Wall of Steel I, II, III
War2 Smite Weakness; War0 Sanctuary; War2 Inflame I
War2 Inflame II, III; War3 Greater Inflame I, II
War3 Greater Inflame III; War1 Sacred Touch II, III; War0 Blur
War4 Ameliorating Strike; Rad4 Incredible Healing II
Rad0 Positive Energy Shield; War4 Silence the Wicked: Melee I; War4 Holy Striker: Doublestrike I, II
War4 Holy Striker: Doublestrike III; War2 Melee/Ranged Power Boost I, II, III
War0 Haste; Rad4 Incredible Healing III; Rad0 Radiant Servant



Destiny (24 AP)

Divine Crusader

Endless Turning III, Purge the Wicked
Confront Any Foe, Consecration III
Sacred Ground, Empyrean Magic, Blessed Blades
Crusade
Castigation, Heavenly Presence, Celestial Champion
Strike Down


Wisdom: you need WIS 10 + <spell level> to cast cleric spells. Early on, you can use Owl's Wisdom wands or potions until you have sufficient +WIS gear. But if you don't want to deal with the hassle at low levels, you can start WIS 12 CHA 15 instead. We'll be using gear or enhancements to even out our stats regardless.

Race: I went human for the extra feat and skill points, plus the racial Enhancements. Damage Boost, +1 STR, heal amp, and +20 Strikethrough for only 8 APs is a pretty good ROI compared to a lot of races. Non-humans lose a feat and have to decide between either dropping a skill or bumping INT to 10. Half-elf is less optimal, although I suppose you could invest in Diplomacy and take Diplomatic Immunity; not sure which dilettante feat I would take, though, since War domain renders fighter dilettante moot and the other options aren't appealing.

Deity: like I said earlier, since War domain grants all weapon proficiencies at level 5, your deity choice (https://ddowiki.com/page/Deity_feats) is mostly about which level 6 ability you want. I went with Onatar mostly for the Melee Power bonus, but Olladra or Sovereign Host is also fine.

Weapons: At early levels (1-4), just go with quarterstaves or S&B. At level 5, you switch to regular 2H weapons; Carnifex (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Carnifex) is still the best option at that level IMO, but use what you like or have available. We take Improved Critical Slashing weapons at level 12, at which point you focus on greatswords, greataxes, or falchions. In epics, you have the option of switching to greatswords and taking The Book of War from Divine Crusader, which turns them into one of your favored weapons; that in turn lets you take advantage of favored weapon bonuses like Warpriest's Righteous Weapons and Wrath of the Divine.

Can you please tell me how to adapt this for a dwarf battlecleric? I have a level 1 one from 2006 and got a +20 Lesser heart of wood in his inventory. I would like to keep it if I can.

By the way it is good to be back after 14 years :)

[stryker7]

Since you're Str-based, there's no need to worry about DC casting. Just buff up, throw heals as needed, and use Blade Barrier at level 12+ for your offensive spell (just kite enemies across the edge of it when fighting groups). Divine Will gets you a DPS/Tactics bonus, but it'll matter more the higher your Wis gets as you level up.

At level 10ish, I'd probably try to farm up a Ravenloft set (https://ddowiki.com/page/Category:Silent_Avenger_Set_(Heroic)_set_items) (it's free until August) and then throw on Str/Wis/Con items and the usual melee stuff like Seeker/Deadly and call it a day :P

Make sure you grab THF feats whenever possible, otherwise get Improved Critical and then whatever you want (PA > Cleave > GCleave?). Pretty straightforward :)

Thank you! I feel much better knowing this will still be at least viable enough to get me to 20! What I was reading elsewhere kind of had me worried that melee FVS was trash and it shouldn't be done.

[sacredguyver]

I haven't played for several years now and would like to get back in.

I've been looking at other builds and trying to figure out how to change them, but there's been so many changes since I last played (especially to Enhancements), that I feel I'm not just shooting myself in the foot when I do that, but taking a chainsaw to it.

So with that said, what I'm looking for in a build in order of priority is the following:


Dragonborn - Aasimar, Gnome, Tiefling, and Wood Elves don't interest me enough to purchase them
Bastard Swords - I got a small pile of these things from my current life, so I'd like to be able to continue using them
Solo-capable - Mainly this means being able to self-heal and disable locks and traps, up to Reaper 3 if possible.


This would be the 5th life for the character (3 Monk past lives and 1 Paladin) and has +5 STR/CON/WIS tomes and +4 DEX/INT/CHA tomes.

The only races and classes I do not own are Aasimar, Dragonborn (plan to purchase), Wood Elf, Gnome, Tiefling, Deep Gnome (Iconic), Aasimar Scourge (Iconic), Tiefling Scoundrel (Iconic), Alchemist, and Warlock.


Thanks all for the help.

[SpartanKiller13]

Can you please tell me how to adapt this for a dwarf battlecleric? I have a level 1 one from 2006 and got a +20 Lesser heart of wood in his inventory. I would like to keep it if I can.

By the way it is good to be back after 14 years :)

I don't think you need to change much? Just push back the feats by one slot :) and instead of Human enhancements go for Dwarf ones (make sure you get Child of the Mountain). 41/31/8 AP split still works just fine, and you get 5% Competence HP bonus from Dwarf which stacks nicely with Warpriest's 10% Sacred HP bonus.

If you have low Int (and thus less skill points) I'd just max Concentration and not worry about Heal.

Is there anything else that doesn't make sense etc?

Welcome back :)

[SpartanKiller13]

Thank you! I feel much better knowing this will still be at least viable enough to get me to 20! What I was reading elsewhere kind of had me worried that melee FVS was trash and it shouldn't be done.

I mean it's not Barbarian, and you won't blow up rooms like a Sorc, but being 70% of top-tier doesn't mean it's useless even if it's trash to the optimizers :)

My first time getting to 20 was on a S&B Paladin with a vorpal handaxe lol. That's about as suboptimal as it gets :P I guarantee you'll be a lot stronger than my toon, especially if you pick up one of them newfangled Ravenloft sets :P

[Murzo]

I don't think you need to change much? Just push back the feats by one slot :) and instead of Human enhancements go for Dwarf ones (make sure you get Child of the Mountain). 41/31/8 AP split still works just fine, and you get 5% Competence HP bonus from Dwarf which stacks nicely with Warpriest's 10% Sacred HP bonus.

If you have low Int (and thus less skill points) I'd just max Concentration and not worry about Heal.

Is there anything else that doesn't make sense etc?

Welcome back :)

Thank you very much SpartanKiller

[SpartanKiller13]

So with that said, what I'm looking for in a build in order of priority is the following:


Dragonborn - Aasimar, Gnome, Tiefling, and Wood Elves don't interest me enough to purchase them
Bastard Swords - I got a small pile of these things from my current life, so I'd like to be able to continue using them
Solo-capable - Mainly this means being able to self-heal and disable locks and traps, up to Reaper 3 if possible.


This would be the 5th life for the character (3 Monk past lives and 1 Paladin) and has +5 STR/CON/WIS tomes and +4 DEX/INT/CHA tomes.

The only races and classes I do not own are Aasimar, Dragonborn (plan to purchase), Wood Elf, Gnome, Tiefling, Deep Gnome (Iconic), Aasimar Scourge (Iconic), Tiefling Scoundrel (Iconic), Alchemist, and Warlock.

How about a melee Artificer? Covers traps, has Bastard Sword enhancements, and can self-Repair (non-Warforged past level 3) for solo-ability. Works best with Warforged, but it's certainly not a requirement and Dragonborn works just fine.

I'm not sure I'd say it's top-tier, but it's quite flexible and leaves you a lot of options. You could probably even spellcast offensively, although I definitely didn't consider that when writing the build below (so feel free to swap stuff around to better facilitate that).

FYI, THF was just reworked (and thus Bastard Swords). Glancing Blows were replaced by Strikethrough (https://ddowiki.com/page/Strikethrough). I'd recommend you spend a few minutes reading about that before embarking on your quest XD

Something like:

Dragonborn Artificer 20

https://i.imgur.com/ZTgYl4K.png

Make sure you start with Strength 13 (you only have +4 of your tome applied by level 9 when you need 17 for ITHF), otherwise max Int > Con > else. You'll be using Insightful Damage (Artificer spell) plus Harper's Strategic Combat so you have Int for to-hit and damage, as well as trapping etc :)

AP split like:
41 AP Battle Engineer (Capstone, full T5, Hand & a Half x4, Haste Boost)
31 AP Renegade Mastermaker (Core 5, active attacks, Reconstruct, Embed Component
8 AP Harper (Strategic Combat I, Know the Angles)

Grab a runearm, drag the toggle from your feats tab to a hotbar, and let it auto-charge mid-combat (I think there's a checkbox for runearm audio now?). It's free damage, hard to pass up :)

You have a decent amount of active attacks that all Strikethrough (I think the Battle Engineer ones mostly suck, but the RMM ones are pretty great). Throw a spell or three, wade in, hit stuff, then Reconstruct!

Here's Strimtom's melee Artificer (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/479583-quot-The-Maverick-Hunter-quot-a-guide-to-melee-Artificer) from 2016; it's a bit dated, but has some good info especially w/regards to runearms.

[unbongwah]

Can you please tell me how to adapt this for a dwarf battlecleric? I have a level 1 one from 2006 and got a +20 Lesser heart of wood in his inventory.
You should have a lot more freebies on your toon, including at least one Raider's Box (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Raider%27s_Reward_Box). CitW weapons are considered obsolete these days, but a free Cleaver (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Cleaver,_Hewer_of_Suffering) is still a solid ML:23 weapon until you replace it with something better like Riftmaker (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Epic_Riftmaker).

Anyway, a non-human variant would drop a feat - I would probably skip Power Attack or at least delay it - and would have to start INT 10 to max Concentration and Heal. So base stats are something like 16/8/16/10/10/13 on a 28-pt build. Otherwise it's basically identical, so I'm not gonna bother with a repost.

A dwarf would also have the option of Single Weapon Fighting (SWF) with a dwarven axe and investing in their racial enhancements. SWF combat style means your offhand doesn't hold a shield (unless you're a Swashbuckler) or another weapon; for a SWF caster, you'd usually equip an orb. 12 APs into the dwarf racial tree would get +15 Strikethrough (https://ddowiki.com/page/Strikethrough) with dwarven axes and make them a favored weapon, so they would benefit from Warpriest bonuses like Righteous Weapons. SWF vs 2H weapons is basically higher attack speed vs higher base damage and more Strikethrough.

[unbongwah]

So with that said, what I'm looking for in a build in order of priority is the following:


Dragonborn - Aasimar, Gnome, Tiefling, and Wood Elves don't interest me enough to purchase them
Bastard Swords - I got a small pile of these things from my current life, so I'd like to be able to continue using them
Solo-capable - Mainly this means being able to self-heal and disable locks and traps, up to Reaper 3 if possible.


You've already posted to the Maverick Hunter threat so I know you have melee Artificer on your list. So my first thought is paladin Vanguard. S&B with hand-and-a-half weapons (bastard sword or dwarven axe) benefit from the buffs to THF: i.e., higher damage mod and Strikethrough (https://ddowiki.com/page/Strikethrough) bonuses. Dragonborn paladins don't have the same synergies as PDK Helm (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/512108-PDK-Vanguard-of-Helm-(U45)), but there is some benefit from DB bonuses (+STR/CHA, Hard Scales). But adding trap skills means losing the VG capstone.

[sacredguyver]

You've already posted to the Maverick Hunter threat so I know you have melee Artificer on your list. So my first thought is paladin Vanguard. S&B with hand-and-a-half weapons (bastard sword or dwarven axe) benefit from the buffs to THF: i.e., higher damage mod and Strikethrough (https://ddowiki.com/page/Strikethrough) bonuses. Dragonborn paladins don't have the same synergies as PDK Helm (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/512108-PDK-Vanguard-of-Helm-(U45)), but there is some benefit from DB bonuses (+STR/CHA, Hard Scales). But adding trap skills means losing the VG capstone.
Thanks, I'll look in to it.

I'll admit that I keep forgetting about capstone enhancements requiring 20 levels in a class, which kinda hurts multiclassing a bit.

[Murzo]

You should have a lot more freebies on your toon, including at least one Raider's Box (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Raider%27s_Reward_Box). CitW weapons are considered obsolete these days, but a free Cleaver (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Cleaver,_Hewer_of_Suffering) is still a solid ML:23 weapon until you replace it with something better like Riftmaker (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Epic_Riftmaker).

Anyway, a non-human variant would drop a feat - I would probably skip Power Attack or at least delay it - and would have to start INT 10 to max Concentration and Heal. So base stats are something like 16/8/16/10/10/13 on a 28-pt build. Otherwise it's basically identical, so I'm not gonna bother with a repost.

A dwarf would also have the option of Single Weapon Fighting (SWF) with a dwarven axe and investing in their racial enhancements. SWF combat style means your offhand doesn't hold a shield (unless you're a Swashbuckler) or another weapon; for a SWF caster, you'd usually equip an orb. 12 APs into the dwarf racial tree would get +15 Strikethrough (https://ddowiki.com/page/Strikethrough) with dwarven axes and make them a favored weapon, so they would benefit from Warpriest bonuses like Righteous Weapons. SWF vs 2H weapons is basically higher attack speed vs higher base damage and more Strikethrough.

Thank you very much unbongwah. I do indeed have a lot of goodies on him :)

[Warkittens]

I am looking for a support bard/ranger that can sling arrows for fun (or if viable dmg, thats cool too) but i wanted to focus on spellsinger healing and what not. i would love to be an aasimar

or even a solo ranger with bard spellsinger healing for survival? i really dig the idea of sustaining song, i want a build that incorporates that is my main goal. either dps or full fupport..

[unbongwah]

I am looking for a support bard/ranger that can sling arrows for fun (or if viable dmg, thats cool too) but i wanted to focus on spellsinger healing and what not. i would love to be an aasimar
So I'll preface this by saying that Inquisitive (https://ddowiki.com/page/Inquisitive_enhancements) is a lot stronger than archery these days, particularly if you want some sort of hybrid support rather than pure ranger or monkcher. Deepwood Stalker got a couple of nice boosts to its tier-5 enhancements a while ago, but it's still not enough to make an archer competitive with Inquisitive; more like "less bad by comparison" than it was.

This is a build you do for fun, not one you do so you can solo Reapers, is what I'm suggesting. ;)

That said, what you describe is doable with, say, bard 12 / ranger 6 / rogue 2: tier-5 DWS for archer DPS, tier-4 Spellsinger for Sustaining Song, with remaining points into AA. Or maybe even ranger 12 / bard 8: better ranged DPS, fewer bard abilities. Aasimar doesn't really add anything to this build, but we don't have a lot of APs to spare for racial bonuses anyway.

[Warkittens]

So I'll preface this by saying that Inquisitive (https://ddowiki.com/page/Inquisitive_enhancements) is a lot stronger than archery these days, particularly if you want some sort of hybrid support rather than pure ranger or monkcher. Deepwood Stalker got a couple of nice boosts to its tier-5 enhancements a while ago, but it's still not enough to make an archer competitive with Inquisitive; more like "less bad by comparison" than it was.

This is a build you do for fun, not one you do so you can solo Reapers, is what I'm suggesting. ;)

That said, what you describe is doable with, say, bard 12 / ranger 6 / rogue 2: tier-5 DWS for archer DPS, tier-4 Spellsinger for Sustaining Song, with remaining points into AA. Or maybe even ranger 12 / bard 8: better ranged DPS, fewer bard abilities. Aasimar doesn't really add anything to this build, but we don't have a lot of APs to spare for racial bonuses anyway.

you know you are the BOMB, right unbongwah? info i never knew i needed. yea this is purely for fun. just want the feel of a bardcher

what would be a good stat buid for it? being bard and ranger and rogue seems like i gotta split between majority of them.

[unbongwah]

Okay then with those limitations in mind, I was thinking something like this:

Bardcher (U46)
12/6/2 Bard/Ranger/Rogue
True Neutral Human


Level Order

1. Rogue 6. Ranger 11. Bard 16. Bard
2. Ranger 7. Ranger 12. Bard 17. Bard
3. Ranger 8. Bard 13. Bard 18. Bard
4. Ranger 9. Bard 14. Bard 19. Bard
5. Ranger 10. Bard 15. Bard 20. Rogue


Stats
28pt 32pt 34pt 36pt Level Up
---- ---- ---- ---- --------
Strength 8 8 8 8 4: DEX
Dexterity 16 18 18 18 8: DEX
Constitution 14 14 15 16 12: DEX
Intelligence 16 16 16 16 16: DEX
Wisdom 8 8 8 8 20: DEX
Charisma 10 8 8 8 24: DEX
28: DEX

Skills
Rg Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Rg
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Perform 2 8 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Concent 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Spellcr 2 1 1 1 1 6 2 2 2 2 2 1 23
Disable 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Search 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
UMD 4 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 23
Open Lo 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 12
Heal 2 2 3 1 1 1 10
Spot 4 2 1 1 1 1 10
Balance 4 4
Jump 4 4
Swim 4 4
Tumble 4 4
------------------------------------------------------------
48 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12


Feats

1 : Point Blank Shot
1 Human : Dodge
3 : Mobility
6 : Shot on the Run
9 : Precision
12 : Improved Critical: Ranged
15 : Improved Precise Shot
18 : Quicken Spell OR Empower Healing Spell
21 Epic : Improved Bardic Music OR Inspire Excellence
24 Epic : Overwhelming Critical
26 Destiny: Holy Strike OR Pierce Damage Reduction: Silver
27 Epic : Combat Archery OR Epic Damage Reduction
28 Destiny: Doubleshot
29 Destiny: Deific Warding OR Harbinger of Chaos
30 Epic : Watchful Eye OR Epic Reflexes
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Ethereal Plane

2 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Undead
6 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Construct OR Evil Outsider


Enhancements (80 AP)

Deepwood Stalker (38 AP)

Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Sniper Shot

Favored Defense I, Stealthy III
Survivalist, Improved Weapon Finesse, Melee/Range Power Boost III
Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III, Favored Hunter III, Aimed Shot
Survivalist, Killer III, Merciful Shot
Extra Favored Enemy: Giant, Heavy Draw, Strikes Like Lightning, Improved Archer's Focus



Spellsinger (25 AP)

Spellsinger, Music of the Sewers, Music of the Dead, Music of the Makers

Studies: Magical III, Lingering Songs III
Sharp Note III, Flicker III, Wand and Scroll Mastery III
Spell Song Trance
Sustaining Song, Song of Arcane Might



Arcane Archer (14 AP)

Arcane Archer, Morphic Arrows, Metalline Arrows

Conjure Arrows, Corrosive Arrows
Force Arrows I, Elemental Damage
Soul Magic, Elemental Damage



Human (3 AP)

Damage Boost

Improved Recovery



Leveling Guide

Hum0 Damage Boost; (Bank 3 AP)
AA0 Arcane Archer; AA1 Conjure Arrows; DS0 Far Shot; DS1 Stealthy I, II, III
DS1 Favored Defense I; DS2 Improved Weapon Finesse; DS2 Melee/Range Power Boost I, II
DS2 Melee/Range Power Boost III; DS0 Sneak Attack; DS2 Survivalist
DS3 Survivalist; DS3 Favored Hunter I, II
DS3 Favored Hunter III; DS3 Thrill of the Hunt I, II, III
DS0 Sniper Shot; DS4 Killer I, II, III
AA1 Corrosive Arrows; AA2 Elemental Damage
AA0 Morphic Arrows; AA2 Force Arrows I; AA0 Metalline Arrows
DS4 Survivalist; DS4 Merciful Shot
DS3 Aimed Shot; (Bank 2 AP)
DS5 Heavy Draw; DS5 Strikes Like Lightning; DS5 Improved Archer's Focus
DS5 Extra Favored Enemy: Giant; AA3 Elemental Damage
Spl0 Spellsinger; Spl1 Studies: Magical I, II, III
AA3 Soul Magic; Spl1 Lingering Songs I, II, III
Spl2 Wand and Scroll Mastery I, II, III
Spl3 Spell Song Trance; Spl0 Music of the Sewers; Spl0 Music of the Dead; Spl2 Sharp Note I
Spl2 Sharp Note II, III; Spl2 Flicker I, II
Spl2 Flicker III; Spl4 Sustaining Song; Spl0 Music of the Makers
Spl4 Song of Arcane Might; Hum1 Improved Recovery


Basically you level like a typical ranged ranger, until you confound people by multiclassing into bard instead of sticking with ranger like a sensible archer. :cool: Shot on the Run adds 10% ranged Alacrity to bows, but the 3-feat tax makes it expensive. I was a little indecisive about skills; couldn't decide if it was better to focus on Open Lock, Heal, or Spot, so I spread points between all three.

Aasimar could just do a straight conversion, but I had something slightly different in mind. Why not build on Aasimar's WIS bonus for Healing Hands + Paralyzing Arrows, amped up by Spellsinger's Enchantment bonuses? After all, a bardcher can't out-DPS a pure ranger, much less a good Inquisitive; so why not focus on CCing mobs plus bard support?

Aasimar Bardcher (U46)
12/6/2 Bard/Ranger/Rogue
True Neutral OR Chaotic Good Aasimar


Level Order

1. Rogue 6. Ranger 11. Bard 16. Bard
2. Ranger 7. Ranger 12. Bard 17. Bard
3. Ranger 8. Bard 13. Bard 18. Bard
4. Ranger 9. Bard 14. Bard 19. Bard
5. Ranger 10. Bard 15. Bard 20. Rogue


Stats
32pt 34pt 36pt Tome Level Up
---- ---- ---- ---- --------
Strength 8 8 8 4: DEX
Dexterity 16 16 16 8: DEX
Constitution 14 14 14 12: DEX
Intelligence 16 16 16 +2 16: DEX
Wisdom 16 17 18 20: DEX
Charisma 8 8 8 24: DEX
28: DEX

Skills
Rg Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Rg
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Perform 2 8 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Concent 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Spellcr 2 1 1 1 1 6 2 2 2 2 2 1 23
Disable 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Search 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
UMD 4 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 23
Open Lo 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 12
Heal 2 2 3 1 1 1 10
Spot 4 2 1 1 1 1 10
Jump 4 4
Swim 4 4
Tumble 4 4
------------------------------------------------------------
44 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12


Feats

1 : Point Blank Shot
3 : Precision
6 : Extend Spell OR Quicken Spell
9 : Empower Healing Spell
12 : Improved Critical: Ranged
15 : Improved Precise Shot
18 : Spell Focus: Enchantment
21 Epic : Improved Bardic Music OR Inspire Excellence
24 Epic : Overwhelming Critical
26 Destiny: Holy Strike OR Pierce Damage Reduction: Silver
27 Epic : Combat Archery OR Epic Damage Reduction
28 Destiny: Doubleshot
29 Destiny: Deific Warding OR Harbinger of Chaos
30 Epic : Watchful Eye OR Epic Reflexes
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Ethereal Plane

1 Aasimar: Bond of the Protector

2 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Undead
6 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Construct OR Evil Outsider


Enhancements (80 AP)

Deepwood Stalker (36 AP)

Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Sniper Shot

Favored Defense I, Stealthy III
Survivalist, Improved Weapon Finesse, Melee/Range Power Boost III
Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III, Favored Hunter III, Aimed Shot
Survivalist, Killer III, Merciful Shot
Heavy Draw, Strikes Like Lightning, Improved Archer's Focus



Arcane Archer (26 AP)

Arcane Archer, Morphic Arrows, Metalline Arrows

Conjure Arrows, Corrosive Arrows
Force Arrows II, Elemental Damage
Terror Arrows, Soul Magic, Elemental Damage, Dexterity
Banishing Arrows, Paralyzing Arrows, Smiting Arrows, Elemental Damage



Spellsinger (11 AP)

Spellsinger, Music of the Sewers, Music of the Dead

Studies: Magical III, Lingering Songs III
Marigold Crown: Yellow



Aasimar (7 AP)

Stronger Bonds, Wisdom, Stronger Bonds II, Wisdom, Stronger Bonds III


Leveling Guide

(Bank 4 AP)
AA0 Arcane Archer; AA1 Conjure Arrows; DS0 Far Shot; DS1 Stealthy I, II, III; DS1 Favored Defense I
DS2 Improved Weapon Finesse; DS2 Melee/Range Power Boost I, II, III
DS0 Sneak Attack; AA1 Corrosive Arrows; AA0 Morphic Arrows
AA2 Elemental Damage; DS3 Aimed Shot
DS2 Survivalist; DS3 Survivalist
DS0 Sniper Shot; DS3 Thrill of the Hunt I, II, III
DS4 Killer I, II, III; DS3 Favored Hunter I
DS3 Favored Hunter II, III; DS4 Survivalist
DS4 Merciful Shot; AA2 Force Arrows I
AA3 Terror Arrows; AA3 Elemental Damage
DS5 Improved Archer's Focus; DS5 Strikes Like Lightning
DS5 Heavy Draw; AA0 Metalline Arrows; Spl0 Spellsinger
Spl1 Studies: Magical I, II, III; AA3 Soul Magic
AA2 Force Arrows II; AA3 Dexterity
AA4 Paralyzing Arrows; AA4 Elemental Damage
AA4 Banishing Arrows; AA4 Smiting Arrows; Spl1 Lingering Songs I; Spl0 Music of the Sewers
Spl2 Marigold Crown: Yellow; Spl1 Lingering Songs II, III
Spl0 Music of the Dead; Aas0 Stronger Bonds; Aas0 Wisdom
Aas0 Stronger Bonds II; Aas0 Wisdom; Aas0 Stronger Bonds III


Of course, one could argue I've spent too many APs on archery and not enough on bard-ery. Basically there's enough APs for one tier-5, one tier-4, and one tier-3 trees. So it's a question of figuring out your priorities and planning your APs accordingly. You could also do tier-5 Spellsinger (Vigor, Capering) / tier-4 AA (Paralyzing Arrow) / tier-3 DWS (Sniper Shot).

[unbongwah]

I'll admit that I keep forgetting about capstone enhancements requiring 20 levels in a class, which kinda hurts multiclassing a bit.
If you want a SWF bastard sword build with trap skills that has better DPS than an Artificer: maybe paladin 18 / Artificer 2? Arty splash provides trap skills and Runearm. Dragonborn's not ideal but it should work.

I was thinking something like this:

DB Palaficer
18/2 Paladin/Artificer, Epic 1
Lawful Good Dragonborn


Level Order

1. Artificer 6. Paladin 11. Paladin 16. Paladin
2. Paladin 7. Paladin 12. Paladin 17. Paladin
3. Paladin 8. Artificer 13. Paladin 18. Paladin
4. Paladin 9. Paladin 14. Paladin 19. Paladin
5. Paladin 10. Paladin 15. Paladin 20. Paladin


Stats
36pt Tome Level Up
---- ---- --------
Strength 18 +4 4: STR
Dexterity 10 +4 8: STR
Constitution 14 +4 12: STR
Intelligence 16 +4 16: STR
Wisdom 8 +4 20: STR
Charisma 16 +4


Skills
A P P P P P P A P P P P P P P P P P P P
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Concent 4 2 2 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Disable 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Search 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Open Lo 4 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 20
Balance 2 1 1 1 1 1 7
UMD 4 1 5
Spot 4 4
------------------------------------------------------------
28 6 6 6 6 6 7 9 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7


Feats

1 : Single Weapon Fighting
3 : Precision
6 : Exotic Weapon: Bastard Sword OR Stunning Blow
9 : Improved Critical: Slashing
12 : Improved Single Weapon Fighting
15 : Greater Single Weapon Fighting
18 : Quicken Spell OR Stunning Blow
21 Epic : Overwhelming Critical

1 Dragon : Draconic Ancestry: Red

2 Deity : Follower of: Onatar
7 Deity : Onatar's Forge


Enhancements (80 AP)

Knight of the Chalice (39 AP)

Slayer of Evil, Courage of Heaven, Slayer of Evil II, Improved Courage of Heaven, Slayer of Evil III

Extra Smite II, Improved Second Strikes III
Divine Might III, Exalted Cleave, Action Boost: Power III
Sacrificial Strike II, Lead the Charge III, Exalted Strike III
Censure Demons, Vigor of Life
Ascendency, Censure Outsiders, Vigor of Life, Avenging Cleave, Retributive Strike



Sacred Defender (31 AP)

Holy Bastion, Sacred Defense, Divine Righteousness, Redemption, Glorious Stand

Extra Lay On Hands III, Durable Defense III
Bulwark Aura III
Resistance Aura III, Strong Defense III, Charisma
Spellshield Aura III, Swift Defense, Hardy Defense III, Charisma



Dragonborn (10 AP)

Hardy, Strength or Charisma: Strength, Hardy, Strength or Charisma: Strength

(none)
Extra Action Boost II



Leveling Guide

(Bank 4 AP)
KoC0 Slayer of Evil; KoC1 Improved Second Strikes I, II, III; KoC1 Extra Smite I; SD0 Holy Bastion; (Bank 2 AP)
SD1 Extra Lay On Hands I, II, III; KoC2 Divine Might I, II, III
KoC2 Exalted Cleave; SD1 Durable Defense I; SD0 Sacred Defense
SD1 Durable Defense II, III; KoC0 Courage of Heaven; KoC2 Action Boost: Power I
KoC2 Action Boost: Power II, III; KoC3 Lead the Charge I, II
KoC3 Lead the Charge III; KoC0 Slayer of Evil II; KoC1 Extra Smite II; KoC3 Sacrificial Strike I
KoC4 Vigor of Life; KoC3 Exalted Strike I
KoC4 Censure Demons; KoC3 Exalted Strike II; SD2 Bulwark Aura I
SD2 Bulwark Aura II; SD3 Strong Defense I, II, III
KoC3 Exalted Strike III; (Bank 2 AP)
KoC3 Sacrificial Strike II; KoC5 Ascendency; KoC5 Avenging Cleave; KoC5 Retributive Strike; KoC5 Censure Outsiders
KoC5 Vigor of Life; SD0 Divine Righteousness; SD2 Bulwark Aura III
KoC0 Improved Courage of Heaven; SD3 Resistance Aura I, II, III
SD3 Charisma; SD4 Swift Defense; SD4 Hardy Defense I
SD4 Hardy Defense II, III; SD0 Redemption; SD4 Spellshield Aura I
SD4 Spellshield Aura II, III; SD4 Charisma
Dra0 Hardy; Dra0 Strength or Charisma: Strength; Dra0 Hardy
Dra0 Strength or Charisma: Strength; Dra2 Extra Action Boost I
KoC0 Slayer of Evil III; SD0 Glorious Stand; Dra2 Extra Action Boost II


I think it checks off everything on your wishlist, as long as "minmax DPS" isn't on it. :cool:

You can use Chimera's Breath (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Chimera%27s_Breath) to grant bastard sword proficiency. Note that persists even if you disjunct it for crafting. So you could stockpile a bunch, disjunct them, and craft multiple versions at different levels to use while leveling.

[sacredguyver]

If you want a SWF bastard sword build with trap skills that has better DPS than an Artificer: maybe paladin 18 / Artificer 2? Arty splash provides trap skills and Runearm. Dragonborn's not ideal but it should work.

I was thinking something like this:

DB Palaficer
18/2 Paladin/Artificer, Epic 1
Lawful Good Dragonborn


Level Order

1. Artificer 6. Paladin 11. Paladin 16. Paladin
2. Paladin 7. Paladin 12. Paladin 17. Paladin
3. Paladin 8. Artificer 13. Paladin 18. Paladin
4. Paladin 9. Paladin 14. Paladin 19. Paladin
5. Paladin 10. Paladin 15. Paladin 20. Paladin


Stats
36pt Tome Level Up
---- ---- --------
Strength 18 +4 4: STR
Dexterity 10 +4 8: STR
Constitution 14 +4 12: STR
Intelligence 16 +4 16: STR
Wisdom 8 +4 20: STR
Charisma 16 +4


Skills
A P P P P P P A P P P P P P P P P P P P
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Concent 4 2 2 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Disable 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Search 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Open Lo 4 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 20
Balance 2 1 1 1 1 1 7
UMD 4 1 5
Spot 4 4
------------------------------------------------------------
28 6 6 6 6 6 7 9 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7


Feats

1 : Single Weapon Fighting
3 : Precision
6 : Exotic Weapon: Bastard Sword OR Stunning Blow
9 : Improved Critical: Slashing
12 : Improved Single Weapon Fighting
15 : Greater Single Weapon Fighting
18 : Quicken Spell OR Stunning Blow
21 Epic : Overwhelming Critical

1 Dragon : Draconic Ancestry: Red

2 Deity : Follower of: Onatar
7 Deity : Onatar's Forge


Enhancements (80 AP)

Knight of the Chalice (39 AP)

Slayer of Evil, Courage of Heaven, Slayer of Evil II, Improved Courage of Heaven, Slayer of Evil III

Extra Smite II, Improved Second Strikes III
Divine Might III, Exalted Cleave, Action Boost: Power III
Sacrificial Strike II, Lead the Charge III, Exalted Strike III
Censure Demons, Vigor of Life
Ascendency, Censure Outsiders, Vigor of Life, Avenging Cleave, Retributive Strike



Sacred Defender (31 AP)

Holy Bastion, Sacred Defense, Divine Righteousness, Redemption, Glorious Stand

Extra Lay On Hands III, Durable Defense III
Bulwark Aura III
Resistance Aura III, Strong Defense III, Charisma
Spellshield Aura III, Swift Defense, Hardy Defense III, Charisma



Dragonborn (10 AP)

Hardy, Strength or Charisma: Strength, Hardy, Strength or Charisma: Strength

(none)
Extra Action Boost II



Leveling Guide

(Bank 4 AP)
KoC0 Slayer of Evil; KoC1 Improved Second Strikes I, II, III; KoC1 Extra Smite I; SD0 Holy Bastion; (Bank 2 AP)
SD1 Extra Lay On Hands I, II, III; KoC2 Divine Might I, II, III
KoC2 Exalted Cleave; SD1 Durable Defense I; SD0 Sacred Defense
SD1 Durable Defense II, III; KoC0 Courage of Heaven; KoC2 Action Boost: Power I
KoC2 Action Boost: Power II, III; KoC3 Lead the Charge I, II
KoC3 Lead the Charge III; KoC0 Slayer of Evil II; KoC1 Extra Smite II; KoC3 Sacrificial Strike I
KoC4 Vigor of Life; KoC3 Exalted Strike I
KoC4 Censure Demons; KoC3 Exalted Strike II; SD2 Bulwark Aura I
SD2 Bulwark Aura II; SD3 Strong Defense I, II, III
KoC3 Exalted Strike III; (Bank 2 AP)
KoC3 Sacrificial Strike II; KoC5 Ascendency; KoC5 Avenging Cleave; KoC5 Retributive Strike; KoC5 Censure Outsiders
KoC5 Vigor of Life; SD0 Divine Righteousness; SD2 Bulwark Aura III
KoC0 Improved Courage of Heaven; SD3 Resistance Aura I, II, III
SD3 Charisma; SD4 Swift Defense; SD4 Hardy Defense I
SD4 Hardy Defense II, III; SD0 Redemption; SD4 Spellshield Aura I
SD4 Spellshield Aura II, III; SD4 Charisma
Dra0 Hardy; Dra0 Strength or Charisma: Strength; Dra0 Hardy
Dra0 Strength or Charisma: Strength; Dra2 Extra Action Boost I
KoC0 Slayer of Evil III; SD0 Glorious Stand; Dra2 Extra Action Boost II


I think it checks off everything on your wishlist, as long as "minmax DPS" isn't on it. :cool:

You can use Chimera's Breath (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Chimera%27s_Breath) to grant bastard sword proficiency. Note that persists even if you disjunct it for crafting. So you could stockpile a bunch, disjunct them, and craft multiple versions at different levels to use while leveling.

Neat! Thanks.

I don't really worry much about minmaxing DPS. As long as I'm effective and can contribute to a group, I'm usually pretty happy.
My current life is a PDK Paladin 14/Ranger 5/Fighter 1 TWF Bastard Sword build, so minmaxing is definitely not a concern. :D



And since it was mentioned, I need to research Cannith Crafting changes. I had a human arti alt that I leveled solely for Cannith Crafting when they released. I get the feeling I'm in for some surprises.

[unbongwah]

And since it was mentioned, I need to research Cannith Crafting changes.
This thread might help: https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/478548-Cannith-crafting-leveling-plan

[Warkittens]

anyone have a few links to some badass inquisitive build?

[SpartanKiller13]

I am looking for a support bard/ranger that can sling arrows for fun (or if viable dmg, thats cool too) but i wanted to focus on spellsinger healing and what not. i would love to be an aasimar

or even a solo ranger with bard spellsinger healing for survival? i really dig the idea of sustaining song, i want a build that incorporates that is my main goal. either dps or full support..

Edit: I tried to post this yesterday but apparently it's broken. Seems like Unbongwah got ya, but I had a few more ideas :P

Is this for a parked alt (for raids?) or like a 1-20 toon or? It's hard to level up full-support toons.

If you're just after a parked full support Bard that shoots a bit, you could probably go Elven Arcane Archer (https://ddowiki.com/page/Elven_Arcane_Archer_enhancements) w/full Bard? 41 AP into AA gets you capstone & T5, with 14 AP into Elf and 22 into Spellsinger for Sustaining Song? Would definitely be a build that needs levels to be solid though, I'd recommend against it for a leveling build (14 AP before you even start your damage tree sucks lol, and EAA capstone is ML 25).

If you have racial AP (or just drop AA capstone), you could go /1 Warlock and /1 Alchemist, for Feigned Health & Soothing Poultices respectively.

Or for full support shenanigans, 16/4/1 Bard/Warlock/Alchemist, using Fighting Spirit + Brilliance + Feigned Health + Soothing Poultices to spread Cha x3 + Con x2 + Int as temp HP (4/6 as aura, 2/6 on-spellcast) while running Sustaining Song. Easy at-cap stats of 70 Cha, 60 Con, 40 Int = 370 temps by casting Merfolk's lol. Solid investment of 100 Cha, 70 Con, 60 Int = 500 temp HP, you'd be budget Affirmation as a refreshing party buff (equivalent to Shining Through used with 62 Con).


27 AP Spellsinger (Sustaining Song, other song buffs)
21 AP ES (Brilliance, Shield, PRR/MRR Auras)
21 AP Warchanter (Fighting Spirit, Words of Encouragement, Ballads)
4 AP Apothecary (Soothing Poultices)
4 AP Tainted Scholar (Feigned Health)

With 3 leftover AP to spend on whatever other buffs you see lol.

Itemize stats > Positive Spellpower > Repair SP > Negative SP, hop in throw buffs and just stand around laughing lol. You could probably 12/5/3 Bard/Warlock/Paladin as a budget tank by dropping Spellsinger and adding Sacred Defender w/T5 ES, for that matter.

You'd have like zero damage, but who cares? Please don't try to solo with a build like this. I'd probably go for 30 and ETR/LR into it if you're going to park a toon :P

[SpartanKiller13]

anyone have a few links to some badass inquisitive build?

What are you prioritizing? Soloability, utility, DPS, CC, Past Lives, party value, etc?

FvS Inqusitive is probably the "best" just for the sheer options presented (18/2 w/Arti probs). Something like Swimm's 8/8/4ish Ranger/Rogue/Arti (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/505941-8-Ranger-8-Rogue-4-Arti-Inquisitor-Heroic-TR-build) is likely the strongest variant for Heroic TRing, whereas 18/2 Rogue/Arti or 10/6/4 Rogue/Fighter/Arti is probably best endgame.

Inquisitive is a universal tree that works pretty well by itself (or with Arti 2), so it's really more about what else you want from your build. You'll have ~39 AP to burn, so you can grab a T4 and a T3, or a single Core 5 (like the 18/2 runs 41 Inq 31 Mechanic 8 Harper) and call it a day. You could run Warlock/Barbarian using Brilliance & Blood Tribute, which would work great and get you weird PL's while still having solid DPS etc.

What's your goal?

Here's some threads to peruse:
Best Inquisitive Split (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/507389-Best-Inquisitive-split)
Reddit thread talking about trance Inquisitives (EK in particular) (https://www.reddit.com/r/ddo/comments/avlij4/inquisitive_theorycrafting/)
This guy talks about 18/2 Alch/Arti, using VC and having Int-based Evasion etc. (https://www.reddit.com/r/ddo/comments/g2oujo/good_inquisitive_build/fnnz281?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x)

There's a ton out there, but it really boils down to what else you want past the baseline of Inquisitive. Telling us that will get you a better response than "18/2 FvS/Arti" or "18/2 Rogue/Arti" which are probs my default recommendations.

[Tilomere]

oh nvm

[SpartanKiller13]

Those are all outdated due to U45 and should be taken down.

Here (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/514930-How-to-boost-your-inquisitor-dps-by-45) is the only thing you need to know.

Well, you're on the "Request a Build - Get a Build" thread and not posting a build, so even if that DPS method is superior you'd still leave our friend short of a build. Until you post your superior build, I'll leave up inferior ones that talk about stuff like level split and feats :)

Also I'd love to see some actual runs lol especially when you include the requirement to run in LD - which AFAIK isn't the best ranged tree anymore?

[Vychos]

Hello again,

For the first time I am trying the Wizard class, but I have to admit I am a melee player. I don't enjoy too much to not be in the middle of the fuss. Sure I will learn and adapt, but I wanted to state where I am coming from.

I am looking into a EK build, human, 32 points, no tomes, not until we get a tomes sales at least. I am using Strimtom's build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/503507-Spellswords-And-You-A-Strimtom-Review) currently at level 4, but I am starting to feel uneasy at some points.

I also tried EllisDee Pale Trapper, and I am not sure if it's the maximize+empower spell or not, but on the EK build my evocation spells cause way too low damage, in comparison to the Pale Trapper.

I am a big fan of Pure builds, but I am ok with a split as long as I don't cut myself out of the highest level spells. If I am going to play a wizard I want to see all possible spells. In the case of split I would rather go for a trapper, since I play alone a lot and I love to find secret doors, traps and such, but I don't know if this is possible.

Also, I see that Shield Training is an enhancement on EK tree, so I don't get why take Shield Proficiency on level one. Can someone clarify?

I do have access to Harper and Falconry Tree.

So I am looking for a human, 32 points EK, preferably pure, and preferably but not mandatory rogue if a split is needed.
I will be playing quests on elite, not interested in reaper, but alone with a hireling most of the time.

I am not a big fan of Pale, but I love Arch.

Can someone help me or point me to a similar working build?

Edit: Another thing I don't get: The build starts with a Shield, gets Perfect TWF at lvl 26, Perfect THF at lvl28, and Improved Shield Master at lvl 30. Wouldn't be easier to pick your fighting style and stop "wasting" feats you won't use?

[unbongwah]

Also, I see that Shield Training is an enhancement on EK tree, so I don't get why take Shield Proficiency on level one. Can someone clarify?
The Shield Training enhancement grants proficiency (and -5% arcane spell failure (https://ddowiki.com/page/Arcane_spell_failure) reduction), but you need the actual feat in order to take the Shield Mastery feats as well.

But I'm not a fan of S&B EKs; the melee DPS loss isn't worth the defensive benefits IMO. Bard 3 / wizard 17 is okay if you don't have Harper - that gets you INT to-hit from EK and INT to damage from Swashbuckler - but is otherwise weaker than wizard 20 + Harper would be.

So I definitely prefer SWF/TWF/THF EKnights, each with their pros & cons:

SWF: no extra stat pre-reqs (though you'll probably want Precision which requires DEX 13) and lets you equip a caster orb in your offhand; but DPS is middle-of-the-road (i.e., lower single-target than TWF, lower AoE than THF)
TWF: better single-target DPS than SWF but requires DEX 17
THF: Strikethrough bonuses and 3x INT modifier to damage from GTHF makes 2H weapons the new hawtness again; but requires STR 17

My Bladesingers thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/477252-March-of-the-Bladesingers!) needs updating but it contains a few different builds where I try to go over the pros and cons of pure vs splashed EKs. If you have Warforged and really want to avoid Pale Master, you can use them instead.

[SpartanKiller13]

But I'm not a fan of S&B EKs; the melee DPS loss isn't worth the defensive benefits IMO. Bard 3 / wizard 17 is okay if you don't have Harper - that gets you INT to-hit from EK and INT to damage from Swashbuckler - but is otherwise weaker than wizard 20 + Harper would be.

So I definitely prefer SWF/TWF/THF EKnights, each with their pros & cons:

SWF: no extra stat pre-reqs (though you'll probably want Precision which requires DEX 13) and lets you equip a caster orb in your offhand; but DPS is middle-of-the-road (i.e., lower single-target than TWF, lower AoE than THF)
TWF: better single-target DPS than SWF but requires DEX 17
THF: Strikethrough bonuses and 3x INT modifier to damage from GTHF makes 2H weapons the new hawtness again; but requires STR 17

My Bladesingers thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/477252-March-of-the-Bladesingers!) needs updating but it contains a few different builds where I try to go over the pros and cons of pure vs splashed EKs. If you have Warforged and really want to avoid Pale Master, you can use them instead.

Yeah without tomes I'd recommend SWF. With a +5 or so tome, I think THF is objectively the "best" especially in epics, but the 17 Strength is really awkward to hit when you're new.

17/3 with Bard would get you SWF + S&B bonuses, which is kinda nice (10/20/30% Attack Speed +3/7/15% Doublestrike). En Pointe as well, and using any of the SB weapons that get a crit range bonus would save you from having to worry about Force's Edge which is pretty nice. Doublestrike Action Boost is also fantastic for EK builds, especially now that cleaves can Doublestrike (especially with Reaper boost for earlygame). I think the extra base damage (hitting more etc) would offset the loss of spellblade damage at most levels, although level 20-25 or so would favor a pure build pretty well. I think 26+ you'd start having enough non-proc damage that it pulls ahead though. En Pointe is like budget CAF, and we all know how good that is :)

The post asked for Human, so I'd definitely recommend a bit of PM. Even 6 AP gets you Wraith Form, which is enough to get you solid survivability post-Wizard 7 (where you get Death Aura). Relying on hireling healing past earlygame is a recipe for disaster, IMO.


Edit: Another thing I don't get: The build starts with a Shield, gets Perfect TWF at lvl 26, Perfect THF at lvl28, and Improved Shield Master at lvl 30. Wouldn't be easier to pick your fighting style and stop "wasting" feats you won't use?

Perfect TWF gives 5% Doublestrike, which is universally useful; most melees grab it at level 28. The other part is wasted, but that part's nice. Perfect THF I assume is for EDF or for Bastard Swords etc? I'd swap that for Perfect SWF if you're on a SWF build :)

[Vychos]

Ok, thanks for the tips guys.

I am testing the pure Wizard suggested and I am liking it a lot. I did make some changes, since for this toon I want it to be human. Also I will avoid Pale and try to get some more points in Arch, so any hints on that would be great.
I have to say both the bard split as the rogue makes me itchy because I would love to disarm traps, but two things are keeping me from it, first every time I create a rogue split he is never good enough in finding and disarming traps, so I end up feeling I would be better off with my pure whatever build I am playing, but second, I already started the character and I didn't get rogue/bard as first level, which seems pretty mandatory. I could start over, but I would rather not.

One thing I noticed, is that apparently I don't need Master's Touch as I though I did, the EK opener gives me proficiency with simple weapons right? So really no need to use the spell?
One general question: what is the difference between maximize spell and empower spell? Does it stack?
Since I am on it, here comes another: Does Blur and Displacement stack?

I decided to go SWF+Orb at least on first life since I have too many toons with THF, but maybe on a reborn I may change that.

Any last tips for an adaptation of the Drow into Human and Pale Enhancements into EK/Arch?

Thanks all, and special thanks to Spartan....will never forget how much you helped me learning the ropes of this in the past.

[unbongwah]

Also I will avoid Pale and try to get some more points in Arch, so any hints on that would be great.
Pale Master's undead form is where most of your survivability and some of your DPS comes from as a fleshie Eldritch Knight. So even if you're not Necro-specced, you'll probably still want to spend ~11 APs for an undead form plus an Undead Augmentation: e.g., wraith form + Ghost in the Wind for 20% Incorporealty. Whereas Warforged/Bladeforged EKs can just use Repair/Reconstruct spells, of course.

Since you also have to spend at least 12 APs in Harper for INT to damage and 41 APs in EK for the capstone, that leaves 16 APs to spend on whatever you want.

One thing I noticed, is that apparently I don't need Master's Touch as I though I did, the EK opener gives me proficiency with simple weapons right? So really no need to use the spell?
You gain martial weapons proficiency from EK level 3, so at that point you would stop casting Master's Touch.

what is the difference between maximize spell and empower spell? Does it stack?
Yes they stack: Maximize is +150 Spellpower +25 spell points per spell; Empower is +75 Spellpower +15 SPs. However metamagics can be applied for free to SLAs.

Since I am on it, here comes another: Does Blur and Displacement stack?
No, both provide concealment bonuses so only the highest (Displacement) will apply.

Any last tips for an adaptation of the Drow into Human and Pale Enhancements into EK/Arch?
Not really. Main advantages of drow are higher INT (up to +4) and Arcane Fluidity (stacks with EK bonuses so you can wear armor sooner); whereas humans get an extra feat and some useful racial enhancements like Spellpower Boost and Traditionalist Caster (+10 Spellpower with orb equipped).

[Vychos]

Ok, thanks a lot for the insight.
I will put some points in Pale for sure, no reason why not to, just don't want to loose my hand in there.

If I may, let me throw my last questions:

Considering enhancements, would be worth to put some points in the Human racial tree? Where?
I see that Human and EK both gives us access to Spellpower boost - does it stack? Should I pick both, none or only one?
Would be a good idea to put some points in Efficient Metamagic? Which one and how many points?

Rogue Question: with only 2 levels will I be able to find and disarm traps efficiently? I would consider remaking if the answer is yes - I will take your word for it.

Edit: I see in the build an enhancement called Bone Armor that I can't find anywhere, not even in the wiki. Guessing it was removed from the game or changed name? Also, Cloak of Night only goes to level 1, another change?

[unbongwah]

Considering enhancements, would be worth to put some points in the Human racial tree? Where?
Action boosts, +1 INT, possibly the fighting style bonuses: Great Weapon Aptitude if using THF / 2h weapons, Traditionalist Caster if using SWF (+10 Spellpower w/orb).

I see that Human and EK both gives us access to Spellpower boost - does it stack? Should I pick both, none or only one?
Action boosts don't stack but you can have multiple boosts available. I would take Damage Boost first.

Would be a good idea to put some points in Efficient Metamagic? Which one and how many points?
Up to you: like I said, you should have 16 APs to play around with. If I take one, I will take Efficient Maximize first because that provides the biggest SP savings.

Rogue Question: with only 2 levels will I be able to find and disarm traps efficiently?
Yes though it takes some effort. Search and Disable are INT-based skills and you're playing an INT-based class. Wizards get Heroism / Greater Heroism spells which are important skill bonuses. You'll have access to Enhancements like Skill Boost and Mechanics.

The main downside to splashing is you delay your wizard levels and lose the Eldritch Knight capstone, so your DPS suffers a bit.

Edit: I see in the build an enhancement called Bone Armor that I can't find anywhere, not even in the wiki. Guessing it was removed from the game or changed name? Also, Cloak of Night only goes to level 1, another change?
Yes, the Pale Master tree was revised last year so older builds like mine need updating.

[Vychos]

Ok, thanks a lot Unbongwah, really helpful.

[Nytemeir]

I am working on my fighter life now, when that's done I'll just need a sorc life for comp.

36 pt. build

Tomes:
+2
+6
+6
+6
+6
+4

I'm greedy, and like to play trapper as much as possible. I'm perfectly okay with a 12/8 sorc/rogue or sorc/arty split - but also open to a splash build. I have all non-iconic classes available, as well as Shadar-Kai, Bladeforged, and Deep Gnome. Please let me know what information you need.

Thank you in advance,
~N~

[unbongwah]

I'm greedy, and like to play trapper as much as possible. I'm perfectly okay with a 12/8 sorc/rogue or sorc/arty split - but also open to a splash build. I have all non-iconic classes available, as well as Shadar-Kai, Bladeforged, and Deep Gnome.
The obvious question: do you have Inquisitive? If so, you could run something like Warforged Artificer 8 / sorcerer 12 and GUN FINGERS! your way to 20.

It not: you could do WF sorc 12 / fighter 6 / rog or Arty 2. Works for melee or ranged.

Failing that, just pure sorc with rog or arty splash as a standard caster DPS toon.

[Nytemeir]

Yes! I do have the inquisitive!

And sorry I don't know all DDO lingo... what do you mean by "gun fingers," and how should I distribute my stats?

(I haven't used the inquisitive tree yet but been wanting to)

I know I ask for a lot of specifics, but I'd like to get a build right for a change.

[unbongwah]

And sorry I don't know all DDO lingo... what do you mean by "gun fingers," and how should I distribute my stats?
Sorry, that's just me trying to be funny. Ya know, dual-wielding crossbows like...gun fingers?

Anyway I'm not an expert when it comes to Inquisitives but it seems like Artificer 8 / <TR class> 12 is a pretty simple template for running past lives. Warforged so you can self-repair plus usual immunities. Since you want trap skills too, you should probably stagger out the Artificer levels to spread out the skill points.

[Nytemeir]

Sorry, that's just me trying to be funny. Ya know, dual-wielding crossbows like...gun fingers?

Anyway I'm not an expert when it comes to Inquisitives but it seems like Artificer 8 / <TR class> 12 is a pretty simple template for running past lives. Warforged so you can self-repair plus usual immunities. Since you want trap skills too, you should probably stagger out the Artificer levels to spread out the skill points.

Will do, and seems like a solid plan. Thanks for your help.

[Annex]

Edit: Never mind. I wanted to get going so I will just leave her at the door behind another character.

[Moonchicken]

Do you have a good build for a SWF or favored weapon and shield battlecleric?

[unbongwah]

Do you have a good build for a SWF or favored weapon and shield battlecleric?
I posted a THF battlecleric here (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/117232-Request-a-Build-Get-a-Build?p=6330696&viewfull=1#post6330696). Converting to SWF means swapping the THF feats for SWF of course. That also means you should probably start with higher INT because you need 7 ranks of Balance to take GSWF. Presuming you're using either Sovereign Host (longswords) or Onatar (warhammers), you'll want the Knight's Training feat at level 6, which means dropping either Power Attack or a metamagic.

S&B cleric is not recommended because the melee DPS will be the lowest of all the battleclerics while the survivability benefits are modest.

[Moonchicken]

I posted a THF battlecleric here (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/117232-Request-a-Build-Get-a-Build?p=6330696&viewfull=1#post6330696). Converting to SWF means swapping the THF feats for SWF of course. That also means you should probably start with higher INT because you need 7 ranks of Balance to take GSWF. Presuming you're using either Sovereign Host (longswords) or Onatar (warhammers), you'll want the Knight's Training feat at level 6, which means dropping either Power Attack or a metamagic.

S&B cleric is not recommended because the melee DPS will be the lowest of all the battleclerics while the survivability benefits are modest.

So THF is the way to go? How’s TWF on a battlecleric?

[unbongwah]

So THF is the way to go? How’s TWF on a battlecleric?
Update 45 greatly improved 2H weapons and the THF feats. Strikethrough (https://ddowiki.com/page/Strikethrough) is a lot better than glancing blows used to be.

TWF is best from rangers, rogues, and Vistani Knife Fighter builds. You could dust off my Tempest Warpriest (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/431930-Adventures-in-Theorycrafting-Tempest-Warpriests?p=6023942&viewfull=1#post6023942) if you want a TWF cleric, but it's obsolete and not something I would recommend to newer players.

[Moonchicken]

Update 45 greatly improved 2H weapons and the THF feats. Strikethrough (https://ddowiki.com/page/Strikethrough) is a lot better than glancing blows used to be.

TWF is best from rangers, rogues, and Vistani Knife Fighter builds. You could dust off my Tempest Warpriest (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/431930-Adventures-in-Theorycrafting-Tempest-Warpriests?p=6023942&viewfull=1#post6023942) if you want a TWF cleric, but it's obsolete and not something I would recommend to newer players.

Thanks for the info! Now I need to decide between THF paladin and THF battlecleric. I’m assuming the paladin dps is much higher leading to an easier time leveling, how hard will it be to solo level as a THF battlecleric?

[SpartanKiller13]

Thanks for the info! Now I need to decide between THF paladin and THF battlecleric. I’m assuming the paladin dps is much higher leading to an easier time leveling, how hard will it be to solo level as a THF battlecleric?

It's pretty survivable and has insane sustain, but you'll definitely be going slower. You just don't get as many damage features, so it's mostly just base damage and a little bit here and there. A good race will help quite a bit as well (like HOrc gives some nice THF bonuses). Also, you're not quite as survivable as a Paladin - oneshot or burst DPS can kill you quite a bit more easily, as you'll have lower saves, HP, and general resistances. You definitely out-sustain most everything in DDO though, so if you can make it through whatever damage you can easily heal it up.

T3 Magical Backlash is super helpful, but your main early powerspike is ~level 7 when you grab Ameliorating Strike (and 10% Doublestrike).

I don't think it'll be a slog/struggle solo leveling a THF battlecleric, but it'll be appreciably harder than a THF Paladin.

[unbongwah]

Also, you're not quite as survivable as a Paladin - oneshot or burst DPS can kill you quite a bit more easily, as you'll have lower saves, HP, and general resistances.
The flip side to that is you'll have a lot more healing and access to divine buffs either a lot sooner than a paladin (e.g., Resist Energy at level 3, Death Ward at level 7) or which paladins don't get at all (e.g., Freedom of Movement, Protection from Energy).

You could try to split the difference by running e.g. cleric 17 / paladin 3: that paladin splash provides a nice boost to saves, access to defensive stance (13 APs buys you +25 PRR/MRR and +6 STR), and up to tier-3 KotC bonuses to DPS (e.g., Imp Second Strikes, Exalted Cleave). I've even considered pal 5-6 / cleric 14-15 as a Divine Champion (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Divine_champion) analogue to complement my War Shaman (https://www.reddit.com/r/ddo/comments/hc19y5/halforc_destruction_domain_cleric/fvcz36x/): tier-5 KotC, tier-4 Warpriest, tier-3 Sacred Defender, Holy Sword from War domain. But I didn't want to overwhelm the newbies with too many options. ;)

[Moonchicken]

The flip side to that is you'll have a lot more healing and access to divine buffs either a lot sooner than a paladin (e.g., Resist Energy at level 3, Death Ward at level 7) or which paladins don't get at all (e.g., Freedom of Movement, Protection from Energy).

You could try to split the difference by running e.g. cleric 17 / paladin 3: that paladin splash provides a nice boost to saves, access to defensive stance (13 APs buys you +25 PRR/MRR and +6 STR), and up to tier-3 KotC bonuses to DPS (e.g., Imp Second Strikes, Exalted Cleave). I've even considered pal 5-6 / cleric 14-15 as a Divine Champion (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Divine_champion) analogue to complement my War Shaman (https://www.reddit.com/r/ddo/comments/hc19y5/halforc_destruction_domain_cleric/fvcz36x/): tier-5 KotC, tier-4 Warpriest, tier-3 Sacred Defender, Holy Sword from War domain. But I didn't want to overwhelm the newbies with too many options. ;)

Do you have a build for the 17/3 cleric/paladin for a human?

[unbongwah]

Do you have a build for the 17/3 cleric/paladin for a human?
It's a straight-forward variant on cleric 20, trading Warpriest enhancements for KotC and Sacred D.

F2P Knight-priest
17/3 Cleric/Paladin
Lawful Good Human


Level Order

1. Paladin 6. Cleric 11. Cleric 16. Cleric
2. Paladin 7. Cleric 12. Cleric 17. Cleric
3. Cleric 8. Cleric 13. Cleric 18. Cleric
4. Paladin 9. Cleric 14. Cleric 19. Cleric
5. Cleric 10. Cleric 15. Cleric 20. Cleric


Stats
28pt 32pt Level Up
---- ---- --------
Strength 16 16 4: STR
Dexterity 8 8 8: STR
Constitution 14 16 12: STR
Intelligence 8 8 16: STR
Wisdom 10 10 20: STR
Charisma 16 16 24: STR
28: STR

Skills
P P C P C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Concent 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Heal 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
------------------------------------------------------------
8 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2


Feats

1 : Two Handed Fighting
1 Human : Power Attack
3 : Maximize Spell
6 : Empower Healing Spell
9 : Improved Two Handed Fighting
12 : Improved Critical: Slashing
15 : Greater Two Handed Fighting OR Empower Spell
18 : Quicken Spell
21 Epic : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic : Intensify Spell
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Handed Fighting
27 Epic : Stunning Blow OR Empower Spell
28 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
29 Destiny: Dire Charge OR Deific Warding
30 Epic : Epic Damage Reduction OR Empower Spell
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Celestia

5 Cleric : War Domain

1 Deity : Follower of: Onatar
9 Deity : Onatar's Forge


Enhancements (80 AP)

Radiant Servant (34 AP)

Healing Domain, Pacifism, Positive Energy Burst, Improved Empower Healing

Extra Turning III, Wand Mastery III, Bliss II
(none)
Intense Healing III, Unyielding Sovereignty
Incredible Healing III, Divine Health
Positive Energy Aura, Cure Focus



Knight of the Chalice (14 AP)

Slayer of Evil, Courage of Heaven

Extra Smites I, Improved Second Strikes III
Exalted Cleave: Melee, Action Boost: Power III
Divine Sacrifice: Melee I, Lead the Charge I, Exalted Smite: Melee I



Sacred Defender (13 AP)

Holy Bastion, Sacred Defense

Extra Lay On Hands III, Durable Defense III
Resilient Defense II
Tenacious Defense III



Warpriest (11 AP)

Smite Foe: Melee, Resilience of Battle, Sanctuary

Divine Might III, Sacred Touch II
Wall of Steel III



Human (8 AP)

Damage Boost, Strength

Improved Recovery
Great Weapon Aptitude III



Leveling Guide

Hum0 Damage Boost; KoC0 Slayer of Evil; KoC1 Improved Second Strikes I, II
KoC1 Improved Second Strikes III; KoC1 Extra Smites I; KoC2 Exalted Cleave: Melee; SD0 Holy Bastion
SD1 Extra Lay On Hands I, II, III; SD1 Durable Defense I
SD0 Sacred Defense; SD1 Durable Defense II, III; KoC0 Courage of Heaven
War0 Smite Foe: Melee; War1 Divine Might I, II, III
War1 Sacred Touch I; War2 Wall of Steel I, II, III
War0 Resilience of Battle; War2 Inflame I, II, III
War3 Greater Inflame I, II, III; War3 Magic Backlash I
Reset Warpriest

Radiant Servant: Healing Domain, Pacifism, Positive Energy Burst

Extra Turning III, Wand Mastery III, Bliss I
(none)
Unyielding Sovereignty




Warpriest: Smite Foe: Melee

Divine Might III




Knight of the Chalice

(none)
Action Boost: Power III



KoC3 Divine Sacrifice: Melee I; KoC3 Lead the Charge I; KoC3 Exalted Smite: Melee I
Rad3 Intense Healing I, II
Rad3 Intense Healing III; Rad1 Bliss II
Rad4 Divine Health; Rad4 Incredible Healing I
Rad4 Incredible Healing II, III
Rad0 Improved Empower Healing; Rad5 Positive Energy Aura; SD2 Resilient Defense I
SD2 Resilient Defense II; SD3 Tenacious Defense I, II, III
Rad5 Cure Focus; Hum1 Improved Recovery
Hum0 Strength; Hum2 Great Weapon Aptitude I, II
Hum2 Great Weapon Aptitude III; War1 Sacred Touch I; War0 Resilience of Battle; War1 Sacred Touch II
War2 Wall of Steel I, II, III; War0 Sanctuary



Destiny (24 AP)

Divine Crusader

Endless Turning III, Purge the Wicked
Confront Any Foe, Consecration III
Sacred Ground, Empyrean Magic, Blessed Blades
Crusade
Castigation, Heavenly Presence, Celestial Champion
Strike Down


For comparison's sake: the Divine Champion (paladin 5 / cleric 15).

F2P Divine Champion
15/5 Cleric/Paladin
Lawful Good Human


Level Order

1. Paladin 6. Cleric 11. Paladin 16. Cleric
2. Paladin 7. Cleric 12. Paladin 17. Cleric
3. Cleric 8. Cleric 13. Cleric 18. Cleric
4. Paladin 9. Cleric 14. Cleric 19. Cleric
5. Cleric 10. Cleric 15. Cleric 20. Cleric


Stats
28pt 32pt Level Up
---- ---- --------
Strength 16 16 4: STR
Dexterity 8 8 8: STR
Constitution 14 16 12: STR
Intelligence 8 8 16: STR
Wisdom 10 10 20: STR
Charisma 16 16 24: STR
28: STR

Skills
P P C P C C C C C C P P C C C C C C C C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Concent 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Heal 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
------------------------------------------------------------
8 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2


Feats

1 : Two Handed Fighting
1 Human : Power Attack
3 : Maximize Spell
6 : Empower Healing Spell
9 : Improved Two Handed Fighting
12 : Improved Critical: Slashing
15 : Greater Two Handed Fighting OR Empower Spell
18 : Quicken Spell
21 Epic : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic : Intensify Spell
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Handed Fighting
27 Epic : Stunning Blow OR Empower Spell
28 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
29 Destiny: Dire Charge OR Deific Warding
30 Epic : Epic Damage Reduction OR Empower Spell
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Celestia

5 Cleric : War Domain

1 Deity : Follower of: Onatar
9 Deity : Onatar's Forge


Enhancements (80 AP)

Knight of the Chalice (38 AP)

Slayer of Evil, Courage of Heaven

Extra Smites II, Improved Second Strikes III
Divine Might III, Exalted Cleave: Melee, Action Boost: Power III
Holy Combatant, Divine Sacrifice: Melee I, Lead the Charge II, Exalted Smite: Melee I, Strength
Knight's Training, Censure Demons, Vigor of Life, Strength
Ascendency, Censure Outsiders, Vigor of Life, Avenging Cleave: Melee, Holy Retribution: Melee



Radiant Servant (21 AP)

Healing Domain, Pacifism, Positive Energy Burst, Improved Empower Healing

Extra Turning III, Wand Mastery III, Bliss I, Altruism III
(none)
Intense Healing II, Unyielding Sovereignty



Sacred Defender (13 AP)

Holy Bastion, Sacred Defense

Extra Lay On Hands III, Durable Defense III
Bulwark Aura II
Strong Defense III



Human (8 AP)

Damage Boost, Strength

Improved Recovery
Great Weapon Aptitude III



Leveling Guide

Hum0 Damage Boost; KoC0 Slayer of Evil; KoC1 Improved Second Strikes I, II
KoC1 Improved Second Strikes III; KoC1 Extra Smites I; KoC2 Exalted Cleave: Melee; SD0 Holy Bastion
SD1 Extra Lay On Hands I, II, III; SD1 Durable Defense I
SD0 Sacred Defense; SD1 Durable Defense II, III; KoC0 Courage of Heaven
KoC2 Divine Might I, II, III; Rad0 Healing Domain
Rad1 Wand Mastery I, II, III; Rad1 Altruism I
Rad1 Altruism II, III; Rad0 Pacifism; Rad1 Extra Turning I
Rad1 Extra Turning II, III; Rad3 Unyielding Sovereignty
Rad0 Positive Energy Burst; KoC2 Action Boost: Power I, II, III
KoC3 Holy Combatant; KoC3 Exalted Smite: Melee I
KoC3 Divine Sacrifice: Melee I; KoC3 Strength; KoC4 Censure Demons
Reset Sacred Defender

Knight of the Chalice

Extra Smites II
(none)
Lead the Charge II
Knight's Training, Vigor of Life, Strength
Ascendency, Censure Outsiders



KoC5 Avenging Cleave: Melee; KoC5 Vigor of Life
KoC5 Holy Retribution: Melee; SD0 Holy Bastion; SD1 Durable Defense I, II
SD1 Durable Defense III; SD1 Extra Lay On Hands I; SD0 Sacred Defense; SD1 Extra Lay On Hands II
SD1 Extra Lay On Hands III; SD2 Bulwark Aura I, II; SD3 Strong Defense I
SD3 Strong Defense II, III; Hum1 Improved Recovery
Hum0 Strength; Rad1 Bliss I
Rad3 Intense Healing I, II
Rad0 Improved Empower Healing; Hum2 Great Weapon Aptitude I, II, III



Destiny (24 AP)

Divine Crusader

Endless Turning III, Purge the Wicked
Confront Any Foe, Consecration III
Sacred Ground, Empyrean Magic, Blessed Blades
Crusade
Castigation, Heavenly Presence, Celestial Champion
Strike Down

[Moonchicken]

It's a straight-forward variant on cleric 20, trading Warpriest enhancements for KotC and Sacred D.

F2P Knight-priest
17/3 Cleric/Paladin
Lawful Good Human


Level Order

1. Paladin 6. Cleric 11. Cleric 16. Cleric
2. Paladin 7. Cleric 12. Cleric 17. Cleric
3. Cleric 8. Cleric 13. Cleric 18. Cleric
4. Paladin 9. Cleric 14. Cleric 19. Cleric
5. Cleric 10. Cleric 15. Cleric 20. Cleric


Stats
28pt 32pt Level Up
---- ---- --------
Strength 16 16 4: STR
Dexterity 8 8 8: STR
Constitution 14 16 12: STR
Intelligence 8 8 16: STR
Wisdom 10 10 20: STR
Charisma 16 16 24: STR
28: STR

Skills
P P C P C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Concent 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Heal 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
------------------------------------------------------------
8 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2


Feats

1 : Two Handed Fighting
1 Human : Power Attack
3 : Maximize Spell
6 : Empower Healing Spell
9 : Improved Two Handed Fighting
12 : Improved Critical: Slashing
15 : Greater Two Handed Fighting OR Empower Spell
18 : Quicken Spell
21 Epic : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic : Intensify Spell
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Handed Fighting
27 Epic : Stunning Blow OR Empower Spell
28 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
29 Destiny: Dire Charge OR Deific Warding
30 Epic : Epic Damage Reduction OR Empower Spell
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Celestia

5 Cleric : War Domain

1 Deity : Follower of: Onatar
9 Deity : Onatar's Forge


Enhancements (80 AP)

Radiant Servant (34 AP)

Healing Domain, Pacifism, Positive Energy Burst, Improved Empower Healing

Extra Turning III, Wand Mastery III, Bliss II
(none)
Intense Healing III, Unyielding Sovereignty
Incredible Healing III, Divine Health
Positive Energy Aura, Cure Focus



Knight of the Chalice (14 AP)

Slayer of Evil, Courage of Heaven

Extra Smites I, Improved Second Strikes III
Exalted Cleave: Melee, Action Boost: Power III
Divine Sacrifice: Melee I, Lead the Charge I, Exalted Smite: Melee I



Sacred Defender (13 AP)

Holy Bastion, Sacred Defense

Extra Lay On Hands III, Durable Defense III
Resilient Defense II
Tenacious Defense III



Warpriest (11 AP)

Smite Foe: Melee, Resilience of Battle, Sanctuary

Divine Might III, Sacred Touch II
Wall of Steel III



Human (8 AP)

Damage Boost, Strength

Improved Recovery
Great Weapon Aptitude III



Leveling Guide

Hum0 Damage Boost; KoC0 Slayer of Evil; KoC1 Improved Second Strikes I, II
KoC1 Improved Second Strikes III; KoC1 Extra Smites I; KoC2 Exalted Cleave: Melee; SD0 Holy Bastion
SD1 Extra Lay On Hands I, II, III; SD1 Durable Defense I
SD0 Sacred Defense; SD1 Durable Defense II, III; KoC0 Courage of Heaven
War0 Smite Foe: Melee; War1 Divine Might I, II, III
War1 Sacred Touch I; War2 Wall of Steel I, II, III
War0 Resilience of Battle; War2 Inflame I, II, III
War3 Greater Inflame I, II, III; War3 Magic Backlash I
Reset Warpriest

Radiant Servant: Healing Domain, Pacifism, Positive Energy Burst

Extra Turning III, Wand Mastery III, Bliss I
(none)
Unyielding Sovereignty




Warpriest: Smite Foe: Melee

Divine Might III




Knight of the Chalice

(none)
Action Boost: Power III



KoC3 Divine Sacrifice: Melee I; KoC3 Lead the Charge I; KoC3 Exalted Smite: Melee I
Rad3 Intense Healing I, II
Rad3 Intense Healing III; Rad1 Bliss II
Rad4 Divine Health; Rad4 Incredible Healing I
Rad4 Incredible Healing II, III
Rad0 Improved Empower Healing; Rad5 Positive Energy Aura; SD2 Resilient Defense I
SD2 Resilient Defense II; SD3 Tenacious Defense I, II, III
Rad5 Cure Focus; Hum1 Improved Recovery
Hum0 Strength; Hum2 Great Weapon Aptitude I, II
Hum2 Great Weapon Aptitude III; War1 Sacred Touch I; War0 Resilience of Battle; War1 Sacred Touch II
War2 Wall of Steel I, II, III; War0 Sanctuary



Destiny (24 AP)

Divine Crusader

Endless Turning III, Purge the Wicked
Confront Any Foe, Consecration III
Sacred Ground, Empyrean Magic, Blessed Blades
Crusade
Castigation, Heavenly Presence, Celestial Champion
Strike Down


For comparison's sake: the Divine Champion (paladin 5 / cleric 15).

F2P Divine Champion
15/5 Cleric/Paladin
Lawful Good Human


Level Order

1. Paladin 6. Cleric 11. Paladin 16. Cleric
2. Paladin 7. Cleric 12. Paladin 17. Cleric
3. Cleric 8. Cleric 13. Cleric 18. Cleric
4. Paladin 9. Cleric 14. Cleric 19. Cleric
5. Cleric 10. Cleric 15. Cleric 20. Cleric


Stats
28pt 32pt Level Up
---- ---- --------
Strength 16 16 4: STR
Dexterity 8 8 8: STR
Constitution 14 16 12: STR
Intelligence 8 8 16: STR
Wisdom 10 10 20: STR
Charisma 16 16 24: STR
28: STR

Skills
P P C P C C C C C C P P C C C C C C C C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Concent 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Heal 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
------------------------------------------------------------
8 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2


Feats

1 : Two Handed Fighting
1 Human : Power Attack
3 : Maximize Spell
6 : Empower Healing Spell
9 : Improved Two Handed Fighting
12 : Improved Critical: Slashing
15 : Greater Two Handed Fighting OR Empower Spell
18 : Quicken Spell
21 Epic : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic : Intensify Spell
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Handed Fighting
27 Epic : Stunning Blow OR Empower Spell
28 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
29 Destiny: Dire Charge OR Deific Warding
30 Epic : Epic Damage Reduction OR Empower Spell
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Celestia

5 Cleric : War Domain

1 Deity : Follower of: Onatar
9 Deity : Onatar's Forge


Enhancements (80 AP)

Knight of the Chalice (38 AP)

Slayer of Evil, Courage of Heaven

Extra Smites II, Improved Second Strikes III
Divine Might III, Exalted Cleave: Melee, Action Boost: Power III
Holy Combatant, Divine Sacrifice: Melee I, Lead the Charge II, Exalted Smite: Melee I, Strength
Knight's Training, Censure Demons, Vigor of Life, Strength
Ascendency, Censure Outsiders, Vigor of Life, Avenging Cleave: Melee, Holy Retribution: Melee



Radiant Servant (21 AP)

Healing Domain, Pacifism, Positive Energy Burst, Improved Empower Healing

Extra Turning III, Wand Mastery III, Bliss I, Altruism III
(none)
Intense Healing II, Unyielding Sovereignty



Sacred Defender (13 AP)

Holy Bastion, Sacred Defense

Extra Lay On Hands III, Durable Defense III
Bulwark Aura II
Strong Defense III



Human (8 AP)

Damage Boost, Strength

Improved Recovery
Great Weapon Aptitude III



Leveling Guide

Hum0 Damage Boost; KoC0 Slayer of Evil; KoC1 Improved Second Strikes I, II
KoC1 Improved Second Strikes III; KoC1 Extra Smites I; KoC2 Exalted Cleave: Melee; SD0 Holy Bastion
SD1 Extra Lay On Hands I, II, III; SD1 Durable Defense I
SD0 Sacred Defense; SD1 Durable Defense II, III; KoC0 Courage of Heaven
KoC2 Divine Might I, II, III; Rad0 Healing Domain
Rad1 Wand Mastery I, II, III; Rad1 Altruism I
Rad1 Altruism II, III; Rad0 Pacifism; Rad1 Extra Turning I
Rad1 Extra Turning II, III; Rad3 Unyielding Sovereignty
Rad0 Positive Energy Burst; KoC2 Action Boost: Power I, II, III
KoC3 Holy Combatant; KoC3 Exalted Smite: Melee I
KoC3 Divine Sacrifice: Melee I; KoC3 Strength; KoC4 Censure Demons
Reset Sacred Defender

Knight of the Chalice

Extra Smites II
(none)
Lead the Charge II
Knight's Training, Vigor of Life, Strength
Ascendency, Censure Outsiders



KoC5 Avenging Cleave: Melee; KoC5 Vigor of Life
KoC5 Holy Retribution: Melee; SD0 Holy Bastion; SD1 Durable Defense I, II
SD1 Durable Defense III; SD1 Extra Lay On Hands I; SD0 Sacred Defense; SD1 Extra Lay On Hands II
SD1 Extra Lay On Hands III; SD2 Bulwark Aura I, II; SD3 Strong Defense I
SD3 Strong Defense II, III; Hum1 Improved Recovery
Hum0 Strength; Rad1 Bliss I
Rad3 Intense Healing I, II
Rad0 Improved Empower Healing; Hum2 Great Weapon Aptitude I, II, III



Destiny (24 AP)

Divine Crusader

Endless Turning III, Purge the Wicked
Confront Any Foe, Consecration III
Sacred Ground, Empyrean Magic, Blessed Blades
Crusade
Castigation, Heavenly Presence, Celestial Champion
Strike Down



The Divine Champion has better DPS? No downside to heals from the cleric?

[unbongwah]

There's a continuum between pure paladin (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/470627-Sacred-Knight-For-New-Players-(U29)?p=6317063&viewfull=1#post6317063) focused on DPS and pure cleric (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/117232-Request-a-Build-Get-a-Build?p=6330696&viewfull=1#post6330696) focused on healing. The Divine Champion tries to split the difference evenly: tier-5 KotC + Holy Sword for DPS, Radiant Servant + level 8 cleric spells (Mass CCW etc.) for healing and party support, Sacred Defender for survivability bonuses (can't heal others when you're a soulstone after all). The drawback is the meta game encourages specialization in the long term; most players would rather be excellent at one thing rather than merely decent at two things. But I don't sweat the meta on a first-life build, particularly if you're still learning the ropes and haven't decided what your long-term goals are yet.

[REMOVE_MEATBAG]

I'm thinking of playing Drow, as they are one of my favorite races in D&D. Are there any good classes for Drow? I was wondering if a Drow ranged Artificer would be viable, but I'm open for other ideas

[unbongwah]

I'm thinking of playing Drow, as they are one of my favorite races in D&D. Are there any good classes for Drow? I was wondering if a Drow ranged Artificer would be viable, but I'm open for other ideas
Ranged Artificer or Mechanic are good options (with or without Inquisitive), since both require INT & DEX bonuses.

https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/461714-Clever-amp-Smart-Agent-Pure-Drow-Harper-Mechanic
https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/496017-Heph-s-Advanced-Guide-to-Artificers-Attention-all-Intermediate-Tinkers-amp-Up!

My Bladesingers thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/477252-March-of-the-Bladesingers!) uses drow too. I posted a DEX Swashbuckler (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/514962-Vistani-Trapper-Bard?p=6323959&viewfull=1#post6323959) not long ago; it's intended for Vistani Knife Fighter but will work for any Swashbuckling weapon with Weapon Finesse. And they're also fine for warlocks or sorcerers.

[SpartanKiller13]

I'm thinking of playing Drow, as they are one of my favorite races in D&D. Are there any good classes for Drow? I was wondering if a Drow ranged Artificer would be viable, but I'm open for other ideas

Drow give bonuses to Dex, Int, and Cha. Any builds that use any of those as a main stat would benefit from Drow over (say) Human, although the Con penalty hurts for frontlining.

Drow ranged Artificer is just fine, and Unbongwah has some great links in his comment :)

Generally races don't lock you into classes, and most aren't very class-restrictive past ability scores (having a Cha penalty sucks as a Cha-based caster).

You getting the right build is more about what you want to play :) like Sorcerer or Wizard both benefit from an increased casting stat, or Bard can use Cha (and sometimes Dex), or Rogue can use Dex and Int. Even Paladin has an argument (for TWF builds) although I'd argue there's better races for Paladin in the current meta.

[REMOVE_MEATBAG]

I looked at the Pale Trapper Ek build, what would be the enhancements to have, as I'm not sure if they are posted in the actual build.

[xHarien]

Requesting 28 points build, first life, warlock/sorcerer no premium race, interested in going to level 20 (no epic destiny) maybe R1. ANy kind soul that can guide me?

[SpartanKiller13]

I looked at the Pale Trapper Ek build, what would be the enhancements to have, as I'm not sure if they are posted in the actual build.

Like 2/3 Pale Master 1/3 Eldritch Knight?

Pale Master you generally want to go either Wraith Form (if you are in Medium armor especially w/Dreadkeeper) or Lich Form (if you are in cloth/light). Grab as much Int as you can (via enhancements, race, and later stuff like Harper), Cores whenever you can (10% Incorporeality, +2 Necromancy DC's, +2 Enchant DC's = best 3 IMO, but 15 MRR is pretty strong early), and SLA's whenever you can as well (they're really great damage for next-to-nothing, especially with freely applied Metamagic via right-click on the hotbar icon). Past that, I go for Negative Amp, Unholy Avatar, and Ascendant Shroud + Necro DC's + Necrotic Blast from T5.

Eldritch Knight you want Cores, Mage Armor+Shield (for PRR/MM immunity), Mystic Wards, Action Boost:Spellpower (use before casting Auras), and Arcane Barrier.

------

If you're having trouble with trapping, consider a few points into Mechanic; 8 AP will get you +2 Search/Spot/Disable Device/Open Lock, and +6 Skill Boost (if Human, just use that one instead IMO).

[SpartanKiller13]

Requesting 28 points build, first life, warlock/sorcerer no premium race, interested in going to level 20 (no epic destiny) maybe R1. ANy kind soul that can guide me?

Are you looking for a solo build, or partying? Do you use hirelings?

If solo, Warlock is a bit more sustainable (has Temp HP options and lots of UMD).

Here's Zehnpai's Acid Warlock guide (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/493271-Zehnpai-s-Acid-Warlock-First-life-friendly-Heroic-leveling-VIP-Premium) that's way better than anything I can write :) There's definitely newer gear etc you can use, but frankly little else has changed. Comments have some great stuff as well.

Sorc has quite a bit more damage, but they're significantly squishier. Glass Cannon definitely applies. Since you don't have any premium races (Warforged allowing self-healing) you're mostly stuck with hirelings or UMD; otherwise Halfling has Dragonmark of Healing which helps a bunch for moments like if your hireling dies. Here's Strimtom's Fire Sorc guide. (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/506304-The-Best-Way-To-Level-Fire-Sorcerer-Build?p=6221078#post6221078) It's built around Tiefling, but you don't need that as long as you bring some options for fire-immune mobs.

[unbongwah]

I looked at the Pale Trapper Ek build, what would be the enhancements to have, as I'm not sure if they are posted in the actual build.
Front-load Harper to get INT to damage (Strategic Combat) ASAP. Then you need to decide whether to focus on Pale Master for undead form or Eldritch Knight for your melee DPS bonuses. Typically I rely on Cure potions or hirelings until I get to wizard 7 (Death Aura + NEB) then switch to undead forms: either wraith+Ghost in the Wind for the 20% Incorporealty or vampire+Inflict Weariness for the melee attack effects.

So something like:

levels 1-3: Harper (12 APs)
levels 4-7: if you wish to wear light armor at this point, put 4 APs into drow for Arcane Fluidity. Then put APs into Eldritch Knight.
level 8 (rog 1 / wiz 7): redo Enhancements to 12 Harper / 6 Pale Master / 11 EK (3rd core gives -15% ASF replacing Arcane Fluidity)
levels 9+: put 5 more APs into PM for Undead Augmentation I. Then keep leveling EK until you have your tier-5 enhancements.
level 15-ish: by this point you should have 12 Harper / 11 PM / 37 EK
Level 20: final AP split will be something like 12 Harper / 23 PM / 40+ EK.

[Moonchicken]

Okay then with those limitations in mind, I was thinking something like this:

Bardcher (U46)
12/6/2 Bard/Ranger/Rogue
True Neutral Human


Level Order

1. Rogue 6. Ranger 11. Bard 16. Bard
2. Ranger 7. Ranger 12. Bard 17. Bard
3. Ranger 8. Bard 13. Bard 18. Bard
4. Ranger 9. Bard 14. Bard 19. Bard
5. Ranger 10. Bard 15. Bard 20. Rogue


Stats
28pt 32pt 34pt 36pt Level Up
---- ---- ---- ---- --------
Strength 8 8 8 8 4: DEX
Dexterity 16 18 18 18 8: DEX
Constitution 14 14 15 16 12: DEX
Intelligence 16 16 16 16 16: DEX
Wisdom 8 8 8 8 20: DEX
Charisma 10 8 8 8 24: DEX
28: DEX

Skills
Rg Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Rg
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Perform 2 8 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Concent 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Spellcr 2 1 1 1 1 6 2 2 2 2 2 1 23
Disable 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Search 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
UMD 4 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 23
Open Lo 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 12
Heal 2 2 3 1 1 1 10
Spot 4 2 1 1 1 1 10
Balance 4 4
Jump 4 4
Swim 4 4
Tumble 4 4
------------------------------------------------------------
48 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12


Feats

1 : Point Blank Shot
1 Human : Dodge
3 : Mobility
6 : Shot on the Run
9 : Precision
12 : Improved Critical: Ranged
15 : Improved Precise Shot
18 : Quicken Spell OR Empower Healing Spell
21 Epic : Improved Bardic Music OR Inspire Excellence
24 Epic : Overwhelming Critical
26 Destiny: Holy Strike OR Pierce Damage Reduction: Silver
27 Epic : Combat Archery OR Epic Damage Reduction
28 Destiny: Doubleshot
29 Destiny: Deific Warding OR Harbinger of Chaos
30 Epic : Watchful Eye OR Epic Reflexes
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Ethereal Plane

2 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Undead
6 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Construct OR Evil Outsider


Enhancements (80 AP)

Deepwood Stalker (38 AP)

Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Sniper Shot

Favored Defense I, Stealthy III
Survivalist, Improved Weapon Finesse, Melee/Range Power Boost III
Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III, Favored Hunter III, Aimed Shot
Survivalist, Killer III, Merciful Shot
Extra Favored Enemy: Giant, Heavy Draw, Strikes Like Lightning, Improved Archer's Focus



Spellsinger (25 AP)

Spellsinger, Music of the Sewers, Music of the Dead, Music of the Makers

Studies: Magical III, Lingering Songs III
Sharp Note III, Flicker III, Wand and Scroll Mastery III
Spell Song Trance
Sustaining Song, Song of Arcane Might



Arcane Archer (14 AP)

Arcane Archer, Morphic Arrows, Metalline Arrows

Conjure Arrows, Corrosive Arrows
Force Arrows I, Elemental Damage
Soul Magic, Elemental Damage



Human (3 AP)

Damage Boost

Improved Recovery



Leveling Guide

Hum0 Damage Boost; (Bank 3 AP)
AA0 Arcane Archer; AA1 Conjure Arrows; DS0 Far Shot; DS1 Stealthy I, II, III
DS1 Favored Defense I; DS2 Improved Weapon Finesse; DS2 Melee/Range Power Boost I, II
DS2 Melee/Range Power Boost III; DS0 Sneak Attack; DS2 Survivalist
DS3 Survivalist; DS3 Favored Hunter I, II
DS3 Favored Hunter III; DS3 Thrill of the Hunt I, II, III
DS0 Sniper Shot; DS4 Killer I, II, III
AA1 Corrosive Arrows; AA2 Elemental Damage
AA0 Morphic Arrows; AA2 Force Arrows I; AA0 Metalline Arrows
DS4 Survivalist; DS4 Merciful Shot
DS3 Aimed Shot; (Bank 2 AP)
DS5 Heavy Draw; DS5 Strikes Like Lightning; DS5 Improved Archer's Focus
DS5 Extra Favored Enemy: Giant; AA3 Elemental Damage
Spl0 Spellsinger; Spl1 Studies: Magical I, II, III
AA3 Soul Magic; Spl1 Lingering Songs I, II, III
Spl2 Wand and Scroll Mastery I, II, III
Spl3 Spell Song Trance; Spl0 Music of the Sewers; Spl0 Music of the Dead; Spl2 Sharp Note I
Spl2 Sharp Note II, III; Spl2 Flicker I, II
Spl2 Flicker III; Spl4 Sustaining Song; Spl0 Music of the Makers
Spl4 Song of Arcane Might; Hum1 Improved Recovery


Basically you level like a typical ranged ranger, until you confound people by multiclassing into bard instead of sticking with ranger like a sensible archer. :cool: Shot on the Run adds 10% ranged Alacrity to bows, but the 3-feat tax makes it expensive. I was a little indecisive about skills; couldn't decide if it was better to focus on Open Lock, Heal, or Spot, so I spread points between all three.

Aasimar could just do a straight conversion, but I had something slightly different in mind. Why not build on Aasimar's WIS bonus for Healing Hands + Paralyzing Arrows, amped up by Spellsinger's Enchantment bonuses? After all, a bardcher can't out-DPS a pure ranger, much less a good Inquisitive; so why not focus on CCing mobs plus bard support?

Aasimar Bardcher (U46)
12/6/2 Bard/Ranger/Rogue
True Neutral OR Chaotic Good Aasimar


Level Order

1. Rogue 6. Ranger 11. Bard 16. Bard
2. Ranger 7. Ranger 12. Bard 17. Bard
3. Ranger 8. Bard 13. Bard 18. Bard
4. Ranger 9. Bard 14. Bard 19. Bard
5. Ranger 10. Bard 15. Bard 20. Rogue


Stats
32pt 34pt 36pt Tome Level Up
---- ---- ---- ---- --------
Strength 8 8 8 4: DEX
Dexterity 16 16 16 8: DEX
Constitution 14 14 14 12: DEX
Intelligence 16 16 16 +2 16: DEX
Wisdom 16 17 18 20: DEX
Charisma 8 8 8 24: DEX
28: DEX

Skills
Rg Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Rg
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Perform 2 8 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Concent 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Spellcr 2 1 1 1 1 6 2 2 2 2 2 1 23
Disable 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
Search 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23
UMD 4 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 23
Open Lo 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 12
Heal 2 2 3 1 1 1 10
Spot 4 2 1 1 1 1 10
Jump 4 4
Swim 4 4
Tumble 4 4
------------------------------------------------------------
44 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12


Feats

1 : Point Blank Shot
3 : Precision
6 : Extend Spell OR Quicken Spell
9 : Empower Healing Spell
12 : Improved Critical: Ranged
15 : Improved Precise Shot
18 : Spell Focus: Enchantment
21 Epic : Improved Bardic Music OR Inspire Excellence
24 Epic : Overwhelming Critical
26 Destiny: Holy Strike OR Pierce Damage Reduction: Silver
27 Epic : Combat Archery OR Epic Damage Reduction
28 Destiny: Doubleshot
29 Destiny: Deific Warding OR Harbinger of Chaos
30 Epic : Watchful Eye OR Epic Reflexes
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Ethereal Plane

1 Aasimar: Bond of the Protector

2 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Undead
6 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Construct OR Evil Outsider


Enhancements (80 AP)

Deepwood Stalker (36 AP)

Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Sniper Shot

Favored Defense I, Stealthy III
Survivalist, Improved Weapon Finesse, Melee/Range Power Boost III
Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III, Favored Hunter III, Aimed Shot
Survivalist, Killer III, Merciful Shot
Heavy Draw, Strikes Like Lightning, Improved Archer's Focus



Arcane Archer (26 AP)

Arcane Archer, Morphic Arrows, Metalline Arrows

Conjure Arrows, Corrosive Arrows
Force Arrows II, Elemental Damage
Terror Arrows, Soul Magic, Elemental Damage, Dexterity
Banishing Arrows, Paralyzing Arrows, Smiting Arrows, Elemental Damage



Spellsinger (11 AP)

Spellsinger, Music of the Sewers, Music of the Dead

Studies: Magical III, Lingering Songs III
Marigold Crown: Yellow



Aasimar (7 AP)

Stronger Bonds, Wisdom, Stronger Bonds II, Wisdom, Stronger Bonds III


Leveling Guide

(Bank 4 AP)
AA0 Arcane Archer; AA1 Conjure Arrows; DS0 Far Shot; DS1 Stealthy I, II, III; DS1 Favored Defense I
DS2 Improved Weapon Finesse; DS2 Melee/Range Power Boost I, II, III
DS0 Sneak Attack; AA1 Corrosive Arrows; AA0 Morphic Arrows
AA2 Elemental Damage; DS3 Aimed Shot
DS2 Survivalist; DS3 Survivalist
DS0 Sniper Shot; DS3 Thrill of the Hunt I, II, III
DS4 Killer I, II, III; DS3 Favored Hunter I
DS3 Favored Hunter II, III; DS4 Survivalist
DS4 Merciful Shot; AA2 Force Arrows I
AA3 Terror Arrows; AA3 Elemental Damage
DS5 Improved Archer's Focus; DS5 Strikes Like Lightning
DS5 Heavy Draw; AA0 Metalline Arrows; Spl0 Spellsinger
Spl1 Studies: Magical I, II, III; AA3 Soul Magic
AA2 Force Arrows II; AA3 Dexterity
AA4 Paralyzing Arrows; AA4 Elemental Damage
AA4 Banishing Arrows; AA4 Smiting Arrows; Spl1 Lingering Songs I; Spl0 Music of the Sewers
Spl2 Marigold Crown: Yellow; Spl1 Lingering Songs II, III
Spl0 Music of the Dead; Aas0 Stronger Bonds; Aas0 Wisdom
Aas0 Stronger Bonds II; Aas0 Wisdom; Aas0 Stronger Bonds III


Of course, one could argue I've spent too many APs on archery and not enough on bard-ery. Basically there's enough APs for one tier-5, one tier-4, and one tier-3 trees. So it's a question of figuring out your priorities and planning your APs accordingly. You could also do tier-5 Spellsinger (Vigor, Capering) / tier-4 AA (Paralyzing Arrow) / tier-3 DWS (Sniper Shot).

Can this be adapted for SWF or TWF?

[scooter4]

wanted to try a monk/wizard iconic hero combo for my fifth life. i was thinking more monk than wizard as i prefer close range combat than long range. im open to anything if it works better though.
i was thinking to maybe use the wizard lvls to be able to buff myself.

tomes:
str +2
dex +1
con +3
int +2
wis +2
cha none

melee power +2

past lives:
bladeforged
bard
fighter x2
paladin
soon to be monk

epic past lives:
doublestrike

[Rudaro]

New Build
15/5 Artificer/Bard
Gnome


Level Order

1. Artificer. . . .6. Bard. . . . . .11. Artificer . . .16. Artificer
2. Bard. . . . . . 7. Artificer . . .12. Artificer . . .17. Artificer
3. Artificer. . . .8. Bard. . . . . .13. Artificer . . .18. Artificer
4. Bard. . . . . . 9. Artificer . . .14. Artificer . . .19. Artificer
5. Artificer. . . 10. Bard. . . . . .15. Artificer . . .20. Artificer


Stats
. . . . . . . .32pt . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . --------
Strength. . . . 10. . . .4: INT
Dexterity . . . 14. . . .8: INT
Constitution. . 14. . . 12: INT
Intelligence. . 20. . . 16: INT
Wisdom. . . . . .8. . . 20: INT
Charisma. . . . .8. . . 24: INT
. . . . . . . . . . . . 28: INT

Skills
. . . . . A. B .A .B. A. B .A .B. A. B .A .A .A .A .A .A .A .A .A .A
. . . . . 1. 2 .3 .4. 5. 6 .7 .8. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
Concent . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
Spellcr . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
Disable . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
Open Lo . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
Search. . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
Spot. . . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
UMD . . . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
Repair. . 4. . . . . . . . . . . .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. 16
Perform . . . . . . . . . . . .1. . .1. . .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1½ 1½ 1 .12
Balance . 2. . .1 . . 1. . .1 . . 1. . .1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Tumble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .½ .½ . . . . . .1
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
. . . . .36 11. 9 11. 9 11. 9 12 10 12 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11


Feats

.1. . . . : Single Weapon Fighting
.3. . . . : Precision
.6. . . . : Quicken Spell
.7 Arti . : Construct Essence
.9. . . . : Improved Single Weapon Fighting
12. . . . : Weapon Focus: Bludgeoning
13 Arti . : Improved Critical: Bludgeoning
15. . . . : Power Critical
17 Arti . : Improved Construct Essence
18. . . . : Greater Single Weapon Fighting
21 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic . : Master of: Artifice
26 Destiny: Perfect Single Weapon Fighting
27 Epic . : Construct Exemplar
28 Destiny: Tactician
29 Destiny: Dire Charge
30 Epic . : Watchful Eye
30 Legend : Scion of: Mechanus


Spells

Artificer Inflict Light Damage (1), Repair Light Damage (1), Conjure Bolts (1), Enchant Weapons (1), Enchant Armor (3), Static Shock (16)
Inflict Moderate Damage (5), Repair Moderate Damage (5), Protection from Energy (5), Byeshk Weapons (7), Elemental Weapons (13), Lightning Sphere (18)
Inflict Serious Damage (11), Repair Serious Damage (11), Adamantine Weapons (11), Mass Repair Light Damage (12), Mass Inflict Light Damage (16), Blast Rod (20)
Inflict Critical Damage (14), Repair Critical Damage (14), Thundering Armor (14), Protection from Elements (15), Lightning Motes (19)
Align Weapons (17), Silver Weapons (18)
Reconstruct (20)
Bard Focusing Chant (2), Expeditious Retreat (4), Feather Fall (6), Merfolk's Blessing (10)
Rage (8), Blur (8), Heroism (10)

Enhancements (80 AP)

Battle Engineer (40 AP) Battle Engineer, Infused Weapons, Infused Armor, Infused Weapons II Hammer and Morningstar Training, Field Scrapper III, Thaumaturgical Conduits III, Item Defense III
Hammer and Morningstar Training, Caustic Strike III
Hammer and Morningstar Training, Shatter Defenses III, Intelligence
Hammer and Morningstar Training, Haste Boost, Agility Engine III, Intelligence
Reconstructed Arms, Thunder-Shock: Melee, Unlock Potential, Tactical Mobility
Swashbuckler (28 AP) Confidence, Swashbuckling Blow By Blow: Melee III, Tavern Shanties III
Deflect Arrows, Fast Movement
Elegant Footwork, Cannoneer, Resonant Arms III, Two Steps Ahead
Music Box, Battering Barrage II
Harper Agent (10 AP) Agent of Good I, Ability Score: Intelligence Harper Enchantment, Strategic Combat
Know the Angles III
Gnome (2 AP) Gnomish Perserverance Gnomish Weapon Training
Leveling Guide Hrp0 Agent of Good I; Hrp1 Strategic Combat; Gno0 Gnomish Perserverance
BE0 Battle Engineer; BE1 Hammer and Morningstar Training; BE1 Thaumaturgical Conduits I
BE1 Thaumaturgical Conduits II, III; BE2 Hammer and Morningstar Training
BE2 Caustic Strike I, II, III; BE1 Field Scrapper I
BE0 Infused Weapons; BE1 Field Scrapper II; BE3 Hammer and Morningstar Training
BE3 Shatter Defenses I, II, III; BE1 Field Scrapper III
BE4 Hammer and Morningstar Training; BE4 Haste Boost; BE4 Agility Engine I
BE4 Agility Engine II, III; BE3 Intelligence
BE4 Intelligence; BE1 Item Defense I, II
BE1 Item Defense III; Swa0 Confidence; Swa1 Blow By Blow: Melee I, II
BE0 Infused Armor; Swa1 Blow By Blow: Melee III; Swa1 Tavern Shanties I; Swa0 Swashbuckling
Swa2 Fast Movement; Swa2 Deflect Arrows
BE5 Reconstructed Arms; BE5 Thunder-Shock: Melee; BE5 Unlock Potential; Swa3 Cannoneer
BE5 Tactical Mobility; Swa3 Two Steps Ahead
Swa3 Elegant Footwork; Swa1 Tavern Shanties II, III
Swa3 Resonant Arms I, II
Swa4 Music Box; BE0 Infused Weapons II; Swa3 Resonant Arms III
Swa4 Battering Barrage I, II
Gno1 Gnomish Weapon Training; Hrp1 Harper Enchantment; Hrp2 Know the Angles I
Hrp2 Know the Angles II, III; Hrp0 Ability Score: Intelligence

Destiny (24 AP)

Shadowdancer Technician II, Intelligence
Escape Notice, Skill Mastery, Intelligence
Grim Precision III, Intelligence
Pierce the Gloom, Intelligence
Sealed Soul, Intelligence
Intelligence

This was an idea for an arti/bard build but I still am very new to this building character thing is. The idea is a Swashbuckling Rune Arm user who is a trapper for a duo to level up in hardcore but I feel very squishy but my partner is more tanky. Mostly looking for suggestions or maybe a revamp? Is this even a good idea or on the right track?

[SpartanKiller13]

wanted to try a monk/wizard iconic hero combo for my fifth life. i was thinking more monk than wizard as i prefer close range combat than long range. im open to anything if it works better though.
i was thinking to maybe use the wizard lvls to be able to buff myself.

tomes:
str +2
dex +1


FWIW, Deep Gnome Wizard does melee just fine even as a pure (or multiclass for various reasons). Still, won't get you a Monk PL so we'll aim for that instead :)

A Monk/Wizard won't have a ton of Spellblade damage, so you'll be relying more on base damages etc. You could go Handwraps, but frankly I'd recommend a Stick build (ideally dipping Rogue 1 for 15% AS). THF received some great buffs recently and it's very strong.

If you're just after the 15-30 run, a Deep Gnome melee build always makes me think about Color Spray. Requires you to be Int-based via Harper, but other than that it's like 1-2 gearpieces (Reflective Bloodstone (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Reflective_Bloodstone) if you have RL but not Sharn, or Cannith Crafted Goggles) to get all you need for soloing like HR1 and ~EH content. Color Spray is disgustingly effective, having three separate save-or-get-screwed effects in a cone for all of 2 SP. Wizard 3+ means you can Heighten it for free, giving +6 DC's. That said, most Monk stuff is Wis-based (usually via Falconry); personally I know Color Spray to be super-effective, but I've seen some good stuff out of Monks especially now that you can use a special attack on 3 enemies via THF.

I'd highly recommend you roll up a testing toon; Deep Gnome Int-maxed with Wizard 3+, grab Heighten as well as like Spell Focus:Illusion, shared bank in a Int item and like a Reflective Bloodstone and test out Color Spray a little bit. If you like it as much as I do (I've built a few lives entirely around it) then consider Int-based. If you think it's trash, go Wis-based via Falconry.

As far as sustain goes, your best options are A) going undead via Pale Master, and using Undead Shrouds; or B) using Monk healing, and supporting it with potions/hirelings/UMD/whatever. Undead Healing is insanely good for pure Wizards, but for a multiclass it's a lot weaker (and locks you into Wizard 7+). Monk route works great in a party (most of it is AoE stuff) and comes with some nice curatives etc. Not sure how well Monk healing works when undead, but if you stack some Healamp it might be viable allowing you to grab a bit of both :)

Ok, so here goes; 12/7/1 Monk/Wizard/Rogue Deep Gnome Int-based stick build:

https://i.imgur.com/3UCvT0O.png

Ability-wise: start 12 Dex (to hit 13 with Precision), 15 Str (to hit ITHF), 12-14 Con, and then max Int + levelups.

Enhancements (in about this order):

14 Harper (Strategic Combat 1&2, KtA, +1 Int)
8 Deep Gnome (Core Int, Color Spray x3)
4 Thief-Acrobat (Thief Acrobatics x3)
~38 Henshin Mystic (Cores, Quick Strike, +2 Int, Way of the Crane, Fists of Iron, Embrace the Void, T5 goodies)

After that you could go Ninja Spy for Core 3 or Pale Master for Wraith Form + undead healing; probably pick up a few points into Shintao for the nice cores (and Iron Skin maybe).

Make sure you right-click the Color Spray icon on your hotbar and set all metamagics to "always on" for it :) Gear Int & Illusion Focus and it'll land really well, and then you're just beating helpless mobs and fighting bosses :P

Buff up with like Heroism, Displacement, Blur, Jump, and Haste and go ham :) walk up, Color Spray, and start using all your Monk buttons. I'd go Path of Harmonious Balance so you can do Fists of Light stuff, but YMMV. Fists of Iron is just a generally solid DPS option, but healing in an AoE is pretty great otherwise.

-----

If you're looking for a more traditional build, just say so and we can get you a more Monk-y Monk build (probably Wis-based via Falconry). But if you're going Deep Gnome why not go for it? :p

[SpartanKiller13]

15/5 Artificer/Bard
Gnome

Enhancements (80 AP)

Battle Engineer (40 AP)
Swashbuckler (28 AP)
Harper Agent (10 AP)
Gnome (2 AP)

Shadowdancer Technician II, Intelligence
Escape Notice, Skill Mastery, Intelligence
Grim Precision III, Intelligence
Pierce the Gloom, Intelligence
Sealed Soul, Intelligence
Intelligence

This was an idea for an arti/bard build but I still am very new to this building character thing is. The idea is a Swashbuckling Rune Arm user who is a trapper for a duo to level up in hardcore but I feel very squishy but my partner is more tanky. Mostly looking for suggestions or maybe a revamp? Is this even a good idea or on the right track?

Is this a build that you're using on Hardcore? Are you level 20 already or? Are you trying this on a main server in prep for HC?

If you're an Int-max Gnome, try out Color Spray! It's super easy to get solid DC's and it's very strong. One Illusion Focus item or so and you're good to go. Includes 3 separate save-or-get-screwed effects (the blind works on most cc-immune enemies like spiders as well) so it's pretty reliable even without no-fail DC's. CC'ed enemies don't kill ya :) If you can spare a feat for Heighten it helps a lot (gives 1-8 DC bonus, which is pretty great); Spell Focus:Illusion will also allow you to twist Magister's DC bonus if you have a 2nd feat.

In terms of just adding survivability, maybe try Renegade Mastermaker? Construct Essence would allow T4 RMM to Reconstruct yourself, and there's some other nice CC/tanking options as well.

In Shadowdancer, you definitely should be running Meld into Darkness. It's a 15s clicky of 99% immunity to melee/ranged DPS, available every 2 minutes.

[scooter4]

FWIW, Deep Gnome Wizard does melee just fine even as a pure (or multiclass for various reasons). Still, won't get you a Monk PL so we'll aim for that instead :)

A Monk/Wizard won't have a ton of Spellblade damage, so you'll be relying more on base damages etc. You could go Handwraps, but frankly I'd recommend a Stick build (ideally dipping Rogue 1 for 15% AS). THF received some great buffs recently and it's very strong.

If you're just after the 15-30 run, a Deep Gnome melee build always makes me think about Color Spray. Requires you to be Int-based via Harper, but other than that it's like 1-2 gearpieces (Reflective Bloodstone (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Reflective_Bloodstone) if you have RL but not Sharn, or Cannith Crafted Goggles) to get all you need for soloing like HR1 and ~EH content. Color Spray is disgustingly effective, having three separate save-or-get-screwed effects in a cone for all of 2 SP. Wizard 3+ means you can Heighten it for free, giving +6 DC's. That said, most Monk stuff is Wis-based (usually via Falconry); personally I know Color Spray to be super-effective, but I've seen some good stuff out of Monks especially now that you can use a special attack on 3 enemies via THF.

I'd highly recommend you roll up a testing toon; Deep Gnome Int-maxed with Wizard 3+, grab Heighten as well as like Spell Focus:Illusion, shared bank in a Int item and like a Reflective Bloodstone and test out Color Spray a little bit. If you like it as much as I do (I've built a few lives entirely around it) then consider Int-based. If you think it's trash, go Wis-based via Falconry.

As far as sustain goes, your best options are A) going undead via Pale Master, and using Undead Shrouds; or B) using Monk healing, and supporting it with potions/hirelings/UMD/whatever. Undead Healing is insanely good for pure Wizards, but for a multiclass it's a lot weaker (and locks you into Wizard 7+). Monk route works great in a party (most of it is AoE stuff) and comes with some nice curatives etc. Not sure how well Monk healing works when undead, but if you stack some Healamp it might be viable allowing you to grab a bit of both :)

Ok, so here goes; 12/7/1 Monk/Wizard/Rogue Deep Gnome Int-based stick build:

https://i.imgur.com/3UCvT0O.png

Ability-wise: start 12 Dex (to hit 13 with Precision), 15 Str (to hit ITHF), 12-14 Con, and then max Int + levelups.

Enhancements (in about this order):

14 Harper (Strategic Combat 1&2, KtA, +1 Int)
8 Deep Gnome (Core Int, Color Spray x3)
4 Thief-Acrobat (Thief Acrobatics x3)
~38 Henshin Mystic (Cores, Quick Strike, +2 Int, Way of the Crane, Fists of Iron, Embrace the Void, T5 goodies)

After that you could go Ninja Spy for Core 3 or Pale Master for Wraith Form + undead healing; probably pick up a few points into Shintao for the nice cores (and Iron Skin maybe).

Make sure you right-click the Color Spray icon on your hotbar and set all metamagics to "always on" for it :) Gear Int & Illusion Focus and it'll land really well, and then you're just beating helpless mobs and fighting bosses :P

Buff up with like Heroism, Displacement, Blur, Jump, and Haste and go ham :) walk up, Color Spray, and start using all your Monk buttons. I'd go Path of Harmonious Balance so you can do Fists of Light stuff, but YMMV. Fists of Iron is just a generally solid DPS option, but healing in an AoE is pretty great otherwise.

-----

If you're looking for a more traditional build, just say so and we can get you a more Monk-y Monk build (probably Wis-based via Falconry). But if you're going Deep Gnome why not go for it? :p

so i would be using quarterstaffs and handwraps? i see the ITHF which i assume is improved two handed fighting and then the PTWF is perfect two weapon fighting? also wouldnt i want to take improved critical bludgeoning instead of slashing as quarterstaffs and handwraps are bludgeon?

[SpartanKiller13]

so i would be using quarterstaffs and handwraps? i see the ITHF which i assume is improved two handed fighting and then the PTWF is perfect two weapon fighting? also wouldnt i want to take improved critical bludgeoning instead of slashing as quarterstaffs and handwraps are bludgeon?

Just quarterstaffs; for handwraps you'd want a Shintao build; with quarterstaffs you get the 15% attack speed via Rogue's Thief-Acrobat, and benefits from Henshin Mystic, Swords to Plowshares, and can apply Monk attacks to 2-3 enemies per swing. THF = Two-Handed Fighting, and the whole line for it is the THF feats. PTWF is Perfect Two-Weapon Fighting yes, and it's taken for the 5% Doublestrike (which applies to all styles).

Yeah, you'd want IC:B instead of Slashing; most builds I've done are slashing, and I copy-pasted.

[unbongwah]

This was an idea for an arti/bard build but I still am very new to this building character thing is. The idea is a Swashbuckling Rune Arm user who is a trapper for a duo to level up in hardcore but I feel very squishy but my partner is more tanky. Mostly looking for suggestions or maybe a revamp? Is this even a good idea or on the right track?
As much as I like Swashbucklers, this seems like an odd choice particularly for hardcore which is all about not dying first.

The synergies between Swashbuckler and Battle Engineer are not that great. Yes, you can use light hammers which have bonuses in SB, BE, and gnome trees so it might sound like a winner. Except the crit bonuses don't stack. Once you switch on Swashbuckling and take Improved Crit, that's as good as it gets for light hammers. And neither tree is as powerful as the better melee DPS trees like Frenzied Berserker; so combining two mediocre trees does not a great DPS build make. And there's only four named options (https://ddowiki.com/page/Category:Light_Hammers) for light hammers, one of which is an endgame raid item and one is only available from the Anniversary Party. So you're pigeon-holing yourself into a single not-great weapon option for some static bonuses.

I feel like pure Artificer is a more practical choice, focused on BE and Renegade Mastermaker. Build either around Curative Admixture SLAs or Construct Essence feats + Repair/Recon SLA. Depending on which is easier for healing your partner. [As a barbarian, they'll have a ton of heal amp, so IMO Admixtures make more sense than relying on RMM Converter + Recon SLA.] Color Spray SLA is a must-have on any INT gnome build IMO.

[Moonchicken]

As much as I like Swashbucklers, this seems like an odd choice particularly for hardcore which is all about not dying first.

The synergies between Swashbuckler and Battle Engineer are not that great. Yes, you can use light hammers which have bonuses in SB, BE, and gnome trees so it might sound like a winner. Except the crit bonuses don't stack. Once you switch on Swashbuckling and take Improved Crit, that's as good as it gets for light hammers. And neither tree is as powerful as the better melee DPS trees like Frenzied Berserker; so combining two mediocre trees does not a great DPS build make. And there's only four named options (https://ddowiki.com/page/Category:Light_Hammers) for light hammers, one of which is an endgame raid item and one is only available from the Anniversary Party. So you're pigeon-holing yourself into a single not-great weapon option for some static bonuses.

I feel like pure Artificer is a more practical choice, focused on BE and Renegade Mastermaker. Build either around Curative Admixture SLAs or Construct Essence feats + Repair/Recon SLA. Depending on which is easier for healing your partner. Color Spray SLA is a must-have on any INT gnome build IMO.

Have a TWF/SWF Bard/ranger/rogue build?

[unbongwah]

Have a TWF/SWF Bard/ranger/rogue build?
Not a modern one, no. There's some synergies if you want a dagger thrower build using Vistani Knife Fighter+Swashbuckler+Deepwood Stalker. But TWF bards are consigned to flavor builds like my Vistani Skald (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/117232-Request-a-Build-Get-a-Build?p=6111128&highlight=skald#post6111128).

[SpartanKiller13]

Have a TWF/SWF Bard/ranger/rogue build?

I had a SWF Bard/Fighter/Rogue VKF (https://www.reddit.com/r/ddo/comments/74gn1j/theory_crafting_vistani_knife_build/dnybjb4?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x) build a few years back, is probably adaptable :P

I'm not sure what you'd be getting out of Ranger (or why it's there, frankly) but you could probably do alright swapping it in the place of Fighter. Gonna be a bit of a niche build though lol. If you're interested I can work it out for you, but finding what you're after will help a lot :)

[JohnnyArkham]

I specifically came here because I'm not the sort who enjoys working out all the tweaks and optimizations, but I AM the sort who enjoys a good blueprint to a successful build.

I'm mostly going to be running with a fellow who is (at the moment) planning on being a pure Barbarian. We'll be starting at 1st level.
I'd like to be able to make up the difference to some degree; locks, healing, traps, etc.
I have access to all of the VIP races/classes as well as Artificer, Favored Soul, and Drow.
For reference, I generally enjoy a playstyle that stays out of the chaos of melee (caster, ranged, etc.)

Any help is so greatly appreciated.

Options?

[unbongwah]

I'm not sure what you'd be getting out of Ranger (or why it's there, frankly) but you could probably do alright swapping it in the place of Fighter.
Exposing Strike, extra doublestrike from Killer+Strikes Like Lightning, +10 MP. It's an okay alternative to fighter for Swashbucklers, but only if you're not taking advantage of the synergies with handaxes or light picks from Kensei. Like maybe you wanted a F2P sickle build with Swords to Plowshares. Or you want to swashbuckle with a scimitar: you need Tempest level 3 core to make it a light weapon, but then you need crit bonuses too.

You can make melee bard / ranger work, it's just a very niche build.

I'd like to be able to make up the difference to some degree; locks, healing, traps, etc.
I have access to all of the VIP races/classes as well as Artificer, Favored Soul, and Drow.
For reference, I generally enjoy a playstyle that stays out of the chaos of melee (caster, ranged, etc.)
Pure Artificer still makes a solid support toon particularly if you want a duo healer who is not just a battlecleric. Renegade Mastermaker for Curative Admixture SLAs, Battle Engineer and/or Inquisitive for ranged DPS - or Arcanotechnican for caster DPS - other Arty spells for buffs and added CC like Tactical Detonation. Your friend focuses on hitting things and using temp HPs to stay alive; you take care of everything else.

Alchemist / Inquisitive is also a strong combo; add a rogue or Artificer splash for trap skills.

[SpartanKiller13]

Exposing Strike, extra doublestrike from Killer+Strikes Like Lightning, +10 MP. It's an okay alternative to fighter for Swashbucklers, but only if you're not taking advantage of the synergies with handaxes or light picks from Kensei. Like maybe you wanted a F2P sickle build with Swords to Plowshares. Or you want to swashbuckle with a scimitar: you need Tempest level 3 core to make it a light weapon, but then you need crit bonuses too.

You can make melee bard / ranger work, it's just a very niche build.

VKF's Rapid Slash doesn't stack with Killer (which you pointed out when I made that build :p); non-VKF makes more sense if you're going that way. Fighter stance is really strong IMO, 25 PRR/MRR & 20% HP in Heroics (+6 Con epics) is a big difference in survivability, especially if you're newer without PL's etc to add on.



I'd like to be able to make up the difference to some degree; locks, healing, traps, etc.
I have access to all of the VIP races/classes as well as Artificer, Favored Soul, and Drow.Pure Artificer still makes a solid support toon particularly if you want a duo healer who is not just a battlecleric. Renegade Mastermaker for Curative Admixture SLAs, Battle Engineer and/or Inquisitive for ranged DPS - or Arcanotechnican for caster DPS - other Arty spells for buffs and added CC like Tactical Detonation. Your friend focuses on hitting things and using temp HPs to stay alive; you take care of everything else.

Alchemist / Inquisitive is also a strong combo; add a rogue or Artificer splash for trap skills.

Johnny posted on Reddit as well, and I definitely also recommended RMM+BE Artificer there lol.

I wonder about dipping /1 into Alchemist (and maybe Warlock if it's a TR toon) for Soothing Poultices (plus Feigned Health if Warlock). Massively improves the efficiency of your cheap heals, at a fairly low opportunity cost assuming this is a 1-20 run. 2-4 SP SLA for Curative Admixture for super cheap group application as well.

[Moonchicken]

I had a SWF Bard/Fighter/Rogue VKF (https://www.reddit.com/r/ddo/comments/74gn1j/theory_crafting_vistani_knife_build/dnybjb4?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x) build a few years back, is probably adaptable :P

I'm not sure what you'd be getting out of Ranger (or why it's there, frankly) but you could probably do alright swapping it in the place of Fighter. Gonna be a bit of a niche build though lol. If you're interested I can work it out for you, but finding what you're after will help a lot :)

Just looking for a fun F2P bard build, already have a paladin and cleric with THF, so was looking for something different.

[unbongwah]

Just looking for a fun F2P bard build, already have a paladin and cleric with THF, so was looking for something different.
I posted a drow Swashbuckler (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/514962-Vistani-Trapper-Bard?p=6323959&viewfull=1#post6323959) using Harper + Vistani Knife Fighter, however it would work as F2P using different weapons too, such as rapiers if you wanted to take advantage of drow racial bonuses. You'd need to take Weapon Finesse feat and redo enhancements.

[scooter4]

so i asked earlier about a wizard/monk iconic, but i forgot i had paladin iconic as well. could i get a build for a iconic paladin/monk that does really good dps while not dying in one hit. preferably a THF as i would love to use the echo of blackrazor again but am open to anything.

want to see which build i like better before i TR.

[Moonchicken]

What’s your thoughts on pure Paladin vs 18/2 Pal/Rog?

[Discpsycho]

What’s your thoughts on pure Paladin vs 18/2 Pal/Rog?

For heroic leveling / HTR / RTR, 18 Pal / 2 Rogue is a great option! At cap, I think pure Paladin wins in DPS, if not utility

Pros:
- Elemental Bloom (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Elemental_Bloom) is one of the better heroic weapons out there, and can become a favored weapon through Aureon
- Thief-Acrobat gets +25% doublestrike with 80% uptime, as well as +15% attack speed and the option for Haste Boost
- Trapping. 'Nuff said
- Evasion

Cons:
- Evasion or heavy armor? You can get the PRR/MRR from Sacred Defense but lose out on +20% HP and/or +6 Str through Greater Stalwart Defense. This becomes less of an issue at cap, where +6 Str is a drop in the bucket. EDF compensates for the HP loss by level 21
- Pure paladin will do better damage post-epics thanks to the capstone; +2d6 MP-scaling light (and Paladins get a lot of MP), +10 MP, +3% damage aura, more Blessed Purpose stacks (up to 30 more MP), some Cha, alignment bypass
- You've got better weapon options at cap than staves. Staff of Shadows isn't as good as, say, either form of Blackrazor. I'm not sure what type the TA attack speed bonus is and therefore can't say if it'll stack with other types of bonuses (eg, Haste)

[SpartanKiller13]

so i asked earlier about a wizard/monk iconic, but i forgot i had paladin iconic as well. could i get a build for a iconic paladin/monk that does really good dps while not dying in one hit. preferably a THF as i would love to use the echo of blackrazor again but am open to anything.

want to see which build i like better before i TR.

Any Paladin build won't be dying in one hit; basically no build should be lol, unless you're running significantly higher difficulty than you should be (ignoring stuff like Strahd circles).

What are you looking for Monk to add to this build? VS just a pure Paladin etc?

Most of the cool Monk stuff relies on you being centered. (https://ddowiki.com/page/Centered) You can't be centered with a greatsword unless you run Fighter's Kensei T5 (https://ddowiki.com/page/Kensei_enhancements#Tier_Five) One with the Blade, which requires 31+ AP and 5+ levels of Fighter - not much of a Paladin/Monk build.

What's your goal with the multiclass of Paladin & Monk? Divine Grace-powered Evasion? There's gotta be a reason to multiclass, it's why you don't see Druid/Artificers out there lol.

You could THF with a stick build, but Paladin will be adding nearly nothing to DPS (unless 14/6 Paladin for Zeal, but that costs you /2 Rogue for 15% AS so you lose out on DPS). If you just want Monk THF and a Paladin PL, maybe like 9/9/2 Paladin/Monk/Rogue? Just playing a pure Paladin would have better DPS and survivability lol.

[Moonchicken]

Hey unbongwah, do you think an Inq Cleric would be easy to level for the PL? If so, do you have a build laying around? Only have F2P classes to split with.

[Alenfair]

Need help with a build for a solo paladin past life with: trapping, evasion, focus on ranged damage but also some healing/buffs/immunities (undead/robot?)
Would like to go 1-30 and get at least an epic past life (all destinies capped already) maybe more.

[unbongwah]

Need help with a build for a solo paladin past life with: trapping, evasion, focus on ranged damage but also some healing/buffs/immunities (undead/robot?)
Do you actually want to be a paladin or do you just want a ranged toon who gets a paladin PL? Because "trapping + evasion + ranged DPS" makes me think rogue / Artificer Inquisitive; or maybe Warforged monk 2 / Artificer 9 / paladin 9? Unless you don't have Inquisitive, in which case maybe you could dust off one of the old great crossbow splits like rog 6 / ftr 6 / pal 8. But "healing/buffs/immunities" makes me think of more paladin levels so you have better Lay on Hands and Energy Drain immunity (if not WF).

[Waveclaw]

I really like your TWF Knight build! It worked out super well!
I'm near level 20 and I might want to TR soon.

I'm thinking about a human sword-and-board paladin with:
Bastardsword or Longsword using (prefer Basterswords for the strikethroughs though)
Good DPS
Nice Defense
All paladin spell accessibility
A lot of smites and lay on hands

Thanks in advance! :)

[Alenfair]

Do you actually want to be a paladin or do you just want a ranged toon who gets a paladin PL? Because "trapping + evasion + ranged DPS" makes me think rogue / Artificer Inquisitive; or maybe Warforged monk 2 / Artificer 9 / paladin 9? Unless you don't have Inquisitive, in which case maybe you could dust off one of the old great crossbow splits like rog 6 / ftr 6 / pal 8. But "healing/buffs/immunities" makes me think of more paladin levels so you have better Lay on Hands and Energy Drain immunity (if not WF).

I just want the past life, i have inquisitive and vip so i can do almost any combo, i'm just not sure about class splits and feat/ap progression to make it survivable enough to solo without losing too much dps.
trapping means int build so 41 inquis/12harper, not sure wher to go after that. warforged arti for repair spells and endless fusillade?
energy drain immunity from paladin means 12 pal and 21 kofc? does that synergizes with light armor and dual crossbow?
also 2 monk instead of rogue would give me 1 feat(precision?) and would work with warforged composite plating (since mithral body isn't really good, i hear) but would that leave me enough skill points from int and artificer for trapping?
also what about human 2rog/9wiz/9pal or similar split? inquis/pale master/harper and what's left in mechanic or ek. Would that get enough feats for ranged combat?

btw it's a 36 point build with supreme +8 tome and 3xpdk, 2xwiz, 1xwlk, 1art past lives

[Zorrbeania]

Hello! I've got some questions on Epic Reincarnation. What makes it different from just simply Reincarnating your character? (Besides starting back at level one). Also, once you've Reincarnated, are you more powerful than the average first level character? And do you get special feats and or spells (if you're any kind of sell caster) when you start off again after Reincarnation? I'd love to know more about this subject! :) Thanks!

[Jaynen]

I often play solo, but I often also play with a few friends that are average players. In my opinion they rely to heavily on cleric hirelings. Is there a healer build that can still solo? Especially one thats healing would be less having to f key target and cast but might be more area/cone/aura at least most of the time?

[unbongwah]

Is there a healer build that can still solo? Especially one thats healing would be less having to f key target and cast but might be more area/cone/aura at least most of the time?
Clerics get healing auras from Radiant Servant while Favored Soul get healing cones from Beacon of Hope.

So if you want a melee healer, I would go with a batlecleric like Axel's (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/454776-Axel-s-THF-Melee-Cleric-Build) or my own (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/117232-Request-a-Build-Get-a-Build?p=6330696&viewfull=1#post6330696). If you prefer a caster, FvS Evoker (https://www.reddit.com/r/ddo/comments/g4f4d6/looking_for_good_support_build_that_can_also_dps/fo0hngm/) (Angel of Vengeance) who sits behind the melees spamming light spells and Beacons.

[Jaynen]

Clerics get healing auras from Radiant Servant while Favored Soul get healing cones from Beacon of Hope.

So if you want a melee healer, I would go with a batlecleric like Axel's (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/454776-Axel-s-THF-Melee-Cleric-Build) or my own (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/117232-Request-a-Build-Get-a-Build?p=6330696&viewfull=1#post6330696). If you prefer a caster, FvS Evoker (https://www.reddit.com/r/ddo/comments/g4f4d6/looking_for_good_support_build_that_can_also_dps/fo0hngm/) (Angel of Vengeance) who sits behind the melees spamming light spells and Beacons.

I don't think I care too much about melee vs not just ability to play solo relatively well while still tosssing out heals, with preference to "lazy" healing. Your nuking build looks fun though. Does it have any healing similar to the clerics aura? I am not familiar enough with the individual enhancements/abilities

[Madracah]

Looking for a First Life (28 pts) Pale Trapper build something like this i think https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/422622-Pale-Trapper-for-new-players-(Human-18-2-Wizard-Rogue). This one is out of date though. Would love an updated version ( Especialy enhancement tree's lvl by lvl ) The more detailed the better.

Thanks in advance.

[Tengumai]

Hey guys,

Brand new player here. I hope to play mostly solo, but hirelings sound OK. F2P for now, I might drop some cash if I discover I like this game.

Got anything that might take me into endgame? I'd like to start with a melee character with lots of fast attacks who can heal and buff himself as needed. Is that more Fighter/Cleric or more Paladin in this game? (or something else entirely?!)

Tengu

[Discpsycho]

Hey guys,

Brand new player here. I hope to play mostly solo, but hirelings sound OK. F2P for now, I might drop some cash if I discover I like this game.

Got anything that might take me into endgame? I'd like to start with a melee character with lots of fast attacks who can heal and buff himself as needed. Is that more Fighter/Cleric or more Paladin in this game? (or something else entirely?!)

Tengu

Welcome to the game!

In DDO attack speed increases (slightly) with level. What should attack speed be relative to, and what have you tried so far? Faster than a low-level two-handed fighter, for example, is easy for any build by level 10, let alone 20-30.

The fastest attackers are gonna be Two-Weapon Fighters - unarmed Monks are even faster but can't buff and self-heal quite as well, and aren't particularly newbie-friendly (or even veteran-friendly, in my experience). If you're F2P there are various hybrid things you can try, but a revamped version of the Tempest Trapmonkey (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/423116-Tempest-Trapmonkey-for-new-players?p=6316070&viewfull=1#post6316070) (courtesy of our master builder) is a fully fleshed-out build. You won't have to tinker with as a new player, gives you a taste of trapping, and lets you attack full-on blender-style by level 12.

Let us know if that meets your needs, and if not, what else you're looking for!

[Tengumai]

Welcome to the game!

Thanks!



What should attack speed be relative to, and what have you tried so far?


I have tried nothing so far. I have just downloaded the game, but not started it yet.



The fastest attackers are gonna be Two-Weapon Fighters

Makes sense. Sounds good, especially if I could blend that with some healing/buffing magic.



Tempest Trapmonkey...attack full-on blender-style by level 12.

Blender-style. Now you're talking. I'll check it out.

Thanks!

[Drecas]

Hi guys, this may be off-topic but I'm preparing to TR, and for my next life I settled on a 12 ranger / 6 arti / 2 fighter build.
I wanted something that can melee annoying mobs that swarm you (my biggest peeve during my Inq life) and also take out enemies from afar (for safety and because I'm lazy like that).
This build uses khopeshes for melee damage, wisdom to damage, so I can use Falconry to trip creatures up.
This is what I came up with, I'd really appreciate any feedback, thank you! :)

Ranger Life
12/6/2 Ranger/Artificer/Fighter
True Neutral Aasimar


Level Order

1. Artificer . . . 6. Artificer. . . 11. Fighter . . . .16. Ranger
2. Artificer . . . 7. Ranger. . . . .12. Fighter. . . . 17. Ranger
3. Ranger . . . . .8. Ranger . . . . 13. Artificer . . .18. Ranger
4. Ranger . . . . .9. Ranger . . . . 14. Artificer . . .19. Ranger
5. Artificer . . .10. Ranger. . . . .15. Ranger. . . . .20. Ranger


Stats
. . . . . . . .36pt . . Tome . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . ----. . .--------
Strength. . . . 10. . . .+4. . . .4: WIS
Dexterity . . . 16. . . .+5. . . .8: WIS
Constitution. . 16. . . .+4. . . 12: WIS
Intelligence. . 14. . . .+4. . . 16: WIS
Wisdom. . . . . 17. . . .+4. . . 20: WIS
Charisma. . . . .8. . . .+4. . . 24: WIS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28: WIS

Skills
. . . . . A .A. R. R. A .A. R. R. R. R. F .F. A .A. R. R. R. R. R. R
. . . . . 1 .2. 3. 4. 5 .6. 7. 8. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
Disable . 4 .1. 1. 1. 1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1 .1. 1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Open Lo . 4 .1. . . . 2 .2. 1. 1. 1. 1. . . . 2 .2. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Search. . 4 .1. 1. 1. 1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1 .1. 1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
UMD . . . 4 .1. 1. 1. 1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1 .1. 1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Heal. . . . .1. 3. 3. ½ .½. 2. 1. 1. 1. . . . 1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 21
Spot. . . 4 .1. 1. 1. 1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. . . . 1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 21
Jump. . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 .1 .1 . . . . . . .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . 9
Tumble. . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
. . . . .24 .7. 9. 9. 7 .7 10 10 10 10. 6 .6. 8 .8 10 10 10 10 10 10


Feats

.1. . . . : Point Blank Shot
.3. . . . : Precision
.6. . . . : Empower Healing Spell
.6 Arti . : Maximize Spell
.9. . . . : Power Attack
11 Fighter: Improved Critical: Slashing
12. . . . : Cleave
12 Fighter: Improved Critical: Ranged
15. . . . : Great Cleave
18. . . . : Quicken Spell
21 Epic . : Combat Archery
24 Epic . : Dodge
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
27 Epic . : Ruin
28 Destiny: Mass Frog
29 Destiny: Dire Charge
30 Epic . : Greater Ruin
30 Legend : Scion of: Astral Plane

.1 Aasimar: Bond of the Fallen

.3 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
.9 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Elemental
18 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Elf


Spells

Ranger Jump (8), Resist Energy (10)
Cure Light Wounds (16), Protection from Energy (18)
Cure Moderate Wounds (19), Wild Instincts (20)
Artificer Master's Touch (1), Conjure Bolts (1), Enchant Weapons (2)
Elemental Weapons (5), Byeshk Weapons (6)
Flame Turret (14)

Enhancements (80 AP)

Tempest (37 AP) Shield of Whirling Steel, Tempest, Graceful Death, Deflect Arrows Item Defense III, Improved Reaction III, Improved Defense III
Improved Parry III, Improved Dodge III, Haste Boost III
Storm Dancer, Critical Mastery III
Storm Tempest, The Growing Storm III
Dual Perfection, Dance of Death III
Falconry (30 AP) Falcon, Wisdom, Well Rounded, Wisdom Hunter's Knowledge, Out in Nature III
Killer Instinct I, Watch the Center III, Diving Strike I, Sprint Boost III
Killer Instinct II, Strike for the Eyes: Strike I
Deadly Instinct III, No Mercy III, Coordinated Strike, Expose Weakness
Renegade Mastermaker (11 AP) Renegade Defender, Alchemical Shield, Cure Serious Admixture Cure Light Admixture III, Easily Fixed, Toughness I
Kinetic Discharge III
Vistani Knife Fighter (2 AP) Knife Expertise Undead Hunter

[JohnnyArkham]

I'd also be interested in seeing feedback on this from some of the build gurus!

[Discpsycho]

Hi guys, this may be off-topic but I'm preparing to TR, and for my next life I settled on a 12 ranger / 6 arti / 2 fighter build.
I wanted something that can melee annoying mobs that swarm you (my biggest peeve during my Inq life) and also take out enemies from afar (for safety and because I'm lazy like that).
This build uses khopeshes for melee damage, wisdom to damage, so I can use Falconry to trip creatures up.
This is what I came up with, I'd really appreciate any feedback, thank you! :)

<snip>



Unbongwah covered the biggest issue (AP investment) in this other thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/516754-Falconry-Using-Ranger?p=6344475&viewfull=1#post6344475). TL;DR, Ranger has two trees with good things for melee, while most other builds that invest heavily in Falconry only have one. But his explanation is good, and you should read more than my TLDR

Similarly, if you're AP-limited, it's harder to justify anything more than a shallow splash. You've got Arti 6 for a single feat, a cleave and RMM Core #3. Is that really worth it? It'll be a challenge to slot enough positive spellpower without gimping your damage, which already suffers because of the lack of DWS investment. With those 11 AP you could grab Exposing Strike, a bluff that makes enemies briefly turn around and thereby ends up being surprisingly defensive.

Since Rangers are typically AP-limited because of Tempest + DWS, it's also hard to justify *not* taking at least 18 levels in Ranger for Whirlwind: 5% stacking Incorp is rad, +10% offhand brings you to 100%, +5% doublestrike is nice too. There aren't many 6-level splashes that offer more for TWF with a small AP investment, except possibly Monk.

Finally, have you mathed out your Falconry DCs and are you satisfied with them? Food for thought, since that's one of the features for this build

[Tengumai]

If you're F2P there are various hybrid things you can try, but a revamped version of the Tempest Trapmonkey (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/423116-Tempest-Trapmonkey-for-new-players?p=6316070&viewfull=1#post6316070) (courtesy of our master builder) is a fully fleshed-out build. You won't have to tinker with as a new player, gives you a taste of trapping, and lets you attack full-on blender-style by level 12.


Just hit level 6 with this build, which is where you re-spec into TWF. Loving it. Thanks for the recommendation!

[REMOVE_MEATBAG]

I just picked up aasimar scourge from the sale, as I intend to do some iconic lives; any good builds out there that make a dual wielding mace ranger seem less jank?

[SpartanKiller13]

I just picked up aasimar scourge from the sale, as I intend to do some iconic lives; any good builds out there that make a dual wielding mace ranger seem less jank?

I'd check out Strimtom's build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/499845-Tempest-rangers-for-all-folks-old-and-new-R10-Viable-Tempest-ranger-build) thread; there's a lot of good comments there, and the original build is pretty decent as well :)

Gear's definitely changed a bit since then, but Strimtom is always a good starting point as he covers most bases.

There's also a lot of them from the Lama previews etc on the release thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/490402-Iconic-Scourge-Path) for Scourge.

What are you looking for?

[REMOVE_MEATBAG]

I'd check out Strimtom's build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/499845-Tempest-rangers-for-all-folks-old-and-new-R10-Viable-Tempest-ranger-build) thread; there's a lot of good comments there, and the original build is pretty decent as well :)

Gear's definitely changed a bit since then, but Strimtom is always a good starting point as he covers most bases.

There's also a lot of them from the Lama previews etc on the release thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/490402-Iconic-Scourge-Path) for Scourge.

What are you looking for?

Twf ranger, wanting to try scourge out, so strim's build might be where I want to go.

[REMOVE_MEATBAG]

So what would be the updated gear I should aim for, since Strim's build prob doesn't account for Sharn gear?

[aurus33]

Hey everyone, I am back at DDO after not being successful into bringing my friends over here hehe, anyway, I spent quite some time previous to my last break, but now that I come back, I find three new classes (Alchemist, Artificer, Warlock) and a ton of new races.

So I lost my completionist :(, need your help getting back.

Can you point to me the right direction to the following:

Build should be self sufficient
Evasion or High AC/Dodge
HIGH Saves


Been reading the forums, and found some builds, old ones where no-fail fortitude was possible.
On some other cases I saw some builds either wf or splash or fvs/cleric as class was enough for good solo capabilities.
and I've always been a fan of High AC, yes, I want it all :D, but I know it will take me some effort and I am rusty, lots of new articles and info to read.

Thanks for your help!

[Zorrbeania]

I would say that playing a good old rogue check marks at least two of the things on your list (epically an assassin). You could probably go without a hierling as well, just have a nice stack of health potions just in case. :) And if didn't want to do that, you could make a rogue/cleric or paladin mix (even though that wouldn't really make a believing back story, since rogues, and assassins epically, aren't the nicest people, whereas clerics and paladins are more goodly). Have fun, and welcome back to DDO! :)

[Zorrbeania]

Has anyone ever made a socerer/paladin mix before? If you have please let me know how it went! :)

[unbongwah]

Can you point to me the right direction to the following:

Build should be self sufficient
Evasion or High AC/Dodge
HIGH Saves


Seems to check off everything on your wishlist: https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/515625-First-Life-Human-Two-Handed-Fighting-Paladin-18-Rogue-2-for-Free-to-play-players

Has anyone ever made a socerer/paladin mix before? If you have please let me know how it went! :)
There are some ancient paladin / sorcerer builds such as Tukaw (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/181901-Tukaw-s-official-build-post), but they've been obsolete for a long time. The problem(?) is Eldritch Knight is actually a pretty solid tree now so there's not really a need for heavy multiclassing on a gish (melee/caster hybrid). Although the main issue for sorcerer-based EKs is there's only a couple of options for getting CHA to melee damage; i.e., there's no Universal tree for CHA builds like there is for INT (Harper) or WIS (Falconry). Which is part of why wizard EKs are more common than sorc EKs.

[Coffey]

So what would be the updated gear I should aim for, since Strim's build prob doesn't account for Sharn gear?

Can peruse str ranger 30 gear (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/514471-str-ranger-30-gear) thread for some ideas.

[Bacab]

I guess I need to do an Alchemist life.

My thinking was a Halfling Thrower of Daggers.

I was thinking some AP into the following Trees

16 into Halfling (I have I think 2 or 3 Racial bonus AP) for Master Thrower and some Halfling Dragonmark useage

12 into Harper for Strategic Combat II

Some into Vistani

Some into Vile Chemist

And a few into Apothecary for some healing SLAs?

I am unsure if I am double dipping or being redundant on use of AP.

I have never made a successful thrower before, so I don't know what feats to use.

If this has already been built, let me know and link it.

I would prefer to be pure Alchemist unless a dip would make a lot of sense?

Also, if it makes more sense to use Darts instead of Daggers, maybe I don't have to go into Vistani?

Not really sure what to do.

Anyway thanks for all help!

[unbongwah]

16 into Halfling (I have I think 2 or 3 Racial bonus AP) for Master Thrower and some Halfling Dragonmark useage
Master Thrower doesn't stack with other crit threat range bonuses so the only upside is taking it sooner than VC's Fatal Poison or VKF's One with Blades. But if that's your goal, you could splash bard 3 instead for Swashbuckling, which provides a bigger crit bonus. Particularly if you want to use Nightforge Spike (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Nightforge_Spike).

I would prefer to be pure Alchemist unless a dip would make a lot of sense?
The obvious MC options: rogue or Artificer for trap skills, bard for Swashbuckling + Doubleshot boost, ranger for extra feats and Sniper Shot.

[Ravenbrew]

Hi - just completing my Warlock life before VIP expires. I purchased Aasimar (looks cool) and Falconry. I don't have any other pay classes/enhancements/races. Will only level to 20 (not doing epics at this time).
Goal - a melee build with some trapping/lock skills. There seem to be a few major decisions: 1) Heavy or Light Armor 2) THF or TWF. 3) "Dex or Strength?". Falconry becomes an additional variable...
Tomes - D-7, C-3, I-6, W-7, CH-3
Gear - have "Some" mid-level stuff. Willing to grab a few things before TR
Ideas brewing: TWF - Ranger 11, Rogue 4, FTR 4 or THF - some combo of Rogue with Fighter and/or Barbarian
Playing style: I don't like having to press too many buttons. Pretty casual player so not likely to farm much. I don't do crafting.
Thank you

[SpartanKiller13]

Hi - just completing my Warlock life before VIP expires. I purchased Aasimar (looks cool) and Falconry. I don't have any other pay classes/enhancements/races. Will only level to 20 (not doing epics at this time).
Goal - a melee build with some trapping/lock skills. There seem to be a few major decisions: 1) Heavy or Light Armor 2) THF or TWF. 3) Dex or Strength. Falconry becomes an additional variable...
Tomes - D-7, C-3, I-6, W-7, CH-3
Gear - have "Some" mid-level stuff. Willing to grab a few things before TR
Ideas brewing: TWF - Ranger 11, Rogue 4, FTR 4 or THF - some combo of Rogue with Fighter and/or Barbarian
Playing style: I don't like having to press too many buttons. Pretty casual player so not likely to farm much. I don't do crafting.
Thank you

Dex tome, trapping requirement, and F2P melee makes me thing about VKF Assassin. I'm not sure how the low-levels go, but VKF Rogue builds have excellent DPS and you could definitely dip Barbarian or something if you want more survivability (Barbarian 2 gives Blood Tribute, 10% MS and only costs your DPS at level 18). Definitely worth considering :)

If you're running Rogue 2+ (with Evasion) and plan on doing traps, Light Armor is generally the way to go. It has a MRR cap, but that isn't a concern early in your DDO career (especially in Heroics), so the only major drawback is that you can't use Fighter/Paladin Improved Defender stances (without SWF Bard stuff); you can still use the base stance though, so it's not even that big of a deal.

THF is in an extremely good place right now. If you're just looking to go from Warlock (which is pretty chill lives) into melee, THF Paladin would be my recommendation. Doesn't really do traps though lol. TWF basically requires Ranger's Tempest for the T5 if you want to be competitive. Does require active attacks to be viable though (Dance of Death in particular).

IMO entry-level Fighter isn't in a great spot aside from multiclassing (also generally has more buttons to push than most alternatives). THF Barbarian is pretty great, and I think you'd do just fine with a Rogue dip (missing capstones etc doesn't matter for a 1-20 build).

Aasimar is solid on nearly any melee. With your Wis tome + airship buffs + Aasimar Wis bonus, you don't need to invest much into Wis to get some great oh-**** heals out of Healing Hands (I like to bind that to my ` key or my 0 key, so it's easy to hit). Cheap Healamp and decent T4 options allow you to sink a bunch of points into it if your class trees are lackluster.

Some variant of Pale Trapper as an Int-based Wizard EK with a Rogue dip is also pretty viable and meets your needs, but it'll be weaker until you get Death Aura at Wizard 7 (so like level 9) which is like 1/4 of your 1-20 route. If you were going to 30 I'd say go for it, but for a 1-20 life it's a bit backloaded.

------

What draws your interest? I can theorycraft you all sorts of builds, but one you're interested in is far better than one that meets your needs but seems meh.

[Zorrbeania]

There are some ancient paladin / sorcerer builds such as Tukaw (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/181901-Tukaw-s-official-build-post), but they've been obsolete for a long time. The problem(?) is Eldritch Knight is actually a pretty solid tree now so there's not really a need for heavy multiclassing on a gish (melee/caster hybrid). Although the main issue for sorcerer-based EKs is there's only a couple of options for getting CHA to melee damage; i.e., there's no Universal tree for CHA builds like there is for INT (Harper) or WIS (Falconry). Which is part of why wizard EKs are more common than sorc EKs.

Thanks for the reply! :) Pretty much why I'd make a sorcerer/palidin mix is so I could do awesome damage (as a sorcerer), and be able to heal myself (as a palidin).

[Ravenbrew]

Dex tome, trapping requirement, and F2P melee makes me thing about VKF Assassin. I'm not sure how the low-levels go, but VKF Rogue builds have excellent DPS and you could definitely dip Barbarian or something if you want more survivability (Barbarian 2 gives Blood Tribute, 10% MS and only costs your DPS at level 18). Definitely worth considering :)

If you're running Rogue 2+ (with Evasion)...
Very helpful! Would this work? Aasimar: Barb 17, Rogue 2, Fighter 1 (THF, light armor for evasion). 2nd choice would be dropping Rogue to 1 and going with medium armor for more PRR. Pretty sure I’ll start at level 4-5 due to a stack of xp stones.

BTW, is VKF a “Pay” option? Not sure what it stands for.

Note: I’ve been testing a TWF Aasimar Scourge and want the above character to have a different flavor (eg traps and THF). Thank you

[SpartanKiller13]

Thanks for the reply! :) Pretty much why I'd make a sorcerer/palidin mix is so I could do awesome damage (as a sorcerer), and be able to heal myself (as a palidin).

Some alternative ways to heal yourself on a Sorc: Halfling Dragonmark (https://ddowiki.com/page/Dragonmark), Warforged (https://ddowiki.com/page/Warforged) racial Arcane Repair, Aasimar (https://ddowiki.com/page/Aasimar) racial Healing Hands, Wood Elf (https://ddowiki.com/page/Wood_Elf) racial Vigor SLA, Hirelings (https://ddowiki.com/page/Hireling), UMD (https://ddowiki.com/page/Use_Magic_Device) Wand/Scroll healing, potions (https://ddowiki.com/page/Potions) of various types, and of course dipping a class like Paladin/Favored Soul for their heals.

Not saying that's what you should do, just mentioning a few alternatives :)


Very helpful! Would this work? Aasimar: Barb 17, Rogue 2, Fighter 1 (THF, light armor for evasion). 2nd choice would be dropping Rogue to 1 and going with medium armor for more PRR. Pretty sure I’ll start at level 4-5 due to a stack of xp stones.

BTW, is VKF a “Pay” option? Not sure what it stands for.

Note: I’ve been testing a TWF Aasimar Scourge and want the above character to have a different flavor (eg traps and THF). Thank you

Here's a pretty decent thread on Barbarian trapping builds (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/496350-Barbarian-Trapper-with-Heals-is-it-possible); it's a little dated, but has some nice ideas as well.

Since you're planning on trapping, I'd go with Light Armor (Evasion allows you to stand in traps or walk through them while disarming, which is important for quite a few of them). PRR difference from Light to Medium is half your BAB, so at 10th level it's 5 PRR. Don't think that's worth giving up Evasion for :) You'll also have a higher Dodge cap (as it's limited by your armor's Max Dex Bonus) so you probably come out ahead as far as physical attacks.

What's the Fighter level for? I'd recommend starting Rogue first (lots of extra skill points) and then taking Barbarian 2 for Blood Tribute. Past that you should be fine doing kinda whatever :D Blood Tribute + Evasion should easily allow you to survive most of everything until level 12 where you get the awesome Barbarian T5's (Ravager has best sustain, Frenzied Berserker has best damage generally).

Vistani Knife Fighter (https://ddowiki.com/page/Vistani_Knife_Fighter_enhancements) is a universal tree built around using daggers. It's particularly good with mid-lategame Assassins since Assassin Core 5 gives +1 stacking crit multiplier which pushes your DPS into the "great" category lol. It's available for 495 DDO points, but if you run through Heroic/Epic Elite Ravenloft saga (available freely until the 30th) you'll unlock it permanently on that character (https://ddowiki.com/page/Favor#Keepers_of_the_Feather) (even after TRing). Even if you don't plan on a VKF life, you should go unlock it :D if nothing else, it's an easy source of Haste Action Boost (https://ddowiki.com/page/Vistani_Knife_Fighter_enhancements#Tier_Two) which is one of the best DPS clickies on most melee toons; and of course RL gear is decent, and favor = DDO points.

------

The biggest problem with THF + trapping is that trapping is made up of Int skills and only a few THF builds use Int (and Evasion is powered by Dex which few THF builds use). Won't matter as much early on, but lategame you might need to gearswap a bit more to be able to trap effectively.

[Ravenbrew]

Here's a pretty decent thread on Barbarian trapping builds (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/496350-Barbarian-Trapper-with-Heals-is-it-possible); it's a little dated, but has some nice ideas as well.

Since you're planning on trapping, I'd go with Light Armor (Evasion allows you to stand in traps or walk through them while disarming, which is important for quite a few of them). PRR difference from Light to Medium is half your BAB, so at 10th level it's 5 PRR. Don't think that's worth giving up Evasion for :) You'll also have a higher Dodge cap (as it's limited by your armor's Max Dex Bonus) so you probably come out ahead as far as physical attacks.

What's the Fighter level for? I'd recommend starting Rogue first (lots of extra skill points) and then taking Barbarian 2 for Blood Tribute. Past that you should be fine doing kinda whatever :D Blood Tribute + Evasion should easily allow you to survive most of everything until level 12 where you get the awesome Barbarian T5's (Ravager has best sustain, Frenzied Berserker has best damage generally).

Vistani Knife Fighter (https://ddowiki.com/page/Vistani_Knife_Fighter_enhancements) is a universal tree built around using daggers. It's particularly good with mid-latega.....bit more to be able to trap effectively.

Thank you - lots to think about! In that thread they also mention you can't trap while raged - that would sure be irritating. I will definitely earn the VKF - seems a no brainer :) I only added fighter for the extra feat (which may not be needed). Would the Falconry even work with the Barbarian-Rogue concept? I know Aasimar is great for the heals. Thx

[SpartanKiller13]

Thank you - lots to think about! In that thread they also mention you can't trap while raged - that would sure be irritating. I will definitely earn the VKF - seems a no brainer :) I only added fighter for the extra feat (which may not be needed). Would the Falconry even work with the Barbarian-Rogue concept? I know Aasimar is great for the heals. Thx

Yeah, but you can get like 6 extra rages/rest via T1 enhancement in Frenzied Berserker, so it's generally not too bad. Most quests only have a few traps, and for those few with tons of traps you can just rage for bigger fights and stay unraged the rest of it (bring lesser restoration pots to cure your fatigue). Fighter for feats is fine if you need it (also cheap access to Haste Boost is nice), but will delay your Barbarian stuff. Matters more if you're going past 20 (as you'll lose Core 18's or capstones etc) but for a 1-20 it's less important.

Falconry has some nice things for melees in general (Sprint Boosts, 5% HP, and if you get 23+ AP into it 30% bonus Helpless damage is really good) but the main drive of the tree is Wis-based combat and that's basically the opposite of what you're after. Barbarian has some really good trees, so you likely won't have a ton of AP spare and Falconry's pretty expensive if you're just in for a few specific enhancements. Also one of the main filler enhancements is Sprint Boosts, but Frenzied Berserker gets a better version and you're going to be in FB for Blood Tribute etc anyway so you might as well use the filler in that tree instead... Typically you'll be spending basically everything in FB and Ravager (Ravager T5 is amazing, but FB has better early stuff and now has +Strikethrough which is great) and especially since you're adding a few points in Aasimar and possibly Mechanic (for trap skills bonuses) it's hard to figure out where to get the AP from to spend on Falconry.

PS as of 2018 you can use Healing Hands while raging :)

[Zorrbeania]

Some alternative ways to heal yourself on a Sorc: Halfling Dragonmark (https://ddowiki.com/page/Dragonmark), Warforged (https://ddowiki.com/page/Warforged) racial Arcane Repair, Aasimar (https://ddowiki.com/page/Aasimar) racial Healing Hands, Wood Elf (https://ddowiki.com/page/Wood_Elf) racial Vigor SLA, Hirelings (https://ddowiki.com/page/Hireling), UMD (https://ddowiki.com/page/Use_Magic_Device) Wand/Scroll healing, potions (https://ddowiki.com/page/Potions) of various types, and of course dipping a class like Paladin/Favored Soul for their heals.

Not saying that's what you should do, just mentioning a few alternatives :)

Thank you! I'll make sure and keep those things in mind when creating new characters! :) (Though I'll probably keep a good old hierling with me just in case)!

[Riei_Arkanus]

Hello, would need a good Iconic Char build for farming named itens (especially ravenloft`s ones)

Can be either melee or caster, needs to be survivable and kill fast. . . . trapping is optional but if he cant disable traps he has to have a way to at least survive them on elite.

Iconic to start at level 15, VIP member with all but shadarkai and morninglord iconics available (also no Favored soul yet)

Thanks!

[SpartanKiller13]

Hello, would need a good Iconic Char build for farming named items (especially ravenloft`s ones)

Can be either melee or caster, needs to be survivable and kill fast. . . . trapping is optional but if he cant disable traps he has to have a way to at least survive them on elite.

Iconic to start at level 15, VIP member with all but shadarkai and morninglord iconics available (also no Favored soul yet)

Thanks!

Hey, just going to float some ideas and can flesh out whatever sounds interesting. Note that something set to farm Ravenloft will be quite a bit different than one built to farm Sharn :p

ES Warlock? Immortal, can just pick up groups and AoE them down. Tank traps all you want. Cone Shape + Shining Through + ES Blasts = win. Can 14/1 with whatever Iconic - Aasimar for Healing Hands if you're feeling peckish.

Bladeforged Sorc? Either 14/1 for DB:Fireball, or 12/3 for Sacred Defender stance (for 25 PRR/MRR to tank traps with). Grab enough EK to get ASF reduction, and Reconstruct SLA (plus spellcast Repair as needed) will keep you happily at full HP. Sorcs are the king of Elite/low Reaper currently, with amazing AoE and plenty of boss DPS. Could also do Aasimar via Healing Hands. Squishiest but probably has the best clear speed.

THF PDK Paladin? Probably the best melee option. Run Cha-maxed with a Greatsword (using CKT + Divine Might), have no-fail tactics and no-fail AoE save-or-die with Holy Retribution (https://ddowiki.com/page/Holy_Retribution/sandbox) - with an item or two you'll be ~DC50 for it lol. Angelskin + Sacred Defender Stance gets 40 PRR/MRR and 20% HP, with Lay on Hands for burst healing and cures for between fights. You could burn a LHoW +1 to swap out the first Fighter level for Paladin 15 (which gets you Zeal) but frankly just grab Haste Boost from Kensei and call it a day.

THF Bladeforged Paladin gets you Holy Sword + Zeal, and Reconstruct which is great; but it's not as fast at clearing and you're probably over-tanky lol.

------

My best anti-trap advice is to take Spring Attack; (https://ddowiki.com/page/Spring_Attack) it requires 13 Dex and 3 feats but it removes most of the timing/effort involved in avoiding traps. Just wait for the spiky/hot/flavored bits of the trap to not be in front of you and push the button. Certainly your toon might be slightly less-optimized in terms of DPS output; but IMO higher mobility, the ability to jump ledges, and ignore most traps is well worth it for fast farming.

[Riei_Arkanus]

Hey, just going to float some ideas and can flesh out whatever sounds interesting. Note that something set to farm Ravenloft will be quite a bit different than one built to farm Sharn :p

ES Warlock? Immortal, can just pick up groups and AoE them down. Tank traps all you want. Cone Shape + Shining Through + ES Blasts = win. Can 14/1 with whatever Iconic - Aasimar for Healing Hands if you're feeling peckish.

Bladeforged Sorc? Either 14/1 for DB:Fireball, or 12/3 for Sacred Defender stance (for 25 PRR/MRR to tank traps with). Grab enough EK to get ASF reduction, and Reconstruct SLA (plus spellcast Repair as needed) will keep you happily at full HP. Sorcs are the king of Elite/low Reaper currently, with amazing AoE and plenty of boss DPS. Could also do Aasimar via Healing Hands. Squishiest but probably has the best clear speed.

THF PDK Paladin? Probably the best melee option. Run Cha-maxed with a Greatsword (using CKT + Divine Might), have no-fail tactics and no-fail AoE save-or-die with Holy Retribution (https://ddowiki.com/page/Holy_Retribution/sandbox) - with an item or two you'll be ~DC50 for it lol. Angelskin + Sacred Defender Stance gets 40 PRR/MRR and 20% HP, with Lay on Hands for burst healing and cures for between fights. You could burn a LHoW +1 to swap out the first Fighter level for Paladin 15 (which gets you Zeal) but frankly just grab Haste Boost from Kensei and call it a day.

THF Bladeforged Paladin gets you Holy Sword + Zeal, and Reconstruct which is great; but it's not as fast at clearing and you're probably over-tanky lol.

------

My best anti-trap advice is to take Spring Attack; (https://ddowiki.com/page/Spring_Attack) it requires 13 Dex and 3 feats but it removes most of the timing/effort involved in avoiding traps. Just wait for the spiky/hot/flavored bits of the trap to not be in front of you and push the button. Certainly your toon might be slightly less-optimized in terms of DPS output; but IMO higher mobility, the ability to jump ledges, and ignore most traps is well worth it for fast farming.



Thanks!!!


Using an ES warlock as my main but the killing is too slow for farming (maybe it`s cause he is carceri pact)

Of those listed tho, the THF Paladin and the bladeforged sorc are both interesting!

Any more info on the builds? Im assuming the sorc would be fire for raven but at other environments can be exchanged for air or something else?

[SpartanKiller13]

Thanks!!!

Using an ES warlock as my main but the killing is too slow for farming (maybe it`s cause he is carceri pact)

Of those listed tho, the THF Paladin and the bladeforged sorc are both interesting!

Any more info on the builds? Im assuming the sorc would be fire for raven but at other environments can be exchanged for air or something else?

Yeah, that's fair XD it's safe but definitely more on the tank side of the scale. Assuming you've tried a few different enhancement setups? My Warlock alt uses Chain Shape, but a ton of people swear by Cone and it's pretty great for grouped mobs. Yeah, Carceri isn't great vs undead...

-----

Well, for the Sorc your main decision is 14/1 (DBF is really decent) or 12/3 (much tankier). Fire is slightly better DPS in general with a 14/1, but I'd actually recommend Air for a farming toon because of Wind Dance (https://ddowiki.com/page/Air_Savant_enhancements#Tier_Five) (and it's IMO always better for a 12/3). Chain Lightning is fantastic, you have Ball Lightning + Lighting Bolt for cleanup (as well as stuff like Fireball lol) and Eladar's for boss-killing - so the DPS isn't bad. Can run a Ravenloft belt for spellpower either way, but mobility trumps most other things when farming overlevel :)

Here's a thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/460566-Looking-for-an-efficient-15-28-Bladeforged-Sorc-build) talking about BF Sorcs; it's built for levels past 15 (where 12/3 falls off) but a lot of good tips still.

Abilities: max Cha > Con > else; if going Spring Attack (most relevant for non-Air) grab Dex 13 before maxing Con. All level-ups into Cha.

6 Feats: if Spring Attack: Maximize > Empower/Force of Personality > Quicken > Dodge > Mobility > Spring Attack (Force of Personality matters more for a 14/1 split, a 12/3 gets a huge saves boost from Paladin).
If no Spring Attack: Maximize > Empower > Quicken > Force of Personality > Spell Focus: Evocation > GSF: Evocation

Skills: Spellcraft > Repair > Jump > Swim?

Enhancements (assuming 12/3 w/Falconry, the hardest split):

37 AP Air Savant (https://ddowiki.com/page/Air_Savant_enhancements) (Core 4, T5 goodies, SLA's, +2 Cha, Efficient Maximize) - can swap this for a different tree as needed
9 AP Bladeforged (https://ddowiki.com/page/Bladeforged_enhancements) (Mechanist III, Communion of Scribing II, Inscribed Armor I)
8 AP Falconry (https://ddowiki.com/page/Falconry_enhancements) (Spring Boost III)
6 AP Sacred Defender (https://ddowiki.com/page/Sacred_Defender_enhancements) (Core 2, Durable Defense III)

If you don't have Falconry or went 14/1, you have even more AP to throw around :p Eldritch Knight is a pretty decent spot to spend points as well.

------

PDK Paladin; Spring Attack line has more mobility, and focuses on using active attacks for AoE (your THF will hit 2 enemies/swing) whereas no SA line hits nearly 3 enemies/swing. I'd run Precision if you weren't farming overlevel, but that's not an issue XD IMO the Spring Attack build is better.

Abilities if Spring Attack: 15 Str, 13 Dex, 14 Con, 8 Int, 8 Wis, 17 Cha - levelups into Cha
Abilities if no Spring Attack: 17 Str, 8 Dex, 14 Con, 8 Int, 8 Wis, 17 Cha - levelups into Cha
You need 14 Wis to cast all your spells, but 8 + 2 Airship + 4 augment (or Owl's Wisdom pot) will get you there even without an item. Can drop Cha to 16 and bump Wis if you're concerned.

7 Feats: Dodge > Mobility > THF > Spring Attack > Improved Crit: Slashing > Power Attack > Stunning Blow
Without SA: Power Attack > THF > Stunning Blow > ITHF > Improved Crit: Slashing > GTHF > Extra Turning

Skills: Jump > whatever (Heal?)

Enhancements:

36 AP KotC (https://ddowiki.com/page/Knight_of_the_Chalice_enhancements) (Core 4, Tier 5, +2 Cha, Cleaves, Divine Might, Lead the Charge, 20% Strikethrough)
13+ AP Sacred Defender (https://ddowiki.com/page/Sacred_Defender_enhancements) (Core 2, Extra Lay On Hands III, Durable Defence III, Tenacious Defense III, +1 Cha)
3-8 AP PDK (https://ddowiki.com/page/Purple_Dragon_Knight_enhancements) (Cormyrean Knight Training, if no SA get Great Weapon Aptitude in T2)

Leftover AP are a bit more flexible, Sprint Boosts from Falconry (https://ddowiki.com/page/Falconry_enhancements) or Haste Boost from Kensei (https://ddowiki.com/page/Kensei_enhancements) are great options; as is sinking more points into Sacred Defender (T4 has 10% MS) or PDK.

Grab a Greatsword (Sharn Crafted is probably ideal), cast Holy Sword + Angelskin + Righteous Command (+ Divine Might as needed), and go ham lol. CMW + Lay on Hands for healing. Lead the Charge or Spring Attack into a group of mobs, use Holy Retribution > KotC Cleaves > Stunning Blow, and move on lol. Melee Power Boost is best for mobbing, Haste Boost is best for boss-killing.

------

Still fairly basic descriptions, so please don't hesitate to ask for clarification etc :)

[Riei_Arkanus]

Yeah, that's fair XD it's safe but definitely more on the tank side of the scale. Assuming you've tried a few different enhancement setups? My Warlock alt uses Chain Shape, but a ton of people swear by Cone and it's pretty great for grouped mobs. Yeah, Carceri isn't great vs undead...

-----

Well, for the Sorc your main decision is 14/1 (DBF is really decent) or 12/3 (much tankier). Fire is slightly better DPS in general with a 14/1, but I'd actually recommend Air for a farming toon because of Wind Dance (https://ddowiki.com/page/Air_Savant_enhancements#Tier_Five) (and it's IMO always better for a 12/3). Chain Lightning is fantastic, you have Ball Lightning + Lighting Bolt for cleanup (as well as stuff like Fireball lol) and Eladar's for boss-killing - so the DPS isn't bad. Can run a Ravenloft belt for spellpower either way, but mobility trumps most other things when farming overlevel :)

Here's a thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/460566-Looking-for-an-efficient-15-28-Bladeforged-Sorc-build) talking about BF Sorcs; it's built for levels past 15 (where 12/3 falls off) but a lot of good tips still.

Abilities: max Cha > Con > else; if going Spring Attack (most relevant for non-Air) grab Dex 13 before maxing Con. All level-ups into Cha.

6 Feats: if Spring Attack: Maximize > Empower/Force of Personality > Quicken > Dodge > Mobility > Spring Attack (Force of Personality matters more for a 14/1 split, a 12/3 gets a huge saves boost from Paladin).
If no Spring Attack: Maximize > Empower > Quicken > Force of Personality > Spell Focus: Evocation > GSF: Evocation

Skills: Spellcraft > Repair > Jump > Swim?

Enhancements (assuming 12/3 w/Falconry, the hardest split):

37 AP Air Savant (https://ddowiki.com/page/Air_Savant_enhancements) (Core 4, T5 goodies, SLA's, +2 Cha, Efficient Maximize) - can swap this for a different tree as needed
9 AP Bladeforged (https://ddowiki.com/page/Bladeforged_enhancements) (Mechanist III, Communion of Scribing II, Inscribed Armor I)
8 AP Falconry (https://ddowiki.com/page/Falconry_enhancements) (Spring Boost III)
6 AP Sacred Defender (https://ddowiki.com/page/Sacred_Defender_enhancements) (Core 2, Durable Defense III)

If you don't have Falconry or went 14/1, you have even more AP to throw around :p Eldritch Knight is a pretty decent spot to spend points as well.

------

PDK Paladin; Spring Attack line has more mobility, and focuses on using active attacks for AoE (your THF will hit 2 enemies/swing) whereas no SA line hits nearly 3 enemies/swing. I'd run Precision if you weren't farming overlevel, but that's not an issue XD IMO the Spring Attack build is better.

Abilities if Spring Attack: 15 Str, 13 Dex, 14 Con, 8 Int, 8 Wis, 17 Cha - levelups into Cha
Abilities if no Spring Attack: 17 Str, 8 Dex, 14 Con, 8 Int, 8 Wis, 17 Cha - levelups into Cha
You need 14 Wis to cast all your spells, but 8 + 2 Airship + 4 augment (or Owl's Wisdom pot) will get you there even without an item. Can drop Cha to 16 and bump Wis if you're concerned.

7 Feats: Dodge > Mobility > THF > Spring Attack > Improved Crit: Slashing > Power Attack > Stunning Blow
Without SA: Power Attack > THF > Stunning Blow > ITHF > Improved Crit: Slashing > GTHF > Extra Turning

Skills: Jump > whatever (Heal?)

Enhancements:

36 AP KotC (https://ddowiki.com/page/Knight_of_the_Chalice_enhancements) (Core 4, Tier 5, +2 Cha, Cleaves, Divine Might, Lead the Charge, 20% Strikethrough)
13+ AP Sacred Defender (https://ddowiki.com/page/Sacred_Defender_enhancements) (Core 2, Extra Lay On Hands III, Durable Defence III, Tenacious Defense III, +1 Cha)
3-8 AP PDK (https://ddowiki.com/page/Purple_Dragon_Knight_enhancements) (Cormyrean Knight Training, if no SA get Great Weapon Aptitude in T2)

Leftover AP are a bit more flexible, Sprint Boosts from Falconry (https://ddowiki.com/page/Falconry_enhancements) or Haste Boost from Kensei (https://ddowiki.com/page/Kensei_enhancements) are great options; as is sinking more points into Sacred Defender (T4 has 10% MS) or PDK.

Grab a Greatsword (Sharn Crafted is probably ideal), cast Holy Sword + Angelskin + Righteous Command (+ Divine Might as needed), and go ham lol. CMW + Lay on Hands for healing. Lead the Charge or Spring Attack into a group of mobs, use Holy Retribution > KotC Cleaves > Stunning Blow, and move on lol. Melee Power Boost is best for mobbing, Haste Boost is best for boss-killing.

------

Still fairly basic descriptions, so please don't hesitate to ask for clarification etc :)

No need, both worked wonders!!!! (used my 2 other slots to make each build, paladin does move slowly tho, need to get some speed eqp on him as the action boost is not that long lasting)



With that aside tho, Im still at level 15 with my main warlock but decided I want to get druid lives next (after reaching 30 at least once)

Initially I was thinking on going monk2 or 3(speed is king) druid rest with falcon wis to damage for a really SAD characteer(wis to AC, hit, and DCs) but I dont see many people considering this on the forums? is AC not good here to warrant a couple of monk levels?

[darthtito]

hi im trying to get my racial completionist, and now is the turn for my half-elf, I want to try warlock for the first time, hope you can help me out,

thanks.

[RatchetBomb]

Hi amazing build team! After two weeks of solid play, I am madly in love with this game and I'm getting ready for my first TR from level 30 back to 1. Shout out to this amazing thread for really helping me get the hang of the basics in this game: https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/515625-First-Life-Human-Two-Handed-Fighting-Paladin-18-Rogue-2-for-Free-to-play-players!

I will be getting a martial epic destiny PL (either doublestrike or skills...not sure what people think is the right thing to do there) and a Paladin past life. I have a +8 tome and am VIP. For my next life I want to try something completely different from melee with a little divine magic. I'm thinking ranged, arcane user! I know I could go with a Fire or Air Sorc or a Warlock and just nuke things but I'm thinking dabbling in both ranged combat and spellcasting so maybe a Wiz/Artificer with Inquis? Or Alchemist Inquisitive? I read that they were nerfed but I still see tons of crossbows in Epic groups. Honestly, I'm open to any fun, good builds that are a completely different playstyle from the THF Pally (with rogue splash) I did in my first life. Thank you in advance, you guys rock!

[SpartanKiller13]

No need, both worked wonders!!!! (used my 2 other slots to make each build, paladin does move slowly tho, need to get some speed eqp on him as the action boost is not that long lasting)

With that aside tho, Im still at level 15 with my main warlock but decided I want to get druid lives next (after reaching 30 at least once)

Initially I was thinking on going monk2 or 3(speed is king) druid rest with falcon wis to damage for a really SAD characteer(wis to AC, hit, and DCs) but I dont see many people considering this on the forums? is AC not good here to warrant a couple of monk levels?

Glad to hear! For MS for your Paladin, Anger's Step (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Anger%27s_Step) from Sacrifices in Korthos has been the first item I farm out on many toons for a long time. Get like two pair and you're set :D But yeah, I'd definitely expect an Air Sorc to move faster even if it's just from wings lol. What splits did you use? And did you try Spring Attack on either?

AC is pretty important at early Heroics (1-7 or so), falls into mediocrity in mid Heroics (8-13 or so) and becomes pretty weak past that unless you're dedicated. Enemy to-hit scales a lot faster than your base AC does, and while investing in AC has some benefits most players don't worry about it too much. For a 1-30 Druid life I'd definitely put AC pretty low on the priority list; a caster Druid doesn't care much about AC (as you'll mostly only use it against enemy archers which are trash in DDO) and a melee Druid will care a lot more about the low MRR cap (https://ddowiki.com/page/Magical_Resistance_Rating#MRR_cap) of robes.

Dipping Monk 2-3 isn't bad for the sake of it, but the opportunity cost is pretty high and IMO the benefits aren't great; Evasion is pretty awesome, but a caster Druid doesn't care and a melee Druid either gains it (Nature's Warrior) or can't use it (Nature's Protector). Dipping also costs you your capstone (and Core 18's if you dip /3) which is pretty bad for Protector builds but pretty alright with Warrior/Herald builds. If you're just after MS though, dipping /1 or /2 Barbarian is a better choice - Barbarian 1 gives 10% MS bonus, (https://ddowiki.com/page/Fast_Movement_(barbarian)) and Barbarian 2 gives access to Sprint Boost + Blood Tribute (Blood Tribute is awesome, and FB's Sprint Boost is slightly better than Falconry's). Still, going /2 Monk won't hurt you, just plan out in advance :)


hi im trying to get my racial completionist, and now is the turn for my half-elf, I want to try warlock for the first time, hope you can help me out,

thanks.

Uhh, Warlock is probably the friendliest caster class in DDO. Here's an excellent intro guide by Zehnpai (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/493271-Zehnpai-s-Acid-Warlock-First-life-friendly-Heroic-leveling-VIP-Premium) with breakdowns by level etc. I'd take Force of Personality at level 6 instead, just to boost Will saves, but it's just fine either way.

Here's Strimtom's guide (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/514782-An-easy-warlock-levelling-build-for-players-of-any-experience-level) (with videos) from earlier this year. He's pretty good about breaking stuff down as well, and videos help a lot for showing what's going on.

Please feel free to ask more questions etc, but I'm definitely not as good at breaking them down as either of those players :)

[SpartanKiller13]

I will be getting a martial epic destiny PL (either doublestrike or skills...not sure what people think is the right thing to do there) and a Paladin past life. I have a +8 tome and am VIP. For my next life I want to try something completely different from melee with a little divine magic. I'm thinking ranged, arcane user! I know I could go with a Fire or Air Sorc or a Warlock and just nuke things but I'm thinking dabbling in both ranged combat and spellcasting so maybe a Wiz/Artificer with Inquis? Or Alchemist Inquisitive? I read that they were nerfed but I still see tons of crossbows in Epic groups. Honestly, I'm open to any fun, good builds that are a completely different playstyle from the THF Pally (with rogue splash) I did in my first life. Thank you in advance, you guys rock!

Welcome to DDO! Glad you're having fun :)

Unless you plan on avoiding melee forever, I'd highly recommend Doublestrike > Skills for a martial EPL. Ancient Tactics might be a better choice than those, FWIW, but that's definitely a little more niche.

Here's two relevant threads about Wizard Inquisitive; thread one (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/507134-Theory-Crafters-Pure-Wizard-Inquisitive) and thread two (https://www.reddit.com/r/ddo/comments/bf51wm/ek_inquisitive/) and here's another about a Gnome Wizard Inquisitive. (https://www.spellswords.com/forums/topic/u43-pale-master-inq/)

Seems like the common theme is ~16-18 Wizard with 2-4 Arti/Fighter etc. Pretty decent arguments for quite a few variants, some of which might be slightly out of date.

Improved Precise Shot (https://ddowiki.com/page/Improved_Precise_Shot) (which allows you to hit multiple enemies in a line) was nerfed so you deal 20% less ranged damage with it on. Still great for mowing down groups, but you'll want to turn it off for spread out enemies or tough bosses.

------

If you have access to Deep Gnome, that'd be my recommendation; short model = better IPS, Gnome gets Color Spray which is bonkers OP, and you start at level 15 which neatly skips you past all the weak points of an earlygame Wizard (need AP into Harper, Pale Master, EK, and Inq lol).

------

Let us know what seems interesting/good to you and I (or others here) will be happy to help flesh a build out for ya :)

[RatchetBomb]

Welcome to DDO! Glad you're having fun :)

Unless you plan on avoiding melee forever, I'd highly recommend Doublestrike > Skills for a martial EPL. Ancient Tactics might be a better choice than those, FWIW, but that's definitely a little more niche.

Here's two relevant threads about Wizard Inquisitive; thread one (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/507134-Theory-Crafters-Pure-Wizard-Inquisitive) and thread two (https://www.reddit.com/r/ddo/comments/bf51wm/ek_inquisitive/) and here's another about a Gnome Wizard Inquisitive. (https://www.spellswords.com/forums/topic/u43-pale-master-inq/)

Seems like the common theme is ~16-18 Wizard with 2-4 Arti/Fighter etc. Pretty decent arguments for quite a few variants, some of which might be slightly out of date.

Improved Precise Shot (https://ddowiki.com/page/Improved_Precise_Shot) (which allows you to hit multiple enemies in a line) was nerfed so you deal 20% less ranged damage with it on. Still great for mowing down groups, but you'll want to turn it off for spread out enemies or tough bosses.

------

If you have access to Deep Gnome, that'd be my recommendation; short model = better IPS, Gnome gets Color Spray which is bonkers OP, and you start at level 15 which neatly skips you past all the weak points of an earlygame Wizard (need AP into Harper, Pale Master, EK, and Inq lol).

------

Let us know what seems interesting/good to you and I (or others here) will be happy to help flesh a build out for ya :)


Oh my goodness, thank you so much for all of the help! I do have Deep Gnome so that sounds like a perfect way to go. I'd love to be able to help out a team by CCing so I love the idea of color spray. Let's do this! Oh and if there are any thoughts on items I should go farm before I TR to make the transition smoother, I'd love to hear that too. and, again, thank you!!!

[Riei_Arkanus]

Glad to hear! For MS for your Paladin, Anger's Step (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Anger%27s_Step) from Sacrifices in Korthos has been the first item I farm out on many toons for a long time. Get like two pair and you're set :D But yeah, I'd definitely expect an Air Sorc to move faster even if it's just from wings lol. What splits did you use? And did you try Spring Attack on either?

AC is pretty important at early Heroics (1-7 or so), falls into mediocrity in mid Heroics (8-13 or so) and becomes pretty weak past that unless you're dedicated. Enemy to-hit scales a lot faster than your base AC does, and while investing in AC has some benefits most players don't worry about it too much. For a 1-30 Druid life I'd definitely put AC pretty low on the priority list; a caster Druid doesn't care much about AC (as you'll mostly only use it against enemy archers which are trash in DDO) and a melee Druid will care a lot more about the low MRR cap (https://ddowiki.com/page/Magical_Resistance_Rating#MRR_cap) of robes.

Dipping Monk 2-3 isn't bad for the sake of it, but the opportunity cost is pretty high and IMO the benefits aren't great; Evasion is pretty awesome, but a caster Druid doesn't care and a melee Druid either gains it (Nature's Warrior) or can't use it (Nature's Protector). Dipping also costs you your capstone (and Core 18's if you dip /3) which is pretty bad for Protector builds but pretty alright with Warrior/Herald builds. If you're just after MS though, dipping /1 or /2 Barbarian is a better choice - Barbarian 1 gives 10% MS bonus, (https://ddowiki.com/page/Fast_Movement_(barbarian)) and Barbarian 2 gives access to Sprint Boost + Blood Tribute (Blood Tribute is awesome, and FB's Sprint Boost is slightly better than Falconry's). Still, going /2 Monk won't hurt you, just plan out in advance :)



Uhh, Warlock is probably the friendliest caster class in DDO. Here's an excellent intro guide by Zehnpai (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/493271-Zehnpai-s-Acid-Warlock-First-life-friendly-Heroic-leveling-VIP-Premium) with breakdowns by level etc. I'd take Force of Personality at level 6 instead, just to boost Will saves, but it's just fine either way.

Here's Strimtom's guide (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/514782-An-easy-warlock-levelling-build-for-players-of-any-experience-level) (with videos) from earlier this year. He's pretty good about breaking stuff down as well, and videos help a lot for showing what's going on.

Please feel free to ask more questions etc, but I'm definitely not as good at breaking them down as either of those players :)


went for 12/3 sorc (sacred defense is too good to pass up) and it worked pretty well, long quests are a problem with spell points (cleric hench is mandatory for things like invitation to dinner or have to go melee mode and that is kinda slow atm)

And yah, took spring on paladin, didnt test it yet tho (used him mainly to ransack into the mists for those blurfingered gloves, rannsacked that quest on all 3 characters before it dropped)

[SpartanKiller13]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much for all of the help! I do have Deep Gnome so that sounds like a perfect way to go. I'd love to be able to help out a team by CCing so I love the idea of color spray. Let's do this! Oh and if there are any thoughts on items I should go farm before I TR to make the transition smoother, I'd love to hear that too. and, again, thank you!!!

Perfect! If you have a specific build you're after I can help further, but otherwise I have a few general tips :)

-----

Make sure you grab Heighten Spell :) It's free to add to Color Spray (right click hotbar icon, set to always on) and gives up to +8 DC's so it's pretty awesome.

As far as gear, I'd make sure you grab Wallwatch set from Sharn, (https://ddowiki.com/page/Named_item_sets#Masterminds_of_Sharn_sets) some Int gear (Acolyte's Lenses (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Acolyte%27s_Lenses) easier, or get two Sharn items) and some Illusion gear (Reflective Bloodstone (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Reflective_Bloodstone) is pretty decent); add on some generic Ghostly/Resistance/Con/False Life etc stuff and you're good to go :)

Personally I tend to farm out an entire gearset before I TR into a build, but I'm a little crazy lol; I'd prioritize a Sharn set, the Int, and Illusion Focus - everything else is cake.

If you're running a PM variant, Negative Amp and Negative Spellpower are essential for Reaper past R1 or so (you can easily outheal the R1 penalty, but it takes a little gearing for higher skulls). Remember that you can swap items before casting Death Auras (so get a gearset with some Nullification/Null Lore stick + like Stygian Wrath (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Stygian_Wrath)) and you'll benefit fully from it even after swapping back to your crossbows.

Color Spray is pretty short-ranged, but it costs 2 SP, has a short CD at 8 seconds, and has three separate save-or-get-screwed effects attached. It's pretty easy to get solid Illusion DC's for Heroics into earlier Epics (you're maxing Int, add on a little spell focus and boom) and it's amazingly strong CC that works on most enemies in DDO - even stuff like spiders that are immune to many effects will be blinded, which means they miss 50% of the time and often attack/move in the wrong direction. I've built entire lives around Color Spray lol.

------

Otherwise there's a few items I'd look for, but not dedicated farm (drop rates are too low for it) like Jibbers, (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Cursed_Blade_of_Jack_Jibbers) Mysterious Bauble, (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Mysterious_Bauble) and Cannith Boots. (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Cannith_Boots_of_Propulsion)

I'd also generally recommend players to grab a FoM swap item (usually Flightfoot Greaves (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Flightfoot_Greaves)) for toons that can't cast it; super useful for paralysis traps, as it makes them only slow you.

All these things are just generally useful though, and I wouldn't put more than a few runs into farming any of the first three (their drop rates are abysmal, just do a run every now and again).

If you're happy with your current life I'd also consider working your way across the Epic Destinies a bit; access to Rejuvenation Cocoon (https://ddowiki.com/page/Primal_Avatar#Tier_One) from Primal Avatar is really helpful on a lot of builds, and more ED progress = more Fate Points = better twists of fate :)

[SpartanKiller13]

went for 12/3 sorc (sacred defense is too good to pass up) and it worked pretty well, long quests are a problem with spell points (cleric hench is mandatory for things like invitation to dinner or have to go melee mode and that is kinda slow atm)

And yah, took spring on paladin, didnt test it yet tho (used him mainly to ransack into the mists for those blurfingered gloves, rannsacked that quest on all 3 characters before it dropped)

Ah yeah fair; spell point management comes with practice on a given toon, and isn't really something Warlocks run into. You could try running R1 (for quests you're within the range for) - Lost Souls give back a ton of spell points, which often makes up for the DPS debuff. Otherwise, grabbing Magical Efficiency, (https://ddowiki.com/page/Category:Magical_Efficiency_items) Wizardry (https://ddowiki.com/page/Category:Wizardry_items) gear, a clicky or three (Archivist's (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Archivist%27s_Necklace) from Korthos, Twisted Talisman (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Twisted_Talisman) from Red Fens, and Ring of Spell Storing (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Ring_of_Spell_Storing) from Menechtarun), and using more efficient spells/less metamagic can help (remember your SLA's get free metamagic - right-click hotbar icon and set to always on).

Invitation definitely gets better with quest knowledge, you can often complete it with only a few fights but knowing which can be hard. Dimension Door can save you from the banquet hall fight if you cast before talking to Strahd :)

Alright, just curious :)

For farming specific gear, your best bet is always to run on Elite/R1 with as many people as you can get (post LFM like "farming Blurfingered Gloves") - named drop rates are 10/16/33% (+1% per skull) so running Elite more than doubles your chance vs Hard; but a party of 5 players will pull more than you ever can solo.

[Riei_Arkanus]

Ah yeah fair; spell point management comes with practice on a given toon, and isn't really something Warlocks run into. You could try running R1 (for quests you're within the range for) - Lost Souls give back a ton of spell points, which often makes up for the DPS debuff. Otherwise, grabbing Magical Efficiency, (https://ddowiki.com/page/Category:Magical_Efficiency_items) Wizardry (https://ddowiki.com/page/Category:Wizardry_items) gear, a clicky or three (Archivist's (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Archivist%27s_Necklace) from Korthos, Twisted Talisman (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Twisted_Talisman) from Red Fens, and Ring of Spell Storing (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Ring_of_Spell_Storing) from Menechtarun), and using more efficient spells/less metamagic can help (remember your SLA's get free metamagic - right-click hotbar icon and set to always on).

Invitation definitely gets better with quest knowledge, you can often complete it with only a few fights but knowing which can be hard. Dimension Door can save you from the banquet hall fight if you cast before talking to Strahd :)

Alright, just curious :)

For farming specific gear, your best bet is always to run on Elite/R1 with as many people as you can get (post LFM like "farming Blurfingered Gloves") - named drop rates are 10/16/33% (+1% per skull) so running Elite more than doubles your chance vs Hard; but a party of 5 players will pull more than you ever can solo.

Yeah I play mainly on elite (reaper get`s nasty with those spectres).

Thanks for the help tho!

What would be a good Epic destiny to pursue on this warlock ? draconic?

[SpartanKiller13]

Yeah I play mainly on elite (reaper get`s nasty with those spectres).

Thanks for the help tho!

What would be a good Epic destiny to pursue on this warlock ? draconic?

That's definitely a good point :) Reapers hurt quite a bit. Having Shield/Nightshield up is pretty critical vs champs too...

Most Warlocks I see end up in Exalted Angel (tanklocks in Unyielding Sentinel sometimes). It has Light damage, Cha bonuses, DC bonuses, some nice SLA's, enough healing to keep you up (and a bit of party healing), Wings, Debuffs, and a self-rez which is awesome when soloing or vs party wipes.

I'm sure Draconic is fine (nice SLA's, Spell Crit bonus, and a little Spellpower), but I'd imagine you can twist Energy Burst while in EA and keep most of the benefits :p Magister is also probably a contender for DC-focused Warlocks (instakill builds) but it's almost certainly the lowest damage option of the three.

[RatchetBomb]

Perfect! If you have a specific build you're after I can help further, but otherwise I have a few general tips :)

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Make sure you grab Heighten Spell :) It's free to add to Color Spray (right click hotbar icon, set to always on) and gives up to +8 DC's so it's pretty awesome.

As far as gear, I'd make sure you grab Wallwatch set from Sharn, (https://ddowiki.com/page/Named_item_sets#Masterminds_of_Sharn_sets) some Int gear (Acolyte's Lenses (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Acolyte%27s_Lenses) easier, or get two Sharn items) and some Illusion gear (Reflective Bloodstone (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Reflective_Bloodstone) is pretty decent); add on some generic Ghostly/Resistance/Con/False Life etc stuff and you're good to go :)

Personally I tend to farm out an entire gearset before I TR into a build, but I'm a little crazy lol; I'd prioritize a Sharn set, the Int, and Illusion Focus - everything else is cake.

If you're running a PM variant, Negative Amp and Negative Spellpower are essential for Reaper past R1 or so (you can easily outheal the R1 penalty, but it takes a little gearing for higher skulls). Remember that you can swap items before casting Death Auras (so get a gearset with some Nullification/Null Lore stick + like Stygian Wrath (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Stygian_Wrath)) and you'll benefit fully from it even after swapping back to your crossbows.

Color Spray is pretty short-ranged, but it costs 2 SP, has a short CD at 8 seconds, and has three separate save-or-get-screwed effects attached. It's pretty easy to get solid Illusion DC's for Heroics into earlier Epics (you're maxing Int, add on a little spell focus and boom) and it's amazingly strong CC that works on most enemies in DDO - even stuff like spiders that are immune to many effects will be blinded, which means they miss 50% of the time and often attack/move in the wrong direction. I've built entire lives around Color Spray lol.

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Otherwise there's a few items I'd look for, but not dedicated farm (drop rates are too low for it) like Jibbers, (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Cursed_Blade_of_Jack_Jibbers) Mysterious Bauble, (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Mysterious_Bauble) and Cannith Boots. (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Cannith_Boots_of_Propulsion)

I'd also generally recommend players to grab a FoM swap item (usually Flightfoot Greaves (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Flightfoot_Greaves)) for toons that can't cast it; super useful for paralysis traps, as it makes them only slow you.

All these things are just generally useful though, and I wouldn't put more than a few runs into farming any of the first three (their drop rates are abysmal, just do a run every now and again).

If you're happy with your current life I'd also consider working your way across the Epic Destinies a bit; access to Rejuvenation Cocoon (https://ddowiki.com/page/Primal_Avatar#Tier_One) from Primal Avatar is really helpful on a lot of builds, and more ED progress = more Fate Points = better twists of fate :)

Ok, I have now made like 5 testing Deep Gnomes of a few different kinds following a few different builds guides and after playing them I love the PM focused one the best. I used this as the template: https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/506902-Template-for-a-U43-ARCANE-warrior. I took PM to Tier 5 with 12 points in Harper for Strategic Combat II and the rest in EK so I could get Martial Weap proficiency. I didn't have enough to get Color Spray. I put on some basic gear (stygian wrath, barovian longsword, orders garb, skull ring and the rest just DG's starter gear) and jumped into Elite Level 17 Sharn. It felt pretty good! I think it was missing maximize to really hit hard withe Necro SLAs and I think also given that I'll have a +8 tome, I can get Improved THF at 15 with only 11 Str which might be better than the SWF in the thread above. But I've now officially maxed out my limited game knowledge and I want to ask for help before I do it for real. So can I please get help with a Deep Gnome build, 20 Wiz either SWF/THF, Tier 5 PM for that awesome self-healing and general coolness and then I guess either Harper or Color Spray or EK whatever will help me best do Elite EE solo and contribute on low reaper elite in groups. Also the best spells to be using since I had a little trouble with figuring that out too. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for the help and for this thread in general!

[SpartanKiller13]

Ok, I have now made like 5 testing Deep Gnomes of a few different kinds following a few different builds guides and after playing them I love the PM focused one the best. I used this as the template: https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/506902-Template-for-a-U43-ARCANE-warrior. I took PM to Tier 5 with 12 points in Harper for Strategic Combat II and the rest in EK so I could get Martial Weap proficiency. I didn't have enough to get Color Spray. I put on some basic gear (stygian wrath, barovian longsword, orders garb, skull ring and the rest just DG's starter gear) and jumped into Elite Level 17 Sharn. It felt pretty good! I think it was missing maximize to really hit hard withe Necro SLAs and I think also given that I'll have a +8 tome, I can get Improved THF at 15 with only 11 Str which might be better than the SWF in the thread above. But I've now officially maxed out my limited game knowledge and I want to ask for help before I do it for real. So can I please get help with a Deep Gnome build, 20 Wiz either SWF/THF, Tier 5 PM for that awesome self-healing and general coolness and then I guess either Harper or Color Spray or EK whatever will help me best do Elite EE solo and contribute on low reaper elite in groups. Also the best spells to be using since I had a little trouble with figuring that out too. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for the help and for this thread in general!

That build's from Update 43; in Update 45 there was a major THF overhaul, and it strongly dominates DPS melee in endgame. For melee DPS I'd definitely recommend THF over basically everything else, in particular for EK builds. That said, it's slightly worse gearing (one item instead of two) and far worse for casting (you're using a beater stick, not caster items) so maybe not quite what you're after. The build you link is set up to be a DC caster that has a side order of melee DPS for boss-killing.

With that in mind, your main choices are mostly if you want to focus on casting with a side of melee DPS (like the build you linked), or melee DPS with a side of casting (like a THF EK build).

EK Tier 5 gives a ton of melee DPS; especially in epic levels, you can run in Fury of the Wild with THF and use Adrenaline + Eldritch Tempest to hit some truly stupid damage numbers (I was consistently hitting 75k's, with my biggest hit ~150k and Tronko's EK hitting 600k). You won't be able to land spellcast DC's at endgame though (it costs too many tradeoffs, I dropped ~30 DC's going from caster to THF melee focus); but you have a lot of CC via Dire Charge, Otto's Irresistible Dance, Power Word Stun, Eldritch Tempest, and Adrenaline + Overwhelming Force. With endgame gearing etc I was able to comfortably solo R4, and had decent PM-driven self-healing til R6ish. I was running EK Tier 5 + EK Capstone for max melee DPS.

Flip side. Pale Master Capstone is IMO the strongest capstone in DDO. It offers a truly insane amount of survivability; on my earlier PM caster lives I had comfortable self-healing in R8, with out-of-combat self-healing in R10. If I didn't die immediately, I was back to full health. This with 20ish Reaper points, +6 tome, and ~20 PL's. I could comfortably solo R5, but it definitely took longer especially when rednames/bosses were involved.

The drawback is that Pale Master's T5 is only alright, and the tree - while decent - isn't spectacular either; it's mostly about the excellent cores. Necrotic Blast is a decent SLA, but it's like 3k endgame (vs Tempest which is like 12k that can doublestrike). Improved Shrouds is also pretty nice, but largely offers defensive benefits.

Basically all relevant Wizard melee builds will be putting ~12 AP into Harper for Int-to-Damage + Know the Angles, so you can't just grab PM capstone (41 AP) plus EK T5 (which you want like 39 AP into).

Armor sets are also a noteworthy decision; Soul Splitter's Dreadkeeper (https://ddowiki.com/page/Named_item_sets#Legendary_Dreadkeeper) offers significantly better survivability (especially with Medium Armor) but Sharn's Part of the Family (https://ddowiki.com/page/Named_item_sets#Legendary_Part_of_the_Family) offers significantly higher melee DPS, and Esoteric Initiate (https://ddowiki.com/page/Named_item_sets#Legendary_Esoteric_Initiate) offers slightly better spellcasting (DC casting as well as blast-casting). From where you're at I'd aim for a Medium Armor Dreadkeeper build, as it's the most balanced and survivable - and also the easiest gearing.

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At the end of the day, I'd kinda tie the lines together; if you want more DPS (and it's a lot more), go EK T5 with THF - you'll have a lot more melee DPS. If you want more like the build mentioned above, which has effective spellcasting (blasting as well as CC and instakills), significantly better survivability, and still alright melee DPS I'd go with PM T5/capstone with SWF and an orb. EK line will be using Epic Defensive Fighting (https://ddowiki.com/page/Epic_Defensive_Fighting) and have limited casting, PM line will not.

Personally I'd recommend the PM SWF line; you can always ETR into the THF variant (like I did) but it's quite a bit friendlier and leaves more room to figure stuff out. Also instakilling is super fun and everyone should try it :D That said, each way works fine and having a +8 tome definitely makes THF a lot easier to manage - and hitting stupid high damage numbers is also super fun :)

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Two things you mentioned are missing Maximize for the SLA, and not having points for Color Spray; my recommendation would be to just swap feat order (grab Maximize earlier, kick back PL:Wizard or Precision) and to drop Harper to grab Color Spray (temporarily); you can get Int-to-Hit from Eldritch Knight, and most of your Heroic melee damage is from your EK imbues. Color Spray (https://ddowiki.com/page/Color_Spray) will get you helpless (https://ddowiki.com/page/Helpless) damage bonus for all your spellcast offense as well as any melee damage, and probably outweighs 2x your Int to-damage (ISWF + KTA) assuming you're ~40 Int.

Color Spray is spectacularly effective; lategame you'll have the SP to throw Mass Hold at everything, so CS is less important; but before then, it's really excellent and I'd definitely prioritize it especially if you're going more the caster route (losing a little melee damage is worth AOE helpless generally).

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I guess where I'm at is if you're running SWF w/Orb you're probably mostly there with the build you linked :) I'd probably swap Khopesh proficiency for Knight's Training (like suggested in some comments) and I'd 100% fit in Wellspring of Power (https://ddowiki.com/page/Wellspring_of_Power) as an Epic Feat - use it before your Death Auras for even better heals.

If you want more clarification/changes please feel free to ask lol, but that build's pretty solid so otherwise I'd go with that?

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You asked about best spells. Here's a few I prioritize and some notes (A if DC caster, B if self-buffed melee).

1) Shield/Nightshield (I like EK SLA) - essential for surviving Reaper. Magic Missile Spam OP.
1) Jump - essential for mobility.
1) Merfolk's - essential for looking fly in parties.
2) Web - especially with Heighten, this is one of your best CC sources for stuff that ignores mental effects (like constructs). Also can put it down in advance. Use it, love it.
2) Gust of Wind - clears Cloudkill. Nuff said.
2) Blur - 20% damage mitigation, throw it at everyone and your dog. And your skeleton.
2) Lesser Death Aura - cheap low-quality heals. Great way to spread LGS Dust effect though :)
2) Knock - open the doors
3) Displacement - like Blur; but better, shorter duration, and only for you. Keep this on.
3) Rage - increases your max HP; put this with the rest of your short-term buffs, cast it when you can afford to; also nice for the party.
3) Haste - makes you run and hit faster, very nice!
4) Death Aura - your bread and butter. Heals you based on your spellpower/crit at time of cast, so use your short-term boosts before firing this off.
4) Dimension Door - GTFO card, also used to speed up recalling and to skip large chunks of walking in some quests (like Redwillow).
4) Negative Energy Burst - spot healing if your auras aren't up to par. I hate it, but lots of PM players swear by it so give it a try.
4) Wall of Fire - for Heroics especially this is decent AoE DPS. Falls off later.
4) Fire Shield - ignore the block proc, look at the 50% energy resistance part. Very nice. Also lights you on fire, which is rad.
4A) Phantasmal Killer - cheap instakill; you get what you pay for though, and you'll need high DC's or low-save enemies to land it consistently. Kills archers pretty well though :)
5) Teleport - get around faster.
5) Hold Monster - great for throwing at Reapers/champs or whoever you missed/that saved your Mass Hold.
6) Greater Heroism - nice buff, use it on everyone.
6A) Undeath to Death - best way to kill undead; has a slow cast time, so aim in front of them or group them up first; always Quicken, it takes a century anyway. Nearly always works.
6A) Circle of Death - like above, but for living things. Not nearly as effective, but it's still AoE instakill = great. Always Heighten + Quicken.
6A) Flesh to Stone - works on a lot of stuff that's immune to instakills (like champs with Deathblock). Stone them and leave for your party to kill or hack their statue apart later.
6A) Necrotic Ray - biiiig damage numbers; scales with the same spellpower as your heals do, so you have lots. Does big damage.
6A) Disintegrate - take this until level 17, as it's your only good way to hurt stuff like Constructs with spells pre-Meteor Swarm.
6A) Chain Lightning - your first decent AoE spell.
6B) True Seeing - makes enemy Displacement worthless - very nice.
7) Greater Teleport - sometimes useful, and you have spare level 7 slots.
7) Prismatic Spray - this works on a lot of stuff nothing else does; can be used to Stone Sharn Constructs; alright for elite groups, but pretty expensive since you usually throw it a bunch.
7) Invisibility Mass - like Invisibility but also for your buddies. Why fight what you can walk past.
7A) Finger of Death - super effective single-target instakill; expensive, but kills stuff and has a Fort save so kill those squishy high-damage enemies with it.
7A) Otto's Sphere of Dancing - long duration AoE crowd control - what's not to love? Falls off in high Reaper, but it's amazing before then. Long cast time so cast before fights (like ambushes).
8) Otto's Irresistible Dance - Gold - works great on stuff your DC's are too low for (champs, later Reapers, etc) - short range, but super effective.
8) Power Word Stun - longer CD than Otto's, but highly effective on champs/Reapers - and it's ranged! Use this as followup or emergency CC.
8A) Sunburst - AoE instakill for shadows. Not great otherwise, but super great for them :)
8A) Polar Ray - like Necrotic Ray, it does big damage; no save or SR so it's pretty guaranteed. Very nice, if inefficient.
9) Meteor Swarm - this works through EDF, does a boatload of damage, and half of it is bludgeoning = no save. EK uses this on the way in/to get aggro, PM uses this after CC for nice DPS.
9) Hold Monster, Mass - just kinda use this on everything whenever you can - it's really good. Helpless enemies, super obvious who you caught/who got out, long duration, it has everything.
9A) Rend the Soul - great single-target DPS; it's over time, so most useful on bosses/champs etc.
9A) Wail of the Banshee - AoE instakill; centered on you, so get close. Hilariously effective, kills lots of enemies. Use lots.
9B) Power Word Kill - super-long cooldown, but kills whoever you point it at. Avoid enemies with SR or Deathblock lol.

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Generally as a DC caster you're looking to CC or instakill as much as possible before blasting/slashing the rest to death. That's why AoE CC and AoE instakills are so highly prized, and having a few emergency buttons is pretty nice for fixing priority targets :)

[RatchetBomb]

THANK YOU Spartan. This is really amazing. Probably 5 hours in and it's going really smoothly. Again, thanks a million!

[SpartanKiller13]

THANK YOU Spartan. This is really amazing. Probably 5 hours in and it's going really smoothly. Again, thanks a million!

Glad to help :) LMK if you have any problems!

[Kamimaru]

Hello!

I'm new DDO player and I love this game. However, building a character is a bit confusing for me at the moment. I want to start playing as Half-Orc as it's my favourite race and I wonder about a safe build with good survivability that will let me solo content easily and with a two-handed weapon. I can't decide whether should I pick Barbarian or Paladin for that purpose. Moreover, I'm not sure if Half-Orc is a good choice for Paladin. Therefore, I'd appreciate it if you recommend me some nice up-to-date build for any of those two classes that would satisfy my needs and be good for a Half-Orc, including feats, skills, enhancenments, spells etc. I don't consider multiclassing, at least for now.

[kamimitsu]

Hello!

I'm new DDO player and I love this game. However, building a character is a bit confusing for me at the moment. I want to start playing as Half-Orc as it's my favourite race and I wonder about a safe build with good survivability that will let me solo content easily and with a two-handed weapon. I can't decide whether should I pick Barbarian or Paladin for that purpose. Moreover, I'm not sure if Half-Orc is a good choice for Paladin. Therefore, I'd appreciate it if you recommend me some nice up-to-date build for any of those two classes that would satisfy my needs and be good for a Half-Orc, including feats, skills, enhancenments, spells etc. I don't consider multiclassing, at least for now.

Pure barbarian Half-orc with some self-healing via Enhancement tree is a great intro build. Easy to gear, relatively easy to play. Fairly survivable due to high HP and passive self-healing (offer not valid in Reaper mode). Check out the Barb forums for builds, but this is close to what I'd do:
https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/514854-First-life-thf-corona-barb

or retro-fit this one into Half-orc (or take bits from each build as you like).
https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/512407-THF-Dwarf-Barbarian


Pally is probably more survivable overall (AC and true self healing), but a considerably harder to gear and design. This might be better for your 2nd or 3rd character/life. THF CHA PDK Pallys (Two handed fighting, Charisma-based, Purple Dragon Knight) are currently topping the "flavor of the month" club and are pretty impressive.
https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/506448-Reaper-Endgame-THF-Paladin?p=6313780&viewfull=1#post6313780
It might be possible to re-fit this for an Half-orc, but I'm not the guy to do it. I suspect there isn't much synergy in the first place, but I'm sure it's doable.

Happy hunting out there!

[Kamimaru]

Pure barbarian Half-orc with some self-healing via Enhancement tree is a great intro build. Easy to gear, relatively easy to play. Fairly survivable due to high HP and passive self-healing (offer not valid in Reaper mode). Check out the Barb forums for builds, but this is close to what I'd do:
https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/514854-First-life-thf-corona-barb

or retro-fit this one into Half-orc (or take bits from each build as you like).
https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/512407-THF-Dwarf-Barbarian


Pally is probably more survivable overall (AC and true self healing), but a considerably harder to gear and design. This might be better for your 2nd or 3rd character/life. THF CHA PDK Pallys (Two handed fighting, Charisma-based, Purple Dragon Knight) are currently topping the "flavor of the month" club and are pretty impressive.
https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/506448-Reaper-Endgame-THF-Paladin?p=6313780&viewfull=1#post6313780
It might be possible to re-fit this for an Half-orc, but I'm not the guy to do it. I suspect there isn't much synergy in the first place, but I'm sure it's doable.

Happy hunting out there!

That's great! Thank you very much for help!

[Kalthea]

Hey there! I posted this over on Kent's forum post, but realized that this might be a better spot.

I wanted some help with a tanking build on a Dragonborn Sorcerer running Eldritch Knight. I currently have Maximize, Empower and Shield Proficiency as my first three feats, but we're having some trouble figuring out what to do in the future. Should I take two points into fighter to get some extra tanking benefits, and the possibility of Heavy Armor? Or should I stick to EK and try to aim for the capstone core for that sweet sweet damage bonus. I currently output some of the most damage on my team surprisingly (still a sorcerer, after all), so it's a bit strange. Would it be a good idea to use a heart of wood to roll back a few class selections to grab those fighter levels for those bonuses?

Thanks for any help!

[Ryukendo]

Hi. So, I'm kinda returning again to DDO. I seriously take long breaks and come back for fun or when something interests me. Anyways, I've got a request.

I'm sorta a super robot fanboy, so I want to create a kung fu robot wielding the biggest weapons it can get and tossing out energy effects. At first it seemed like Artificer was a good start, but I'm kinda not interested in it after a few levels.

That and a post from Syncletica lead me to considering Monks. Unfortunately, I'm pants at building from the ground up and I don't have tomes or anything as of yet.

Anyways, here's my goals and I want to see if you guys might know a build or be willing to toss me one for a 1 to 20 or better for someone who's still super casual.

- Warforged race.
- Monk levels (at least 3, maybe more?)
- Wielding something other than staff in terms of Big Weapons
- Tosses out some form of energy bolts, zaps, or the like.
- Able to survive solo or in parties.

Hope to hear back and see where this leads.

[SpartanKiller13]

Hey there! I posted this over on Kent's forum post, but realized that this might be a better spot.

I wanted some help with a tanking build on a Dragonborn Sorcerer running Eldritch Knight. I currently have Maximize, Empower and Shield Proficiency as my first three feats, but we're having some trouble figuring out what to do in the future. Should I take two points into fighter to get some extra tanking benefits, and the possibility of Heavy Armor? Or should I stick to EK and try to aim for the capstone core for that sweet sweet damage bonus. I currently output some of the most damage on my team surprisingly (still a sorcerer, after all), so it's a bit strange. Would it be a good idea to use a heart of wood to roll back a few class selections to grab those fighter levels for those bonuses?

Thanks for any help!

I gotta ask, why Tank as a Dragonborn Sorc? If it was Wizard you could tank very well via PM (like here's Zappy's build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/509229-Most-Useful-Reaper-10-and-Raiding-Wizard)) and if you were Warforged Sorc you could tank decently by outhealing incoming DPS, but is there some synergy I missed with Dragonborn, Sorc, and tanking other than a bigger Intimidate number?

If you're trying to tank on any build, Fighter or Paladin 3 is an easy way to grab 25 PRR/MRR, some defensive feats, and either 20% HP or +6 Con (once in epics using EDF).

Is this a 1-20 build or are you aiming for endgame tanking or? What level are you currently? Do you primarily melee with EK, or are you going for spellcasting damage as well?

Are you just trying to max out your tankiness? If so, you might want to pick up weapon style feats just to feed EDF (https://ddowiki.com/page/Epic_Defensive_Fighting) on the assumption that you're running EK T5 anyway (so you won't be casting past melee range aside from Meteor Swarm).

Heavy Armor isn't a huge gain over Medium, assuming you can get the set bonus either way. AC is largely irrelevant past level 12 (assuming you're not hitting like 400+) so the important difference is 0.5 x BAB PRR (https://ddowiki.com/page/Physical_Resistance_Rating). With Tenser's/EK T4 at level 30 that translates to 15 PRR, which is nice but probably not worth dealing with ASF (https://ddowiki.com/page/Arcane_spell_failure). If you're planning to park at cap though, it's a lot more critical to get Heavy Armor as you want the set bonuses available (probably Guardian at the Gates (https://ddowiki.com/page/Category:Legendary_Guardian_of_the_Gates_set_items )) and there isn't a Medium option for that (vs like Dreadkeeper if you were a PM).

I've not looked over the holiday weekend, but I'll keep an eye on this thread a bit more to respond when you comment :)

[Kalthea]

I gotta ask, why Tank as a Dragonborn Sorc? If it was Wizard you could tank very well via PM (like here's Zappy's build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/509229-Most-Useful-Reaper-10-and-Raiding-Wizard)) and if you were Warforged Sorc you could tank decently by outhealing incoming DPS, but is there some synergy I missed with Dragonborn, Sorc, and tanking other than a bigger Intimidate number?

If you're trying to tank on any build, Fighter or Paladin 3 is an easy way to grab 25 PRR/MRR, some defensive feats, and either 20% HP or +6 Con (once in epics using EDF).

Is this a 1-20 build or are you aiming for endgame tanking or? What level are you currently? Do you primarily melee with EK, or are you going for spellcasting damage as well?

Are you just trying to max out your tankiness? If so, you might want to pick up weapon style feats just to feed EDF (https://ddowiki.com/page/Epic_Defensive_Fighting) on the assumption that you're running EK T5 anyway (so you won't be casting past melee range aside from Meteor Swarm).

Heavy Armor isn't a huge gain over Medium, assuming you can get the set bonus either way. AC is largely irrelevant past level 12 (assuming you're not hitting like 400+) so the important difference is 0.5 x BAB PRR (https://ddowiki.com/page/Physical_Resistance_Rating). With Tenser's/EK T4 at level 30 that translates to 15 PRR, which is nice but probably not worth dealing with ASF (https://ddowiki.com/page/Arcane_spell_failure). If you're planning to park at cap though, it's a lot more critical to get Heavy Armor as you want the set bonuses available (probably Guardian at the Gates (https://ddowiki.com/page/Category:Legendary_Guardian_of_the_Gates_set_items )) and there isn't a Medium option for that (vs like Dreadkeeper if you were a PM).

I've not looked over the holiday weekend, but I'll keep an eye on this thread a bit more to respond when you comment :)

Hey, thanks for the reply! Initially, I had gone Dragonborn Sorcerer to just do damage, but our group was having trouble with traps, so our tank ended up jumping into an Artificer. However, I noticed that Dragonborn has multiple benefits for tanking as a Sorcerer. They have a Tier 1 Enhancement (Brutal Spellcasting) that makes their spells have increased threat generation by 75%. I went ahead and grabbed 2 levels of Fighter to be able to wear heavy armor, and use shields proper, that way I didn't waste enhancement points in Eldritch Knight just to be able to use shields, not to mention it also let me grab Shield Mastery for more slaps.

So far the build is working out amazingly. I'm currently level 13 where I just put on the Pansophic Circlet, making my lowest Spell Power a 180 before Universal Spell Power, and allowing me to dish out damage at a decent rate while also maintaining threat. At level 15 I'll be grabbing Toughness, as health is the only thing I'm really falling behind on because of Sorcerer levels.

As for defenses, I'm actually pretty alright! I snagged Force of Personality to keep my Will Saves high, and got a nice pair of bracers that provide +6 DEX and +8 Reflex saves to cover my shortcomings. Fortitude is gonna be covered by some armor we're aiming for, and my PRR is upper 60s, with MRR hitting around low 40s at the moment, on top of the Natural Armor from the Dragonborn tree that stacks with other Natural Armor bonuses.

As for your list of questions: I'm unsure how far we plan on going, but we will probably end up spending some time in Epics. Currently level 13. I currently do a good mix of melee and spell casting, as my spells are capable of dishing out some decent damage now with my circlet, and melee damage is still up thanks to Spellsword. The bonus +10MRR from EK has helped to balance out my defenses overall.

[Theolin]

That's definitely a good point :) Reapers hurt quite a bit. Having Shield/Nightshield up is pretty critical vs champs too...

Most Warlocks I see end up in Exalted Angel (tanklocks in Unyielding Sentinel sometimes). It has Light damage, Cha bonuses, DC bonuses, some nice SLA's, enough healing to keep you up (and a bit of party healing), Wings, Debuffs, and a self-rez which is awesome when soloing or vs party wipes.

I'm sure Draconic is fine (nice SLA's, Spell Crit bonus, and a little Spellpower), but I'd imagine you can twist Energy Burst while in EA and keep most of the benefits :p Magister is also probably a contender for DC-focused Warlocks (instakill builds) but it's almost certainly the lowest damage option of the three.


I prefer EA for my ES warlock, twist in emperian magic & energy burst & conj focuses
I get >60% my damage from epic damage buttons then mop up with burst, blast, tentacles
- that is a sad statement :( (all the nerfs to warlocks ....)
- epic buttons: energy burst, glacial wrath, divine wrath, arcane pulse, hell ball

usual casting order is tentacles, sound burst, energy burst, wrlk burst, wrlk blast, divine wrath, sound burst, hell ball, glacial wrath, wrlk burst, blast ... repeat
- for bosses add in arcane pulse

[SpartanKiller13]

Hey, thanks for the reply! Initially, I had gone Dragonborn Sorcerer to just do damage, but our group was having trouble with traps, so our tank ended up jumping into an Artificer. However, I noticed that Dragonborn has multiple benefits for tanking as a Sorcerer. They have a Tier 1 Enhancement (Brutal Spellcasting) that makes their spells have increased threat generation by 75%. I went ahead and grabbed 2 levels of Fighter to be able to wear heavy armor, and use shields proper, that way I didn't waste enhancement points in Eldritch Knight just to be able to use shields, not to mention it also let me grab Shield Mastery for more slaps.

So far the build is working out amazingly. I'm currently level 13 where I just put on the Pansophic Circlet, making my lowest Spell Power a 180 before Universal Spell Power, and allowing me to dish out damage at a decent rate while also maintaining threat. At level 15 I'll be grabbing Toughness, as health is the only thing I'm really falling behind on because of Sorcerer levels.

As for defenses, I'm actually pretty alright! I snagged Force of Personality to keep my Will Saves high, and got a nice pair of bracers that provide +6 DEX and +8 Reflex saves to cover my shortcomings. Fortitude is gonna be covered by some armor we're aiming for, and my PRR is upper 60s, with MRR hitting around low 40s at the moment, on top of the Natural Armor from the Dragonborn tree that stacks with other Natural Armor bonuses.

As for your list of questions: I'm unsure how far we plan on going, but we will probably end up spending some time in Epics. Currently level 13. I currently do a good mix of melee and spell casting, as my spells are capable of dishing out some decent damage now with my circlet, and melee damage is still up thanks to Spellsword. The bonus +10MRR from EK has helped to balance out my defenses overall.

If you have Fighter 2 and are wearing Heavy Armor +shield already, why not Fighter 3? Would allow you to grab the Defender stance, giving 25 PRR & MRR for 6 AP. Also allows you to get +20% HP for a total of 13 AP into the tree, if you want. Would block Meteor Swarm (which is pretty important), but that's only a thing in epics for a /2-dip Sorc anyway.

Hey, if the build's working for you I won't knock it :)

I'd also recommend making sure you grab Arcane Barrier, it's a pretty nice defensive tool and provides an obvious "heal-me" indicator for your teammates. Radiant Forcefield in the T5 is also pretty useful for tough encounters.

Be aware that in the next few levels (12-15ish) AC will become significantly less useful without great investment, and by late Heroics to early Epics it's nearly useless if not built around. I'd recommend focusing more on keeping Displacement up, gearing Ghostly (or other Incorporeality), maxing Dodge (pretty easy in plate), and stuff like PRR/MRR.

How are you dealing with Arcane Spell Failure with heavy + shield? Given you seem to be hate-tanking via spellcast damage? Or have you been swapping more towards Intimitanking?

[SpartanKiller13]

Hi. So, I'm kinda returning again to DDO. I seriously take long breaks and come back for fun or when something interests me. Anyways, I've got a request.

I'm sorta a super robot fanboy, so I want to create a kung fu robot wielding the biggest weapons it can get and tossing out energy effects. At first it seemed like Artificer was a good start, but I'm kinda not interested in it after a few levels.

That and a post from Syncletica lead me to considering Monks. Unfortunately, I'm pants at building from the ground up and I don't have tomes or anything as of yet.

Anyways, here's my goals and I want to see if you guys might know a build or be willing to toss me one for a 1 to 20 or better for someone who's still super casual.

- Warforged race.
- Monk levels (at least 3, maybe more?)
- Wielding something other than staff in terms of Big Weapons
- Tosses out some form of energy bolts, zaps, or the like.
- Able to survive solo or in parties.

Hope to hear back and see where this leads.

Welcome back! You're after a pretty niche build, and I can't see how to get it viable at level 30 endgame, but let's see what we can do for 1-20 :)

Ok, to use Monk special attacks you need to be Centered (https://ddowiki.com/page/Centered). To be centered, Monks basically get staffs as far as Big Weapons (well Longbows with Whirling Steel Strike, but I doubt that counts). The only way past that is Kensei Tier 5 One with the Blade, (https://ddowiki.com/page/Kensei_enhancements#Tier_Five) which allows you to center with any melee weapon from your Kensei focus group. The problem is that this requires Fighter 5+ and character level 12+ which is pretty awkward for a 1-20 build. You'll want Fighter 6 for the third Kensei core anyway, just to get effective melee damage.

The other problem I see is considering what energy bolts, zaps, etc are available. Artificer Runearms are the obvious choice, but they don't work with Big Weapons (as they are an off-hand slot) and you aren't interested in them so they're out (and they uncenter). The Monk tree Henshin Mystic (https://ddowiki.com/page/Henshin_Mystic_enhancements) has a few cores, but that tree is built around staffs and those zaps aren't super impressive anyway (and they scale off Monk level for a build that's gonna be multiclass).

Ki Bolt averages 6 damage x Monk level, scaling with 3x MP. At level 12, you'll probs have ~50 MP when using Opportunity Attack, so with ~6 Monk levels you'd expect 6x6x2.5 = 90 damage per Ki Bolt. Is not really a lot.

-------

Another option might be SLA's? They can hit really hard for less investment thanks to free metamagic feats (right-click hotbar icon, set to always on). There's some Dragonmarks, but those are race-specific. Otherwise you're looking at a class dip, which further splits your build lol. The best I can think of is actually Death Domain Cleric; you get Necrotic Ray as a SLA at 5th level, and it's insanely good for how low-level you get it (it's a 6th level Sorc/Wiz spell = requires 11+ levels for them to get). At level 12, you'd probs have ~225 Negative Spellpower + Max & Empower, so with ~5 Cleric levels you'd expect (5d6+60)x5.5 = 426 damage per Necrotic Ray. Quite a lot better, and scales heavily with more Cleric levels. Also allows you options with Divine Disciple for more SLA's (although those will be weaker) if you want more cosmetic :P

So! Build goals:

Get Fighter 5/6 around level 12, so you can be centered with Big Weapons
Get Cleric 5+ for best zaps
Monk out for fun!

You have two main options then. 1) Take like 6 Monk levels early, then take Fighter levels, and use Monk weapons until level 12 when you swap to Big Weapons and pick up spellcasting. 2) Start Fighter+Cleric until level 11, then go into Monk - you can use Big Weapons and SLA's earlier, and at level 12 you can be centered with Big Weapons and swap into Monk stuff (take the plate armor off, start using cool Monk attacks).

The 2nd option would be my choice, it's a lot stronger and more balanced (I'd probably do Fighter 1 > Cleric 6 > Fighter 5 > Monk stuff). That said, it's a flavor build so LMK what seems more interesting :)

End result would be Cleric 6+, Fighter 6, Monk 3+
AP split:

34 Kensei (Core 3, Tier 5 - +1/+1 crits, One with the Blade)
17 Divine Disciple (Core 3 - go Light for Sun Bolt, Nimbus of Light, and Searing Light; +27 Universal Spellpower)
12 Falconry (Wis-to-everything)
6 Henshin (Core 2 - Ki Bolt, Way of the Crane)

11 Leftover AP (more Monk stuff, Ninja Spy Core 3, Warforged Stuff?, Falconry stuff).

Feats (7 base, 3 Monk, 4 Fighter): THF x3, Maximize > Empower > Quicken, Improved Crit: Big Weapon, Precision, Quick Draw, Deflect Arrows. 4 Leftover feats (Power Attack > Cleave > GCleave?).

-------

Sorry it took so long to respond, this has been one of my harder build requests lol. LMK what you think, and I'd be happy to detail it a bit more :)

[Wanker]

Hi and thank you!

i'm looking for a low reaper viable Artemis Enterri build. Basically some form of fighter/thief using a longsword and dagger. Definitely a flavor build, but wondering if there was a viable version of this. The hard part, I think, is making the mixed weapons both viable. I have plenty of longswords and daggers from my past lives, but curious the class, enhancements and feats to take to make them both viable in low reaper.

Thank you in advance!

[Kalthea]

If you have Fighter 2 and are wearing Heavy Armor +shield already, why not Fighter 3? Would allow you to grab the Defender stance, giving 25 PRR & MRR for 6 AP. Also allows you to get +20% HP for a total of 13 AP into the tree, if you want. Would block Meteor Swarm (which is pretty important), but that's only a thing in epics for a /2-dip Sorc anyway.

Hey, if the build's working for you I won't knock it :)

I'd also recommend making sure you grab Arcane Barrier, it's a pretty nice defensive tool and provides an obvious "heal-me" indicator for your teammates. Radiant Forcefield in the T5 is also pretty useful for tough encounters.

Be aware that in the next few levels (12-15ish) AC will become significantly less useful without great investment, and by late Heroics to early Epics it's nearly useless if not built around. I'd recommend focusing more on keeping Displacement up, gearing Ghostly (or other Incorporeality), maxing Dodge (pretty easy in plate), and stuff like PRR/MRR.

How are you dealing with Arcane Spell Failure with heavy + shield? Given you seem to be hate-tanking via spellcast damage? Or have you been swapping more towards Intimitanking?

Yeah, I was reading around about AC going downhill a bit later on, but having about 80 at level 15 is super great (fully buffed with Bard in party), means almost 3/4 of all hits don't land.

I ended up only going with 2 levels of Fighter because the cores of EK are so important for damage output on their abilities and spells. I already snagged Arcane Barrier, and it's stupid handy for staying alive. Soon as anyone sees it pop on me, I'm healed to full with a 25% DR shield for the next few seconds, it's great! Though I'm apprehensive on grabbing Radiant Forcefield at T5, as I'm more interested in putting my enhancement points into other trees.

Arcane Spell Failure is completely gone at Sorcerer 12 with the fourth core ability! It applies separately to shields and armor, so unless I slap on a Tower Shield, I don't have to worry about failing on spells at all. And I actually use a mix of Intimi-tanking and hate-tanking, depending on the situation. By dropping my Knight's Transformation, I can become a more ranged tank and draw aggro by slapping spells on enemies. Need to be up close? Slap it back on and use Intimidate. And not to mention the problems that arise with things like constructs that you can't taunt at all, which makes the spell hate gen become amazing for holding onto that threat.

[SpartanKiller13]

Yeah, I was reading around about AC going downhill a bit later on, but having about 80 at level 15 is super great (fully buffed with Bard in party), means almost 3/4 of all hits don't land.

I ended up only going with 2 levels of Fighter because the cores of EK are so important for damage output on their abilities and spells. I already snagged Arcane Barrier, and it's stupid handy for staying alive. Soon as anyone sees it pop on me, I'm healed to full with a 25% DR shield for the next few seconds, it's great! Though I'm apprehensive on grabbing Radiant Forcefield at T5, as I'm more interested in putting my enhancement points into other trees.

Arcane Spell Failure is completely gone at Sorcerer 12 with the fourth core ability! It applies separately to shields and armor, so unless I slap on a Tower Shield, I don't have to worry about failing on spells at all. And I actually use a mix of Intimi-tanking and hate-tanking, depending on the situation. By dropping my Knight's Transformation, I can become a more ranged tank and draw aggro by slapping spells on enemies. Need to be up close? Slap it back on and use Intimidate. And not to mention the problems that arise with things like constructs that you can't taunt at all, which makes the spell hate gen become amazing for holding onto that threat.

Yeah, AC is really excellent until it suddenly isn't :) just didn't want you caught off-guard. There was just a thread about how in high-Reaper runs at cap, <300 AC is basically worthless lol. My tank alt has 200ish (by accident) and that helps a fair bit, but I don't run Reaper with it much.

I'd be really surprised if there's a better T5 for you. Eldritch Tempest is a fantastic opener, and includes a 1s guaranteed AoE knockdown as well as a boatload of damage to start things off (interrupt CC is fantastic). Crit bonuses and melee power in T5 also help a fair bit for general DPS, and the Radiant Forcefield Clicky is pretty nice as far as mitigation. What other trees were you looking at?

Dang, I didn't think it applied separately! That's pretty cool about ASF. If you go 20+ you can use Meteor Swarm even when in Knight's Transformation (and in Epic Defensive Fighting). Since it throws a physical object, it bypasses the block :p

[Kalthea]

Yeah, AC is really excellent until it suddenly isn't :) just didn't want you caught off-guard. There was just a thread about how in high-Reaper runs at cap, <300 AC is basically worthless lol. My tank alt has 200ish (by accident) and that helps a fair bit, but I don't run Reaper with it much.

I'd be really surprised if there's a better T5 for you. Eldritch Tempest is a fantastic opener, and includes a 1s guaranteed AoE knockdown as well as a boatload of damage to start things off (interrupt CC is fantastic). Crit bonuses and melee power in T5 also help a fair bit for general DPS, and the Radiant Forcefield Clicky is pretty nice as far as mitigation. What other trees were you looking at?

Dang, I didn't think it applied separately! That's pretty cool about ASF. If you go 20+ you can use Meteor Swarm even when in Knight's Transformation (and in Epic Defensive Fighting). Since it throws a physical object, it bypasses the block :p

Wait, can you cast spells with Epic Defensive Fighting? I know using spells with standard will cause it to turn off.

The T5's I finished off EK with are Improved Knight's Transformation and Knight Striker (+2 Evocation/Conjuration DCs and +20 Melee Power), as well as Forces Edge for the crit, which helps to balance out all of my casting and melee bouncing. I manage to keep at max stacks almost the entire dungeon run a lot of the time, and Eldritch Tempest is hitting for around 500 on average, sometimes near 1000 if I'm lucky.

As for my other trees, I'm working on dumping some points into Stalwart Defender for Instinctive Defense, that way if I get knocked down I don't need to worry too much about taking extra damage, on top of the AC enhancements for shields, and armor. Might grab the Action Boost too, if I don't end up going for the one in EK. I'm unsure at this point if I'm going to go into a Savant tree, but if I am, it would probably be for getting the Enhanced Metamagicks and SLAs for Acid Spray and Burning Hands just to have them if I'm in Echoes of Power.

[SpartanKiller13]

Hi and thank you!

i'm looking for a low reaper viable Artemis Enterri build. Basically some form of fighter/thief using a longsword and dagger. Definitely a flavor build, but wondering if there was a viable version of this. The hard part, I think, is making the mixed weapons both viable. I have plenty of longswords and daggers from my past lives, but curious the class, enhancements and feats to take to make them both viable in low reaper.

Hi! Well, daggers usually mean Rogue or Vistani Knife Fighter; that said, longswords don't really go with either. How about a Ranger? A Tempest build should work fine with two different weapons. You'd need to be Strength-based though, unless you want to go Elf and use the T4 (https://ddowiki.com/page/Elf#Tier_Four) for Dex-to-damage for Longswords (you'd still have Str to-hit for the longsword, but everything else would be Dex).

Dex-based is easier for Tempests (easier feats, much better Elaborate Parry, great Reflex + Evasion etc) but if you can't go Elf (for flavor) just go Strength.

If Dex-based w/Spring Attack, I'd do feats like:

1) Dragonmark of Shadow
3) Dodge
6) Knight's Training
9) Improved Critical: Slashing
12) Improved Critical: Piercing
15) Mobility
18) Spring Attack
21) Overwhelming Critical
24) Precision
26D) Perfect Two-Weapon Fighting
27) Epic Damage Reduction
28D) Elusive Target/Pierce Adamantine/Toughness
29D) Dire Charge
30) Epic Reflexes/Extend Spell
30L) Scion of Arborea

Can shuffle ICrits/Knight's Training back if you want Spring Attack earlier (I really like it for mobility, but crits are DPS).

Without Spring Attack:

1) Dragonmark of Shadow
3) Precision
6) Knight's Training
9) Improved Critical: Slashing
12) Improved Critical: Piercing
15) Extend Spell (for Displacement)
18) Empower Healing Spell (for Cocoon)
21) Overwhelming Critical
24) Epic Reflexes
26D) Perfect Two-Weapon Fighting
27) Epic Damage Reduction
28D) Elusive Target/Pierce Adamantine/Toughness
29D) Dire Charge
30) Quicken Spell (for Cocoon & Displacement)
30L) Scion of Arborea

This line gets you stuff a bit sooner (like Epic Reflexes w/Improved Evasion on a Dex build) and some nice QOL stuff (like Extend) but I'd miss Spring Attack.

AP:

44 Tempest (Full T5, Capstone, +2 Dex, Elaborate Parry, Growing Storm, Haste Boost, 2s Deflect Arrows)
24 Elf (all Cores, Aerenal Weapon Training IV, Aerenal Grace, Skill, Dragonmark line)
11 Deepwood Stalker (Core 3, Stealthy III)

Not a ton of leeway with AP, but it's fairly comfortable and you can max stuff like Displace charges which helps a lot for Reaper.

--------

This is an Elf Ranger build lol, but it uses dagger + longsword and should be pretty decent low-mid Reaper without too much hassle. Displacement Dragonmark + Elaborate Parry should keep you pretty survivable, and a Dex-maxed build with Evasion covers most spell-cast damage. Don't ditch Strength entirely, but it's definitely like third fiddle for the build.

If you want more Fighter/Rogue and less Ranger I can do a build as well, but be aware that'll be weaker especially in epics; Fighter level gives feats which is pretty rad, but otherwise you'll basically just be missing Ranger cores and probably ditch DWS for Stalwart Defender Core 2's 25 PRR/MRR instead.

LMK, and I'll be happy to give you another version lol. I definitely tend to try to optimize a bit more than I should, which can be an issue with flavor builds.

[Wanker]

Hi! Well, daggers usually mean Rogue or Vistani Knife Fighter; that said, longswords don't really go with either. How about a Ranger? A Tempest build should work fine with two different weapons. You'd need to be Strength-based though, unless you want to go Elf and use the T4 (https://ddowiki.com/page/Elf#Tier_Four) for Dex-to-damage for Longswords (you'd still have Str to-hit for the longsword, but everything else would be Dex).

Dex-based is easier for Tempests (easier feats, much better Elaborate Parry, great Reflex + Evasion etc) but if you can't go Elf (for flavor) just go Strength.

If Dex-based w/Spring Attack, I'd do feats like:

1) Dragonmark of Shadow
3) Dodge
6) Knight's Training
9) Improved Critical: Slashing
12) Improved Critical: Piercing
15) Mobility
18) Spring Attack
21) Overwhelming Critical
24) Precision
26D) Perfect Two-Weapon Fighting
27) Epic Damage Reduction
28D) Elusive Target/Pierce Adamantine/Toughness
29D) Dire Charge
30) Epic Reflexes/Extend Spell
30L) Scion of Arborea

Can shuffle ICrits/Knight's Training back if you want Spring Attack earlier (I really like it for mobility, but crits are DPS).

Without Spring Attack:

1) Dragonmark of Shadow
3) Precision
6) Knight's Training
9) Improved Critical: Slashing
12) Improved Critical: Piercing
15) Extend Spell (for Displacement)
18) Empower Healing Spell (for Cocoon)
21) Overwhelming Critical
24) Epic Reflexes
26D) Perfect Two-Weapon Fighting
27) Epic Damage Reduction
28D) Elusive Target/Pierce Adamantine/Toughness
29D) Dire Charge
30) Quicken Spell (for Cocoon & Displacement)
30L) Scion of Arborea

This line gets you stuff a bit sooner (like Epic Reflexes w/Improved Evasion on a Dex build) and some nice QOL stuff (like Extend) but I'd miss Spring Attack.

AP:

44 Tempest (Full T5, Capstone, +2 Dex, Elaborate Parry, Growing Storm, Haste Boost, 2s Deflect Arrows)
24 Elf (all Cores, Aerenal Weapon Training IV, Aerenal Grace, Skill, Dragonmark line)
11 Deepwood Stalker (Core 3, Stealthy III)

Not a ton of leeway with AP, but it's fairly comfortable and you can max stuff like Displace charges which helps a lot for Reaper.

--------

This is an Elf Ranger build lol, but it uses dagger + longsword and should be pretty decent low-mid Reaper without too much hassle. Displacement Dragonmark + Elaborate Parry should keep you pretty survivable, and a Dex-maxed build with Evasion covers most spell-cast damage. Don't ditch Strength entirely, but it's definitely like third fiddle for the build.

If you want more Fighter/Rogue and less Ranger I can do a build as well, but be aware that'll be weaker especially in epics; Fighter level gives feats which is pretty rad, but otherwise you'll basically just be missing Ranger cores and probably ditch DWS for Stalwart Defender Core 2's 25 PRR/MRR instead.

LMK, and I'll be happy to give you another version lol. I definitely tend to try to optimize a bit more than I should, which can be an issue with flavor builds.

Wow; thank you for the quick response and thoughts!
What do you feel about 2 Rogue / 6 Ranger / 12 Fighter for a build? Still leveraging the Tempest and DWS trees (missing the cores though). This would get me the benefits of Tempest with the fighter flavor and past life. Or, am I forcing fighter in to this too much?

Also, starting stats? Dex minimum of 15 and the rest in to Str and Con with some in Int for thief skills?

[Meilicious]

My sister and I are looking for a duo build. We chose two of our characters to TR.

She has a hafling rogue 19/ftr1 character (Adventurer) and is looking for a DPS bard.

Locked Races: Tiefling, Wood Elf, Aasimar, Dragonborn, Gnome, Half Orc, Half Elf, Warforged, Drow
Locked Classes: Alchemist, Warlock, Monk, Favored Soul, Artificer
----
My character is a half elf ftr 8/rgr 6/mnk 6 (Hero) (Kensei Tempest - TWF Khopesh) (ED: Dreadnought, Primal for Coccoon) and I'm looking for a self sufficient build or an upgrade of my current build since I haven't played for 4 years.

Locked Races: Tiefling, Wood Elf, Aasimar, Dragonborn, Gnome, Half Orc, Warforged, Drow,
Locked Classes: Alchemist, Warlock, Favored Soul, Artificer, Bladeforged

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :) <3

[SpartanKiller13]

Wow; thank you for the quick response and thoughts!
What do you feel about 2 Rogue / 6 Ranger / 12 Fighter for a build? Still leveraging the Tempest and DWS trees (missing the cores though). This would get me the benefits of Tempest with the fighter flavor and past life. Or, am I forcing fighter in to this too much?

Also, starting stats? Dex minimum of 15 and the rest in to Str and Con with some in Int for thief skills?

Are you going Elf? If so, Dex > Con/Str/Int > Wis/Cha. If not, you'll probably want to consider a Strength-based build. If Str-based, 17-tome into Dex, and then Str-max, Con/Int secondary.

Do you have a Dex tome? A build with <11 Ranger won't autogrant Greater TWF, which has a Dex 17 requirement. If you're Dex-max that's no issue, but if you're Str-build it's hard without at least a +2 Dex tome (1750 favor tome?).

Nothing terribly wrong with going Fighter, and /2 Rogue gets you Evasion (and you can get Improved Evasion w/Tempest T5). Bonus feats help a lot! Get all the cool stuff :D

Tempest Core 4 gives +1 Crit multiplier to both weapons which will hurt to miss, but you can get Kensei Core 3 to make up for half of it at least. Probably go all-in on longswords, given Knight's Training and the higher base damage? You'd also only get to 90% off-hand, even furthering that point (and missing off-hand DS). Probably look more for a debuff dagger and a DPS longsword (perfect with Sentients too).

Sorta makes more sense as a Str-build then though, which allows you to save a bunch from racial (Elf for Displace or go w/e race then?) and you can then grab Power Surge & Opportunity Attack which is pretty nice. 42 Tempest, 25 Kensei, 6 Stalwart? Idk.

[Discpsycho]

My sister and I are looking for a duo build. We chose two of our characters to TR.

She has a hafling rogue 19/ftr1 character (Adventurer) and is looking for a DPS bard.

Locked Races: Tiefling, Wood Elf, Aasimar, Dragonborn, Gnome, Half Orc, Half Elf, Warforged, Drow
Locked Classes: Alchemist, Warlock, Monk, Favored Soul, Artificer
----
My character is a half elf ftr 8/rgr 6/mnk 6 (Hero) (Kensei Tempest - TWF Khopesh) (ED: Dreadnought, Primal for Coccoon) and I'm looking for a self sufficient build or an upgrade of my current build since I haven't played for 4 years.

Locked Races: Tiefling, Wood Elf, Aasimar, Dragonborn, Gnome, Half Orc, Warforged, Drow,
Locked Classes: Alchemist, Warlock, Favored Soul, Artificer, Bladeforged

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :) <3

Is she interested in playing a ranged bard or a melee? If the former, does she have Inquisitive and/or Vistani Knife Fighter?

Are you looking for another TWF melee?

What's y'all's plan with these lives? Stopping at 20, want something that can perform well at 30, etc? Are either of you interested in playing Iconics? Any particularly impressive gear you'd like to take advantage of? Ability tomes I should know about?

Without knowing any of this, my offhand suggestions would be 18 Bard / 2 Rogue for her, 20 Ranger for you

[SpartanKiller13]

My sister and I are looking for a duo build. We chose two of our characters to TR.

She has a hafling rogue 19/ftr1 character (Adventurer) and is looking for a DPS bard.

Locked Races: Tiefling, Wood Elf, Aasimar, Dragonborn, Gnome, Half Orc, Half Elf, Warforged, Drow
Locked Classes: Alchemist, Warlock, Monk, Favored Soul, Artificer
----
My character is a half elf ftr 8/rgr 6/mnk 6 (Hero) (Kensei Tempest - TWF Khopesh) (ED: Dreadnought, Primal for Coccoon) and I'm looking for a self sufficient build or an upgrade of my current build since I haven't played for 4 years.

Locked Races: Tiefling, Wood Elf, Aasimar, Dragonborn, Gnome, Half Orc, Warforged, Drow,
Locked Classes: Alchemist, Warlock, Favored Soul, Artificer, Bladeforged

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :) <3

There's an upcoming universal tree, Feydark Illusionist (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/517566-U47-Preview-2-New-Universal-Enhancement-Tree-Feydark-Illusionist), that will allow you to use Cha to-hit and to-damage pretty cheaply. That would probably be the best bet for a Bard build, as currently you can only get Cha-to-Damage (unless like FvS split). Still, no release date yet.

Swashbuckler/Warchanter? There's not a whole lot complicated with a SWF Bard build? If you want to multiclass, you only really need Bard 5 or so. Count of Monte Christo (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/443235-The-Count-of-Monte-Cristo-dps-CC-survivability-focused-pure-swashbuckler) is a little dated, but pretty great still. Here's a Bard/Rogue/Fighter (https://www.reddit.com/r/ddo/comments/74gn1j/theory_crafting_vistani_knife_build/dnybjb4/) using VKF tree with daggers.

Does she want just DPS? Does she have a race/weapon preference? THF with Warchanter seems fine too, for that matter? Halfling has access to Healing dragonmark, which is pretty great for surviving stuff :)

-------

If you're just after self-sufficient and easy to play, THF Paladin is super strong currently. Also going to get better with Feydark Illusionist lol. Are you after another TWF build, or? Pale Master builds are all functionally immortal til mid-Reaper, and you can run them as melee (via EK), ranged (Inqusitive), DC caster (PM/AM), or blast-caster (PM/EK) pretty reasonably.

Some vague idea of what playstyle interests you will help :p

-------

Are y'all looking for epics, 1-20, Iconics, sitting at 30 farming RXP, or what? What difficulty do you typically run at?

[Wanker]

Are you going Elf? If so, Dex > Con/Str/Int > Wis/Cha. If not, you'll probably want to consider a Strength-based build. If Str-based, 17-tome into Dex, and then Str-max, Con/Int secondary.

Do you have a Dex tome? A build with <11 Ranger won't autogrant Greater TWF, which has a Dex 17 requirement. If you're Dex-max that's no issue, but if you're Str-build it's hard without at least a +2 Dex tome (1750 favor tome?).

Nothing terribly wrong with going Fighter, and /2 Rogue gets you Evasion (and you can get Improved Evasion w/Tempest T5). Bonus feats help a lot! Get all the cool stuff :D

Tempest Core 4 gives +1 Crit multiplier to both weapons which will hurt to miss, but you can get Kensei Core 3 to make up for half of it at least. Probably go all-in on longswords, given Knight's Training and the higher base damage? You'd also only get to 90% off-hand, even furthering that point (and missing off-hand DS). Probably look more for a debuff dagger and a DPS longsword (perfect with Sentients too).

Sorta makes more sense as a Str-build then though, which allows you to save a bunch from racial (Elf for Displace or go w/e race then?) and you can then grab Power Surge & Opportunity Attack which is pretty nice. 42 Tempest, 25 Kensei, 6 Stalwart? Idk.

Thank you again for the thoughts. I hear you on the Tempest core benefits. I do want to give the STR version a try, but this helps me a lot in getting there. I do have Dex tomes to help cover the 2-handed requirements. Human over elf for flavor, but hear you on missing out on the elf bonuses.

[SpartanKiller13]

Thank you again for the thoughts. I hear you on the Tempest core benefits. I do want to give the STR version a try, but this helps me a lot in getting there. I do have Dex tomes to help cover the 2-handed requirements. Human over elf for flavor, but hear you on missing out on the elf bonuses.

Glad to help :)

I'd probably start Rogue 1 (for skill points), then rush Ranger 6 for the free feats and then fill out Fighter (take Rogue 2 whenever you have enough Reflex for Evasion, or want skill points). With a Dex tome it gets a lot easier to hit stat requirements, and with 12 Fighter levels = 7 bonus feats you should be fine to grab everything you want.

If you have further questions feel free to ask, but it seems pretty straightforward :)

I'd not entirely ditch Dex gearing though, Elaborate Parry is a super-nice defensive clicky especially past level 10 or so (when you'll have enough Dex to matter).

[LordPNut]

Before the cap was 30, I had a plan for a AA/necro build. Not sure if its possible or would want to do. I've been gone for a bit (left when reaper came out) and would like to try this. The character has a ranger and cleric pl and a range of +2 or +3 tomes for stats, lots of bows and a few fun items like shroud of the abbot. I know Id have to be elf or helf, (not sure if woodelf gets the aa) . Would like to know what a good stat setup would need to be and how much wiz/ranger lvls to get a good benefit of both classes (6 ranger gets me free many shot?). I just want to be an undead archer! lol

[Budders]

Hello, I need help with a build, and I'm praying you can. I haven't played in years and a lot has changed, but here's what I'm hoping to play. First off I have 32 point build available, want to use PDK as race, will be his first life, willing to purchase any classes and +6 tomes at lvl 15 and eventually +8 at lvl 22. I like to play solo and I'm sure that'll effect the build. Also looking to play a mostly melee class or classes, like barb, fighter, or druid, maybe sprinkling of cleric even. Because I'm newish, I was hoping the build layout could be detailed like level by level exactly what I should take in feats, enhancements (and when to bank AP), skills, stats, spells, etc... because I won't know the best things at the time. I know this is probably a lot of work and I apologize for that, but if you can help me it would be super appreciated!!! Thank you so much for your time, help, and patience!!!

[Meilicious]

My sister and I are looking for a duo build. We chose two of our characters to TR.

She has a hafling rogue 19/ftr1 character (Adventurer) and is looking for a DPS bard.

Locked Races: Tiefling, Wood Elf, Aasimar, Dragonborn, Gnome, Half Orc, Half Elf, Warforged, Drow
Locked Classes: Alchemist, Warlock, Monk, Favored Soul, Artificer
----
My character is a half elf ftr 8/rgr 6/mnk 6 (Hero) (Kensei Tempest - TWF Khopesh) (ED: Dreadnought, Primal for Coccoon) and I'm looking for a self sufficient build or an upgrade of my current build since I haven't played for 4 years.

Locked Races: Tiefling, Wood Elf, Aasimar, Dragonborn, Gnome, Half Orc, Warforged, Drow,
Locked Classes: Alchemist, Warlock, Favored Soul, Artificer, Bladeforged

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :) <3

@ Discpsycho
Totally forgot about that! We just started playing again last week. Thank you!

@ SpartanKiller13
Thanks for the suggestions! We really appreciate it :) . I think Feydark will suit my sister's playstyle. And also, she quit DDO after ED was introduced so not much epic experience.
For my toon, I am used to play with a lot of clicky with my current kensei/tempest/dreadnought toon. My primal karma sphere is at 6m. More info below.


[SIS] Adventurer
Inherent Tomes:
STR 1 | DEX 3 | INT 1

Pref Race: none
Pref Class: bard (flexible)
Pref Feat: TWF

We usually play on Epic Elite difficulty. I tend to favor support and magic casters. My main is a full support spellsinger that I'm keeping at 20 for now so I can raid with my sister and her guildmates during the weekends. No interest in Iconics for now. I'm looking to TR my hafling rogue into a build/class that would compliment my sister's build but not something that's pure dps. Is there a TWF dps class that can also bring utility skills?
_______________
[MINE] Hero
Inherent Tomes:
STR 2 | DEX 4 | CON 2 | INT 1 | WIS 2 | CHA 3

Heroic Past Lives: Paladin (1x)
Pref Race: Half Elf
Pref Class: multiclass
Pref Feat: TWF

I want a dps melee build that is not too squishy. Can self heal and use raise/heal scroll. I still want the twf because I wanna use two different types of weapon. If possible has decent saves also. I'm planning to stack (2x) my paladin past life for healing amp. Primal karma sphere is at 6m atm. I'm considering one universal enhancement tree if suggested.

* We have no plan on buying races/classes that are currently locked on our accounts since we just got back. Decided to TR our toons so we can relearn the game.
* Hoping for a character planner that we can follow every level like OP sigtrent's builds.
* We both redeemed the DDOfreequests coupon so we can farm items that you may recommend.
* Going to play duo so we want to have a build that can complement each other.
* Going to play up to lvl30 so we can have Epic Past Life Feats.

[SpartanKiller13]

Before the cap was 30, I had a plan for a AA/necro build. Not sure if its possible or would want to do. I've been gone for a bit (left when reaper came out) and would like to try this. The character has a ranger and cleric pl and a range of +2 or +3 tomes for stats, lots of bows and a few fun items like shroud of the abbot. I know Id have to be elf or helf, (not sure if woodelf gets the aa) . Would like to know what a good stat setup would need to be and how much wiz/ranger lvls to get a good benefit of both classes (6 ranger gets me free many shot?). I just want to be an undead archer! lol

Well. There's a couple ways you could go, like dipping a few levels of Wizard just to be undead.

Do you want to be able to spellcast effectively? If so, you'd be Int-based. If you want effective Paralyzing DC's via Arcane Archer, you'd be Wis-based.

Either way, you'll really want Harper (for Int) or Falconry (for Wis) to allow you to one-stat max and just dump the other.

Here's an interesting thread you might want to look at, (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/502435-Eldrich-Knight-Arcane-Archer-18-Wizard-2-Rogue-Only-1-Racial-Point-Required) mostly focused on Eldritch Knight + Elf Arcane Archer.

If you go Ranger, you can save like 14 AP (unlocking Elven AA) which is pretty great. Ranger 6 giving Manyshot and avoiding Dex requirements is pretty great, although you'll still need Dex 19 for IPS unless you go Ranger 11.

The more Wizard levels you get the more sustainable you are (as your Death Auras scale heavily with levels) but if you're planning on hire healing etc you can go less Wizard (like 11/7 Ranger/Wiz gets you IPS and Death Aura).

I'd probably be looking to play Wis-based with Falconry, and using Paralyzing Arrows for crowd control with Eldritch Knight for your main damage source. A bit of Pale Master for sustain etc (and Enchant bonuses) but mostly invested in EK for spellblade and AA for Paralyzing DC's. Could swap to double-damage imbues for bosses etc.

What seems interesting?

[SpartanKiller13]

Hello, I need help with a build, and I'm praying you can. I haven't played in years and a lot has changed, but here's what I'm hoping to play. First off I have 32 point build available, want to use PDK as race, will be his first life, willing to purchase any classes and +6 tomes at lvl 15 and eventually +8 at lvl 22. I like to play solo and I'm sure that'll effect the build. Also looking to play a mostly melee class or classes, like barb, fighter, or druid, maybe sprinkling of cleric even. Because I'm newish, I was hoping the build layout could be detailed like level by level exactly what I should take in feats, enhancements (and when to bank AP), skills, stats, spells, etc... because I won't know the best things at the time. I know this is probably a lot of work and I apologize for that, but if you can help me it would be super appreciated!!! Thank you so much for your time, help, and patience!!!

This game has a ton of options all around, and people all play slightly differently lol. What's "best" for me probably isn't "best" for you.

I'd vote for PDK Paladin - it's really strong, quite survivable, and has good defenses/saves which help a lot with soloing. You can 18/2 Paladin/Fighter pretty reasonably (if you don't want to burn a +1 LHoW), and just go for it. As an Iconic you'll start at level 15, so stuff like feat order matters far less. You'll start with like 60 AP as well so you can just get most of the stuff too.

With a +6 tome, starting 11 Strength is enough for THF feats; thereafter max Cha, then put points into Con. Tome + Airship covers Wis requirements for spellcasting. All level-ups into Cha.

Feats:
(1) Toughness
(1) THF
(3) Empower Healing Spell
(6) Improved THF
(9) Improved Critical:Slashing
(12) Precision
(15) Greater THF
(18) Extra Turning for CAF (or Quicken Spell)
(21) Overwhelming Critical
(24) Epic Toughness
(26D) Perfect THF
(27) Blinding Speed
(28D) Perfect TWF
(29D) Dire Charge
(30) Epic Damage Reduction
(30L) Scion of Arborea

Skills: max Jump, max Intimidate, get UMD if you want to party. Balance if you think it helps?

Enhancements (in order):
3 PDK (Cormyrean Knight Training)
4 Kensei (Haste Boost III)
Then 39 Knight of the Chalice (cores whenever possible, Cleaves, Divine Might, Holy Combatant line, Full T5, +2 Charisma, +20% Strikethrough)
Then fill out Sacred Defender (cores whenever possible, +15 PRR/MRR on Sacred Defense, Extra Lay on hands III, +20% Max HP, +2 Cha, +10% Move Speed, +6 Con)
Then spend points into PDK to get +20% Strikethrough (get Charisma & Healamp)

Spells:
4th: Holy Sword, Zeal
3rd: Cure Moderate Wounds, Remove Curse
2nd: Righteous Command, Angelskin
1st: Lesser Restoration, Protection from Evil

-------

That work?

Here's a bit more endgame version of what you're after. (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/506448-Reaper-Endgame-THF-Paladin?p=6313780&viewfull=1#post6313780)

[LordPNut]

Well. There's a couple ways you could go, like dipping a few levels of Wizard just to be undead.

Do you want to be able to spellcast effectively? If so, you'd be Int-based. If you want effective Paralyzing DC's via Arcane Archer, you'd be Wis-based.

Either way, you'll really want Harper (for Int) or Falconry (for Wis) to allow you to one-stat max and just dump the other.

Here's an interesting thread you might want to look at, (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/502435-Eldrich-Knight-Arcane-Archer-18-Wizard-2-Rogue-Only-1-Racial-Point-Required) mostly focused on Eldritch Knight + Elf Arcane Archer.

If you go Ranger, you can save like 14 AP (unlocking Elven AA) which is pretty great. Ranger 6 giving Manyshot and avoiding Dex requirements is pretty great, although you'll still need Dex 19 for IPS unless you go Ranger 11.

The more Wizard levels you get the more sustainable you are (as your Death Auras scale heavily with levels) but if you're planning on hire healing etc you can go less Wizard (like 11/7 Ranger/Wiz gets you IPS and Death Aura).

I'd probably be looking to play Wis-based with Falconry, and using Paralyzing Arrows for crowd control with Eldritch Knight for your main damage source. A bit of Pale Master for sustain etc (and Enchant bonuses) but mostly invested in EK for spellblade and AA for Paralyzing DC's. Could swap to double-damage imbues for bosses etc.

What seems interesting?

Interesting link, its another thought. I haven't looked into or even thought of falconry or eldritch knight (new to me) like i said been gone long enough to not know anymore besides a phoenix build and a healer I feel lost. I know death aura scales with lvl from having a pure cap wiz, which would be the downside of having more rangers lvls. Might just try a mix of something for fun and a wiz pl. Thank you :D

[SpartanKiller13]

Inherent Tomes:
STR 1 | DEX 3 | INT 1

Pref Race: none
Pref Class: bard (flexible)
Pref Feat: TWF

We usually play on Epic Elite difficulty. I tend to favor support and magic casters. My main is a full support spellsinger that I'm keeping at 20 for now so I can raid with my sister and her guildmates during the weekends. No interest in Iconics for now. I'm looking to TR my hafling rogue into a build/class that would compliment my sister's build but not something that's pure dps. Is there a TWF dps class that can also bring utility skills?

You title the paragraph about her, then talk about your builds. I assume this stuff is about her character?

Bard's Swashbuckler tree has a lot of synergy with SWF, but there's very little (if any) synergy between Bard and TWF.

TWF + Utility is probably either Ranger (very good TWF, a little utility) or my recommendation: VKF Rogue. Vistani Knife Fighter (https://ddowiki.com/page/Vistani_Knife_Fighter_enhancements) goes really well with Rogue's Assassin tree (https://ddowiki.com/page/Assassin_enhancements), and Rogue offers a lot of utility (trapping, skills for everything you want, etc).

You get a few level split options, although 18/1/1 Rogue/FvS/Monk seems highest DPS (via Monk stances + Divine Presence/Will) and 18/2 Rogue/Barbarian seems most survivable (Blood Tribute, movespeed). Enhancements you're grabbing VKF capstone, Assassin Core 5, and T5 in one or the other of those trees. VKF T5 is easier AP-wise and has greater burst DPS, but Assassin T5 gives access to Assassinate which is neato.

Rogue Sneak Attack + VKF's boosted daggers + Assassin's Dagger bonuses = great DPS.


Inherent Tomes:
STR 2 | DEX 4 | CON 2 | INT 1 | WIS 2 | CHA 3

Heroic Past Lives: Paladin (1x)
Pref Race: Half Elf
Pref Class: multiclass
Pref Feat: TWF

I want a dps melee build that is not too squishy. Can self heal and use raise/heal scroll. I still want the twf because I wanna use two different types of weapon. If possible has decent saves also. I'm planning to stack (2x) my paladin past life for healing amp. Primal karma sphere is at 6m atm. I'm considering one universal enhancement tree if suggested.

Well, how about a TWF Paladin? Very tanky, has great saves, can heal and rez natively (given SaD core 4). Your Dex tome means you just need to start 13 Dex to be able to grab all the TWF feats. Paladin's pretty strong, and seems to fit all your design goals.

Or if you want to multiclass, you can 14/6 Paladin/Ranger using Holy Sword + Tempest T5, saving out on the first two TWF feats and gaining access to Dance of Death, which is really great for trash-clearing. Could even 15/5 for Holy Sword + Zeal, although that blocks you from being Dex-based (which is pretty nice with Elaborate Parry). If Dex-based, run in light armor and 14/6; if Str (or Cha)-based, go 15/5 full plate and just burn the feat lol; 10% DS from Zeal is pretty rad.


* We have no plan on buying races/classes that are currently locked on our accounts since we just got back. Decided to TR our toons so we can relearn the game.
* Hoping for a character planner that we can follow every level like OP sigtrent's builds.

Welcome back!

Only thing required there is VKF, which is available for like 500 DDO points or via favor if you run Ravenloft (or if you did when it was free).

Tell me what you're interested in a little more than "maybe multiclass, ideally TWF, and not a Half-Orc" and I'll better be able to make a build for ya. Not gonna write out a full set of stuff for something you're not interested in.

[Crazeyred]

Right now is level 20 with the XP to go to level 20 with 6 epic levels thanks to XP stones on Wayfinder... I have no tomes on him as of now... Any help will be much appreciated... I will reroll him with the new build info.... I also have 2 lesser hearts of wood and a +20 lesser heart... So is no real issues I have room to try different things...
Thanks in advance...
CrazyRed..

[SpartanKiller13]

Right now is level 20 with the XP to go to level 20 with 6 epic levels thanks to XP stones on Wayfinder... I have no tomes on him as of now... Any help will be much appreciated... I will reroll him with the new build info.... I also have 2 lesser hearts of wood and a +20 lesser heart... So is no real issues I have room to try different things...
Thanks in advance...
CrazyRed..

What are you trying to tank? What sort of gear/PL's do you have?

17/3 FvS/Paladin is pretty meta for tanky FVS. Here's a really decent breakdown by multipro (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cohe5Hdjp9y-9mHxa39G3J0ZjUNcdthlw1V70tGidVo/edit) of theirs, including gearing etc. Here's another great breakdown by zappy (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/510350-Selfhealing-raid-tank-(low-difficulties)?p=6270725&viewfull=1#post6270725) of theirs.

If you're ok with leaving FvS, here's Gliga1's 11/5/4 Cleric/Artificer/Paladin (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/504166-Need-help-for-end-game-tank-healer?p=6279360&viewfull=1#post6279360), which is probably the best tank/healer I've seen in-game (although a big part of that is because it's Gliga1). Good thread to read, general consensus is 17/3 FvS/Paladin is better when getting into stuff, but it's not as good super-endgame like R10's.

[Crazeyred]

What are you trying to tank? What sort of gear/PL's do you have?

17/3 FvS/Paladin is pretty meta for tanky FVS. Here's a really decent breakdown by multipro (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cohe5Hdjp9y-9mHxa39G3J0ZjUNcdthlw1V70tGidVo/edit) of theirs, including gearing etc. Here's another great breakdown by zappy (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/510350-Selfhealing-raid-tank-(low-difficulties)?p=6270725&viewfull=1#post6270725) of theirs.

If you're ok with leaving FvS, here's Gliga1's 11/5/4 Cleric/Artificer/Paladin (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/504166-Need-help-for-end-game-tank-healer?p=6279360&viewfull=1#post6279360), which is probably the best tank/healer I've seen in-game (although a big part of that is because it's Gliga1). Good thread to read, general consensus is 17/3 FvS/Paladin is better when getting into stuff, but it's not as good super-endgame like R10's.

My Guy is sort of Gimpy right now but I really rather stay Full FvS... I have no plan to do any reaper just not my thing..... And I solo with Hirelings a lot of the times but just looking for alternatives.... But thanks for the Links they have given me something to think about.... I don't have very good gear at all... The gear was going to be the next part of info I need....

[SpartanKiller13]

My Guy is sort of Gimpy right now but I really rather stay Full FvS... I have no plan to do any reaper just not my thing..... And I solo with Hirelings a lot of the times but just looking for alternatives.... But thanks for the Links they have given me something to think about.... I don't have very good gear at all... The gear was going to be the next part of info I need....

Well, if you're staying pure FvS I'm not sure what you're trying to get from this thread? Run in Unyielding Sentinel (the tank ED), equip tank gear, and max Con/HP/defenses? There's not a lot of build flexibility with a pure build lol. Aasimar is probably the best race option, but you're using an existing toon so that's already set.

Assuming Flight of Glory applies to you as well, probably 41/31/6 War Soul/BoH/VKF, getting War Soul's capstone + T5 and Deflect Arrows from VKF?

As far as gear, start with a tank set from Sharn > Ravenloft, then max out Con, PRR/MRR, saves, Dodge (to cap), grab Ghostly, Blurry/Lesser Displacement (if you don't have Displace clickies), Saves/Spell Saves and then probs max out healing & spellcasting etc. Picking gear is all about your priorities: how much of X should I give up in favor of Y. There's a lot of tradeoffs, and rarely is there a full set of "this is obviously best" (although set bonuses from Sharn/RL are pretty much required)>

I've been using this site (https://ddo-gear-planner.netlify.app/#/affixes) a bunch for quick gearsets. Maybe give it a try?

[SmashBang]

I am looking for a pure 20 Cleric with emphasis on Healing and Turning undead. New to the class so any tips would be appreciated. This toon will have no past lives and very little gear to start.

[SpartanKiller13]

I am looking for a pure 20 Cleric with emphasis on Healing and Turning undead. New to the class so any tips would be appreciated. This toon will have no past lives and very little gear to start.

Well, how about a Death Domain (https://ddowiki.com/page/Domain#Death) Cleric?

Note that a Heal/Turn-focused Cleric will be great in groups, and amazing in undead-heavy quests but not good at soloing (also undead bosses etc won't be easy).

Death Domain boosts your Turns, gives you one of the best single-target SLA's in DDO, and has an instakill SLA (also with boosted DC via domain). Necrotic Ray alone is an immense DPS button; the other parts are pretty nice too though :)

Baseline Cleric has really solid heals already, so you don't need to focus much past itemizing Devotion (and Healing Lore). That said, their Radiant Servant (https://ddowiki.com/page/Radiant_Servant_enhancements) tree focuses on both healing and Turns, so it seems like an obvious choice (also the T5 has a heal-over-time-aura which is super great).

As a turn-Cleric, you'll want decent Charisma (for number and power of turns) as well as decent Wisdom (for casting) and Con (for HP). I'd recommend Aasimar > Human (Aasimar has +Wis). Note that Morninglord is an Iconic. I'd probably start 18 Wis, 14 Cha, and 14 Con with level-ups into Wis (if Aasimar, 18 Wis, 16 Cha, 15 Con). Race doesn't matter too much though, just avoid -Wis or -Cha races :)

For Religion, Aureon is the clear winner with the level 6 active (https://ddowiki.com/page/Aureon%27s_Instruction) that boosts Turns as well as Wis & spellpen.

Feats:
(1) Maximize Spell
(3) Empower Spell
(6) Quicken Spell
(9) Extra Turning
(12) Empower Healing Spell
(15) Improved Turning
(18) Heighten Spell
(21) Spell Focus: Necromancy
(24) Burst of Glacial Wrath
(26D) Epic Spellpower:Positive (or Toughness)
(27) Intensify Spell
(28D) Mass Frog (use this on Constructs/undead)
(29D) Deific Warding
(30) Wellspring of Power
(30L) Scion of Celestia

If Human, take 1-9 feats earlier, grab Spell Focus:Necromancy at 9, and take Greater Spell Focus:Necromancy at 21.

Enhancements:
Rush for Mighty Turning (https://ddowiki.com/page/Radiant_Servant_enhancements#Tier_Two) (plus extra turning & improved turning)
Then head over to Divine Disciple (either) for a bit, pick up some SLA's and spellpower
Then head back to Radiant Servant and get Endless Turning from the T4, then go for more SLA's from DD.

At level 12, respec into:
Radiant Servant T5 (Positive Energy Aura) plus all the goodies from earlier and +2 Wis, and the first 4 cores (5/6 are pretty meh IMO).
Then go into Divine Disciple (Dark) for spellpower and maybe SLA's (I'd skip the T1 SLA) and spellpower as well as +Wis; grab cores whenever possible.

If your racial tree has good stuff, grab it when ya can :) mostly cores for +ability (and Healing Hands if Aasimar).

At 20, I'd be running T5+Core 4 Radiant Servant, with capstone in DD.

-------

Tips:

For all your cool SLA's (plus Healing Aura), make sure you right-click their hotbar icon and set Metamagics (Max/Emp/Quicken/Heighten) to always on. They get free metamagic, so it's basically a free boost for them :)
Use Byron Scoutsword to get you through Korthos, then look for parties - you'll be weak soloing until level 5.
Once you get Mighty Turning, your Turn Undeads will kill a few per pop. Focus on undead-heavy quests, and in parties focus on going towards undead vs other enemies :)
At level 5, you get Necrotic Ray which (with free metamagic) will oneshot one mob every 6 seconds. Use it lots. Later on might be two-shots lol.


Spells:
(1) Nightshield - gives immunity to Magic Missiles = OP
(1) Protection from Evil - provides some mind control immunity
(2) Seek Eternal Rest - bonus to Turn Undead
(2) Lesser Restoration - reduce ability damage and small debuffs
(3) Remove Curse + Blindness - QoL, and can use on party members (I use potions for Disease)
(4) Freedom of Movement - some CC immunity
(4) Deathblock - instakill immunity
(4) Restoration - clear ability damage, remove 1 negative level, remove more debuffs
(5) Raise Dead - super cheap and available early
(5) Slay Living - touch-ranged, but instakill and you're Necro Focus anyway
(6) Blade Barrier - your best AoE trash-clearer, make them walk across the edge a lot
(6) Heal - big heal button, also cures lots of debuffs
(6) Undeath to Death - slow to cast, always Quicken - but it wipes an AoE of undead
(7) Destruction - ranged instakill, also Necro :)
(7) Greater Restoration - fix most debuffs, all negatives, etc
(7) Cure Serious Wounds, Mass - use when CCWM is on cooldown
(8) Death Pact - skip dying once/rest
(8) Mass Deathward - if partying, nice AoE buff
(8) Cure Critical Wounds, Mass - big AoE heal, much faster casting than Mass Heal
(8) Holy Aura - nice party buff, some immunities
(9) Implosion - really effective multiple-instakill (you won't have as good Evocation DC's, but constructs/undead etc have low Fortitude saves so use it on them)
(9) True Resurrection - rezzes at full, very nice for tanks or other HP bags (or rezzing when there's lots of splash damage)

Gear:

Negative Spellpower & Lore
Healing Spellpower & Lore
Turn Undead stuff (Hallowed, Sacred, Eternal Faith - some are now found on randomgen gear now, so check AH and pawn shops etc).
Necromancy Focus (for your SLA's)
Wis, Cha, and Con gear (for casting, turns, and surviving respectively)
Random defensive stuff (Sheltering > Resistance > Spell Saves > Ghostly > Healamp > uhh)


The only gearpiece I'd say you definitely should farm out is Silverthread Belt (https://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Silverthread_Belt), as it gives an Enhancement bonus which fully stacks with everything else (you only get the biggest bonus of every type, so having a different bonus type = OP).

[SmashBang]

Well, how about a Death Domain (https://ddowiki.com/page/Domain#Death) Cleric?





Thanks for the response I will try this. I think i will go human and this account has none of the premium races, classes, or iconics.

Should I put level ups in Wisdom or Charisma? This toon is for a static group, so not too worried about solo play

[Ryukendo]

Hi!

So, I'm kinda interested in this one. And I wanted to see if anyone's experimented with it or can point me at a build with it, please?

The idea is a Warforged Fighter/Monk bit. I'm looking at running around with non-Monk weapons like a great sword, falchion, or bastard sword while using abilities off of the Henshin Mystic tree.

It's a first life build as well, no tomes or anything. I'm pretty casual as I've said before in this thread. Just looking for something fun that I can hopefully sink my proverbial teeth into for this.

Please help?

[LordPNut]

Thanks for the response I will try this. I think i will go human and this account has none of the premium races, classes, or iconics.

Should I put level ups in Wisdom or Charisma? This toon is for a static group, so not too worried about solo play


I have a cleric similar to this and I put a base wis of 15 (have a 3 tome) and put my points into cha, but if your going for spell dc's you'll need the wis. Its enough to cast your spells when geared up. It slow to solo, soooo slow. I went sunelf/morninglord , for racial ability for when I turn also do light damage (18d6, with no save) if they don't turn, also logged in to look this ability also counts me 6 levels higher when turning and increases the hit dice total number of hit dice I can turn at 3/3 for the enhancement. I am in radiant servant for the extra turning bonuses and the regen of my turns. Once you get up there you can always change enhancements to what you end up liking.
To note also SpartanKiller13 did give you a starting point for your cha/wis base if you read it :P

[Bolo_Grubb]

ya level ups into Wisdom, only get so much bonus from Cha

[SpartanKiller13]

Thanks for the response I will try this. I think i will go human and this account has none of the premium races, classes, or iconics.

Should I put level ups in Wisdom or Charisma? This toon is for a static group, so not too worried about solo play

Human's solid :) also bonus feat smooths those out a bit!

IMO Wisdom. The small boost to Wisdom will benefit your casting far more than increasing your Charisma will benefit Turning. If you don't care at all about casting other than heals & turns go with Charisma, but I think that's a crime :p

Edit: missed these:


I have a cleric similar to this and I put a base wis of 15 (have a 3 tome) and put my points into cha, but if your going for spell dc's you'll need the wis. Its enough to cast your spells when geared up. It slow to solo, soooo slow. I went sunelf/morninglord , for racial ability for when I turn also do light damage (18d6, with no save) if they don't turn, also logged in to look this ability also counts me 6 levels higher when turning and increases the hit dice total number of hit dice I can turn at 3/3 for the enhancement. I am in radiant servant for the extra turning bonuses and the regen of my turns. Once you get up there you can always change enhancements to what you end up liking.
To note also SpartanKiller13 did give you a starting point for your cha/wis base if you read it :P

Morninglord starts @15 though, which is why I didn't mention it :) Turns fall off later as enemy HD scales faster than your Turns do; it's still really useful at endgame, but you'll be getting like 2-3/Turn instead of like whole rooms of mobs :D


ya level ups into Wisdom, only get so much bonus from Cha

Agreed :)

[SpartanKiller13]

Hi!

So, I'm kinda interested in this one. And I wanted to see if anyone's experimented with it or can point me at a build with it, please?

The idea is a Warforged Fighter/Monk bit. I'm looking at running around with non-Monk weapons like a great sword, falchion, or bastard sword while using abilities off of the Henshin Mystic tree.

It's a first life build as well, no tomes or anything. I'm pretty casual as I've said before in this thread. Just looking for something fun that I can hopefully sink my proverbial teeth into for this.

Please help?

Hey. Is this a repeat of the previous time you asked for a THF Warforged Fighter/Monk? (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/117232-Request-a-Build-Get-a-Build?p=6357606&viewfull=1#post6357606) (from post #4147)

Here are my initial thoughts (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/117232-Request-a-Build-Get-a-Build?p=6358951&viewfull=1#post6358951) (from post #4152).

Not trying to be salty, but if so can you comment on my initial build idea and tell me what didn't meet your needs; or what you didn't like about it? I'm not going to make you an entire build again if you won't even respond to my first comment lol. Figuring novel builds out and writing it all down takes time and effort, and it definitely doesn't feel good to have said effort ignored.

[Ryukendo]

Hey. Is this a repeat of the previous time you asked for a THF Warforged Fighter/Monk? (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/117232-Request-a-Build-Get-a-Build?p=6357606&viewfull=1#post6357606) (from post #4147)

Here are my initial thoughts (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/117232-Request-a-Build-Get-a-Build?p=6358951&viewfull=1#post6358951) (from post #4152).

Not trying to be salty, but if so can you comment on my initial build idea and tell me what didn't meet your needs; or what you didn't like about it? I'm not going to make you an entire build again if you won't even respond to my first comment lol. Figuring novel builds out and writing it all down takes time and effort, and it definitely doesn't feel good to have said effort ignored.

Ah, I missed it somehow. I was wondering if I actually posted this before not long after I hit enter. My apologies for not replying or anything on it! Seriously, I don't know why the email didn't reach me on the replies to this thread.

So far I'm doing Fighter first, which is proving rather bothersome. Especially as I already know I'm going light on the docent for the Warforged.

The idea is sound otherwise. I've been running with a Falchion so far and I see now that I am going to end up Fighter 6 before going Monk. Suits me fine as I can start taking some extra Feats there. I may be building it wrong, however, as for some reason I'm aiming at Dodge feats. Power Attack to Great Cleave is my secondary build up there. I love having Cleave to really put in a beating, and Great Cleave could be a secondary that I'll love as well.

I don't think I have the Falconry tree, so that might be out there. I do have the Harper tree. I was thinking about doing Kensai, Henshin Mystic, and the actual Warforged racial tree.

The Warforged racial tree might be helpful since I'm going Big Weapon as you pointed out. Strikethrough and Power Attack increases are in there, as is a lot of HP boosts.

So, what's the thoughts on this so far? I'm kinda poking at this to get ideas, to get something that I like going. The blasts aren't really a problem. I don't mind just having a few here and there. Less clutter for a toolbar and less for me to pick and choose on.

I've got no clue if this will work of course.

Otherwise, my initial plan so far is to hit Fighter 6 (I do like that 3rd Kensai Core ability. Seriously. Crit boost with Falchion or Great Sword? Yes, please!) then do Monk 12 or 14.

So, hope that gives some insight into what I'm looking and planning so far? The Fighter levels have been doing great mostly. I just lack healing, which is a minus so far. I'm slowly levelling this build as I go. First life and casual player, etc., etc.

Hope that helps. I'll definitely look into getting the Falconry tree perhaps.

[SpartanKiller13]

Ah, I missed it somehow. I was wondering if I actually posted this before not long after I hit enter. My apologies for not replying or anything on it! Seriously, I don't know why the email didn't reach me on the replies to this thread.

So far I'm doing Fighter first, which is proving rather bothersome. Especially as I already know I'm going light on the docent for the Warforged.

The idea is sound otherwise. I've been running with a Falchion so far and I see now that I am going to end up Fighter 6 before going Monk. Suits me fine as I can start taking some extra Feats there. I may be building it wrong, however, as for some reason I'm aiming at Dodge feats. Power Attack to Great Cleave is my secondary build up there. I love having Cleave to really put in a beating, and Great Cleave could be a secondary that I'll love as well.

I don't think I have the Falconry tree, so that might be out there. I do have the Harper tree. I was thinking about doing Kensai, Henshin Mystic, and the actual Warforged racial tree.

The Warforged racial tree might be helpful since I'm going Big Weapon as you pointed out. Strikethrough and Power Attack increases are in there, as is a lot of HP boosts.

So, what's the thoughts on this so far? I'm kinda poking at this to get ideas, to get something that I like going. The blasts aren't really a problem. I don't mind just having a few here and there. Less clutter for a toolbar and less for me to pick and choose on.

I've got no clue if this will work of course.

Otherwise, my initial plan so far is to hit Fighter 6 (I do like that 3rd Kensai Core ability. Seriously. Crit boost with Falchion or Great Sword? Yes, please!) then do Monk 12 or 14.

So, hope that gives some insight into what I'm looking and planning so far? The Fighter levels have been doing great mostly. I just lack healing, which is a minus so far. I'm slowly leveling this build as I go. First life and casual player, etc., etc.

Hope that helps. I'll definitely look into getting the Falconry tree perhaps.

All good XD I was out for the weekend, but I'll keep an eye on this thread for your response :)

Since you dropped the requirement for lots of energy blasts etc, not having Falconry is just fine as you can be Str-based pretty reasonably. The point of Falconry is to allow you to Wis-max (which would bump your Cleric spells, Monk abilities, etc) while ditching Strength. Since you're already level 5 you've already spent your build points and had an ability point upgrade at 4 so you're pretty well set in whatever path you picked :p

In the Warforged tree I'd also recommend Healamp, as a fair bit of your sustain is probably going to come from Monk healing stuff like Fists of Light and L/L/L finisher. Will also help heals from hires or other players :) But yeah, until Monk 3 you won't have healing options (at Monk 3 you get a Philosophy, choose Path of Harmonious Balance (https://ddowiki.com/page/Path_of_Harmonious_Balance) via Fists of Light); then you can debuff an enemy to heal you whenever you hit it, and if you use Light/Light/Light you can use the finisher (https://ddowiki.com/page/Healing_Ki)for an AoE heal. Fists of Light only scales with Healamp, but Healing Ki also scales with Devotion.

If you're just going Fighter/Monk that seems fine to me :) I'd recommend getting Fighter 6, then Monk 12, and then getting Fighter to 8. Monk 13/14 doesn't do much, whereas Fighter 8 gives a bonus feat + access to Greater Weapon Focus, which unlocks two Kensei enhancements totaling +5 to-hit and +7 damage.

As a Fighter/Monk you'll have more feats than you know what to do with; I'd just take a glance at Monk's Martial Arts feats (https://ddowiki.com/page/Martial_arts_feats) to make sure you don't waste those (get Deflect Arrows). Other fun feats I'd recommend since you're already Dodge line is grabbing Spring Attack - it's a cool dash active attack that's pretty fun and gets an extra bit of mobility which is great. At level 18 (Monk 12) you'll get Abundant Step as well, which you can chain with Spring Attack to get a ton of mobility.

Enhancement-wise, now that you're not going Cleric or Falconry you have a lot more AP to throw around. Obviously you're in Kensei (and hopefully Stalwart Defender) now, but around level 7-9 you can start going into Shintao as well; the cores are great, Elemental Curative:Lesser Restoration is pretty nice, and you're after the T2 Iron Skin for another +20 PRR (stacking with Defender Stance's 25 PRR/MRR). Can also grab Fists of Iron from T2 if you're sustaining fine without the finisher (it's a nice DPS boost). Also of course Henshin Mystic 6 AP for Ki Bolt :p

At level 12, you're going to respec and get Kensei T5. What I'd expect around then:
34 AP Kensei (full T5 that you can get, Ascetic Training: Contemplation III, Haste Boost, Shattering Strike, Opportunity Attack, +2 Str, lots of Weapon Specializations, Liquid Courage maybe)
6 AP Stalwart Defender (Core 2, Durable Defense III - remember to toggle stance on)
6 AP Henshin Mystic (Core 2, Way of the Crane)

After that I'd be going 4 AP into Warforged (Healer's Friend III) then back into Shintao for probs 11 AP (core 3, Ele Curative:LR, Iron Skin III) then 11 into Ninja Spy (Core 3 is excellent, Sneak Attack dice are nice, Melee Power boost probs) and finish it out back in Warforged.

Can always shuffle stuff around as needed :)

[Ryukendo]

All good XD I was out for the weekend, but I'll keep an eye on this thread for your response :)

Since you dropped the requirement for lots of energy blasts etc, not having Falconry is just fine as you can be Str-based pretty reasonably. The point of Falconry is to allow you to Wis-max (which would bump your Cleric spells, Monk abilities, etc) while ditching Strength. Since you're already level 5 you've already spent your build points and had an ability point upgrade at 4 so you're pretty well set in whatever path you picked :p

In the Warforged tree I'd also recommend Healamp, as a fair bit of your sustain is probably going to come from Monk healing stuff like Fists of Light and L/L/L finisher. Will also help heals from hires or other players :) But yeah, until Monk 3 you won't have healing options (at Monk 3 you get a Philosophy, choose Path of Harmonious Balance (https://ddowiki.com/page/Path_of_Harmonious_Balance) via Fists of Light); then you can debuff an enemy to heal you whenever you hit it, and if you use Light/Light/Light you can use the finisher (https://ddowiki.com/page/Healing_Ki)for an AoE heal. Fists of Light only scales with Healamp, but Healing Ki also scales with Devotion.

If you're just going Fighter/Monk that seems fine to me :) I'd recommend getting Fighter 6, then Monk 12, and then getting Fighter to 8. Monk 13/14 doesn't do much, whereas Fighter 8 gives a bonus feat + access to Greater Weapon Focus, which unlocks two Kensei enhancements totaling +5 to-hit and +7 damage.

As a Fighter/Monk you'll have more feats than you know what to do with; I'd just take a glance at Monk's Martial Arts feats (https://ddowiki.com/page/Martial_arts_feats) to make sure you don't waste those (get Deflect Arrows). Other fun feats I'd recommend since you're already Dodge line is grabbing Spring Attack - it's a cool dash active attack that's pretty fun and gets an extra bit of mobility which is great. At level 18 (Monk 12) you'll get Abundant Step as well, which you can chain with Spring Attack to get a ton of mobility.

Enhancement-wise, now that you're not going Cleric or Falconry you have a lot more AP to throw around. Obviously you're in Kensei (and hopefully Stalwart Defender) now, but around level 7-9 you can start going into Shintao as well; the cores are great, Elemental Curative:Lesser Restoration is pretty nice, and you're after the T2 Iron Skin for another +20 PRR (stacking with Defender Stance's 25 PRR/MRR). Can also grab Fists of Iron from T2 if you're sustaining fine without the finisher (it's a nice DPS boost). Also of course Henshin Mystic 6 AP for Ki Bolt :p

At level 12, you're going to respec and get Kensei T5. What I'd expect around then:
34 AP Kensei (full T5 that you can get, Ascetic Training: Contemplation III, Haste Boost, Shattering Strike, Opportunity Attack, +2 Str, lots of Weapon Specializations, Liquid Courage maybe)
6 AP Stalwart Defender (Core 2, Durable Defense III - remember to toggle stance on)
6 AP Henshin Mystic (Core 2, Way of the Crane)

After that I'd be going 4 AP into Warforged (Healer's Friend III) then back into Shintao for probs 11 AP (core 3, Ele Curative:LR, Iron Skin III) then 11 into Ninja Spy (Core 3 is excellent, Sneak Attack dice are nice, Melee Power boost probs) and finish it out back in Warforged.

Can always shuffle stuff around as needed :)

Wow. I might need a little to break this down. Starting out, I'm kinda looking at the extra Fighter levels. Good idea.

The Stalwart Defender, I'm leery of but also like the idea of. Not sure on it yet 'cause I'll have Monk stances as well going on there. I am tempted by a majority of the Warforged racial tree as well, however.

Here's one question I have to ask. How much Fortification is too much Fortification? :D

Otherwise, half-way thinking after looking at things so far of going for broke on a lot of things. I will note that Warforged racial's HP boost is very, very nice at level 5 so far.

[HungarianRhapsody]

Silvanus Maul Paladin?

I'd really like to do a Cha Silvanus Maul Paladin, but I don't see a way to do that.

[SpartanKiller13]

Wow. I might need a little to break this down. Starting out, I'm kinda looking at the extra Fighter levels. Good idea.

The Stalwart Defender, I'm leery of but also like the idea of. Not sure on it yet 'cause I'll have Monk stances as well going on there. I am tempted by a majority of the Warforged racial tree as well, however.

Here's one question I have to ask. How much Fortification is too much Fortification? :D

Otherwise, half-way thinking after looking at things so far of going for broke on a lot of things. I will note that Warforged racial's HP boost is very, very nice at level 5 so far.

Stalwart Defender's stance has no drawbacks for ya, it's just 25 PRR/MRR for 6 AP. Definitely a strong option IMO. The Improved Defender Stance (T3/4/5) requires Medium/Heavy Armor or a shield, so it's not an option if you want to stay centered = skip that.

Warforged is strong, but it's expensive to get the good stuff. Later on sure, but earlygame I probably wouldn't go past Front Lines.

For Fortification, the rule of thumb is 100% + 1% per CR of your enemies (so like 125% early, 200% around mid-20's). If you're staying at cap, raiding, or running high Reaper you'll probably want to bump that to 250-300%, but I wouldn't worry about that much.

Warforged HP boost is nice early, but it's 10 HP for 2 AP. It's decent filler, but by level 10-12 it'll start being less impactful (as you gain more base HP and Con adding to HP). Like at level 20, you'll have 80 AP but trading them all for 400 HP seems pretty bad. Even on a tank I'd rather spend most of them on stuff like PRR/MRR or more Con (each point of Con = 15 base HP at cap).

[SpartanKiller13]

Silvanus Maul Paladin?

I'd really like to do a Cha Silvanus Maul Paladin, but I don't see a way to do that.

So uh unless you're in a super hurry, wait for Feydark Illusionist to come out in U47 (might be delayed until U48? Idk they've been unclear). Here's the Lama preview for it. (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/518086-U47-Preview-3-Feydark-Illusionist)

Requires Magical Training to unlock, but for ~6 AP (and that feat) you can get Cha to-hit & damage as a universal tree option. I'd probably go 11 AP deep for Greater Color Spray, but YMMV.

Until then, I'd make a PDK G-Sword Paladin in Silvanus, maxing Cha etc, and swap over to mauls when Illusionist is released :) Standard 18/2 seems fine, or some split, or eat a LHoW +1 if you plan on keeping that toon for a while.

[Ryukendo]

Stalwart Defender's stance has no drawbacks for ya, it's just 25 PRR/MRR for 6 AP. Definitely a strong option IMO. The Improved Defender Stance (T3/4/5) requires Medium/Heavy Armor or a shield, so it's not an option if you want to stay centered = skip that.

Warforged is strong, but it's expensive to get the good stuff. Later on sure, but earlygame I probably wouldn't go past Front Lines.

For Fortification, the rule of thumb is 100% + 1% per CR of your enemies (so like 125% early, 200% around mid-20's). If you're staying at cap, raiding, or running high Reaper you'll probably want to bump that to 250-300%, but I wouldn't worry about that much.

Warforged HP boost is nice early, but it's 10 HP for 2 AP. It's decent filler, but by level 10-12 it'll start being less impactful (as you gain more base HP and Con adding to HP). Like at level 20, you'll have 80 AP but trading them all for 400 HP seems pretty bad. Even on a tank I'd rather spend most of them on stuff like PRR/MRR or more Con (each point of Con = 15 base HP at cap).

So, finally hit 6th. I got one question. How the hell do you guys aim Spring Attack?

Otherwise, went ahead and took a Monk level for Deflect Arrows. Which seem to like me and ended up taking a kama since I've still got Weapon Focus Slashing going on.

The idea of Stalwart Defender looks interesting. My only question is how many stances can you have? Because you've also got Earth Stance going on the Monk end which seems to occupy the same sort of thing just with a stat negative?

[Thorguild]

Here is a request from someone special to me:

No ranged. Preferred play style is to run in and BASH. She is adverse to clicking during combat so would like to have mostly passives. Can there be no more than two clickies during combat?

Would not mind clicking between combats.

Does NOT like warforged. They are ugly.

She kinda wants a Melee Artificer, two bastards swords preferred, but willing to talk about it.

Thanks in advance!

Thorguild

PS Tomorrow is her birthday :)

[Ryukendo]

Here is a request from someone special to me:

No ranged. Preferred play style is to run in and BASH. She is adverse to clicking during combat so would like to have mostly passives. Can there be no more than two clickies during combat?

Would not mind clicking between combats.

Does NOT like warforged. They are ugly.

She kinda wants a Melee Artificer, two bastards swords preferred, but willing to talk about it.

Thanks in advance!

Thorguild

PS Tomorrow is her birthday :)

You might be able to modify the Maverick Hunter over here to help out? It's a great melee build, I can attest to that. It's just the Rune Arm that puts you in fits as you have to grind for the ones that are AoE melee types. https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/479583-quot-The-Maverick-Hunter-quot-a-guide-to-melee-Artificer?highlight=maverick+hunter

[Thorguild]

You might be able to modify the Maverick Hunter over here to help out? It's a great melee build, I can attest to that

Yes, but Warforged are ugly, in her words. She's not willing to play one, and the rune arm is not to her liking.

[Ryukendo]

Yes, but Warforged are ugly, in her words. She's not willing to play one, and the rune arm is not to her liking.

I think my current toon would be going "We're not ugly! We're just built that way."

But, in that case I think you might be able to go TWF. Maybe.

One of the things I've noticed however is that Rune Arms tend to add a lot of the damage to an Artificer in melee. I have not experimented on it beyond level 10-ish, but I did notice I was getting a lot of damage bonus off of it when using just a bastard sword or dwarven war axe.

Otherwise, not sure how to help here. I think she might be able to focus on something like Renegade Mastermaker on the enhancement tree, maybe Battle Engineer for bastard sword use.

Hope it at least gives some ideas.

[SpartanKiller13]

So, finally hit 6th. I got one question. How the hell do you guys aim Spring Attack?

Otherwise, went ahead and took a Monk level for Deflect Arrows. Which seem to like me and ended up taking a kama since I've still got Weapon Focus Slashing going on.

The idea of Stalwart Defender looks interesting. My only question is how many stances can you have? Because you've also got Earth Stance going on the Monk end which seems to occupy the same sort of thing just with a stat negative?

Spring Attack isn't targeted, it just goes a set distance in the direction you're facing; I usually hold RMB for mouselook to aim it (you can even move your mouse mid-dash to change directions to go around corners etc). Also hits mobs along the way, but generally that's of lesser concern (I'm using it to gapclose, to escape pileups, or for quest mobility).

Glad you're doing well with a kama :)

You can have one of each type of stance active. Like Precision and Power Attack are both offensive stances, so you can only have one active. Monk stances are a category of their own, so you can always have one up and it won't prevent you from using other stance (I had a Monk/Fighter that used Stalwart + Fire stance).

[SpartanKiller13]

Here is a request from someone special to me:

No ranged. Preferred play style is to run in and BASH. She is adverse to clicking during combat so would like to have mostly passives. Can there be no more than two clickies during combat?

Would not mind clicking between combats.

Does NOT like warforged. They are ugly.

She kinda wants a Melee Artificer, two bastards swords preferred, but willing to talk about it.

Thanks in advance!

Thorguild

PS Tomorrow is her birthday :)

Happy Birthday!

Artificers are sorta click-heavy lol. A melee Artificer would probably be mostly Renegade Mastermaker (https://ddowiki.com/page/Renegade_Mastermaker_enhancements), with a side order of Battle Engineer. (https://ddowiki.com/page/Battle_Engineer_enhancements) Both have a decent number of active attacks. What part of Artificer is it that she's interested in?

TWF Bastard Swords isn't in a great spot? You can definitely do it, but be aware it's a flavor choice :) As a melee Artificer you get benefits by going SWF with a runearm (stuff like Agility Engine or Mighty Slam), and no benefits for going TWF. Bastard Swords are also awkward because they're built for SWF Strikethrough mechanics, so they don't have options like Knight's Training feat (https://ddowiki.com/page/Knight%27s_Training) which makes longswords really strong, or Vistani Knife Fighter (https://ddowiki.com/page/Vistani_Knife_Fighter_enhancements) Universal Tree which makes daggers really good.

If she just wants to go in and bash, have you recommended THF Paladin or Barbarian? Both can be built pretty well with few actives, and both are really strong at going in to bash. If she's stuck on TWF Bastard Swords, I think your best bet is some Ranger version - you'll still have a few actives, but you can cut most out and have some pretty solid BASH gameplay (you'll 100% be using Dance of Death every 15s, and a few others every like 30-90 seconds, but mostly you can avoid the actives and be decent). Something like Strimtom's first-life build (the 2nd one on this link (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/499845-Tempest-rangers-for-all-folks-old-and-new-R10-Viable-Tempest-ranger-build)) with some things swapped around :)

[Ryukendo]

Spring Attack isn't targeted, it just goes a set distance in the direction you're facing; I usually hold RMB for mouselook to aim it (you can even move your mouse mid-dash to change directions to go around corners etc). Also hits mobs along the way, but generally that's of lesser concern (I'm using it to gapclose, to escape pileups, or for quest mobility).

Glad you're doing well with a kama :)

You can have one of each type of stance active. Like Precision and Power Attack are both offensive stances, so you can only have one active. Monk stances are a category of their own, so you can always have one up and it won't prevent you from using other stance (I had a Monk/Fighter that used Stalwart + Fire stance).

Oh, cool! Will definitely have to give it a go, then!

Next problem is for some reason I've been eyeing the Henshin Mystic. I name another game's gameplay as the reason, but Ki Bolt and some of the other stuff looks intriguing lately. Ugh.

Edit: Oh, also forgot to update a bit. Current level is Fighter 6/Monk 1. So, planning to hit Monk the next few to get that going. Once I've reached where I can just click the Tier 5 and get used to what I'm doing in Kensai, I plan on stretching out to either Henshin Mystic or Stalwart Defender. Stalwart Defender seems likely.

Research-wise I did find that it might be better to keep up the Monk levels. I noticed that a lot of what their finishers and the like do depend upon it. Fighter 8 sounds nice, but would a pair of Monk levels add up in the damage department? I can see where it will add up with Diamond Soul, Purity of Body, and Wholeness of Body as examples. I see the AC bonus stops at 12.

If I could, I might've actually taken back the Fighter 5 in exchange for an extra Monk level seeing all the benefits of a Monk 15/Fighter 5 there. At least if the DDO wiki is right. I know the only downside is that I'm not Falconry, so I'd be stretching myself across Str, Dex, and Wis there. Str to hit stuff hard, Dex and Wis for defense.

Hope you got some insight there!

[SpartanKiller13]

Oh, cool! Will definitely have to give it a go, then!

Next problem is for some reason I've been eyeing the Henshin Mystic. I name another game's gameplay as the reason, but Ki Bolt and some of the other stuff looks intriguing lately. Ugh.

Yeah, Ki Bolt has been one of the main features in any build you've been after for a while XD Have you used it yet? I'm not sure it's as impressive as you want it to be. I'm interested in hearing your findings XD


Edit: Oh, also forgot to update a bit. Current level is Fighter 6/Monk 1. So, planning to hit Monk the next few to get that going. Once I've reached where I can just click the Tier 5 and get used to what I'm doing in Kensai, I plan on stretching out to either Henshin Mystic or Stalwart Defender. Stalwart Defender seems likely.


I'd definitely be mostly playing as a Fighter while you're 6/1 lol. A lot of Monk stuff gets better with a few more Monk levels, so until you get there it's sorta meh.


Research-wise I did find that it might be better to keep up the Monk levels. I noticed that a lot of what their finishers and the like do depend upon it. Fighter 8 sounds nice, but would a pair of Monk levels add up in the damage department? I can see where it will add up with Diamond Soul, Purity of Body, and Wholeness of Body as examples. I see the AC bonus stops at 12.

As far as why I recommended 6+ Fighter, and only 12 Monk: since your T5 is in Kensei, Fighter 6 allows you to grab the 3rd Kensei core which gives +1 crit multiplier. That turns into a pretty significant amount of damage (with a Greatsword, T5 Kensei, and ICrit you go from 16-20/x2 to 16-20/x3, which is a ~20% damage increase).

You'll get Purity of Body at Monk 5 anyway (and Remove Disease pots aren't exactly expensive), Wholeness of Body at Monk 12 vs Monk 14 is a 17% difference for an out-of-combat heal (so worst case you'll need to hit a potion or bring a hire, it's out-of-combat anyway). Missing Diamond Soul's SR at Monk 13 is a thing, so that could be an argument for Monk 13, but you get the Poison Immunity at Monk 11 so that's already on the table.

Fighter 8 gives you a little more damage, although it's certainly not a deal-maker; going Monk 13 just for Monk SR is an option if you plan on gearing SR - stacking +23 SR is a pretty big boost. That said, SR mostly matters for enemy DC effects, and with Monk's good saves + some immunity stuff (like Protection from Evil, Freedom of Movement, and Deathblock) it's generally not as much of a concern? Might be easier for you to get solid SR without those immunities etc though.

I don't think giving up Fighter 6 for Monk 15 is worth it. AC starts falling off pretty hard around level 13-14, so the +3 AC is pretty meh to me. Quivering Palm won't land without a lot of Wis investment that you won't have, so it's really just +3.5% movespeed vs +20% damage. While I like MS a lot, that's a lot of damage.


If I could, I might've actually taken back the Fighter 5 in exchange for an extra Monk level seeing all the benefits of a Monk 15/Fighter 5 there. At least if the DDO wiki is right. I know the only downside is that I'm not Falconry, so I'd be stretching myself across Str, Dex, and Wis there. Str to hit stuff hard, Dex and Wis for defense.

If you're meaning Wis & Dex for AC bonuses (and save bonuses) I'd be super careful; around level 13+ AC stops mattering nearly as much if you're not a dedicated AC tank (enemy to-hit skyrockets while your sources of AC don't) and you'll have more alternative defenses available (like Ghostly for 10% Incorporeality, or Blurry items for 20% Miss Chance, or Dodge items to get towards your Dodge cap in the 30% range, etc).

Personally I'd worry more about Str (dead enemies don't deal DPS) and Con (for HP) while gearing more towards like Resistance (which boosts all your saves), Spell Saves (further boosting for enemy spells), and HP (False Life, Vitality, etc) past the obvious damage stuff like Deadly, Seeker, and Accuracy.


Hope you got some insight there!

Hope that helps! I'm definitely not a heavy Monk player, but I've done a lot of theorycrafting and that's what I'm seeing :)

[Waveclaw]

Pretty straightforward, I'm looking for a Greatsword human DPS fighter with decent survivability. (TBH, I just want the strikethrough, so a s&b bsword one will also be okay)

thanks in advance!

[SpartanKiller13]

Pretty straightforward, I'm looking for a Greatsword human DPS fighter with decent survivability. (TBH, I just want the strikethrough, so a s&b bsword one will also be okay)

thanks in advance!

Here's one from Unbongwah updated in April of this year: THF Kensei for new players. (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/480220-THF-Kensei-for-New-Players-(U33))

For a little extra survivability: if you have access to it, I'd go Aasimar instead of Human - with a few points in Wis you get a few solid self-heals, which is pretty nice for survivability. Otherwise Halfling can get Dragonmark of Healing, but as a small character your greatsword doesn't have as much reach.

THF Greatsword Strikethrough >> S&B Bsword Strikethrough. You can go Vanguard/Kensei with like Half-Orc via S&B, but that's much more glass-cannon than a Kensei/Stalwart build.

Does that meet your needs? If you have questions, or want changes etc ask away :)

[LordPNut]

Are there any recent builds that are current for an acrobat? Last I did acrobat was umm years ago (2010/11ish) when cap was 20, I went 17 rogue 3monk. Would it be better to go just pure rogue? Or any fighter or monk would benefit greatly? The character Im doing this for has 6 tomes across the board so race for it wouldn't matter unless just go human for that extra feat. Only page I could find on this is around time I did this, any help would be appreciated.

[Waveclaw]

Here's one from Unbongwah updated in April of this year: THF Kensei for new players. (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/480220-THF-Kensei-for-New-Players-(U33))


Looks nice! But what about the ability points allocation of a 36 pt character? All extra points to str?



For a little extra survivability: if you have access to it, I'd go Aasimar instead of Human - with a few points in Wis you get a few solid self-heals, which is pretty nice for survivability.

Self heals? but doesn't fighters get no spells? Or is it from the Aasimar tree?

[C-Dog]

Looks nice! But what about the ability points allocation of a 36 pt character? All extra points to str?
Since it's a Strength build, that would probably be a good suggestion.

Tho' you only have room for 3 pts there (17 +3 pts = 18, the max). Last point could bump Dex to 14, or bump Wis by +1 (since the self-healing is Wis-based).

(Alternate options would be 2 pts into Int for more skill points (Jump?), and/or Wis.)



Self heals? but doesn't fighters get no spells? Or is it from the Aasimar tree?
Good guess, but it's a racial ability (tho' the tree augments it).

o https://ddowiki.com/page/Aasimar#Racial_Traits
o https://ddowiki.com/page/Aasimar_enhancements

[SpartanKiller13]

Looks nice! But what about the ability points allocation of a 36 pt character? All extra points to str?

Self heals? but doesn't fighters get no spells? Or is it from the Aasimar tree?

Sweet! If you don't go Aasimar, I'd max Strength to 18, Con to 17, and 2 points into one of the others (Int for Skill points, Wis for Will Saves, Cha for UMD). Just don't reduce your Dex below 13, as that's required for Precision :)

Aasimar (https://ddowiki.com/page/Aasimar) has a racial ability, Healing Hands; you can get more charges via the racial tree (up to 7 w/1 regenerating every 3 minutes) but it's a super-fast extremely reliable heal that hits for (10+character level) x Wis modifier, and of course that also gets multiplied by your HealAmp. If you go Aasimar, I'd spend all your remaining build points in Wis.

At level 5, with airship buffs and some randomgen Wis item you'd be hitting a near-instant 90 HP heal, which is very nice for solo or party play alike. At level 20, with 30 Wis and 60 Healamp it's a 480 HP heal. At level 30, with 40 Wis and 145 Healamp (PotF) it's a 980 HP heal. You can get up to 7 of these lol. Very nice for sticky spots or if your healer is down (or crowd controlled, etc etc).


Are there any recent builds that are current for an acrobat? Last I did acrobat was umm years ago (2010/11ish) when cap was 20, I went 17 rogue 3monk. Would it be better to go just pure rogue? Or any fighter or monk would benefit greatly? The character Im doing this for has 6 tomes across the board so race for it wouldn't matter unless just go human for that extra feat. Only page I could find on this is around time I did this, any help would be appreciated.

Are you planning on playing for level 20, or going into epics? If you're going into epics, Thief-Acrobat's core 5 and capstone are extremely strong so I don't think I'd give those up.

As far as race, I'd be considering Human (for the feat), Half-Orc (for the THF goodies, Orcish Rage, & Brutality if Str-based or with lots of racial AP), or Halfling (Dex stuff and +Dodge Cap). Maybe Warforged if you don't worry about heals (15 MP is shiny). Or Aasimar, for the reasons laid out above lol (could also go Falconry Wis-max, but that makes me think Henshin build instead).

Here's a 2020 thread on it (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/514495-Help-me-with-my-Thief-acrobat-build); it's from one of my guildies who's getting into DDO, so I'd at least skim the comments for their advice (like Power Attack is ditched promptly).

Talk out a lil more, and I'd be happy to assist ya further :) or post on that thread, Oldschool's pretty good about responding etc :)

[LordPNut]

Are you planning on playing for level 20, or going into epics? If you're going into epics, Thief-Acrobat's core 5 and capstone are extremely strong so I don't think I'd give those up.

As far as race, I'd be considering Human (for the feat), Half-Orc (for the THF goodies, Orcish Rage, & Brutality if Str-based or with lots of racial AP), or Halfling (Dex stuff and +Dodge Cap). Maybe Warforged if you don't worry about heals (15 MP is shiny). Or Aasimar, for the reasons laid out above lol (could also go Falconry Wis-max, but that makes me think Henshin build instead).

Here's a 2020 thread on it (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/514495-Help-me-with-my-Thief-acrobat-build); it's from one of my guildies who's getting into DDO, so I'd at least skim the comments for their advice (like Power Attack is ditched promptly).

Talk out a lil more, and I'd be happy to assist ya further :) or post on that thread, Oldschool's pretty good about responding etc :)

I read the thread pretty interesting, and reminding how feat starved acrobat has been. So with that I'll probably go human just to get that extra bit. Yes to epics, I usually like to cap unless Im unhappy with the build/class then I hit 20 and tr. Im still unsure between str or dex build, I say this looking at my collection of staffs I have are str for attack/damge mod (not sure if this makes a difference anymore). The toon has 2 rogue, 3 pally, 1 sorc, 1 barb and will be 2 warlock pl, and 3 epic pl 2 colors and 1 primal (all eds are maxed atm and ready for another etr). I think Ill also make an iconic just too preview what I can get. Thank you for the link!

[Discpsycho]

Im still unsure between str or dex build, I say this looking at my collection of staffs I have are str for attack/damge mod (not sure if this makes a difference anymore).

Acrobats get Dex to Hit and Damage at level 3, so it doesn't matter much except at really early levels when you're going to struggle anyway.

There are a few of other reasons to consider Str vs. Dex:
- Multiclassing more than a couple of levels. There are more classes (Paladin, Barbarian) that using Str than Dex that synergize ok with staff use.
- Feat prerequisites. GTHF requires 17 Str, which could be anywhere from 3 to 5 build points with a +6 Tome, depending on your race
- Leveling gear. Do you have a decent Sharn ring for either Str or Dex that will make a significant difference?
- DCs and endgame gear. Acrobat supports Dex a bit better, but Str can often get a bit higher because of buff availability and less loot tetris

I did an Acrobat life (1-20 only) two or three years ago, significantly before Strikethrough. I went Dex-based and had absolutely no regrets. Max DC from Sweeping Strikes made an enormous difference, and the Reflex saves increased survivability quite a bit. If you're on the fence, I'd recommend Dex for those reasons, if not the sheer novelty of a THF Dex build

Edit: Forgot to throw in anecdotal evidence

[SpartanKiller13]

I read the thread pretty interesting, and reminding how feat starved acrobat has been. So with that I'll probably go human just to get that extra bit. Yes to epics, I usually like to cap unless Im unhappy with the build/class then I hit 20 and tr. Im still unsure between str or dex build, I say this looking at my collection of staffs I have are str for attack/damge mod (not sure if this makes a difference anymore). The toon has 2 rogue, 3 pally, 1 sorc, 1 barb and will be 2 warlock pl, and 3 epic pl 2 colors and 1 primal (all eds are maxed atm and ready for another etr). I think Ill also make an iconic just too preview what I can get. Thank you for the link!

I'd go Dex-based if it's an even decision. Defensive Roll (https://ddowiki.com/page/Defensive_Roll) (w/T5 Acrobat improving it) alone seems worth it, and Dex-Max + Evasion means you can ignore basically all Reflex-save stuff which is pretty convenient.

Thief-Acrobat (https://ddowiki.com/page/Thief-Acrobat_enhancements) cores 1 & 3 give Dex-to-Hit and Dex-to-Damage with quarterstavs, respectively - so at worst you'll be sorta weak for levels 1-2 which is pretty negligible (especially if you bank a few daily XP stones).


Acrobats get Dex to Hit and Damage at level 3, so it doesn't matter much except at really early levels when you're going to struggle anyway.

There are a few of other reasons to consider Str vs. Dex:
- Multiclassing more than a couple of levels. There are more classes (Paladin, Barbarian) that using Str than Dex that synergize ok with staff use.
- Feat prerequisites. GTHF requires 17 Str, which could be anywhere from 3 to 5 build points with a +6 Tome, depending on your race
- Leveling gear. Do you have a decent Sharn ring for either Str or Dex that will make a significant difference?
- DCs and endgame gear. Acrobat supports Dex a bit better, but Str can often get a bit higher because of buff availability and less loot tetris

These are good points to consider as well.

[LordPNut]

Sweet thanks guys!

[unbongwah]

I am curious whether anyone is running a DEX Acrobat in Shadowdancer. Executioner's Strike should apply on Strikethrough and even a first-life Acrobat can easily exceed 200%: 150% THF feats + 20% Improved Second Strikes + 50% Followthrough = 220% ST. Hitting 300% is harder: 20% Great Weapon Aptitude (human or half-orc) + 40% Malicious&Wild Weapons Twists + 20% ??? is there gear with 20% ST yet?

[Discpsycho]

is there gear with 20% ST yet?

As far as I know, not yet. I would be shocked if Feywild didn't include a filigree with Strikethrough as a set bonus

[SpartanKiller13]

I am curious whether anyone is running a DEX Acrobat in Shadowdancer. Executioner's Strike should apply on Strikethrough and even a first-life Acrobat can easily exceed 200%: 150% THF feats + 20% Improved Second Strikes + 50% Followthrough = 220% ST. Hitting 300% is harder: 20% Great Weapon Aptitude (human or half-orc) + 40% Malicious&Wild Weapons Twists + 20% ??? is there gear with 20% ST yet?

I have a buddy who has a TA build, let me ask them to see if they can test :)

Is the theory that you hit 3 enemies and usually oneshot one of them? Or what's the plan? Seems a little thin to build a toon on :p Although TA does look decent.

AFAIK there's only One Against Many's 3-piece +5% for gear ST.

[unbongwah]

Is the theory that you hit 3 enemies and usually oneshot one of them?
Basically yes.

"Executioner's Strike/Shot: Active Ability: (Cooldown: 12 seconds) Melee or ranged attack. Perform an attack with +[1/2/3][W] damage, +1 critical threat range and +1 critical damage multiplier. On hit: You have a 35% chance to kill a target instantly if the target fails a Fortitude save (DC 7 + character level + higher of Dex or Int modifier + Assassination bonuses). Even on successful save target takes an additional [50/75/100] damage from this attack."

The issue with it has always been there's only a 35% chance of the instakill effect proccing, which then requires a DC check. The Executioner (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/511002-U44-1-20-Monk-Shuriken-Executioner-(High-Reaper)) relies on shuriken's high hit rate to max out the chances of it working. Melees need Strikethrough and doublestrike to max out their chances; and Acrobats get plenty of both. So hit at least 3 targets per attack with nigh-100% Doublestrike; on average you should see 2 procs of DC checks. Then you just need no-fail Assassinate DCs - how hard is that? :cool:

[SpartanKiller13]

I am curious whether anyone is running a DEX Acrobat in Shadowdancer. Executioner's Strike should apply on Strikethrough and even a first-life Acrobat can easily exceed 200%: 150% THF feats + 20% Improved Second Strikes + 50% Followthrough = 220% ST. Hitting 300% is harder: 20% Great Weapon Aptitude (human or half-orc) + 40% Malicious&Wild Weapons Twists + 20% ??? is there gear with 20% ST yet?


"Executioner's Strike/Shot: Active Ability: (Cooldown: 12 seconds) Melee or ranged attack... On hit: You have a 35% chance to kill a target instantly if the target fails a Fortitude save (DC 7 + character level + higher of Dex or Int modifier + Assassination bonuses)...

The issue with it has always been there's only a 35% chance of the instakill effect proccing, which then requires a DC check. The Executioner (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/511002-U44-1-20-Monk-Shuriken-Executioner-(High-Reaper)) relies on shuriken's high hit rate to max out the chances of it working. Melees need Strikethrough and doublestrike to max out their chances; and Acrobats get plenty of both. So hit at least 3 targets per attack with nigh-100% Doublestrike; on average you should see 2 procs of DC checks. Then you just need no-fail Assassinate DCs - how hard is that? :cool:

Assuming you have no-fail DC's, 200% ST and 100% DS - you'd actually only see an average of 1.73 procs/hit (basically because sometimes your 2nd proc would hit the same enemy). Your chances of each are 0.35 + (0.65*0.35) = 0.5775 each, FWIW.

I asked my friend Oldschool to test it since he has a level 30 Thief-Acrobat, and here's his testing results:


First thing I need to say is that my Executioners strike DC is 86. So, I respecced SD for Executioners strike and ran some Sharn. LE Sharn trash mobs save against this most of the time, so its worth very little there with my DC. I went down to LH and re-tested. The Execution happens more frequently there, but trash still save against it with regularity. I'd guess 50% ish? I gathered the mobs around me and fired it off many times. I got at most two executions, maybe 5-10% of the time at best, never three. Often I would get 1 kill, but there were just as many zeros as well. Maybe its the DC, I don't know, but my Assassinate is so much more reliable and with a DC even lower than this. The ability just feels broken somehow to be honest with you, it always has. Maybe a higher DC would make it work better, but to work in LE that would take some real doing. I cannot recommend it at all, but at least I can confirm that it does work with strikethrough. Adrenaline / FotW is far, far better.

So the two-fold problems are actually getting DC's (might be opportunity cost with gear etc?) and landing the instakill on your priority target vs just a chance at it.

From his results, I'd have to agree with the FotW being a better choice. You can usually use an Adrenaline at least every 12s, which is functionally an instakill esp w/knockdown so it seems straight better - no need to gear DC's, and it lands much more consistently on priority targets (champs, reapers, etc).

For the Executioner build the principle is you get 3-5 chances to proc per target (so it's more consistent), and you get as many as you can fit in a line; with 2-3 enemies in a line you're already past the best Strikethrough can do, and often you can get even more than that in a line? Also the poster of that build said it was pretty reasonable to itemize; I don't know how that compares to melees etc.

Hope that helps @Unbongwah :)

[freysavatar]

Hey there! I have been away from DDO since before the release of Sharn and now coming back after the long break. Currently I am f2p and am very interested in the new (heroic) shifter race. Is there a possibility that you could throw together a 1-20 heroic build shifter that doesn't require any of the vip/paid enhancement trees, that is solo capable gishy melee/caster build? I get burned out on pure melee builds often and like to mix it up.

Would be nice to have some self heals, so I am guessing favored soul, cleric, bard, warlock (umd), or druid?

I do have access to 32 point build. I do not have access to any of the fancy enhancement trees, nor the monk or alchemist class. I am also starting over fresh on a new server to see how I can progress on my own.

[SpartanKiller13]

Hey there! I have been away from DDO since before the release of Sharn and now coming back after the long break. Currently I am f2p and am very interested in the new (heroic) shifter race. Is there a possibility that you could throw together a 1-20 heroic build shifter that doesn't require any of the vip/paid enhancement trees, that is solo capable gishy melee/caster build? I get burned out on pure melee builds often and like to mix it up.

Would be nice to have some self heals, so I am guessing favored soul, cleric, bard, warlock (umd), or druid?

I do have access to 32 point build. I do not have access to any of the fancy enhancement trees, nor the monk or alchemist class. I am also starting over fresh on a new server to see how I can progress on my own.

Welcome back!

In DDO it's easiest to focus around one stat as much as possible. The fancy enhancement trees allow you to get a casting stat to-hit & damage (Harper: Int, Falconry:Wis, and Feydark:Cha) which is why they're usually quite important to gishy builds (like a Cleric where you can use Falconry and play as a Wis-max build). To play a caster you functionally need a stat maxed, otherwise you'll at best be dealing half-damage with no option for CC effects.

Outside those enhancement trees, the F2P option available to a shifter: Bard Swashbuckler (Int or Cha to-damage) plus Wizard or Sorcerer EK (Int or Cha to-hit, respectively). Swashbuckling stuffs you into SWF anyway, but at least it comes with nice crit bonuses etc and SWF works fairly well with EK. Some sort of /x3 Bard seems fine for that? Sorc can't self-heal though.

The biggest problem is there's no good synergy with Shifter then. If you just want the RPL that's fine, but otherwise your stat bonuses are off (Wis mainly) and you can't even rage without spending 11+ AP into your racial tree. Also -2 Int sorta hurts for Wizzy mix (although it's not a deal-breaker). Also, Howl of Terror is Wis-based.

-----

TL;DR: you could go Int-based Wizard 17/Bard 3 using Pale Master for self-heals (main = EK w/some Swashbuckler) and just ignoring Shifter tree while casting Wizzy spells, or you're going to have a bunch of anti-synergy in your build. Or Bard/Sorc 3 using SB as your main tree, as a Cha-max using Bard casting.

With access to more classes it gets a lot easier. What classes do you have? You mention FvS, Warlock, and Druid which are all P2P but also say you don't have paid stuff. The above assumes you're F2P entirely.

If you have FvS, just going FvS 20 seems solid. You can then run Wis-max using Shifter stuff (FvS gives Wis-to-Hit-and-damage), War Soul for a DPS tree + Trance, and cast/melee just fine lol. Run THF and call it a day. Obviously tons of heals as a FvS, and you can use Howl of Terror SLA for funsies :)

-----

So, what do you have access to and what seems interesting?

[unbongwah]

Would be nice to have some self heals, so I am guessing favored soul, cleric, bard, warlock (umd), or druid?
Okay when you say "gish" my first thought is wizard: Pale Master / Eldritch Knight hybrid (e.g. Bladesingers (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/477252-March-of-the-Bladesingers!)). But half of the classes you list are divines so see my Ursine Cub thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/513495-Ursine-Cub-Bear-Druids-for-New-Players-(U45)).

[SpartanKiller13]

Okay when you say "gish" my first thought is wizard: Pale Master / Eldritch Knight hybrid

I always end up thinking Githzerai, although that's not at all what Gish means lol.

Just going Wizzy melee without Harper feels bad? I guess you can just dump weapon damage and run with spellcasting + EK spellblade, but dipping Bard 3 for base damage & Swashbuckling seems worth especially if you're going into epics. Idk though lol.

Will be able to get a more accurate build when they respond :)

[freysavatar]

Welcome back!

In DDO it's easiest to focus around one stat as much as possible. The fancy enhancement trees allow you to get a casting stat to-hit & damage (Harper: Int, Falconry:Wis, and Feydark:Cha) which is why they're usually quite important to gishy builds (like a Cleric where you can use Falconry and play as a Wis-max build). To play a caster you functionally need a stat maxed, otherwise you'll at best be dealing half-damage with no option for CC effects.

Outside those enhancement trees, the F2P option available to a shifter: Bard Swashbuckler (Int or Cha to-damage) plus Wizard or Sorcerer EK (Int or Cha to-hit, respectively). Swashbuckling stuffs you into SWF anyway, but at least it comes with nice crit bonuses etc and SWF works fairly well with EK. Some sort of /x3 Bard seems fine for that? Sorc can't self-heal though.

The biggest problem is there's no good synergy with Shifter then. If you just want the RPL that's fine, but otherwise your stat bonuses are off (Wis mainly) and you can't even rage without spending 11+ AP into your racial tree. Also -2 Int sorta hurts for Wizzy mix (although it's not a deal-breaker). Also, Howl of Terror is Wis-based.

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TL;DR: you could go Int-based Wizard 17/Bard 3 using Pale Master for self-heals (main = EK w/some Swashbuckler) and just ignoring Shifter tree while casting Wizzy spells, or you're going to have a bunch of anti-synergy in your build. Or Bard/Sorc 3 using SB as your main tree, as a Cha-max using Bard casting.

With access to more classes it gets a lot easier. What classes do you have? You mention FvS, Warlock, and Druid which are all P2P but also say you don't have paid stuff. The above assumes you're F2P entirely.

If you have FvS, just going FvS 20 seems solid. You can then run Wis-max using Shifter stuff (FvS gives Wis-to-Hit-and-damage), War Soul for a DPS tree + Trance, and cast/melee just fine lol. Run THF and call it a day. Obviously tons of heals as a FvS, and you can use Howl of Terror SLA for funsies :)

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So, what do you have access to and what seems interesting?

Hey and ty for the fast response! Yes it's been a while and I appreciate the warm welcome back.

It's been so long, I am not even sure what classes are f2p and p2p anymore. I do have access to the following classes.
-Fighter
-Barbarian
-Paladin
-Cleric
-Favored Soul
-Wizard
-Sorcerer
-Artificer
-Bard
-Ranger
-Rogue
-Warlock
-I do not have access to Druid yet, but it is my next item on the list to get.

I do not have access to any of the vip/p2p Enhancement Trees like Harper, Vistani KF, Falconer, Inquisitive, or the sort.

I am pretty limited at the moment.

EDIT: Also, as to what seems fun... I have only ever played a healer fvs (never tried a melee/caster version). I prefer pure class characters, but I am not opposed to multiclass if it helps me achieve the preferred playstyle. Druid sounds fun too, though it will be another month or two before I can afford to unlock druid.

[unbongwah]

It's been so long, I am not even sure what classes are f2p and p2p anymore.
For future reference: https://ddowiki.com/page/Classes

Looks like Alchemist, druid, and monk are the ones you're missing.

[freysavatar]

For future reference: https://ddowiki.com/page/Classes

Looks like Alchemist, druid, and monk are the ones you're missing.

Cool cool ty!
I do remember playing a druid back when I was VIP but never got far with it. It's a class I have always been interested in. When it comes to monk, i've never been able to get the hang of them. I splashed one once for a shuriken halfling build which was fun, but also not my cup of tea.

It pretty much looks like the only options for a spell/melee gishy-esque build would be favored soul, or a mc of the others. I am so out of touch with the game I don't really don't know where to start for a melee build (stats, feats,spells, skills, gear, etc). So yeh, any help would be appreciated. :)

[SpartanKiller13]

Cool cool ty!
I do remember playing a druid back when I was VIP but never got far with it. It's a class I have always been interested in. When it comes to monk, i've never been able to get the hang of them. I splashed one once for a shuriken halfling build which was fun, but also not my cup of tea.

It pretty much looks like the only options for a spell/melee gishy-esque build would be favored soul, or a mc of the others. I am so out of touch with the game I don't really don't know where to start for a melee build (stats, feats,spells, skills, gear, etc). So yeh, any help would be appreciated. :)

Honestly yeah, without access to a Universal tree giving a caster stat to-hit-and-damage you're pretty limited. I think it's FvS or multiclass?

FvS allows you to use your casting stat (Wis or Cha) as your melee stat, and they have self-healing as well as some offensive casting. Otherwise, Artificer offers Int-to-Hit OR Int-to-Damage, so you could run that with /3 Wizard or /3 Bard (or run a Wiz/Bard or Bard/Wiz). Of those listed, Wizard has the best offensive casting so I'd probably be looking at Wizard/Bard. Takes the longest to get off the ground though, as you'll spike a lot at level 10 and not as much before then (7 Wiz you get Death Aura, 3 Bard for Int-to-Damage).

Also depends on what weapon style you want, which in turn depends on if you have a Strength tome. If you're TRing into this build you should have a 1750 Favor tome, and even that goes a long way to allowing access to THF (which is the strongest weapon style currently by a wide margin, although it wastes your points in Swashbuckler). That said, going SWF using Bard swashbuckling has a lot of synergy, doesn't require a tome, and gets you some nice spellcasting boosts with an orb off-hand.

What sounds interesting? Are you TRing into this, or starting from 1/4/7/Iconic? Is this a build aiming just to level like 1-20, 1-30, or do you want to sit at 30, or?

[freysavatar]

Honestly yeah, without access to a Universal tree giving a caster stat to-hit-and-damage you're pretty limited. I think it's FvS or multiclass?

FvS allows you to use your casting stat (Wis or Cha) as your melee stat, and they have self-healing as well as some offensive casting. Otherwise, Artificer offers Int-to-Hit OR Int-to-Damage, so you could run that with /3 Wizard or /3 Bard (or run a Wiz/Bard or Bard/Wiz). Of those listed, Wizard has the best offensive casting so I'd probably be looking at Wizard/Bard. Takes the longest to get off the ground though, as you'll spike a lot at level 10 and not as much before then (7 Wiz you get Death Aura, 3 Bard for Int-to-Damage).

Also depends on what weapon style you want, which in turn depends on if you have a Strength tome. If you're TRing into this build you should have a 1750 Favor tome, and even that goes a long way to allowing access to THF (which is the strongest weapon style currently by a wide margin, although it wastes your points in Swashbuckler). That said, going SWF using Bard swashbuckling has a lot of synergy, doesn't require a tome, and gets you some nice spellcasting boosts with an orb off-hand.

What sounds interesting? Are you TRing into this, or starting from 1/4/7/Iconic? Is this a build aiming just to level like 1-20, 1-30, or do you want to sit at 30, or?

Either Wiz/Bard or FvS sound pretty great tbh. (Is FvS-17/Bard-3 viable for swashbuckling, spellcasting/self heal?) For weapon styles, I tend to enjoy SWF or Sword & Board. I am starting 100% fresh on Argonesson and going to mostly solo my way to 20. I would like to go to 30 as well and do the EPIC TR to get some good EPIC PL's under my belt. I do not have any tomes or amazing gear on this server yet, so am looking for something pretty self sufficient and workable.

[SpartanKiller13]

Either Wiz/Bard or FvS sound pretty great tbh. (Is FvS-17/Bard-3 viable for swashbuckling, spellcasting/self heal?) For weapon styles, I tend to enjoy SWF or Sword & Board. I am starting 100% fresh on Argonesson and going to mostly solo my way to 20. I would like to go to 30 as well and do the EPIC TR to get some good EPIC PL's under my belt. I do not have any tomes or amazing gear on this server yet, so am looking for something pretty self sufficient and workable.

Forums just deleted my post :( so I re-wrote it, but might have forgotten something.

FvS/Bard should work just fine!

Running SWF is definitely easiest without tomes (as it only requires Balance ranks).

I'd recommend either a Shortsword build or a Sickle build; there's more named Shortswords, but Sickles get slightly stronger later (because Swords to Plowshares). Also nobody uses sickles, and there's some for both melee and spellcasting :)

I'd start FvS 3 > Bard 3 > FvS; use free metamagic on Sunbolt for earlygame, start melee DPS around level 6-9 or so. Stout of Heart for sure at FvS 7.

Abilities: max Cha or Wis (and pick Grace of Battle/Knowledge of Battle at FvS 2 respectively), Dex 13, and the rest into Con (maybe a little into Int/Str for skill points/carrying cap).

Skills: Balance to 7, then max Jump > UMD > Heal > Spellcraft.

Feats:
1) Maximize (right-click set to always on for SLA's)
3) SWF
6) Swords to Plowshares (if Sickle) or Precision
9) ISWF
12) ICrit (Slashing if Sickle, Piercing if Shortsword)
15) GSWF
18) Precision or Quicken
21) Quicken or Overwhelming Crit
24) Overwhelming Crit or Intensify Spell
26D) PSWF
27) Blinding Speed
28D) PTWF (for Doublestrike)
29D) Dire Charge
30) Epic DR
30L) Scion of like Fire/Arborea/Celestia

If Human, take Empower at 1 for spellcasting DPS or take Shield Mastery at 1 & Improved Shield Mastery at 18 (ditching Quicken/Intensify as needed) for melee DPS.

Enhancements start early into AoV for Sunbolt, then Swashbuckler for stance & later Style (orbs if casting DPS, bucklers for melee DPS if Human). Then War Soul a bunch (Divine Might, Haste Boost, Backlash, Holy Striker, Ameliorating Strike, T5, +2 main stat, and a bunch of Favored Weapon stuff). Later on points into racial, AoV, etc.

[Rakuku]

This is kind of obvious but I want a good first life build for soloing epic content. I want a character I can just leave at epic level who can handle unlocks and grinding for BtA items for me and ideally they'd be able to do everything.

I've unlocked 32 point builds, got Drow and Warforged and have all the content in the game (Edit: Except Feywild for now) plus Epic Destinies but would rather not buy any classes, races or trees right now unless none of the free classes fit the bill. Everything is kind of vague but I guess priorities are.

1) Easy gearing.
2) High damage
3) No glaring weaknesses on entire quests.
4) Good survivability/self healing
5) Access to raising allies
6) Trap monkeying
7) Healing others.

I've just got done on a Pale Trapper who was my main character I'm set on reincarnating and while they were almost perfect I'd like something a bit different just because I've been playing that character a long time. Ideally that would be Bard, Favoured Soul or Cleric because I like a bit of complexity and it's fun trying to juggle resources. Lastly I'm playing with someone who's going Barbarian or Fighter so something a bit different but complementary to that would be a bonus. I know I'm asking for a lot so there's a fair bit of room for flexibility as long as they hit the core requirements. Can solo a wide range of content quickly and easily on a first life 32 point build without tomes (beyond the 2 point 1750 one)

[SpartanKiller13]

This is kind of obvious but I want a good first life build for soloing epic content. I want a character I can just leave at epic level who can handle unlocks and grinding for BtA items for me and ideally they'd be able to do everything.

I've unlocked 32 point builds, got Drow and Warforged and have all the content in the game (Edit: Except Feywild for now) plus Epic Destinies but would rather not buy any classes, races or trees right now unless none of the free classes fit the bill. Everything is kind of vague but I guess priorities are.

1) Easy gearing.
2) High damage
3) No glaring weaknesses on entire quests.
4) Good survivability/self healing
5) Access to raising allies
6) Trap monkeying
7) Healing others.

I've just got done on a Pale Trapper who was my main character I'm set on reincarnating and while they were almost perfect I'd like something a bit different just because I've been playing that character a long time. Ideally that would be Bard, Favoured Soul or Cleric because I like a bit of complexity and it's fun trying to juggle resources. Lastly I'm playing with someone who's going Barbarian or Fighter so something a bit different but complementary to that would be a bonus. I know I'm asking for a lot so there's a fair bit of room for flexibility as long as they hit the core requirements. Can solo a wide range of content quickly and easily on a first life 32 point build without tomes (beyond the 2 point 1750 one)

Well, my advice given the early parts would honestly be a THF Paladin or a PM build. Paladin gets a lot stronger once you get Feywild though, so depending on your finances/plans etc that's a factor worth considering.

Once you get Feywild (and favor unlock Feydark Illusionist), Paladin has:


Easy gearing - max Cha, get some Con, Devotion, Illusion Focus, and then just general melee stuff.
High DPS - THF is great, Paladin is good, 1-stat-max is great. Also Cha-max = lots of charges for Confront Any Foe (https://ddowiki.com/page/Confront_Any_Foe) which is great. And helpless enemies = DPS boost.
Amazing saves (Divine Grace (https://ddowiki.com/page/Divine_Grace) on a Cha-max build is OP) plus great PRR/MRR (https://ddowiki.com/page/Sacred_Defender_enhancements) plus great HP (EDF or SaD stance for %HP) for tanking whatever.
Solid self-heals - LoH scales with Cha (https://ddowiki.com/page/Lay_On_Hands) up to R5 or so, plus plenty of SP for Cocoon etc otherwise.
Ability to rez natively - SaD Core 4 (https://ddowiki.com/page/Redemption_(Sacred_Defender)/sandbox) - and Cha-max for UMD if you want scrolls.
Ability to run outside of EDF if you want party healing (Sacred Defender stance gives 20% HP vs EDF's 25%)
Excellent Crowd control (Divine Might + Cha-max = amazing Dire Charge, Cha-max Greater Color Spray (https://ddowiki.com/page/Feydark_Illusionist_enhancements) = OP); also great Intimidate for mob management.

Run /2 Rogue if you're set on trapping as well (you'll need swap gear for sure though); then you can swap to light armor whenever you need Evasion (which will be crazy with Divine Grace-powered saves). Losting KotC Capstone hurts your DPS a little, but you'll be more than fine. Feydark Illusionist Paladin is, bar none, the strongest current melee build in DDO lol. And most of that isn't even meta-dependent, it'll still be great whenever the devs get around to nerfing stuff.

Run Human, start 16/13/14/8/9/16; one level-up into Str (for THF requirements) the rest into Cha. Feats: THF x3, ICrit:Slashing, Precision, Magical Training; can go Dodge>Mobility>Spring Attack (for a dash) or like Quicken Spell/Empower Healing Spell.
Alternatively start 16/8/14/14/8/16 for more skill points (will be like 5 more ranks into Search/DD, and maxed Intimidate). Still +1 Str, rest into Cha. Feats: THF x3, ICrit:Slashing, Power Attack, Magical Training, Quicken/Empower Healing Spell.

Precision is far superior to Power Attack, but without stat tomes you get super-MAD fast for ability points lol. Epic Feats: Overwhelming Critical, your choice, Blinding Speed/Epic DR/Epic Reflexes and another of those. Destiny Feats: Perfect THF, Perfect TWF, Dire Charge. Legendary Feat: Scion of Arborea.

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Otherwise you could pretty reasonably run a FvS or Cleric Inquisitive (Int-based w/Harper for skill points, or FvS Cha-max). Unlock Inquisitive by running Sharn, and/or Harper unlock with your main before you TR out. 15/3/2 divine/Paladin/Rogue will get you trapping, up to 11 of your Cha bonus to saves, and +25 PRR/MRR & +20% HP via SaD stance which helps a lot for survivability. If you own FvS it's generally better, but unclear from your post.

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Or obviously some PM split is excellent.

What's interesting? I can definitely explain further into the ideas behind any of these :)

[Rakuku]

Well, my advice given the early parts would honestly be a THF Paladin or a PM build. Paladin gets a lot stronger once you get Feywild though, so depending on your finances/plans etc that's a factor worth considering.

Once you get Feywild (and favor unlock Feydark Illusionist), Paladin has:


Easy gearing - max Cha, get some Con, Devotion, Illusion Focus, and then just general melee stuff.
High DPS - THF is great, Paladin is good, 1-stat-max is great. Also Cha-max = lots of charges for Confront Any Foe (https://ddowiki.com/page/Confront_Any_Foe) which is great. And helpless enemies = DPS boost.
Amazing saves (Divine Grace (https://ddowiki.com/page/Divine_Grace) on a Cha-max build is OP) plus great PRR/MRR (https://ddowiki.com/page/Sacred_Defender_enhancements) plus great HP (EDF or SaD stance for %HP) for tanking whatever.
Solid self-heals - LoH scales with Cha (https://ddowiki.com/page/Lay_On_Hands) up to R5 or so, plus plenty of SP for Cocoon etc otherwise.
Ability to rez natively - SaD Core 4 (https://ddowiki.com/page/Redemption_(Sacred_Defender)/sandbox) - and Cha-max for UMD if you want scrolls.
Ability to run outside of EDF if you want party healing (Sacred Defender stance gives 20% HP vs EDF's 25%)
Excellent Crowd control (Divine Might + Cha-max = amazing Dire Charge, Cha-max Greater Color Spray (https://ddowiki.com/page/Feydark_Illusionist_enhancements) = OP); also great Intimidate for mob management.

Run /2 Rogue if you're set on trapping as well (you'll need swap gear for sure though); then you can swap to light armor whenever you need Evasion (which will be crazy with Divine Grace-powered saves). Losting KotC Capstone hurts your DPS a little, but you'll be more than fine. Feydark Illusionist Paladin is, bar none, the strongest current melee build in DDO lol. And most of that isn't even meta-dependent, it'll still be great whenever the devs get around to nerfing stuff.

Run Human, start 16/13/14/8/9/16; one level-up into Str (for THF requirements) the rest into Cha. Feats: THF x3, ICrit:Slashing, Precision, Magical Training; can go Dodge>Mobility>Spring Attack (for a dash) or like Quicken Spell/Empower Healing Spell.
Alternatively start 16/8/14/14/8/16 for more skill points (will be like 5 more ranks into Search/DD, and maxed Intimidate). Still +1 Str, rest into Cha. Feats: THF x3, ICrit:Slashing, Power Attack, Magical Training, Quicken/Empower Healing Spell.

Precision is far superior to Power Attack, but without stat tomes you get super-MAD fast for ability points lol. Epic Feats: Overwhelming Critical, your choice, Blinding Speed/Epic DR/Epic Reflexes and another of those. Destiny Feats: Perfect THF, Perfect TWF, Dire Charge. Legendary Feat: Scion of Arborea.

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Otherwise you could pretty reasonably run a FvS or Cleric Inquisitive (Int-based w/Harper for skill points, or FvS Cha-max). Unlock Inquisitive by running Sharn, and/or Harper unlock with your main before you TR out. 15/3/2 divine/Paladin/Rogue will get you trapping, up to 11 of your Cha bonus to saves, and +25 PRR/MRR & +20% HP via SaD stance which helps a lot for survivability. If you own FvS it's generally better, but unclear from your post.

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Or obviously some PM split is excellent.

What's interesting? I can definitely explain further into the ideas behind any of these :)

I've got FvS and I think that's most interesting, I wanted to do that originally but just couldn't get the stat points to work. It seemed like I needed dex for precise shot, charisma or wis as a main stat and int for skill points and without tomes it was more than I could manage. If that can be done off just 32 pt build that would be great. If it can't though my main has a + 8 int tome I bought in a mad spending spree alongside a +2 con tome from 1750 favor and either wizard or Drow past life. In that case though I'd be making this character into an Artificer because I've ground out the favor for it and I'm way to deep into sunk cost NOT to make an artificer as one of these two characters.

Thanks so much for the help on this btw, definitely much appreciated because I'm deep in a rabbit hole and can't get myself out :)

Edit: Reading through this again it sounds like the Paladin is a much stronger build than the FvS, while I'd like to run an Inquisitive FvS if the Paladin is way better I'll probably go in that direction. I'm not going to be picking up Feywild till it's purchaseable with points though so I'd have to go Str based then use a heart of the wood to respec into CHA.

[SpartanKiller13]

I've got FvS and I think that's most interesting, I wanted to do that originally but just couldn't get the stat points to work. It seemed like I needed dex for precise shot, charisma or wis as a main stat and int for skill points and without tomes it was more than I could manage. If that can be done off just 32 pt build that would be great. If it can't though my main has a + 8 int tome I bought in a mad spending spree alongside a +2 con tome from 1750 favor and either wizard or Drow past life. In that case though I'd be making this character into an Artificer because I've ground out the favor for it and I'm way to deep into sunk cost NOT to make an artificer as one of these two characters.

Thanks so much for the help on this btw, definitely much appreciated because I'm deep in a rabbit hole and can't get myself out :)

Well, needing Dex, Int, and either Wis or Cha seems to land you at Drow lol. You need 19 Dex for IPS, so build points kinda get locked in; like 8/18/12/16/8/16. One level-up into Dex, the rest into Cha. Can put your +2 favor tome into Dex for Combat Archery in epics or Cha for the rest of your stuff.

For level splits I'd consider up front:
19/1 FvS/Rogue gets trap skills while still having the most spells; IMO the worst option.
18/2 FvS/Artificer gets traps and a runearm for a lil extra DPS.
17/2/1 FvS/Paladin/Rogue gets +8 saves from Paladin and traps.
16/3/1 FvS/Paladin/Rogue gets +11 saves, SaD stance, and traps; but you lose Leap of Faith, which is a huge QoL perk.

I'd probably run the 16/3/1 or 18/2. Leap of Faith is nice, but dipping Paladin gives a lot of tankiness. Swap to SD for times you need Evasion and can make the saves (which is why /2 Rogue doesn't get as much consideration, you're not a Dex/Int build). You could like 15/3/2 for runearms, but that costs you Death Pact which isn't worth it for soloing IMO. Could also swap Paladin for Fighter if you want bonus feats.


Edit: Reading through this again it sounds like the Paladin is a much stronger build than the FvS, while I'd like to run an Inquisitive FvS if the Paladin is way better I'll probably go in that direction. I'm not going to be picking up Feywild till it's purchaseable with points though so I'd have to go Str based then use a heart of the wood to respec into CHA.

Edit: Paladin is definitely "stronger", but it's an entirely different style. Also with a self-healing ranged toon you can solo all sorts of stuff at higher difficulties than normal via judicious kiting and patience. Most enemy damage in-game is either melee (which you can ignore) or spellcast (and you can dodge/out-range a lot of that) that presents much less threat to a ranged toon.

I think new toons come with a LHoW +0, right? If so that seems like a reasonable way to go. Be aware that a bunch of the reasons I really like Paladins is because Feydark allows you to Cha-max one-stat-wonder which is extremely powerful. You'll be fine and Paladin is in a great spot, but it'll be a significant power-up when you pick up Feydark.

If you're looking to push skulls for slow solo play etc FvS Inquisitive is probably better just by being ranged; if you want a more solid toon that IMO brings a bunch more to the table and will demolish low Reaper at top speed, Paladin is almost certainly a better choice.

[Rakuku]

Well, needing Dex, Int, and either Wis or Cha seems to land you at Drow lol. You need 19 Dex for IPS, so build points kinda get locked in; like 8/18/12/16/8/16. One level-up into Dex, the rest into Cha. Can put your +2 favor tome into Dex for Combat Archery in epics or Cha for the rest of your stuff.

For level splits I'd consider up front:
19/1 FvS/Rogue gets trap skills while still having the most spells; IMO the worst option.
18/2 FvS/Artificer gets traps and a runearm for a lil extra DPS.
17/2/1 FvS/Paladin/Rogue gets +8 saves from Paladin and traps.
16/3/1 FvS/Paladin/Rogue gets +11 saves, SaD stance, and traps; but you lose Leap of Faith, which is a huge QoL perk.

I'd probably run the 16/3/1 or 18/2. Leap of Faith is nice, but dipping Paladin gives a lot of tankiness. Swap to SD for times you need Evasion and can make the saves (which is why /2 Rogue doesn't get as much consideration, you're not a Dex/Int build). You could like 15/3/2 for runearms, but that costs you Death Pact which isn't worth it for soloing IMO. Could also swap Paladin for Fighter if you want bonus feats.



Edit: Paladin is definitely "stronger", but it's an entirely different style. Also with a self-healing ranged toon you can solo all sorts of stuff at higher difficulties than normal via judicious kiting and patience. Most enemy damage in-game is either melee (which you can ignore) or spellcast (and you can dodge/out-range a lot of that) that presents much less threat to a ranged toon.

I think new toons come with a LHoW +0, right? If so that seems like a reasonable way to go. Be aware that a bunch of the reasons I really like Paladins is because Feydark allows you to Cha-max one-stat-wonder which is extremely powerful. You'll be fine and Paladin is in a great spot, but it'll be a significant power-up when you pick up Feydark.

If you're looking to push skulls for slow solo play etc FvS Inquisitive is probably better just by being ranged; if you want a more solid toon that IMO brings a bunch more to the table and will demolish low Reaper at top speed, Paladin is almost certainly a better choice.

From that description Paladin seems like the way to go, I'm mostly wanting something that can get through most content quickly and easily on Elite without really diving into Reaper. If I were to go with the FvS though how do I manage skills? Do I max Search, Disable Device and Concentration drop a few points into Open Lock and then check for traps with my face?

[SpartanKiller13]

From that description Paladin seems like the way to go, I'm mostly wanting something that can get through most content quickly and easily on Elite without really diving into Reaper. If I were to go with the FvS though how do I manage skills? Do I max Search, Disable Device and Concentration drop a few points into Open Lock and then check for traps with my face?

Paladin was one of the best options in Elite before the Paladin update, THF update, and ED update; they're really amazing for it now IMO.

For FvS you could probably even pick up Quicken somewhere and ditch Concentration if you're that tight on skills? Also Search is how you check for traps usually, although face-tanking is pretty viable especially for the splits with /3 Fighter/Paladin that have 20% more HP and 25 PRR/MRR as well. You'll functionally always be at full HP, so if you don't get oneshot you're good to go. If you are getting oneshot by traps, bring a rez-capable hire and park them at the quest entrance :)

[Rakuku]

Paladin was one of the best options in Elite before the Paladin update, THF update, and ED update; they're really amazing for it now IMO.

For FvS you could probably even pick up Quicken somewhere and ditch Concentration if you're that tight on skills? Also Search is how you check for traps usually, although face-tanking is pretty viable especially for the splits with /3 Fighter/Paladin that have 20% more HP and 25 PRR/MRR as well. You'll functionally always be at full HP, so if you don't get oneshot you're good to go. If you are getting oneshot by traps, bring a rez-capable hire and park them at the quest entrance :)

I've ended up going Paladin and recommending the Inquisitive build to a friend who wanted to try FvS So these are both getting put to use. Thanks again for your help and suggestions they've been great.

Regarding traps although this isn't the first time through I'm still pretty bad about knowing where to find most of them without Spot so face checking is more reality than plan. If I abandoned concentration for Quicken Spell that would let me get close to a third trapping skill and both Open Lock and Spot are really tempting but neither are absolutely necessary. Lastly I'm assuming this build is going for Stout of Heart over Purity of Heart at FvS 7?

The Paladin looks more straight-forward but there's a few things I'm unsure of. If I go for Spring attack will I need to squeeze in Int 10 so I can level Intimidate, Concentration and UMD? I'm also guessing the difference between 8 and 9 wis isn't significant so I can drop Str to 15, Wis to 8 and Cha to 17 then tome Str up to 17 and leave the option open for a bigger Cha tome?

[SpartanKiller13]

I've ended up going Paladin and recommending the Inquisitive build to a friend who wanted to try FvS So these are both getting put to use. Thanks again for your help and suggestions they've been great.

Glad to help!


Regarding traps although this isn't the first time through I'm still pretty bad about knowing where to find most of them without Spot so face checking is more reality than plan. If I abandoned concentration for Quicken Spell that would let me get close to a third trapping skill and both Open Lock and Spot are really tempting but neither are absolutely necessary. Lastly I'm assuming this build is going for Stout of Heart over Purity of Heart at FvS 7?

In that case I'd try to itemize a little tankier :) if you're expecting magic traps in an area it's often worth equipping a Large shield for them (as you get double your PRR & MRR value then (https://ddowiki.com/page/Magical_Resistance_Rating#Shield_multiplier)). Frankly even without Quicken you can usually do just fine by jump-casting especially as a ranged toon; Concentration only really matters if you're currently taking damage while casting :) I personally don't run trappers, but the rule of thumb I've seen is that you can usually hit Open Lock DC's with just a few skill points and some swap gear.

And yeah, Stout of Heart giving HP matters a lot more XD even for most caster builds I'd run it, personally.


The Paladin looks more straight-forward but there's a few things I'm unsure of. If I go for Spring attack will I need to squeeze in Int 10 so I can level Intimidate, Concentration and UMD? I'm also guessing the difference between 8 and 9 wis isn't significant so I can drop Str to 15, Wis to 8 and Cha to 17 then tome Str up to 17 and leave the option open for a bigger Cha tome?

As a Paladin you need 14 Wis by level 14 to be able to cast all your spells; this includes all buffs however, so like airship buffs and Owl's Wisdom from your FvS buddy is more than enough to qualify (and you can cast CLW with just airship buffs). I just put leftover points there for QoL purposes and to get you some extra spell points sometimes.

Weirdly enough though, you can likely drop UMD if you need to. SaD grants access to rezzing around when you'd be able to scroll-cast it, so you don't need to make UMD checks for that. Still, bumping Int is a perfectly reasonable solution.

Spring Attack requires 13 Dex for Dodge. THF requires 17 Str by level 12 or so. Tomes and level-up points all are a linear increase whereas build points get increasingly expensive, so it's usually ideal to start with lower numbers in a few stats and work them all upwards as needed. If you're expecting a Cha tome, starting 15 Str and putting your +2 favor tome into it works great! I'd be happy to rework starting stats to meet your requirements; just make sure you know all of what you're after :)

I really like Spring Attack as a QoL buff and for mid-fight mobility; I'd recommend testing it out if you have access to an Iconic or Vet 7 or something. That said, it's 3 feats, 5 build points, and not for everyone :)

[Rakuku]

Weirdly enough though, you can likely drop UMD if you need to. SaD grants access to rezzing around when you'd be able to scroll-cast it, so you don't need to make UMD checks for that. Still, bumping Int is a perfectly reasonable solution.

Spring Attack requires 13 Dex for Dodge. THF requires 17 Str by level 12 or so. Tomes and level-up points all are a linear increase whereas build points get increasingly expensive, so it's usually ideal to start with lower numbers in a few stats and work them all upwards as needed. If you're expecting a Cha tome, starting 15 Str and putting your +2 favor tome into it works great! I'd be happy to rework starting stats to meet your requirements; just make sure you know all of what you're after :)

I really like Spring Attack as a QoL buff and for mid-fight mobility; I'd recommend testing it out if you have access to an Iconic or Vet 7 or something. That said, it's 3 feats, 5 build points, and not for everyone :)

Without relying on it for Raise Dead UMD still looks to be a very useful skill for a variety of buffs and QoL features such as Teleport. On the other hand 1 rank so it counts as trained might be all that's necessary at level 30 if Cha is being maxed.

The likelihood is I won't end up with a Cha tome but if it isn't going to cost me too badly I'd rather not build myself into a corner. If I do end up hitting 5,000 favor on this char it would bug me no end to either overwrite my +2 tome or put the +5 tome into Con.

I've got Vet status 2 so I tried out Spring Attack, I'm not quite sure I get it though. It seems to be a fixed distance dash which is a touch clunky next to Lead the Charge. I suppose I could use it when Lead the Charge is on Cooldown, or when I need mobility but not for closing in on an enemy but as you say 5 build points and 3 feats feels like a lot.

[SpartanKiller13]

Without relying on it for Raise Dead UMD still looks to be a very useful skill for a variety of buffs and QoL features such as Teleport. On the other hand 1 rank so it counts as trained might be all that's necessary at level 30 if Cha is being maxed.

The likelihood is I won't end up with a Cha tome but if it isn't going to cost me too badly I'd rather not build myself into a corner. If I do end up hitting 5,000 favor on this char it would bug me no end to either overwrite my +2 tome or put the +5 tome into Con.

I've got Vet status 2 so I tried out Spring Attack, I'm not quite sure I get it though. It seems to be a fixed distance dash which is a touch clunky next to Lead the Charge. I suppose I could use it when Lead the Charge is on Cooldown, or when I need mobility but not for closing in on an enemy but as you say 5 build points and 3 feats feels like a lot.

Yeah, UMD is extremely useful for a bunch of stuff, and basically every build should at least try to get it; that said, if any build can skip it a Paladin is high on the list :)

Spring Attack is a fixed-distance dash that travels through enemies. You don't need to target it, and it's not great to use for damage. That said, it's great for:


Gapclosing on caster/ranged enemies.
Chasing said enemies or getting behind them to herd them towards your mates.
Jumping across gaps - especially with feather fall this is one reason I really love it.
Avoiding traps - many traps are hard to get the timing exact for, but easy with a dash.
Escaping from enemy dogpiles or dangerous enemies.
Getting around quests faster.
Moving while under speed penalty effects - like Cripple.
Dodging spells/special attacks or spell circles - especially while slowed or CC'ed for the windup.
Chaining with other dashes - Spring Attack + Lead the Charge = lots of distance.

If you only use it as a cleave that moves a bit you're missing most of the value IMO :)

I get a ton of mileage out of it in-combat at high Reaper as well; using Dire Charge to initiate dumps me right in the middle of a pack of enemies. I can then throw my AoE stuff and Spring Attack back out of reach before I finish dying to whoever didn't get stunned :) it's like a free anti-melee panic button with a much shorter CD than any of my other defensive clickies.

[arminius]

I have a halfling 20 fighter TWF war hammer build. He is halfling solely due to the fact that waaaaaay back in the day I found a halfling-only paralyzer, back when nobody had UMD and people really went ga ga over a paralyzer, and over the subsequent decades and many TRs and ETRs he just never changed. I am not happy with the way he is always the last character in the stable that I ever want to play.

I am looking for a build that is:

1. War hammer
2. Probably assuming then TWF but am open to other ideas if they exist
3. 20 fighter or significant fighter multiclass

Definitely not married to halfling; have no idea what racial or other synergies with war hammer are really out there. Please advise, thanks!

[SpartanKiller13]

I am looking for a build that is:

1. War hammer
2. Probably assuming then TWF but am open to other ideas if they exist
3. 20 fighter or significant fighter multiclass

Definitely not married to halfling; have no idea what racial or other synergies with war hammer are really out there. Please advise, thanks!

Well that's a spicy set of requirements lol.

AFAIK the only racial synergy there is with War hammers is the Dwarven racial tree. It's not amazing, but it's there. While looking over, I found their T4 enhancement "Dwarf Fortress (https://ddowiki.com/page/Dwarf_enhancements#Tier_Four)" which requires full plate and a shield. Made me wonder: have you considered Vanguard?

You could pretty reasonably do one like Strimtom's build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/494496-Strimtom-s-Vanguide-An-Endgame-guide-to-playing-Fighter-Vanguard) (a little dated but good info) obviously swapping slashing for bludgeoning? Would be the DPS version of it, and doesn't have a race requirement unless you have a bunch of racial AP.

Otherwise, could go Dwarf and do a Vanguard T5 build actually using Dwarf Fortress alongside a bunch of Stalwart Defender. Significantly tankier, a bit less DPS (Kensei is a lot of DPS lol).

Or, if you're only going 1-20 and don't care about capstones and all that nonsense you could do a /3 Bard variant using a buckler - but that way you could get SWF's Attack Speed bonus as well as Shield Mastery's stuff. Would need to test, but you might be stuck in light armor for that. Probably wouldn't recommend this line lol.

-------

For a strong TWF build these days you're kinda stuck with Tempest or like VKF Assassin. Since VKF is obviously not an option, and you want a majority Fighter build you're left with a /5-6 Ranger dip (T5 Tempest (https://ddowiki.com/page/Tempest_enhancements#Tier_Five) gives Dance of Death which is basically the best way you'll have to be able to clear mobs in a group). If you start Ranger you get a bunch of free Feats, but Fighter gets lots so you could just trade your feat out before hitting Ranger 6 if you want to start Fighter. So like 12 Fighter /6 Ranger leaves you with two levels if you want to multiclass more (Rogue 2 for Evasion given Imp Evasion T5 Tempest? Locks out Improved Defender stances though. Otherwise Barbarian 2 for Blood Tribute and +10% move speed?).

You'll eventually need 17 Dex which makes me ask: do you have any Dex tomes? Even just a 1750 favor +2 tome adds up really fast lol.

Best racial synergy here is sorta anything with a Dex or Str bonus and no penalties to those (so Elf/Drow/Wood Elf/Shifter/Half-Orc). Not a huge deal though, just make sure you don't have a Dex penalty unless you have a fat Dex tome.

-------

So, what seems interesting?

[arminius]

Well that's a spicy set of requirements lol.

AFAIK the only racial synergy there is with War hammers is the Dwarven racial tree. It's not amazing, but it's there. While looking over, I found their T4 enhancement "Dwarf Fortress (https://ddowiki.com/page/Dwarf_enhancements#Tier_Four)" which requires full plate and a shield. Made me wonder: have you considered Vanguard?

You could pretty reasonably do one like Strimtom's build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/494496-Strimtom-s-Vanguide-An-Endgame-guide-to-playing-Fighter-Vanguard) (a little dated but good info) obviously swapping slashing for bludgeoning? Would be the DPS version of it, and doesn't have a race requirement unless you have a bunch of racial AP.

Otherwise, could go Dwarf and do a Vanguard T5 build actually using Dwarf Fortress alongside a bunch of Stalwart Defender. Significantly tankier, a bit less DPS (Kensei is a lot of DPS lol).

Or, if you're only going 1-20 and don't care about capstones and all that nonsense you could do a /3 Bard variant using a buckler - but that way you could get SWF's Attack Speed bonus as well as Shield Mastery's stuff. Would need to test, but you might be stuck in light armor for that. Probably wouldn't recommend this line lol.

-------

For a strong TWF build these days you're kinda stuck with Tempest or like VKF Assassin. Since VKF is obviously not an option, and you want a majority Fighter build you're left with a /5-6 Ranger dip (T5 Tempest (https://ddowiki.com/page/Tempest_enhancements#Tier_Five) gives Dance of Death which is basically the best way you'll have to be able to clear mobs in a group). If you start Ranger you get a bunch of free Feats, but Fighter gets lots so you could just trade your feat out before hitting Ranger 6 if you want to start Fighter. So like 12 Fighter /6 Ranger leaves you with two levels if you want to multiclass more (Rogue 2 for Evasion given Imp Evasion T5 Tempest? Locks out Improved Defender stances though. Otherwise Barbarian 2 for Blood Tribute and +10% move speed?).

You'll eventually need 17 Dex which makes me ask: do you have any Dex tomes? Even just a 1750 favor +2 tome adds up really fast lol.

Best racial synergy here is sorta anything with a Dex or Str bonus and no penalties to those (so Elf/Drow/Wood Elf/Shifter/Half-Orc). Not a huge deal though, just make sure you don't have a Dex penalty unless you have a fat Dex tome.

-------

So, what seems interesting?

This is helpful, I was just checking to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I was hoping there was "one weird trick" i hadn't found, as the forums are so good at finding.

There is also an Artificer line of war hammer enhancements that stack with the Dwarven one. I dunno about that though. Fighter/Ranger is probably the way I'd go if I was going to go, and probably do the extra 2 levels in Bard, because of the synergies with Fatesinger which is such a good TWF destiny (things like you get enough Skaldic Rages to keep it up non-stop).

[magaiti]

I have a halfling 20 fighter TWF war hammer build. He is halfling solely due to the fact that waaaaaay back in the day I found a halfling-only paralyzer, back when nobody had UMD and people really went ga ga over a paralyzer, and over the subsequent decades and many TRs and ETRs he just never changed. I am not happy with the way he is always the last character in the stable that I ever want to play.

I am looking for a build that is:

1. War hammer
2. Probably assuming then TWF but am open to other ideas if they exist
3. 20 fighter or significant fighter multiclass

Definitely not married to halfling; have no idea what racial or other synergies with war hammer are really out there. Please advise, thanks!


Why are you fixated on warhammer? If only for looks, maybe just glamer your favorite warhammer and use another 1-h weapon.
How about Dwarven War Axe, Fighter 20 Dwarven Vanguard

[C-Dog]

Warhammers can work well against undead and some other targets. There are a couple good Ranger/Tempest (2-weapon) builds using warhammers. And a "Ranger 6/Paladin" build could be workable.

[arminius]

Why are you fixated on warhammer? If only for looks, maybe just glamer your favorite warhammer and use another 1-h weapon.
How about Dwarven War Axe, Fighter 20 Dwarven Vanguard

It's not a fixation, it is just that this is what this character has always had, that is what all his feats and gear and everything is based on, and I wanted it to be more effective. If I just wanted a strong character I'd reincarnate him to 20 paladin and shove yet another greatsword in his hand.

I don't actually think the warhammers are the problem. I think FIGHTER is actually the problem. Fighters just don't have the self sufficiency that the game in 2020 demands, and when I try to force it on it, it ends up feeling like it comes up short on all fronts.

EDIT: or maybe Halfling is the problem too, it really does feel like for him the reach and the hitbox is smaller than everyone else's. Maybe that is a halfling thing and I'd be happier just making any other larger race.

[SpartanKiller13]

I don't actually think the warhammers are the problem. I think FIGHTER is actually the problem. Fighters just don't have the self sufficiency that the game in 2020 demands, and when I try to force it on it, it ends up feeling like it comes up short on all fronts.

EDIT: or maybe Halfling is the problem too, it really does feel like for him the reach and the hitbox is smaller than everyone else's. Maybe that is a halfling thing and I'd be happier just making any other larger race.

Current meta is weapon synergy usually around crits; I've just noticed that Knight's Training works for warhammers, so my points are all irrelevant lol. Take Knight's Training (https://ddowiki.com/page/Knight%27s_Training) XD

As far as getting self-sufficiency in 2020 on a pure Fighter, your best bets are 1) Aasimar (https://ddowiki.com/page/Aasimar_enhancements) (for Healing Hands), 2) Halfling for the Dragonmark of Healing (https://ddowiki.com/page/Halfling#Tier_Three), or 3) Cocoon + Wizardry in epics. Fighter can be really strong, but it's not really made for self-sufficiency; it's the perfect frontliner (esp with new Heavy Armor feats) but that requires a back line lol.

Smaller races have less reach, and it's especially noticeable with small weapons. Bigger toons help, but it rarely matters for TWF; since you can only hit one enemy (aside from Dance of Death) non-Ranger TWF toon size is mostly irrelevant. For other fighting styles that revolve more around hitting multiple enemies (particularly THF) size matters quite a bit more.

Halfling has access to the Dragonmark of Healing though so I'd consider trying that out before you write the race off?

[Maidenstalker]

Half-elf with Cleric or Favored Soul Dilettante. Wand and Scroll Mastery would be called for.

[SpartanKiller13]

Half-elf with Cleric or Favored Soul Dilettante. Wand and Scroll Mastery would be called for.

Uhhh, are there any build requirements/goals? Almost literally any build can run as a Half-Elf with Cleric/FvS Dilettante. Your title says "self-sufficiency" but that's an extremely vague goal lol.

Half-Elf Paladin 20? Go THF and call it a day? Far more self-sufficient than anything else I'll list today lol.

For Wand & Scroll Mastery, it's available to seven classes, universally via Inquisitive, and three non-Half-Elf races. If you want to only heal via Wand and Scroll Mastery, you're pretty much down to a Fighter, Rogue, or non-WF Sorc build. You can dip some other classes, but that also devalues the Dilettante depending on which.

Since Mechanic has W&S Mastery, how about a Rogue Mechanic/Inquisitive build? Or a VKF Rogue Assassin?

Although if you want to get value out of W&S Mastery and your Dilettante you need a class that's bad at UMD as well, so you're pretty much left with Fighter (not Cha-based, non-class skill, few skill points). THF Fighter 20 seems solid? 8 AP into Inquisitive for W&S III (and +4 to-hit) leaves you with enough for a 41/31 Kensei/Stalwart split which seems pretty solid. Could also pretty reasonably cut some points and get some HElf Healamp for your wand/scroll heals.

[Xgya]

Feydark got released and I said from the first go it was probably going to be best used as a cha-based melee's secondary tree.

I'm notoriously bad at making melee builds, but I'd want to know what a THF build using the concept would look like.

Ideally Paladin. Not dependent on race (I'm still working on racial PLs, and next one is probably a Shifter)

The character has all relevant tomes and 12 racial APs.

[SpartanKiller13]

Feydark got released and I said from the first go it was probably going to be best used as a cha-based melee's secondary tree.

I'm notoriously bad at making melee builds, but I'd want to know what a THF build using the concept would look like.

Ideally Paladin. Not dependent on race (I'm still working on racial PLs, and next one is probably a Shifter)

The character has all relevant tomes and 12 racial APs.

If you're doing racial PL's, you don't care about levels past 18 or capstones, so dipping is just fine and you want to be frontloaded instead of optimized for lategame. I'd go for a Paladin that dips /1 Wizard around level 6 - this gets you Magical Training + Quicken, as well as 1AP Eldritch Strike for a cleave. You'll be Str-based for 5 levels but that works just fine lol (14 Str vs 18 isn't a big deal).

Starting stats (pre-tomes, post-racial):

14 Str (so you can grab THF feats ASAP)
8 Wis (for Paladin spells, only matters if you have racial penalty),
Int for whatever skill points you want
Max Cha + level-ups
Leftovers into Con (should be 14+ generally)

Feats:
(1) THF
(3) Power Attack
(6) ITHF
(6W) Quicken
(9) ICrit: Slashing
(12) GTHF
(15) Spell Focus:Illusion
(18) Greater Spell Focus:Illusion

Enhancements:

First into SaD for extra LoH, then KotC until you have Cleave+, then SaD for 25 PRR/MRR stance (should be ~7 KotC, 6 SaD).
Spend points wherever until you hit 6 and get Magical Training, then respec to the above.
Go into Feydark, get Cha-to-hit-and-damage, Bend Light, YGMB, and Greater Color Spray
1 AP into EK for Eldritch Strike (for another cleave).
Spend SaD to 13 for +20% HP whenever you feel squishy (do this later if stronk).
Max KotC a lot more (T5, Divine Might, etc etc).
Lategame points into SaD also nice.

Obvs spend your racial AP on whatever you can that's good (note that SaD stance blocks rage, so Shifter gets like Magic Fang and Howl as the useful things).

Gear: melee stuff (Deadly, Seeker, Accuracy), Cha stuff (this is your everything stat), Illusion Focus stuff, Con/HP stuff, Resistances/saves, Devotion/Healamp, etc. Feywild has some nice stuff for earlygame, RL for mid-heroics, Sharn for late heroics. I'd look for DPS sets, and 1-2 Illusion Focus items (Crown of Snow/Amber Pendant + Deadringers, Reflective Bloodstone, Shattered Onyx/Black Satin Waist etc).

Gameplay: use your excellent Pally buffs, use Wizzy Shield (for YGMB), and then charge! Greater Color Spray is a fantastic opener, then cleave away and smash whatever's left :) You're hilariously survivable as a Pally, have great spot heals via LoH and passable sustain via Cures, and you have mostly no-fail saves thanks to Divine Grace. DPS is very solid as a one-stat THF build.

[Xgya]

Great writeup for sure!

What would need to change if I were interested in gaining an Epic life along the road?
I guess the build looks like a powerhouse already and should be sufficient come epics, but I'm fairly certain it could do a tad better.

[Xgya]

Great writeup for sure!

What would need to change if I were interested in gaining an Epic life along the road?
I guess the build looks like a powerhouse already and should be sufficient come epics, but I'm fairly certain it could do a tad better.

Small mistake here, THF requires 15 str, so I'd have to switch THF and Power Attack around. No big issue here, lower levels are basically free. Still, something to consider.

[SpartanKiller13]

Small mistake here, THF requires 15 str, so I'd have to switch THF and Power Attack around. No big issue here, lower levels are basically free. Still, something to consider.

Ah, right; while +2 of your tomes apply at level 1 not on the character building screen lol.


What would need to change if I were interested in gaining an Epic life along the road?
I guess the build looks like a powerhouse already and should be sufficient come epics, but I'm fairly certain it could do a tad better.

Well, it's an entirely different game if you're after an epic life, especially if you plan to sit at cap and farm 400k RXP or something; suddenly you care less about front-loaded power and more about the lategame. Also, your Greater Color Spray will fall off in Legendary Content so stuff like Greater Illusion Focus shifts from pretty solid to pretty meh. You also don't want to skip your capstone, unless you can go Iconic and get Silvanus (which is more DPS than you give up). Oh, and PA falls off whereas Precision scales immensely well - so you'll want Dex 13 for that (tomes make that a lot easier). Once you have 13 Dex you open up the option to grab Spring Attack as well, which is really helpful for pushing skulls.

Lategame you'd be much more about Divine Might-boosted tactics DC's powering Dire Charge, and like a billion uses of Confront Any Foe. Also hilariously good saves, and your LoH will be sorta decent even in Reaper (and you get more because you can do a 41/31/8 split thanks to not needing Greater Color Spray).

[Xgya]

Well, it's an entirely different game if you're after an epic life, especially if you plan to sit at cap and farm 400k RXP or something; suddenly you care less about front-loaded power and more about the lategame. Also, your Greater Color Spray will fall off in Legendary Content so stuff like Greater Illusion Focus shifts from pretty solid to pretty meh. You also don't want to skip your capstone, unless you can go Iconic and get Silvanus (which is more DPS than you give up). Oh, and PA falls off whereas Precision scales immensely well - so you'll want Dex 13 for that (tomes make that a lot easier). Once you have 13 Dex you open up the option to grab Spring Attack as well, which is really helpful for pushing skulls.

Lategame you'd be much more about Divine Might-boosted tactics DC's powering Dire Charge, and like a billion uses of Confront Any Foe. Also hilariously good saves, and your LoH will be sorta decent even in Reaper (and you get more because you can do a 41/31/8 split thanks to not needing Greater Color Spray).

Fair point about Precision, I should think about that one further.
I don't plan to farm at cap, or do any kind of high-reaper raiding of some form, so I don't need to be overly efficient in the end.
I think I'll just follow the Heroic build for now, it seems like it should work out, and, if all else fails, I can always bail epics and go back to yet another Heroic build :P
I'm not entirely sure about the overall worth of Paladin capstones, but that could be my lack of experience using them talking.

[SpartanKiller13]

Fair point about Precision, I should think about that one further.
I don't plan to farm at cap, or do any kind of high-reaper raiding of some form, so I don't need to be overly efficient in the end.
I think I'll just follow the Heroic build for now, it seems like it should work out, and, if all else fails, I can always bail epics and go back to yet another Heroic build :P
I'm not entirely sure about the overall worth of Paladin capstones, but that could be my lack of experience using them talking.

For Heroics, Power Attack is a pretty sizeable boost. +10 damage adds up fast lol; but even in later Heroics Precision starts to scale really nicely. Sure, you won't have enough Fort Bypass to crit undead etc reliably, but there's a lot of rednames etc with 20 or 30 Fortification that you're neatly ignoring with one feat :) also the to-hit scales super-well especially in Reaper.

For the weak epic lives there's always EN Dailies and Slayers :p although I don't think there's any way a THF Paladin will be that badly off.

KotC Capstone is pretty good. 10 MP and 4 Cha is nice, 3% flat damage boost is actually pretty decent - think of it as a 6-10 Melee Power party buff, and another 2d6 that scales with 200% MP isn't nothing. Also free Good bypass which is surprisingly helpful :) It's not that you can't give it up, but you need to be getting something for it. Wizard 1 dip is great for Heroics as you're a little short on feats and Cleaves are really nice when you have less Strikethrough, but it's less valuable later on. Paladin 20 is probably 7-15% more DPS in epics, but personally 20-30 is the easy/fast part of a run to me so I'd take the early boost of a Wiz-dip since you don't plan on staying at cap for too long (if you did, you kinda want to optimize for lategame).

[RodopianYeti]

So I really wanna make a dragonborn paly, but all I find is old builds- I dont have much content unlocked but got the race from the sale. Is it even possible to reach 20+ or 20 should be my goal and then reincarnate.
Sorry for the silly question I started playing few days ago. Thanks in advance!