a couple of questions for the experts

[Barumar]

Rolled a Dwarf Fighter last night using my last open slot (wanted the free Dragonshard even if it is the lowest end one!).

I want to have enough INT to take Combat Expertise, but have a +1 INT tome in the bank waiting to give to my new tank once I am happy with the build.

My question is: is a base INT of 12, along with the tome going to give me the INT (13 total) I need to take the CE Feat?

The second one I have (actually this one is more of a matter of opinion - but I would like to hear different points of view of benefits either way) is if my DEX of 12 and WIS of 10 was a good idea, or should I start my DEX at 14 and leave the WIS at 8...

Thanks,

Barumar

[Blazer]

Rolled a Dwarf Fighter last night using my last open slot (wanted the free Dragonshard even if it is the lowest end one!).

Wow, a dwarf in Stormreach, they're really rare these days. ;)


I want to have enough INT to take Combat Expertise, but have a +1 INT tome in the bank waiting to give to my new tank once I am happy with the build.

My question is: is a base INT of 12, along with the tome going to give me the INT (13 total) I need to take the CE Feat?

Yes, 12 INT and a +1 INT tome will let you meet the pre-req to take CE.


The second one I have (actually this one is more of a matter of opinion - but I would like to hear different points of view of benefits either way) is if my DEX of 12 and WIS of 10 was a good idea, or should I start my DEX at 14 and leave the WIS at 8...

This depends more on your build honestly and what you're planning. Without some of those details, it's tough to answer honestly. IMO, a fighter starting with a negative to his Will save is silly. 12 DEX and 10 WIS should be fine for you, but again, that depends on what you want your dwarven fighter to do.

[binnsr]

Rolled a Dwarf Fighter last night using my last open slot (wanted the free Dragonshard even if it is the lowest end one!).

I want to have enough INT to take Combat Expertise, but have a +1 INT tome in the bank waiting to give to my new tank once I am happy with the build.

My question is: is a base INT of 12, along with the tome going to give me the INT (13 total) I need to take the CE Feat?

The second one I have (actually this one is more of a matter of opinion - but I would like to hear different points of view of benefits either way) is if my DEX of 12 and WIS of 10 was a good idea, or should I start my DEX at 14 and leave the WIS at 8...

Thanks,

Barumar
I would think that a better route to go would be int13 and a tome at creation gives you an extra skill point per level, plus CE.
For most str fighters, a 12Dex is fine -- even adding a +1tome later and a +5 item, only takes you to 18, which is well within the limits of your FAM/DAM enhancements. Also, by going 12Dex, you can use a tome to qualify for Dodge, should you decide to go that route.
Wis 10 is probably good as well .. at least you won't be starting out with a negative will save :D

Like you said though, that's personal preference - i don't like to start out with negative stats if I can avoid it (not all of my characters are this way and on them, I do regret that somewhat).

[Barumar]

Wow, a dwarf in Stormreach, they're really rare these days. ;)

Yes, 12 INT and a +1 INT tome will let you meet the pre-req to take CE.

This depends more on your build honestly and what you're planning. Without some of those details, it's tough to answer honestly. IMO, a fighter starting with a negative to his Will save is silly. 12 DEX and 10 WIS should be fine for you, but again, that depends on what you want your dwarven fighter to do.

Hey, my first Dwarf!

Cool!

Only melee I have is a Paladin, and being my first character I did not give him enough STR, and want my Dwarf Tank to be able to kick some serious butt!

[Barumar]

I would think that a better route to go would be int13 and a tome at creation gives you an extra skill point per level, plus CE.
For most str fighters, a 12Dex is fine -- even adding a +1tome later and a +5 item, only takes you to 18, which is well within the limits of your FAM/DAM enhancements. Also, by going 12Dex, you can use a tome to qualify for Dodge, should you decide to go that route.
Wis 10 is probably good as well .. at least you won't be starting out with a negative will save :D

Like you said though, that's personal preference - i don't like to start out with negative stats if I can avoid it (not all of my characters are this way and on them, I do regret that somewhat).

Interesting point about the 13 INT +1 for 14 and more skill points/level.

Here are the stats I rolled last night (have not even done Sully's yet and NOT eaten any tomes, so re-rolling - once I mail my mule the Shard) is no biggy):

18 STR, 12 DEX, 16 CON, 12 INT, 10 WIS, 6 CHA

The 13 INT would cost me a tick of CON, so I will have to think on that...

Now that I do think on it, would that tick less of CON give me two more points? So I could put INT at 13 and WIS at 11?

Again, just making sure before I invest the tomes in him, thanks for your input.

[binnsr]

Interesting point about the 13 INT +1 for 14 and more skill points/level.

Here are the stats I rolled last night (have not even done Sully's yet and NOT eaten any tomes, so re-rolling - once I mail my mule the Shard) is no biggy):

18 STR, 12 DEX, 16 CON, 12 INT, 10 WIS, 6 CHA

The 13 INT would cost me a tick of CON, so I will have to think on that...

Now that I do think on it, would that tick less of CON give me two more points? So I could put INT at 13 and WIS at 11?

Again, just making sure before I invest the tomes in him, thanks for your input.
If you're not scarce on tomes, I would drop CON by 1 and increase INT and WIS by 1 - then appy +1 tomes to all three. Although, I would hold off on applying the con and wis tomes until you can use them to make an even number and you're sure you want to keep the character.