Paladins, Max DPS?

[Shotacat]

Hello, D&D.
Due to that I just recently started playing the game I would like information about what the best DPS build is? Builds that are "high up" in the DPS rankings are accepted aswell.
If possible, could you also provide a link to one of those builds if it's posted somewhere on the forums?

Kinds regards, Shotacat.

EDIT: If possible aswell, please answer a question -
As for tomes, do you have to use them at a certain level for them to be effective? In most builds I've seen, they are used at etc. level 3, 5 and such.

[Rubiconn]

Let me welcome you first of all.

Secondly to your question, you asked for a Paladin build or any toon, there are so many ways you can build a toon that has great DPS it all depends on your personal choices.
Check out the Paladin build guide by Junts(sp)-
Look in the class specific categories and you will find lots of builds that you can try.

Without more detail on what you want that is the best I can give you and I am by no means a build expert.

[tihocan]

THF build with an Epic Sword of Shadows. There's a THF build in this thread (http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=232660).
However, if you don't have an Epic SoS, a TWF khopesh would probably be more DPS. Human or Drow are the best choices for this (Drow may pick rapier instead of Khopesh). See Junts' Paladin guide (should be linked in the build mentioned above) for a build sample.

[theb]

Why do you want to know what the maximum dps build is? It might not be the best build, or even the best damaging build, for *you* for a number of reasons.

1) It might do less damage than many other builds until it gets the best item in the game (as is actually the case, as stated above).
2) It might be much less survivable than slightly less damaging builds. This is particularly relevant for a new player without excellent gear.
3) It might be much less versatile than slightly less damaging builds. This is particularly relevant for a new player without excellent gear.
4) It might be harder to solo/get into groups with/level with than other builds. This is particularly relevant for a new player without a guild.

Having asked for advice on the forums, you are far ahead of the curve. Regarding tomes, many builds posted are extremely constrained as to what feats are taken when and so forth. Others are not. Building characters is extremely unforgiving, with a brutal learning curve, absolutely brutal. Decide which of the following will be most fun for you:

1) following someone else's build in every detail, with your creativity confined to enhancement selection, gear, and any later characters, resulting in a solid build,
2) modifying a posted build to suit your preferences, not worrying too much if this shortchanges the character irrevocably in ways you hadn't realized it would,
3) making your own build and being creative,
4) following a turbine made path and having a crippled character without having learned anything from the character creation experience. (Do not do this).

I personally enjoy playing survivable characters and am mostly playing a paladin now. Paladin smites give them the highest damage per swing, several dozen swings per hour (250-300 per critical smite with a one handed pick after I put enemies in auto-crit at level 12 :-)). It's really burst damage, not true dps. Fighter builds can probably maintain the highest dps for minutes at a time, which is the most relevant length of time. Barbarians probably have the highest sustainable damage. Rogue builds marginally have the highest dps against unfortified targets, while they are much weaker against fortified ones than the others. Paladins and rangers have specific bonuses to certain enemies. Of course you have 0 dps if you are dead, barbarians have the most hit points, paladins have the best saves, monks are particularly good at dodging the most important enemy spells, etc. etc. ad infinitum.

Clarify your goals and welcome to the game.

[Dysmetria]

EDIT: If possible aswell, please answer a question -
As for tomes, do you have to use them at a certain level for them to be effective? In most builds I've seen, they are used at etc. level 3, 5 and such.You should use INT tomes if you plan to as early as possible if it raises INT to the next even level, as that will get you more skill points per level. ie: I have an archer I am working on now, and raising it's INT to take advantage of the new mechanic perk. I started with 18 INT, ate a +1 tome at level 3 and when I raised it to 20 at level 4, I got an extra skill point from 4 on. Likewise at level 7 I ate a +2 tome, and when I raised INT again at level 8 I got a second bonus skill point per level from 8 on.

Also you need to use them before leveling if they are necessary to get a feat at that level. ie: Using a tome to raise STR from 12 to 13 before you level and select the Power Attack feat, which requires 13 STR.

Hope this helps.