36p High Priest of the Dweller Below – Epic Focused H-Orc DPS/Healing/Intimitank.

[Nick_RC]

INITIAL THOUGHTS: Basically this is what I consider to be optimal for a Battlecleric at end game/epic if half orcs are released as they are. Half Orcs have rekindled my love of the class and I am considering turning my main into this when HO are released. Doing some research it looks like the Half Orcs of Eberon worship the Cult of the Dweller Below and there favored weapon is the Heavy Pick. Which Suitably matches my thoughts for weaponry come end game! I think i will address a couple of obvious questions right away.

1.Heavy Picks over Khopeshes ???? Yup. Picks > Khopeshes on epic trash. And in ‘most’ boss fights where autocrits don’t matter – where khopeshes would shine – you will likely end up healing full time. It saves me a feat on a feat intensive build and allows me to pick up oversize to really pump up my too hit for epic. Looking at 248 – 280 Primary Hand Crits raid buffed with room to move.
2. Non wisdom Based. Normally I much prefer wisdom and casting first and melee capability afterwards. However Seeing as the Clerics spell selection is lacking for what im running end game combined with needing a high charisma for divine might/healing aura I cant run a third stat up high enough to be relevant.
3. Intimidate. Yes. Do it. I HATE IT HATE IT HATE IT on a dedicated melee(think ftr/pali/barb) as it’s a waste of dps. Love the option on support classes to do this. Especially a Cleric sitting in his aura with quickened self healing. Good times. Nice synergies between getting a high Cha for Radiant servant, a fighter level for melee proficiencies unlocking intimidate as a full rank skill. Note: Inteligence starts at 9 purely so you can eat a +1 int tome at lvl 3 to max intimidate on cross-class levels. Should Hit a 63 easily with room to move.
4. 3 lvl splash shutting me out from tier 3 prestige lines. Possibly. But who knows when they will be released and how effective the will be. IF war priest or radiant servant 3 rocks then il happily lose a monk level. Evasion doesn’t mean much to me at all it was here purely for feat purposes and for stances allowing me to use handwraps on non-crittables.

17 Cleric/2 Monk/1 Fighter Lawful Neutral Half-Orc Male

Primary Goal: Main Healer with excellent Epic trash melee capabilities via Heavy Picks combined with a high intimidate when confounded by squishy groups and harrowing situations.


Lvl Tome Item Exc. Lit Enh. Rage Yug Stance
S – 18 5 4 7 3 1 0 2 2 (2) = 42 (44 in fire stance)
D – 15 0 2 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 = 24
C – 12 0 2 7 3 1 0 2 2 0 = 30
I – 9 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 = 11
W – 9 0 2 6 1 1 1 0 0 0 = 20
C – 14 0 4 6 1 1 2 0 2 0 =30

Note on stat allocation: As soon as anything higher than a +2 dex tome is acquired pump any points saved from the dex requirement for 2wf into Con. You will need a +4 CHA tome to get divine might III so I will include it in this setup.

Feats
1. Extend
3. Empower Heal
F1. 2wf (@4)
6. Oversize/Maximise
M1.Toughness (@8)
M2. Power Attack(@9)
9. I2wf
12. Quicken
15. I crit Pierce
18. G2wf

Feat: Either Oversize or maximize take you’re pick. Probably maximize till cap then switch for oversize.
Fighter level: Will be taken at 4 to make use of the +1 Int Tome.
Monk levels: will be taken at 8 (tough)and 9 (PA) once radiant servant one has been taken and the fighter level has been accommodated. Similarly access to Planar Girds is a nice time to start running PA on a secondary melee class.

Skills

Intimidate
21 Ranks : (2 @lvl 1, .5 @lvl2-3, 2 @lvl 4, 1 @lvls 5+)
4 GH:
15 Item:
1 Ftr Intim
2 Luck
10 Cha
5 Claw Gloves
5 Conc op shroud sp item

Self buffed 63. With room to move with external buffs. Pretty good for most anything except elite tods and epic DQ.

Hit Points
20 Base
152 Cleri/Monk
10 Fighter
200 Con
45 Shroud
10 Agent of Argo
30 GFL
22 Tough
30 Tough enh.
5 tortoise
20 Tough item
20 Yugoloth

= 564 hp

Saves GH Stat Luck Clr Monk Ftr Res Alc. Holy Aura

Reflex 4 7 2 5 3 0 4 1 4 31(little light but meh)
Fort 4 10 2 10 3 2 4 1 4 40
Will 4 5 2 10 3 0 4 1 4 33

Too hit

20 BAB
16 Str
1 Litany
3 DF
5 Weapon
2 Competence
1 haste
4 GH
2 Warpriest Set
-2 2wf

+52 to hit

Likely in game to hit modifiers.

+3 Splashed Warchanter
+2 Flanking
+4-5 Sneak Attack bonus (wretched twilight or tharnes)
+4-8 Destruction – impr destruction
2 Ftr PL (the two you use to get to 36p)
-8 PA
-4 moving

+55-60 W PA on. (In practice)

Damage (main hand) w/ Bard
1-8 (L2)
+5 Weapon
+8 PA
+3 DF
+ 16 Strength
+1 Litany
+6 DM III
+ 8 Splash Warchanter
+ 4 Claw set

52-60 Main hand Primary damage

240 – 280ish Primary Hand Crits. Pretty sexy for a cleric. (seeker +8-+10 use for highs and lows)

Enhancements: Too Come.
Equipment : Too come.

[Aspenor]

Nice purple text. I always knew your favorite colors were purple and pink, bro.

[butlerfamilywa]

Lawful Neutral I believe you mean... considering 2 levels of Monk.

[maddmatt70]

Nice build Nick. Looks tough as nails..

[Bacab]

Marilith Chain means your evasion won't work...which is WAI for ya :)

This looks fun.

I kept looking at it and wondered why only 1 FTR and 2 MNK?

I was thinking maybe 2 FTR and 1 MNK...still gives ya 3 feats and FTR STR at level 2.

Though I think its 6 in one hand and half-dozen in the other.

I keep looking for 1 feat to drop to get Barb 1 and FTR 2 over the 2 MNK 1 FTR. I really like the Barb Movement speed and Sprint Boost. Also the Barb levels gives some nice skill points at level 1 and non cross-class intimmy...

This looks super solid.

I have used a few of your builds (Blizt comes to mind most recently). They always have a nice mobility to them.

[Gladiator_206]

looks solid but personally if i was gonna go battle cleric...i wouldn't.

... id just roll a fvs ...


:P

[khaldan]

Why?

More sp by quite a bit, at the cost of one feat. It's like taking mental toughness, if mental toughness gave 800ish sp.

On the other hand, you do lose DM, which is a ton of damage, so it's automatically the best thing to do.

[Entelech]

I don't think you can use Monk stances with a Heavy Pick in your hands, can you?

Also, you're going to have some problems with skill ranks. You'll be getting *one* skill point for most of your levels, and you're buying Intimidate cross-class for most of those levels. Even assuming a +2 Int tome at level 7, you're not going to be able to put ranks in concentration.

Without either Quicken Spell or a decent Concentration, your self-healing capability is going to be seriously limited, if you're taking damage while you try to cast. (edit: I see you have Quicken Spell. NP. And the Con Opp / Torc of Raiyum-de mana regen will probably offset the Quicken.)


So...since you're not getting evasion...or stances...or Wis to AC...or much of anything else out of that Monk splash, given the gear you plan on, why don't you do 1 Ranger / 2 Fighter instead? You at least get free Barkskin wands and Bow Strength that way.

[phalaeo]

Looks really schmexy, Nick!

[Nick_RC]

Marilith Chain means your evasion won't work...which is WAI for ya :)

This looks fun.

I kept looking at it and wondered why only 1 FTR and 2 MNK?

I was thinking maybe 2 FTR and 1 MNK...still gives ya 3 feats and FTR STR at level 2.

Though I think its 6 in one hand and half-dozen in the other.

I keep looking for 1 feat to drop to get Barb 1 and FTR 2 over the 2 MNK 1 FTR. I really like the Barb Movement speed and Sprint Boost. Also the Barb levels gives some nice skill points at level 1 and non cross-class intimmy...

This looks super solid.

I have used a few of your builds (Blizt comes to mind most recently). They always have a nice mobility to them.

Heh Completely missed marith chain - was earlier thinking about it but was thinking offhand deathnip might be a good way to go for non dr types w/ red dragonscale outfit and litany in trinket. The second monk is because the save boost and Yeah 2ftr 1 barb would be really nice.... hmmm let me figure some stuff out, move speed sprint boost and another PA enh.

[Nick_RC]

More sp by quite a bit, at the cost of one feat. It's like taking mental toughness, if mental toughness gave 800ish sp.

On the other hand, you do lose DM, which is a ton of damage, so it's automatically the best thing to do.

Pure fvs cant do it they dont have the feats. That means they would have to splash losing alot of the power of being a 20 FVS.

So then u compare 17 cleric vs 17 fvs. 17 Cleric is much better as it has access to lvl 9 spells - Mass heal. As u alluded to 17 clr will have +6 damage a hand over the same as a fvs. The build is better on a cleric platform.

N

[Bacab]

One other thing I wanted to comment on.

My first capped toon was an Evoker FVS. From levels 12 (Blade Barrier) until level 19...he was about unstoppable.

Heck in everything except epics and certain raids...he's a beast.

That being said...my new main is my WF FVS.

Lotsa to-hit and really decent dmg (not FB or Kensai damage) but very helpful damage. Plus the gear helps put me on par with "sub-par" melees easily. (shush about aiming for the stars lol)

Anyway...I get what Nick is saying:
"2. Non wisdom Based. Normally I much prefer wisdom and casting first and melee capability afterwards. However Seeing as the Clerics spell selection is lacking for what im running end game combined with needing a high charisma for divine might/healing aura I cant run a third stat up high enough to be relevant."

In epics with the "epic ward" and rediculous saves...you mine as well semi-dump WIS. BTW Concord opp has 6 WIS on it anyway so ya don't have to gear it in.

One thing I want to point out to people...
18STR is really only a 16 STR on a Half-orc as far as stat-points go
14 CHR is really a 16 CHR on a Half-orc as far as stat-points go

I just wanted to point that out...because I originally wanted to lower STR for CHR on this build...then realized Nick was a step ahead on me.

Now the really important question for ya Nick...

I know you like to twink the heck out of your toons...but this is a 36 point build...
Ya making a new dude or converting someone to this?

Also I was assuming this for gear...

Marilith Chain (Epic when ya can of course)
Litany
Torc
Gnost's
Crusty Ring
??? Ring (maybe Tumbleweed for Reflex and +2 to-hit) swap with below when needed
The Kensai Ring (with bonus CON on it...HP) swap with above when needed
Boots...so situational

anyway the big big question...

Earth Grab Picks
*or*
Deathnips

Earthgrab Picks are brutal on Trash (raid or epic trash)

I am thinking the Deathnips are a Pain to get...but they are the BEST LOOKING WEAPON IN GAME

So Nick...ya have some Tome pages saved up for this?

Also...its not lost on me that Deathnips + Epic Marilith Chain is a waste...(its really only a Maiming Heavy Pick when paired with that)...but using Deathnips would open up your body slot for maybe Epic Dragon armor?

Also
2 Deathnips +Half-orc + undying gaze(for looks in town) = Mean looking Battle Cleric

I promised myself I would not conform and make a Half-orc...

Only once in my career in DDO did I do what the majority did...
I quit my Dwarf Cleric who had good STR, good WIS, amazing CON and 1 level Barb for movement speed and a Carnifex...and I made a 6 CON Drow(drow were brand new...pre 32 pt build) SOR with max CHR and DEX (ray spells lol)...
After that...I promised to never do what the crowd was doing.

I still refuse to use Khopesh...
I refused to make a "Monster" build...
I refused to make an "Exploiter" Ranger...
I was gonna refuse to make a Half-orc...

And now you have talked me off the ledge...

Looks like I will make a Half-Orc battle-cleric...

Just when I thought I was done rolling new toons...

[Bacab]

Heh Completely missed marith chain - was earlier thinking about it but was thinking offhand deathnip might be a good way to go for non dr types w/ red dragonscale outfit and litany in trinket. The second monk is because the save boost and Yeah 2ftr 1 barb would be really nice.... hmmm let me figure some stuff out, move speed sprint boost and another PA enh.

lol you typed this while I was typing the thing above it...we are on the same page...

Deathnip+Red Dragon+Litany would look freaking awesome also...(yes that matters)

Oh yeah to...about the SP...

This type of build would rely on Torc and Concord Opp (hence the intim). So really only SP becomes an issue on raids...where you end up cycling mass heal/cure and scrolls on mass cures.

Just have to know your limitations (SP wise)

You can get around the SP reduction easy enough with smart play and Concord opp/Torc.

This is a frontline aggro magnet (and its build to live through that)

BTW Nick...which past lives ya thinking?

I was thinking maybe Barb for the 10 HP and FTR for +1 to hit?

*or*

FVS would give +1 Spell pen and 20 SP (lol) and something else...

[Nick_RC]

Lawful Neutral I believe you mean... considering 2 levels of Monk.

Nice catch. +1

[phalaeo]

That was my point with my why comment but he took it as I'm a newb and he needed to explain the game to me. lol.

Nick's a super nice guy- I'm sure any explaining he did was not coming from any condescending place on his part.

[Bacab]

Oh and 1 Level barb can grant ya 10 more HP from a toughness enhancement.

I am thinking level break-down like this...

1 Barb (Skill points into Timmy and Jump and other stuff)
2-8 Cleric (get radiant servant 1 and use Carnifex until later)
9-10 Fighter (bonus feat time...I like the idea of Power attack here and Imp Crit Pierce)
11-20 Cleric

But maybe ya can take the fighter level at level 20 maybe for full skill points into timmy at a reduced cost?

Also means you'll have Mass Heal at level 19 (makes raiding easier).

Man I think I may TR "Atropine" into this once Half-Orc comes out...

Atropine would have WIZ and Bard past life...

He has...
Torc
Concord Opp HP Goggles (wizard...)
SP and CHR skills Boots (timmy and UMD help if needed)
Min 2 Greataxe (until I have Min 2 Picks)
Marilith Chain
2 ChaosBlades (they rule for portals)
Head of Good Fortune
2 Pairs of madstone boots
Tharne's Goggles

Geez...I have not been this excited about a new build in a LONG time...

I will prolly just finish out my WF Fighter and TR into this...

[Entelech]

Also, Lore-Wise.

The "Cults of the Dragon Below" is a generic term for small groups of mostly insane people worshipping unknown evil gods.

Strictly speaking, "The Dragon Below" refers to Khyber, the aeons-dead divine ruler of the Underdark. But he's not around any more. These cults actually serve a wide variety of beings (Daelkyr Lords, Ancient Demons, Dark entities from Dal Quor, Devils, etc are common) and often the members of a given cult have no idea as to the nature of the being they serve.

The more stable orc and goblinoid tribes usually worship the deities of The Dark Six... Given this particular fellow's proclivities, you might want to look at The Mockery.


The Sovereign of Betrayal and Bloodshed, The Mockery represents dishonorable combat and unjust war. His worshippers include assassins, rogues and evil warriors, as well as the infamous Flayed Hand. He is known in some circles as The Betrayer and was once a member of the triumvirate of combat deities; his betrayal lead to his flaying and banishment from the Sovereign Host.

The brother of Dol Arrah and Dol Dorn, the Mockery is portrayed as a ghastly human warrior with the skin stripped from his body, cloaked in the skins of his enemies, and sometimes as a half-fiend red dragon.

[JollySwagMan]

Looks great

A 35ish situational Reflex may be available - Stance, Haste, Yugolith pot, or Halfling boost/Paladin aura. So that option is there if keeping with Monk + feats. It's really tough for me to not recommend Evasion on a Cleric that can use it

On the other hand, Barb/Fighter sounds right on a thematic level. Hail the Half Orc! More leeway with Intimidate, speed boost and you can go Neutral. If going that route perhaps the Oversize/Maximise question would be easier to answer... (neither) . I'm presuming you need Extend at the end for divine favour/power.



Oh and 1 Level barb can grant ya 10 more HP from a toughness enhancement.

Ah, I believe the Fighter Toughness enhancement would prevent one taking the Barbarian one as well.. However it is 4 more HP via HD.

[Bacab]

Ah, I believe the Fighter Toughness enhancement would prevent one taking the Barbarian one as well.. However it is 4 more HP via HD.

Can take both. Its totally H4X!

[Nick_RC]

One other thing I wanted to comment on.
I know you like to twink the heck out of your toons...but this is a 36 point build...
Ya making a new dude or converting someone to this?

Well basically what i mthinking of doing is turning my main groan into this build. Basicaly After I do 20 completions raid wise im planning on doing a tr into another class and keeping that for 20 completions etc...slowly making my way towards completionist.

Also I was assuming this for gear...

Marilith Chain (Epic when ya can of course)
Litany
Torc
Gnost's
Crusty Ring
??? Ring (maybe Tumbleweed for Reflex and +2 to-hit) swap with below when needed
The Kensai Ring (with bonus CON on it...HP) swap with above when needed
Boots...so situational

Warpriest set is really nice for this build - extra to hit and xtra turns fills a very nice void.

anyway the big big question...

Earth Grab Picks
*or*
Deathnips

Earthgrab Picks are brutal on Trash (raid or epic trash)

Well funnily enough Groan has twin lightning hvy picks and min 2 heavy picks (as well as the same in khop + tri fire and tri ice.) He also has 2 deathnips hehe. Earthgrab picks are so cheap I would likely make one -two depending on whether i use a deathnip full time in the off hand for seeker.


Also...its not lost on me that Deathnips + Epic Marilith Chain is a waste...(its really only a Maiming Heavy Pick when paired with that)...but using Deathnips would open up your body slot for maybe Epic Dragon armor?

Exactly. Also the second deathnip looses alot from the same PoV. Im really thinking this might be the optimal (somewhat over the top) way to go.

Trash Fire vulnerable DPS - Red dragon+ deathnip +L2/Earthgrab Hvy Pick.
Crittable Boss/Trash dps with DR - Marilith Chain + 2 Min 2's.
Non crittables - Red Dragon + Handwraps of Gr bane in fire stance.

Also
2 Deathnips +Half-orc + undying gaze(for looks in town) = Mean looking Battle Cleric

Yes exatly. The best thing is the gold skull helm has that look and is a skin! woot! and lol for the following.

Looks like I will make a Half-Orc battle-cleric...

Just when I thought I was done rolling new toons...

Responses in red.


This type of build would rely on Torc and Concord Opp (hence the intim). So really only SP becomes an issue on raids...where you end up cycling mass heal/cure and scrolls on mass cures.Just have to know your limitations (SP wise)

Exactly. The radiant servant healing Aura can make up alot of ground in prolonged fights also. And seeing as Il be in meleeing alot of the time it will be really nice combined with a primary healer in the back.

You can get around the SP reduction easy enough with smart play and Concord opp/Torc.This is a frontline aggro magnet (and its build to live through that)

This. All sorts of excellent readings into what il be doing with it.

BTW Nick...which past lives ya thinking?

I was thinking maybe Barb for the 10 HP and FTR for +1 to hit?

*or*

FVS would give +1 Spell pen and 20 SP (lol) and something else...

Actually any combination of clr, ftr barb would be fine. Cleric for more DMs and Auras, ftr for the too hit whih never goes astray and barb for even more hp. Very flexible getting to the 36p. Personally il be running it on groans platform sooooo... 1 barb 3 ftr 1 pali and 2 monk hehe for even greater pwnage.




That was my point with my why comment but he took it as I'm a newb and he needed to explain the game to me. lol.

Yup I knw - thought I'd elaborate for him:D Il pop in vent this week sometime for a chat.

N


Looks great

A 35ish situational Reflex may be available - Stance, Haste, Yugolith pot, or Halfling boost/Paladin aura. So that option is there if keeping with Monk + feats. It's really tough for me to not recommend Evasion on a Cleric that can use it

Yup 35 is where I sorta like to hit. Some exceptional reflex are missing and I only have resistance 4 in the layout as well. Depending on final equipment setup(which also changes alot) this can likely get bumped up another couple of points where needed.

On the other hand, Barb/Fighter sounds right on a thematic level. Hail the Half Orc! More leeway with Intimidate, speed boost and you can go Neutral. If going that route perhaps the Oversize/Maximise question would be easier to answer... (neither) . I'm presuming you need Extend at the end for divine favour/power.

Extend is something of a luxury feat. Good for DF and DP and Holy aura (Id say BB but wont be using it endgame) So this would be one of the first feats i could lose. 2 fighter one barb would be quite compelling for the speed it brings to the table... I think the 2 M 1 ftr is probably optimal as u dont lose a feat but the ftr 2 barb 1 has alot of neat perks and is definately more thematic. A strong option also




Ah, I believe the Fighter Toughness enhancement would prevent one taking the Barbarian one as well.. However it is 4 more HP via HD.

You are correct here - dont knw how bacab is doign ti with both lines lol :D

[Mellkor]

Nice.

I am working on a 17 cleric - 2 fighter - 1 barb build similar to this. But maybe 2 hander. Havent fleshed it out yet, but it wont be too far off from this. Of course, mine will be better :D:D:D

-JR

[wax_on_wax_off]

Surely if you are looking for room to move on a feat heavy build you could consider losing extend spell?
The only thing extend is really necessary for is blade barrier, and if you lose maximise for oversize then the blade barrier is worthless with such a low DC.
For everything else perhaps extend is a luxury that you dont need?
Sure its a pain having to recast combat buffs twice as often but it only adds up to a slightly higher SP cost overall as most combat buffs are in the 1-4 level range. Divine power can be scrolled or clickied too to save SP.

I would definitely consider dropping the monk levels. I would prefer 18 cleric / 2 fighter as it will add more SPs and an extra 9th level spell slot. Barbarian is an option too.

How many SPs will you have at cap? My impression is that your ability to heal in a raid will be very limited and should anything go wrong in the raid, then you may be in serious trouble. You may be restricted to being buff/DPS/backup heal role possibly but if intention is to run epics only then it doesnt matter.

Was there something in particular that made you choose dual picks compared to THF style? Dual wielding is cool and great but it is very feat and stat intensive (obviously) and forces a sacrifice like 9 starting wisdom (level 2 spells after disjunction?).

Perhaps neither maximise or oversize is necessary. Light offhand pick is an option if it is crafted.

HP is pretty average and without DR or AC you will be completely relying on hitting the quickened heal to keep yourself up ...

Anyway, just my 2 cents ...

[Nick_RC]

Surely if you are looking for room to move on a feat heavy build you could consider losing extend spell?

The only thing extend is really necessary for is blade barrier, and if you lose maximise for oversize then the blade barrier is worthless with such a low DC.

Yup extend is definately a luxury feat and would be first one to go if I really had too (said before above). I wont be casting BB once I get to cap. il likely take maximise just for trash getting to cap - they will still be taking half damage and I can melee the evasion types. Extend is actually good for DF DP and Hol aura but at just under 2 mins it could go easily. I have found that micromanaging in epics is very very tight - as things hit so hard. Having these buffs lasting for 4 mins instead of 2 gives me one less thing to worry about. Id be quite happy going 1 fighter 1 monk - id like one lvl of monk purely for handwrap use on noncrittables.

How many SPs will you have at cap? My impression is that your ability to heal in a raid will be very limited and should anything go wrong in the raid, then you may be in serious trouble. You may be restricted to being buff/DPS/backup heal role possibly but if intention is to run epics only then it doesnt matter.

Havnt worked out the sp yet. I think you will be surprised how economical u can be on a radiant servant. I will defiantely be a main raid healer. This guys play time will be abbot, tod elite, shroud, and epics. Any of these he will easily be able to be a primary healer. Might be more scroll intensive on tod elite but thats ok.

Was there something in particular that made you choose dual picks compared to THF style? Dual wielding is cool and great but it is very feat and stat intensive (obviously) and forces a sacrifice like 9 starting wisdom (level 2 spells after disjunction?).

Yeah. They are the best for epic trash destruction where this guy will spend most of his fighting time. There arnt too many cases of disjunction in the game atm and all can be avoided. If they make mobs cast it more in the future i can reevaluate then.

Perhaps neither maximise or oversize is necessary. Light offhand pick is an option if it is crafted.

Maximise isnt - oversize to me is. I plan on using a deathnip in my offhand for non DR types and any secondary melee can make use of the too hit in epics.
HP is pretty average and without DR or AC you will be completely relying on hitting the quickened heal to keep yourself up ...

Il have full BAB and hound shield for blocking dr when intiming.... and I wont likely be intiming all that much - certain oh **** situations and certain boss mobs. When not intiming im not going to have agro - i run with high calibre DPS toons. Not sure how this comment is applicable. Quickened self heals + radiant aura makes 580ish hp go a long way.

Anyway, just my 2 cents ...

Thanks for the constructive feedback.

[erikbozelie]

Hey nick_robinsonchia,

I am an great fan of warpriests myself,
My main is currently an 28 pt, 34 base strength fulll cleric dwarf, which can rage up to 60 give or take if i get all my items on my shopping list (51 so far). ( i am f2p, got about 40% of the game unlocked so far).

As i said to all folks are there thats trying out an battle cleric, wapriests, or healing, or actually any class, race, or whatever... DO IT RIGHT, OR DONT DO IT AT ALL.

yours hit the jackpot... big time,... for you my man i'd put my hands together.

keep up the good work ( thumbs up ).

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

on another note, where people will probably start complaining is that you'll be running shot on spell points in no time, but who cares, your build is awesome as melee, i would wish i had the resources to roll up this toon.

I think if you reincarnate an true barb you get an rage clikie... not sure what your previous TR's where, but might be nice if you really want an "kick the door in" cleric.

as for strength, have you included madstone boots? titan grip gloves? and house D pots? there be also the store pots, or the lotery ones... not sure if they are the same. will block your healing tho(unyieldy sovereignty is not blocked).
------------------------------------------
Please let us know when or where your toon is created so i might see it in action.
I LOVE to see this gray guy Kicking in the door of any dungeon, home, plane, or sewer and seeying the face of that instance's boss ;).

http://www.comicartfans.com/Images/Category_7781/subcat_23026/IMG_3713.JPG

[Dark-Star]

To me this build screams for thf over twf.

Not only does thf synergize so well with H-O, the cleric class is feat and stat starved, and freeing up both dex and three to four feats is worth the incremental (if any) dps decrease.

You can now drop twf, itwf, gtwf and otwf and take:

max
emp
emp hlg
ext
quicken
icrit
heighten or stunning blow or weap prof GS
m1 PA
m2 toughness

and you still have a feat left over if you want to splash a ftr level, but you wouldn't have to. To me a wizard level for the free meta feat and Master's Touch would be better. Or instead you take a third monk level and use healing curse + the healing finisher (crits for over 200 aoe on this build) with your epic Souleaster, Dreamspitter, 10% weighted, or x3 crit upgraded Rahl's Might (x4 crit with the tripple earth finisher). You can set yourself up in fire stance for +2 more str, wind for double strikes, or water for +1 DC and +2 to saves.

You can now buff yourself and your group with +2 to hit, blur, stun immunity or 25% mana cost reduction.

Find yourself in an epic quest with a good arcane that's holding everything? Use your epic SoS.

Stats become:

S18
D8
C14 (or 12 if you are set on more int)
I6
W16
Ch14

Throw your level ups into wis leveling, then LR to str at cap.

Hi there max-emp-heightened BB's doing over 700 with your eardweller clicky.

Symbol of stunning or persuasion? Check. Greater Command? Got it covered.

Implosion for non-epic? Where's that trash?

You will not have evoker specced DC's, but high enough to be useful.

I am a twf fan, but not on this build. You give up far, far too much for a slight incremental dps gain, and that's if you hit on a 2 with your nips.

[Bacab]

So was PMing Nick and stuff and trying to figure out what to do.

I have a WIZ that is almost 20 on his TR (Bard Past life) who has some nice melee gear from his bard past life...and I kinda prefer playing Divines to Arcanes.

A lotta times I take a build and tweak just a few things to "personalize" it for me.

Here is what I came up with for this one...I hinted at this earlier...

***17CLR/2FTR/1Barb***
Not sure what feat to drop though. Thinking OTWF.

I want 1 Level of barb for the Movement Speed and the Sprint boost and Power attack enhancement mainly. Also taking Barb at level one gives ya a fair amount of Skill Points.

I was also thinking maybe using a Light Pick in my off-hand possibly? I would not craft one until I had run a few epics to "test out" my accuracy.

Thinking levels this way with feats...
Level/Class
1 Barb: Toughness (I love lower level HPs)
2 CLR I plan on using a Maelstrom here
3 CLR : Empower Heal
4 CLR I would personally use Carnifex here due to how awesome it is for soooo long
5 CLR
6 CLR : Extend
7 CLR
8 FTR : TWF (has to be fighter feat)
9 CLR : Power Attack (Planar Girds...you mentioned this)
10 CLR
11 CLR
12 CLR: Quicken Have a Min 2 Greataxe waiting on me from a past life here (if I TR Atropine into this)
13 CLR
14 FTR: ITWF (start using picks here) Will have 2 Earthgrab Picks waiting on me (if I TR Atropine into this)
15 CLR: Maximize *or* Improved Crit
16 CLR
17 CLR
18 CLR : GTWF
19 CLR
20 CLR

I was thinking this...I am not sure if I am missing something important...gah...just saw...improved crit Pierce...that's what I am missing.

I suppose I *could* drop Maximize for Imp Crit?

But I am also thinking Dual Earth Grabs put things in auto-crit a lot?

I will be running this with my buddy as he's TRing his Barb into a "Blizt". And as you know...a "Blizt" has a "Hjeal me now" style of self-sufficiency lol.

Well sorry for the wall-o-text. I just really think this will be super fun.

I would appreciate any changes/reasons why also.

Maybe feat order or taking different feats?

Was even thinking swapping Quicken to level 18 and moving the TWF up a slot.

Or taking Toughness at level 18 and moving DPS feats up?

What you guys think?

[voodoogroves]

(1) Huge fan of intimidate as a non-primary ability. Love the thought of tossing it on various support roles who aren't primary DPS anyway. I'd much rather lose a 2nd tier DPS toon in a fight than someone who could be doing 1st tier. Anyone with massive guards, innate auras, innate DR, quickened capabilities ... these are the batmen, acrobats, radiant servants, etc. who can still contribute by mostly holding shift and occasionally adding a quickened heal or bask in an aura, good stuff. The other 98% of the time they aren't turtling they

(2) Recently, I'm a big fan of leveling one way and not being afraid to TR at 20. For isntance, Monk 2 / FVS-rest is probably easier to level and stronger up until level 19 ... if you've got the TP you could level one way and LR later, esp. if hearts start dropping as loot.


I'm w/ Bacab on the non-traditional bits - though I've still not succombed to Half-Orc.

[Mellkor]

I am thinking of going with 2 levels of XX (either 2 fighter, or 1 fighter - 1 barb, or 2 monk, or 2 rogue). 18 cleric over 17 has a nice bump to your healing aura. Adding in some healing amp on accesories, GS, and/or enhancements (?)(not sure if Horc gets any) would get your aura to the point where it would make a big difference over 17 cleric.

Just something to consider.

As to the rest, something along the lines of what Dark posted above calls to me :)

-JR

[transtemporal]

Real nice build Nick. Cleric is totally the right platform. FVS can go **** themselves.

The only problem I have with it is philosophical: the moment I have to press the heal button, I resent the other melees. I hate the fact I know statistically I'm doing more dps on my battlecleric than the random melee next to me, but I still have to wreck my dps by pressing the mass heal button occasionally.

Having said that, the situation is much improved by the healing aura now. On my healing specced guy I usually find the aura enough in epics, with the occasional heal thrown in for good measure. No reason why it wouldn't work just as well with a melee-specced guy.

[Nick_RC]

To me this build screams for thf over twf.

Not only does thf synergize so well with H-O, the cleric class is feat and stat starved, and freeing up both dex and three to four feats is worth the incremental (if any) dps decrease.

You can now drop twf, itwf, gtwf and otwf and take:

max
emp
emp hlg
ext
quicken
icrit
heighten or stunning blow or weap prof GS
m1 PA
m2 toughness

and you still have a feat left over if you want to splash a ftr level, but you wouldn't have to. To me a wizard level for the free meta feat and Master's Touch would be better. Or instead you take a third monk level and use healing curse + the healing finisher (crits for over 200 aoe on this build) with your epic Souleaster, Dreamspitter, 10% weighted, or x3 crit upgraded Rahl's Might (x4 crit with the tripple earth finisher). You can set yourself up in fire stance for +2 more str, wind for double strikes, or water for +1 DC and +2 to saves.

You can now buff yourself and your group with +2 to hit, blur, stun immunity or 25% mana cost reduction.

Find yourself in an epic quest with a good arcane that's holding everything? Use your epic SoS.

Stats become:

S18
D8
C14 (or 12 if you are set on more int)
I6
W16
Ch14

Throw your level ups into wis leveling, then LR to str at cap.

Hi there max-emp-heightened BB's doing over 700 with your eardweller clicky.

Symbol of stunning or persuasion? Check. Greater Command? Got it covered.

Implosion for non-epic? Where's that trash?

You will not have evoker specced DC's, but high enough to be useful.

I am a twf fan, but not on this build. You give up far, far too much for a slight incremental dps gain, and that's if you hit on a 2 with your nips.

Yo dark thanks for the great feedback. Its early and have taken a lil break from the forums. Let me digest this. You make some VERY valid points.

N

[Bacab]

I agree and disagree with the TWF vs THF if you go 17CLR/2FTR/1BRB
I think if you splash MNK instead of Barb you net an extra feat.

I think at "lower" levels...THF is the obvious answer...my reasoning is there are some really really nice 2 handers.
Level Item
2 Maelstrom
4 Carnifex
10 Sword of Shadows
12 Greensteel (what ever you want now if TRed)

*but* at 14 you start to get some neat TWF things

14 Deathnips


*though*

Also later on you have a variety of other buffs (Divine Power and Planar Girds and Perma-hasted)

So I feel you go 2HF early and then swap to TWF later.
Doing this allows you to push back the TWF feats later.

But it is not lost on me that TWF requires 3 feats.

Where I see TWF > THF is a few things...
*Bard Songs do better with TWF
*Divine Might does better with TWF (I think...its not doubled on a THF is it?)
*Earth Grab Heavy Picks (amazing in Epics and Amrath)
*Dual-wielding Vorpals/Smiters/Paralyzers/Disruptors/Banishers


Where I see THF > TWF
*Epic SoS
*Cheaper (only have to make/buy one nice weapon)
*Better to-hit (I am unsure of the to-hit of this build in some epics)
*Epic Xuum
*It also opens up 3 feats (though you may take THF ITHF GTHF)
*Allows lower DEX (which allows higher CON...I am a HP junky)


The more I think about it...the more I think I will just make a new toon and roll this dude.

I will prolly just drop starting STR to 16 (since it'll only be a 32 point build rather than 36)

My other option is to roll this dude...and start gathering gear (raid loot) and greensteel accessories and tomes.
Use metalline PG or Holy Silver on bosses.

Then TR into a 34/36 and go which-ever style you want.

Once you decide to TR...craft those Greensteel *WEAPONS* that you want (BEFORE YOU TR). Whether its Great Axe or Falchion or Heavy Picks.

I would recommend going Earth Grab Picks (they are cheap and great) on the second life.


Soooo my synopsis...

If a new toon>>>THF the first life since you'll be short on gear and stat points

If its a TRed toon>>>TWF if thats what your gear is set up for (Nick's Groan is set up for really about anything)

[Bacab]

Necro Bump...and I don't care...

I want some eyes on this...
I will most likely be TRing "Atropine" into this in about 2 months.
Going to get one more WIZ life and one more Cleaning Stone for Greensteel.
Hopefully, luck into a Marilith Chain (have put like 3 up for roll) (he has always been a WF).
Suppose I will run some HoX and try to get Levik's Bracers (once again put 2 pair up for roll since I have pretty much always been a WF Arcane)

Notable Gear...

*Torc
*Min2 great Axe
*Lit2 Falchion
*Triple Pos Maul
*Concord Opp Warhammer
*One Set of Tome Pages (looking at making a Deathnip...maybe two depending if I can farm another set while on my next Wiz life)
*Lotsa Caster gear
*Tharne's Goggles
*Concord/Opp HP Goggles (Doh...same slot as Tharne's)
*2 Madstone Boots
*Boots of the Innocent
*+150 SP, +6 CHR skills Haste Guard Boots
*Lotsa other odds and ends raid loot...
Now to the build...

True Neutral Horc
17CLR/2FTR/1BRB

Would like Help on Stats...Have eaten all +3 Tomes...no +4's


18 STR (may have to lower this)
14 DEX (has eaten a +3 DEX tome)
16 CON
?? INT
14 WIS
12 or 14 CHR?

Level Break downs...
1 Barbarian (Martial Weapon early and Sprint boost)
2-13 Cleric (Heal Spell and 2nd Tier of radiant Servant)
14-15 Fighter
16-20 Cleric

Feat Order...
1 Power Attack
3 Barbarian PL
6 Empower Heal (Radiant Servant)
9 Maximize
12 Imp Crit Pierce
14 (FTR bonus) TWF
15 (FTR Bonus) ITWF
15 GTWF
18 Quicken (mainly for Mass Heal)

I went with Improved Crit at 12 because that where I could fit it in (at level 12 my Min2 GAXE will give Imp Crit Slashing for that weapon).
I plan on Using mainly Carnifex from level 4 until 12.
At 12 I will use Min2 GAXE.
At 14 or 15 I will Swap to 2 Heavy Picks.
Maybe even 1 Heavy Pick and a Light Pick? Is OTWF worth it?

In Town he will wear Undying Gaze, Death's Door (Shield), Deathnip. Yes that Matters a LOT.

Anyway, I wanted to bring this build back to life...because it looks super fun.

Oh yeah the Past Lives are...
2 WIZ
1 Bard
1 Sorc
1 Barb

[axel15810]

Awesome build. 2 concerns though. First would be your skills. Taking intim means you're giving up concentration and balance. You'll be reliant on quicken...that will hurt your SP usage. But with a Torc and Concord Opp it shouldn't be a big deal. I guess if you wear a good item con won't be much of an issue on lower levels. And you and the party will be screwed if you're getting tripped since your balance will be terrible and you can't heal on your back. But I guess with a good balance item you'll be ok.

Why Horc? I'm a recent human convert for battle clerics. Healing amp, human versatility, human adaptability, no INT penalty, no CHA penalty, extra feat. You can get divine might 3 so you'll do good burst DPS with DM 3 and human versatility damage boost stacking. The only thing you really lose is 1 less point to STR (with a STR point in human adapt) and the horc enhancements...which I've never been a fan of on a battle cleric because they reduce to hit.

[voodoogroves]

DOOM NECRO BUMP

Alright, Bacab gets a pass ;-)




His CON is will be fine; more than enough HP. Quicken on all the time shouldn't matter either; some of us leave the dang thing on because we're impatient and lazy ;-)



Bacab: Consider a frozen tunic as your armor kit, at least as a DPS swap. Seriously.

[Bacab]

Will look into the Frozen Tunic...its been a while since I played a fleshy.

I have thought about Human. More CON (HP) also having the ability balance out 2 stats is nice.

Healing amp would make my Aura help me more and self-healing is always nice.
Extra Skill points (really its 2 more a level due to human bonus and not taking a -2 to INT), would make it easier to keep Intim and Balance and Concentration up.
That extra feat means I can fit in Empower.

Horc was more of a Thematic pick...and I have never played Horc.

I am still a ways off from doing this build, but I will do this build and actually hang out at level 20 for a little while lol.

I also agree with quicken on...my SP should be ok...and I use lotsa Concord/opp stuff.

[Zennestia]

Please ignore.
Did not realize thread had been bumped from 2010.


I believe that Maximize and Empower Spell will boost the positive energy burst.
Without these meta magics, you may find the burst healing lacking.

I have also found the aura energizes well with high healing amplification.
The aura ticks along for 45 on my clonk, and around 80 on a monk/fighter build I frequently run with.

If you follow Darks advice, you might also wish to consider using wraps.
Stunning Fist is an awesome feat, but I am not sure if dc would be up there if wisdom has been dumped.

[Partydeluxe]

If you are necroing this thread anyway you might as well take a look at The Enygma Cleric (http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=290912) by Sphinx111.

It's a nice read at least and will probably give you a better understanding of how to play a battlecleric since that's the biggest factor that makes battleclerics hated/loved; the player behind it makes or brakes the whole deal. Nimmuz is the only toon I have that I cant play stoned/drunk :)

[Nick_RC]

Will look into the Frozen Tunic...its been a while since I played a fleshy.

I have thought about Human. More CON (HP) also having the ability balance out 2 stats is nice.

Healing amp would make my Aura help me more and self-healing is always nice.
Extra Skill points (really its 2 more a level due to human bonus and not taking a -2 to INT), would make it easier to keep Intim and Balance and Concentration up.
That extra feat means I can fit in Empower.

Horc was more of a Thematic pick...and I have never played Horc.

I am still a ways off from doing this build, but I will do this build and actually hang out at level 20 for a little while lol.

I also agree with quicken on...my SP should be ok...and I use lotsa Concord/opp stuff.

Hey man - holy necro batman!

Hey honestly I would stay away from 2wf without oversize for endgame play - too hit can be a real issue. Honestly atm i play a melee/off casting 18fvs/1 ftr/1 monk and even tho he is wisdom based he has ABOUT what you would have too hit wise if you went strength based and forgot wisdom. (3ftr pl +4 str tome and completionist puts me around what a str based 36p build would be) and Even being geared to the hilt I sometimes have too hit issues if I am not properly buffed. 2wf would be alot worse as there are no +10 epic 2wf weapons hehe.

If you still wanted to go the 2wf cleric route - on a pure str based platform Id do something like:

18 cleric/2 ftr horc

Khop
PA
Tough
2wf
i2wf
g2wf
icrit
emp heal
Quicken

Emp heal should be enough for all of ur mass heal needs altho ur bursts will suffer. Drop Khop for max if you want to use picks still. Or go human pick up max and try to get higher DM...might be a stronger option for 2wf. Also I'm a little hesitant about planning builds that are oging to be done a few omnths from now. Expansion + skill trees will likely change alot from what ive been told.

Hope this helps.

N

[Bacab]

Hey man - holy necro batman!

Hey honestly I would stay away from 2wf without oversize for endgame play - too hit can be a real issue. Honestly atm i play a melee/off casting 18fvs/1 ftr/1 monk and even tho he is wisdom based he has ABOUT what you would have too hit wise if you went strength based and forgot wisdom. (3ftr pl +4 str tome and completionist puts me around what a str based 36p build would be) and Even being geared to the hilt I sometimes have too hit issues if I am not properly buffed. 2wf would be alot worse as there are no +10 epic 2wf weapons hehe.

If you still wanted to go the 2wf cleric route - on a pure str based platform Id do something like:

18 cleric/2 ftr horc

Khop
PA
Tough
2wf
i2wf
g2wf
icrit
emp heal
Quicken

Emp heal should be enough for all of ur mass heal needs altho ur bursts will suffer. Drop Khop for max if you want to use picks still. Or go human pick up max and try to get higher DM...might be a stronger option for 2wf. Also I'm a little hesitant about planning builds that are oging to be done a few omnths from now. Expansion + skill trees will likely change alot from what ive been told.

Hope this helps.

N

Hmm...I really like this build.

I do plan on staying with Heavy Picks (have one Deathnip about halfway to a second one). Also I was going to make some Vampirism Heavy Picks from the Attack on Stormreach pack.

Maybe I should go Human and swap Khopesh (from your build Nick) for OTWF...and get Maximize (as human bonus feat?)

Human also sets me up nicely for more skill points and as you mentioned...a higher Tier DM.

I plan on re-using this build for my FVS life(s) on this toon. Probably 18FVS/2FTR.

What you said about to-hit gives me pause though. I have not run many epics in a while...been doing mainly the TR train. Though my gear is stellar! I have goggles of insight and Angers gift! Just kidding about that. I do have Tharne's Goggles, but sadly my concord/opp/HP item is slotted into my goggles. May have to "redo" those into a different slot?

Also...looks like I should get a couple fighter lives under my belt huh? Or is the to-hit mainly just a problem on/in epics?

I did make a first life dwarf 18CLR/2FTR (Hjealer in my sig) and he had pretty much garbage gear, but was a ton of fun to level. I just wanted to re-acclimate to the game (took about a year and a half break).

Anyway, thanks everyone for checking this out.