Should I Stay Pure for Cleric Warpriest with Healing Aura?

[Set]

Currently I am level 17 melee Drow Cleric. I went to tier 5 in Radiant Server tree to get Healing Aura. I think its very useful for melee cleric. I use Bastard Sword/Shield, I want the D10 weapon. I enjoy the S&B animations and play style and I also like the numerous cleric buffs. I dont mind throwing out heals also. Since I am Drow, I'm kinda feat starved.

My current feats are: Empower Healing, Maximize, Exotic Weapon:Bastard Sword, Shield Mastery, Power Attack, Cleave

Since I already have level 9 spells at cleric 17, should I take 2 levels of Fighter for 2 feats and Tower Shield proficiency? Or 2 Fighter/ 1 Wizard for a extra metamagic? I hate to lose the cleric spellpoints and caster levels....

If Fighter, what feats? Improved Critical Slashing? Improved Shield Mastery? THF for glacing blows?

What other metamagic if wizard? Quicken? Empower? (I still use Blade Barrier some)....Does 1 level of wizard still add to the /caster level of my cleric spells/buffs?

Thanks

[Vellrad]

No melee cleric should be pure.
There is absolutely no reason to get lvl19 or 20, as what you get there is not comparable with 2 levels of anything else.
Even 18th cleric level is not really good. You get haste spell, but by taking class that gets feat, you might have slot to fit BS later on.
Not to mention speed gear everywhere.

[voodoogroves]

I would suggest you check out the sunblade options, as they proc glancing blows (Star of Day, Celestia, etc.) though WP will muck w/ Celestia's DR breaking.

And no - I wouldn't go pure if I were you. I personally like either 2 Pal / 1 fighter, 2 Bard / 1 fighter for a split like you're considering.

[Set]

No melee cleric should be pure.
There is absolutely no reason to get lvl19 or 20, as what you get there is not comparable with 2 levels of anything else.
Even 18th cleric level is not really good. You get haste spell, but by taking class that gets feat, you might have slot to fit BS later on.
Not to mention speed gear everywhere.

Thanks for fast replies! What does the "BS" stand for in the context of your answer?

I am Chaotic Good so going pallie would cost me.

[Vellrad]

Thanks for fast replies! What does the "BS" stand for in the context of your answer?



lvl27 perma haste feat

[Set]

lvl27 perma haste feat

Gotcha! Thanks....27 seems a long way off with my sometimes limited play time.....lol

What does 2 Bard get me?

[unbongwah]

Without getting into a fight about "ZOMG S&B IS T3H GIMP!!1!", have you considered switching from b.swords to rapiers? W/out THF feats, you're not getting much in the way of glancing blows; rapiers have better crit profile, would save a feat & let you add drow weapon bonuses. Or you can use one of the short swords which function like a b.sword.

Did you go STR- or WIS-based? Have you used your free LR yet?

[Set]

Without getting into a fight about "ZOMG S&B IS T3H GIMP!!1!", have you considered switching from b.swords to rapiers? W/out THF feats, you're not getting much in the way of glancing blows; rapiers have better crit profile, would save a feat & let you add drow weapon bonuses. Or you can use one of the short swords which function like a b.sword.

Did you go STR- or WIS-based? Have you used your free LR yet?

I went mostly Str based, but decent Wis and Charisma. I used free LR, and used another store one already lol. Good idea about rapier. I can use longsword bonuses too in Warpriest tree since longsword is my favored weapon....

Are you saying still use shield though, right? Dont wanna go TWF, Dex too low anyway. What feats to take instead of Bastard sword? Great Cleave? Improved Shield Mastery? Weapon improved Crit?

[Silverleafeon]

You could just continue on your current course fairly well.

Take Quicken at 18 as your normal feat.
This is so essential for epic elite which you will encounter some even if don't consider it at the moment.

Take 2 levels of Fighter.

Fighter Bonus 1 ~ Improved Critical Slashing
Fighter Bonus 2 ~ Great Cleave

This leaves you able to take Overwhelming Critical as an Epic Feat at level 21+
Str 23 required, can you meet that?
Perhaps raising Str at level 20 will help plus working towards a +? str tome.
You have the ability to choose any sort of shield.
You have decent DPS, no one will question your choices, they will smile and nod.
You have solid healing ability, remember that is why they want you.

Pick Unyielding Sentinel as your epic destiny, it will serve you well, till you have time to try others out.

Consider Improved Shield Mastery at level 24, but don't really sweat it.

You don't really need empowered, but if you have extra feats you could take it at level 27.
It would mostly be for stronger bursts, not much else.
Blinding Speed might be a much better choice allowing you to permanently hasted.

When Unyielding Sentinel is maxed you can take Spell Power Positive or Guardian Angel as a level 26 ED feat.
Eventually level up Angel Destiny, and work towards Forced Escape as a level 28 ED feat.

When you explore Fury of the Wild and other epic destinies you should be fairly well set up to experiment.
Then you can feat swap for Perfect Two Weapon fighting if you choose, or even Epic Reincarnate.


Bastard Sword is nice, consider that you can swap to Dwarven Axe also for the same cost.
http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:The_Mountain%27s_Fist_(Level_25)
This is an easy to get weapon that has the ability to put three augments on it.
(Not the same type, but something like Acid, Frost, Electric?)
Not many players use it, and it grants some of the bastard sword type, so it is cheap to obtain.

http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Charoush%27s_Inferno_(Level_25)
This bastard sword is also easy to obtain thru trades.

And the moment you start wielding this Bastard Sword with an endless night augment on it, people will be impressed:
http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Nightmare,_the_Fallen_Moon


I am basing all of this on you continuing onward in your current style of play, learning, and adapting as you go along.

[Set]

Wow, great answer thanks!

For now, while only 17, I traded Bastard Sword Feat with Improved Critical Slashing. I added to the 4th tier in the Warpriest tree where I get a plus 4 enhancement bonus to longswords. My damage already seems a lot better since I am criting a lot! I will take the next 2 levels as Fighter for sure, I can't wait to get Great Cleave! I'm base 17 Str now, but I think that is with a +2 tome. I can make that a +4 or 5 str tome someday....

[Silverleafeon]

Here is two nice easy to get items with Eveningstar epics:

http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Oathblade

http://ddowiki.com/page/Purple_Dragon_Gauntlets

[Set]

Here is two nice easy to get items with Eveningstar epics:

http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Oathblade

http://ddowiki.com/page/Purple_Dragon_Gauntlets

Man, those 2 items would be perfect for me! This is my highest level character so I've never had gear that good, lol.

Can I get those Commendations by running the level 17 Heroic Evening Star quests? Or do just the level 23 Epic versions drop the Commendations?

[sirgog]

Personally levelling toward Clr17/Pal2/Ftr1 now.

Pal2 for the saves (which means I'm pushing Cha higher than you normally would on a cleric), and Ftr gives a feat and some enhancements.

85-90% of the healing throughput of a pure cleric (and that last 10-15% isn't needed), and all the cleave feats, all the THF chain, and decent survivability.

[unbongwah]

Just a quick-n-dirty build based on your constraints:

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 04.19.03
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Level 28 Chaotic Good Drow Female
(2 Fighter \ 18 Cleric \ 8 Epic)
Hit Points: 345
Spell Points: 1275
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 16
Reflex: 7
Will: 13

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(28 Point) (Level 1) (Level 28)
Strength 16 25
Dexterity 10 12
Constitution 12 14
Intelligence 12 14
Wisdom 12 14
Charisma 16 18

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 7
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 7

Level 1 (Cleric)
Feat: (Deity) Follower of the Sovereign Host
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 2 (Cleric)


Level 3 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Cleave


Level 4 (Cleric)
Ability Raise: STR


Level 5 (Cleric)


Level 6 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Great Cleave


Level 7 (Cleric)


Level 8 (Cleric)
Ability Raise: STR


Level 9 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell


Level 10 (Cleric)


Level 11 (Cleric)


Level 12 (Cleric)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell


Level 13 (Cleric)


Level 14 (Cleric)


Level 15 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Quicken Spell


Level 16 (Cleric)
Ability Raise: STR


Level 17 (Cleric)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Shield Mastery


Level 19 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Shield Mastery


Level 20 (Cleric)
Ability Raise: STR
Enhancement: Drow - Spell Resistance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Drow - Xen'drik Weapon Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Healing Domain (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Pacifism (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Positive Energy Burst (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Improved Empower Healing (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Positive Energy Shield (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Extra Turning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Extra Turning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Extra Turning (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Wand Mastery (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Wand Mastery (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Wand Mastery (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Altruism (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Altruism (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Altruism (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Improved Turning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Improved Turning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Improved Turning (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Intense Healing (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Intense Healing (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Intense Healing (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Unyielding Sovereignty (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Endless Turning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Endless Turning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Endless Turning (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Incredible Healing (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Incredible Healing (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Incredible Healing (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Positive Energy Aura (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Cure Focus (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Smite Foe (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Resilience of Battle (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Sanctuary (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - War Domain: Blur (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Divine Might (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Divine Might (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Divine Might (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Toughness (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Smite Weakness (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Wall of Steel (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Wall of Steel (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Wall of Steel (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame: Saving Throws (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame: Saving Throws (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame: Saving Throws (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame: Energy Absorption (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame: Energy Absorption (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame: Energy Absorption (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Ameliorating Strike (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Focus: Light Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Extra Action Boost (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Extra Action Boost (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Extra Action Boost (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Weapon Specialization: Light Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 3)


Level 21 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Overwhelming Critical


Level 22 (Epic)


Level 23 (Epic)


Level 24 (Epic)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Selected) Empower Spell


Level 25 (Epic)


Level 26 (Epic)
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Holy Strike


Level 27 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Blinding Speed


Level 28 (Epic)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting


Heal-focused + S&B DPS: the idea is to be front `n center, sitting in your aura, spamming heals, cleaves, Smites, etc. Warpriest adds Divine Might, Smite Foe/Weakness, Ameliorating Strike, Inflame; ftr splash adds feats, Haste Boost, extra Action Boost. Didn't add nearly as much drow weapon enhs as I'd originally intended; so she's easily respecced into other weapons.

Wall of Wood (http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Wall_of_Wood) is a good choice for now; you can also farm up one of the Eveningstar challenge cloaks, like the wolf cloak (http://ddowiki.com/page/Iron_Cloak_of_the_Wolf) for Seeker + threat reduction. And since you're nearing lvl 20, you might want to start planning your epic gear. The Commendation gear (http://ddowiki.com/page/Commendation) is relatively easy to acquire, so it's a good starting point; in particular the PDK & Amauntor stuff covers all your primary stats (STR,CON,CHA,WIS) - add in Oathblade and/or Star of Day as your initial weapon(s). [You'll need UMD to equip Oathblade, though, since you're CG.]

Also, one of the first things you should do in epics is acquire Legendary Shield Mastery from Unyielding Sentinel; that's +8% doublestrike and +15 PRR when it's maxed out.