Dwarven Occult Slayer - Pure Barbarian Build

[imTonE]

This is not a particularly complicated build, but I decided to post it for inquisitor's convenience. I must duly credit Eth for the inspiration behind the concept: This build takes full advantage of the Occult Slayer capstone, which grants your CON score as Spell Resistance.


http://gyazo.com/dfdc5555f920b64a184561b36bdc956d.png
Please note - This was taken with all buffs available to me, cookies, Primal Scream and Serenity. A more realistic high-end SR would be 68 to 74.




STATS w/ +5 Tomes
STR 17 +1 Lvl-up for Overwhelming Critical STR23
DEX 13 So you can take iTWF @ Lvl15
CON 20 +6 Lvl-ups
INT 08
WIS 08
CHA 08


FEATS
1. Power Attack
3. Cleave
6. Great Cleave
9. IC: Bludgeoning
12. Two Weapon Fighting
15. Improved Two Weapon Fighting
18. Greater Two Weapon Fighting


21. Overwhelming Critical
24. Essentially a free feat. I take Great Constitution.
26. Perfect TWF
27. Blinding Speed
28. Forced Escape


Enhancements
http://gyazo.com/6a4897ac1ef35deda41a73bb93769763.png http://gyazo.com/789a0e4c993f1a69f50c7db829d8f5a7.png




ED & Twists
I like to stay in Legendary Dreadnought, even in raids. My twists tend to vary quite a bit depending on the task:
Fall of Truth - 1. Grim's Precision 2. Primal Scream 3. Brace for Impact
CITW - 1. Purity of Essence 2. Primal Scream 3. Brace for Impact
EEWGU - 1. Purity of Essence 2. Serenity 3. Brace for Impact

And this is how I make up my Legendary Dreadnought tree: http://gyazo.com/672b4798d92cd26a5154b685a6d4dd1a.png


Gear
Dual-wield Mornh, Hammer of the Mountain (http://ddowiki.com/page/Mornh,_Hammer_of_the_Mountains).
Gear make up is usually so personal player-to-player I won't give a specific gear list unless requested. Though I will say that most of the build's DPS comes from crits, so Flawless Black Dragon armour is very beneficial.


Build in practice
EE FOT video - http://youtu.be/zH3nM022dYc
EE WGU solo & video - https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/435862-EE-What-Goes-Up-Pure-Barbarian-Solo - http://youtu.be/mxldMqPG9ew

[unbongwah]

I was just thinking about a CON-based dwarven OS the other day; nice to see someone put it in action. :) Since you're using dual Mornhs, can you get your DCs high enough to make Stunning Blow effective? What're your final stats?

[cru121]

can you get your DCs high enough to make Stunning Blow effective?
he does not have the feat

[imTonE]

Yeah, I don't bother with Stunning Blow. STR doesn't get anywhere near high enough for EE and Anvil of Thunder/Ear Smash do the trick well enough that I can't really say I miss Stunning Blow.

Here are my end stats: http://gyazo.com/6f080ca44ba31adee24aeb57b7fc13f1.png

I did have a +2 ability pot and an Infernal Power cookie running in that screenshot. Along with Greater Heroism and full Ship Buffs.

[Eth]

Yeah, I don't bother with Stunning Blow. STR doesn't get anywhere near high enough for EE and Anvil of Thunder/Ear Smash do the trick well enough that I can't really say I miss Stunning Blow.

Here are my end stats: http://gyazo.com/6f080ca44ba31adee24aeb57b7fc13f1.png

I did have a +2 ability pot and an Infernal Power cookie running in that screenshot. Along with Greater Heroism and full Ship Buffs.

lol, all your stats are odd. Get a litany.

[imTonE]

lol, all your stats are odd. Get a litany.

Nah, I'll just downgrade all of our ship buffs to the Minor +1 versions instead.

[unbongwah]

he does not have the feat
Sorry, incomplete thought - I was gonna suggest swapping Great CON for S.Blow if he could get DCs high enough.

Yeah, I don't bother with Stunning Blow. STR doesn't get anywhere near high enough for EE and Anvil of Thunder/Ear Smash do the trick well enough that I can't really say I miss Stunning Blow.
In that case, I'm surprised you don't have Sense Weakness twisted in like so many other melee builds. Also, does Serenity (+9 SR) stack with what you've got?

[Wipey]

I foresee lots of dead barbarians trying to make this work in near future.

I was gonna ask you why no LW in that WGU video, guess that 1 crit multi doesn't provide enough dps to be worth it in rotation and you get more use of 1 con.

Is Forced escape for those times when SR stops working like you said or is there any particular effect that it's needed for ?

[Aviya]

Can you use forced escape while barbarian raged?

[imTonE]

In that case, I'm surprised you don't have Sense Weakness twisted in like so many other melee builds. Also, does Serenity (+9 SR) stack with what you've got?

Sense weakness is another good twist. I made the decision to twist it out recently... Healing amp and fortification bypass are two things which have very limited options when it comes to raising them. I do miss sense weakness, but the extra damage you get vs. helpless mobs while action boosting in LD makes the loss easier to justify.

Serenity is a +9 stacking SR bonus. Conventional SR items do not stack with occult slayer capstone.


I foresee lots of dead barbarians trying to make this work in near future.

I was gonna ask you why no LW in that WGU video, guess that 1 crit multi doesn't provide enough dps to be worth it in rotation and you get more use of 1 con.

Is Forced escape for those times when SR stops working like you said or is there any particular effect that it's needed for ?

The +1 CON is mainly because of the needed points spent prerequisite (4 AP) for tier 2 LD abilities. I'd most likely take Lay Waste over +1 CON if it were possible. But yes, you're right, with 4 cleaves in rotation already my eyes are in hotbar overtime. Plus I'd never knock anything down with my STR score, and that's what gives Lay Waste its biggest appeal in my opinion, as it's a hard ability to spam, given its nature.

Forced escape is there for the times my SR stops working, I get webbed for some reason, or if I get physically stunned etc.



Can you use forced escape while barbarian raged?

Surprisingly, yes.

[Qhualor]

I foresee lots of dead barbarians trying to make this work in near future.

Nah. People either want to build for umd or they won't bother. If they hate dealing with pots, they will never get past low levels.

[Panzermeyer]

What do you do for self healing? Silver Flame pots?

[Thrudh]

Anvil of Thunder/Ear Smash do the trick well enough that I can't really say I miss Stunning Blow.

Anvil of Thunder only stuns on a crit... It's much worse than Stunning Blow. Ear Smash doesn't stun at all (although very good against enemy casters, doesn't do anything against enemy melee)

I'd love to get the Spell Resistance from Occult Slayer, but I just can't give up Stunning Blow and Trip and the 2 fighter splash...

[Panzermeyer]

Anvil of Thunder only stuns on a crit... It's much worse than Stunning Blow. Ear Smash doesn't stun at all (although very good against enemy casters, doesn't do anything against enemy melee)

I'd love to get the Spell Resistance from Occult Slayer, but I just can't give up Stunning Blow and Trip and the 2 fighter splash...

Seems to he with what he has listed with 24 as a free feat you can slot in Stunning Blow. And replace it with any of the TWF feats to get it earlier and just delay finishing up the TWF line.

[assimilateur]

Ear Smash doesn't stun at all (although very good against enemy casters, doesn't do anything against enemy melee)

I'll assume he means ear smash together with its upgrade, namely knockout. That works on everything that isn't red or purple named without allowing a safe and depending on the mob's going to sleep and waking up animations the duration can sometimes be compared to a stun.

[Eth]

Anvil of Thunder only stuns on a crit... It's much worse than Stunning Blow. Ear Smash doesn't stun at all (although very good against enemy casters, doesn't do anything against enemy melee)

I'd love to get the Spell Resistance from Occult Slayer, but I just can't give up Stunning Blow and Trip and the 2 fighter splash...

Have you tried them? ;)

Anvil of Thunder gets offhand attacks - with Mornhs you get 30% chance to crit per hand, which is roughly a successful stun every 2nd time you use it.
And it can stun absolutely EVERYTHING (e.g. living constructs, wood woads, elementals, golems, whisps) as long as it's not red named.

Ears smash - see post above mine (it also makes mobs helpless).

[MeliCat]

Oh excellent you posted it!


I foresee lots of dead barbarians trying to make this work in near future.


>.>
<.<
>.>


Nah, I'll just downgrade all of our ship buffs to the Minor +1 versions instead.

lol

In that other thread re gear someone said about a drow hammer or am I misremembering? My chances of getting and upgrading 2x Mornh's in the near future are slim although as least I have 1. Suggested alternatives?

[Eth]

In that other thread re gear someone said about a drow hammer or am I misremembering? My chances of getting and upgrading 2x Mornh's in the near future are slim although as least I have 1. Suggested alternatives?

Sadly warhammers are really limited in this game. If you only have 1xMornh, then the Drow hammer is the next best for offhand.
After that it's already Cormyrian Warhammers and Alchemicals. I could also mention the Hammer of the leaden Clouds but that weapon is just bad.

However if you don't want to use Mornh you can spec this build for picks (dual deathnips) or axes.

(or spec for axes and use hammers without noticing until you cap, lol)

[taurean430]

Sadly warhammers are really limited in this game. If you only have 1xMornh, then the Drow hammer is the next best for offhand.
After that it's already Cormyrian Warhammers and Alchemicals. I could also mention the Hammer of the leaden Clouds but that weapon is just bad.

However if you don't want to use Mornh you can spec this build for picks (dual deathnips) or axes.

(or spec for axes and use hammers without noticing until you cap, lol)

Dual Deathnips.

Mmmmmmmmmh...

/drool.

[MeliCat]

>.>
<.<
>.>


The above is me joking around btw since I had a question on it. It's pretending to glance to the right, glance to the left then glance to the right again. It's meant to indicate that I don't want to meet your eyes to try to hide that, yes, I am going to be exactly what Encair suggested... one of those players dying a lot attempting this barbarian build :D Just me joking around. No rudeness intended. I was poking fun at myself. Great to watch imTonE's youtube in the achievements thread as to how to play this.

Eth, Taur ... deathnips would indeed be much much easier to get.

[Arcanegrin]

How well does that SR work in EE quests?

[imTonE]

What do you do for self healing? Silver Flame pots?

Yes, I use the 250HP version Silver Flame potions for primary healing. Secondary healing are a cache of Gold Store potions acquired through gold rolling and other various heal over time potions from the store or collectables. With enough healing amp, so that the 250HP pots are hitting you for at least 450 positive damage, you can survive most things the current end-game can throw at you, if approached sensibly. When I've bitten off more than I can chew in terms of aggro or damage I'm taking, I fire off Improved Uncanny Dodge for a stacking 50% dodge that ignores your dodge cap, that can be teamed with Action Boost Thick Skinned for a 25% reduction in all damage taken and I sprint boost away.



Oh excellent you posted it!
In that other thread re gear someone said about a drow hammer or am I misremembering? My chances of getting and upgrading 2x Mornh's in the near future are slim although as least I have 1. Suggested alternatives?

As Eth suggested, If you only have 1 Mornh you could pair it with a Drow Warhammer, ideally one with Tendon Slice 10% for that extra bit of CC. Or if Doublestrike comes on Warhammers you could find a random generated one with high doublestrike and epic die. Though I expect the Drow Warhammer would be best overall.



(or spec for axes and use hammers without noticing until you cap, lol)

I realised at lvl26, it didn't take me until cap!



How well does that SR work in EE quests?

I can run WGU and FOT without getting CC'd - videos are at the bottom of the OP.

[painkiller3]

I'll assume he means ear smash together with its upgrade, namely knockout. That works on everything that isn't red or purple named without allowing a safe and depending on the mob's going to sleep and waking up animations the duration can sometimes be compared to a stun.

Does everything include undead????

[generalfoley]

level 13 with this build right now with 2 jeweled hammers 520+ hp with rage i think i will switch to Daxes on level 14 or 16 because i don't have 2 deathnips and my hammers can't keep up the difficulty scaling , chugging SF pots like in the party last saturday

questions:
1- what armor should i get? thinking medium black dragon armor
2- what are the best twf weapons for this build these levels


i never played a twf toon before

[unbongwah]

1- what armor should i get? thinking medium black dragon armor
I would go for black dragonhide: higher MDB means more Dodge and being lt armor makes it good for Evasive toons on future lives. Or go w/robes if you expect to TR into monk build(s).

2- what are the best twf weapons for this build these levels
You mean apart from the Deathnips you don't have? ;) Presuming we're talking about named weapons rather than crafted ones, I would say Axe of Adaxus (http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Axe_of_Adaxus) for x4 crits, ideally HE version for extra +0.5[W]. I would also consider Rocksplitters (http://ddowiki.com/page/Rocksplitter) upgraded to Maiming or Vampiric. That's presuming you have the right Imp Crit feat, ofc.

Although if you're following the build as posted, you've only got the first TWF feat so far, so you might be better off sticking w/2H weapons.

[generalfoley]

is it better to get black medium armor or robe? i got 30 heroic scales

and i didn't consider an axe of adaxus,i didn't even see one drop in years

other options available for me are axe of famine , prison break , rock spitters and mountain fists

[imTonE]

is it better to get black medium armor or robe? i got 30 heroic scales

and i didn't consider an axe of adaxus,i didn't even see one drop in years

other options available for me are axe of famine , prison break , rock spitters and mountain fists

For heroic dragon armour, I'd recommend crafting the Black Dragonscale Robe, simply because it can be used by every class, therefore, making it more useful for future TRs. However, If you have plenty of scales and don't mind crafting specific armours each life, the medium armour will give you PRR equal to 2/3s of your Base Attack Bonus +4.

When you get to epic levels, I highly recommend the Flawless Black Dragonhide Light Armour because it allows you to have a 19% Dodge, while still giving you some PRR (1/2 of BAB +2). Whereas, the Medium armour only allows you an 11% Dodge.

For weapons in heroic, I wouldn't stress too much. Just equip whatever you can get your hands on. Mountain Fists are pretty abundant on the AH usually, and their base damage isn't too bad for heroic - with the 2 slots they can be fun to play with.

But as unbongwah said, If you only have TWF or even iTWF, you could always swing a Greataxe for heroic levels. The extra reach can be handy for TR zerging.

[generalfoley]

on some - such as mummies and skeletons but not zombies this requires more investigation

[capsela]

THe ROASP warhammer has x4 multiplier and is very easy to get ml10, very nice for this build.

I would go ravager for the imp. crit. prolly wont stack though idgaf. Crit stacking bullmanure is why my con dwarf melee is now a elf pm.

[unbongwah]

THe ROASP warhammer has x4 multiplier and is very easy to get ml10, very nice for this build.
Since OP backloads the TWF feats, I'm inferring he uses 2H weapons for leveling and switches to warhammers in epics.

I would go ravager for the imp. crit. prolly wont stack though idgaf. Crit stacking bullmanure is why my con dwarf melee is now a elf pm.
Not enough APs: OS capstone takes 41 APs and TYWA takes 18, leaving no more than 21 APs to spend elsewhere; that's not enough for any other T5s.

[Elibolas]

Does anyone have thoughts on applying SWF feat line to this build in place of the TWF feat line? I like the Greater Single Weapon double application of base stat damage, and I wonder if base dps would not increase in that case.

[painkiller3]

Does anyone have thoughts on applying SWF feat line to this build in place of the TWF feat line? I like the Greater Single Weapon double application of base stat damage, and I wonder if base dps would not increase in that case.

in this case it would be worse, as two hammers give double chance for procs. in general the dps would be better, but a barb doesn't have room for shield mastery (and/or greater shield mastery) where that extra doublestrike adds dps as well...maybe on a 18 barb/2 fighter it could work.

[Elibolas]

Ah. Got it. Makes sense. And, of course, an 18/2 defeats the purpose of the capstone goal on this build. Oh well.

[gwonbush]

in this case it would be worse, as two hammers give double chance for procs. in general the dps would be better, but a barb doesn't have room for shield mastery (and/or greater shield mastery) where that extra doublestrike adds dps as well...maybe on a 18 barb/2 fighter it could work.

To take advantage of Shield Mastery on a SWF build, you need at least 3 levels of Bard so you can learn the Skirmisher enhancement. Otherwise, wearing a shield doesn't allow you to use SWF.

[painkiller3]

To take advantage of Shield Mastery on a SWF build, you need at least 3 levels of Bard so you can learn the Skirmisher enhancement. Otherwise, wearing a shield doesn't allow you to use SWF.

my mistake...i thought generally it was bucklers, but it is actually only on swashbucklers. thanks for correcting me.

[Grinneg]

Had fun with this build. It was my first life so didnt get to follow it directly but it worked for me. Im currently on a different Barbarian build for my second life and plan to go back here to finish out the third life for the completionist route.

[Elibolas]

I'm running into a problem at level eight. I can't make a save. If a wolf attacks, I'm on my back. If a Hobgoblin Cleric spots me, I become Feared (afraid?).

Seriously, what do you do for reflex saves, and will saves before level 20?

Elibolas

[Nabuchadnezzar83]

I'm leveling a similar build, but two-handed atm.
About saves, I'm taking the dwarven tree +3 to saves vs spells and the best resistance item I can get. I'll retrain the +3 to saves when I get the OS capstone.

[Damion01]

I'm currently using this build and i love it, i am having some issues with PPR and basic survivability though.
I am TWF 2 Nightmare the fallen moons, for the Vampiric effect.
Human Improved Recovery
30% healing amp gloves
20% healing amp bracers
10% ship buff healing amp
10% ED: Exalted Angel: Purity of essence
ring of shadows for blur/incorp
ring of sheltering for 24 PPR
the healing from the TWF fallen moons is great, however i was hopeing for some guidance on how to improve my defenses.
Love being immune to magic! i can bump up my total con score to close to 80.. if i get great gear i would imagine higher.
Thanks in advance.
Negafir - Aggronessen 28 pure Barb

[Maelodic]

Did you find your spell resistance to be useful at values like 59 and 65?

I ask because a Drow Paladin with Serenity twisted can get up to 59, and in GMoF can shoot it up to 65.

[DrWily]

I assume that's with the Innate Abilities you get as you level. With Serenity (Also in GMoF), it should boost SR to 74 (unless that's still bugged or reported as WAI somewhere and still doesn't stack with Drow SR).

[Maelodic]

I assume that's with the Innate Abilities you get as you level. With Serenity (Also in GMoF), it should boost SR to 74 (unless that's still bugged or reported as WAI somewhere and still doesn't stack with Drow SR).

Drow gets 10+Level
So 38 at cap- and then 6 from the core drow enhancements.
6 from Paladin Aura
9 From Serenity
(6 from GMoF levels)

59 without GMoF, 65 with.

How are you getting 74?

[DrWily]

Nevermind, I didn't see the part where you twisted Serenity

[jakeelala]

i really love smart, interestingly played, creative builds like this.

super cool.

[Doutrinador]

Yes, I use the 250HP version Silver Flame potions for primary healing. Secondary healing are a cache of Gold Store potions acquired through gold rolling and other various heal over time potions from the store or collectables. With enough healing amp, so that the 250HP pots are hitting you for at least 450 positive damage, you can survive most things the current end-game can throw at you, if approached sensibly. When I've bitten off more than I can chew in terms of aggro or damage I'm taking, I fire off Improved Uncanny Dodge for a stacking 50% dodge that ignores your dodge cap, that can be teamed with Action Boost Thick Skinned for a 25% reduction in all damage taken and I sprint boost away.




As Eth suggested, If you only have 1 Mornh you could pair it with a Drow Warhammer, ideally one with Tendon Slice 10% for that extra bit of CC. Or if Doublestrike comes on Warhammers you could find a random generated one with high doublestrike and epic die. Though I expect the Drow Warhammer would be best overall.



I realised at lvl26, it didn't take me until cap!




I can run WGU and FOT without getting CC'd - videos are at the bottom of the OP.


As a pure barbarian, i will be removed from BYOH partys?

[Eth]

As a pure barbarian, i will be removed from BYOH partys?

Why? This build has excellent self healing. The only limit is the amount of silver flame pots you can carry in your inventory.
The whole concept behind the build was to create something where silver flame pots' negative effects have almost no impact (on this build all you lose is basically 5 to-hit and the movement speed, when drinking a silver flame pot).

[Doutrinador]

Why? This build has excellent self healing. The only limit is the amount of silver flame pots you can carry in your inventory.
The whole concept behind the build was to create something where silver flame pots' negative effects have almost no impact (on this build all you lose is basically 5 to-hit and the movement speed, when drinking a silver flame pot).

THX, will try to stock this pots before TR, the problem is the bank space.

[Doutrinador]

Why TWF and not THF?

And after update 23 that gives melee power to THF?

[Zachski]

How hard is it to get +5 tomes for this build?

[painkiller3]

have this up to level 25 and i love it. dabbled a bit in EE (not soloed - yet!) and am durable enough with the SR, auto-knockdown of casters and CC. and the Silver Flame potions are enough to get me by. if i get in trouble, i put on uncanny dodge and jump out of battle (like a ranger!) and take a second pot. the speed decline is neglibible, the save penalty is negligible (since my saves are so low to start out with) and the DPS doesn't go down because i'm using CON for damage. i have 70 SR currently and the only thing that has hit me since i took level 20 was the freakin' artificers in House C with their unstoppable Lightning Motes.

[unbongwah]

Why TWF and not THF?
Based on dual Mornhs (http://ddowiki.com/page/Mornh), which AFAIK are the only epic blunt weapons* with base 19-20 x3 crit profile. Pulverizer (LD) turns it into 18-20, IC:Blunt makes it 15-20 x3. I believe Ravager Crit Rage stacks as well, but there aren't enough APs for TYWA, OS capstone, and Crit Rage, unfortunately. Also TWF means more procs from Anvil of Thunder: "Melee Attack On Hit 100 Sonic damage. On Critical Target is stunned for 6 seconds. On Vorpal Target takes 10d100 Sonic damage." Note that the on-crit stun has no save, making it ridiculously useful in EEs esp. if you've got Sense Weakness twisted in as well.

[*Swashbuckling turns Skullsmasher (http://ddowiki.com/page/Skullsmasher) into 18-20 x4 weapon, but splashing bard means losing the OS capstone, which is one of the key goals of this build. And light maces don't work with Anvil of Thunder, so you'd be losing your free stuns as well.]

[Eth]

Keep in mind the weapon choice was made before TF weapons where introduced.
Since barbarians don't get competence bonus crit. enhancements (but pulverizer gives that) and dwarf can synergize with warhammers, Mornh was the obvious choice.

I would still stick with blunt weapons (so warhammers for TWF), but going THF with a TF Maul is most certainly going to work.

[painkiller3]

Drow gets 10+Level
So 38 at cap- and then 6 from the core drow enhancements.
6 from Paladin Aura
9 From Serenity
(6 from GMoF levels)

59 without GMoF, 65 with.

How are you getting 74?

i've been thinking about this since you posted...65 still wouldn't be that bad and would work for a lot of the game (had 68 or so last night in EH FOT with my barb and nothing hit me)...maybe in conjunction with the paladin changes in U23 i'll roll a first life pally and see how it goes :)

[Devilteck]

I love the look of that armor/helm combo do you mind telling me what ones they are? I think the helm is one of the winged ones from the store?

[Zachski]

Now that U23 has come around with its fancy increased PRR and the addition of MRR, I want to take another look at this build.

Though I'm thinking that I'll be going with a THF variant, because, well, THF.

Now that Overwhelming Critical no longer has a strength requirement, I'm guessing the +5 tomes are no longer so strictly necessary for this build? This is what had kept me at bay before.

So, as before, max constitution, all points into constitution, dwarf, throw your weight around, etc.

I'm guessing I can drop points in Dex since I won't be using TWF?

So I could effectively start with 18 strength and 20 constitution on a 32 point build. Which seems pointless in the long run because I'll eventually be using my constitution to deal damage instead of my strength.

Or I can start with 16 strength and put points into another stat.

Hmmm...

Quite the pickle.

[unbongwah]

Though I'm thinking that I'll be going with a THF variant, because, well, THF.
The main drawback to going THF instead is there aren't any mauls as good as Mornh (http://ddowiki.com/page/Mornh), which with IC:Blunt + Pulverizer become 15-20 x3 weapons. Closest you could come with a maul is...hmm, maybe EE Giant's Fist (http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Giant%27s_Fist_%28Level_28%29)? Or just use a greataxe: plenty to choose from there. But remember that Anvil of Thunder procs a free stun on crits, so switching to a weapon with a smaller crit range means a lot less free stuns.

Not saying this build doesn't work as THF; just that it doesn't work as well.

EDIT: I'm a liar, you can go with drow maul (http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Drow_Maul_of_the_Weapon_Master), although I wouldn't call it an ideal endgame weapon; but it would have same crit specs as Mornh.

Now that Overwhelming Critical no longer has a strength requirement, I'm guessing the +5 tomes are no longer so strictly necessary for this build?
Yes, although if you want the THF feats, you need base STR 15 for THF and STR 17 for ITHF/GTHF, so plan accordingly.

[Zachski]

I was thinking a Thunderforged Maul, actually.

Also, 18 Strength it is. I don't really need any other stats XD

[Eth]

I was thinking a Thunderforged Maul, actually.

Also, 18 Strength it is. I don't really need any other stats XD

Definitely keep up a good Str. You still need Str for to-hit.
TF-Maul would be my choice tot, if I went THF.

[LargoKeyWest]

Any chance of an update for the build to consider the changes with U24 and such? Definitely plan on using this build, and even have the Warhammers to make it work!

[painkiller3]

i wonder if the best occult slayer post u24 will actually be strength based? i'm planning one out with 41 points in occult slayer for capstone, tier 5 frenzied berserker goodies (since death frenzy gives no damage anymore)...the -10 to STR using a SF pot is about 5 damage, so if you are able to get your strength at least 10 over what your CON was in the dwarf build (which should be possible since there are more stacking sources of strength than constitution) i think it will have all the occult slayer bonuses but more dps. it's still percolating, we'll see what some of the real buildmasters come up with.

[andreascott89]

i wonder if the best occult slayer post u24 will actually be strength based? i'm planning one out with 41 points in occult slayer for capstone, tier 5 frenzied berserker goodies (since death frenzy gives no damage anymore)...the -10 to STR using a SF pot is about 5 damage, so if you are able to get your strength at least 10 over what your CON was in the dwarf build (which should be possible since there are more stacking sources of strength than constitution) i think it will have all the occult slayer bonuses but more dps. it's still percolating, we'll see what some of the real buildmasters come up with.

I was thinking along the same lines. It all depends on how much SR you need (something I am not sure of btw).

You could do:

Benchmark:
-Dwarf full CON based OS.
-max CON, level ups CON
-SR for this build is assumed to be enough :)
-41 pts in OS, 18 in dwarf, 21 in other trees

Option 1
-Human STR based DPS barb with OS capstone
-Max STR, Max CON, Level ups STR
-CON stat 9-11 pts lower than baseline (2 for dwarf, 7 level ups, 0-2 dwarf tree AP)
-41 pts in OS, 39 in other trees

Option 2
-Dwarf Hybrid. STR is damage stat, but max CON is objective
-Max STR, Max CON, Level ups in CON
-CON stat 0-2 pt lower than baseline (dwarf tree CON vs. CON from deeper dive in 2nd barb tree)
-41 pts in OS, 39 in other trees

Which is best combination of DPS / SR depends on what you want to do. I think option 2 might be the winner in terms of DPS compared to baseline because of the FB or ravager DPS deep dive benefits, but you do have a lower damage modifier, so I am not sure.

You could even do option 2 as a human instead of a dwarf if you could handle a couple more pts off of CON.

Speaking of CON, if you really really need the extra 4-8 points of SR, could you dust off the madstone boots for a stacking 4-8 CON? Does that still work?? (I have the upgraded boots, but never wanted to making a barb before lol)

Thanks,

J

[Eth]

I was thinking along the same lines. It all depends on how much SR you need (something I am not sure of btw).


A guildie posted a video soloing EE GoP on such a build (this was in U23, so before the new enhancements). In the end fight you can see the beholder barely landing a spell on him.
I think it's save to assume that the EE Doomsphere in GoP has some of the highest spell levels (it's CR80). This was with a 89 SR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqCjUrktzXo

[DarthCaedus]

A guildie posted a video soloing EE GoP on such a build (this was in U23, so before the new enhancements). In the end fight you can see the beholder barely landing a spell on him.
I think it's save to assume that the EE Doomsphere in GoP has some of the highest spell levels (it's CR80). This was with a 89 SR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqCjUrktzXo

One thing I noticed from the video is that he never took con damage. Does that mean the con damage attack is stopped by spell resistance? What exactly is that attack anyhow?

[painkiller3]

One thing I noticed from the video is that he never took con damage. Does that mean the con damage attack is stopped by spell resistance? What exactly is that attack anyhow?

all the beholder rays can be stopped by spell resistance

[barecm]

Ditch blinding speed and add epic boots of the innocent.
Add heavy armor feat, use heavy shadow plate.

[Eth]

Ditch blinding speed and add epic boots of the innocent.
Add heavy armor feat, use heavy shadow plate.

The build is more than a year old by now. After all the changes in that time it needs quite of an overhaul ;)

[slarden]

I had a level 25 dwarf barbarian on the bench so I decided to take the plunge and model him after this build specifically to farm GOP for the Mythic Muffled Veneer.

Let me qualify my next statements with this: my main characters are casters and always have been. When playing a melee life I get through it as quick as possible.

I used a free lesser and made the toon exactly as spec'd with a slight variation in enhancements because they've changed a little. I found the dps to be underwhelming and it's quite possible I was playing it wrong or did something wrong with the build. I finally decided to use my free lesser +20 to turn him back into a two-handed weapon user and swapped out twf feats for thf feats. I made a few feat changes - Heavy armor proficiency instead of greater con so I could use the 30dr heavy armor, perfect two weapon fighting in addition to perfect two handed fighting instead of forced escape since I didn't have enough destinies for it anyhow. I also swapped out haste boost for improved critical slashing so I can switch between great axe and maul as needed. I used great axe for GOP. The 2hf dps was much better, but I did like the additional cc I got with the hammers.

Solo EH with a dual box to help kill the second brother was easy. I then attempted to solo EE and was able to up to the locks. I was able to solo up to the beholder area, but my DPS wasn't quite good enough to kill the orange name spirit before he reset to full so I ended up recalling and forming a party.

As a member of a full party the character did good, but almost died to the liches several times. When soloing I invis passed them. Against the beholder I never took con damage or negative levels at all. My spell resistance was 85 with just con + serenity + rage + primal scream and no special boosts. There is one ray that gets through but it seems harmless.

This character was lacking past lifes and good gear. He had just a tier 2 thunderforged weapon. I think if I had more experience playing melees I could have soloed GOP. Still, this character does better in GOP than my other fully geared casters that can't handle the con damage so it was a great toon to farm GOP.

One thing about heavy armor, I saw in the release notes today I gain 10 melee power by using medium armor rather than heavy armor. Not sure if it's worth the defensive trade-off, but it's something to consider.

Oh and all the work to prepare to grind was ironic. I got the mythic helm on my first EE run with a party- didn't even have to reroll. So thank you for the build idea, it was fun

[unbongwah]

One thing about heavy armor, I saw in the release notes today I gain 10 melee power by using medium armor rather than heavy armor. Not sure if it's worth the defensive trade-off, but it's something to consider.
I would say have both if you've got the ingredients to spare: i.e., Shadow Guardian (hvy) for extra survivability in EEs; flawless black dragonscale or med Shadowscale w/Shadow Striker for extra Melee Power from Gtr Rage to max your DPS when you don't need Guardian.

[Zoda]

Okay... so you get 10 prr if you have greater rage, and you wear medium armor. That's easy.

Now, you also get 10 melee power, if you have greater rage and are raged. No armor restriction there.

The only way your armor affects your dps is by its own stats (relentless fury/ds/whatevs).

[slarden]

Okay... so you get 10 prr if you have greater rage, and you wear medium armor. That's easy.

Now, you also get 10 melee power, if you have greater rage and are raged. No armor restriction there.

The only way your armor affects your dps is by its own stats (relentless fury/ds/whatevs).

You are absolutely right. I re-read and only the prr requires medium armor so heavy armor still makes sense - and the melee power isn't dependent on armor type. Thank you.