Adventures in Theorycrafting: The Divine Fencer

[unbongwah]

Disclaimer: this build is based on something I suspect is probably a bug, namely that doublestrike bonuses from Shield Mastery feats apply when you have an orb in your offhand. Furthermore, posts made by Severlin during the U23 beta implied that SWF and Shield Mastery feats may become mutually exclusive, like THF and SWF. If either of these nerfs / fixes occurs, this build will need some serious rejiggering, either into a conventional S&B build or a regular SWF/THF build.

But until that happens, this build gets the best of both worlds: the +30% attack speed from SWF feats; and the doublestrike bonuses from Shield Mastery.

This version is Bladeforged for all the usual reasons (i.e., Reconstruct SLA and Power of the Forge FTW!), but it should be adaptable to any race. It also doesn't require any P2P classes, making it mostly-F2P-friendly. [28-pt human should be an easy conversion, if there's interest.] It will also work with a monk splash instead of ftr, if you want Evasion and don't mind losing PRR & MRR from Adamantine Body; you'll also lose any Gtr Defensive Stance bonuses.

Class split: paladin 15 / wizard 3 / ftr 2

Paladin 15 provides Zeal & Holy Sword, ofc, as well as LoHs, Sacred defensive stance, and most of the DPS perks from KotC.
wiz 3 provides a free metamagic (Quicken), lvl 2 spells, and access to Eldritch Knight bonuses: specifically +3% doublestrike, Imp Mage Armor (+10% AC), Imp Shield (+4 AC, +10 PRR), and Arcane Barrier. [If I had more APs, I'd invest 6 into Archmage for two SLAs, like Invis & Blur.]
ftr 2 for the usual reasons: two extra feats and Haste boost. [I'd like to squeeze in extra action boost, but APs are too tight.]


The twin goals are great melee DPS and great survivability, with a side of Intimtanking when necessary.

Feats: Power Atk; SWF/ISWF/GSWF; Shield Mastery & ISM; Improved Critical (I went Blunt for Mornh - sub whatever weapon group you prefer); Quicken (wiz); Overwhelming Crit; Stunning Blow & Imp Sunder
Skills: max Intim and at least 7 ranks of Balance; I used the wiz & ftr pts to invest in 15 ranks of Repair.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 04.23.01
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Level 28 Lawful Good Bladeforged Male
(2 Fighter \ 15 Paladin \ 3 Wizard \ 8 Epic)
Hit Points: 386
Spell Points: 452
BAB: 18\18\23\28\28
Fortitude: 20
Reflex: 8
Will: 10

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(32 Point) (Level 1) (Level 28)
Strength 17 25
Dexterity 6 6
Constitution 16 16
Intelligence 10 12
Wisdom 7 7
Charisma 16 16

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 28)
Balance 0 10
Bluff 3 11
Concentration 3 12
Diplomacy 3 11
Disable Device n/a n/a
Haggle 3 11
Heal -2 6
Hide -2 1
Intimidate 7 34
Jump 3 10
Listen -2 6
Move Silently -2 1
Open Lock n/a n/a
Perform n/a n/a
Repair 0 27
Search 0 9
Spellcraft 0 9
Spot -2 6
Swim 3 5
Tumble n/a 2
Use Magic Device n/a n/a

Level 1 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Intimidate (+4)
Feat: (Deity) Follower of the Lord of Blades
Feat: (Selected) Single Weapon Fighting


Level 2 (Paladin)
Skill: Tumble (+1)


Level 3 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 4 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+1)


Level 5 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+2)


Level 6 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Single Weapon Fighting


Level 7 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+2)


Level 8 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Repair (+3)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Quicken Spell


Level 9 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Bludgeoning Weapons


Level 10 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)


Level 11 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)


Level 12 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Single Weapon Fighting


Level 13 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)


Level 14 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)


Level 15 (Fighter)
Skill: Repair (+3)
Feat: (Selected) Adamantine Body
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Stunning Blow


Level 16 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Repair (+3)


Level 17 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+3)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Repair (+3)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Shield Mastery
Feat: (Selected) Shield Mastery


Level 19 (Wizard)
Skill: Repair (+3)


Level 20 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+3)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Improved Fortification (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Mechanist (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Mechanist (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Mechanist (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Communion of Scribing (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Communion of Scribing (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Communion of Scribing (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Improved Power Attack (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Weapon Attachment (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Power of the Forge (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Slayer of Evil I (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Courage of Heaven (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Slayer of Evil II (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Improved Courage of Heaven (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Smite (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Cleave (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Cleave (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Cleave (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Sacrifice (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Smite (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Strength (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Censure Demons (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Passion (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Avenging Cleave (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Avenging Cleave (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Avenging Cleave (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Holy Bastion (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Sacred Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Extra Lay on Hands (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Extra Lay on Hands (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Extra Lay on Hands (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Durable Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Durable Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Durable Defense (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Resilient Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Resilient Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Strong Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Strong Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Strong Defense (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Eldritch Strike (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Mage Armor (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Mage Armor (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Mage Armor (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Item Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Shield (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Shield (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Shield (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Martial Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Arcane Barrier (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Arcane Barrier (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Arcane Barrier (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Focus: Picks and Hammers (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) Improved Sunder


Level 25 (Epic)


Level 26 (Epic)
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting


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


Level 28 (Epic)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: First Blood



Base doublestrike:
15% Legendary Shield Mastery (first priority)
10% Zeal
3% Eldritch Knight core + Martial Training
3% Hail of Blows
31% total

That's just from the build itself; naturally you can get more from gear. If you wanted to spec for b.swords instead, you could use EE First Blood (http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:First_Blood_%28Level_27%29) with its +15% doublestrike.

[unbongwah]

Reserved

[Drathsiddh]

How would you mold it into a 28pt build? Viable on a 2nd life PDK?
Also, instead of wiz, is Bard an option for the increased threat range? Magical Training gained as the Spellsinger enhancement..... this may involve dropping haste boost,and 2% Double Strike (1 from Swash Core) but +30% 5 times per rest isn't really a con is it? Divine Sac triggers on the next attack I think, so if you do that +en Pointe/ Blow by Blow......

[jjflanigan]

How would you mold it into a 28pt build? Viable on a 2nd life PDK?
Also, instead of wiz, is Bard an option for the increased threat range? Magical Training gained as the Spellsinger enhancement..... this may involve dropping haste boost,and 2% Double Strike (1 from Swash Core) but +30% 5 times per rest isn't really a con is it? Divine Sac triggers on the next attack I think, so if you do that +en Pointe/ Blow by Blow......

Paladin and bard are mutually exclusive on their alignment restrictions.

-JJ

[unbongwah]

How would you mold it into a 28pt build? Viable on a 2nd life PDK?
One of the advantages of this build is the only stat pre-req is STR 13 for Power Atk; and since it's a STR-based build, you'll hit that easily. The only drawback to non-BF variants is losing Reconstruct SLA; but between LoH, CMW, and Rejuv Cocoon, you should still have plenty (knock on wood). Also you would not invest in Repair on a fleshie variant, obviously.

So for a 28-pt human, I would probably start 16/8/14/10/8/16; 34-pt or higher would let you max STR to start. I would use the extra feat to take Emp Heal somewhere. I'd probably tweak the leveling / feat order too; since a BF starts at lvl 15, I didn't put too much thought into optimizing lower lvls.

Also, instead of wiz, is Bard an option for the increased threat range?
Not possible due to alignment restrictions. Feel free to come up with any EK / Swashbuckler builds of your own, though. :)

[Drathsiddh]

Paladin and bard are mutually exclusive on their alignment restrictions.

-JJ

Whoops forgot bout that!!!

[mlhammerdown]

Does the shield mastery still work with an orb?

[Theolin]

So why not 5 wiz :) would give you displacement
& think extend over impsunder for quality of life.

[unbongwah]

Does the shield mastery still work with an orb?
No: this got fixed in U24 (http://ddowiki.com/page/Update_24_Release_Notes#Feats)("Shield Mastery and Improved Shield Mastery no longer function with Orbs."). This build is unfortunately now dead. :(

So why not 5 wiz :) would give you displacement
Previously, because I needed two extra ftr feats more than I needed an extra metamagic + Displacement. However, now that orbs+Shield Mastery have been nerfed / bugfixed, I've LRed my Div Fencer into pal 15 / wiz 5; stuck with SWF b/c I already had a Mornh and didn't feel like switching to either S&B or TWF.

[daniel7]

No: this got fixed in U24 (http://ddowiki.com/page/Update_24_Release_Notes#Feats)("Shield Mastery and Improved Shield Mastery no longer function with Orbs."). This build is unfortunately now dead. :(

Previously, because I needed two extra ftr feats more than I needed an extra metamagic + Displacement. However, now that orbs+Shield Mastery have been nerfed / bugfixed, I've LRed my Div Fencer into pal 15 / wiz 5; stuck with SWF b/c I already had a Mornh and didn't feel like switching to either S&B or TWF.

Do you still have this build Unbongwah? It will be interesting to see how a SWF Paladin compares to a TWF Paladin after the balance changes.

[unbongwah]

Do you still have this build Unbongwah? It will be interesting to see how a SWF Paladin compares to a TWF Paladin after the balance changes.
Yes, although I haven't played it in a long time.

According to this thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/466433-The-Balance-Change-post), Holy Sword will no longer apply to offhand weapons. If so, this will basically kill off TWF pallies. :( Barbs and Tempests lead the way, I guess...