Swords of Mourning—A TWF Kensei Thing of Theory Crafting

[adrian69]

****I updated the OP. <a href=https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/475257-Swords-of-Mourning%E2%80%94A-TWF-Kensei-Thing-of-Theory-Crafting?p=5829205&viewfull=1#post5829205> The original build ideas can be found in Post 8</a>




Drakenocas Sword of Mourning (Human/PDK Fighter 20)

This build is a SWF build flavor build based on using a complete TF orb in the offhand with Draconic Reinvigoration allowing for almost continuous uptime on action boosts:


Draconic Reinvigoration: Passive: +1 use/rest to Action Boost, Rallying Cry, Smite Evil, Turn Undead and Bard Songs. On Damage or Spell Damage: 2% chance to generate 1 Action Boost, Rallying Cry, Smite Evil, Turn Undead, and Bard Songs (triggers once per 100 seconds).

I have two ideas for this, this is the human running primarily in DC. The other is to drop two feats, which isn’t that hard, and go BF with CoS and run in LD. I am doing a TWF version of this build atm and while it is survivable, it seems, in general questing, you need an alternative source of quick healing other than cocoon in harder content. I will be LRing into this build after I finish an orb when I hit 30 within in the next few weeks.

Starting Stat: Dex and Wis can be dumped and Intel increased to 16. However, low will saves are one of this builds biggest bummers and the dps of a held, soul stone is 0 (zero). I forgot Yugos in calcs, and new quality bonuses, but I haven’t decided on any gear with the quality bonuses atm.
Strength: 18+7 tome+8 psi+2 capstone+2 airship+2 completionist+7 level ups+ 4 PrE+6 Strong Defense+12 enhancement+6 insight+2 exceptional +2 profane+ 1 festival+4 tensors+4 cookie+2 lasting pot+2 destiny+2 bard competence= 93 Strength attainable/Avg mid to upper 70s sustainable
Dexterity: 8+7 tome+8 psi+2 capstone+2 airship+2 completionist+4 tensors+2 lasting pot+1 festival= 28
Constitution: 16+7 tome+8 psi+2 capstone+2 airship+2 completionist+12 enhancement+6 insight+2 exceptional +2 profane+ 1 festival pot+4 tensors+4 cookie+2 lasting pot+2 bard/competence= 72 Attainable/lower to mid 60s sustainable.
Intelligence: 14+7 tome+8 psi+2 capstone+2 airship+2 completionist+12 enhancement+6 insight+2 exceptional +2 profane+ 2 festival +2 lasting pot+2 bard/competence= 63+ attainable,upper 40s/lower 50s sustainable
Wisdom: 12+7 tome+8 psi+2 capstone+2 airship+2 completionist+12 gear+ 2 alchemical+ 2 competance+2 lasting pot+1 festival pot+2 profane= 54
Charisma: 8+7 tome+8 psi+2 capstone+2 airship+2 completionist+ (basically a dump stat other than for UMD, which will be good enough)

Feats:
1) Power attack/Cleave/Weapon Focus: Slashing
2) Khopesh
3) Completionist
4) Weapon Specialization: Slashing
6) Greater Cleave/Precision
8) Improved (or greater) Weapon Focus: Slashing [needed to unlock weapon spec tier:4 and weapon’s master]
9) Single Weapon Fighting
10) IC: Slashing
12) Improved SWF/Greater SWF
14) Fighter Armor Master Feat +9 PRR/MRR
15) Greater Weapons Spec Slashing
16) Fighter Armor Champion Feat 12 PRR/MRR
18) Stunning Blow/ Tactics Champion +8 (Quick Draw/other as alternative combo)
20) Insightful Reflexes
21) Overwhelming Critical
24) Bulwark of Defense: +2 saves/+4 armor.
26) Perfect Single Weapon Fighting
27) ? Epic DR/Haste/other. (I am stuck on this feat since I already will have 160-170ish PRR)
28) Perfect TWF
29) Dire Charge
30) Scion of Earth/Water/Fey and magical training. Fitting in one spell power isn’t hard. You will also need PSP unfortunately.


PrEs
Human: 1 AP
Core 1: Damage Boost

Kensei: 41 AP
Cores 1-6
Tier 1
Action Boost Rank 2
Weapon Specialization
Exotic Weapons
Haste Boost

Tier 2
Weapon Spec II

Tier 3
Critical Mastery
Weapon Spec III
Shattering Strike (1 rank)
Strength +1

Tier 4
Everything

Tier 5
Everything

Stalwart Defender: 27 AP

Core 1 and 2

Tier 1
Durable Defense (3/3)
Stalwart Defensive Mastery (3/3)

Tier 2
Resilient Defense (3/3)
Instinctive Defense (3/3)

Tier 3

Inciting Defense (1/3)
Tanacious Defenese (3/3)
Strength +1 (2)

Tier 4

Swift Defense (2)
Strong Defense (3/3)
Reinforced Armor (1/3)
Strength +1 (2)


Harper Agent:11
Core 1
Tier 1
Harper Enchantment (2)
Traveler’s Toughness (2/3)
Tier 2
Versitile Adept 1 (3/3)
Know/Angles: (3/3)


I am still working around with gear. The weapons are what I would like to have. I’ve barely started to scratch LGS honestly due to nongame issues, so I may list easily attainable gear or just what I see are the basics.

Weapon: Fellblade/TF Khops/ Something LGS Ideal, probably
Offhand: Complete TF Orb w/ Draconic Reinvigoration
Ranged: Something you can rely on when you just need to chuck something.
Head: Sightless
Googles: Astute 12+
Necklace:
Trinket:
Armor: Heavy Celestial Champion
Wrists:
Belt: Legendary Animated Rope
Gloves:
Boots: Boots of Blessed Travels
Ring 1:
Ring 2: Legendary Ring of Prowess (Still deciding between dropping this or Sightless. I’m just wanting the deadly and accuracy, which can be found elsewhere)
Quiver: Epic Dynamistic Quiver

[adrian69]

Reserved

[the_one_dwarfforged]

fighter + ranger is worse than either is alone. that is all.

[adrian69]

fighter + ranger is worse than either is alone. that is all.

I LRed my Warlock into it. I'll soon find out.

[Grailhawk]

fighter + ranger is worse than either is alone. that is all.

That's true for Ranger but, I'm pretty sure a fighter/ranger/monk centered TWF with 100% off hand proc and Tier 5 Kensei will beat out the pure Fighter TWF, aka 12/6/2 Fighter/Ranger/Monk is probably back to being the best TWF Fighter build. Issue is pure Ranger is still better. (33 Kensei, 23 Stalker, 7 Shinto, 6 Tempest, 3 Human)

[adrian69]

That's true for Ranger but, I'm pretty sure a fighter/ranger/monk centered TWF with 100% off hand proc and Tier 5 Kensei will beat out the pure Fighter TWF, aka 12/6/2 Fighter/Ranger/Monk is probably back to being the best TWF Fighter build. Issue is pure Ranger is still better. (33 Kensei, 23 Stalker, 7 Shinto, 6 Tempest, 3 Human)

So far the build in my op hits harder at level 20 upfront and takes a hit, but at the end of the day it is missing out on a lot that make pure ranger, centered kensei, Barb, and divine ranger better. Definately, having problems with survivability due fewer healing options despite taking smaller amounts of damage. I'm sitting at 150ish PRR and 99 MRR, but have no dodge and concealment, chances at no damage are better than taking 5-15 damage constantly. It's not horrible, it's more dps than I was thinking, but it can be better. Kensei is not on par with other classes imo.

[the_one_dwarfforged]

That's true for Ranger but, I'm pretty sure a fighter/ranger/monk centered TWF with 100% off hand proc and Tier 5 Kensei will beat out the pure Fighter TWF, aka 12/6/2 Fighter/Ranger/Monk is probably back to being the best TWF Fighter build. Issue is pure Ranger is still better. (33 Kensei, 23 Stalker, 7 Shinto, 6 Tempest, 3 Human)

im not so sure about this. yes youll get 25% more offhand attacks than a pure fighter will, but its still only for half damage mod. to me, that puts more of the focus onto killer. killer on the 12/6/2 is only 3% dstrike ahead of alacrity, but has to be stacked (which isnt hard necessarily, but can be impractical or impossible in certain situations (sorjek, book)).

in fact, i think your suggested build is significantly worse than a twf pure fighter. its lacking kta, defensive stance, and tenacious d. imo the only reason to do twf on a non pure ranger is for increased defense, and your ap split ignores that completely. earth stance obviously mitigates some of the losses in health, prr, and dps, but i dont think there is enough extra dps on such a build to be better than the survivability of the pure, which i really think is the best fighter build for endgame right now no matter what combat style (for melee at least).

[adrian69]

****Opdated OP to a Pure SWF build. I am running a TWF version which is similar until I can construct a TF Orb, but it looks like a lot of fun.****

The Original OP is Copied Below


Swords of Mourning—A TWF Kensei Thing of Theory Crafting
Human: 12 fighter-6 ranger-2 FvS w/ ranged capability
12 ftr/6 pally/2 ranger w/ better saves and survivablity


These are two builds that I am playing around with. New(er) players can try them, but they do have stat minimums, so I would advise against it if you do not have solid foundation of the games mechanics and the way feats work.

These class splits have been done before, but pure builds have grown, and I have seriously been wanting to MC something that can keep up with my Ranger and Barbarbain uber builds. I doubt these will until I try them out. The one thing fighter lacks is a good way of healing compared to the other classes still. The paladin version has 3 LoH charges for desperate times. Anyway, I did this more to inspire discussion and building than I did to talk about my own builds, but critique is always welcome.

Yes* I am doubting the ranger kensei thing, but I had to give it a whirl.

Questions Heavy armor vs Medium. I have been loving medium due to it not being far behind heavy and allowing me more dodge. However, barbarians and other builds support it. Anyone have opinions here w/ fighter?


[/U]
Str: 16 base + 2 ship+7 tome+2 completionist+ 8 psi+12 gear+ 2 rams+ 2 exceptional+ 2 yugo +2 alchemical+ 7 Level Ups+ 6 insight= 68 (+16= 22 insight DM up) 84 total- 74.
Dex: 14 base+2 ship+6 tome+2 completionist+8 psi+12 gear+
Con: 16 base+2 ship+6 tome+2 completionist+8 psi+12 gear+ 3 insight+ 1 exceptional+2 alchemical= 52(21)
Int: 8 base+2 ship+6 tome+2 completionist+8 psi+
Wis: 8 base+2 ship+6 tome+2 completionist+8 psi+
Cha: 16 base+2 ship+6 tome+2 completionist+8 psi+12 gear+ 3 insight+ 1 exceptional+ 2 yugo+ 2 alchemical= 54(22)

*Stats are simplified and Litany, Festive, Quality, and lasting pots are not added as this toon doesn’t have a litany or stats for stated bonuses. Paladin version, unless on 4 ranger/4 paladin split, loses Ram’s Might.

**Still trying to figure a KtA variant, but AP are tight all the way around. I have ideas, but I wanted to play around with old school first.

***Feats Required for Kensei Focus Line pre U31. I am not certain if those requirement have been dropped or changed, yet.

Version 1: w/ Ranged Capabilitiies
Kensei: 35 AP all the goodies
St Dfnder: 13 AP for +25 PRR and +20% Health
Tempest: Growing Storm (Alt: Killer—will check both)
Human: 1 AP
War Priest: 4 AP for Divine Might

Version 2: Survivablity Focused
Up to 20 or more saves
Slightly less DPS
Works as good a 2 Handed Fighting, if you choose too
AP Distribution
13 Paladin Defender for 20% HP, +2 Lay on Hands, 25% PRR, +3 saves
1 Human
Minimum of Divine Might from KotC, but I also looked at taking core 3, Exalted Smite, and improved restoration.
All the Kensei stuff

Autogranted Ranger Feats:
Bow Strength: level 1
Favored Enemy 1: Level 1
Rapid Shot: Level 2
Two weapon fighting: Level 2
Diehard: Level 3
Archers Focus: Level 4
Favored Enemy 2: Level 5
Many Shot

15 Available Feats for heroics

Suggested Feats for Build 1: !Required!
1. !Greater TWF! Requires 17 Dex before buffs and equipment
2. !IC Slashed!: Requires BAB 8
3. IC Ranged: Requires BAB 8
4. Improved Precise Shot: Requires 19 Dex before buffs and equipment
5. ***Weapon Focus
6. ***Weapon Specialization: Requires 4th level fighter pre U31
7. ***Improved (or Greater?): Weapon Specialization Requires 8th level fighter pre U31
8. Force of Personality
9. Power Attack: Requires 13 Strength
10. Cleave: Requires Power Attack
11. Great Cleave: Requires Cleave and BAB 4
12. Precision: Requires 13 Dexterity before buffs and equipment
13. Completionist (if you have): Requires completing each class in DDO once
14. Khopesh: Requires 13 Strength
15. Human Feat
16. Fighter Focused Armor Feats

Suggested and needed feats for Build 2:
7 Fighter and 8 Human= 15
1. !Improved TWF! Requires 17 Dex before buffs and equipment
2. !Greater TWF! Requires 17 Dex before buffs and equipment
3. !IC Slashed!: Requires BAB 8
4. Force of Personality
5. Power Attack: Requires 13 Strength
6. Cleave: Requires Power Attack
7. Great Cleave: Requires Cleave and BAB 4
8. Precision: Requires 13 Dexterity before buffs and equipment
9. Completionist (if you have): Requires completing each class in DDO once
10. Khopesh: Requires 13 Strength
11. ***Weapon Focus
12. ***Weapon Specialization: Requires 4th level fighter pre U31
13. ***Improved (or Greater?): Weapon Specialization Requires 8th level fighter pre U31
14.
Remaining feats can go after manyshot if desired or more survivability
Many Shot: Requires 17 Dex before buffs and equipment, Rapid Shot (autogranted Ranger 2), and BAB 6

Epic Feats:
21: Overwhelming Critical
24: Uncertain
26: Perfect Two weapon Fighting
27: Epic Damage Redux
28: Elusive Target or Double Shot
29: Dire Charge>Harbinger of Chaos>/(Deific Warding for more tankiness is ok, I guess)
30: Scion of Aboreah
31: ? Build’s got more feats than I’d like, but I wanted ftr core 4 to play with DM

Epic Past Life Feats
Brace x3
Doublestrike x3
Queen x3
Enchant Weapon x3


Damage* Never tried calculating to much on paper.
Version 1
Min Avg Sustainable Strength: Avg: 74=
32 Mod
+11 Kensei
+04 Ranger
+02 Rams
+10 Deadly
= Weapon+ 59 dmg+ Effect+ Melee Power for main hand (someone tune in) I’m using Complete TF Khops and a ToEE Electric Vulnerability Khop. I want to make sure I have been doing my math right before I embarrass myself.
59*1.9= Weapon + 44 dmg+ Effectsx Melee Power for Off Hand

Version 2:
Min Avg Sustainable Strength: Avg: 72=
31 Mod
+11 Kensei
+10 Deadly
= Weapon+ 52 dmg+ Effect+ Melee Power for main hand
52*1.8= Weapon+36+ Effect+ Melee Power for off hand



Melee Power
20 Kensei
06 Feats
70 Blitz
20 Aboreah
20 ToEE Set
06 Item
= Min 142 Melee Power (Add 6 if 2 Handed Fighting)

[Saekee]

Just a lore question--why 'mourning?' I love the name but do not see the connection

[adrian69]

Just a lore question--why 'mourning?' I love the name but do not see the connection

Well, the answer is sort of two-fold, somewhat personal, and somewhat public. I'll go into all but the personal. I am a huge fan of George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and in the series the most famous and deadly warrior is Ser Arthur Dayne, aka The Sword of the Morning.

Sword of Mourning is also my surname in the game, so I tend name builds after my own name.

Thanks for asking.