Vanbuckler, vanbard, banguard...swanguackler?

[mezzorco]

I don't know if this is viable or if someone else has ever posted it, but I want to share my idea with you.


The basic idea is to be able to swashbuckle with a buckler, while giving up as little vanguard perks as possible.

Level split is 12ftr/5rog/3bard, human. First level rogue, then 3 bard, then 12 fighter, end with rogue.
STATS: 18 14 16 12 8 8, level ups in STR. A +4 INT tome is enough to max search, spot, d.device, o.lock, UMD, and have the required balance for SWF.

Fifteen heroic feats include (not limited to) weapon focus+specialization line, both SWF and shield lines, IC, precision/power attack, tactical boosts and stunning blow.

APs are tight:
6 SD for 25 PRR/MRR
11 SB for skirmisher
23 Assassin for killer
37 Vanguard for T5 (all but vulnerability)
3 left (human action boost + assassin execute for example)

Epic Destiny: probably LD with a handaxe, since both Devastating Critical and Headman's Chop apply to shields.


What you get compared to pure Fighter Vanguard:
+10% attack speed (30% SWF vs 20% capstone)
higher doublestrike thanks to Killer
1.5x STR to main hand damage (does this apply to shields too?)
better main hand crit profile
way higher dodge (+21% from classes alone, light armor MDB)
Uncanny Dodge panic button
Evasion with not so bad reflexes
trap skills and UMD


What you lose compared to pure Fighter Vanguard:
4 feats
lower bash proc chance (might be compensated by higher attack speed and ds)
damage difference between buckler and tower shield (might be compensated if 1.5x STR applies to shields too)
lower shield crit profile
lower PRR and MRR, not doubled against REF spells
SD and Kensei perks, like +20% hp and Power Surge


So what you get is higher damage output, while loss of PRR is compensated by dodge and loss of MRR is compensated by evasion.
Bonus points if you hate traps.

What do you think? Any suggestions to improve the build while keeping the concept? :)

PS: Does anyone know if 1.5x STR to damage applies to shields, too?

[Axeyu]

Swanbuckler?
The only problem is that you are simply better off to spend the action points in kensei, warchanter or more into SB and SD.
The biggest benefit of Vanguard is the attack speed, which is pointless when you get it from SWF anyways.

[unbongwah]

First things first: the +1.5x dmg mod from GSWF doesn't apply to shields.

Your class split is identical to this build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/477127-SWAX-3-Bard-5-Rogue-12-Fighter-Dwarf-w-Hand-Axe-amp-Buckler), but your AP spread is completely different:

6 SD for 25 PRR/MRR
11 SB for skirmisher
23 Assassin for killer
37 Vanguard for T5 (all but vulnerability)
3 left (human action boost + assassin execute for example)
Okay, right off the bat, I don't like the fact you're giving up +20% HPs from SD and you don't have any APs invested in Kensei nor Harper. Don't forget that Strike w/No Thought will stack with Swashbuckling if you're using handaxes (or light picks); and naturally Know the Angles would boost your DCs and dmg mod.

So it looks like you sacrificed both DPS and survivability to go heavy into Vanguard instead, which gains you +40% shield bashing, +10 Melee Power, probably Stunning Shield, a few other perks. Considering shield bashing is capped at one hit per sec, it doesn't seem to me like you get enough out of it.

In terms of DPS, Kensei beats Vanguard, hands down. So I think 32 APs Kensei (Power Surge + One w/Blade + Weapon Master), 23 APs Assassin (Killer), 11 APs SB (Skirmisher, +2 crit range), 13 APs SD (+20% HPs), 1 AP human (Dmg Boost) is a lot stronger. Only downside is I can't afford KtA, unless I ditch Killer or Tenacious Defense for Harper.

[Roland_D'Arabel]

Best thread title... EVER.

That is all.

+1

[mezzorco]

First things first: the +1.5x dmg mod from GSWF doesn't apply to shields.

Awwwwwww :(


I think 32 APs Kensei (Power Surge + One w/Blade + Weapon Master), 23 APs Assassin (Killer), 11 APs SB (Skirmisher, +2 crit range), 13 APs SD (+20% HPs), 1 AP human (Dmg Boost) is a lot stronger. Only downside is I can't afford KtA, unless I ditch Killer or Tenacious Defense for Harper.

Yeah, after Axeyu's post I tried to completely ditch Vanguard in favor of Kensei, ending up with almost the same AP arrangment as you suggest, except only +15% hp in order to get Overbalance for no save knockdown on shield vorpal.
I assume it synergizes with PSWF for vorpals on 19-20, if it procs every 10 bashes on average it could be handy. Have you any insights if PSWF works for shield, too?


Best thread title... EVER.

That is all.

+1

:D
Well, I suppose it's gonna change into.....Kenshbuckler!

[unbongwah]

Have you any insights if PSWF works for shield, too?
It does not.

[mezzorco]

It does not.

Fantastic :(

[Tilomere]

Any suggestions to improve the build while keeping the concept? :)



I've been musing over something similiar (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/477834-Any-past-life-melee-critzilla?p=5871386&viewfull=1#post5871386). GL with it!