Returning DDO player - Needs help

[marshm1972]

Hi All

I am a returning DDO player. I last played in 2010 so yeah the game has changed alot. All my original toons are long since wiped although I did keep my ability to do a 32 build. Signed up VIP.
So I am starting (almost fresh) with nothing except the 32 Build points. I am going levels 1-20 including the tutorial stuff. Not shortcuts, XP accelerators, tomes or other cheats or shortcuts. I am only allowing myself the 32pt first life.

Yes, I do see builds, but most of them are oriented toward experience players and not people starting over.

I have 3 main questions.

First is my role:
As I said I am a returning player, not a newbie. I know Paladins are not the top of the DPS tree (which is fine I accept that). I also remember groups (my old guild is long gone) always need tanks and healers, whereas DPS is a dime a dozen so I am thinking for ease of finding pick up groups until I find a guild. I have never really played Tank before, but I do not want to be a fighter (did it to death). So I plan to focus on self-survival (I expect to be soloing for awhile) buffing, and possibly tanking as I way to find groups. So it begs the question THF vs S+B. Back in my day, a S+B Paladin wasn't worth warm spit, but it looks like with the enhancement system its been buffed alot. That being said I have seen some quite awesome THF Charisma based builds that were very tanky, buff and could still lay a smackdown (although not as well as my WF THF fighter could). But for RPG, I kind like the Idea of a 1 handed weapon. Or am I just nuts and should go Greatsword. I dont want to wind up at end game with a gimped toon.

2nd Race. I think it will be Aasimir, for the enhancements or WF but only if only go the THF route. I think the Aasimir has the more interesting options with the +1 vs evil, buffs, and the healing amps.

3. If I am to go S+B, is it worth going for B.Swords? I can pick up the proficiency in the Aasimir tree (cost is 15 AP but does not waste a feat) but I would have to spend feats on the entire THF tree, and its expensive. Perhaps its better sticking to Longswords? Espically as B.Swords are not a favorite weapon (aside from the temple of Helm which I cannot do as I have no hearts of wood). I hear staying with favorite weapons is important now
Or do I go THF-Greatsword (and probably warforged) to maximize THF. I hear Blackrazor got into the game (from my PnP days).

And finally Stats. The biggest question I have is CON. Is it worth a 16 CON. Priority is STR and CHR. Can I do a 14 CON spead the points out more? If so where to. Could you give examples?


All tips appreciated.

[ThomasHunter]

Welcome back!

The game is better than ever in my opinion. After SSG broke off from Turbine, it's been night and day. I hope you enjoy and stay for a long time. If you're on Thelanis, stop by and say hello to Cradle of Life guild. We're pretty casual and you would be welcome.

I've recently leveled up my first Paladin in over a decade. I saw a build for a Single Weapon Fighting Paladin and couldn't look away. It is definitely fun and worth checking out. I would recommend a 20 minute video on Youtube by Strimtom on bringing your paladin to another level with SWF it's a first life toon). I think he uses a Bladeforged, but I prefer the Aasimar. Aasimar is my current favorite race in DDO. However, in hindsight, I might actually go Dragonborn if I would try it again.

If you go with the Bladeforged, you would want to use greatswords as a favored weapon. I'm just not a Warforged fan.

On the S&B side, I have attempted the Vanguard build (both fighter and paladin) but didn't like it. However, the impending Update 51 seems to have more toys for S&B! That said, I think a Vanguard Paladin is Strimtom's favorite build. Give it a try!

I'm not much of an expert on the modern DDO tank. I love having a tank in the party, but every attempt I've made has been terrible. Ergo, Knight of the Chalice tree! HA! I think KotC is considered an "easy button" these days in heroics and I have to agree.

Oh, for a bunch of additional builds, check out some threads on the Hard Core Builds by Strimtom. These are all first life toons that are viable to play. FYI, Hard Core League is a permadeath server that opens up from time to time and is extremely fun and challenging.

Enjoy and ask lots of questions!
Taleisin:cool:

[ThomasHunter]

As far as stats, I probably wouldn't go below 16 CON. Note that you can make a fine Paladin these days using Charisma to hit and damage through the use of an enhancement tree called Feydark Illusionist.

[Discpsycho]

Personally, I think hard before going above or below 14 Con. In this case, I think it depends on your damage stat and fighting style.

Depending on your exact build, 14 -> 16 Con gets you +1 Fortitude and roughly 35HP at cap (30 base, +25% from EDF or +20% from Stalwart). Depending on your race, that costs between 2 and 4 build points.

If you're using Str for damage, regardless of whether you're THF or S&B, I'd recommend either 18 Str / 14 Con / 16 Cha or 18/16/14. All level-ups go into Str. Boosting your from 14 to 16 slightly improves LoH (not the Aasimar one, if you go that route), adds 1 to all saves, and various minor skill buffs. Personally, I'd lean towards 18/14/16 because IMO the previously-mentioned buffs are more important to me (both at cap and while leveling) than a small amount of HP.

If you're using Cha for damage via Feydark Illusionist, don't want to rely on any tomes, and are going THF, I'd consider 17 Str / 14 Con / 17 Cha. While the odd numbers aren't quite as helpful early on, this ensures you hit your GTHF requirement and allows you to put all your level-up ability bumps into Cha.

If you're using Cha for damage and go S&B, 16 Con / 18 Cha. You don't need Str for anything specific

[Ganak]

Great to have you back marshm.


Paladins have lots of legit paths to choose from: Tank, THF DPS, Vanguard DPS (underrated).

Try them all out doing past lives.