Paladin builds-Read this before posting [Archive] - Dungeons & Dragons Online Forums

View Full Version : Paladin builds-Read this before posting

Kraze_Nightwielder

07-25-2006, 10:03 AM

The many Paladin builds on the forums are all over the place and most come from many already long talked about builds. With too many copy and paste jobs many people decided it would be better to have a compiled list of builds for easy reference.

Please review the builds below before you post your own and if your build is a lot like one please tell how it's different and what you're trying to accomplish with said build. Explain why you decided to take this different route. Have fun. :)

Offensive

The Original Zealot (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35138)
Class: 6 Paladin/4 Fighter
Race: Elf
"The basic concept is to build a melee fighter with the highest possible "to-hit" in the game, but with a very robust defense. I term it a "Zealot" build because it sacrifices a number of facets of a Paladin that are geared towards party support -- for example, the +Resist aura -- in favor of greater offense."
- Grenfell

Post Mod 3 Holy Avenger Update Discussions (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77586)
Gren's Holy Avenger Update (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84294)
Class: 10 Paladin / 2 Rogue
Suggested Race: Human
"I've enjoyed the "zealot" build discussion greatly. Here's an idea I've been experimenting with. My goal is essentially the same: High offense based on accuracy and criticals, with excellent (albeit not the absolute best attainable) defense."
- Jinx42

The Prince of Darkness (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showpost.php?p=554170&postcount=5)
Class: 6 Paladin/ 4 Fighter
Race: Drow
In reply to a request for a good duo build from Ddjunks, Grenfell replies,
"I really think a UMD-spec Dark Zealot variant would be your optimal choice. You want absolutely top notch offense because you can't rely on your partner to drop mobs that fast."
- Grenfell

Drowification of the Holy Avenger and the Zealot (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53262)
Class: Varies
Race: Drow
"As promised, here are the Drowification of two builds -- the Zealot and the Holy Avenger -- both of which I play and feel I understand relatively well having capped them both through PUG and guild play, with elite raids, loot runs, etc. These are not NEW build concepts; they are just rehashing of older concepts with a new race."
- Grenfell

The Everyone will Want One build (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76096)
Class: 9 Paladin/ 3 Rogue
Race: Human
"Havent seen this build posted on the forums anywhere (though I may have missed it). This build will be my return to DDO character. And like the title says every party will want one. This build offers (with regular gear nothing too uber) a reasonably high AC; self healing/secondary healer; who can wear any race restricted/alignment restricted gear; use rez...."
- Jondallar

Defensive

10 Fighter/2 Paladin (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39830)
Class: 10 Fighter/ 2 Paladin
Race: Human
"It should probably be in the fighter forum, but I first mentioned it here, it really accents how powerful a splash of pally can be, and I consider myself a paladin anyway, so here it is."
- Elurian

The Batman: Ultimate Jack of All Trades (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58347)
Class: 2 Paladin/ 4 Rogue/ 6 Fighter
Race: Human
"The Batman is a modification of Illuminati's Evasion Tank build to include rogue abilities. The idea is to take what is a very useful, and yet fairly low-DPS, role -- the Intimidate Tank -- and to pair it with trap engineering to provide maximum utility out of a single character to a party. I call it the Batman because it seems to have a whole lot of tricks and tools in its toolbelt to cope with many situations that come up."
- Grenfell

Finesse

Carse the Good (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?p=898062#post898062)
Class: Paladin 10/ Rogue 2
Race: Halfling
"I made a Paladin couple weeks ago and have really enjoyed my self. I figured I would throw my build up here in case anyone has suggestions.. I havnt played a tank type character in ddo yet just my ranger n cleric so far... Lets hope I didnt hurt me self to bad aye... Here is my Halfling Paladin naked..."
- Dasha

Hybrid/Balanced

The Wayward Knight (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83559)
Class: 11 Paladin/ 1 Fighter
Race: Human
"This is a Paladin Tank/DPSer which is able to do both. Being made for versatility, he should be able to survive most situations and work efficiently in every role."
- Kraze

Racial Specific Builds

Halfling Build, 28pt (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63894)
Class: Paladin 9/ Rogue 2/ Fighter 1
Race: Halfling
"Now I know how Drow and Humans can make presumably some of the best pallies out there, and I also know how easy it can be to presumably botch a build in mere clicks of a mouse, here's my take on a pally with a couple of twists..."
- Urguloth

My Experiences with Warforged Paladin (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63933)
Class: Paladin 12
Race: Warforged
I am posting my WF Paladin build to let others know that I enjoyed playing and leveling it. Hopefully it can inspire others to be not afraid in experimenting with Warforged.
- ddjunks

Important Discussions/Guides

A Guide to Paladins V1.3 (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11039)
SavevsDM makes a guide to Paladins with some builds and some good descriptions of feats and abilities.
- SavevsDM

Smite Evil Explained (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35555)
A number of people figure out the exact formula for Smite Evil.
- Riexau

A short answer to wisdom questions (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showpost.php?p=554952&postcount=2)
Girevik explains exactly how wisdom works for Paladins.
- Girevik

Holy Avenger vs. Zealot Statistical Comparison (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46861)
Grenfell uses a Damage Calculator to compare two very popular builds in terms of Damage.
- Grenfell

Extend Spell vs. Mental Toughness (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48665)
A very informative discussion started by Simonides about the uses of Extend Spell and Mental Toughness and which might be better for a Paladin.
- Simonides

Questions about Lay on Hands (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53919)
Sharundabald asks how lay on hands works and gets a formula in reply.
- Sharundabald

Velktreeg's DDO Web Tools (http://ddo.dungeons.ws/stats.html)
I really like to use these while I'm at work and their very quick and handy.

Other Compiled Build Lists

Compiled Fighter Builds (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42780)
DDjunks Compiled Fighter Build(now stickied!) list with lots of popular and strong fighter builds including Riot, Maldini, Renno, myself, and many more.
- ddjunks

Cleric Builds and More (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60256)
Darkschneider's compiled list of Cleric builds including The WarPriest, The DarkSchneider Cleric, and many Healbot and Battle Cleric Discussions.
- Darkschneider

Barbarian Builds: A Compiled List (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59712)
Maldini's compiled list of Barbarian Builds including Shade's DPS build, Maldini's Build, and many, many others.
- Maldini

Please post any additional builds that should be added in a reply or P.M. to me. Hope this helps a lot of you. :)

Grenfell

07-25-2006, 11:10 AM

Please sticky!

/gren

Kraze_Nightwielder

07-25-2006, 11:29 AM

thanks :)

Can you think of any builds that should be added that I left out?

ddjunks

07-25-2006, 11:55 AM

Before beta and after launch, there was an interest I Paladin/Sorc 9/1 build. You might want to dig that out.

Kraze_Nightwielder

07-25-2006, 12:36 PM

Before beta and after launch, there was an interest I Paladin/Sorc 9/1 build. You might want to dig that out.

ah hmm. I'll give it a search if I can find it.

ddjunks

07-25-2006, 07:36 PM

ah hmm. I'll give it a search if I can find it.

You might want to ask Obitus for his retired 9/1. Not sure if it was him though hehe.

Elurian

07-25-2006, 10:11 PM

Grenfell

07-25-2006, 11:44 PM

BTW, I would remove the Dark Zealot. It's just a variation on the original theme.

What I might do is do a bit of Drowification of the Zealot and the Holy Avenger as an addendum post or something.

/gren

ddjunks

07-26-2006, 08:51 AM

Good work - please sticky! I PMd a link to my original 6/3/1 evade tank which is towards the middle of the CE thread.

Edit: I think that DD's referencing RAM's 15p/4f/1s build, btw. Not sure that it should be added, as it convinced me to add a level of sorc that hurt my initial build and led to a reroll, but it is an original splash.

Obitus/Nodoze's 9/1 Ultimate PUG should definitely make the list:

http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51439

The 9/1 Pal/Sorc is a bit of original concept. It is still popular among WF paladin builds that can help them with the pros/cons of this particular build. Its not fully optimize for offensive or defensive capabilities but its flexible through the use of wands.

This would some how eliminate redundant threads by knowing the good and the bad about taking a sorcerer level for wand usage.

I am digging the link for you. It was probably one of the first multi-class builds in the forums since its dated Feb. 24, 2005. It has more than 13k Views and 78 replies which higher the Holy Avenger build.

RAM's Killer Pally Multi-Class Build (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105)

Vehemoth

07-26-2006, 08:57 AM

ddjunks

07-26-2006, 08:59 AM

There's always RAM's 7p/2f/1s build. It's certainly different than most now a days, but it's actually my main toon, that I just can't seem to delete. If you search one of the first pages of these threads, I'm sure you can find a link to RAM's paladin.

Posted it. Hopefully it can make it into the archives hehe. It might be an obsolete build but keeping historical threads helps.

Vehemoth

07-26-2006, 09:11 AM

:p Yeah, maybe a bit obsolete, old and not worth it, but my halfling paly/fighter/sorc can still pack a punch!

On a side note, with that build and my understanding it's not a great main tank or DPS'er, I've actually morphed into more of a back up healer. With 350+ spell points, I went ahead and took the devotion enhancements and wear the devotion helm from Stormcleave. My CLW are for about 20-25 and I can cast that 35+ times/rest. It's good for topping people off after fights.

Anyway, yeah it's funny to see how builds have changed. Thanks for putting this thread together Kraze.

Kraze_Nightwielder

07-26-2006, 09:12 AM

Well, I'm trying to be impartial with the builds I put up here. I think as far as good or bad that's probably a judgement call and should be left to the people that check it out and want to try it. :)

***Updated: Format, Added requested builds: Prince of Darkness, Ram's Multiclass, Evasive Eviscerator.

Kraze_Nightwielder

07-26-2006, 09:15 AM

Anyway, yeah it's funny to see how builds have changed. Thanks for putting this thread together Kraze.

Thanks for the appreciation! I enjoy doing things like this though. No thanks is needed. :)

Everyone else put the work into the builds and stuff...I think this is a great way to help new players. The hard part is being impartial for me as I have a few builds I really enjoy/like.

Vehemoth

07-26-2006, 09:26 AM

One thing - change RAM's paladin build from Marv1n to RAM.

Also, according to Hurricane, RAM might being coming back to DDO. We'll see.

deificus

07-26-2006, 10:38 AM

Kraze_Nightwielder

07-26-2006, 10:58 AM

IMO I think Nodoze/Obitus Pug Tank build is good for what you're looking for. If you drop Dodge(1 AC) You can get Power Attack to add damage or take Exotic Weapon: Khopesh.

The problem with single classed Paladins being a tank is they can't reach the highest limit of Intimidate. Max base ranks are 6.5 where as a Paladin/fighter max base is 13. In the higher end elite stuff you need at least a mid 30's intimidate.

Paladins of pure stock are usually very offensive minded builds. 1 level of fighter isn't going to hurt your enhancements a whole lot.

You still get what I consider 3 of the great enhancements for a tank/paladin Bullwark of Good III Resistance of Good III Skill Interaction IV

You lose out on the final Paladin Action Boost but III isn't that far behind.

Hope that helps you some.

Kraze_Nightwielder

07-26-2006, 11:08 AM

*updated- Wisdom explained, changed Marv1n to RAM/Marv1n

Grenfell

07-26-2006, 11:12 AM

These are all really great builds. What I'm looking for is a pure paladin who fits these criteria (in order of importance):

1. Must be a Pure Paladin. We never know what enhancements will come with higher level caps.

2. Will be played mostly in PUGs, but will be able to join a good guild later.

3. Will be able to contribute greatly on elite raids.

4. Can fill the role of primary DPS or primary Tank, depending on group make-up. Doesn't have to out DPS a pure DPS build, or out tank a pure Tank, but needs to fill either role effectively depending on the need.

5. Equipment cannot be super rare drops. It should come mostly from static rewards or found on brokers relatively easily.

6. Has to be able to solo occasionaly. Not elite end-game quests, but has to be able to solo a satisfying quest when I only have 1 hour to play.

I think the Holy Avenger is what you're seeking. Some variant of it, anyhow. Because I fill all six with my Human Holy Avenger. He's a pure paladin, who dominates any PUG I'm in, fills a role in guild groups, is main DPS and often main tank in Elite raids (our guild doesn't have a dedicated IntimiTank yet), geared with statics and a couple of rare drops (rarest two are a +4 Str gloves and a Holy Burst Khopesh), and I solo Threnal South for end-rewards when I feel like it.

If you don't mind multiclassing, then the Nodoze/Obitus 9/1 or Elurian's 8/2 or my Prince of Darkness 6/4 are what I would look at.

Here are some ideas I've pondered:

A. What is the trade-off likely to be if I take a level of fighter or rogue? How will that hurt possible enhancements when the level cap increases?

B. If I don't specialize enough (pure DPS or pure Tank) will I be more of a hinderance than a help in elite raids?

C. What about a combat expertise build with a good mix of offensive feats? What would those offensive feats be? How effective are they?

D. How high can I get intimidate without multiclassing or carrying too much equipment of too many different uses? Will it be enough?

On B -- the answer is no, but err on the side of offense. Any elite raid, if you can hit Blackguards on a 7, you're a help.

On C -- see Prince of Darkness.

On A -- My philosophy is not to worry about the future. For all we know, Module 3 will introduce Monks and Prestige classes, and change EVERYTHING.

/gren

Kraze_Nightwielder

07-27-2006, 09:10 AM

*Update: added Holy Avenger vs Zealot comparison

cptcruch

07-27-2006, 11:04 AM

I must say even at lvl 2 with my new drow pally (zealot) i am amazed...

figured i'd do the 6pally/4 fighter version as you listed and lets say at lvl 2 i am just having a blast....

i only bought him items that where at the merchants so he has a +2 elven chain +2 shield and a +2 battleaxe since i took Slashing and his crits were anywhere from 23-30! 1-hitting or 2-hitting some critters was fun......

Being able to stand in a middle of a group even at lvl 2 and just swing away was cool!

i believe i went a little diff on my stats...

17
11
13
10
11
14

something like that but real close to it .....figure i'd get 19 str from lvling up and the +3 from tangle so by lvl 5ish 22 str then the +3 dex bracers and +3 con belt for.......

22
14
16
10
11
14

then i'll get the enhancements you had listed.....i know its not the same exact build but so far i like it.

Kraze_Nightwielder

07-30-2006, 08:07 PM

Bump to keep it near the top for easy reference for everyone.

~Kraze

Please remember any new unique builds P.M. to me so I can add them.

Jackhamm3r

07-31-2006, 09:40 AM

thanks :)

Can you think of any builds that should be added that I left out?

if i do, i'll post in a separate thread for all to read :D

Kraze_Nightwielder

07-31-2006, 12:30 PM

if i do, i'll post in a separate thread for all to read :D

This is just a link to those threads :)

Tanks

08-05-2006, 02:10 PM

*where's the stickie for this?!* bump :)

Kraze_Nightwielder

08-07-2006, 09:48 AM

Thanks Tanks. :)

Hopefully, a Dev will see this and sticky it.

Either way. I'll bump it to the top so we all have a reference list.

Everyone make sure they're sending me any great threads they want linked!

Kraze_Nightwielder

08-07-2006, 02:34 PM

updated: Extend Spell vs. Mental Toughness discussion-Thanks Glassjaw

Kraze_Nightwielder

08-09-2006, 10:09 AM

*updated with Lay on Hands information

Kraze_Nightwielder

08-09-2006, 10:15 AM

*also updated Drowification of Holy Avenger and Zealot

Veltkreeg

08-09-2006, 02:00 PM

Ultimate Smiting Champion (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54747)

Race: Drow
Class: Paladin 10

The Ultimate Smiting Champion is an offensive build designed to Smite Evil while Power Attacking for extra damage, preferably with a two handed weapon. The Extra Smite Evil enhancement allows for several extra Smites. STR and CHA are both high for an accurate, damaging Smite. Extend Spell maximizes the usage of Divine Favor. Diplomacy may get the mob to attack the Tank after the smites are delivered.

To maximize your smite activate Power Attack, activate your Attack action boost on, and cast Divine Favor and Eagle's splendor on yourself.

Strengths
+52 to hit when smiting evil with Power Attack
+22 base attack / +26 with Divine Favor on
Lay on hands heals 120 (almost full health)
20 UMD possible
High saves

Weaknesses
Requires +2 WIS item to cast L2 spells and get bonus SP
Low spell points

Kraze_Nightwielder

08-10-2006, 09:32 AM

*Updated with Smiting Build

Still looking for some more finesse builds.

Grenfell

08-11-2006, 09:21 AM

Just FYI, I updated the Shadow Avenger build to what I'm recommending for my guildmates. I don't find Drow SR IX to be all that impressive, so... the changes are:

Con 10 --> 8
Cha 16 --> 17

That minor tweak allows one to use Paladin's Cha III enhancement to reach 24 Charisma, or +7 bonus. 8 Con isn't a major problem as a simple +2 item would remove the negative, and a Bear's Endurance buff would get Con to 12 for +1. Plus, Virtue adds 20 HP at lvl 10. The loss of 1 Fort Save is more than balanced out by an additional +2 to ALL saves by going from 20 Cha to 24 Cha.

/gren

Elurian

08-14-2006, 12:57 AM

Please sticky this to trim down a bit on questions from new paladins! :)

Kraze_Nightwielder

08-14-2006, 02:51 PM

Well I still have hope for the sticky as the one in the fighter's forum got bumped to sticky. :)

johris

08-15-2006, 10:11 AM

Nice touch adding the descriptions.

Another vote for a sticky!!!

Edit: ninja post :eek:

Kraze_Nightwielder

08-15-2006, 10:11 AM

*Update: Added descriptions for builds.

If you read your description and want your description or quote changed please PM with the updated information. Thanks!

Kraze

Kraze_Nightwielder

08-15-2006, 10:34 AM

lol didn't notice the Ninja post, Johris.

Thanks :)

Grenfell

08-16-2006, 05:53 PM

vorpal cupcake has been sold. (http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55913)

/gren

Elurian

08-16-2006, 10:49 PM

ROFLMAO, Gren.

ddjunks

08-17-2006, 12:50 AM

Nice sticky...

Kraze_Nightwielder

08-17-2006, 09:38 AM

yay for sticky! :)
also I forgot to say that I updated with short descriptions on the guides/discussions part.

Kraze_Nightwielder

08-21-2006, 12:15 PM

updated with The Batman

Kraze_Nightwielder

08-25-2006, 02:10 PM

added Velk's DDO calculators.

Kraze_Nightwielder

09-05-2006, 11:59 AM

Added links to two new compiled builds threads.

Kraze_Nightwielder

09-25-2006, 12:46 PM

Added Racial Specific section
Added Hazz's Halfling Paladin
Added ddjunks Warforged Paladin

Kraze_Nightwielder

09-28-2006, 10:29 AM

updated Hazz's description

Kraze_Nightwielder

10-06-2006, 10:59 AM

update fixxed Stat Calc's link to new site.

Ulfr

11-16-2006, 01:15 PM

No one has perfected a Holy Magi (Paladin/Sorcerer) build? With the Warforged "Inscribed Armor" enhancement or the Elven "Arcane Fluidity" enhancement as well as Mithral/Twilight armor/shields, I would expect this to be a viable build. Warforged get all kinds of self-healing out of it, everyone gets a wide selection of wand usage, and a decent amount of spell points.

Matuse

11-16-2006, 05:29 PM

Maybe a 1750 character would make this more viable, but with a penalty to both wis and cha, Warforged are ouchy for good Paladin builds.

A single Sorc level splash is reasonably popular (probably not as much as when the game first came out though). Going the other way (mostly sorc, splash of Paladin for BAB/weapons/saves/hp) is another popular option.

Problem is that Paladins are pretty feat and enhancement strapped as it is. Tacking on the need for WF ASF reductions makes a difficult build worse. The spell issue is also significant. Sorcerers don't even pick up a second level spell until level 4, at which point you've given up 2 points of BAB, 16 hp, and the single second level spell you get probably isn't combat, since its caster level would be so low. You could do something with a lot of utility like say, Blur (resist energy is unnecesary when Paladins get it in their level 2 selection, and a WF Pal/Sorc is likely taking Repair Moderate Damage, not even getting the niceness of Blur)...but is that worth losing out on 3 paladin levels?

1 level of splash, especially on a WF build for self-repair can be a very functional character. I just don't know that I'd qualify it as a "build".

nbhs275

11-16-2006, 07:54 PM

can we get this re-stickied?

gorloch

11-16-2006, 11:37 PM

This is the one that follows very close to my build. Difference is that I used a Drow instead of a Human which lead to my dex and intel being slightly higher. I also took the bastard sword prof instead of kopesh (personal perfernece). The enhancements that I use (if I can remember correctly) are Bulwark of the Good, Spell Resistance, Pallys Charisma, and can't remember the fourth.

Kraze_Nightwielder

12-29-2006, 02:00 PM

I am currently compiling data to update this sticky for Mod3...post links to any builds here.

Thanks!
Kraze

Kraze_Nightwielder

01-10-2007, 09:49 AM

For some reason I can't rate...so if people would like to have this remain towards the top of the page...please rate this thread.

Thanks

Kraze_Nightwielder

01-12-2007, 03:00 PM

updated
Removed outdated builds that didn't reply to my PM's.
Added new Builds: Carse the Good, Wayward Knight, Halfling Paladin 28pt, The Everyone will want one Build, Holy Avenger thread 2, and Gren's Holy Avenger Update

Dasha

01-12-2007, 03:13 PM

*clap*

nice work Kraze