I'd
love to see a build that combines
glancing blows with Rune Arm Imbue damage. (Starting at level 15, Rune Arm Imbue IV can do 2-12 extra damage. And starting at level 19, Rune Arm Imbue V can do up to 2-16 extra damage.)
Specifically, the
rune arm page states that properties include "Imbuing magical weapon damage to the main hand weapon attacks (and glancing blows with proficient Dwarven War Axe or Bastard Sword use)." So this build would need proficiency in either
Bastard Sword or
Dwarven War Axe.
(Honestly, I have never seen a melee-centered build with rune arm use! They must be rare!)
Two levels of Arti are required to use rune arms. However, I'd give bonus points for going three levels Arti so as to be able to reach level 2 Arti spells. This would allow casting
Elemental Weapons, which adds another 1d6 damage of either acid, shock, fire, or cold.
Suggested feats (just suggestions):
*
Two Handed Fighting (Prereq: 15 STR)
*
Improved Two Handed Fighting (Prereq: 17 STR, Two Handed Fighting)
*
Greater Two Handed Fighting (Prereq: 17 STR, Improved Two Handed Fighting)
*
Power Attack (Prereq: 13 STR)
*
Cleave (Prereq: Power Attack)
*
Great Cleave (Prereq: Cleave, BAB 4+)
And, probably, one would have to save a feat for Dwarven War Axe or Bastard sword (unless one made a Dwarf Warrior). That might be as much as seven feats right there.
I
know it seems
weird to buy all these Two Handed Fighting feats when the plan is to wield a one-handed weapon and a rune arm. However,
the wiki explains:
Other Build Requirements:
I want something that has at least decent (passable) trapmonkey skills. Must be able to handle the majority of traps and doors on at least heroic levels.
Aside from that, I suppose the goal should be to make the DPS as high as possible.
Either that, or able to escape most damage (via good hide/sneak + Ethereal via PM Wraith Shroud... or something).
Other ideas/suggestions:
* I'd prefer something that's iconic, so it'd start with level 15.
With that in mind, I see both the
Purple Dragon Knight and the
Bladeforged have the "Great Weapon Aptitude" enhancement, which improves glancing blows. The Purple Dragon Knight has the nice bonus of coming with a bonus feat + extra skill points. (And I have a + heart of wood to remove the 1 Pally level from a Bladeforged.)
* The
Barbarian's
Frenzied Berserker path has several enhancements that improve glancing blows.
* The Fighter's
Kensei path has several enhancements that bolster melee damage. Perhaps "Reed In The Wind" and "Weapon Group Specialization" (tier 2 and/or tier 4)?
* Another idea is to, perhaps, splash some
Rogue for
Evasion,
Dodge, and Sneak Attack damage. (The Evasion is nice for a trapmonkey, too.)
* Or, maybe splash some Wizard for some combination of
Pale Master enhancements for survivability + the
Eldritch Knight enhancements Eldritch Strike, Spellsword, Improved Mage Armor, and Improved Shield.
(Yes, I'm having a hard time deciding...)
But anything is good. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
Oh, and if anyone has seen a build even remotely like this, I'd love to see a link!