Best Melee class at levels 6 and 9 considering endgame gear?

[kinar]

Hello, I'm someone who traditionally doesn't play a melee character and have a wierd build idea that will require a very significant split of melee and caster. What I'm looking for is 6 - 9 levels of a melee class to enhance with spells. Since I am enhancing with spells, that means barbarian rage is probably not going to be considered which means that barbarian is probably gonna be ruled out from the git go (if there is anyone here that thinks they can convince me otherwise, give it a go).

So, at level 6 (for now) and level 9 (at cap20), what is the best melee class? The obvious answer here is ranger (tempest) but I'm not convinced it is the way to go. Fighter feats? Monk feats and attack speed? Also consider the best gear in the game. What endgame gear enhances the class the most. Due to the fact that I usually play clerics I have virtually unlimited resources to throw at this build to make it as viable as possible. Being able to fit intimidate into the build would be a HUGE plus but I understand that a single character (especially one that is probably going to end up as gimped as this one) will not be able to do everything.

I hope the above has explained well enough what I'm lookin for. Basicly a level 6 and/or 9 melee class that can use endgame items.

And to answer the biggest question right off the bat. I'm doin this cause I'm bored and want to try something new. Not because I have some wierd notion that it will be an uber character. I'm lookin for fun and hopefully good enough that it won't bring down the entire party (but I'm willing to solo to 16 if necessary as well).

[Aganazer]

The obvious answer is Tempest Ranger like you said, but not just because of Tempest. You'll get a LOT of perks for going that route. You'll get ITWF without any dex requirement. You'll also get two favored enemies. I don't think you'll get quite as much bang for your buck out of 6 levels elsewhere.

[Thriand]

The Monster! Its the best at EVERYTHING regardless of level. I once heard that a monster healed an entire party of level 1 monks through the abbots inferno and on until they beat the quest.

But in all seriousness a ranger probably.

[redspecter23]

I'm working on a hybrid melee/caster class right now. 12 ranger/7 wizard/1 monk. Tempest 2, high ac and reflex saves. Most of the best self cast buffs like Barkskin, Stoneskin, Shield, Blur, Haste, Fire/Cold Shield. Not to mention a fairly decent Wall of Fire if you spec right for it. I'd be interested in hearing your proposed split. I'm assuming you want 11th level caster at end game. Wizard? Just wondering what benefits would really be added by going higher than either 7 or 9 caster. More SP obviously, but your offensive DC spells will almost certainly be near useless with up to 9 splash levels. I had considered going higher level on caster but really couldn't justify losing ranger levels for the small benefit of extra caster levels by comparison.

[QuantumFX]

The Monster! Its the best at EVERYTHING regardless of level. I once heard that a monster healed an entire party of level 1 monks through the abbots inferno and on until they beat the quest.

After reading this I don’t mind necroing the thread.

[Thrudh]

I'm working on a hybrid melee/caster class right now. 12 ranger/7 wizard/1 monk. Tempest 2, high ac and reflex saves. Most of the best self cast buffs like Barkskin, Stoneskin, Shield, Blur, Haste, Fire/Cold Shield. Not to mention a fairly decent Wall of Fire if you spec right for it. I'd be interested in hearing your proposed split. I'm assuming you want 11th level caster at end game. Wizard? Just wondering what benefits would really be added by going higher than either 7 or 9 caster. More SP obviously, but your offensive DC spells will almost certainly be near useless with up to 9 splash levels. I had considered going higher level on caster but really couldn't justify losing ranger levels for the small benefit of extra caster levels by comparison.

I see your hybrid has 3 levels of wizard now... You'll be very happy when the cap goes up... Self-cast displacement, rage, haste is VERY nice...

My ranger/wizard is currently 11/5.... I'll probably be going 13/7 at cap... Like you, I want the self-cast fire-shield, and even a decent firewall.

Also, at 5th level, I can use GH and True-Seeing scrolls about 55%... I'm looking forward to getting that to 75% with 7 levels of wizard... Teleport scrolls are awesome as well.

[Baron]

The Monster! Its the best at EVERYTHING regardless of level. I once heard that a monster healed an entire party of level 1 monks through the abbots inferno and on until they beat the quest.

Hey, that was my WF Mage!!!!

He's not that ugly....

And the Monks used a secret Monkish Ritual that they hold so secret that any that mention it are kille....

[EinarMal]

If you are going to give up 9 levels, consider Ranger 6/Rogue 3. Rogue 3 will net you more than 3 more levels of Ranger. Sneak attacks should be reliable for your build since you will be behind in DPS, the 2d6 +3 damage will help you catch up.