Spellsword

[jboyd158]

Ok, I'm a complete newb, but I want to know which of these builds looks better. I'm basically trying for an elven dual rapier wielding wizzy, and this is what I came up with.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.00
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Level 16 True Neutral Elf Male
(2 Fighter \ 2 Rogue \ 12 Wizard) 
Hit Points: 84
Spell Points: 737 
BAB: 9\9\14
Fortitude: 6
Reflex: 14
Will: 7

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Stats          Modified Stats
Abilities        (Level 1)             (Level 16)
Strength             10                    10
Dexterity            16                    18
Constitution          8                     8
Intelligence         18                    24
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma             10                    10

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 16)
Balance               7                     8
Bluff                 0                     0
Concentration         1                    13
Diplomacy             4                     4
Disable Device        8                    26
Haggle                0                     0
Heal                 -1                    -1
Hide                  7                     8
Intimidate            0                     0
Jump                  4                     5
Listen                3                     5
Move Silently         7                     8
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                4                     7
Search                8                    31
Spot                  3                     5
Swim                  0                     0
Tumble                7                     8
Use Magic Device      4                    19

Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Concentration (+2)
Skill: Diplomacy (+4)
Skill: Disable Device (+4)
Skill: Hide (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Listen (+4)
Skill: Move Silently (+4)
Skill: Search (+4)
Skill: Spot (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+4)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Elven Keen Senses
Feat: (Automatic) Enchantment Save Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Immunity to Sleep
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Longbow
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Longsword
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Rapier
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortsword
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortbow
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Trapfinding
Feat: (Automatic) Trip


Level 2 (Fighter)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Heavy Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Tower Shield Proficiency


Level 3 (Wizard)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Extend Spell
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Finesse
Feat: (Automatic) Inscribe Scroll
Feat: (Automatic) Magical Training
Spell (1): Mage Armor
Spell (1): Nightshield
Spell (1): Obscuring Mist
Spell (1): Protection From Evil
Spell (1): Shield
Spell (1): Burning Hands
Spell (1): Magic Missle
Spell (1): Sleep


Level 4 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: INT
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (1): Expeditious Retreat
Spell (1): Jump


Level 5 (Wizard)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (2): Blur
Spell (2): Fox's Cunning


Level 6 (Wizard)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Two Weapon Defense
Spell (2): Cat's Grace
Spell (2): Scorching Ray


Level 7 (Wizard)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Eschew Materials
Spell (3): Haste
Spell (3): Displacement


Level 8 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: INT
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (3): Hold Person
Spell (3): Lightning Bolt


Level 9 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Piercing Weapons
Spell (4): Wall of Fire
Spell (4): Stoneskin


Level 10 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (3): Fireball
Spell (4): Force Missles


Level 11 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (5): Ball Lightning
Spell (5): Hold Monster


Level 12 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: INT
Skill: Concentration (+5)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Insightful Reflexes
Feat: (Automatic) Evasion


Level 13 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Maximize Spell
Spell (5): Teleport
Spell (2): False Life


Level 14 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (6): Tenser's Transformation
Spell (6): Mass Fox's Cunning


Level 15 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons
Spell (6): Chain Lightning
Spell (5): Cone of Cold


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Fluidity I
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Fluidity II
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Fluidity III
Enhancement: Elven Arcanum I
Enhancement: Elven Arcanum II
Enhancement: Elven Arcanum III
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity I
Enhancement: Elf Melee Attack I
Enhancement: Elf Melee Attack II
Enhancement: Elf Melee Damage I
Enhancement: Elf Melee Damage II
Enhancement: Elven Perception I
Enhancement: Elven Perception II
Enhancement: Elven Perception III
Enhancement: Wizard Improved Maximizing I
Enhancement: Wizard Improved Maximizing II
Enhancement: Wizard Improved Maximizing III
Enhancement: Wizard Intelligence I
Enhancement: Wizard Intelligence II
Enhancement: Wizard Intelligence III

-or-

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.00
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Level 16 True Neutral Elf Male
(2 Fighter \ 14 Wizard) 
Hit Points: 80
Spell Points: 841 
BAB: 9\9\14
Fortitude: 6
Reflex: 8
Will: 8

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Stats          Modified Stats
Abilities        (Level 1)             (Level 16)
Strength             12                    12
Dexterity            16                    18
Constitution          8                     8
Intelligence         18                    24
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma              8                     8

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 16)
Balance               5                     6
Bluff                -1                    -1
Concentration         3                    18
Diplomacy            -1                    -1
Disable Device        n/a                   n/a
Haggle               -1                    -1
Heal                 -1                    -1
Hide                  3                     4
Intimidate           -1                    -1
Jump                  3                    20
Listen               -1                     1
Move Silently         3                     4
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform              n/a                   n/a
Repair                4                     7
Search                4                     9
Spot                 -1                     1
Swim                  3                    20
Tumble                5                     9
Use Magic Device      1                     8

Level 1 (Wizard)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Concentration (+4)
Skill: Jump (+2)
Skill: Swim (+2)
Skill: Tumble (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Extend Spell
Feat: (Selected) Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Elven Keen Senses
Feat: (Automatic) Enchantment Save Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Immunity to Sleep
Feat: (Automatic) Inscribe Scroll
Feat: (Automatic) Magical Training
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Longbow
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Longsword
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Rapier
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortbow
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency: Club
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency: Dagger
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency: Heavy Crossbow
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency: Light Crossbow
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency: Quarterstaff
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency: Throwing Dagger
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency: Unarmed
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Spell (1): Nightshield
Spell (1): Protection From Evil
Spell (1): Shield
Spell (1): Burning Hands
Spell (1): Magic Missle
Spell (1): Niac's Cold Ray
Spell (1): Feather Fall
Spell (1): Expeditious Retreat


Level 2 (Fighter)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+2)
Skill: Swim (+2)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Finesse
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Heavy Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Tower Shield Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Trip


Level 3 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+2)
Skill: Swim (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge
Spell (1): Detect Secret Doors
Spell (1): Grease


Level 4 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: INT
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Swim (+1.5)
Spell (2): Blur
Spell (2): Fox's Cunning


Level 5 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Swim (+1.5)
Spell (2): Cat's Grace
Spell (2): Scorching Ray


Level 6 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Swim (+1.5)
Feat: (Selected) Combat Casting
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Empower Spell
Spell (3): Displacement
Spell (3): Haste


Level 7 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Swim (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (3): Fireball
Spell (3): Lightning Bolt


Level 8 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: INT
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Swim (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (4): Wall of Fire
Spell (4): Stoneskin


Level 9 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Swim (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Mobile Spellcasting
Spell (4): Force Missles
Spell (4): Fire Shield


Level 10 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Swim (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (5): Ball Lightning
Spell (5): Cone of Cold


Level 11 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Swim (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Maximize Spell
Spell (5): Hold Monster
Spell (5): Teleport


Level 12 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: INT
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Swim (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Piercing Weapons
Spell (6): Mass Cat's Grace
Spell (6): Mass Fox's Cunning


Level 13 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Swim (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (6): Tenser's Transformation
Spell (6): Chain Lightning


Level 14 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Swim (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (7): Delayed Blast Fireball
Spell (7): Mass Hold Person


Level 15 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Swim (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons
Spell (7): Finger of Death
Spell (7): Greater Teleport


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Swim (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity I
Enhancement: Elf Melee Attack I
Enhancement: Elf Melee Damage I
Enhancement: Wizard Improved Empowering I
Enhancement: Wizard Improved Empowering II
Enhancement: Wizard Improved Empowering III
Enhancement: Wizard Improved Maximizing I
Enhancement: Wizard Improved Maximizing II
Enhancement: Wizard Improved Maximizing III
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Energy I
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Energy II
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Elements I
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Elements II
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Deadly Energy I
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Deadly Energy II
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Deadly Elements I
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Deadly Elements II
Enhancement: Wizard Energy Manipulation I
Enhancement: Wizard Energy Manipulation II
Enhancement: Wizard Elemental Manipulation I
Enhancement: Wizard Elemental Manipulation II
Enhancement: Wizard Intelligence I
Enhancement: Wizard Intelligence II
Enhancement: Wizard Intelligence III

So... which would you guys say is better?

[MISchef]

I think your HP and saves are a little low for endgame.

[jboyd158]

What would you suggest to get higher saves? Maybe make this guys a Pally/Sorc?

[MISchef]

If you are new to the game, you might want to copy another build that is similar and already tested by others. If you haven't already unlocked the Drow race, you might want to do that with another character and that would give you time to test stuff out and see what you want your toon to be able to do.

[jboyd158]

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.00
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The Arcane Crusader
Level 16 Lawful Good Human Male
(4 Paladin \ 2 Monk \ 10 Sorcerer) 
Hit Points: 163
Spell Points: 856 
BAB: 10\10\15\20
Fortitude: 18
Reflex: 20
Will: 27

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Stats          Modified Stats
Abilities        (Level 1)             (Level 16)
Strength              8                     8
Dexterity            16                    18
Constitution          8                     8
Intelligence          8                     8
Wisdom               10                    12
Charisma             18                    24

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 16)
Balance               3                     4
Bluff                 4                     7
Concentration         3                    22
Diplomacy             4                     7
Disable Device       n/a                   n/a
Haggle                4                     7
Heal                  0                     1
Hide                  3                     4
Intimidate            4                     7
Jump                 -1                    -1
Listen                0                     1
Move Silently         3                     4
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair               -1                    -1
Search               -1                    -1
Spot                  0                     1
Swim                 -1                    -1
Tumble                n/a                   9
Use Magic Device      6                    16

Level 1 (Paladin)
Skill: Concentration (+4)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)
Feat: (Human Bonus) Dodge
Feat: (Selected) Force of Personality
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Aura of Good
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Heavy Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Smite Evil
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Trip


Level 2 (Paladin)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Automatic) Divine Grace
Feat: (Automatic) Lay on Hands


Level 3 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Toughness
Feat: (Selected) Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Kama
Feat: (Automatic) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Shuriken
Feat: (Automatic) Finishing Moves
Feat: (Automatic) Flurry of Blows
Feat: (Automatic) Ki Strike: Damage
Feat: (Automatic) Unarmed Strike


Level 4 (Monk)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+3)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Weapon Finesse
Feat: (Automatic) Evasion
Feat: (Automatic) Meditation


Level 5 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Automatic) Magical Training
Spell (1): Nightshield
Spell (1): Shield


Level 6 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell
Spell (1): Expeditious Retreat


Level 7 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (1): Feather Fall


Level 8 (Sorcerer)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (2): Eagle's Spendor


Level 9 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell
Spell (2): Cat's Grace


Level 10 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (3): Displacement


Level 11 (Paladin)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Automatic) Aura of Courage
Feat: (Automatic) Divine Health
Feat: (Automatic) Fear Immunity


Level 12 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons
Spell (1): Bless
Spell (1): Cure Light Wounds
Spell (1): Divine Favor
Spell (1): Lesser Restoration
Spell (1): Lionheart
Spell (1): Protection From Evil
Spell (1): Resistance
Spell (1): Seek Eternal Rest
Spell (1): Virtue


Level 13 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (3): Haste
Spell (2): Invisibility


Level 14 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (4): Fire Shield


Level 15 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Spell (4): Stoneskin
Spell (3): Heroism
Spell (2): Owl's Wisdom


Level 16 (Sorcerer)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (5): Protection From Elements
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Dexterity I
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Wisdom II
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery II
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery III
Enhancement: Sorcerer Improved Maximizing I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Improved Maximizing II
Enhancement: Sorcerer Improved Maximizing III
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortiose I
Enhancement: Disciple of Breezes
Enhancement: Paladin Courage of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Bulwark of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Focus of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Resistance of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Lay on Hands I
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil I
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil II
Enhancement: Paladin Item Defense I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Sorcerer Concentration I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Concentration II
Enhancement: Sorcerer Charisma I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Charisma II
Enhancement: Sorcerer Charisma III
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom I
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness I
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness II

What do you think now?

[Ghoste]

A front line tank with 8 con...

At end game, the pure casters are going to make you look squishy.

[jboyd158]

A front line tank with 8 con...

At end game, the pure casters are going to make you look squishy.

I'm not making a tank, I just am trying for a combat caster, and hopefully AC + Displacement will be enough. If not, that is what Lay on Hands is for.

I have a feeling with end game gear (Icy Raiment and such) could total somewhere around 40-50 AC. That and displacement give the the feeling I shouldn't die too fast.

[MISchef]

What do I think?

1) The feeding frenzy is about to start.

2) I really think looking at somebody else's build will help to get you off to a good start in DDO. Granted everyone wants to create their own uber toon, copying a build and unlocking Drow ASAP will give you more options.

163 HP for a TWF melee character at endgame even with displacement probably means insta-kill. If you are counting on AC, you probably need it to be over 60 from what I have gathered from other posts.

[jboyd158]

Thanks for the input MISchef and Ghoste. I'm gonna take a few days to look into this and figure something out. Peace be to you both. (Now if only they added the Ascetic Mage feat...)

[Ghoste]

I'm not making a tank, I just am trying for a combat caster, and hopefully AC + Displacement will be enough. If not, that is what Lay on Hands is for.

I have a feeling with end game gear (Icy Raiment and such) could total somewhere around 40-50 AC. That and displacement give the the feeling I shouldn't die too fast.

End game? Keep in mind that end game gear can take a while to accumulate. Plus at end game 40-50 ac will mean nothing. And by tank, I should have said melee. I know you're not planning on trying to absorb as much agro as you can, but 8 con is still gonna get you killed a lot. And yes, displacement will help. Being a dex build will help you avoid a lot of agro too. No matter how you spin it though, 8 con is unwise.

[oberon131313]

I have a warforged "spellsword." I consider it my main character, as it is by far the most fun for me to play. I started with a lower than normal int, planning that I would use my spells for buffs and damage, and less for debuffs and CC and such like that. My build is frighteningly close to the Arcane Psycho build, though I didn't know it at all at the time that I made the toon.

With full raid buffs I should be able to hit 65AC (working on this now), and I'm currently sitting at over 310 HPs (without a shroud HP item, and I'll actually get more with the Minos change). If you play it more like you would play a spellsword and less like a wizard, it works really really well (save those times that you actually need the CC and such).

My build is 15wiz/1ftr.
starting stats:
str 17
dex 12
con 18
int 13
wis 6
cha 6

Level ups went into strength. Enhancements went to int and con and toughness.
My feats are:

Wiz feats:
extend spell
empower Spell
Maximize Spell
Quicken Spell

Fighter feat: CE

Mith body (until i get the 7 finger gloves, then addy body)
Toughness
Exotic Weapon: Khopesh
Mental Toughness
Improved Mental Toughness
Improved Crit: slashing

Just gotta make sure you damage spells at higher levels are the ones with no save (firewall, polar ray, etc)

[die]

sorry a neg.. con is just asking for trouble.. displacment or not what about true seeing which most high lv toons have .. well any way i love building toons also but a 8 con way too low you will get raped by a kobold let alone a gnoll~.. good luck and happy hunting

[Guildmaster_Kadish]

A front line tank with 8 con...

At end game, the pure casters are going to make you look squishy.

Having tanked Harry with my 14/2 sorc/pally, who started with 6 con, I can attest to the fact that hitpoints aren't actually quite as important as people tend to think. That being said, if you do have so few hitpoints, it is critical that you manage your position and aggro effectively to avoid monsters' attacks (i.e. you need to jump around a lot in order to stay in melee for any great length), and have some good AC to boot. With low 50s AC and displacement, I find that trash mobs aren't an issue, but I need to be extra careful and have raid buffs to melee the big bosses without being a mana sponge.

Before you get too confident about 8 con being fine, however, I will tell you that, were I to reroll my battlesorc, I would increase his con to 12ish. (My stats were 17/15/6/10/8/18 as a drow, reroll stats off the top of my head would be more like 16/12/12/10/8/18.) Having low amounts of hitpoints, simply put, is a pain in the butt. It is almost always worthwhile to spend 4-6 points into con.

Also: for any sort of melee/caster, you have to realize that healers don't like to heal you. It is invariably a good idea to have a way to heal yourself effectively. For this reason, I would highly suggest that melee/casters be either warforged wizard (14/2 wiz/rog can work well, I'm sure you can find some references to that sort of build) for self-repairs or be pally/sorc with high UMD for heal scrolls.

Hope this helped. All of this is, of course, merely my own opinion from my own experiences. If you'd like any other tips on building/playing a melee/caster, feel free to PM me.

Best of luck,
GK

[Noctus]

Some general tips for Spellsword creation:

- Invest at least 6 Buildpoints into CON, so you get it to 14 pre-race. Also take the Thoughness feat and the corresponding racial enhancements. Your HP are on the lower end by the nature of your classes, so beter work on the single most important weak point this kind of build has. Low HP.

- There are 2 ways in which to build a Spellsword. On is as a Caster who also melees; capable of efficient Crowd Control. The other as a Melee who also has a nice arsenal of Spells at his disposal; not capable of efficient Crowd Control.
Trying to accomplish both at the same time will leave you stranded between the stools, not capable of doing either. A Spellsword is a versatility-build by nature, but you have to decide in which aspect you want to be capable, good melee fighting or being able to drop spells which rely on DCs.

- The Warforged race is naturally geared to this kind of build. It has many great synergies, most important being Selfhealing through repairspells.

- Forget about AC on this kind of builds. So not worth investing. A good defence is the Evasion ability. As well as Displacement and Stoneskin. But you still need the HP to take some heat. There are monsters who hit for 40-50 a swing, so DR 10 isnt as good as it is at level ~9. As well as many who see through Displacement.

- A spellcasting melee Fighter has proven to very good as a Warforged 2 Monk / 2 Paladin / 12 Sorcerer. Using spells to support his melee capabilities and to buff the group, as well as Selfhealing and dropping occasionally non-save spells. Wielding a big 2-handed weapon. While being nearly indestructible as long as he has spellpoints left:
Strength 16 (all level ups here)
Dexterity 8
Constitution 16
Intelligence 10
Wisdom 6
Charisma 14

- A Wizard who can participate in melee, while retaining most spellcasting power. Warforged Wizard 14 / Rogue 2. Using Master´s Touch to become proficient in 2-handed Weapons to whack crowd controlled monsters, as well as to kill weaker monsters without having to resort to spells.
Strength 14
Dexterity 8
Constitution 16
Intelligence 18 (all level ups here)
Wisdom 6
Charisma 6