Big Rock Candy the Mountain (Warforged 18f/2rog Evasion Stalwart Defender)

[emptysands]

Hello,
thank you for posting this build, it looks really great. I just rolled him, almost level 5 :-)
My question is - Are there any videos (youtube etc.) of tanking raids? Im quite new to the game (4 months, i have FvS capped) and completely new to tanking, so i would like to see how to tank different raids.

Check out MrWizard.

[Anthios888]

Maybe if I added some loud music it would be exciting. But for the most part, it involves standing in one place... building aggro... maybe intimidating every 6 seconds. It gets really exciting when I tumble from side to side and reposition the boss!

Not video-worthy... but it works.

[emptysands]

FEATS
Selected feats:

• 1 - Mithral body
• 3 - Toughness
• 6 - Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Khopesh
• 9 - Skill focus: Intimidate
• 12 - Oversized Two weapon Fighting
• 15 - Bullheaded
• 18 - Two Weapon Defense

Fighter Feats:

• 2 fighter - Two weapon fighting
• 3 fighter - Weapon focus: Slashing
• 5 fighter - Weapon specialization: Slashing
• 7 fighter - Improved two weapon fighting
• 10 fighter - Improved critical: slashing
• 12 fighter - Greater two weapon fighting
• 14 fighter - Power Attack
• 16 fighter - Combat Expertise
• 18 fighter - Dodge
• 20 fighter - Greater weapon specialization: Slashing

Another point on the above, Stalwart Defender I requires: "any one of: Shield Mastery, Combat Expertise, Diehard, Dodge, or Least Dragonmark of Sentinel."

Dodge or Combat Expertise will need to be taken at level 7.

[Anthios888]

Good call. Remember that I leveled before mod 9.

To be honest, I'd probably level up as a Kensei if I had good enough equipment and th feats matched, and then change to Stalwart Defender later on. Leveling with the movement penalty blows.

[Blank_Zero]

i currently have what's commonly known as a Monster, but i went human with it and am now looking at TRing to a WF next life. my question is this: what is the dps of this build in comparison? i like tanking, but i seem to do better with straight damage and was wondering if there was any point going this route? or is the dps looking subpar?

still a cool idea though. =D

[Anthios888]

i currently have what's commonly known as a Monster, but i went human with it and am now looking at TRing to a WF next life. my question is this: what is the dps of this build in comparison? i like tanking, but i seem to do better with straight damage and was wondering if there was any point going this route? or is the dps looking subpar?

still a cool idea though. =D

Let me be honest with you. My DPS is gimped in comparison to a real DPS tank. Your monster will do better on that front.

What this RockCandy build does really well is hate tank (DPS tank), intimidate, and survive. Other builds that accomplish these things have less DPS than I can provide with dual khopeshes and fighter haste boost and fighter slashing specialization feats. But because of the extra hate, intimidate, and AC, I can keep aggro off of your higher-dps tank and let you sneak attack, while I absorb the damage and still put out enough DPS on my own to justify my spot in a raid party.

[Blank_Zero]

Let me be honest with you. My DPS is gimped in comparison to a real DPS tank. Your monster will do better on that front.

What this RockCandy build does really well is hate tank (DPS tank), intimidate, and survive. Other builds that accomplish these things have less DPS than I can provide with dual khopeshes and fighter haste boost and fighter slashing specialization feats. But because of the extra hate, intimidate, and AC, I can keep aggro off of your higher-dps tank and let you sneak attack, while I absorb the damage and still put out enough DPS on my own to justify my spot in a raid party.

awesome! what server do you play? I like having someone who can hold aggro since my dps seems to grab hate like nobody's business =P

[Anthios888]

awesome! what server do you play? I like having someone who can hold aggro since my dps seems to grab hate like nobody's business =P

GHALLANDA FOR THE WIN, BABY! Best drama of any server, no contest.

[Blank_Zero]

GHALLANDA FOR THE WIN, BABY! Best drama of any server, no contest.

awww, laaaaaame!!! come to Khyber and run with the besr newbs ever! =D

[Anthios888]

awww, laaaaaame!!! come to Khyber and run with the besr newbs ever! =D

It's not too late for you to request a server transfer. But for me, it is too late, as I am deeply embedded in all the intrigue and excitement that is GHALLANDA.

[emptysands]

Let me be honest with you. My DPS is gimped in comparison to a real DPS tank. Your monster will do better on that front.

What this RockCandy build does really well is hate tank (DPS tank), intimidate, and survive. Other builds that accomplish these things have less DPS than I can provide with dual khopeshes and fighter haste boost and fighter slashing specialization feats. But because of the extra hate, intimidate, and AC, I can keep aggro off of your higher-dps tank and let you sneak attack, while I absorb the damage and still put out enough DPS on my own to justify my spot in a raid party.

I've been leveling a slight variance of this build on Khyber at the moment. What I've noticed at level 13: disable traps and open locks is actually very handy - but search usually lets the side down. With a +5 pure good khopesh usually crit at about 90. My dwarf tempest took down giants in GH much faster, although he did have a bloodstone. Without spending much time looking for AC items can hit 41 AC with haste and bark+3 in TWF mode.

I've also thought about switching to Kensei to see if that makes leveling easier.

Here is the build I'm working on at the moment. SF: UMD, Bullheaded or FoP could be switched out depending on the balance of the build for Mithral Fluidity, OTWF, TWD or Stunning Blow.

STR 15+5(lvl)+2(fighter)+2(tome)+6(item)=30 +4(stance) +2(exceptional) = 36 +1(epic) +1(exceptional)+2(+4tome) = 40STR
DEX 16+1(rogue)+2(tome)+6(item)=25+1(epic)+2(exception al)=28
CON 16+2(wf)+2(tome)+6(item)=26+4(stance)=30
CHA 11+2(tome)+6(item)+1(epic)=20

F18 11/6/6
Rog2 0/3/0
Tot 11/9/6
CON26 8/0/0
DEX26 0/8/0
CHA20+FOP 0/0/5
= 19/17/11
resist 5/5/5
GH 4/4/4
Bull 0/0/1
stance 3/3/3
total: 31/29/24

With the build below there are 5 spare AP points. These might be used on Power Attack and Sneak Attack boost or Toughness IV.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.34
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Varzin Will v2
Level 20 True Neutral Warforged Male
(18 Fighter \ 2 Rogue) 
Hit Points: 394
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 16
Reflex: 13
Will: 8

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             15                    24
Dexterity            16                    19
Constitution         16                    20
Intelligence         11                    13
Wisdom                6                     8
Charisma             11                    13

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 3
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 7
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 7

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               7                     6
Bluff                 0                     1
Concentration         3                     5
Diplomacy             0                     1
Disable Device        4                     5
Haggle                0                     1
Heal                 -2                    -1
Hide                  3                     2
Intimidate            4                    39
Jump                  6                     9
Listen               -2                    -1
Move Silently         3                     2
Open Lock             7                    14
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                0                     1
Search                4                     5
Spot                  1                     2
Swim                  2                     3
Tumble                4                     3
Use Magic Device      4                    27

Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Disable Device (+4)
Skill: Intimidate (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Open Lock (+4)
Skill: Search (+4)
Skill: Spot (+3)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Selected) Mithral Body


Level 2 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Weapon Fighting


Level 3 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Tower Shield Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Intimidate I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Warforged Constitution I
Enhancement: Warforged Healer's Friend I


Level 5 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Intimidate II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II


Level 6 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Use Magic Device
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II


Level 7 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Dodge
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender I


Level 8 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+6)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)
Enhancement: Rogue Dexterity I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II


Level 9 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Khopesh
Enhancement: Fighter Tower Shield Mastery II


Level 10 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Combat Expertise
Enhancement: Warforged Constitution II


Level 11 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Fighter Khopesh Specialization I
Enhancement: Fighter Intimidate III


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Intimidate
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Mastery II


Level 13 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost II


Level 14 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender II


Level 15 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Force of Personality
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Mastery III
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense II


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Racial Toughness III


Level 17 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III


Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Bullheaded
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Intimidate IV


Level 19 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost III


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Power Attack
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender III

[Blank_Zero]

It's not too late for you to request a server transfer. But for me, it is too late, as I am deeply embedded in all the intrigue and excitement that is GHALLANDA.

Didn't know yo could do that =P

I'd look into it, but everyone I run with is on Khyber already... and that's a LOT of people... my build makes friends REALLY quick when I start pulling boss aggro from main tanks w/o any GS ANYTHING lol =)

[roakylamu]

I've been doing some bored downtime mulling, and think you can get the same AC or intim by dropping the ruby gloves, utilizing the 2nd epic slot on the kundarak shield and swapping a feat - this requires a fighter pastlife though.

This could be all wrong and have downsides I'm not seeing as I'm not a build or gear expert by any means

DPS mode

Dex 16 base +3 tome +1 enh +1 lotd +7 epic spectral = 28

Tank mode

Dex 16 base +3 tome +1 enh +1 lotd +7 epic spectral +2 exc (stalwart ring) = 30

Swap Bullheaded for fighter pastlife: intim stays the same, +1 dex bonus gets you to max in dps mode (could also swap 2 weapon defence instead of bullheaded, think this keeps ac same in dps mode, or may mean -1ac)
Kundarak warding shield, blue slot, purple slot - use the blue slot to make the shield +7 and use the purple slot to add +2 dex bonus to utilise the exceptional on the stalwart ring.

Other benefits: You only need 1 DT docent, +5 resist/+20% healing amp/+3 dodge. This gives you the healing amp in tank mode, you're also on 30 dex with the DoD on in tank mode if the dr is gonna do you more good than the extra 3ac. You keep the +4 to hit from the epic spectrals in tank mode
Downsides: lose +1 will save from dropping bullheaded, the +1 exc con on the gloves is a wasted slot when the stalwart ring is equipped.

[Anthios888]

...In the Big Rock Candy Mountains you're going on a holiday
Your birthday comes around once a week and it’s Christmas every day
You never have to clean your room or put your toys away
There's a little white horse you can ride of course
You can jump so high you can touch the sky
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains....

Thanks for the insightful reply.

I had come to about the same conclusion because I'm fairly sure epic +2 max dex bonus augments will not work for me as a warforged and because I think the costs of fitting it in outweigh the benefits. I'm not fully convinced that the rune will work, as the shield itself has no max dex bonus to begin with. Several people have convinced me that you cannot slot runes that do not mesh with the item (whether it be the shield, a docent without a max dex to begin with, a shining crest of st. markus, or a ruby-encrusted gauntlets. So, I have changed my focus on this. Please prove me wrong on putting +2 MDB on things, as I have not tested myself!

Losing the +2 max dex bonus is not that big of a deal, as RockCandy already had the ability to hit 30 dexterity before epic was ever released (congratulations to me for finally getting the Litany of the Dead last night on Abbot #40) So, I'm going back and using epic spectral gloves and spending the 2 feats on mithral fluidity. The +2 stacking to-hit from using those instead of Ruby Encrusted Gauntlets is like a free oversized two weapon fighting feat, anyway.

Rather than slot the shield with +2 max dex bonus, I prefer luck +2 because of how often I use intimidate, UMD, and my saves. It's hard to fit it in this build without pushing you back to helmet or gloves to fit it back in. At least the way I play this character, I need more intimidate, not less -- that's one of the last nice upgrades for me at this point, and not something I can get from feats unless I reroll.

If you have past life fighter, which I do not (and would obviously take if I had it, as it's perfect for this build), you should find a way to take both past life: fighter and bullheaded. Very worth it, especially for intimidating the demon queen on epic (and probably future raid bosses).

Another upgrade to consider is the red dragonscale docent. With the additional reinforced plating, it makes a very nic AC choice for this build. Now, it's not going to gain me much unless I swap out my set bonus and/or ring of the silver concord for a chattering ring, but it does give me the same while adding on other effects. Simply slot in the +1 exceptional dex or whatever other stat you're missing and it's as good as DT.

Finally, I wouldn't discount the Destruction docent if you can manage one, as this stacks with everything and helps your whole party. I use mine every time I play this character. You will appreciate every little bit of to-hit you can squeeze out.

So, here's what we're looking at my build (also viewable on myddo).

Tank mode:

• Dragontouched docent with 3 dodge
• Kundarak Warding Shield (slotted with +1 ac, +2 luck)
• Red Dragonscale Docent (slotted with +1 exceptional dex, +1 ac)
• Chaosguardes
• Greensteel goggles (+6 cha skills)
• Epic Helm of the Mroranon (slotted with +4 resist)
• Stalwart Necklace
• Litany of the Dead
• Greensteel Cloak (Corrosive Salt, 45 HP)
• Epic Belt of the Mroranon (slotted with Greater False Life)
• Epic Spectral Gloves (+4 resist)
• Epic Ring of the Silver Concord
• Stalwart Ring (Cinder's Band) w/ 2 dex
• Misc. boots - madstone, firestorm greaves, etc

IntimiTank (epic)

• Greensteel Khopesh with 30% healing amplification
• Dragontouched Destruction Docent, Docent of Defiance, or Red Dragonscale Docent
• Kundarak Warding Shield (slotted with +1 ac, +2 luck)
• Levik's Bracers, Bracers of the Glacier, or Bracers of the Demon's Consort
• Greensteel goggles (+6 cha skills)
• Epic Helm of the Mroranon (slotted with +1 cha or +1 dex)
• Finger Necklace or Stalwart Necklace
• Litany of the Dead
• Greensteel Cloak (Corrosive Salt, 45 HP)
• Epic Belt of the Mroranon (slotted with Greater False Life)
• Epic Spectral Gloves (+4 resist)
• Misc boots - generally madstone or firestorm greaves
• Epic Ring of the Silver Concord (slotted with +1 cha or +1 dex if needed)
• Misc. ToD ring with 20% healing amplification, or Shintao ring, or Cinder's band
• Misc. boots - madstone, firestorm greaves, etc

DPS

• Lightning II khopeshes with blast, or Mineral II with insight 4 and Positive with 30% amp, or whatever
• Red Dragon docent or Dragontouched with Destruction (if needed)
• Epic Bracers of the Hunter
• Mentau's Goggles
• Epic Helm of the Mroranon
• Shintao Cord
• Litany of the Dead
• Greensteel Cloak (Corrosive Salt, 45 HP)
• Belt of the Mroranon
• Epic Spectral Gloves
• Epic Ring of the Silver Concord
• Shintao Ring with +2 str
• Misc. boots - generally madstone or epic golden greaves

Endgame feats

Selected feats:

• 1 - Mithral body
• 3 - Toughness
• 6 - Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Khopesh
• 9 - Skill focus: Intimidate
• 12 - Mithral Body
• 15 - Bullheaded
• 18 - Two Weapon Defense

Fighter Feats:

• 2 fighter - Two weapon fighting
• 3 fighter - Weapon focus: Slashing
• 5 fighter - Weapon specialization: Slashing
• 7 fighter - Improved two weapon fighting
• 10 fighter - Improved critical: slashing
• 12 fighter - Greater two weapon fighting
• 14 fighter - Power Attack
• 16 fighter - Combat Expertise
• 18 fighter - Dodge
• 20 fighter - Greater weapon specialization: Slashing

[roakylamu]

Nice idea on the dragon docent, 16 scales to go And yeah luck on the shield makes much more sense.

[Musashiclaw]

How does this build look with the changes to TWF? Should you save the feats and go THF?

[Anthios888]

How does this build look with the changes to TWF? Should you save the feats and go THF?

We need much more concrete numbers than what Eladrin has given us. I am open-minded to change this build to 2hf based on more thorough testing on Lammania and live. I might consider an epic sword of shadows setup for my dps mode if it turns out to be more DPS, because the extra to-hit would be nice, anyway (even though I have passed swords up...). As it stands, two weapon fighting holds an advantage for this build.

[Musashiclaw]

I am holding out as well. I love my Monster build and want to build a Tank next but am holding out til I see what changes will happen. OR i might just level this guy up to 20 and TR him.

[Buru2112]

With the patch coming and the nerfs to TWF, what are your thoughts about applying this general build to THF and tweaking the feats a bit? I can't remember if this was addressed earlier in the thread as I read it several days ago.

[Anthios888]

Two weapon fighting still comes out on top of two-handed fighting. That doesn't mean a 2HF version couldn't be fun, but if you're doing it because of the anxiety about Update 5, that's the wrong reason.