YABM - Yet Another Battle Mage

[Gol]

I have gotten my guy up to level 8ish so far. Should be level 12 or so by end of weekend.

Questions:
What equipment do you wear in the mean time?
Docent?
Do you use a shield?
Do you play mostly as a caster because i feel a bit squishy right now yet the self healing is nice.

- Best +stat gear I can find. I focused on Str and Con. Use a big Axe or Falchion (two-handers) at least until you get Improved TWF. Minos Legens at 11, of course. Dusk Heart at 9 for Improved False Life. Your 2 primary equipment goals are Strength and Hit Points.
- Fearsome is good 6-10ish. I switched to a Docent of Quickening at 12.
- Never. Displacement + max DPS = minimized incoming damage.
- Occasionally I'd firewall at that level, but twitch melee reigns supreme until Gianthold at least.

[prototype327]

What do you think about 2x chaosblades? if i can get enough umd for them do you think its a usable item for this build? the neg level is only applied once for the 2 blades so its not too big of a penalty

[oweieie]

- Occasionally I'd firewall at that level, but twitch melee reigns supreme until Gianthold at least.

Firewall reigns supreme until after gianthold as gianthold mobs have the HPs of tissue paper.

[Noctus]

Just wanted to say that Paradime (this build) is one of the competent Battlewizards around. Excellent guy to have in your groups.

When i grouped with him the 1st time i was very skeptical about the leader accepting one of "those", as 99% of the time its build and played by a confused newbie, and performes accordingly.

Boy was i positively surprised when i actually met a 1%er.

[lord_of_rage]

It's not about making a fair comparison, it's for determining what's optimal for the build.

Damage from ToD rings are added only for the monk since there is no equivalent for the khopesh.

So you admit you are biasing your math that is inaccurate to begin with on handwraps. You did the same thing in another thread and got called out.

Gol this is a killer build brother Im impressed. I already suffer from altitis and now you have to put this up to further confound the issue. Doh.

[Gol]

What do you think about 2x chaosblades? if i can get enough umd for them do you think its a usable item for this build? the neg level is only applied once for the 2 blades so its not too big of a penalty

If you don't mind the grind to make them epic, absolutely. There are other epic items I'm trying to grind out first and I don't have the UMD for them, so I'm personally not going to bother.

Firewall reigns supreme until after gianthold as gianthold mobs have the HPs of tissue paper.

Indeed. Mob AC in gianthold also spikes just like their +attack does, too, which makes firewall in gianthold an absolute easy button. There's no reason this build shouldn't be soloing Trial by Fire on elite in 7-8 minutes by level 12.

Just wanted to say that Paradime (this build) is one of the competent Battlewizards around. Excellent guy to have in your groups.

When i grouped with him the 1st time i was very skeptical about the leader accepting one of "those", as 99% of the time its build and played by a confused newbie, and performes accordingly.

Boy was i positively surprised when i actually met a 1%er.

So you admit you are biasing your math that is inaccurate to begin with on handwraps. You did the same thing in another thread and got called out.

Gol this is a killer build brother Im impressed. I already suffer from altitis and now you have to put this up to further confound the issue. Doh.

Thanks for the compliments

And btw, I finally finished my mineral 2 khopeshes (I've had the lightning strikes for a while but delayed getting these for some reason).

[prototype327]

thx for the reply gol. i've got 2 more questions, how does this build perform/what role does it play in epic content? (von 1-4, wiz king, tide etc) and for a 36 pt build do you think i should just bump con to 17?

[Gol]

thx for the reply gol. i've got 2 more questions, how does this build perform/what role does it play in epic content? (von 1-4, wiz king, tide etc) and for a 36 pt build do you think i should just bump con to 17?

I honestly haven't done a lot of epics aside from ADQ2 and VoN 6. I have 1 epic dungeon token from joining a group at the last fight of VoN 2 and that's it. In EADQ2, even with Divine Power up, I have trouble hitting the efreeti with melee. In EV6, I have Power Attack is on if we have a bard but off otherwise.

For 36 points, probably Con to 17, yeah. If you can bank a +3 dex tome from a prior life, you can push Con to 18 and drop Dex to 14 as well. I'm going to LR if I ever pull a +3/4 Dex tome, myself.

[Crazyfruit]

how does this build perform/what role does it play in epic content? (von 1-4, wiz king, tide etc)

I had a similar character, it works extremely well in them if you're a good player. You can even solo quite a few epics

[Musashiclaw]

Thank you for the equipment update. Its easy to see what you want end game but from level 8-16ish its tough to pick the best items for this build. Now i have some idea.

[Musashiclaw]

31 AC on this build. Is it really enough to stay alive tanking raid encounters?

I have had fun playing this build but at times I still feel squishy...
I will post my enhancements and items later to get some feedback.

[zealous]

So you admit you are biasing your math that is inaccurate to begin with on handwraps.

That unarmed can use ToD rings to boost damage is in some ways unfair, that's by the design of the devs though. Not accounting for it would be biased, if the calcs are inaccurate, pointing out the inaccuracies should be trivial.

You did the same thing in another thread and got called out.

Now what thread would that be?

Again, I respectfully request you stop posting about handwrap DPS on this thread.

I tried...

[Gol]

31 AC on this build. Is it really enough to stay alive tanking raid encounters?

I have had fun playing this build but at times I still feel squishy...
I will post my enhancements and items later to get some feedback.

AC is irrelevant to raid tanking, I'm not sure I understand your question...

I'm up to 578 unbuffed HP, but I've invested a lot into Con/HP items.

+3 Con Tome, +3 Exceptional Con, +2 Con Enhancements, +6 item
Superior False Life (40), Toughness (20), Shroud Crafted (45)

It all adds up, but I admit, you have to be willing to invest. Level 13-15 is where you feel it the most because you're still catching up on gear unless you're TRing.

[Retrodark]

Will you still keep your build as TWF once mod 5 comes out?

[Gol]

Will you still keep your build as TWF once mod 5 comes out?

At this point, I'm leaning towards "yes" for the gear I have. However, if I get an Epic Sword of Shadows and the Shintao Monk set that will likely tip the scales. I net +2 attack and +2 feats going to THF (drop Khopesh and OTWF) which is a direct translation to +44 HP via 2 more toughness feats. That would push me over the 600 mark unbuffed and 700 raged up. I'm itching at the chance to Tank Horoth on a Wizard.

But that's for my current gear. This build is more dependent on gear than most, and that may influence your decision. I've sunk 22 large devil scales into khopeshes for this guy and I'm hesitant to give them up. If you haven't made that investment yet, it's not as big of a deal for you to switch to THF. In the end, TWF does more damage if you hit on 2+ with Power Attack on. However, the build also definitely has issues with hitting stuff on elite endgame and epic content, especially with Power Attack on. At that point, the extra +7 attack (2 for not TWF, 5 for the weapon enhancement) for switching to an Epic SoS can start to make a lot of sense.

I guess it boils down to this: if you can't hit stuff with Power Attack on while TWF, and you have an Epic SoS, make the switch. I most likely will switch when I finish my Epic SoS and get my Shintao ToD set.

[Retrodark]

I sort of used yours as a model and started building it last night. I only got to lvl 6 b4 I couldn't keep my eyes open any more.

I realized today that I goofed up and need to re-roll. Can't get 2 levels of monk being chaotic good (doh!). Oh well, at least i didn't invest too much time (3 hours) yet.

Things I noticed that sort of bugged me at least at low levels.

I couldn't hit **** especially when dual wielding (I see now that you actually go THF until you get GTWF. I didn't realize this last night. I run out of sp pretty quick, so I started saving my sp for only buffs and heals. I have only played melee classes before, and I can see this build will take some adjusting.

As for the Khopesh and TWF, I started out using it and decided now that I just going to go with a 2hander, Falchion or something. Maybe I will just use my extra feats for more toughness as you suggest. I guess since I need to re-roll, I could just do Sorc, but I actually am still leaning towards the wizard. I think the extra feats and spell selection outweigh the sorc. benefits.

I may never see an epic SoS, as it seems like way too much time investment.

What is the +1 stat increase you show for litany (I it has anything to do with running Litany, I have not done that yet).

Thanks for the info.

[Gol]

I couldn't hit **** especially when dual wielding (I see now that you actually go THF until you get GTWF. I didn't realize this last night. I run out of sp pretty quick, so I started saving my sp for only buffs and heals. I have only played melee classes before, and I can see this build will take some adjusting.
...
What is the +1 stat increase you show for litany (I it has anything to do with running Litany, I have not done that yet).

Thanks for the info.

Yep, THF until ITWF, really, but the DPS isn't all that until you get GTWF.

Litany is a trinket you get from the Abbot raid that gives +1 attack, damage, and all stats and it stacks with everything.

[dccoh]

Hi all,

Not to hijack the thread from the OP, but I have come up with 32 pt THF WF Battlemage from DDO character planner and need some comments / advice.

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

Level 20 Chaotic Neutral Warforged Male
(2 Fighter \ 2 Rogue \ 16 Wizard) 
Hit Points: 280
Spell Points: 1120 
BAB: 11\11\16\21
Fortitude: 12
Reflex: 9
Will: 8

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats         Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)           (Level 20)
Strength             17                 22                   23
Dexterity            11                 11                   12
Constitution         16                 16                   18
Intelligence         16                 16                   18
Wisdom                6                  6                    6
Charisma              6                  6                    6

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills        Base Skills        Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 20)          (Level 20)
Balance               4                 20                   20
Bluff                -2                 -2                   -2
Concentration         5                 26                   26
Diplomacy            -2                 -2                   -2
Disable Device        n/a               n/a                   n/a
Haggle                2                  2                    2
Heal                 -2                 -2                   -2
Hide                  0                  1                    1
Intimidate            2                 17                   17
Jump                  7                 10                   10
Listen                2                  2                    2
Move Silently         4                  5                    5
Open Lock             4                  5                    5
Perform              n/a               n/a                   n/a
Repair                3                  4                    4
Search                3                  4                    4
Spot                  2                  2                    2
Swim                  3                  6                    6
Tumble                4                  5                    5
Use Magic Device      2                 21                   21

Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Concentration (+2)
Skill: Haggle (+4)
Skill: Intimidate (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Listen (+4)
Skill: Move Silently (+4)
Skill: Open Lock (+4)
Skill: Spot (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+4)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Composite Plating
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Light Fortification
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Rapier
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortsword
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortbow
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Trapfinding
Feat: (Automatic) Warforged Resistances
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training I


Level 2 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+3)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Extend Spell
Feat: (Automatic) Dismiss Charm
Feat: (Automatic) Inscribe Scroll
Feat: (Automatic) Magical Training
Enhancement: Wizard Elemental Manipulation I
Enhancement: Wizard Force Manipulation I
Enhancement: Wizard Energy of the Scholar I
Enhancement: Warforged Inscribed Armor I
Enhancement: Warforged Tactics I


Level 3 (Wizard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Trip
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Wizard Intelligence I
Enhancement: Warforged Constitution I


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+3)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Handed Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Heavy Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Tower Shield Proficiency
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Trip) I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Warforged Great Weapon Aptitude I


Level 5 (Wizard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Elements I


Level 6 (Wizard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Stunning Blow
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Stunning Blow) I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Wizard Elemental Manipulation II
Enhancement: Wizard Force Manipulation II


Level 7 (Wizard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Mental Toughness
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Deadly Elements I
Enhancement: Wizard Energy of the Scholar II


Level 8 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Wizard Intelligence II


Level 9 (Wizard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Elements II
Enhancement: Wizard Elemental Manipulation III


Level 10 (Wizard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Warforged Constitution II


Level 11 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+3)
Skill: Intimidate (+7)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Evasion
Enhancement: Rogue Dexterity I


Level 12 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Deadly Elements II
Enhancement: Warforged Tactics II


Level 13 (Wizard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Quicken Spell
Enhancement: Wizard Elemental Manipulation IV


Level 14 (Wizard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Elements III


Level 15 (Wizard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Wizard Force Manipulation III


Level 16 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Deadly Elements III


Level 17 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+3)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Racial Toughness III
Enhancement: Wizard Force Manipulation IV


Level 18 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Empower Spell
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Wizard Energy of the Scholar III


Level 19 (Wizard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+3)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I

Is this a viable 32pt build at end-game?

Gol or whomever feel free to answer this if you could please

If i wanted to do a 32 pt build like this, but substitute Rogue for Monk, Would I do the Monk levels at 1 & 11? And starting stats of the ones I listed below is fine? Thanks!


Starting
Strength 17
Dexterity 11
Constitution 16
Intelligence 16
Wisdom 6
Charisma 6

[Gol]

Gol or whomever feel free to answer this if you could please

If i wanted to do a 32 pt build like this, but substitute Rogue for Monk, Would I do the Monk levels at 1 & 11? And starting stats of the ones I listed below is fine? Thanks!


Starting
Strength 17
Dexterity 11
Constitution 16
Intelligence 16
Wisdom 6
Charisma 6

If you're splashing Monk, I'd recommend doing so at 13 and 14 (at 12, you should be Fighter 1 / Wizard 11). You want to get to reconstruction as soon as possible, and the primary reason to take Rogue at 1 is to max out your skill points.

With 11 Dex, you don't have the option of being a TWF build. Not necessarily a bad thing, but my build was geared towards being TWF. Otherwise, your stat distribution is fine. I'd personally opt for 18 Con and 14 starting Intel, though.

[dccoh]

If you're splashing Monk, I'd recommend doing so at 13 and 14 (at 12, you should be Fighter 1 / Wizard 11). You want to get to reconstruction as soon as possible, and the primary reason to take Rogue at 1 is to max out your skill points.

With 11 Dex, you don't have the option of being a TWF build. Not necessarily a bad thing, but my build was geared towards being TWF. Otherwise, your stat distribution is fine. I'd personally opt for 18 Con and 14 starting Intel, though.

Thank you for the quick response.

As you can see by my start date, you dont get much more noobish than me I spend alot of time in the forums, and enjoy the in-depth posts from veterans like yourself, even if i don't understand the game fully yet.

So, im working in the builder now, and working on the stats you suggested.

Fighter at level 1, then Wizard 2-12, Monk 13-14? Right so far? What about for 15-20, I'm assuming I need 1 more fighter level and then the rest Wizard.

I should point out, obviously this wont be any type of TR build. My highest character is like lvl 4, since Im rolling new types of characters to get a feel for different aspects of the game.

Thanks again!