TWF Elven Fighter

[Kinryu]

Here is my first build. Please take a moment to tell me what improvements you think are needed. I realize that an Elf as a fighter is far from ideal and that multi-classing might be more beneficial, but what I'm looking to do is make a pure elven fighter.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.0
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 Lawful Good Elf Male
(20 Fighter) 
Hit Points: 404
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 16
Reflex: 11
Will: 6

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             16                    26
Dexterity            16                    20
Constitution         16                    18
Intelligence          8                    10
Wisdom                8                    10
Charisma              8                    10

Tomes Used
+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               4                    16
Bluff                -1                     3
Concentration         3                     7
Diplomacy            -1                     3
Disable Device       n/a                    n/a
Haggle               -1                     0
Heal                 -1                     0
Hide                  3                     5
Intimidate           -1                     3
Jump                  3                    20
Listen               -1                     2
Move Silently         3                     5
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform              n/a                    n/a
Repair               -1                     0
Search               -1                     2
Spot                 -1                     2
Swim                  3                     8
Tumble                4                     6
Use Magic Device     n/a                    n/a

Level 1 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Valenar Elf Melee Damage I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 3 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II


Level 5 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Valenar Elf Melee Attack I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Power Critical
Enhancement: Kensei Scimitar Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I


Level 7 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II


Level 8 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Scimitar Specialization I


Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II


Level 10 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy III


Level 11 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Valenar Elf Melee Damage II
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei II


Level 13 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness IV


Level 14 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Weapon Defense
Enhancement: Kensei Scimitar Mastery II


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Fighter Strength III


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Superior Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity II


Level 17 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Valenar Elf Melee Attack II


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Quick Draw
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Stunning Blow
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei III
Enhancement: Fighter Scimitar Specialization II


Level 19 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost III
Enhancement: Kensei Scimitar Mastery III


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Weapon Alacrity
Enhancement: Elven Enchantment Resistance I
Enhancement: Elven Enchantment Resistance II

[Feithlin]

It looks fine. Here follow some propositions:
* For weapons, aiming khopesh would probably be more optimal than scimitar, even with the elven enhancements, but it should still be fine and buying them will cost you a lot less. You still have the possibility to change your mind at higher level by switching a feat for exotic weapon proficiency (try to keep the free feat exchange token for level 20).
* For feats, I wouldn't take Dodge and TWD if I were you, because it's likely you will hardly hit a significant AC at higher level. Another option, since you want to be an elf, could be to take the 2 first feats of the shadow dragonmark, that will give Invisibility and Displacement, two very usefull spells. This is more for flavor, as a long duration invis can be obtained via an amrath necklace and displacement clickies can be made from tier 2 greensteel items.
* You add +2 tomes at level 7 but it's likely you won't have them when reaching this level. The only real requirement for your build is to get a +1 dex tome asap, to get iTWF and gTWF (before level 6 if possible), unless you prefer to level with a falchion. If so, try to get Stunning blow at lower level, it will help you on your way to cap.
* For the feat order, in addition to what I said above, try to get IC: slashing ASAP (i.e. at level 8), especially if you use weapons with a high threat range (like scimitars or falchions).

I hope it will help.

[Sani_Medicor]

This is basically the same build, but with the feats taken in a different order...and khopesh at 20 for flexibility...although it could easily be taken sooner.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.0
DDO Character Planner Home Page
Level 20 Chaotic Good Elf Male
(20 Fighter) 
Hit Points: 384
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 15
Reflex: 9
Will: 7
                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats         Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)           (Level 20)
Strength             16                 21                   23
Dexterity            16                 17                   17
Constitution         16                 16                   16
Intelligence          8                  8                    8
Wisdom                8                  8                    8
Charisma              8                  8                    8
Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7

Level 1 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Weapon Fighting

Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting

Level 3 (Fighter)

Level 4 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons

Level 5 (Fighter)

Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons

Level 7 (Fighter)

Level 8 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons

Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Weapon Fighting

Level 10 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons

Level 11 (Fighter)

Level 12 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons

Level 13 (Fighter)

Level 14 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Stunning Blow

Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Iron Will

Level 16 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Superior Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons

Level 17 (Fighter)

Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Quick Draw
Feat: (Selected) Toughness

Level 19 (Fighter)

Level 20 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Khopesh
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Extra Action Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost IV
Enhancement: Fighter Weapon Alacrity
Enhancement: Elven Enchantment Resistance I
Enhancement: Elven Enchantment Resistance II
Enhancement: Valenar Elf Melee Attack I
Enhancement: Valenar Elf Melee Attack II
Enhancement: Valenar Elf Melee Damage I
Enhancement: Valenar Elf Melee Damage II
Enhancement: Kensei Scimitar Mastery I
Enhancement: Kensei Scimitar Mastery II
Enhancement: Kensei Scimitar Mastery III
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy III
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei II
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei III
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Stunning Blow) I
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Stunning Blow) II
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Stunning Blow) III
Enhancement: Fighter Scimitar Specialization I
Enhancement: Fighter Scimitar Specialization II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness IV

[unbongwah]

I'd prefer to start 18 / 16 / 14 / 8 / 8 / 8; if you're going pure Kensai, might as well go for max DPS, IMHO.

Dodge, Power Crit, and TWD are weak feats; I'd drop `em. OTOH, Imp Crit should be taken ASAP IMHO; bump it up to lvl 8 and bump GWF back to lvl 14 (really only need it for SWF, which can't be taken until ftr 16). You might also want to move up Quick Draw and/or Stunning Blow; QD reduces the delay on Haste Boost and SB is, well, SB. Any chance you can take a +1 DEX tome early on so you can take ITWF at lvl 6?

You might want to take the first two Dragonmarks; being able to self-Displace by lvl 6 is kinda sweet and helps make up for an elf's lower HPs than other races.

Scimitars (or falchions for that matter) are fine while leveling, but you might want to switch to khopesh when you get around to crafting greensteels. Apart from being higher DPS, it would let you drop the Valenar enhs and replace them with something else.

Finally, even if you don't want to Intimitank, I would consider going for max Intim; it can be helpful when you need to peel aggro off, say, the party healers. Keep them alive to help keep you alive.

[Yaga_Nub]

This is basically the same build, but with the feats taken in a different order...and khopesh at 20 for flexibility...although it could easily be taken sooner.
....

You definitely want to take Toughness at 1st level. It opens up the Fighter and Racial Toughness Feats.

I have an elven Kensai that uses Long Swords. It's not "optimal" but with GS Long Swords and just the +2 elven damage enhancements he does pretty well. As I've been leveling him I've even had a few TR bards comment on his damage output. I like taking the Aerenal elf enhancements for those few times that a critter has slashing DR and to add a little damage when I'm using Banishing rapiers. Also I don't feel that the Kensai are pressed for AP so using 6 of them for the +2 to damage works for me. It might not for others.

Feats were take in something like this order (he's just level 13):

1 Toughness/WF:Slashing
2 TWF
3 Dodge
4 WS:Slashing
6 ITWF/PA
8 IC:Slashing
9 GWF:Slashing
10 Mobility
12 GWS:Slashing/GTWF

[andbr22]

Problem:
- Some usless feats taken (mentioned earlier)
- x2 Crit weapons scales poor with Kensai III (all elven weapons of choise).
- Definitly positive is that scimitars are realy nice weapons and during leveling (before you get your GS) they are much cheaper than Kops (or Rapiers).

[Kinryu]

It looks fine. Here follow some propositions:
* For weapons, aiming khopesh would probably be more optimal than scimitar, even with the elven enhancements, but it should still be fine and buying them will cost you a lot less. You still have the possibility to change your mind at higher level by switching a feat for exotic weapon proficiency (try to keep the free feat exchange token for level 20).
* For feats, I wouldn't take Dodge and TWD if I were you, because it's likely you will hardly hit a significant AC at higher level. Another option, since you want to be an elf, could be to take the 2 first feats of the shadow dragonmark, that will give Invisibility and Displacement, two very usefull spells. This is more for flavor, as a long duration invis can be obtained via an amrath necklace and displacement clickies can be made from tier 2 greensteel items.
* You add +2 tomes at level 7 but it's likely you won't have them when reaching this level. The only real requirement for your build is to get a +1 dex tome asap, to get iTWF and gTWF (before level 6 if possible), unless you prefer to level with a falchion. If so, try to get Stunning blow at lower level, it will help you on your way to cap.
* For the feat order, in addition to what I said above, try to get IC: slashing ASAP (i.e. at level 8), especially if you use weapons with a high threat range (like scimitars or falchions).

I hope it will help.

Thanks for the feedback. I considered khopesh, but opted for scimitars for the reason that I won't be giving this character "hand-me-downs" or coin from other characters. I figured scimitars might be more cost friendly for me. Perhaps at higher levels I can switch out like you recommended.
I was thinking of using the Drangonmarks and I might change it to that. I picked Dodge and TWD for lack of anything else.
The tomes more or less would be from the DDO store, but perhaps altering my stats slightly so that all I need is the +1 Dex tome for GTWF might be better.
It seems to be a consensus to get IC: slashing earlier, and I think everyone's right. I'll re-work my feats so that I get that much sooner.

I appreciate the advice!

[Kinryu]

This is basically the same build, but with the feats taken in a different order...and khopesh at 20 for flexibility...although it could easily be taken sooner.

Thanks for that build. I'll take a look at it and use it to tweak some of my feats and whatnot.

[Kinryu]

I'd prefer to start 18 / 16 / 14 / 8 / 8 / 8; if you're going pure Kensai, might as well go for max DPS, IMHO.

Dodge, Power Crit, and TWD are weak feats; I'd drop `em. OTOH, Imp Crit should be taken ASAP IMHO; bump it up to lvl 8 and bump GWF back to lvl 14 (really only need it for SWF, which can't be taken until ftr 16). You might also want to move up Quick Draw and/or Stunning Blow; QD reduces the delay on Haste Boost and SB is, well, SB. Any chance you can take a +1 DEX tome early on so you can take ITWF at lvl 6?

You might want to take the first two Dragonmarks; being able to self-Displace by lvl 6 is kinda sweet and helps make up for an elf's lower HPs than other races.

Scimitars (or falchions for that matter) are fine while leveling, but you might want to switch to khopesh when you get around to crafting greensteels. Apart from being higher DPS, it would let you drop the Valenar enhs and replace them with something else.

Finally, even if you don't want to Intimitank, I would consider going for max Intim; it can be helpful when you need to peel aggro off, say, the party healers. Keep them alive to help keep you alive.

Good ideas there, thanks. From what I've read so far, it looks like I should adjust some of the order of my feat selection. (this is why I'm happy to get the responses) For this being essentially the same as a "new server character" is the additional coin cost for khopesh still worthwhile to take it at higher levels? If not for the cost, I would go khopesh.

[Sani_Medicor]

Good ideas there, thanks. From what I've read so far, it looks like I should adjust some of the order of my feat selection. (this is why I'm happy to get the responses) For this being essentially the same as a "new server character" is the additional coin cost for khopesh still worthwhile to take it at higher levels? If not for the cost, I would go khopesh.

Take a look at your server auction house, but I'm guessing scimitars won't be easy to find. I always make a dwarf on a new server, because dwarven axes are cheap, easy to find, and do great damage with the dwarven enhancements. I also always make a character that can cast expeditious retreat though, to make the low level quests go that much faster. Just a thought.

[Yaga_Nub]

I would forgo the Stunning Blow feat if you were thinking about it. You really won't get as much mileage out of it as you think you will. Until they put +Stunning 10 on a longsword you just don't have a lot of time to switch weapons back and forth even with quickdraw. You should look to go with Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack so that you don't get a minus to your attack rolls while moving (DDO is active combat after all), or get the first two tiers of Elven DMs because self casting displacement is a tasty treat for a fighter.

[unbongwah]

Here's a modified version of a build I posted a while ago: Dragonmarked TWF Kensai elf. The idea is to use scimitars while leveling, then switch to khopeshes at endgame. Shadow DMs are mostly for Displacement, though Invis & Shadow Walk can come in handy too. Plus who doesn't like cool glowing facial tattoos? Max ranks in Intim + Bullheaded + SF Intim: not a serious Intimitank, but should be enough for, say, pulling trash mobs off casters, that sort of thing.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.0
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 Lawful Good Elf Female
(20 Fighter) 
Hit Points: 332
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 14
Reflex: 10
Will: 6

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             18                    26
Dexterity            16                    18
Constitution         14                    14
Intelligence          8                     8
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma              8                     8

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 5

Level 1 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Weapon Fighting


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons


Level 3 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Least Dragonmark of Shadow


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons


Level 5 (Fighter)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Selected) Lesser Dragonmark of Shadow


Level 7 (Fighter)


Level 8 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons


Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Dragonmark of Shadow


Level 10 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Power Attack


Level 11 (Fighter)


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Selected) Greater Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons


Level 13 (Fighter)


Level 14 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Bullheaded


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Superior Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons


Level 17 (Fighter)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Khopesh
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Intimidate


Level 19 (Fighter)


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Quick Draw
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Extra Action Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Extra Action Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost IV
Enhancement: Fighter Weapon Alacrity
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity I
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use I
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use II
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use III
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use IV
Enhancement: Kensei Khopesh Mastery I
Enhancement: Kensei Khopesh Mastery II
Enhancement: Kensei Khopesh Mastery III
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy III
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei II
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei III
Enhancement: Fighter Khopesh Specialization I
Enhancement: Fighter Khopesh Specialization II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate I
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate II
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate III
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength III
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III