The Seker Build - Kensai Tempest Wind Stance Melee DPS

[Cardtrick]

Also, the German word for nipples if brustwarzen which literally translates into breast warts which is why I continue to lobby for the German language as being the "language of love".

[elixer1]

This should only be true beause of the doublestrikes you see, which is to say that the animations should be the same speed but you get a few more attacks in windstance. If you think windstance + haste actually has faster animations as well, I encourage you to take videos demonstrating this quantitatively - it would be good to know and interesting to see.

The animation is definitely noticeably faster, but I don't have video to prove it, so take that as you will.

[elixer1]

u9 has corrected the behavior where the healing finishing move (Light:Light:Light) uses only monk levels for determining healing total, rather than total character level.

Sad, but not critical to the build.

[Munze_Konza]

This is great. Is there a way to go half-elf with a few dragonmarks in? I am looking for a 'Big Trouble in Little China' monk throwing lightining around.
Which reminds me...I need to see that movie again...maybe that character didn't have swords?

[elixer1]

It's true that guy didn't have swords, if I recall there is a "Raiden" build somewhere in the forums. Dragon marks are a lot of feats so they are difficult, but not impossible to work into the build, but it would be some major changes to the feat progressions. If you went whole hog on Green Steel and made some LitII green steel longswords, you could throw around some lightning pretty well (and those swords are major dps, especially with this sort of APS build).

One of my guildies did a Half Elf version of this build with Cleric Dilettante, with is very viable, slightly less dps (very slightly) with strong self healing (heal scrolls at top end)

That's a great movie.

[elixer1]

Although many recent nerfs have affected this build (which as I take as a sign I correctly took advantages of mechanics I saw in the game) I still really like this build, and will be TR'ing into another one.

Any additional comments or suggestions before I commit?

I may tone down the ranks I put into Jump as it ended up being way overkill, since this build gets a +20 jump self buff. Fully decked out with raid buffs he ends up with a Jump in the 60s, which we all know is a waste.

the FoL finisher, now working properly, did hurt the self healing, but not critically as the bulk of healing comes from wholeness of body and healing wands, and the ability to do Light monk finishing moves as a fighter is very handy in ToD.

The two weapon fighting aspect, is still faster with off hand attacks and doublestrike chances than my pure monks and Tempest capped toons. I've tried many times to quantify it, but I just can't count that quickly to do the dps analysis for the swings and damage. Longswords are still a poor choice for DPS, but this build manages to deal with it well and Crit's in the 120 range, nothing compared to my barb or THF kensai, but reasonable (glowing arrowhead and fighter critical enhancment I), 25 % of the time. FIghter haste boost III and windstance II still make a noticeable difference in DPS, and the attack animation (less important).

I'll probably dump and extra two stat points into Dex, to increase it by one, which will work nicely at cap with my ring of the bucaneer.

I have two more shrouds runs to hit 60, and then I'll TR and look to this post to see if anyone has any additional comments.

Thank you everyone for there very constructive opinions to this point, I feel I should have better metrics to back up my DPS assertions, but I don't, so please take that as you will.

For those I regularly run the shroud with, the character I'm referring to for this Seker build is Sacharis. http://my.ddo.com/character/ghallanda/sacharis/
If you have comments from seeing it in action, I welcome all insights in the noble endeavor of building a better toon.

[Pintail]

I just started this build and really enjoy it. I've noticed that you've included several toughness feats. Are they all needed to get to a high enough hitpoints to run the shroud? I am looking for a place to put stunning blow as I really do like using it on my other toons. Thoughts?

[elixer1]

Thanks, I just TR'd into and I really enjoy it too.

Each toughness feat is 22 HP, you can easily sacrifice one for a feat of your choice. Many people take power attack instead of the last toughness. Stunning blow is also a great choice, but like many of these feats it looses functionality at high levels. But you can always respec a feat if you don't like how it works out at high levels. You also have access to the Fighter Strategy enhancements which may be of benefit to that idea (Can't remember if they working for any stunning attack, or just the generic one?)

I hope you enjoy it, please let me know if you have any constructive criticisms or general suggestions.

[elixer1]

I thought I would update this as of U16.

So this build, suffered through the FoL finisher correction (made it by monk level, rather than character level, which is not a nerf, it just never should have been by character level), suffered through the 2 weapon fighting nerf and the change with windstance.

But still fun, very versatile and I regularly solo EHs with him.

I did a variation of the build for second life that involved more healing amp, and that was quite nice, it quickly made the FoL what it was before the correction (about 50 points of healing every 5 secs), and the healing curse was doing 2-4 points of healing per hit, which on a two weapon fighter is really nice consistent healing. Also with Human Versatility IV, combined with 2nd tier fighter haste is very good burst dps.

The real beauty of this build which took me a while to realise is how versatile it is, Evasion, Many shot, very good burst dps, decent AC (PRR is a little low), self healing ability, it's hard to find a quest that is particularly heard, or unable to be solo'd.

Beyond this, the concept lends itself very well to TR'ing (as the last two level choices determine what your overall character class is) as you can easily make it a ranger, fighter, or monk without having to change gear or play style. More to this point, leveling the epic destinies is also tremendously easy. Grandmaster of flowers I think does work best, but legendary dreadnought, Unyielding Sentinel, Fury of the Wild and even the Primal avatar all suite if very well, and constantly makes you guess at what your core epic destiny should be. Even avenging angel that gives buffs to healing spell power is quite useful, and the shiradi champion is not without benefits as well. 7 destinies (including shadow dancer) are all easily playable with this build.

The gear was quite easy to obtain (although I thought I was going to blow my brain out farming for commendations) PDK gloves, Sun Soul Belt, Bracers and Robe, Ring of the Buccaneer, and two oath blades (30 PDK commendations right there!). Mix in some greensteel and crafted myself and Devotion Ring for a little extra healing, and I was good to go. No excessive grinds (I don't think Green steel and commendations are excessive anymore in a world of Epic Elite specific gear drops).

So all in all, I find this build very fun to play, and effective. I've posted below my second life Build.

Variations on the original seker build


+50 more HP
-2 DEX
+1 STR
+2 CON
+50% Healing Amp
+5 SP (there was too much SP in the original build, I realise now, but I don't want to lower WIS as that is my AC as well) I didn't take any SP enhancements, but somehow I ended up with more.....
- I lowered Jump (+20 from Ranger Jump spell is more than enough, no need to have a score higher than 40)
- Tumble is used (have mobility, might as well use it)
- Balance is higher
- and a few more points in Concentration

- Race Human, losing the Longsword enhancements, but getting an extra feat (Toughness)
-2 to hit and damage with longswords
but +20% to hit and damage burst ability (not simultaneously) with human versatility.

(this is a 1st TR build, you can subtract a point from con, and put the human adaptability into dex or STR to make it a 32 point build)

Sacharis Y
Level 20 Lawful Good Human Male
(7 Fighter \ 7 Monk \ 6 Ranger)
Hit Points: 434
Spell Points: 110
BAB: 18\18\23\28\28
Fortitude: 19
Reflex: 17
Will: 13

Starting Ending Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Base Stats Modified Stats
(34 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20) (Level 20)
Strength 16 23 26
Dexterity 16 18 20
Constitution 15 17 18
Intelligence 8 10 10
Wisdom 14 16 18
Charisma 8 10 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 Ending Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 20) (Level 20)
Balance 7 23 23
Bluff -1 0 1
Concentration 6 27 31
Diplomacy -1 0 1
Disable Device n/a n/a n/a
Haggle -1 0 0
Heal 2 4 4
Hide 3 5 5
Intimidate -1 0 1
Jump 3 20 20
Listen 2 4 4
Move Silently 3 5 5
Open Lock n/a n/a n/a
Perform n/a n/a n/a
Repair -1 0 0
Search -1 0 0
Spot 6 18 18
Swim 3 8 8
Tumble 7 25 25
Use Magic Device n/a n/a n/a

Level 1 (Monk)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Concentration (+4)
Skill: Spot (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+4)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Dodge
Feat: (Selected) Mobility
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Fighter
Feat: (Human Bonus) Toughness
Feat: (Automatic) AC Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Disciple of Breezes
Feat: (Automatic) Disciple of Candles
Feat: (Automatic) Disciple of Pebbles
Feat: (Automatic) Disciple of Puddles
Feat: (Automatic) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Kama
Feat: (Automatic) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Shuriken
Feat: (Automatic) Finishing Moves
Feat: (Automatic) Flurry of Blows
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Handaxe
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: Unarmed
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Unarmed Strike
Enhancement: Human Versatility I


Level 2 (Ranger)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
Feat: (Automatic) Bow Strength
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Trip
Feat: (Automatic) Wild Empathy
Enhancement: Ranger Sprint Boost I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I


Level 3 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+2)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Feat: (Automatic) Rapid Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Whirling Steel Strike
Feat: (Automatic) Heavy Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Tower Shield Proficiency
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 5 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Strength I
Enhancement: Human Versatility II
Enhancement: Improved Concentration I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I


Level 6 (Ranger)
Skill: Concentration (+3)
Skill: Spot (+3)
Feat: (Selected) Spring Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Diehard
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II


Level 7 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Spell (1): Camouflage
Spell (1): Jump
Spell (1): Longstrider
Spell (1): Merfolk's Blessing
Spell (1): Ram's Might
Spell (1): Resist Energy
Spell (1): Summon Nature's Ally I
Spell (1): Tumble


Level 8 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+2.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)


Level 9 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Feat: (Automatic) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Manyshot
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II


Level 10 (Monk)
Skill: Tumble (+5)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Toughness
Feat: (Automatic) Evasion
Feat: (Automatic) Meditation
Enhancement: Human Versatility III
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortoise I
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom I


Level 11 (Monk)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+3)
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Harmonious Balance: Fists of Light
Feat: (Automatic) Fast Movement
Feat: (Automatic) Finishing Moves: Path of Harmonious Balance (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Finishing Moves: Path of Inevitable Dominion (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Still Mind
Enhancement: Human Versatility IV
Enhancement: Monk Improved Recovery I


Level 12 (Monk)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Concentration (+2)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Ki Strike: Magic
Feat: (Automatic) Slow Fall


Level 13 (Monk)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Ki Strike: Damage
Feat: (Automatic) Purity of Body
Enhancement: Human Greater Adaptability Constitution I
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortoise II


Level 14 (Monk)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Toughness
Enhancement: Adept of Wind
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom II


Level 15 (Monk)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Automatic) Wholeness of Body
Enhancement: Monk Improved Recovery II


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+0.5)


Level 17 (Fighter)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II


Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II


Level 19 (Fighter)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I

View the finished product here:

Sacharis, Seker build - Human Healing Amp variation