The Sentinel Squire (28-pt F2P human DPS Intimitank w/Sentinel DMs)

**unbongwah** · 04-05-2011, 02:31 PM

EDIT: Update 11/21/2012

Since I originally posted this build, a lot has changed in DDO for tanks: Intimidate, the shield feats, Dodge bonuses, PRR, and Stalwart Defender / Defender of Siberys have all seen significant modifications. As such, I have revised this build to try to reflect those changes. The original build is 3 posts down, should you wish to see it. I won't repeat everything I wrote there.

The goal of this build remains the same: a basic tank for a F2P newbie, which provides a solid mix of DPS, HPs, threat, and survivability (now with the shield feats added to the mix). I keep the Sentinel feats partly for flavor, partly for the low-level buffs which help out newcomers, and partly to max out the bonuses from epic Chimera Fang (although it's fallen out of favor compared to newer epic weapons since MotU came out).

Because of all the tradeoffs which go into making a tank, I wouldn't consider this build set in stone. Rather, treat it as a template to use for coming up with your variant.

Code:

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 03.14.02
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Sentinel Squire
Level 20 True Neutral Human Female
(20 Fighter) 
Hit Points: 372
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 16
Reflex: 8
Will: 5

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             16                    27
Dexterity            12                    14
Constitution         16                    18
Intelligence         12                    13
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma              8                     8

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 13
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 17
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 20
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 20

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               3                    13
Bluff                -1                    -1
Concentration         3                     4
Diplomacy            -1                    -1
Disable Device        n/a                   n/a
Haggle               -1                    -1
Heal                 -1                    -1
Hide                  1                     2
Intimidate            3                    38
Jump                  3                     9
Listen               -1                    -1
Move Silently         1                     2
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform              n/a                   n/a
Repair                1                     1
Search                1                     1
Spot                  0                    10
Swim                  3                     8
Tumble                2                     3
Use Magic Device      1                    10

Level 1 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Intimidate (+4)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Feat: (Human Bonus) Toughness
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Handed Fighting


Level 2 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Cleave


Level 3 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Least Dragonmark of Sentinel


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Great Cleave


Level 5 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Lesser Dragonmark of Sentinel
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Shield Mastery
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender I
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Strength I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Human Versatility I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate I
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II


Level 7 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)


Level 8 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons


Level 9 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Shield Mastery


Level 10 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Handed Fighting


Level 11 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Bastard Sword
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender II
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery II
Enhancement: Human Versatility II
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength III


Level 13 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)


Level 14 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Combat Expertise


Level 15 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Trip


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Sunder


Level 17 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Dodge
Feat: (Selected) Greater Dragonmark of Sentinel


Level 19 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Mobility
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Extra Action Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost IV
Enhancement: Fighter Weapon Alacrity
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender III
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery III
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation I
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation II
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation III
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation IV
Enhancement: Human Versatility III
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense II
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate III
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate IV
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III

Epic feats: Overwhelming Critical (req's base STR 23) and one other feat (see below)

Now some comments about the build and the tradeoffs involved:

FEATS

These basically fall into the following categories:

DPS: THF/ITHF/GTHF, Power Attack, Improved Critical Slashing, Cleave, Great Cleave, Overwhelming Critical
Tanking: Toughness, the three Sentinel DMs, Shield Mastery, ISM, Combat Expertise, bastard sword prof., Dodge, Mobility
Tactics: Improved Trip, Improved Sunder

The Sentinel DMs meet all of the feat pre-reqs for Stalwart Defender; so technically, nothing else is required. This gives you a lot of options for tweaking your feats. Ironically, by un-nerfing so many feats in the last couple of years, Turbine has made it harder to find an optimal tradeoff between DPS & tanking, even for a pure ftr with so many feats. After much prevaricating and internal debate, I decided to drop the Weapon Focus & Specialization feats; losing the static dmg bonuses is unfortunate, but not a deal-breaker, IMHO, compared to what the other feats bring.

For the final feat, I would choose from Stunning Blow, Improved Shield Bash (if/when they fix it), Spring Atk, Bulwark of Defense, or Quick Draw (reduces delay on action boosts, so you'll eke out a bit more DPS from Haste Boost + human Dmg Boost). You could also take dwarven axe prof. instead of - or maybe even in addition to - bastard sword; that gives you extra versatility in terms of what weapon you use while S&B.

ENHANCEMENTS

As with the feats, there are tradeoffs involved. I tried to find a good mix of DPS, heal amp, HPs, and Intim, on top of all the SD pre-reqs. But again, they may need to be tweaked depending on your preferences & goals: e.g., less Haste Boost & Versatility for more Armor Mastery and/or Toughness enhs, trading offense for defense.

EPIC DESTINIES

Legendary Dreadnought is the obvious choice; in particular I would definitely want Lay Waste & Momentum Swing. For Twists, I would also want Legendary Shield Mastery. From there, I'm open to suggestions.

**unbongwah** · 04-05-2011, 02:32 PM

These build variants sacrifice the capstone for added versatility and/or survivability; they gain greater self-sufficiency at the expense of capstone DPS. As such, they may not be able to generate enough hate for endgame tanking. So be sure you're comfortable with the DPS loss in exchange for what you get before you follow either.

Holy Squire (fighter 18 / paladin 2)

This build takes a paladin splash for Divine Grace (add CHA bonus to all saves) and paladin wands, giving it higher saves & some self-healing & buffing ability. It also adds Force of Personality to boost Will saves further.

Code:

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.2
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 Lawful Good Human Female
(18 Fighter \ 2 Paladin) 
Hit Points: 332
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 19
Reflex: 11
Will: 12

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             16                    25
Dexterity            12                    14
Constitution         14                    14
Intelligence         12                    13
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma             12                    14

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Charisma used at level 11
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 19
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 20

Level 1 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Least Dragonmark of Sentinel
Feat: (Human Bonus) Toughness
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Handed Fighting


Level 2 (Paladin)


Level 3 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


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


Level 5 (Fighter)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Lesser Dragonmark of Sentinel
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons


Level 7 (Fighter)


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


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


Level 10 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Handed Fighting


Level 11 (Fighter)


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Selected) Force of Personality
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Handed Fighting


Level 13 (Fighter)


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


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Bullheaded


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


Level 17 (Fighter)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Intimidate
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Superior Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons


Level 19 (Fighter)


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Combat Expertise
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class 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 Armor Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender I
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender II
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender III
Enhancement: Fighter Greatsword Specialization I
Enhancement: Fighter Greatsword Specialization II
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Strength I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery II
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation I
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation II
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation III
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation IV
Enhancement: Human Versatility I
Enhancement: Human Versatility II
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate I
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate II
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate III
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate IV
Enhancement: Paladin Charisma I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength III
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III

Zerger Squire (ftr 18 / rogue 1 / barb 1)

This build takes a rogue splash for UMD and a barb splash for +10% run speed, +1 PA enh, & Sprint Boost.

Code:

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.2
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 True Neutral Human Female
(18 Fighter \ 1 Barbarian \ 1 Rogue) 
Hit Points: 350
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 16
Reflex: 10
Will: 6

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             16                    24
Dexterity            12                    14
Constitution         16                    16
Intelligence         12                    13
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma              8                     8

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 11
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 19

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Least Dragonmark of Sentinel
Feat: (Human Bonus) Toughness


Level 2 (Barbarian)


Level 3 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Handed Fighting


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


Level 5 (Fighter)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Lesser Dragonmark of Sentinel
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons


Level 7 (Fighter)


Level 8 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Handed Fighting


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


Level 10 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons


Level 11 (Fighter)


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Selected) Combat Expertise
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Handed Fighting


Level 13 (Fighter)


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


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Bullheaded


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


Level 17 (Fighter)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Intimidate
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Superior Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons


Level 19 (Fighter)


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Dodge
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class 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: Barbarian Sprint Boost I
Enhancement: Barbarian Power Attack I
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender I
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender II
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender III
Enhancement: Fighter Greatsword Specialization I
Enhancement: Fighter Greatsword Specialization II
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Strength I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery II
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery III
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation I
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation II
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation III
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation IV
Enhancement: Human Versatility I
Enhancement: Human Versatility II
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate I
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate II
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate III
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate IV
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III

**unbongwah** · 04-05-2011, 02:32 PM

Hopefully folks will help me out here with anything I forget or gear recommendations...

Intimidate
23 ranks
2 CHA 14 (base 8 + 6 item)
2 Least Sentinel DM
2 Bullheaded
3 SF Intim
4 Deneith Intim enhs
4 Improved Intim enhs
6 Stalwart Defender III
15 Intim item
6 Greensteel CHA skills item
2 Good Luck item
4 Greater Heroism
73 Intim

Add +2 if you start base CHA 12, +1 for +2 CHA tome, +1 from Yugoloth CHA potion, +1 from +2 CHA airship shrine, +2 Inspire Competence and you're up to 80. If Phiarlan Inspiration stacks w/luck item, that's another +1.

**unbongwah** · 04-05-2011, 02:52 PM

Here is the original Sentinel Squire post / build in all its glory(?). Preserved for the sake of posterity and/or mocking by future generations.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Caveat: this build was cooked up well before the announced U9 changes to Intimidate, the shield feats, and stunned / held mobs. As such, it may need to be revised, particularly if it turns out any of the shield feats are (finally) worthwhile to a S&B tank. But I've had it on the backburner for a while now, so I figured I'd go ahead and post it now and revise it later if need be.

Build goal: a 28-pt F2P DPS Intimitank with modest tome & gear requirements for folks with limited resources. That means this is NOT a minmaxed endgame- / epic-focused build (though hopefully it doesn't embarrass itself at lvl 20 either); if that's what you're after, drive on, friend.

I went human for all the usual reasons (extra feat, Imp Recovery, etc.) plus the Sentinel DMs, which have a few things going for them:

up to +6 Intimidate from the feats & Denieth Intim enhs;
qualifies for all 3 tiers of Stalwart Defender;
Least & Lesser DMs offer nice low-lvl buffs (Shield of Faith & Prot. from Energy, respectively) until you acquire the gear to render them unnecessary (not sure if Globe of Invulnerability is ever useful to a tank, tho); and
able to use Chimera's Fang w/out bastard sword proficiency. The base lvl 5 version is pretty lame, but the epic version is not bad, though more for the bonuses than the DPS, IMHO.

Pros: pretty good DPS, fairly high Intim, able to switch between Kensai & SD at any time depending on whether you want to focus on DPS or tanking, pretty low tome requirements (+1 INT for CE, +2 DEX for Dodge & +1 AC), good if not stellar HPs (352 prior to tomes, buffs, & gear).

Cons: low base DEX limits how high you'll be able to crank up your AC; dump-stating CHA hurts your Intim score a bit; low Will saves like most fighters; Sentinel feats crowd out other feat options, such as shield feats, exotic weapon prof, etc.

Now, onto the build itself:

Code:

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.2
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Sentinel Squire
Level 20 True Neutral Human Female
(20 Fighter) 
Hit Points: 352
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 15
Reflex: 8
Will: 6

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             16                    24
Dexterity            12                    14
Constitution         16                    16
Intelligence         12                    13
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma              8                     8

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 11
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 19

Level 1 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Feat: (Human Bonus) Toughness
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Handed Fighting


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


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


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


Level 5 (Fighter)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Handed Fighting
Feat: (Selected) Lesser Dragonmark of Sentinel


Level 7 (Fighter)


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


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


Level 10 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Stunning Blow


Level 11 (Fighter)


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


Level 13 (Fighter)


Level 14 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Handed Fighting


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Bullheaded


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


Level 17 (Fighter)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Intimidate
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Superior Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons


Level 19 (Fighter)


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Dodge
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Class 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: Fighter Armor Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender I
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender II
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender III
Enhancement: Fighter Greatsword Specialization I
Enhancement: Fighter Greatsword Specialization II
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Strength I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery II
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery III
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation I
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation II
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation III
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation IV
Enhancement: Human Versatility I
Enhancement: Human Versatility II
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate I
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate II
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate III
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate IV
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III

I tried to find a good mix of DPS, HPs, Intim, and AC (roughly in that order) for this build; but as is always the case, tradeoffs have to be made. Here are some options for how to tweak it.

Stats

If you really want max STR and have access to +2 DEX & INT tomes, you could start 18 / 11 / 14 / 11 / 8 / 8. Use either gear or human Adaptability to even out your DEX.
You could also start 16 / 12 / 14 / 12 / 8 / 12: give up 20 HPs for +2 to CHA skills; if you took a CHA tome, you could also take Force of Personality to tweak your Will saves as well.
If you prefer TWF and have early access to a +2 DEX tome, you start 16 / 15 / 14 / 12 / 8 / 8. In that case you will almost certainly want khopesh as well. You'll also have to rearrange feats a bit, as you will not be able to take ITWF until at least lvl 8.

Feats

Ironically, despite getting 19 feats (7 regular + 1 bonus + 11 ftr), this build still runs short of everything I might want. Stuff you might want to add:

Exotic weapon prof.: khopesh for bosses, DAxe or BSword (if not using Chimera's Fang) for glancing blows vs mobs
Improved Shield Bash: U9 will change this to "grants a 20% chance to make a secondary shield bash while attacking with a melee weapon," which will up your DPS a bit while in S&B mode.
Shield Mastery: U9 will change this to "physical damage vulnerability is decreased by 10% when using a buckler or small shield, 15% when using a large shield, or 20% when using a tower shield." I.e., it will lower the dmg you take in S&B mode, which obviously increases your survivability.
Improved Shield Mastery, if it's changed to boost the dmg mitigation from Shield Mastery.
Force of Personality: uses CHA instead of WIS for Will saves, so will bump up your Will saves while still letting you dump-stat WIS. [Requires base CHA 13; see stat options.]

So what can you drop to make room for any (or all) of these? Dodge, Stunning Blow (esp. since the nerf to helplessness will make it less useful), a couple of the Intim boosts (Bullheaded, SF Intim) are options. You could also drop GWF & SWF Slash; this costs you +2 to-hit (and +1 dmg from Weap Spec II enh) and eliminates Kensai III as a respec option, though, so I would only do it if you're sure you want to be solely a SD @ lvl 18 and above.

Enhancements: The good news is with the Sentinel DMs, the cost for SD III is actually fairly low (17 enh pts if I'm adding right), leaving you plenty of pts to spend. The bad news is that's still not enough pts to take everything you'd want, so again you have to prioritize. E.g., you could drop some DPS enhs to squeeze in more HPs, Armor Mastery, and/or Versatility; or conversely drop Versatility and Toughness III for ftr STR III; etc.

Skills: This build gets 4 skill pts per lvl (5 if you take a +2 INT tome). Intimidate should be maxed out, of course, but what else? My vote would be for Balance, Jump, and UMD, with a rank into Tumble for good measure.

EDIT - for comparison, here's what the enhs might look like as a Kensai focused on DPS:

Code:

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: Kensei Greatsword Mastery I
Enhancement: Kensei Greatsword Mastery II
Enhancement: Kensei Greatsword 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 Greatsword Specialization I
Enhancement: Fighter Greatsword Specialization II
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Strength I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery II
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation I
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation II
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation III
Enhancement: Deneith Intimidation IV
Enhancement: Human Versatility I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate I
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate II
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate III
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate IV
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength III
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III

Number-crunching & alternate builds to follow...

**Roaringdragon** · 04-22-2011, 07:28 PM

Thanks for the new thread link, umbongwah

**bubbatron** · 05-22-2011, 05:20 PM

out of interest how would you alter this after u9 ?

**theboatman** · 05-22-2011, 05:30 PM

The simplest change would be drop a feat to pick up Shield Mastery, since the returns are the greatest on just the regular version; probably swapping out either Bullheaded or Stunning Blow.

**unbongwah** · 05-22-2011, 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by bubbatron

out of interest how would you alter this after u9 ?

I would probably drop Bullheaded & SF Intim for Shield Mastery & Imp Shield Bash; and possibly Dodge for Imp Shield Mastery too. Now that pure Intimitanking is a little less important and hatetanking is a little more important (and AC is still useless in epics the last time I checked

), I would hope the extra S&B DPS from ISB and dmg mitigation would make up for the loss of +5 Intim (and possibly +1 AC). I might also rearrange the feat order a bit; stagger out the Sentinel DMs & shield feats, rather than frontload the former.

Bear in mind this is something of a themed / novelty build aimed at F2Pers without twink gear or P2P races or classes unlocked, but who want to try their hand at a DPS Intimitank. Now that the shield feats have been ungimped, you're arguably sacrificing more useful feats to take the Sentinel DMs. I'm still mulling over U9's changes, to be honest.

**unbongwah** · 05-23-2011, 09:47 AM

BTW, I should note that Genasi made some comments about potential upgrades to epic Chimera's Fang which would make it a lot more appealing as an endgame weapon, IMHO. But as a general rule, I don't make builds based on what might get added to DDO someday. After all, it's been well over two years since the racial PrEs were announced and so far we've only got AA; I'm still waiting for Dwarven Defender to come out so I can dust off this build idea.

**unbongwah** · 02-23-2012, 07:50 PM

I've updated the original post with a revised build and moved the original one to post #4 for posterity. The new one is intended to take better advantage of recent changes, in particular adding the shield feats. I also kinda-sorta gave up on AC as a first-life priority.

I should add more, but later, when I'm no longer sleeeepppyyyy...

**HalfORCastrator** · 02-24-2012, 12:10 AM

Originally Posted by unbongwah

BTW, I should note that Genasi made some comments about potential upgrades to epic Chimera's Fang which would make it a lot more appealing as an endgame weapon, IMHO. But as a general rule, I don't make builds based on what might get added to DDO someday. After all, it's been well over two years since the racial PrEs were announced and so far we've only got AA; I'm still waiting for Dwarven Defender to come out so I can dust off this build idea.

Out of curiosity, what were the stats of the old eFang?

Also, I'd like to say, I really appreciate the newbie friendly builds that you, Tihocan, and others have put out. I'm a newbie myself, even if I could afford/get some of the better stuff now, and though I haven't tried any of these builds (I'm opposite of altaholic) I understand their value. (And really, I'd like to try your Tempest Trapmonkey some day, but it's a far off ambition-still working on my PM farmer at lvl6 lol)

**unbongwah** · 02-24-2012, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by HalfORCastrator

Out of curiosity, what were the stats of the old eFang?

Oh geez, I don't remember.

Less impressive than they are now. It basically went from OK to so awesome it inspired a number of builds based largely on using it, such as the Dark Knight.

Also, I'd like to say, I really appreciate the newbie friendly builds that you, Tihocan, and others have put out.

You're welcome and thanks for the praise. Nice to know I still have an audience.

**Kyuubil** · 11-05-2012, 01:07 PM

Hate to necro, but these buillds should be on the top anyhow..

Thinking of trying out a tank alt.. I nroamlly tank, and sword/board has a special place in my heart..

Just a few build questions --

A) if I wanted to take cleave/greater cleave (.. personal preference, I like being able to tag large groups) what would you drop? thinking GWF and improved sunder.. but eh. opinions?

b) if I went 32 points, i'd imagine just pump dex for more AC?

**unbongwah** · 11-07-2012, 10:11 AM

This build seriously needs an update, so I wouldn't use it as-is. I'll get around to fixing it, err, eventually.

**unbongwah** · 11-21-2012, 08:14 PM

Just in time for the long holiday weekend in America, I've updated the build in the first post. When you're ready to take a break from turkey and pigskins and shopping madness, come try being a tank!

So to my fellow Americans: Happy Thanksgiving!

To everyone else: it's cool, you can still hang with us anyway.

**Saigremor** · 11-23-2012, 02:09 AM

Originally Posted by unbongwah

Just in time for the long holiday weekend in America, I've updated the build in the first post. When you're ready to take a break from turkey and pigskins and shopping madness, come try being a tank!

So to my fellow Americans: Happy Thanksgiving!

To everyone else: it's cool, you can still hang with us anyway.

Amusingly enough I looked at this on 11/21 and I've been playing him since, absolutely love it so far over my paladin intimitank. I've about 202HP and 39 AC at level 8, solo'd the last half of Shan-to-kor pretty well on elite, biggest hangup is traps and will saves though, so it's handy to be in a static duo with a Druid, gotta love that spiderskin and vigor.

Anything you'd suggest low-mid level so far as equipment? So far all I've got is the Bloodplate and I'm thinking about getting the regular Chimera's fang but I don't know whether I should stay with that for X number of levels or look into other equipment. I use the +2 Starter Greatsword for DPS mode, really need a better 2H weapon.

**unbongwah** · 11-23-2012, 12:46 PM

Glad you're enjoying the updated build.

Since I don't know what content you have access to, I'll stick with the F2P gear options for now. Planar Gird from Xorian Cipher is definitely good to have for Greater Heroism clickie. At lvl 9, you can run Relic of a Sovereign Past; run it a few times to acquire enough ore and you can craft the hvy armor (+5 Adamantine), shield (+5 hvy), warhammer (good for fighting golems or anything else with DR/adamantine), necklace (heavy fortification), armbands (IFL+Heroism clickie), and helm (+5 Will +2 WIS). You can also farm Invaders! for the Optic Nerves and/or greataxe (holy + cold iron makes it good for breaking DR on CE outsiders). There's a few nice things in the F2P Lordsmarch quests; in particular I like Bloody Cleaver for Bodyfeeder and Gorgon Armor for Earthen Guard & +4 CON as an alternative to the adamantine plate. From the Web of Chaos chain, look into the Templar items: i.e., Templar's Bulwark, Templar's Retribution, and maybe Templar's Bastion.

Beyond that, it depends on what you have access to.

**Saigremor** · 11-23-2012, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by unbongwah

Glad you're enjoying the updated build.

Since I don't know what content you have access to, I'll stick with the F2P gear options for now. Planar Gird from Xorian Cipher is definitely good to have for Greater Heroism clickie. At lvl 9, you can run Relic of a Sovereign Past; run it a few times to acquire enough ore and you can craft the hvy armor (+5 Adamantine), shield (+5 hvy), warhammer (good for fighting golems or anything else with DR/adamantine), necklace (heavy fortification), armbands (IFL+Heroism clickie), and helm (+5 Will +2 WIS). You can also farm Invaders! for the Optic Nerves and/or greataxe (holy + cold iron makes it good for breaking DR on CE outsiders). There's a few nice things in the F2P Lordsmarch quests; in particular I like Bloody Cleaver for Bodyfeeder and Gorgon Armor for Earthen Guard & +4 CON as an alternative to the adamantine plate. From the Web of Chaos chain, look into the Templar items: i.e., Templar's Bulwark, Templar's Retribution, and maybe Templar's Bastion.

Beyond that, it depends on what you have access to.

Indeed I am, thanks very much for updating and making it in the first place

Tons of really good looking suggestions, thank you. I have access to all the low level content like catacombs personally, but I am in a static duo with a VIP that often grants me a guest pass so I can play some content with him.

**unbongwah** · 11-23-2012, 06:44 PM

OK, just looking at some of the quest packs in your level range:

Deleras - Voice of the Master is practically a must-have for everyone for +5% XP bonus; Carnifex is every 2H build's first best friend; and Golden Cartouche provides +3 UMD so it's an early must-have for UMD toons too, IMHO.

Sentinels - you know about Chimera's Fang already; you might also want Chimera's Crown for the extra Lesser DM use. Denieth Heavy Chain is bad AC, but having Life Shield at ML:5 is pretty nice (I think it's even better for barbs, since they don't care about AC or DR).

Red Fens - among the sets, Vulkoor's Might (aka the Claw set) is a good one for a melee tank (+10% threat, +3 STR, +2 CON, Moderate Fort, +2 base dmg). I also like Marshwalker for the generic bonuses; Siren's Ward isn't great, but it does provide +4 CON, +1 saves, + 2 AC (Insight bonus so stacks with enhancement / Stability). Among the Dampened items, Frozen Plate is okay for the guard effect, but it's one of those "only use if you have nothing better" armors.

VON - plenty of great stuff from VON 6, esp. Sword of Shadow, but also the Delving Boots and Stonemeld Armor.

**Saigremor** · 11-24-2012, 04:29 AM

Originally Posted by unbongwah

OK, just looking at some of the quest packs in your level range:

Deleras - Voice of the Master is practically a must-have for everyone for +5% XP bonus; Carnifex is every 2H build's first best friend; and Golden Cartouche provides +3 UMD so it's an early must-have for UMD toons too, IMHO.

Sentinels - you know about Chimera's Fang already; you might also want Chimera's Crown for the extra Lesser DM use. Denieth Heavy Chain is bad AC, but having Life Shield at ML:5 is pretty nice (I think it's even better for barbs, since they don't care about AC or DR).

Red Fens - among the sets, Vulkoor's Might (aka the Claw set) is a good one for a melee tank (+10% threat, +3 STR, +2 CON, Moderate Fort, +2 base dmg). I also like Marshwalker for the generic bonuses; Siren's Ward isn't great, but it does provide +4 CON, +1 saves, + 2 AC (Insight bonus so stacks with enhancement / Stability). Among the Dampened items, Frozen Plate is okay for the guard effect, but it's one of those "only use if you have nothing better" armors.

VON - plenty of great stuff from VON 6, esp. Sword of Shadow, but also the Delving Boots and Stonemeld Armor.

Thank you very much for the help

just did red fens and I am totally digging these gloves/bracers

edit:

Did Red Fens again at level 9 with this build, a spell druid and an artie and we managed to kill the Pit Demon on Hard, pretty pleased with ourselves.

Also duo'd Sentinels with the Druid on Elite, only realy problem was the traps but resistances + saves boost really helped out.

Along with Sentinels we decided to Duo Relic of a Sovereign past at level 9 on Hard, we had to basically give it everything we had but we managed to finish it completely and even get the +45% exp bonus from my intimidation

Druid let me have all the adamantine and I made myself the armor, this build is incredibly handy - only thing I prefer the paladin intimitank build for is the self-healing, other than that this build mops the floor with paladin.

Thread: The Sentinel Squire (28-pt F2P human DPS Intimitank w/Sentinel DMs)

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