Maul Using Build

[Shinkoro]

Hello, I have recently returned to playing on Orien and wanted to make a character that uses a maul. I understand that the Maul is not the optimal 2 handed weapon of choice. But, I would like to use one because this is a weapon dear to my heart from my pen and paper days. I want a character that will be viable in the end game. Keep in mind I know nothing first hand about any raid or epic content, in fact I have not seen a fraction of the content on normal either. I have not played since DDO first went free to play. Back then I had a S&B dwarf warrior, level 7. I played with some friends and when they stopped I kind of lost interest. Well, I have returned. I would like to see some of the end game DDO has to offer. After reading the forums for about 2 weeks I see a lot has changed and my S&B may not be very effective.

I have downloaded a class builder and have tried many things. I decided I want to go straight fighter for the capstone and I want to use the maul. This is what I came up with.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.9.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 True Neutral Half-Orc Male
(20 Fighter) 
Hit Points: 482
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 17
Reflex: 6
Will: 6

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats         Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)           (Level 20)
Strength             20                 27                   30
Dexterity             8                 10                   10
Constitution         18                 20                   20
Intelligence          6                  8                    8
Wisdom                8                 10                   10
Charisma              6                  8                    8

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              -1                  0                    0
Bluff                -2                 -1                    2
Concentration         4                  5                    8
Diplomacy            -2                 -1                    2
Disable Device       n/a               n/a                   n/a
Haggle               -2                 -1                   -1
Heal                 -1                  0                    0
Hide                 -1                  0                    0
Intimidate            2                 22                   26
Jump                  5                 10                   10
Listen               -1                  0                    0
Move Silently        -1                  0                    0
Open Lock            n/a                n/a                   n/a
Perform              n/a               n/a                   n/a
Repair               -2                 -1                   -1
Search               -2                 -1                   -1
Spot                 -1                  0                    0
Swim                  5                 10                   10
Tumble               n/a                n/a                   n/a
Use Magic Device     n/a               n/a                   n/a

Level 1 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+4)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Handed Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Half-Orc Orc Blood
Feat: (Automatic) Heavy Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Tower Shield Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Trip
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 2 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Bludgeoning Weapons
Enhancement: Orcish Brute Fighting I
Enhancement: Orcish Melee Damage I


Level 3 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Orcish Extra Action Boost I
Enhancement: Orcish Strength I
Enhancement: Orcish Great Weapon Aptitude I


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Stunning Blow
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Stunning Blow) I


Level 5 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Stunning Blow) II


Level 6 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Bludgeoning Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I


Level 7 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Enhancement: Kensei Maul Mastery I
Enhancement: Orcish Brute Fighting II


Level 8 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Quick Draw
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost III
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I


Level 9 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Orcish Extra Action Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I


Level 10 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Bludgeoning Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy III
Enhancement: Fighter Maul Specialization I


Level 11 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Bludgeoning Weapons
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Kensei Maul Mastery II
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei II


Level 13 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost IV


Level 14 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Orcish Brute Fighting III
Enhancement: Orcish Great Weapon Aptitude II


Level 15 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Orcish Strength II


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Bludgeoning Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Maul Specialization II


Level 17 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Enhancement: Fighter Extra Action Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Stunning Blow) III


Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Superior Weapon Focus: Bludgeoning Weapons
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Kensei Maul Mastery III
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei III


Level 19 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Enhancement: Orcish Brute Fighting IV


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Fighter Weapon Alacrity
Enhancement: Orcish Great Weapon Aptitude III
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate I

I do have some questions if anyone knowledgeable could reply.

1. I read that auto criticals have been removed. While I never did this, because I have never been in a epic adventure, does this make stunning blow not worth the investment? I was hoping to knock some mobs dizzy down the road.

2. How important is Balance? My build has none. Will this be a huge issue? I have read intimidate is not what it was, could I drop a few points off it for balance?

3. My saves besides Fort are very low, I have read you can overcome a lot of this with gear, is this true?

4. I don't have and have little idea what the right end game gear is or if I will ever get it. With said gear is this build viable to tank and survive in epics and on raids?

5. Do I have to have power attack? Is it that good? I notice no melee build seems to go without it.

6. Will I be able to tank if/ when I get said gear?

7. Will I be able to keep mobs on me using Orc Brute fighting and some incite gear?




Lastly, I would like to take the time to thank anyone who replies and gives me some advice here because I only know what I have read about the higher game in DDO.

[andbr22]

1) It is worth investment -> especially since you can make very nice epic maul that also will give you +10 to stunning
2) It is important -> some enemies (lions etc.) trips (even can trip lock you) it is important to get up as fast as possible.
3) Sometimes. But more important is person who can buff you and prevent most Will saves and death effects. Low reflex can be painfull sometimes.
4) epic Maul -> ratkiller (I dont remember correctly name) keep in mind that it is event only. -> Specializes in Crowd controling foes (stun, earthgrab, and smomething else).
5) Yes, you will need it
6) For tanking some incinite as much as possible and some GS Maul... You will not be the best but propably gona be enought.
7) Look 6.

[unbongwah]

1. Stunning Blow is still useful and is arguably the only advantage mauls have over the slashing 2H weapons, as the Stunning property only comes on blunt weapons.
2. Balance is fairly important; a prone warrior is an useless warrior, after all. If can't afford to put pts into it, then at least equip a decent Balance item when fighting anything which knocks you down.
3. More or less: gear & buffs can both boost your saves and give you protection from the things you're trying to save against; e.g., Freedom of Movement protects against Hold spells, energy resist reduces dmg, etc.
4. ...maybe? So much of endgame performance depends on gear. Mauls are suboptimal DPS-wise, but they might still be good enough.
5. YES! Every melee build should take PA.
6. See #4
7. Most likely yes.

[unbongwah]

Two other builds for you to consider: one is my HO take on the Archon (THF ftr 12 / barb 6 / rogue 2); gives up Kensai III & ftr capstone for UMD, Evasion, +10% run speed, and the DPS boost from barb Rage & Frenzy & PA enhs (which combines nicely with HO barb enhs). The idea is to use mauls for stunning and blades for raw DPS, but nothing says you can't use mauls full-time.

The other build is still a pure fighter, but gives up some CON to have the stats & feats to support switching between Stalwart Defender & Kensai, so you can be either DPS- or tanking-focused.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.9.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 True Neutral Half-Orc 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
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             20                    30
Dexterity            12                    14
Constitution         14                    16
Intelligence         12                    14
Wisdom                8                    10
Charisma              6                     8

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

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


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


Level 3 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Stunning Blow


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


Level 5 (Fighter)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Handed Fighting
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 7 (Fighter)


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


Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Combat Expertise


Level 10 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Shield Mastery


Level 11 (Fighter)


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


Level 13 (Fighter)


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


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Shield Bash


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


Level 17 (Fighter)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Shield Mastery
Feat: (Selected) Quick Draw


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 Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost IV
Enhancement: Fighter Weapon Alacrity
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender I
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender II
Enhancement: Fighter Stalwart Defender III
Enhancement: Fighter Maul Specialization I
Enhancement: Fighter Maul Specialization II
Enhancement: Orcish Brute Fighting I
Enhancement: Orcish Brute Fighting II
Enhancement: Orcish Brute Fighting III
Enhancement: Orcish Extra Action Boost I
Enhancement: Orcish Extra Action Boost II
Enhancement: Orcish Melee Damage I
Enhancement: Orcish Melee Damage II
Enhancement: Orcish Power Attack I
Enhancement: Orcish Power Attack II
Enhancement: Orcish Power Attack III
Enhancement: Orcish Strength I
Enhancement: Orcish Great Weapon Aptitude I
Enhancement: Orcish Great Weapon Aptitude II
Enhancement: Orcish Great Weapon Aptitude III
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

[Asketes]

Maul build can be very successful. DPS wise it's very close to a great axe.

Permaforged's fighter build was really gnarly and unstoppable. My DCs were pushing 53/54 on stuns (it'll be 1 Higher when I finish TRing him)

[Shinkoro]

Thanks a lot for all the replies.