Druid14/Monk2/Ftr2 - Its Fruidonkulous?

[jortann]

So many people come up to Bairclaw and say things like, “Bairclaw you are awesome”, “Bairclaw we have a hard time keeping up with your path of destruction”, “Bairclaw we want your autograph”, “Bairclaw, you are named after a donut”, “Bairclaw how do you do it?”

So Bairclaw decide to share some of his secrets with you guys, because you are so cool to him.

One question that Bairclaw gets is, ‘where did you get your training?’ Well Bairclaw do lots of training. I started out as a Druid and then trained as a monk for a little bit and then went back to Druid and I think I will do some training as a Fighter next. So am I a Druid because I did most of my training there? Bairclaw don’t know. Maybe I am a little of everything. Is there a name for that? Bairclaw doesn’t know, but if I had to put a name on it I guess I would call it Fruidonk.

Now one thing that I try to tell people is that I am not really the best at anything. I don’t heal as good as a cleric or favored soul. I don’t do the magical damage of a sorcerer and I don’t do the insta-kills of a wizard. And I don’t have the melee damage of a fighter or barbarian. But Bairclaw does a little bit of all of those things; that is what makes him special. Now if you want to be like one of those other guys, I would say to you to go train with them, because that is what you would need to do.

Bairclaw was just thinking that maybe someone might read this who has not seen him. And they might be wondering what does he do? Is he like a wolf, or a bear, or a donut? So, I will answer that now. I am a Two-Weapon Fighter in Fire Elemental form. A lot of the time I use this spell called Body of the Sun that hurts people around me while I fight. So I am like this big firey ball of chopping swords.

Now I guess most of you will want more details about being a Fruidonk, so I tried to organize some of my training in a list to help you out…

Da Fruidonk build….. by Bairclaw

RACE: Well I am a Half-Orc. I don’t know if being a Fruidonk is the best choice for Half-Orcs. Human would probably be better for the extra feat and skill point. But then you would need to be a skinny little human and not big and cool like me, but I guess if you can live with that, then human would be a good choice.

CLASSES: Druid 16/Monk 2/Fighter2

STATS:
STR: 18 (I put all level ups here)
DEX: 15 (I needed +2 Tome for TWF)
CON: 14
INT: 6
WIS: 14
CHA: 6

FEATS: (11 total – 12 if human)
Toughness
Two-Weapon Fighting (TWF)
Oversized TWF
Dodge (I maybe change this out for lightning reflexes later to make my evasion work better)
Empower healing
Improved TWF
Improved Critical: Slashing
Greater TWF
Maximize

Ok, that leaves me with 2 more feats to take and there are a lot of good choices. So I will list the choices I think are good and let you make up your mind. I will include Dodge and Lightning Reflexes in this list as they are not really feats that I think are necessary. Also if you are a skinny human you get to pick one more.
Power Attack (Extra damage is nice but this may cause some ‘to hit’ problem)
Dodge (3% miss chance)
Lightning Reflexes (+2 to reflex save. Will help make evasion better)
Weapon Proficiency: Khopesh (better weapons = more damage)
Augment Summoning (make your dog better)
Quicken (you may need this to heal yourself in really big battle)
Mental Toughness (more spell points is good)
Cleave (This is a... ummm... big word... prereckquizit? for ... more big words ... lejendairy drednot... so you may want it)

ENHANCEMENTS:
Bairclaws writing hand is getting tired, so he will not write down all the enhancements but will highlight a few…
Vengeful hunter
Seasons Herald
Crown of Summer
Spring Resurgence
Beastial Nature which gives a +3 to reflex save.
And of course Spell enhancement stuff

If you have gotten this far, Congratulations! You are a good reader! So some of you may be thinking why do all this training like this? What does it give you? Bairclaw’s real answer is that it is fun. But some of you will want more technical answer so I will list all the benefits of being a Fruidonk…

Evasion
Monk WIS bonus to AC, if in PJs
Self Healing (you get the Heal spell at your 15th level of Druid. It is nice)
Fire Elemental form +10 racial bonus to your saving throws against magical poisons
Fire Elemental form immunity to natural poisons
Fire Elemental form racial immunity to sleep, paralysis and stun
Fire Elemental form 100% bonus to fortification.
Fire Elemental form - you dont need to breath underwater
Fire Elemental form - Body of the sun (dis is good spell)
Crown of Summer – 2d6 light damage added to weapons
Crown of Summer – 15% Healing Amp
Spring Resurgence – Can be cast on you and all allies. Costs no spell points. When you fall below 50% hit points, you are healed by 20d6 positive energy, and receive a +2 primal bonus to attack rolls.
Decent Melee DPS and Decent Spell Damage which when combined equals pretty good.
Regenerate – Heals ability point damage, and level drain
Self Buffing:
Stoneskin
Deathward
Resist Energy
True Seeing
Jump
Barkskin
FOM

Ok, now Bairclaws hand really tired from writing. I hope now that I have shared my secrets it will make the world a better place.

If you liked this, send me a donut.

[Deathdefy]

1) I respect your commitment to character Bairclaw.

2) Really cool to see a viable TWF Monk/Fighter splash druid build up! I've been struggling to come up with a Druid build I'm excited about and think I'll heavily plagiarize from you. I am hopeful Bairclaw isn't litigious.

[Diyon]

I've been wanting to do an elemental melee type, so I may try something like this. I may or may not go with the monk lvls, monk splashes kind of concern me atm. What about going....I was going to say something else here, but I can't think of a better choice really. I guess the question is whether the bonus to AC from WIS is better than the bonuses from light armor, which I get the feeling they probably aren't, in which case, the fact that its a monk splash is irrelevant to my concerns. You've convinced me! I'll be making one! I need a true TWF, and my poor altitis afflicts me once more.

[Diyon]

STATS:
STR: 18 (I put all level ups here)
DEX: 15 (I needed +2 Tome for TWF)
CON: 14
INT: 6
WIS: 14
CHA: 6

You're missing 2 build points in there on a 32 point build, btw.


Oh, and *sends a donut*

[jortann]

1) I am hopeful Bairclaw isn't litigious.

Bairclaw hopes so too, but just in case I will ask that Doctor to make sure next time I am there.

I may or may not go with the monk lvls, monk splashes kind of concern me atm.

Bairclaw has two words for you ... Evasion

You're missing 2 build points in there on a 32 point build, btw.

Bairclaw is no gud at maths. He probably put the other 2 in INT for more skill points or DEX. He may even have had 34 points and done both.... not shur.

[zerit2002]

Looks interesting.
At what lvls did you take those monk and fighter lvls?

[jortann]

Looks interesting.
At what lvls did you take those monk and fighter lvls?

Bairclaw took monk at 2 and 3, because he wanted evasion early on. It was rough watching my druid friends get spell like firewall two levels earlier than me, but I don't care, I liked not dying better.

Bairclaw is going to take fighter at 19 and 20 because I wanted to get the heal spell earlier, rather than waiting any longer.

That's how Bairclaw did it. I guess it don't matter too much. You get everything eventually.


Now if you are asking because you want to know how it was to level, then Bairclaw will tell you that it was a little rough at first but it just gets better and better. By the time I got to Gianthold things were really clicking.

[zerit2002]

Bairclaw took monk at 2 and 3, because he wanted evasion early on. It was rough watching my druid friends get spell like firewall two levels earlier than me, but I don't care, I liked not dying better.

Bairclaw is going to take fighter at 19 and 20 because I wanted to get the heal spell earlier, rather than waiting any longer.

That's how Bairclaw did it. I guess it don't matter too much. You get everything eventually.


Now if you are asking because you want to know how it was to level, then Bairclaw will tell you that it was a little rough at first but it just gets better and better. By the time I got to Gianthold things were really clicking.

Ok. Thanks.

[jortann]

Lately many people have been asking Bairclaw lots of questions. Questions like, "How is your training going?", "What feats did you take?", "Can you get my soulstone?", "Should I eat donuts with coffee or chocolate milk?", "What is that aura around you"?

So, Bairclaw figured he would write to his good friends and give them an update.

First important thing that happened is that someone told Bairclaw he is no longer heroic. Now Bairclaw was sad at first, but then they tell Bairclaw that he is now Epic. Well, Bairclaw already knew this.

Then Bairclaws friends wanted him to go to a place called Eveningstar, but Bairclaw figured he should get some new gear first. So, Bairclaw set off to make Epic sword. He had most of the pieces already, just needed sword. So he went to Mr. Kronzek's chest many times to look for it, but it turns out Mr. Kronzek is pretty stingy. So, Bairclaw is a little bummed.

So, Bairclaw go to Eveningstar anyway without sword. And he wander in forest a little. It’s a nice place but full of mean Drow. They like to hit Bairclaw real hard. This makes Bairclaw want to punch all Drow in the face.

But this is probably not the questions you wanted answered. Bairclaw forgot that you guys like technical stuff. So here is the new stuff I have learned about being a Fruidonk.

This is most important. When in Fire Elemental form it appears that Bairclaw is immune to trip and some forms of knockdown. This is real nice. Also, seems to be immune to bear trap. Bairclaw guess fire elemental have no legs for bear trap. Bairclaw think this real important to mention because it is big advantage for elemental form.

Second, is what feats Bairclaw took. Well, last time Bairclaw give you big list and tell you to choose, but Bairclaw also forgot that you get 2 Epic feats. Anyway Bairclaw, took Dodge and Lightning Reflexes and Stunning Blow. Now Bairclaw is thinking he is going to switch out Stunning Blow for Power Attack for 2 reasons. One, it is prerekwisit for Cleave and two, Bairclaw thinks he may be able to turn it on and still hit things ok. He will check it out for you and report back.

Also, Bairclaw thinks that it may be real important to take Quicken. Up until now Bairclaw had been able to use fancy moves to cast while under fire, but those Drow he mentioned before make it tough.

Ok, now Bairclaws hand is tired. He usually does not do this much writing.

Again, if you like, send Bairclaw donut. But use box, because when you send them in envelopes they get smashed and the Jelly leaks out.

[unbongwah]

Oversized TWF
Dodge (I maybe change this out for lightning reflexes later to make my evasion work better)

Seems like a poor trade, to get two weaksauce feats instead of lvl 9 spells & Season's Herald III (when it hopefully comes out later this year) from, say, a monk 2 / druid 18 build like mine.

[jortann]

Seems like a poor trade, to get two weaksauce feats instead of lvl 9 spells & Season's Herald III (when it hopefully comes out later this year) from, say, a monk 2 / druid 18 build like mine.

Mr. Unbongwah, Bairclaw is not used to hearing the word weaksauce around him. And is a bit surprised by your behaviour. But Bairclaw will put his surprise aside and try to answer your questions.

First Bairclaw talk about the feats. Dodge is 3% miss chance. That is small amount but in this games lots of small amounts add up to big amount. So, you have to start somewhere. And Bairclaw did not say you have to take this feat. There are others you could take that might be better for you. Heck, Bairclaw might even change this one out, he dont know.

Now lightning reflexes is +2 to reflex save. That is 10% more chance to evade things like lightning bolt and cometfall and other stuff. This is real important as that stuff hurts real bad. This is good feat.

As for level 9 spells. Bairclaw not see much there that would benefit his plan. Bairclaw is a TWF fire elemental, not a caster or party healer. Sure Bairclaw does some casting and some healing, but it not his main focus. So, Bairclaw dont think he need those spells.

As for your hopes of Season Herald III. I wish you the best, but Bairclaw gonna play for the here and now, not for stuff that is not here.

Good luck with your build and don't hesitate to ask Bairclaw more questions. He would be gald to help you.

[unbongwah]

Off the top of my head, other feats to consider:

• Power Atk / Cleave / Great Cleave / WF:Slash / Overwhelming Crit:Slash - expensive, but ups your DPS which clearly seems to be this build's primary focus
• Imp Sunder - for the fort debuff and access to Sundering Strike (LD)
• Stunning Blow & Stunning Fist (if switch to unarmed) - CCing mobs the ol'-fashioned way...with your fists!

Another option I've toyed with: druid 13 / monk 6 / ftr 1 using handwraps in fire elem form. Same number of feats, but gain Ninja I for +1d6 SA and Shadow Fade (much better than Dodge on its own); lose lvl 8 spells, though - Fires of Purity being the main one you would miss, I should think.

[Diyon]

Off the top of my head, other feats to consider:

• Power Atk / Cleave / Great Cleave / WF:Slash / Overwhelming Crit:Slash - expensive, but ups your DPS which clearly seems to be this build's primary focus
• Imp Sunder - for the fort debuff and access to Sundering Strike (LD)
• Stunning Blow & Stunning Fist (if switch to unarmed) - CCing mobs the ol'-fashioned way...with your fists!

Another option I've toyed with: druid 13 / monk 6 / ftr 1 using handwraps in fire elem form. Same number of feats, but gain Ninja I for +1d6 SA and Shadow Fade (much better than Dodge on its own); lose lvl 8 spells, though - Fires of Purity being the main one you would miss, I should think.

Fires of purity would be for other people. EDIT: The thing you lose that's important is HEAL. You get crown of summer which if I understand correctly, functions as a weapon enhancement (I don't seem to remember it working that way in Beta, but that's what the description says).

A reason I'd worry about that build is the current defense issues with monk splashes. At least with Bairclaw's build you can wear light armor and get some PRR and more AC (you still get the WIS bonus to AC according to the wiki). I know you get shadow fade here, and that's a great ability, but from what I here it's not enough on its own.

Bairclaw, I'm not sure I'm liking the cleave-dreadnaught stuff for this, and am planning on making one going Fury of the Wild with these feats:

TWF
ITWF
GTWF
OTWF
Toughness
Stunning Blow
IC:S (may change to bludgeoning and use Mornhs later)
Empower Healing
Maximize
Quicken
Power Attack

Although, now that I think about it, maybe I should drop OTWF as that +2 you get from it isn't as valuable as it used to be.

[jortann]

First Bairclaw just notice that his thread title is wrong. /facepalm. Bariclaw is really no guds at maths.

• Power Atk / Cleave / Great Cleave / WF:Slash / Overwhelming Crit:Slash - expensive, but ups your DPS which clearly seems to be this build's primary focus

This is not a bad idea. Bairclaw thinks definately skinny human for this path though as feats will be tight. Starting to think Quicken is a must.

Another option I've toyed with: druid 13 / monk 6 / ftr 1 using handwraps in fire elem form. Same number of feats, but gain Ninja I for +1d6 SA and Shadow Fade (much better than Dodge on its own); lose lvl 8 spells, though - Fires of Purity being the main one you would miss, I should think.

The thing you lose that's important is HEAL.

This ^^

You get crown of summer which if I understand correctly, functions as a weapon enhancement

Yes. 2d6 light damage. And weapon can only have one enchantment at a time. So, dis better than fires of purity. Also, Bairclaw think the -10 fire resist part of Fires of Purity is not working.

A reason I'd worry about that build is the current defense issues with monk splashes. At least with Bairclaw's build you can wear light armor and get some PRR and more AC (you still get the WIS bonus to AC according to the wiki).

Bairclaw think this wrong. The wisdom bonus applies to AC when not armored (Bairclaw think leather counts as armor) and not using a shield. So, Bairclaw has been wearing the frozen Tunic.

And Bairclaw has a secret.... shhhh.... currently he is getting a centered AC bonus even while using scimitars... don't tell anyone ... shhhh...

Bairclaw, I'm not sure I'm liking the cleave-dreadnaught stuff for this, and am planning on making one going Fury of the Wild with these feats:

TWF
ITWF
GTWF
OTWF
Toughness
Stunning Blow
IC:S (may change to bludgeoning and use Mornhs later)
Empower Healing
Maximize
Quicken
Power Attack

Although, now that I think about it, maybe I should drop OTWF as that +2 you get from it isn't as valuable as it used to be.

This could be good idea. Bairclaw is going to test out Power Attack this week and see if he misses a lot with it or not. He will report back later and tell you about it.

[Diyon]

Bairclaw think this wrong. The wisdom bonus applies to AC when not armored (Bairclaw think leather counts as armor) and not using a shield. So, Bairclaw has been wearing the frozen Tunic.

From the DDO wiki http://ddowiki.com/page/Centered :

"Being uncentered doesn't affect your AC bonuses related to WIS or DEX stats. Being uncentered also doesn't affect your Improved Evasion ability."


This also lines up with what I used to here from people talking in game about AC characters back before any of the defender/stalwart changes.

[unbongwah]

You should read a little further down for the important part about AC, Diyon: "The Monk's Wisdom-based Armor Class bonus does not fully rely on the Centered state. This bonus has the same armor, shield, and encumbrance requirements as centered, but the Monk's weapons don't matter. A Monk still gets this bonus if he is uncentered only because of his weapons." [italics mine]

[Diyon]

You should read a little further down for the important part about AC, Diyon: "The Monk's Wisdom-based Armor Class bonus does not fully rely on the Centered state. This bonus has the same armor, shield, and encumbrance requirements as centered, but the Monk's weapons don't matter. A Monk still gets this bonus if he is uncentered only because of his weapons." [italics mine]

Ah, okay, I missed that down there. In any case, I think I'll go with the light armor anyways, as that will give me PRR and more AC (pretty sure the armor will give more than the 8 or so I'd get from wis eventually. Parasitic gives a total of 19 now.).

[Failedlegend]

Heh Bairclaw you make me smile...which a H-Orc like you rarely does for a halfling like me...+1 to you sir

[jortann]

Bairclaw is back with his 'Power Attack' update. It works. He ran several EHards last night and it work gud. He now suggests taking this feat.

Bairclaw also, has been looking into an Epic plan. He must admit that he was so focused on level 20 that he forgot about Epic level and feats and stuff. So, he is thinking about a few plans. This is one of them (with help from Mr. Unbongwah). Bairclaw calls it ...Overwhelming Fruidonk. He was going to call it Overwhelming Bairclaw but that would be kind of repetitive. Oh, but Bairclaw almost forgot most important part which is to tell you why he call it that. Its because it will get you to the Epic Overwhelming Critical Feat. Ok, here it is...

Overwhelming Fruidonk
Toughness
Power Attack (monk)
TWF (monk)
Weapon Focus
Empower Healing
ITWF
Imp. Crit - Slash
Maximize
GTWF
Cleave (fighter)
Great Cleave (fighter)
Quicken (epic)
Overwhelming Critical (epic) this requires you to be really strong too. Bairclaw think its a 23 base strength

Now, Bairclaw not know if this is best idea or not. He has not tried it out. It is just a thought. Also, you will see Bairclaw would need to give up OTWF for this. But he thinks with better gear and the extra BAB you get with epic levels he might be okay. Either that or he could put a light weapon in his off-hand, but he probably not do that, because Bairclaw might look silly with tiny weapon. Of course if you are skinny human you would get extra feat, but you guys probably already knew that.

Ok, Bairclaw's head is starting to spin from all this thinking. He is going to take a break. But be sure to let him know if this is good idea or not. Or if you have better ideas.

[unbongwah]

Bairclaw could start with OTWF, then feat-swap it for WF:Slash before taking OC:Slash, since Bairclaw doesn't need WF:S before then. Though Bairclaw might want to consider starting with Precision instead, since it provides a bigger boost to to-hit and a fortification reduction as well.