Druid14/Monk2/Ftr2 - Its Fruidonkulous?

[Diyon]

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

I'm thinking I may do this, but WF won't be needed in U15 for OC, so I think I may replace it with extend for 1 minute Body of the Suns.

[Bforgiven]

Jortann, how's this character doing? Any changes?

I am really liking the direction and gameplay of this build. I have a thought to TR my warchanter into this. This is a TWF Dwarven warchanter using DA's. I would get him to 20 (currently 17) and then choose Fatesinger as his Epic Destiny.

Then TR into this build - still dwarf and DA usage though - and go from there! I would also take the Past Life Feat at some point as well for song usage!

Any thoughts or hints? Is the dwarf not going to work? That would be a bummer!

Thanks for your (or anyone else) thoughts!

[jortann]

Bforgiven:

Bairclaw is doing great! He has not posted any updates as he was on vacation and also trying to figure out a plan for ED's so he could post a final build.

Bairclaw will share with you some of his progress now, because you ask.

I started in the Shiradi destiny, but jumped out as soon as I could to get to Legendary Dreadnaught. I twisted back in Healing Spring (right name?) because its cool. Its too early to tell if Legendary Dreadnaught is the way to go or not, but when Bairclaw figures it out he will let you know.

The melee DPS is still strong and combined with the Body of the Sun damage, Bairclaw is a force. Throw in the self healing, and self buffing and Bairclaw doesn't 'know what's not to like?'

As for Epic Feats I am setting it up so I can get to Overwhelming Critical. Bairclaw needs to go back and fix a few feats to make it work, but he can do that. Not quite level 24 yet.

As for how good it is going.... if Bairclaw has to toot his own horn here he will.... Bairclaw is awesome! Now normally Bairclaw would not talk about himself like that but many people have been talking about how gimp druids are and that make Bairclaw sad. Maybe they should follow Bairclaws example... I don't know.. just thinking out loud here.

[Purkilius]

+1 had fun reading this thread, like the build

[AtomicMew]

You should consider extend, since it works on body of the sun. You're saving a LOT of SP if you use it frequently.

[jortann]

It did cross my mind but feats are tight already. And the 30 second duration works out pretty good. Most encounters dont last 30 seconds. I think if it was extended you would find that it wore off just as you were getting to the next bunch of mobs.

[sirdanile]

Bairclaw sir, in all your awesomeness do you feel that fire resistance ever ruins your day? Do you know if in a different yet similar build whether Anger of the Noonday sun works well?

[JasonJi72]

Excellent post Bairclaw!

I was thinking about doing something like this, but with a staff build. Mainly because I like the staff animation. I am considering many options for my next druid. My first one was a pure druid.

I really like how you stayed in character.

EDIT: I may try to fit in one more druid level though. Bairclaw would like storm of vengeance, but probably couldn't spell it.

[ddonoobgamer]

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 appear very heavily STR-based. Can you comment on your spells? Do you use earthquake at all and how effective is it in epic norm/hard? I'm just wondering what your typical combat looks like in terms of your spells usage in additiion to your melee. I know you can heal, but I'm more interested in your use of CC and offensive spells.

Do you fight in form at all? If so, what form-based spells do you use?

I was originally planning to make a STR-based melee wolf-druid, but based on what I read in the forums, I decided I better go WIS-based so my spells would land. But if building a STR-based melee druid is viable, I would rather go down that road.

[Expalphalog]

Do you fight in form at all? If so, what form-based spells do you use?

Although I would never claim to speak for Bairclaw, I do count myself among those he deems worthy of basking in his glory on a regular basis so I can attest with some confidence that Bairclaw spends most of his time in Fire Elemental form. I personally have not seen him ever go Winter Wolf or Dire Bear.

[ddonoobgamer]

I personally have not seen him ever go Winter Wolf or Dire Bear.

Yeah I figured he wouldn't be going animal form from his feat list. I was more interested if he went into form at all and what form-based spells he used when I asked that question. What spells go into his typical combat rotation while in fire elie form and how effective are they? As I mentioned in my previous post, I was originally planning to go STR-based for my druid but then decided to go WIS-based instead cause I was worried about gimping my spells too much. But if it turns out a STR-based druid is viable, then I'd rather go STR-based.

[jortann]

Bairclaw has returned from the Demonweb to answer some of da questions that have been piling up. He is sorry that he has not gotten back sooner to answer all of your questions, but he was busy with spiders and stuff.

Ok, so some of you want to know about forms. Bairclaw has two words for you 'fire elemental form'. The only time Bairclaw uses any other form is when he has had too much ale and is dancing on the guild ship. That is the time for Bear form.

There was also some questons about spells and crowd control. Bairclaw fels that the best way to control the crowd is to kill it. The crowd does not cause too many problems when it is dead. So, how does Bairclaw kill things? That is probably your next question.

So, Bairclaw uses a combination of swords and spells. Right now I am mainly using an Epic Kronzek's Cruelty and an Oathblade. (but he thinks he wants to try a Celestia, I think thats what it is called. Not so sure because that spider lady has been really stingy with her loots.) I try to run with Body of the Sun on most of the time. Having not as much wisdom as sum other Druids I don't have as many spell points or things that people call DC's, whatever dat means. So, I save spell points for heals and a few other spells, mainly firewall and creeping cold. Both of those real gud.

Also, I have become a legindairy drednott, which is pretty cool. But I also did some twisting to add in healing spring which is something that Bairclaw would call awesome.

Ok there was some specific questions...

do you feel that fire resistance ever ruins your day?

No.

Do you know if in a different yet similar build whether Anger of the Noonday sun works well?

That is a really cool name for spell, but unfortunately that is the coolest thing about that spell.

Bairclaw would like storm of vengeance, but probably couldn't spell it.

Bairclaw is a storm of vegenance. He no need that spell. RAAAWR!

You appear very heavily STR-based.

Thank you! I try to work out everyday.

I decided I better go WIS-based so my spells would land. But if building a STR-based melee druid is viable, I would rather go down that road.

Bairclaw would say it is vya... viahhh... it works. You will be happy. I am more like a melee toon than a caster. But most important Bairclaw can heal and buff himself and add his spells to his melee to make him gud. If he gets in a bind... firewall and body of the sun while swinging his swords usually gets him out of it.

I do count myself among those he deems worthy of basking in his glory on a regular basis so I can attest with some confidence that Bairclaw spends most of his time in Fire Elemental form. I personally have not seen him ever go Winter Wolf or Dire Bear.

hehe... i know this guy. He must have missed the last party on the ship though...

What spells go into his typical combat rotation while in fire elie form and how effective are they?

Chop, burn, chop, burn, chop, burn ... you get the idea.


Ok, bairclaw has enjoyed your questions, but must go because he has no more to say.

[Diyon]

I have a question about defenses. Namely, what do you use as far as that goes. I've had a lot of fun with the build so far, but getting into the epic lvls I'm starting to feel really squishy now, even with self-healing.

[Feralthyrtiaq]

Finished a similar build but w/o evasion (really really didn't miss it or need it) Horc 1Ftr/19Druid/3Epic (capped Shiradi, 3 Ranks in LD setting up for Shadowdancer at end of next life <ROGUE>). Khopesh, TWF, ITWF, GTWF, IC:Slash, PL:Barb, Maximise, Quicken, Empower Heal.

Easy build to play solo/support w/e. I found Water Elemental form with mob debuff from cold spells + Mantle of the Icy Soul was absolutely brilliant! Body of the Sun was amazing for the level but once I got into 18+ I found my survivability more than doubled with cold debuff and easy peasy crowd control.

Druid is HANDS DOWN the funnest caster class I have played (have done em all).

The fun of the druid REALLY helped mitigate the ELFING RAGE inherent with casters and "You are not facing..." ARRRRRG and the ever popular "Out of range" when I am practically dancing a GD tango with the stupid mob...

Anywho. Pretty nice build OP!

I liked druid so much I TR'd my un-appreciated low hp strictly built-for-healing drow cleric into 2Monk/18 Druid Max Wis build (at 1Monk/3Druid atm) set up to go from Unyielding Sentinnel to GMoF RAWWWRRRRRR

[jortann]

I have a question about defenses. Namely, what do you use as far as that goes. I've had a lot of fun with the build so far, but getting into the epic lvls I'm starting to feel really squishy now, even with self-healing.

More questions... and good thing Bairclaw see this when he sit down for donut break. Bairclaw's answer....

Who doesn't feel squishy in Epic levels? Things you can do to help. Reflex save! Make that evasion work for you! Bairclaw laughs when enemy casters throw lightining bolts.

AC, Bairclaw would suggest to invest a little in this. Put on some PJs and take advantage of your wisdom bonus to AC. I wear a frozen tunic. Its a little cold in the sensitive areas but it has a +8 armor bonus and benefits the creeping cold spell.

And Bairclaw never leaves home without his Bracers of the Wind. Perma blurred!

Some other items that might be helpful are Superior Parrying items, Resistance 7 items, Heightened Awareness items and Dodge items.


Good Luck!

[Diyon]

More questions... and good thing Bairclaw see this when he sit down for donut break. Bairclaw's answer....

Who doesn't feel squishy in Epic levels? Things you can do to help. Reflex save! Make that evasion work for you! Bairclaw laughs when enemy casters throw lightining bolts.

AC, Bairclaw would suggest to invest a little in this. Put on some PJs and take advantage of your wisdom bonus to AC. I wear a frozen tunic. Its a little cold in the sensitive areas but it has a +8 armor bonus and benefits the creeping cold spell.

And Bairclaw never leaves home without his Bracers of the Wind. Perma blurred!

Some other items that might be helpful are Superior Parrying items, Resistance 7 items, Heightened Awareness items and Dodge items.


Good Luck!

I'm currently going with the light armor for PRR, but I may have to try outfits, especially since I keep lowering my AC with Fury anyways (maybe it will turn out that Fury of the Wild isn't such a great choice here). Evasion seems to be working out fine, its the physical damage that gets me. As to everyone feeling squishy in epic levels, I meant that relatively (my wolf druid and earth stance archer for instance feel much more sturdy. If I get a more than a few actively hitting me my HP drops like a sinking stone).

[jortann]

I'm currently going with the light armor for PRR, but I may have to try outfits

Bairclaw ditched his light armor a long time ago. The benefit from PRR seemed small compared to the benefit from a useful AC.

If I get a more than a few actively hitting me my HP drops like a sinking stone.

Bairclaw has advice for this... don't get surrounded by a bunch of guys. Pick out the weak helpless ones on the edge and leave the big bunch of tough dudes for someone else. HAHA - that joke!

Ok, this is purdy much the case for anyone. Except big heavy armor guys. What you need is better tactics. Bairclaw have 2 ideas...

One, fight while retreating, this keeps guys from surrounding you and they usually get in a line for you so you can fight them one at a time while slowly moving backwards.

Two, When in extreme danger, lay down a firewall, turn on Body of the Sun and jump around in circles while healing yourself. Bairclaw learn this tactic from his friend Icemaachine, who is a great wizard. It may not seem too manly, but its really cool to jump high in circles I think most bad dudes die in amazement of my jumping skills more than anything else.

Three, scream like a little girl and run for your life.


Diyon, I hope that helps. Bairclaw needs to go now because he has not done this much writing in one day since first grade school.

[Diyon]

Bairclaw ditched his light armor a long time ago. The benefit from PRR seemed small compared to the benefit from a useful AC.


Bairclaw has advice for this... don't get surrounded by a bunch of guys. Pick out the weak helpless ones on the edge and leave the big bunch of tough dudes for someone else. HAHA - that joke!

Ok, this is purdy much the case for anyone. Except big heavy armor guys. What you need is better tactics. Bairclaw have 2 ideas...

One, fight while retreating, this keeps guys from surrounding you and they usually get in a line for you so you can fight them one at a time while slowly moving backwards.

Two, When in extreme danger, lay down a firewall, turn on Body of the Sun and jump around in circles while healing yourself. Bairclaw learn this tactic from his friend Icemaachine, who is a great wizard. It may not seem too manly, but its really cool to jump high in circles I think most bad dudes die in amazement of my jumping skills more than anything else.

Three, scream like a little girl and run for your life.


Diyon, I hope that helps. Bairclaw needs to go now because he has not done this much writing in one day since first grade school.

Ha! Okay, I'll try out this advice. Although I'll have to check the numbers on whether outfits + wis bonus actually equals more AC than light armor. I'm at least somewhat familiar with those tactics, as I said, I was feeling squishy compared to other things I've played. I'm especially familiar with tactic #3 there. One of my main characters isn't named Runforr Yorlyves for nothing.

[ddoplayer064]

Been playing this build for a while, and have finally gotten to Shroud running levels. It's been a blast so far, having a great time playing it.

My question is thus: Greensteel items. I plan on making just two (forgoing weapons unless I TR which is unlikely at this time); Hp item, and a con-op. Now, what slots? The con-op...probably goggles. HP item is where I'm confuzzled. Choices seem to be a MinII helm (great consolidation on effects-HP's/Fort/Prot) or a SmokeII, maybe cloak.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Claver]

Jortann -

I wanted to thank you for making the time to post and update this thread. You have inspired me to try a similar build although I went half elf with Fighter Dilitante and am going whirling steel strike with longswords....mostly because I've been looking for a way to play that feat just for fun.

Keep up the good work.