12 Sorcerer/6 Fighter/2 Paladin - Stalwart Eldritch Tank

[MagicBlade]

Been working on builds based around the Eldritch Knight enhancements, I know that some people say that the EK enhancement's aren't that good, but really it depends on how the character is built.

Anyways, I've been looking for a soloist-survival build and I came across the idea of a WF/BF Sorc EK Tank. A Sword and Shield DPS Hate/Intim Tank

I'm looking for advice on gear to look out for, that can improve the character, to be good enough for endgame EE's/Raids and such. The build is as follows.
12 Sorcerer:
Access to vital buffs such as Haste, Blur, Displacement, Protection from Elements, Stoneskin, Nightshield, Jump/Tumble/Expeditious Retreat
Access to Reconstruction
Access to Dimension Door, Teleport, Invisibility, and Gust of Wind

6 Fighter:
Access to the Stalwart Defense Stance
Access to 4 additional feats at 1, 2, 4, 6
Due to Stalwart Defense, gives access to +125% Threat (in stance), +15% Threat (out of stance), +15 PRR, +20% HP, and a choice of: +6 Str, OR +6 Con

2 Paladin:
Access to Lay on Hands (Minimal healing)
Access to Charisma bonus to saves

Stats:
Bladeforged:
Str: 16
Dex: 10
Con: 18
Int: 12
Wis: 6
Charisma: 14

Warforged:
Str: 16 +2 Tome +5 Level ups
Dex: 12 +2 Tome
Con: 18 +2 Tome +2 Level ups (24/28)
Int: 12 +3 Tome
Wis: 6
Charisma: 12 +2 Tome

Feat Selection: 11
Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Bastard Swords
Power Attack
Cleave
Shield Mastery
Adamantine Body
Great Cleave
Improved Critical: Slashing
Improved Shield Bashing
Quicken
Improved Shield Mastery
Shield Deflection

Levels:
1) P - Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Bastard Sword
2) S -
3) F - Power Attack, [Cleave]
4) F - [Shield Mastery]
5) S -
6) P - Adamantine Body
7) S -
8) S -
9) S - Great Cleave
10) S -
11) S -
12) S - Improved Critical: Slashing
13) S -
14) S -
15) S - Improved Shield Bashing
16) S -
17) F -
18) F - Quicken, [Improved Shield Mastery]
19) F -
20) F - [Shield Deflection]

Epic Destiny - Unyielding Sentinel (Tank)
Secondary Epic Destiny - Legendary Dreadnaught (Added DPS)

Enhancements:

Bladeforged: 17
Core(1): Increased Fortification to 50%
Tier 1(9): Healers Friend III, Inscribed Armor III
Tier 2(6): Communion of Scribing III
Tier 4(1): Power of the Forge

Stalwart Defender: 24
Core(3): Toughness, Overbalance, Stalwart Defense
Tier 1(9): Durable Defense III, Defense Boost III, Threatening Countenance III
Tier 2(3): Inciting Defense III
Tier 3(5): Tenacious Defense III, Strength I
Tier 4(4): Hardy Defense III, Swift Defense

Eldritch Knight: 39
Core(3): Eldritch Strike, Spellsword: Acid, Spellsword: Shock (Fire/Frost if desired)
Tier 1(6): Improved Mage Armor III, Toughness III
Tier 2(7): Improved Shield III, Light Armor Proficiency, Martial Proficiency
Tier 3(8): Arcane Barrier III, Critical Accuracy III, Strength I
Tier 4(8): Shield Striking III, Critical Damage III, Strength I
Tier 5(7): Tenser's Transformation, Still Spell III, Doublestrike III


Debating on dropping Shield Striking (15% Chance Shield Bash on hit) for Elemental Resistance (+6 Resistance)


The reason Quicken isn't taken until level 18, is because it's not really needed until then, I managed to get by with the Recon SLA easily from 15-18, in addition to the Recon Spell at 16, as a backup.

The only main problems with this setup are:
Without taking numerous Toughness feats, HP isn't maxxed
With taking 12 Sorcerer levels, Intimidate gets only a .5/level - Countered Partially at 7 when +2 Int kicks in (extra point to dump in Intimidate)
Without taking Tier 5 on Stalwart, or able to spare any additional points towards Stalwart, there are a few losses, such as extra AC from Shield/Armor, Counterattack (+3[W] after a block), +6 Con/Str, whichever wasn't taken in Tier 4, and a few others, such as the final 3 core (if 12/18/20)

To counter these losses, the added points in Eldritch give:
-25% Arcane Spell Failure (Needed while using Adamantine Body + Large Shield
+10% Armor Class
+10 PRR
+2 Str
+3 to Confirm Crits/+3 to Critical Damage
+25% reduced damage if taken to 50% HP
+7% Doublestrike
Permanent Tensers: +4 Str, +4 Con, +6 AC, Full BAB (Recon SLA takes no penalty from Tensers - 6 second CD on both SLA and Spell)
2 Spellsword Abilities, for added Acid/Shock/Frost/Fire damage
+1 Cleave: +1[W] +0-2/Char Lvl Force Dmg + 0-2/Char lvl Element Dmg
+15% Chance to Shield Bash when hit OR +6 Elemental Resistance
+15 HP



If anyone could give their opinion on the build, I'd appreciate it greatly. Currently I am sitting at level 20, with mostly the Bladeforged Starter gear.. a few pieces are different, such as the Quorforged Docent of Battle, and the Gloves of Titan's Grip.

Sitting at:

648 HP
1007/(1327) SP ()= Archmage item

Str: 38
Dex: 22
Con: 40
Int: 17
Wis: 12
Cha: 23

AC: 73
PRR: 65
Fortification: 144%

Repair Spell Power: 128

Saves: 46/32/28
BAB: +14/+20

Doublestrike 18%
Dodge 1%

Skills:
Balance 23
Intimidate 46
Repair 36

(I know stats could all be higher, this is only self buffed and ship buffed, and without being fully geared)

Also, on the enhancements, I noticed that the Defense Boost + Power of the Force don't stack, and the Defense Boost is only +5 AC/+5 PRR higher... so I am thinking about dropping it.

If I drop it, I can put the 3 points towards something else in the tree:

+3 AC, +3 Max Dex bonus OR
+15% Shield Bash while attacking OR
+3 Enhancement Bonus to Armor OR
-15% Dmg while Helpless

I'm leaning towards the +3 AC/+3 Max Dex, or +15% Shield Bash.. if I take the +15% Shield Bash, I'd have to change my EK enhancements, since it won't let me take the Shield Striking twice (diff trees) but I could pick up the +6 Elemental Resistance

[Failedlegend]

Sorry but I don't understand fully... as far as playing the game to cap and end game EE's, that is what I'll be doing. I'm at 20 atm, and asking for advice for gear. Telling what enhancements, and what my current statistics are, so that someone might be able to offer better advice on the gear I'd need to look for.

Don't worry MB just auto-ignore anything AtomicMew says in regards Gish type builds he hates them and makes sure anyone who "dares" to try to make one is as annoyed as possible.

I'll read through your post and respond with some suggestions (if necessary) but my first quesion is...are you set on being a Sorc or are suggestions using Wizard ok?

Also full disclosure I'm one of the people who think the EK enhancements are fairly subpar but I love gish type builds (which worked just fine before EK) and if you want to be an EK I'll do what I can to help

[MagicBlade]

Don't worry MB just auto-ignore anything AtomicMew says in regards Gish type builds he hates them and makes sure everyone knows it.

I'll read through your post and respond with some suggestions (if necessary) but my first quesion is...are you set on being a Sorc or are suggestions using Wizard ok?

Also full disclosure I'm one of the people who think the EK enhancements are fairly subpar but I love gish type builds (which worked just fine before EK) and if you want to be an EK I'll do what I can to help

Ah well, the character is already made... I created a level 15 Bladeforged, and leveled it up a couple levels testing it out, loved it during that time, so I figured I'd go ahead and TR into it, and then use the TR'ed character in epics, so I've not got any experience with epics on this build just yet, but am looking to see what others say in regards to it, and also, depending on whats said, a LR may be possible if needed, and if I can get a heart.

I would personally prefer wizard, due to the bonuses to feats, however, because of the fact of the 2 Paladin levels (starting level as a BF Pally) and the Charisma to saves bonus, I chose to go with the Sorc... I get more spell points, faster casting, shorter cooldowns (vital with Eldritch) and only at the cost of -3 spellcaster based feats..

Also, what do you mean by "gish"?

And, since it's a Sorcerer based Tank, that means that the BAB is lower (Pally/Fighter semi counter) setting it at only 14 BAB, but the Eldritch Knight's Tensers Transformation toggle sets that straight, as well as providing added Str, Con, and AC.. at the cost of 2x Cooldowns, which doesn't affect the Recon SLA, and doesn't hinder the buffing, even during fights (Haste/Displace/Rage)

But in addition to that, the Eldritch Knight tree provides 2 other things at Tier 5... 3% Doublestrike, and -15% ASF...the 3% Doublestrike isn't much, but didn't see a better place to put 3 AP... at most, maybe a slight AC boost in Stalwart, or a couple enhancements from Bladeforged.

I'm using Adamantine Body for the AC bonuses, and Large Shield for medium AC/PRR - specifically, a Mithral Large Shield (Light and Dark from Mindsunder)

[Xianio]

Your numbers are too low. I've been trying build a similar-ish build as you are and here are some things you'll need to aim for:

For AC to matter -at all- in EE you'll need around 135-140 AC. To accomplish this you'll need to get things like StD +50% to your armors ac. (Remember, Flawless Dragon armors have 32 so that's worth an enormous 16 ac).

For PRR you should be aiming for well over 100. You'll probably want at least 110. There are lots of ways to do this but gear is going to be where you get most of it. Keep that in mind.

You need access to more dodge. With a S&B build you'll want to aim for 6-10% dodge (10% requiring a significant investment/maybe a specific race like Dwarf).

PS: Don't use the 20% increase to hp from StD. If you switch your weapon/shield for ANY reason it just "deletes" the hp. Despite how good it is, it's SO easy to accidentally nuke yourself. - Go Con instead, it's much safer.

[MagicBlade]

Your numbers are too low. I've been trying build a similar-ish build as you are and here are some things you'll need to aim for:

For AC to matter -at all- in EE you'll need around 135-140 AC. To accomplish this you'll need to get things like StD +50% to your armors ac. (Remember, Flawless Dragon armors have 32 so that's worth an enormous 16 ac).

For PRR you should be aiming for well over 100. You'll probably want at least 110. There are lots of ways to do this but gear is going to be where you get most of it. Keep that in mind.

You need access to more dodge. With a S&B build you'll want to aim for 6-10% dodge (10% requiring a significant investment/maybe a specific race like Dwarf).

PS: Don't use the 20% increase to hp from StD. If you switch your weapon/shield for ANY reason it just "deletes" the hp. Despite how good it is, it's SO easy to accidentally nuke yourself. - Go Con instead, it's much safer.

I do believe I stated in my first post that I am only in the Bladeforged STARTER gear... so I know that the numbers can be higher. I am looking for gear that I can aim towards to acquire the desired AC/PRR. I'm also not yet in the Unyielding Sentinel ED, which I believe will add a bonus to HP/PRR/AC.

In regards to the Dodge, I'd get more Dodge, but the max dodge I have available to is 1%, due to armor/shields, it won't allow for higher.

Also, I know that without having the full Stalwart Defender enhancements, I may be a little shy on AC/PRR. This is where SPELLS come in. Blur and Displacement add a huge bonus to damage mitigation, in addition to self healing.

Also, in regards to the 20% hp increase from Stalwart Defender... I took 20% AND +6 Constitution.. and I will tell you this... no matter what is taken, you loose ALL bonuses, the +20%, +6 Con, and +6 Str if you swap shields, or switch to scrolls. Due to this, it puts Recon Scroll healing out... which means I have to look into more SP.. thus Wizardry items.

Although, because of the Adamantine Body + Large Shields.. I cannot afford to drop the Tier 5 Eldritch Knight in order to shift points around to something else. The ONLY thing I'd be able to drop from EK is the 3% Doublestrike, and that is ONLY if there is something that is really worth spending 3 ap on. The Stalwart enhancements which provide a % to AC require 2 AP each.

Due to not having 3 Barbarian Lives, Toughness x3, full Stalwart Enhancements for AC/PRR, I tried to look into a secondary form of damage mitigation, the Blur/Displacement fixes that, with a 50% chance to miss, that reduces the damage I take. The few hits that are dealt are absorbed from the PRR and AC... what isn't absorbed, is healed up via a Quickened Reconstruction (SLA)

The ONLY way it'd be possible for me to have enough points to spend on the added Stalwart bonus to AC from Shields/Docent is if I I drop the entire Tier 5 EK (7 AP) drop the +6 Spell Resistance (3 AP) drop the Tier 4 Bladeforged Action Boost; Power of the Forge (+20% dmg, +10 ac/prr) (1 AP) that'd give me 12 AP to spend. This is enough to take 50% AC from Shields and Docents... however there is still one problem.

Arcane Spell Failure.

Tier 5 Eldritch grants a 15% reduction to ASF. While using a Mithral Shield, and with the ASF from Eldritch Core + Tier 1 Bladeforged, I have 0 ASF for spellcasting. If I drop the -ASF, I gain a 15% ASF on spellcasting. This isn't a problem on heals, since Recon SLA isn't affected by spell failure. This IS a problem on spells such as Displace/Haste, which I need to caste every 1:30 (DURING fights)

Also, if I drop tier 5 Eldritch to take Tier 5 Stalwart (Reinforced Defense Armor/Shields) I also loose out on a +4 Str (less dmg) and +4 Con (less hp)

I could only take 1 of the 2 Reinforced Defense, taking the Armor (since Adamantine Body, and not Tower Shields) and still have access to the Eldritch Knight's Tensers, for +4 Str/Con, +6 AC, +6 BAB.. but that still leaves me with a 15% ASF.

I can get a Sapphire of Arcane Dexterity - 15.. which would set my ASF back to 0 so long as I use Mithral, or 5-10% if I use any other shields.. however, this is ONLY possible if I can find an item that has a blue slot in it.. which I have none of at this time. So until I can drastically change my gear setup, I can't afford to switch the points from Eldritch to Stalwart.