Spellblade: Unusual Fighter Attempt

[0akenshield9]

I am looking at trying to play a fighter/wizard of the sword/board variety, and could use some input from people far more experienced with melee than myself. I have warforged, artificer, drow, bladeforged, PDK, and druid for extra options. My goal is viable melee combat with decent/good HP and defences. (Having to strain for the 400 HP marker at 20 on a caster is rather exhausting) I'm not set in stone about sword/board, i do have a collection of khopeshes on various characters. Having some solo ability in heroic would be nice, but certainly not needed. I don't need to manage EE alone.
NOTE
I am aware sword/board is considered very bad by the general population of the forums. I am aware of ASF, and am working with that. Going arcane means UMD is only needed for divine scrolls/wands (Resurrect, etc) Do I care if this character has sub-par DPS and/or acheives gimp status? Not in the least. I'd rather it be fun to play than some cookie-cutter build. Also, I really would like to avoid monk. I haven't unlocked it, and have very little intention to do so in the near future.

Tentative Plan:
5 Wizard (Level 3 spells, Tenser's Enhancement, skill points, couple of metas to enhance buffs)
15 Fighter (8 Bonus feats, Tier 3 core enhancements)

Alternatives:
Sorcerer 5: Loss of Level 3 spells, but Charisma works with PDK for attacks. CHA base means better UMD (always useful) Losing the ability to self-buff a Haste or Rage may be less useful. Splashing Paladin gives +CHA to saves, never hurts. Small bit of extra SP means a bit more buffs
Add Rogue Levels: Trap skills and the intelligence to use them, evasion (though heavy armor makes that useless) have to lose 2 Fighter, loss of bonus feat. Some tier 1 rogue-y skills might have a use.

Races:
Human: bonus feats, potential dragonmarks
Warforged: Arcane self-heals galore.
Bladeforged: SLA Reconstruct alone makes this note-worthy (I think. I'm used to the Warforged caster who can self-spam Recons in a pinch)
PDK: Works well with Charisma (if I go the sorc route)

Enhancements:
Eldritch Knight: Tenser's Tranformation SLA. I would ideally love to keep this ability. If the S/B route is possible, then the enhancements relating to shields could be quite useful. Requires 31 points invested in the end.

General Thoughts? Stalwart Defender or Kensai? Is S/B a relic of the past, or would it be possible, given investment? Thanks in advance for taking the time to help with such an eclectic build idea.

[unbongwah]

Right now I think the least bad option for a S&B EK would be something like WF/BF pal 2 / ftr 6 / wiz or sorc 12. WF/BF for immunities, Reconstructability, DPS bonuses; ftr 6 for feats and Stalwart D. (defensive stance and Block & Cut); pal 2 for Div Grace (if you don't have Evasion, then at least you should have good saves) and possibly Div Might (w/Bane of Undeath twisted in, APs are tight tho); wiz or sorc provides lvl 6 spells, EK, other caster perks (sorc has obvious synergies with pally, but wiz provides 3 free metamagics).

Rough build outline:
Stats: STR primary, CON & CHA secondary
Feats: Power Atk/Cleave/GC/OC chain, both Shield Masteries & Imp Shield Bash, metamagics (at least Quicken, probably Extend, possibly Maximize), at that point it's a question of priorities (tho I would take Addy Body for AC+PRR, otherwise why else go S&B?)
Enhancements: at least 36 APs in Stalwart D. for Block & Cut and max defensive stance, at least 4 APs into Kensei for Haste Boost, at least 14 APs into EK for Arcane Barrier + Spellsword, BF should put at least 16 APs into racial tree for Reconstruct SLA and Power of the Forge. That leaves 10 APs for tweaking things; you need 7 into KotC for Div Might.

[Khatzhas]

How would throwing some Artificer in there work instead of Rogue? Even assuming you don't want to have the runearm as an option for when you're just DPSing, the Battle Engineer still has Daxe or Bsword-boosting enhancements, combat action boosts, plus weapon- and armour-enhancing Artificer spells and trap skills.

[Seikojin]

On Lam, I threw around a build that was 6wiz/6pal/8fighter so you could utilize always tensers, boost as bladesworn, be S&B or twf, have decent ac, prr, dodge, and utilize some self healing repairs. Bladeforged would be the better race for this, since it yields a recon sla, giving the recon spell despite your wiz levels not allowing you to get it.

It was a pretty fun build. I didn't plan it out, I was just tinkering there since character planner never gives you in game results, but a dojo lam build does.

[elcagador]

Right now I think the least bad option for a S&B EK would be something like WF/BF pal 2 / ftr 6 / wiz or sorc 12. WF/BF for immunities, Reconstructability, DPS bonuses; ftr 6 for feats and Stalwart D. (defensive stance and Block & Cut); pal 2 for Div Grace (if you don't have Evasion, then at least you should have good saves) and possibly Div Might (w/Bane of Undeath twisted in, APs are tight tho); wiz or sorc provides lvl 6 spells, EK, other caster perks (sorc has obvious synergies with pally, but wiz provides 3 free metamagics).

Rough build outline:
Stats: STR primary, CON & CHA secondary
Feats: Power Atk/Cleave/GC/OC chain, both Shield Masteries & Imp Shield Bash, metamagics (at least Quicken, probably Extend, possibly Maximize), at that point it's a question of priorities (tho I would take Addy Body for AC+PRR, otherwise why else go S&B?)
Enhancements: at least 36 APs in Stalwart D. for Block & Cut and max defensive stance, at least 4 APs into Kensei for Haste Boost, at least 14 APs into EK for Arcane Barrier + Spellsword, BF should put at least 16 APs into racial tree for Reconstruct SLA and Power of the Forge. That leaves 10 APs for tweaking things; you need 7 into KotC for Div Might.

This. I would go with that splash with Bladeforged/Wf (12 Wizard/ 6 Fighter/ 2 Paladin), also because It give you more options with some spell damage from dots and aoe spells vs non evasion enemies, 30 resists, Gh, more Sp pool for extended haste, fire shield, dots etc. I would take archmage enhancements for some spell crit and Displascement sla. Also with epic destinies you will get a lot of destinies options with 12 Wizard lvls, for example you have shiradi missiles spammer option for ranged dps against tough bosses, have Legendary dreadnought option for meele dps and master blitz for solos, have Divine crusader for decent dps and aoe damage with some group support heals, Sentinel destiny for tanking, etc.

[unbongwah]

Right now I think the least bad option for a S&B EK would be something like WF/BF pal 2 / ftr 6 / wiz or sorc 12.

Test build: kick the tires, see what you think.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 04.20.02
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 28 Lawful Good Bladeforged Male
(6 Fighter \ 2 Paladin \ 12 Wizard \ 8 Epic) 
Hit Points: 404
Spell Points: 1263 
BAB: 14\14\19\24
Fortitude: 22
Reflex: 10
Will: 13

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 28)
Strength             16                    28
Dexterity             6                     8
Constitution         17                    20
Intelligence         12                    14
Wisdom                6                     6
Charisma             16                    18

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 7
+3 Tome of Strength used at level 11
+3 Tome of Constitution used at level 11

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 28)
Balance              -1                     3
Bluff                 3                    12
Concentration         3                    13
Diplomacy             3                    12
Disable Device        n/a                  n/a
Haggle                3                    15
Heal                 -2                     6
Hide                 -2                     2
Intimidate            7                    38
Jump                  3                    13
Listen               -2                     6
Move Silently        -2                     2
Open Lock            n/a                    n/a
Perform               n/a                  n/a
Repair                2                    34
Search                1                    10
Spellcraft            2                    33
Spot                 -2                     6
Swim                  3                     7
Tumble               -1                     3
Use Magic Device      n/a                  n/a

Level 1 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+4)
Skill: Repair (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Feat: (Deity) Follower of the Lord of Blades
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 2 (Fighter)
Skill: Repair (+3)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Cleave


Level 3 (Wizard)
Skill: Spellcraft (+3)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Quicken Spell
Feat: (Selected) Shield Mastery


Level 4 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Spellcraft (+3)


Level 5 (Wizard)
Skill: Repair (+2)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+3)
Feat: (Selected) Adamantine Body
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Great Cleave


Level 7 (Wizard)
Skill: Repair (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+2)


Level 8 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+4)


Level 9 (Wizard)
Skill: Repair (+2)
Skill: Spellcraft (+2)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Extend Spell
Feat: (Selected) Improved Shield Bash


Level 10 (Wizard)
Skill: Repair (+3)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)


Level 11 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+3)
Skill: Repair (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Repair (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Shield Mastery


Level 13 (Wizard)
Skill: Repair (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+3)


Level 14 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+2)
Skill: Repair (+1)


Level 15 (Fighter)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Repair (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Bastard Sword
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Handed Fighting


Level 16 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+2)


Level 17 (Wizard)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Repair (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)


Level 18 (Wizard)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Repair (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Handed Fighting
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Maximize Spell


Level 19 (Wizard)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Repair (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)


Level 20 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Repair (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Improved Fortification (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Mechanist (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Mechanist (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Inscribed Armor (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Inscribed Armor (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Inscribed Armor (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Communion of Scribing (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Communion of Scribing (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Communion of Scribing (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Fearsome Presence (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Weapon Attachment (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Bladeforged - Power of the Forge (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Toughness (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Overbalance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Stalwart Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Durable Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Durable Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Durable Defense (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Threatening Countenance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Threatening Countenance (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Threatening Countenance (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Shield Striking (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Shield Striking (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Shield Striking (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Resilient Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Resilient Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Resilient Defense (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Instinctive Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Inciting Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Inciting Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Inciting Defense (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Strong Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Strong Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Strong Defense (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Strength (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Swift Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Hardy Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Hardy Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Hardy Defense (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Strength (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Block and Cut (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Block and Cut (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Block and Cut (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Tenacious Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Tenacious Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Stalwart Defender (Ftr) - Tenacious Defense (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Focus: Heavy Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Eldritch Strike (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Spellsword: Acid (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Spellsword: Shock (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Spellsword: Frost (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Mage Armor (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Mage Armor (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Mage Armor (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Item Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Shield (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Shield (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Shield (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Light Armor Proficiency (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Martial Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Arcane Barrier (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Arcane Barrier (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Arcane Barrier (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Elemental Resistance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Elemental Resistance (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Elemental Resistance (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Medium Armor Proficiency (Rank 1)


Level 21 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Handed Fighting


Level 22 (Epic)


Level 23 (Epic)


Level 24 (Epic)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Overwhelming Critical


Level 25 (Epic)


Level 26 (Epic)
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Perfect Two Handed Fighting


Level 27 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Epic Reflexes


Level 28 (Epic)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Elusive Target