I'll go for a few quick answers, I am thinking I should post the full build as there is quite a bit of interest in it so if I don't get everything answered here I will work on it.
"Essential" Named Gear I'd recommend working towards
- Shadow Guardian Plate - the DR 60 is a big help
- Tier 2 Thunderforge BSward or DAx
- PDK shield, preferably upgraded
- Jorgundal's Collar for melee alacrity and striding
(best speed item till you can get this)
- Gauntlets of Immortality - for Devotion and Healing Lore
(Purple Dragon Gauntlets are easy to get sub)
- Sage's Spectacles - fire lore and combustion when in DC
swap out for Drow Smoke Goggles when not using fire damage
swap out for other things as needed
Displacement clickys are always nice, I would also recommend a perm 20% blur item (I get this from FVS)
Put the best offensive augments you can into your weapon and shield - you need all the help you can get
For DA in particular you may want to try it in US as a lot of damage from DC is fire based and much of the stuff in DA likes fire
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Also Renewal will help a good amount with healing.
Likewise a weapon that does fire damage is not as useful
Make sure you can break DR - makes a lot of difference in EEs, especially for a lower DPS build
Make sure you have good Fire Absorb - twist Energy Sheath Fire if you can or get a red Prismatic Cloak
Priority for Epic Past life feats is 3 Martial for Doublestrike and 3 Primal for Colors of the Queen. I currently have 16 epic past lifes and these are by far the ones I find most useful.
And don't feel bad about struggling with the EE DA - it is one of the hardest ones for your build.