Centered Kensei twf cleric

[Micki]

Hi everyone. I have not posted in this subsection of the forums in a while, and now I'd like to get a second opinion on a build I've come up with (with some help from a friend).

The idea with this build is to gain morninglord and cleric pastlife (also elves are my fav and I wanted iconic), but to run epic elites and ee sagas, and most likely do 1-2 epic past lives before the next TR. I have played several types of caster clerics before, and my main toon is a dc pure cleric... so I decided I wanted to do something different. This build is twf centered kensei with focus on heavy single handed blades, so longswords, rapiers and such.

Why do this type of build? Well, like I said, I have played various caster clerics, but never a melee cleric before. I have also played monks and handwraps builds, but never a dual wielder with slashing weapons. So, I'm hoping this build will be good enough for ee tor, while still fun to play.

The main source of self healing will be cocoon and radiant bursts. I wanted quicken and emp heal for those.

So, without further ado, here's my draft. Feel free to offer ideas for improvements, but pls don't suggest I change the build completely, as this is what I'd like to do.

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

Cerge 
Level 28 Lawful Good Morninglord Male
(8 Fighter \ 3 Monk \ 9 Cleric \ 8 Epic) 
Hit Points: 408
Spell Points: 456 
BAB: 16\16\21\26\26
Fortitude: 19
Reflex: 12
Will: 13

                  Starting          
Abilities        Base Stats         
(36 Point)       (Level 1)          
Strength             16             
Dexterity            14             
Constitution         14             
Intelligence         10             
Wisdom               10             
Charisma             15             

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Strength used at level 2
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 2
+1 Tome of Constitution used at level 2
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 2
+1 Tome of Wisdom used at level 2
+1 Tome of Charisma used at level 2
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 6
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 6
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 6
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 6
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 6
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 6
+3 Tome of Strength used at level 10
+3 Tome of Dexterity used at level 10
+3 Tome of Constitution used at level 10
+3 Tome of Intelligence used at level 10
+3 Tome of Wisdom used at level 10
+3 Tome of Charisma used at level 10
+4 Tome of Strength used at level 14
+4 Tome of Dexterity used at level 14
+4 Tome of Constitution used at level 14
+4 Tome of Wisdom used at level 14
+5 Tome of Strength used at level 18
+5 Tome of Dexterity used at level 18
+5 Tome of Constitution used at level 18

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 28)
Balance               3                    29
Bluff                 2                    12
Concentration         2                    23
Diplomacy             2                    13
Disable Device        n/a                   n/a
Haggle                2                    12
Heal                  0                    11
Hide                  2                    12
Intimidate            2                    12
Jump                  3                    27
Listen                0                    10
Move Silently         2                    12
Open Lock             n/a                  n/a
Perform               n/a                  n/a
Repair                0                     9
Search                0                     9
Spellcraft            0                     9
Spot                  0                    10
Swim                  3                    17
Tumble                3                    16
Use Magic Device      4                    23

Level 1 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell
Feat: (Deity) Favored by Amaunator
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Bard
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Favored Soul
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Sorcerer
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Wizard


Level 2 (Monk)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Concentration (+2)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Power Attack


Level 3 (Monk)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Quicken Spell
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Two Weapon Fighting


Level 4 (Monk)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+3)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Harmonious Balance: Fists of Light


Level 5 (Cleric)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 6 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Cleave


Level 7 (Cleric)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 8 (Cleric)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)


Level 9 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Adept of Forms
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Great Cleave


Level 10 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons


Level 11 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons


Level 13 (Cleric)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 14 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)


Level 15 (Cleric)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons


Level 16 (Cleric)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)


Level 17 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Master of Forms
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Weapon Fighting


Level 19 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 20 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons


Level 21 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Grandmaster of Forms


Level 22 (Epic)


Level 23 (Epic)


Level 24 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Overwhelming Critical


Level 25 (Epic)


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


Level 27 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Blinding Speed


Level 28 (Epic)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: First Blood
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Focus: Heavy Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Spiritual Bond (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Strike With No Thought (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Extra Action Boost (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Extra Action Boost (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Extra Action Boost (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Weapon Specialization: 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: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Weapon Specialization: Heavy Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Weapon Meditation (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Critical Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Critical Accuracy (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Weapon Specialization: Heavy Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Shattering Strike (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Strength (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Critical Damage (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Weapon Specialization: Heavy Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Strength (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Keen Edge (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - One With The Blade (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Deadly Strike (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Healing Domain (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Pacifism (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Positive Energy Burst (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Extra Turning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Extra Turning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Extra Turning (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Altruism (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Efficient Empower Healing (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Radiant Servant (Clr) - Efficient Empower Healing (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Smite Foe (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Divine Might (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Divine Might (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Divine Might (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Toughness (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Smite Weakness (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Wall of Steel (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame: Saving Throws (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame: Saving Throws (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame: Saving Throws (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Burden of Sin (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Burden of Sin (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Burden of Sin (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame: Energy Absorption (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame: Energy Absorption (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Inflame: Energy Absorption (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Warpriest (Clr) - Ameliorating Strike (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Ninja Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Acrobatic (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Acrobatic (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Acrobatic (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Bastion of Purity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Protection from Tainted Creatures (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Deft Strikes (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Deft Strikes (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Deft Strikes (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Fists of Iron (Rank 1)

[kgoodson3]

Cool idea. I'm not sure Radiant Servant is worth it though. You may get more mileage out of Warpriest and Ameliorating Strike instead of bursts, especially since you're TWF.

[Micki]

Cool idea. I'm not sure Radiant Servant is worth it though. You may get more mileage out of Warpriest and Ameliorating Strike instead of bursts, especially since you're TWF.

Interesting. I have no experience at all with the warpriest tree. I was looking at it, though and 1d2 per caster level feels like very little. That would be a maximum of 20? hp, as she'll only have 10 cleric levels.

[kgoodson3]

Interesting. I have no experience at all with the warpriest tree. I was looking at it, though and 1d2 per caster level feels like very little. That would be a maximum of 20? hp, as she'll only have 10 cleric levels.

Yes, but two things.... 1 it scales with your positive energy spell power and character level (not cleric level) and 2 it applies to BOTH hits on a TWF so you get double the healing when you swing with both hands. I had a TWF 15 Ranger 4 Cleric 1 Fighter and it would proc for about 300 - 340 on TWF strikes. I didn't have very high spell power either.

Again, not sure it is better than what you proposed, but I would test it.

[unbongwah]

I'm not sure Radiant Servant is worth it though. You may get more mileage out of Warpriest and Ameliorating Strike instead of bursts, especially since you're TWF.

OP can have both: One w/Blade is 33 APs; Ameliorating Strike is 22 APs; burst is 11 APs; Deft Strikes is 7 APs. That's 73 APs total.

I would consider monk 3 / cleric 9 instead; I think light buffs + FoL will be more useful than an extra spell slot or two. If also fits in with the "lots of free healing" concept.

[Micki]

OP can have both: One w/Blade is 33 APs; Ameliorating Strike is 22 APs; burst is 11 APs; Deft Strikes is 7 APs. That's 73 APs total.

I would consider monk 3 / cleric 9 instead; I think light buffs + FoL will be more useful than an extra spell slot or two. If also fits in with the "lots of free healing" concept.

I'll look at the planner again and see what that looks like. If I do bursts, I do want Endless Turning, though... as this build won't have a huge amount of turns and for bursts + divine might I'll need the turns back as fast as possible

[Eth]

Looks solid. I'd really drop oversized TWF though. Take something like greater weapon specialization instead.

[Micki]

Looks solid. I'd really drop oversized TWF though. Take something like greater weapon specialization instead.

I was going to dual wield heavy blades, i.e. carry heavy blade in my off hand too to get full benefit of kensei. Will I not get a penalty if I don't take oversized twf?

[Micki]

Build and enhancements adjusted a little. Swapped 1 cleric for 1 monk

[Eth]

I was going to dual wield heavy blades, i.e. carry heavy blade in my off hand too to get full benefit of kensei. Will I not get a penalty if I don't take oversized twf?

Yes, you would get the penalty without oversized TWF.
No oversized TWF gives you basically a -2 penalty on to-hit, which can usually just be ignored.
Your build shouldn't have any to hit problems.

To clarify (first number mainhand, second number offhand):
TWF without any TWF feats: -6/-10 to-hit penalty
TWF with TWF feat: -4/-4 to-hit penalty
TWF with TWF feat. + Oversized TWF or light weapon in offhand: -2/-2 to-hit penalty

[Scrabbler]

I was going to dual wield heavy blades, i.e. carry heavy blade in my off hand too to get full benefit of kensei. Will I not get a penalty if I don't take oversized twf?

You will get a penalty of -2 attack, which is often meaningless due to the design of attack rolls in this game. Sometimes it will mean a 5% higher miss chance, and sometimes 0% higher. Because it's hard to tell if the difference will be more than 0%, people aren't eager to invest feats more +attack.

[Eth]

Also why no master of forms? +1 crit multiplier in earth stance is a lot of DPS.

In that case:
Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting

Select improved crit. here as fighter feat. and select Adept as normal feat.
Take master of forms at 24.

[Micki]

Also why no master of forms? +1 crit multiplier in earth stance is a lot of DPS.

Oops... something has gone wrong. It is supposed to have Master of forms at 21

I've adjusted the build on two different computers an apparently I've lost the latest version. I posted it here: http://mickisdelirium.wordpress.com/.../16/cerge-5-0/

Ok, there. build corrected. Sorry.. was a copy-paste issue

[unbongwah]

If I do bursts, I do want Endless Turning, though... as this build won't have a huge amount of turns and for bursts + divine might I'll need the turns back as fast as possible

Warpriest Div Might is powered by SPs; KotC DM uses TUs.

I'd really drop oversized TWF though. Take something like greater weapon specialization instead.

Agree that OTWF should be dropped, but GWS req's ftr lvl 12. Precision or another metamagic (e.g., Max to boost bursts) would be my vote.

[Micki]

Warpriest Div Might is powered by SPs; KotC DM uses TUs.

Agree that OTWF should be dropped, but GWS req's ftr lvl 12. Precision or another metamagic (e.g., Max to boost bursts) would be my vote.

Divine might in fvs tree is powered by sp, cleric and paladin spend turns.

Enhancements adjusted in the last version of the build. I see several suggestions to drop OTWF. If I swap it for Master of Forms at 18, I could take Grandmaster at 21. Would that be better?

[Scrabbler]

Divine might in fvs tree is powered by sp, cleric and paladin spend turns.

Negative. Warpriest DM has always been run off of spellpoints, regardless of if you're a Cleric or Favored Soul. That is an important benefit, because Clerics wouldn't necessarily have the same high Charisma as a Paladin or even FVS.

In ancient times Clerics would use turns for DM, but Cleric DM was taken away for year+, and when it came back it was spellpoints.

[Micki]

Negative. Warpriest DM has always been run off of spellpoints, regardless of if you're a Cleric or Favored Soul. That is an important benefit, because Clerics wouldn't necessarily have the same high Charisma as a Paladin or even FVS.

In ancient times Clerics would use turns for DM, but Cleric DM was taken away for year+, and when it came back it was spellpoints.

Ok, I stand corrected. I was sure clerics used turns for DM, like pallys, but I guess it's just pally then.

[Micki]

Build edited. Dropped OTWF, took Master of forms at 18, and Grandmaster at 21

[unbongwah]

Don't forget that Empower, Emp Heal, and Maximize will all boost your bursts for free. You probably don't have enough feats for all three, but I would at least try to squeeze in Max+Emp Heal for +225 Pos Spellpower to bursts. Otherwise I'm afraid you're not going to get enough oomph outta your bursts with only 9 cleric lvls.

[Elibolas]

I wonder if you might not have more survivability with something like a 12 Cleric/6 Monk/2 Fighter split using short swords rather than heavy blades. You don't have to take all the relatively ineffective Weapon Specialization Feats, because you would be centered with short swords. Adept comes for free, and you get Ninja Fade and better healing. Yes, you lose some DPS, but I think the trade-offs might be favorable.

-- Elibolas