Help me, internet, build my 13th life (fighter)

[der_kluge]

So, once I cap my Druid, I'll be spec'ing my 13th life (huzzah!). As it happens, I saved fighter for last. Mostly because I prefer casters...
But I don't totally hate melee builds. I just generally kind of suck at playing them.

Thinking maybe human, pure vanguard with bastard sword (I have some nice ones from my paladin life) and tower shield.

From what I'm reading, this sounds like a solid choice.

Keep in mind that I'll probably bank 19, hold 18, and when I cap, I TR. I'm not interested in epics.

I'm curious if there are any good splashes that I should be aware of? I'm strongly considering 6pal and heavy dipping into the sacred defender line. I'll probably dip into Harper a lot as well.

Any tips are appreciated.

Also, can you activate sacred defense and stalwart defense at the same time? I'm guessing no...

[UurlockYgmeov]

congrats!

[lilleengen2]

Can't help you much with a Vanguard fighter, but I can tell you that you're guessing right: only one stance at a time.. So for a paladin splash what you get is some light damage on your swings, +saves and DM. Some ok-ish self-healing through LoH as well if you spend the AP and have a decent CHA (which you'll probably want anyway for saves and DM).

Grats on 13th life!

[unbongwah]

Thinking maybe human, pure vanguard with bastard sword (I have some nice ones from my paladin life) and tower shield.

The downside to Vanguard is it's a fairly backloaded PrE; the major DPS bonuses are in the lvl 6/12/18/20 cores, so you don't hit your full potential until epics, which are irrelevant to you.

I'm curious if there are any good splashes that I should be aware of?

A Kensei Warpriest probably makes a better HTR build than pure Vanguard; the cleric splash adds some self-heals from Ameliorating Strike plus some useful buffs, access to CCW wands, etc. Though I would probably do ftr 12 / cleric 7 / barb 1: the +10% run speed, 4 uses of Rage which stack w/Div Might, and +3 PA enhs are all useful perks.

Swashbuckler is also a good template for HTR build, since the DPS bonuses are so frontloaded; a TAB or SPD make heroic leveling a breeze.

Also, can you activate sacred defense and stalwart defense at the same time? I'm guessing no...

Your guess is correct.

[LongshotBro]

So, once I cap my Druid, I'll be spec'ing my 13th life (huzzah!). As it happens, I saved fighter for last. Mostly because I prefer casters...
But I don't totally hate melee builds. I just generally kind of suck at playing them.

Thinking maybe human, pure vanguard with bastard sword (I have some nice ones from my paladin life) and tower shield.

From what I'm reading, this sounds like a solid choice.

Keep in mind that I'll probably bank 19, hold 18, and when I cap, I TR. I'm not interested in epics.

I'm curious if there are any good splashes that I should be aware of? I'm strongly considering 6pal and heavy dipping into the sacred defender line. I'll probably dip into Harper a lot as well.

Any tips are appreciated.

Also, can you activate sacred defense and stalwart defense at the same time? I'm guessing no...

i love my pure fighter vanguard with bastard sword and tower shield, but for just TR'ing i'm not sure; epic really opens up a lot of options that make it much more effective imo.

sacred defender and stalwart defender are almost the same thing essentially so that might not be so useful.

[ValariusK]

Druid-9/Ranger-2/Fighter-9 works nicely as a fighter life. Basically TWF/SWF and natural fighting.

[der_kluge]

Druid-9/Ranger-2/Fighter-9 works nicely as a fighter life. Basically TWF/SWF and natural fighting.

Wouldn't that technically be a druid life, since D comes before F?

Thanks for the tips. I'll check out some of those other options.

[ValariusK]

Wouldn't that technically be a druid life, since D comes before F?

Thanks for the tips. I'll check out some of those other options.

No, because druid wasn't an original class. So its at the back end of past life priority.

[unbongwah]

Wouldn't that technically be a druid life, since D comes before F?

http://ddowiki.com/page/Past_Life_Feats#Dominant_Class

It's alphabetical for F2P classes first, then in order of release date for the P2P classes. Druid is the most recent class, so it's last place for determining dominant class, at least until Warlock comes out.

[der_kluge]

http://ddowiki.com/page/Past_Life_Feats#Dominant_Class

It's alphabetical for F2P classes first, then in order of release date for the P2P classes. Druid is the most recent class, so it's last place for determining dominant class, at least until Warlock comes out.

Wow, that's some kind of ridiculous.

[tsteigner]

The downside to Vanguard is it's a fairly backloaded PrE; the major DPS bonuses are in the lvl 6/12/18/20 cores, so you don't hit your full potential until epics, which are irrelevant to you.

A Kensei Warpriest probably makes a better HTR build than pure Vanguard; the cleric splash adds some self-heals from Ameliorating Strike plus some useful buffs, access to CCW wands, etc. Though I would probably do ftr 12 / cleric 7 / barb 1: the +10% run speed, 4 uses of Rage which stack w/Div Might, and +3 PA enhs are all useful perks.

Swashbuckler is also a good template for HTR build, since the DPS bonuses are so frontloaded; a TAB or SPD make heroic leveling a breeze.

Your guess is correct.

what unbongwah said, Vanguard is very backloaded .... instead of the Ftr / Clr split, if it is just for hTR i would do something in the following, you'll lvl a bit faster even with doing traps ^^, and the LoH and CLW from Paladin are enough you Need Healing wise .... Enhancement wise, i choose KotC t5 of a more burst dps and immune to lvl-drain effacts and death spells (Sealed Life), if you want more sustainded dmg you can also take Kensai t5 instead of kotC .... also i take the Sacred Defender tree instead of Stalwart Defender because of 3 more LoH / shrine

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 04.23.01
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 Lawful Good Half-Elf Female
(12 Fighter \ 6 Paladin \ 2 Rogue) 
Hit Points: 342
Spell Points: 230 
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 24
Reflex: 17
Will: 13

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(36 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             17                    32
Dexterity            10                    15
Constitution         15                    20
Intelligence         13                    18
Wisdom                8                    13
Charisma             15                    20

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Strength used at level 3
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 3
+1 Tome of Constitution used at level 3
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 3
+1 Tome of Wisdom used at level 3
+1 Tome of Charisma used at level 3
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 7
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 7
+3 Tome of Strength used at level 11
+3 Tome of Dexterity used at level 11
+3 Tome of Constitution used at level 11
+3 Tome of Intelligence used at level 11
+3 Tome of Wisdom used at level 11
+3 Tome of Charisma used at level 11
+4 Tome of Strength used at level 15
+4 Tome of Dexterity used at level 15
+4 Tome of Constitution used at level 15
+4 Tome of Intelligence used at level 15
+4 Tome of Wisdom used at level 15
+4 Tome of Charisma used at level 15
+5 Tome of Strength used at level 19
+5 Tome of Dexterity used at level 19
+5 Tome of Constitution used at level 19
+5 Tome of Intelligence used at level 19
+5 Tome of Wisdom used at level 19
+5 Tome of Charisma used at level 19

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               4                     6
Bluff                 2                     5
Concentration         2                     5
Diplomacy             2                     5
Disable Device        5                    27
Haggle                2                     5
Heal                  1                    21
Hide                  0                     2
Intimidate            6                    10
Jump                  7                    15
Listen               -1                     2
Move Silently         0                     2
Open Lock             1                     3
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                1                     5
Search                5                    28
Spellcraft            1                     4
Spot                  3                     6
Swim                  5                    13
Tumble                1                     3
Use Magic Device      6                    16

Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Disable Device (+4)
Skill: Heal (+2)
Skill: Intimidate (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+4)
Skill: Spot (+4)
Skill: Swim (+2)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Half-Elf Dilettante) Half-Elf Dilettante: Favored Soul
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Artificer
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Barbarian
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Bard
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Cleric
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Druid
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Favored Soul
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Monk
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Paladin
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Paladin
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Paladin
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Ranger
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Rogue
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Sorcerer
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Wizard
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 2 (Fighter)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Cleave


Level 3 (Fighter)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Handed Fighting
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 5 (Paladin)
Skill: Heal (+4)
Feat: (Deity) Follower of the Undying Court


Level 6 (Paladin)
Skill: Heal (+3)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Great Cleave


Level 7 (Rogue)
Skill: Disable Device (+6)
Skill: Search (+3)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 8 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Handed Fighting


Level 9 (Paladin)
Skill: Heal (+3)
Skill: Search (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Slayer of Evil I (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Courage of Heaven (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Smite (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Smite (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Sacrifice (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Sacrifice (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Sacrifice (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Vigor of Life (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Smite (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Smite (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Smite (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: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Holy Bastion (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Sacred Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Extra Lay on Hands (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Durable Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Durable Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Durable Defense (Rank 3)


Level 10 (Paladin)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Search (+1.5)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Strength (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Empowered Smite (Rank 1)


Level 11 (Paladin)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Vigor of Life (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Strength (Rank 1)


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Holy Retribution (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Holy Retribution (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Sealed Life (Rank 1)


Level 13 (Fighter)
Skill: Disable Device (+1.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Extra Lay on Hands (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Extra Lay on Hands (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Bulwark Aura (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Bulwark Aura (Rank 2)


Level 14 (Fighter)
Skill: Disable Device (+1.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Holy Retribution (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Strong Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Strong Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Strong Defense (Rank 3)


Level 15 (Fighter)
Skill: Disable Device (+1.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Weapon Specialization: Heavy Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Weapon Specialization: Heavy Blades (Rank 1)


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Spiritual Bond (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Strike With No Thought (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Extra Action Boost (Rank 1)


Level 17 (Fighter)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Stunning Blow
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Weapon Specialization: Heavy Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Strength (Rank 1)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Magical Training
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Extra Action Boost (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Extra Action Boost (Rank 3)


Level 19 (Fighter)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Half-Elf - Half-Elven Versatile Nature (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Power Surge (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Weapon Specialization: Heavy Blades (Rank 1)


Level 20 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Heal (+6)
Enhancement: Half-Elf - Human Adaptability: Strength (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Half-Elf - Awareness (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Slayer of Evil II (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Vigor of Life (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Strength (Rank 1)