Eldrich Knight dillema

[unbongwah]

EK is a fairly weak DPS tree, unfortunately; always has been, but it looks even more gimp after the recent buffs to bards, pallies, etc.

I have a BF pal 15 / wiz 5 build which I made shortly after U19 came out to test EK. The DPS was pretty lackluster; fortunately, after U23 buffed pallies, I respecced more into pally PrEs and was a lot happier with it. Feats are the usual melee DPS, Addy Body, plus Quicken & Extend as my wiz metamagics. Enhancements: 16 APs in BF (PotF), 34 APs KotC (Avenging Cleave + Censure Outsiders), 13 APs SD (T3 Gtr Stance), 13 APs EK (Arcane Barrier), 1 AP AM (Jump SLA), with 3 APs left to tweak things. I haven't invested anything into ASF reduction, b/c my SPs are just for SLAs and Displacement, which aren't affected by ASF (no somatic component). Instead of Haste spell, use pots, Speed gear, or Blinding Speed feat. EDIT: black dragonscale docent has Haste Guard, so that's a good option too.

So essentially, I traded the extra melee DPS from KotC capstone for 2 extra feats and a bunch of survivability perks. Sorc instead of wiz nets you extra SPs, but you lose the two metamagic feats and you have to do either pal 14 / sorc 6 (giving up Zeal) or pal 15 / sorc 5 (giving up Displacement); so I decided the wiz option worked better overall.

[voodoogroves]

I've chewed and chewed but can't come up with a decent EK using Sorc - mind you, some of the APs are well invested there even for a pure sorc, but the lack of feats hurts melee dudes; poor sorcs.

[tsteigner]

Been thinking of making sorcerer using the Eldrich Knight tree. But I'm not entirely sure about this. For race I'm split between Purple Dragon Knight to use Cha for damage, or an elf/drow. If I went with elf I'd probably get the dex to damage enhancement (eventually), while if I went with drow it'd be to get higher dex and cha while still having an okay starting Str.

For attributes (before racial modifiers) I'm considering

Str 14
Dex 16
Con 12
Int 10
Wis 8
Cha 16

Although if I went Drow I'd probably do 18 Charisma and put nothing in Int, while using the racial bonuses to get dex and Int to 16 and 10 respectively.

My question would then be as follows: What spells should I take? The stat boosting spells are in general a waste of time I know. The low wisdom I was planning on getting around via the Forceful Personality feat, especially if I go with purple dragon knight. But I'm not sure if I should build for buffs that improve survivability, arcane offensive capability, or a mix between the two.

the following is what i'm currently running for getting Sorc PL

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

Level 20 Lawful Good Drow Female
(5 Paladin \ 2 Rogue \ 13 Sorcerer) 
Hit Points: 254
Spell Points: 1201 
BAB: 12\12\17\22
Fortitude: 19
Reflex: 18
Will: 16

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats         Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)           (Level 20)
Strength             15                 25                   28
Dexterity            13                 18                   18
Constitution         15                 20                   20
Intelligence         13                 18                   18
Wisdom                8                 13                   13
Charisma             15                 20                   20

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 Intelligence used at level 14
+4 Tome of Wisdom used at level 14
+4 Tome of Charisma 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
+5 Tome of Intelligence used at level 18
+5 Tome of Wisdom used at level 18
+5 Tome of Charisma used at level 18

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills        Base Skills        Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 20)          (Level 20)
Balance               5                  8                    8
Bluff                 2                  5                    5
Concentration         2                  5                    5
Diplomacy             2                  5                    5
Disable Device        5                 27                   27
Haggle                2                  5                    5
Heal                 -1                 16                   16
Hide                  5                  8                    8
Intimidate            2                  5                    5
Jump                  6                 13                   13
Listen               -1                  1                    3
Move Silently         5                  8                    8
Open Lock             4                  7                    7
Perform               n/a               n/a                   n/a
Repair                1                  4                    4
Search                5                 27                   29
Spellcraft            1                 17                   17
Spot                  3                  5                    7
Swim                  2                  9                    9
Tumble                2                  5                    5
Use Magic Device      6                  9                    9

Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Disable Device (+4)
Skill: Hide (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Move Silently (+4)
Skill: Open Lock (+3)
Skill: Search (+4)
Skill: Spot (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Favored Soul
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Favored Soul
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Monk
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Paladin
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Wizard
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Wizard
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 2 (Paladin)
Skill: Heal (+3)
Feat: (Deity) Follower of the Sovereign Host
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Slayer of Evil I (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Smite (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Smite (Rank 2)


Level 3 (Paladin)
Skill: Heal (+3)
Skill: Search (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Bastard Sword
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Cleave (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Cleave (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Cleave (Rank 3)


Level 4 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Search (+1.5)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Holy Bastion (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)


Level 5 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Disable Device (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1.5)
Spell (1): Nightshield
Spell (1): Jump
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Courage of Heaven (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Eldritch Strike (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Sacred Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Durable Defense (Rank 3)


Level 6 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Search (+1.5)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Quicken Spell
Spell (1): Magic Missile


Level 7 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Spell (1): Expeditious Retreat
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Improved Mage Armor (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Improved Mage Armor (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Improved Mage Armor (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Toughness (Rank 1)


Level 8 (Sorcerer)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+2)
Spell (2): Blur
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Spellsword: Shock (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Improved Shield (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Improved Shield (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Improved Shield (Rank 3)


Level 9 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Disable Device (+1.5)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Two Weapon Fighting
Spell (2): Knock
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Light Armor Proficiency (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Arcane Barrier (Rank 1)


Level 10 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+2)
Spell (3): Haste
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) - Exalted Smite (Rank 1)


Level 11 (Paladin)
Skill: Heal (+5)
Spell (1): Bless
Spell (1): Cure Light Wounds
Spell (1): Divine Favor
Spell (1): Lesser Restoration
Spell (1): Lionheart
Spell (1): Protection from Evil
Spell (1): Resistance
Spell (1): Seek Eternal Rest
Spell (1): Virtue
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Smite (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Smite (Rank 3)


Level 12 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Heal (+3)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Strength (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Empowered Smite (Rank 1)


Level 13 (Rogue)
Skill: Disable Device (+7)
Skill: Search (+4)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Strength (Rank 1)


Level 14 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)
Spell (2): False Life
Spell (3): Chain Missiles
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 3)


Level 15 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Spell (4): Stoneskin
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) - Holy Retribution (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Avenging Cleave (Rank 1)


Level 16 (Sorcerer)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)
Spell (2): Invisibility
Spell (3): Displacement
Spell (4): Force Missiles
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Avenging Cleave (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Avenging Cleave (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Sealed Life (Rank 1)


Level 17 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)
Spell (5): Protection from Elements
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Arcane Barrier (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Arcane Barrier (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Strength (Rank 1)


Level 18 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Spell (3): Heroism
Spell (4): Dimension Door
Spell (5): Cloudkill
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Spellsword: Acid (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Toughness (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Toughness (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Wand and Scroll Mastery (Rank 1)


Level 19 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+2)
Spell (6): Tenser's Transformation
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Spellsword: Frost (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Sor) - Medium Armor Proficiency (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Extra Lay on Hands (Rank 2)


Level 20 (Sorcerer)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spellcraft (+2)
Spell (4): Fire Shield
Spell (5): Eladar's Electric Surge
Spell (6): Disintegrate
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Sacrifice (Rank 3)
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)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Bulwark Aura (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)

instead of Exotic Weapon : BSword you could use Khopesh or any other feat, i'm using BSword since i got some very decent swords of that Kind
the build itself is Primary a 2wf - build that uses Sorc - Spells with 0 ASF to Support it's melee prowess ....
for 1st Life probaly take less con and or chr.
also if you don't have the tomes (dex + int are pretty important) you could dump the trapping skills as well as reduce int and incr. dex by a bit

[Exiledtyrant]

I found force damage hard to itemize when I made my EKs, especially at lower levels. Acid and fire are easy to boost and find spellpower/crit for. I use this spell list a lot while leveling as the force options usually perform much weaker and their no miss chance doesn't matter with the non DC spells you can cast:


Spell (1): Detect Secret Doors
Spell (1): Jump


Spell (1): Expeditious Retreat


Spell (1): Protection from Evil

Spell (2): Blur


Spell (2): Melf's Acid Arrow

Spell (3): Displacement


Spell (2): Resist Energy
Spell (3): Rage


Spell (4): Acid Rain


Spell (2): Scorching Ray
Spell (3): Haste
Spell (4): Ice Storm


Spell (5): Protection from Elements


Spell (3): Heroism
Spell (4): Wall of Fire
Spell (5): Teleport


Spell (6): Greater Heroism


Spell (4): Fire Shield
Spell (5): Niac's Biting Cold
Spell (6): True Seeing

Spell (7): Power Word: Blind


Spell (5): Eladar's Electric Surge
Spell (6): Acid Fog
Spell (7): Greater Teleport

Spell (8): Black Dragon Bolt


Spell (7): Protection from Elements, Mass
Spell (8): Polar Ray


Spell (9): Power Word: Kill



This should give you a good set of AOE to combine and single target to use without worrying about DC which let's you focus on melee stats. If you have tomes you won't even need to invest in CHA. I never do so I always lose about 4 points at creation. I usually got 18/2 on my sorc so I don't have a full level 9 spell list but there's not much to choose from to begin with especially with no DC.

It is important to note you can combine acid rain + fire wall or acid rain + ice storm but not all three. Polar ray, searing ray, and black dragon bolt are basically dependent on what you fight for bonus damage. You can skip fire shield for boiling blood if you want more offense but it doesn't work on bloodless enemies.