Strimtom's Vanguide - An Endgame guide to playing Fighter Vanguard

[Greeka]

I am curious as to why you took the two handed weapon feats and how do they impact this build. Do they actually add glancing blows to weapons that do not have glancing blows? I check and the khopesh did not pick up glancing blows with update 5 so I am wonder why the feats were taken. Do they affect the tower shield? I am really curious as to their function in your build.

Thanks

[Discpsycho]

I am curious as to why you took the two handed weapon feats and how do they impact this build. Do they actually add glancing blows to weapons that do not have glancing blows? I check and the khopesh did not pick up glancing blows with update 5 so I am wonder why the feats were taken. Do they affect the tower shield? I am really curious as to their function in your build.

Thanks

Most likely for Epic Defensive Fighting.

Strimtom mentions he doesn't run in Stalwart Defender (AP aside) because it causes aggro and doesn't cause damage. This means he doesn't have a % Competence bonus to HP, which 13+ SD points usually covers for other Kensai builds. EDF gives 5% hp + 5% per combat style feat (which doesn't include Shield Mastery) for a total of 20% with THF/ITHF/PTHF. As he's not tossing out heals or spells, the stance has no real downside for this build

[Strimtom]

Added Paladin build link to beginning of thread

[TitusOvid]

I am playing a Aasimar Ftr 20 Vanguard. My setup with Sharn gear:

Head: Leg Umber Brim
Necklace: Leg Family Recruit Signet
Trinket: (Cannith Crafted: Ins Con, Parrying, Sheltering)
Cloak: Leg Mantle of Fury
Belt: (Leg Shadow's Embrace)
Ring1: Slave Lords (Wis, Resi, Quali Con)
Ring 2: Leg Celestial Ruby Ring
Gloves: Leg Hammerfist
Boots: (Many-Hooked Greaves)
Wrist: Brand of Kalok Shash
AC: Leg Enforcer's Plate
Goggles: Leg Precision Lenses

Belt and Boots are good spots for Leg Greensteel but I will TR soon so I won't craft new this life, maybe next.
Slave Lords for Trinket is possible, too.

I didn't like giving up Ravenloft but this setup works good.

[TitusOvid]

I switched to Fury and it suits my playstyle so much better. Go in and take out the enemy fast and hard. Lots of fun.
Twists:
- Meld into darkness
- Grim Precision
- Legendary Shield Mastery
- Either Legendary Tactics or Extra Action Boost (in Sharn I use Tactics in all other content Boosts)

Bam, in the face!

[farador666]

Hello there! General Kenobi.

I was wondering, i'm starting a character to play with a friend and i want to know if it is viable to level up and if it is, which tree should i go first. should i go Kensei until some point or should i go full (etc)

Thanks !

[cmecu]

I have been reading the Two Handed Feat you took in Epic Levels.. one at 24 then again at 30.. But i dont see how that affects a khopesh.. It didnt improve my doublestrike.. mine was 22 before I took the feat and its still 22 after I took it..
what is the point of taking THF for khopesh and shield?

[Discpsycho]

I have been reading the Two Handed Feat you took in Epic Levels.. one at 24 then again at 30.. But i dont see how that affects a khopesh.. It didnt improve my doublestrike.. mine was 22 before I took the feat and its still 22 after I took it..
what is the point of taking THF for khopesh and shield?

Somebody had the same question on 05-24-2019, which I answered speculatively with "probably for EDF". First and second posts on page 4, if you want to see the rationale. If you're looking for an official answer, *pokes Strimtom*

[cmecu]

Somebody had the same question on 05-24-2019, which I answered speculatively with "probably for EDF". First and second posts on page 4, if you want to see the rationale. If you're looking for an official answer, *pokes Strimtom*

I actually I didnt even see this.. maybe it was changed.. Ill just use Bastard sword since its listed in the THF feat.. ill see how it goes.

[unbongwah]

It doesn't matter. With the changes to THF / Strikethrough, khopesh-based Vanguards have been rendered obsolete. Bastard sword or dwarven axe with full THF chain is the way to go now: 1.6x STR damage mod and +120% Strikethrough outweighs the better crit profile of khopesh IMO. And if you don't use defensive stance, FotW is now a viable alternative to Dreadnought.

[cmecu]

, FotW is now a viable alternative to Dreadnought.

What abilities would you take then in FOTW? I dont know what to take. I took devasting blow which increases the crit dmg multiplier but I didnt see any numbers change..Perhaps something I took with kensai already gave me that .. I dunno. Even Blood bath, I didnt see any numbers change.
And would you take unbridled fury? It gives feats that I already have.. It says it gives you adrenaline overload, but you get that down in Core 5 .. I dunno im confused when it comes to this stuff. What would you take ?

As it stands right now when I look at my bastard sword its 16-20 / x3

I took, Tier 1 Boulders might , it lets me use the attack with bastard sword and shield
Strength

tier 2 Damage reduction and str

tier 3 Str and malicious weapons,
tier 4 Wild weapons
Tier 5 Strong swings and devastating blow, but like I said it didint do anything so I guess i can drop it
tier 6 I have no idea Blood bath but it didnt change my numbers either.. unbridled fury im confused if I already get that stuff.. and str.. but no points for it..


Malicious and wild weapons are a no brainer since they give strike through
Strong swings




Also need to figure out the twists

I forgot sense weakness is in this tree , can always have overwhelming force, and when they are knocked down , they will take more damage from sense weakness.. I dunno.. your good at figuring this stuff out.

[unbongwah]

What abilities would you take then in FOTW?

See Cetus's thread: he's using greataxes so he has much higher base damage, but the core concept is the same. And what works for 2H weapons should work for hand-and-a-half weapons in S&B.

I took devasting blow which increases the crit dmg multiplier but I didnt see any numbers change

Devastating Blow only applies to 19-20 attack rolls so you need to compare those hits with your regular crits.

And would you take unbridled fury? It gives feats that I already have.. It says it gives you adrenaline overload, but you get that down in Core 5 .. I dunno im confused when it comes to this stuff.

Unbridled Fury is like half the point of running in FotW, so yes.

Unbridled Fury: "Every three seconds, for thirty seconds, you gain Adrenaline Overload: Your next attack deals +400% damage and has +16 critical threat range and confirmation of critical hits. While this is active, you gain +100% Strikethrough chance."

So you get ten free Adrenaline Overloads in half-a-minute. Combine this with special attacks which increase your base damage (e.g., Momentum Swing) or crit multiplier (e.g. A Good Death). The crit range boost from AO practically guarantees a crit; and special attacks should Strikethrough. Remember to time it to coincide with One Cut's buff.

It takes practice to get the timing right, but Unbridled Fury is still one of if not THE best temp boosts to melee DPS particularly for 2H weapons. It was also the go-to ED for archer builds for a long time, because Adrenaline Overload would also work for ranged attacks like Sniper Shot and Arrow of Slaying.

[cmecu]

See Cetus's thread: he's using greataxes so he has much higher base damage, but the core concept is the same. And what works for 2H weapons should work for hand-and-a-half weapons in S&B.

Devastating Blow only applies to 19-20 attack rolls so you need to compare those hits with your regular crits.

Unbridled Fury is like half the point of running in FotW, so yes.

Unbridled Fury: "Every three seconds, for thirty seconds, you gain Adrenaline Overload: Your next attack deals +400% damage and has +16 critical threat range and confirmation of critical hits. While this is active, you gain +100% Strikethrough chance."

So you get ten free Adrenaline Overloads in half-a-minute. Combine this with special attacks which increase your base damage (e.g., Momentum Swing) or crit multiplier (e.g. A Good Death). The crit range boost from AO practically guarantees a crit; and special attacks should Strikethrough. Remember to time it to coincide with One Cut's buff.

It takes practice to get the timing right, but Unbridled Fury is still one of if not THE best temp boosts to melee DPS particularly for 2H weapons. It was also the go-to ED for archer builds for a long time, because Adrenaline Overload would also work for ranged attacks like Sniper Shot and Arrow of Slaying.

ya ill have to figure out a balance ..I will have to burn a feat for Bastard or dwarven waraxe , Ill get it figured out Ill still follow his layout for other feats and destiny.. TY

I like his build, but losing so much survival with AC, PRR MRR etc from Strimtom build.. Maybe there can be a happy median between the two.

[unbongwah]

I like his build, but losing so much survival with AC, PRR MRR etc from Strimtom build.. Maybe there can be a happy median between the two.

Both this build and Cetus's sacrifice the defensive benefits of Stalwart Defender for higher DPS. So if you're not ready for that tradeoff, they aren't the builds for you.

Also the original build is from a time when the VG capstone was overperforming (shield stuns were proccing way more often than intended) which got nerfed a while back. And I don't think he had any self-healing so this isn't a solo build.

[cmecu]

Both this build and Cetus's sacrifice the defensive benefits of Stalwart Defender for higher DPS. So if you're not ready for that tradeoff, they aren't the builds for you.

Also the original build is from a time when the VG capstone was overperforming (shield stuns were proccing way more often than intended) which got nerfed a while back. And I don't think he had any self-healing so this isn't a solo build.

Ya I found that out. I usually run with a healer hireling healer any way..

Oh BTW I did switch from the Khopesh after what you said above. I went to Bastard swords.. which i Used until 29 .. I farmed the Legendary Stormreach Guardian's Axe , so i still get the 2handed bonus with shield... but my crit range isnt 16-20/ x3 like it was with bastard swords.. Its now 18-20/ x 4 .. Is there no way to get the crit range lower ?

[kamthalion]

Just to take an holiday from tank i figured out your build updated to U46, looks still effective i will try soon, only thing it seems low on saves and mrr... other thing are really nice

Character name: Kamdragon
Classes: 20 Fighter, 10 Epic
Race: Aasimar · · · · · · ·Alignment: Neutral

· · ·Start Tome Final
Str:· · 18· · 8 · 114 · · ·HP:· · · ·3568 · · ·AC:· ·157
Dex:· · ·8· · 8 · ·57 · · ·PRR: · · · 240
Con:· · 18· · 8 · ·90 · · ·MRR: · · · 108 · · ·+Healing Amp:· ·175
Int:· · ·8· · 8 · ·35 · · ·Dodge: · 16/30 · · ·-Healing Amp:· · ·0
Wis:· · 10· · 8 · ·55 · · ·Fort:· · ·244% · · ·Repair Amp:· · · ·0
Cha:· · 12· · 8 · ·69 · · ·SR:· · · · · 0 · · ·BAB: · · · · · · 20
DR: 
Immunities: Fear

Saves:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fortitude:· · · · ·87
· vs Poison:· · · ·88
· vs Disease: · · ·88
Will: · · · · · · ·55
· vs Enchantment: ·62
· vs Illusion:· · ·61
· vs Fear:· · · · ·55
· vs Curse: · · · ·55
Reflex: · · · · · ·74
· vs Traps: · · · ·80
· vs Spell: · · · ·76
· vs Magic: · · · ·74
Marked with a * is no fail on a 1 if required DC met

Class and Feat Selection
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level Class · · · · · ·Feats
1 · · Fighter(1)· · · ·Standard: Stunning Blow
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Aasimar Bond: Aasimar: Fallen Bond
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Fighter Bonus: Shield Mastery
2 · · Fighter(2)· · · ·Fighter Bonus: Two Handed Fighting
3 · · Fighter(3)· · · ·Standard: Completionist
4 · · Fighter(4)· · · ·Fighter Bonus: Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Strength: +1 Level up
5 · · Fighter(5)· · · ·
6 · · Fighter(6)· · · ·Standard: Improved Shield Bash
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Fighter Bonus: Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
7 · · Fighter(7)· · · ·
8 · · Fighter(8)· · · ·Fighter Bonus: Heavy Armor Combatant
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Strength: +1 Level up
9 · · Fighter(9)· · · ·Standard: Improved Shield Mastery
10· · Fighter(10) · · ·Fighter Bonus: Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
11· · Fighter(11) · · ·
12· · Fighter(12) · · ·Standard: Precision
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Fighter Bonus: Greater Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Strength: +1 Level up
13· · Fighter(13) · · ·
14· · Fighter(14) · · ·Fighter Bonus: Improved Two Handed Fighting
15· · Fighter(15) · · ·Standard: Greater Two Handed Fighting
16· · Fighter(16) · · ·Fighter Bonus: Heavy Armor Champion
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Strength: +1 Level up
17· · Fighter(17) · · ·
18· · Fighter(18) · · ·Standard: Heavy Armor Master
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Fighter Bonus: Tactical Supremacy
19· · Fighter(19) · · ·
20· · Fighter(20) · · ·Fighter Bonus: Greater Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Strength: +1 Level up
21· · Epic(1) · · · · ·Epic Feat: Overwhelming Critical
22· · Epic(2) · · · · ·
23· · Epic(3) · · · · ·
24· · Epic(4) · · · · ·Epic Feat: Tactical Mastery
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Strength: +1 Level up
25· · Epic(5) · · · · ·
26· · Epic(6) · · · · ·Epic Destiny Feat: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
27· · Epic(7) · · · · ·Epic Feat: Blinding Speed
28· · Epic(8) · · · · ·Epic Destiny Feat: Perfect Two Handed Fighting
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Strength: +1 Level up
29· · Epic(9) · · · · ·Epic Destiny Feat: Dire Charge
30· · Epic(10)· · · · ·Epic Feat: Shield Deflection
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Legendary: Scion of Arborea

Self and Party Buffs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fatesinger: Martial Hymn

Enhancements: 80 APs, Racial 14, Universal 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aasimar - Points spent: 17
 1 Core ·(1) Stronger Bonds I
 2 Core ·(2) Ability I: +1 Strength
 3 Core ·(1) Stronger Bonds II
 4 Core ·(2) Ability II: +1 Strength
 5 Core ·(1) Stronger Bonds III
 6 Tier2 (1) Divine Purpose: Divine Purpose: Fallen
 7 Tier1 (2) Improved Recovery I
 8 Tier3 (2) Improved Recovery II
 9 Tier1 (1) Fight the Wicked I
10 Tier2 (1) Fight the Wicked II
11 Tier3 (1) Fight The Wicked III
12 Tier4 (1) Ascendant Bond: Fallen
13 Tier4 (1) Celestial Tutelage: Bastard Sword Proficiency
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Vanguard - Points spent: 41
 1 Core ·(1) To the Fore!
 2 Tier1 (2) Shield Specialization I
 3 Tier1 (1) Shield Smash
 4 Tier1 (1) Shield Smash
 5 Tier2 (2) Shield Specialization II
 6 Tier2 (1) Brutality
 7 Tier2 (1) Brutality
 8 Tier2 (1) Brutality
 9 Tier2 (1) Stunning Shield
10 Tier2 (1) Stunning Shield
11 Tier2 (1) Stunning Shield
12 Tier2 (1) Action Boost Melee Power
13 Tier2 (1) Action Boost Melee Power
14 Tier2 (1) Action Boost Melee Power
15 Core ·(1) Shield Combat I
16 Core ·(1) Vicious Shield I
17 Tier3 (2) Shield Specialization III
18 Tier3 (1) Follow Up
19 Tier3 (1) Follow Up
20 Tier3 (1) Follow Up
21 Tier3 (2) Fatal Bulwark
22 Tier3 (2) Ability I: +1 Strength
23 Tier4 (2) Shield Specialization IV
24 Core ·(1) Shield Combat II
25 Core ·(1) Vicious Shield II
26 Tier4 (2) Ability II: +1 Strength
27 Tier4 (1) Shield Charge
28 Tier4 (1) Shield Charge
29 Tier4 (1) Shield Charge
30 Tier4 (1) Myrmidon's Edge
31 Tier4 (1) Myrmidon's Edge
32 Tier4 (1) Myrmidon's Edge
33 Tier1 (1) Shield Smash
34 Core ·(1) Shield Champion
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kensei - Points spent: 36
 1 Core ·(1) Kensei Focus: Kensei Focus: Heavy Blades
 2 Tier1 (2) Extra Action Boost
 3 Tier1 (2) Extra Action Boost
 4 Tier1 (2) Extra Action Boost
 5 Tier1 (2) Weapon Group Specialization I: Kensei Focus: Heavy Blades
 6 Tier1 (2) Exotic Weapon Mastery
 7 Tier2 (2) Weapon Group Specialization II: Kensei Focus: Heavy Blades
 8 Tier3 (2) Weapon Group Specialization III: Kensei Focus: Heavy Blades
 9 Tier3 (2) Ability I: +1 Strength
10 Tier3 (1) Shattering Strike: Shattering Strike
11 Core ·(1) Spiritual Bond
12 Core ·(1) Strike With No Thought
13 Tier4 (2) Ability II: +1 Strength
14 Tier4 (2) Strike at the Heart
15 Tier4 (2) Opportunity Attack
16 Tier4 (2) Weapon Group Specialization IV: Kensei Focus: Heavy Blades
17 Core ·(1) Power Surge
18 Tier3 (1) Critical Mastery
19 Core ·(1) One Cut
20 Tier5 (1) A Good Death: A Good Death (Melee)
21 Tier5 (1) Weapon Master
22 Tier5 (1) One With The Blade
23 Tier5 (1) Deadly Strike: Deadly Strike
24 Tier5 (1) Keen Edge
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inquisitive - Points spent: 1
 1 Core ·(1) Inquisitive
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Active Destiny Tree
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fury of the Wild - Points spent: 24
 1 Core ·(0) Adrenaline I
 2 Core ·(0) Brawn I
 3 Core ·(0) Adrenaline II
 4 Core ·(0) Brawn II
 5 Core ·(0) Adrenaline III
 6 Core ·(0) Adrenaline Overload
 7 Tier1 (1) Boulders: Boulder's Might
 8 Tier1 (1) Boulders: Boulder's Might
 9 Tier1 (1) Boulders: Boulder's Might
10 Tier1 (1) Primal Scream
11 Tier1 (1) Primal Scream
12 Tier1 (1) Primal Scream
13 Tier2 (1) Acute Instincts
14 Tier2 (1) Acute Instincts
15 Tier2 (1) Acute Instincts
16 Tier3 (1) Malicious Weapons
17 Tier3 (1) Malicious Weapons
18 Tier3 (1) Malicious Weapons
19 Tier4 (1) Sense Weakness
20 Tier4 (1) Sense Weakness
21 Tier4 (1) Sense Weakness
22 Tier4 (1) Overwhelming Force
23 Tier4 (1) Overwhelming Force
24 Tier5 (1) Fury Eternal
25 Tier5 (2) Devastating Blow
26 Tier6 (2) Unbridled Fury
27 Tier6 (1) Bloodbath
28 Tier5 (1) Strong Swings
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twists of fate - 40 of 40 Fate points spent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twist 1 - Tier 4: Fatesinger: Martial Hymn
Twist 2 - Tier 3: Shadowdancer: Meld Into Darkness
Twist 3 - Tier 2: Grandmaster of Flowers: Hail of Blows
Twist 4 - Tier 2: Unyielding Sentinel: Legendary Shield Mastery
Twist 5 - Tier 1: Legendary Dreadnought: Legendary Tactics

Dread Adversary - Points spent: 41
 1 Core ·(1) Reaper's Offense I
 2 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Blade I
 3 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Blade I
 4 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Blade I
 5 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Tactics I
 6 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Strike
 7 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Strike
 8 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Strike
 9 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Strength or Dexterity I: +1 Strength
10 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Strength or Dexterity II: +1 Strength
11 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Strength or Dexterity III: +1 Strength
12 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Tactics II
13 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Tactics III
14 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Blade II
15 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Blade II
16 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Blade II
17 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Blade III
18 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Blade III
19 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Blade III
20 Core ·(1) Reaper's Offense II
21 Core ·(1) Reaper's Offense III: +1 Strength
22 Core ·(1) Reaper's Offense IV
23 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Blade IV
24 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Blade IV
25 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Blade IV
26 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Imbuement
27 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Imbuement
28 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Imbuement
29 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Deadly Strikes
30 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Deadly Strikes
31 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Deadly Strikes
32 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Strength or Dexterity IV: +1 Strength
33 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Charge
34 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Tactics IV
35 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Blade V
36 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Blade V
37 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Blade V
38 Core ·(1) Reaper's Offense V
39 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Shot I
40 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Shot I
41 Core ·(1) Reaper's Offense VI
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dire Thaumaturge - Points spent: 15
 1 Core ·(1) Reaper's Arcanum I
 2 Tier1 (1) Reapers's Ability I: +1 Charisma
 3 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Arcana I
 4 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Arcana I
 5 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Arcana I
 6 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Ability II: +1 Charisma
 7 Core ·(1) Reaper's Arcanum II
 8 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Arcana II
 9 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Arcana II
10 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Arcana II
11 Core ·(1) Reaper's Arcanum III: +1 Charisma
12 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Ability III: +1 Charisma
13 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Arcana III
14 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Arcana III
15 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Arcana III
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grim Barricade - Points spent: 58
 1 Core ·(1) Reaper's Defense I
 2 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud I: PRR
 3 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud I: PRR
 4 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud I: PRR
 5 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will I: Reflex Save
 6 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will I: Reflex Save
 7 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will I: Reflex Save
 8 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will II: Reflex Save
 9 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will II: Reflex Save
10 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will II: Reflex Save
11 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will III: Reflex Save
12 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will III: Reflex Save
13 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will III: Reflex Save
14 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Bullwark/Shroud II: PRR
15 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Bullwark/Shroud II: PRR
16 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Bullwark/Shroud II: PRR
17 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud III: PRR
18 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud III: PRR
19 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud III: PRR
20 Core ·(1) Reaper's Defense II
21 Core ·(1) Reaper's Defense III
22 Core ·(1) Reaper's Defense IV
23 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Constitution I
24 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Constitution II
25 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Constitution III
26 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Evasion I
27 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Evasion II
28 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Evasion III
29 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Heightened Evasion I
30 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Evasion I
31 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Evasion II
32 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Evasion III
33 Core ·(1) Reaper's Defense V
34 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Evasion I
35 Tier2 (1) Reaper's Evasion II
36 Tier3 (1) Reaper's Evasion III
37 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Heightened Evasion II
38 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Constitution V
39 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Luck
40 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Luck
41 Tier1 (1) Reaper's Luck
42 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Steadfastness
43 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Steadfastness
44 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Steadfastness
45 Core ·(1) Reaper's Defense VI
46 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Resistance
47 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Resistance
48 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Resistance
49 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud IV: PRR
50 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud IV: PRR
51 Tier4 (1) Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud IV: PRR
52 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud V: PRR
53 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud V: PRR
54 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud V: PRR
55 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will V: Reflex Save
56 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will V: Reflex Save
57 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will V: Reflex Save
58 Tier5 (1) Reaper's Charge
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Tactical DCs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intimidate· · · · · · · · · · · · ·10+HD+Wis Mod vs d20 + 90 : d20 + Intimidate(90)
Diplomacy · · · · · · · · · · · · ·CR+Quest Level vs d20 + 52 : d20 + Diplomacy(52)
Bluff · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·CR+Quest Level vs d20 + 56 : d20 + Bluff(56)
Sunder· · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·Fortitude vs 118 : 10 + Str Mod(52) + Sunder(56)
Trip· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·Balance vs 118 : 10 + Str Mod(52) + Trip(56)
Stunning Blow · · · · · · · · · · ·Fortitude vs 124 : 10 + Str Mod(52) + Stun(62)
Dire Charge · · · · · · · · · · · ·Fortitude vs 134 : 20 + Max Mod(Str(52), Dex(23), Con(40), Int(12), Wis(22), Cha(29)) + Stun(62)
Vanguard: Shield Champion · · · · ·Fortitude vs 154 : 10 + Max Mod(Str(52), Dex(23), Con(40), Int(12), Wis(22), Cha(29)) + Stun(62) + Character Level(30)
Vanguard: Shield Champion · · · · ·? vs 139 : 10 + Str Mod(52) + Stun(62) + Character Level/2(15)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipped Gear Set : kyb
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Armor · · · · Legendary Enforcer's Coat
· · · · · · · +15 Enhancement Bonus
· · · · · · · Fortification +214%
· · · · · · · Physical Sheltering +54
· · · · · · · Healing Amplification +85
· · · · · · · False Life +81
· · · · · · · Legendary Part of the Family
· · · · · · · Green: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Belt· · · · · Legendary Chains
· · · · · · · Legendary Slavelords Prefix: Sheltering +45
· · · · · · · Legendary Slavelords Suffix: Armor Piercing +28
· · · · · · · Legendary Slavelords Extra: Shatter +20
· · · · · · · Legendary Slavelords Bonus: Quality Charisma +4
· · · · · · · Legendary Slavelords Set Bonus: Legendary Slavelords Might
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Boots · · · · Legendary Shackles
· · · · · · · Legendary Slavelords Prefix: Wisdom +17
· · · · · · · Legendary Slavelords Suffix: Deception +14
· · · · · · · Legendary Slavelords Extra: Vertigo +20
· · · · · · · Legendary Slavelords Bonus: Quality Constitution +4
· · · · · · · Legendary Slavelords Set Bonus: Legendary Slavelords Might
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Bracers · · · Brand of Kalok Shash
· · · · · · · Strength +22
· · · · · · · Quality Accuracy +8
· · · · · · · Quality Deadly +5
· · · · · · · Fire Absorption +53%
· · · · · · · Green: Globe of True Imperial Blood
· · · · · · · Yellow: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Blue: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Cloak · · · · Silver Dragonscale Capelet
· · · · · · · Dodge Bonus +21%
· · · · · · · Insightful Sheltering +28
· · · · · · · Shining Silver Scales
· · · · · · · Nearly Finished (Ins SDI): +10 Insightful Strength
· · · · · · · Green: +2 Sapphire of Armored Agility
· · · · · · · Yellow: +15 Diamond of Intimidate
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Gloves· · · · Legendary Hammerfist
· · · · · · · Insightful Doublestrike +11%
· · · · · · · Cannith Combat Infusion
· · · · · · · Seeker +21
· · · · · · · Insightful Deadly +8
· · · · · · · Legendary Part of the Family
· · · · · · · Blue: +8 Sapphire of Protection
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Goggles · · · Legendary Collective Sight
· · · · · · · Quality Resistance +4
· · · · · · · Temperance of Belief
· · · · · · · Nearly Finished (SDCIWC): +21 Charisma
· · · · · · · Nearly Finished (Ins SDCIWC): +10 Insightful Constitution
· · · · · · · Blue: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Helmet· · · · Legendary Executioner's Helm
· · · · · · · Insightful Deception VII
· · · · · · · Relentless Fury
· · · · · · · Seeker XVII
· · · · · · · Quality Combat Mastery +4
· · · · · · · Green: +250 Topaz of Power
· · · · · · · Legendary Slavelords Set Bonus: Legendary Slavelords Might
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Necklace· · · The Family's Blessing
· · · · · · · Quality Assassinate +2
· · · · · · · Insightful Armor-Piercing +16
· · · · · · · Deadly +17
· · · · · · · Doublestrike +24%
· · · · · · · Legendary Part of the Family
· · · · · · · Yellow: Diamond of Vitality +20
· · · · · · · Blue: +8 Sapphire of Resistance
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Quiver· · · · Quiver of Alacrity
· · · · · · · Ranged Alacrity 10%
· · · · · · · Striding +30%
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Ring1 · · · · Legendary Celestial Ruby Ring
· · · · · · · Stunning +23
· · · · · · · Accuracy +33
· · · · · · · Ghostly
· · · · · · · Nearly Finished (SDI): +21 Dexterity
· · · · · · · Green: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Ring2 · · · · Legendary Celestial Sapphire Ring
· · · · · · · Improved Deception
· · · · · · · Dodge Bonus +21%
· · · · · · · Profane Well Rounded
· · · · · · · Nearly Finished (DIC): +21 Constitution
· · · · · · · Yellow: Draconic Soul Gem
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Trinket · · · Legendary Bone Figurine
· · · · · · · Quality Strength +5
· · · · · · · Doublestrike +23%
· · · · · · · Insightful Seeker +10
· · · · · · · Evil Absorption 30%
· · · · · · · Blue: +2 Sapphire of Good Luck
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Weapon1 · · · The Shattered Hilt of Constellation
· · · · · · · Damage and Type 5[1d10+3] + 15 Slash, Cold Iron, Magic
· · · · · · · Critical Threat Range 19-20 x2
· · · · · · · +15 Enhancement Bonus
· · · · · · · Cursed Maelstrom
· · · · · · · Entropic 10
· · · · · · · Cold Iron
· · · · · · · Nearly Finished: Purple Augment Slot (Sharn)
· · · · · · · Finishing Touch: Completed Weapon
· · · · · · · Red: Deconstructor
· · · · · · · Purple: Ruby of the Endless Night
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
Weapon2 · · · The Legendary Best Defense
· · · · · · · Damage and Type 3.5[2d10 + 10] + 15 Bludgeon, Magic
· · · · · · · Critical Threat Range 18-20 x3
· · · · · · · +15 Enhancement Bonus
· · · · · · · Fiery 9
· · · · · · · Shield Bashing +31
· · · · · · · Impact V
· · · · · · · Sovereign Vorpal
· · · · · · · Adherent of the Mists Set (Legendary)
· · · · · · · Purple: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Mythic: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Reaper: Empty augment slot
· · · · · · · Sentient Weapon Personality: 
· · · · · · · Filigree 1: Prowess: Melee Power(Rare Version)
· · · · · · · Filigree 2: Prowess: Critical Attack and Damage(Rare Version)
· · · · · · · Filigree 3: Sucker Punch/One Against Many: +2 Strength(Rare Version)
· · · · · · · Filigree 4: Prowess: Strength(Rare Version)
· · · · · · · Filigree 5: Shattered Device: Melee Power(Rare Version)
· · · · · · · Filigree 6: Prowess: Melee Power(Rare Version)
· · · · · · · Filigree 7: Prowess: Critical Attack and Damage(Rare Version)
· · · · · · · Filigree 8: Sucker Punch/One Against Many: +2 Strength(Rare Version)
· · · · · · · Filigree 9: Shattered Device: Strength(Rare Version)
· · · · · · · Filigree 10: Shattered Device: Armor Piercing(Rare Version)
· · · · · · · Filigree 11: One Against Many: Melee Power(Rare Version)
· · · · · · · Filigree 12: 
· · · · · · · Filigree 13: 
· · · · · · · Filigree 14: 
· · · · · · · Filigree 15: 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[unbongwah]

I farmed the Legendary Stormreach Guardian's Axe , so i still get the 2handed bonus with shield... but my crit range isnt 16-20/ x3 like it was with bastard swords.. Its now 18-20/ x 4 .. Is there no way to get the crit range lower ?

Well...that's the tradeoff between bastard swords and dwarven axes: larger crit range vs +1 crit multiplier.

b.sword: 19-20/x2 base -> 17-20/x2 Improved Crit feat -> 16-20/x3 with Keen Edge + Strike w/No Thought (or Holy Sword if paladin)
d.axe: 20/x3 base -> 19-20/x3 Imp Crit -> 18-20/x4 Kensei bonuses

If you used Spinal Tap, you'd get 16-20/x4 crit threat range, so it's like the best parts of khopesh and bastard sword fused together. Dunno if it's considered an endgame weapon anymore though.

[kamthalion]

But BS got bonuses from 2hf

[Khornelain]

T5 Kensai is way better than T5 vanguard which is why you take it. However, the vanguard capstone is where the magic happens. It reads

While shield is equipped: +2 attack, +2 damage, +5% doublestrike, +1(W) to your shield, an additional +5% (total 20%) Combat Style bonus to Melee Attack Speed, and shield bash stuns 10% of the time DC (10 + 1/2 Character lvl + strength modifier + stun bonus)

This was recently changed from what it was previously on this guide. The capstone used to read that it was a 5% chance to stun, but it was actually performing as a 50% stun. Since U38.1, this has been changed to 10%. This is a good chance for clarity, since new players will understand it initially, but this is an 80% nerf on the proc rate of the stun. As a result, stun locking targets is nearly impossible if they aren't stunable. Undead, constructs, and many abbertions will be completely immune to stunning blow and dire charge, meaning that you get Stunning shield and then a small proc chance, making it less reliable.

Hi, first thanks so much for your time and dedication put into this awesome writeup. It´s been a pleasure to read. Now, my question about the quoted text. If the cap reads that shield bash stuns 10% of the time but if it actually does 50% of the time, this build relies in a bug? Would the build be viable of cap procs as it reads, 10% of the time? I assume this will be in the to-do list of things to fix for devs.

Second question, isn´t DC for the cap a bit too low, if we compare it for example with Tier 2 Stunning blow? Is the stun DC of the cap proc reliable when playing in high reaper?

Thanks,

- Khorne

[Pensar77]

I'm gong to use this template to get my 3 PLs in PDK and Fighter, but I want to multiclass in a caster of some sort for healing/buffing. What's the best class combo for this? Was originally thinking Cleric or Bard, but then I'd have to take 11 levels of Fighter to get the fighter PL. So, maybe FVS or Druid, so I can go 10/10. I haven't played Cleric, FVS, or Druid yet. I have like 30 total PLs and 46 Reaper points, and I mostly run R1 solo or R1 - R4 in groups while leveling. Could really use some ideas here, Thanks.