Post by Glanya Frostwing on Jan 8, 2012 5:46:24 GMT
White Dwarf - 1 Sorcerer / 9 Paladin / 30 White Dragon Disciple
<thanks to the creator of the Icy Hot Draggy for giving me a great starting point>
The White Dwarf is a build aimed at being an enjoyable tanking build with reasonable gearing requirements to survive in most areas of the game throughout his lifetime. As I am a new player and have not yet made it to 60, nevermind Demi and beyond, some of this is conjecture and number-crunching, using the forums and Wiki as resources. However, I felt like I wanted to express my ideas and get feedback, so here goes...
----
The core of this build is taking advantage of how a class benefit can be used to remove a racial disadvantage and to show how intelligence (and skill points) can be used to give you just a little more bang for the buck. This is not a be-all end-all tank, it certainly will not be able to tank everywhere, but it should do well as you level along.
Note that xDD is used throughout the build to refer to the White Dragon Disciple levels you will be choosing. The interface always displays Red Dragon Disciple (like on the level up screens), but no later than your 3rd level of RDD you must visit a secret place to choose to be a White Dragon Disciple. If you forget and take the 4th RDD level you will be a Red Dragon Disciple until you reincarnate (so don't forget - ask in game for where the secret is). Each color of disciple has a different breath weapon and elemental immunity, and you need white's cold immunity to compensate for your 50% vulnerability from being an Azer Dwarf.
Read about all of the Dragon Disciples abilities here: wiki.hgweb.org/wiki/Red_Dragon_Disciple
At xDD legendary levels of 35, 40, 45, and 50 you will need to visit a special place to activate your stat bonuses. You most especially want to make sure you visit at level 40, as you need the INT boost to get a few more skill points, which come in handy.
Some other notable benefits you gain as you level up:
Dragon breath - once you hit level 10 xDD it can be used every 2 minutes, and does damage based on your color
-radial menu Special Abilities (left) - More Special Abilities (top left) - Wyrmling Breath, Cold (right option)
Draconic size - at level 30 xDD you can wield a large 2-handed weapon (like a heavy flail) in one hand, and a shield in your off-hand
Your larger size can make maneuvering in some places more difficult, but the benefits are worth the headaches.
Dragonfear aura - reduces enemy AC, saves, and skills from a -1 at level 30 xDD to -3 at level 50 xDD
-radial menu Special Abilities (left) - More Special Abilities (top left) - Aura, Dragon Fear (top option)
Also note that you must put this up throughout your adventuring, it only lasts for a couple minutes at a time.
Wing buffet - this is an area of effect attack that can knock down foes and remove cloud-like effects, but be cautious when enemies do kickback damage as you can severely hurt your party using this!
-radial menu Special Abilities (left) - More Special Abilities (top left) - Pulse, Air Elemental Whirlwind (left option)
Stat increases - in total you will get +20 strength, +10 constitution, +6 intelligence, and +6 charisma
The skill point benefit from INT gained by xDD levels occurs on the level after you gain the stat bonus.
When completed to level 60, with decent gear and buffs, you'll hit some good targets:
AC: 127+ -- using either Heavy Armor/Tower Shield or Medium Armor/Large Shield, as required
10 (base) +25 (hvy armor) +17 (tower shield) +3 (dexterity)
--- or ---
10 (base) +21 (med armor) +16 (large shield) +8 (dexterity)
-- plus --
+16 (natural) +16 (deflection) +20 (dodge) +6 (tumble) +2 (armor skin) +3 (craft armor) +10 (xDD) -1 (size penalty)
Note that you can switch between the 2 armor/shield sets as required by where you are without suffering an AC loss. Some areas may require higher parry or other Dex-based checks, so the lighter armor will aid in survival. Your flat-footed AC will be lower though, so just be aware of it.
HP: 1800+ -- a good solid amount for a tank
Attack Bonus: 95 -- minimum recommended to be able to be effective
16 (base) +10 (epic) +12 (legendary) +8 (epic prowess/weapon focus feat set) +3 (craft wpn) +27 (strength) +20 (buffs) -1 (size penalty)
Saves: 73 Fort / 65 Reflex / 66 Will -- enough to make most saving throws anywhere
1st you have to build your character, so that is where we will begin:
Race: Dwarf
As a Dwarf you will gain the standard +2 CON, -2 CHA, plus the Darkvision and Bullheaded feats.
Sub-Race: Azer <-- type it exactly like that, it is case sensitive!!
As an Azer you gain Firewalking, 50% resistance (fire), 50% vulnerability (cold)
-Firewalking will let you walk in certain places without needing a special ring to do so.
-The resistance to fire gives you a leg up for those places with frequent/high fire damage.
-The vulnerability to cold is not a problem as once you reach the 13th level as a White Dragon Disciple you will be 100% immune to cold and nothing can reduce or remove that invulnerability!
Class: Sorcerer
To become a Red Dragon Disciple you must be either a Sorcerer or a Bard. By chosing to start as a Sorcerer you will gain the ability to use many magic items in the game, especially scrolls like Greater Sanctuary (the ultimate, "Oh %*&@# things went horribly wrong..." hotkey) and Tenser's Transformation (a nice combat boost, for a short period of time) all without needing to spend precious skillpoints aquiring Use Magic Device. Spells with a caster-level based effect, like Greater Magic Weapon, are not as good because your caster level is really low. You may use them while levelling up, but in the harder areas it is not worth the expense.
Alignment: Lawful Good
This is a must as you will be adding Paladin to your build and they must be goodie-two-shoes. Note that while in vanilla NWN paladins retain their saving throw bonus even if they lose their good alignment, in HG a paladin must maintain their good alignment or they will lose the divine grace saving throw bonus! There are ways in game to change your aligment, so if you mess yours up ask around and someone can guide you along.
Ability Scores (as displayed in the creator screen):
STR 12 -- This will get much higher due to your xDD levels
DEX 14 -- As this build often uses heavy armor it's not worth spending more on this
CON 14 -- You'll have plenty of HP due to the Epic Tougness feats you take to unlock xDD bonuses
INT 16 -- Needed to give the large number of skill points that are needed to make this build
WIS 8 -- You will never cast paladin spells, but that's OK
CHA 12 -- This will help boost your saves due to being a paladin
Skills:
Lore (4) -- you need 8 points total in Lore before you can take a level in xDD
Tumble (2) -- you'll end up with 30 points in this to maximize the benefits you can gain from it
Feats:
Strong Soul -- This feat is not what you will be keeping, it is need to access Slippery Soul once you have logged into the world fully. The very first thing you should do is type !charedit and choose to modify your character - exchanging Strong Soul for Slippery Soul. This will give you +1 to you Reflex and Will saves, and allow you to take Legendary Slippery Soul later on. These are needed to get these saves over the 60 mark, where you definitely want to be.
Spells:
As you will be wearing armor with high arcane failure rates, these are not that important since you wont be casting much. One exception is the level 1 spell True Strike, which does not suffer from arcane spell failure, so it's worth taking. Pick whatever suits your fancy for the cantrips and remaining level 1 spell.
Before listing out the order of spending skill points and picking stats/feats, let's breakdown what they are all for.
Lore - you need 8 points total in Lore before you can take a level in xDD, no need to spend more than that
Concentration - having this makes passing some checks later on possible {this build may not have enough though}
Discipline - many checks are based on this, so to avoid being disarmed, knocked down or having gear slagged you will want this as high as possible
Parry - this reduces the critical damage you take by 1% per 2 points over 20, which you want since you cannot get crit immunity
Listen - the higher this is, the less benefit the enemy receives from concealment, and in the late stages many mobs have lots of concealment
Tumble - each 5 points in tumble skill increases your AC by 1, but you cannot benefit from more than 30 skill points worth due to xDD armor bonuses
Craft Armor - every 40 points in this skill (including buffs) gives +1 AC, to a max of +3 AC at 120
Craft Weapon - every 40 points in this skill (including buffs) gives +1 AB, to a max of +3 AB at 120
Armor Skin - gives +2 AC, which you can never have enough of
Power Attack, Cleave, and Great Cleave - prerequisites for the advanced critical hit feats
Devastating Critical (x) - increase critical damage multiple by 1 (so x3 becomes x4)
Epic Prowess - gives a +1 AB, and when combined with legendary weapon focus, grants an additional +1 AB
Epic Skill Focus (x) - gives a +10 to a skill, and this is outside of the +50 maximum limitation from other sources, you'll be taking Parry to reduces the critical hit damage taken and listen to reduces the benefits enemies receive from concealment
Epic Toughness I thru X - these are all required to unlock all of the abilities of a Dragon Disciple and must be taken!!
Epic Weapon Focus (x) - gives a +2 AB
Greater Weapon Focus (x) - gives a +1 AB
Improved Critical (x) - doubles critical threat range (so 19-20 becomes 17-20)
Legendary Weapon Focus (x) - gives a +2 AB
Legendary Slippery Soul - gives a +5 to reflex and will saves
Overwhelming Critical (x) - increases critical threat range by 1 (so 17-20 becomes 16-20)
Weapon Focus (x) - gives a +1 AB
For a weapon you'll be using a heavy flail, a bludgeoning weapon good against many types of opponents. However, you wont be able to use it in combination with a shield until the 30th xDD level. Until then use whatever weapons you have at hand to get the job done. You could use the heavy flail without a shield, if you like, but I would not recommend it as a shield is a large part of your defense. If you want to use a slashing weapon the great axe will give you similar performance in damage and crit range. It's also worth noting that while bludgeoning weapons are very useful, keen is much more common on slashing weapons.
All skills will be listed up until level 40 as to the total points you should have in them. After level 40 they will be listed as how many points to add, because the NWN interface is not used for levelling from 41-60 (use !level or visit the altar in town).
Lvl 1 -> Sorcerer(1), Lore(4), Tumble(2), Strong Soul (remember, use !charedit to make this Slippery Soul once in game)
Lvl 2 -> Paladin(1), Lore(5), Discipline(5), Parry(5)
Lvl 3 -> Paladin(2), Lore(6), Discipline(6), Parry(6), Tumble(3), Weapon Focus (Heavy Flail)
Lvl 4 -> Paladin(3), +1 STR , Lore(7), Discipline(7), Parry(7)
Lvl 5 -> Paladin(4), Lore(8), Discipline(8), Parry(8), Tumble(4)
At this point you have enough Lore skill to become a Dragon Disciple
Lvl 6 -> xDD(1), Discipline(9), Parry(9), Listen(9), Power Attack
You are only taking listen during xDD levels as it's a class skill for them.
Lvl 7 -> xDD(2), Discipline(10), Parry(10), Listen(10), Tumble(5)
Lvl 8 -> xDD(3), +1 STR , Discipline(11), Parry(11), Listen(11)
Do not level beyond this point until you have visited the secret place and chosen to become a white dragon disciple!!
Lvl 9 -> xDD(4), Discipline(12), Parry(12), Listen(12), Tumble(6), Cleave
You gain a 10% immunity to cold at this level, increasing by 10% each xDD level thereafter.
Lvl 10 -> xDD(5), Discipline(13), Parry(13), Listen(13)
Lvl 11 -> xDD(6), Discipline(14), Parry(14), Listen(14), Tumble(7)
Lvl 12 -> xDD(7), +1 STR , Discipline(15), Parry(15), Listen(15), Great Cleave
Lvl 13 -> xDD(8), Discipline(16), Parry(16), Listen(16), Tumble(8)
Lvl 14 -> xDD(9), Discipline(17), Parry(17), Listen(17)
Lvl 15 -> xDD(10), Discipline(18), Parry(18), Listen(18), Tumble(9), Improved Critical (Heavy Flail)
At this point you have a 70% immunity to cold and have cold/magic as your breath weapon.
Lvl 16 -> Paladin(5), +1 STR , Discipline(19), Parry(19)
Lvl 17 -> Paladin(6), Discipline(20), Parry(20), Tumble(10)
Lvl 18 -> Paladin(7), Discipline(21), Parry(21), Greater Weapon Focus (Heavy Flail)
Lvl 19 -> Paladin(8), Discipline(22), Parry(22), Tumble(11)
Lvl 20 -> Paladin(9), +1 STR , Discipline(23), Parry(23)
Lvl 21 -> xDD(11), Discipline(24), Parry(24), Listen(24), Tumble(12), Epic Toughness I
Lvl 22 -> xDD(12), Discipline(25), Parry(25), Listen(25)
Lvl 23 -> xDD(13), Discipline(26), Parry(26), Listen(26), Tumble(13)
You are now 100% immune to cold.
Lvl 24 -> xDD(14), +1 STR , Discipline(27), Parry(27), Listen(27), Epic Toughness II, Epic Toughness III
Lvl 25 -> xDD(15), Discipline(28), Parry(28), Listen(28), Tumble(14)
Lvl 26 -> xDD(16), Discipline(29), Parry(29), Listen(29)
Lvl 27 -> xDD(17), Discipline(30), Parry(30), Listen(30), Tumble(15), Epic Toughness IV
Lvl 28 -> xDD(18), +1 STR , Discipline(31), Parry(31), Listen(31), Epic Toughness V
Lvl 29 -> xDD(19), Discipline(32), Parry(32), Listen(32), Tumble(16)
Lvl 30 -> xDD(20), Discipline(33), Parry(33), Listen(33), Epic Toughness VI
Lvl 31 -> xDD(21), Discipline(34), Parry(34), Listen(34), Tumble(17)
Lvl 32 -> xDD(22), +1 STR , Discipline(35), Parry(35), Listen(35), Epic Toughness VII
Lvl 33 -> xDD(23), Discipline(36), Parry(36), Listen(36), Tumble(18), Epic Toughness VIII
Lvl 34 -> xDD(24), Discipline(37), Parry(37), Listen(37)
Lvl 35 -> xDD(25), Discipline(38), Parry(38), Listen(38), Tumble(19)
Lvl 36 -> xDD(26), +1 STR , Discipline(39), Parry(39), Listen(39), Epic Toughness IX, Epic Toughness X
Lvl 37 -> xDD(27), Discipline(40), Parry(40), Listen(40), Tumble(20)
Lvl 38 -> xDD(28), Discipline(41), Parry(41), Listen(41)
Lvl 39 -> xDD(29), Discipline(42), Parry(42), Listen(42), Tumble(21), Epic Weapon Focus (Heavy Flail)
Lvl 40 -> xDD(30), +1 STR , Discipline(43), Parry(43), Listen(43), Concentration(18), Craft Armor(27), Craft Weapon(27), Armor Skin
You could have spent points in Concentration, Craft Armor, and Craft Weapon prior to this point, but there's not a great need for it.
You will change in appearance, gain draconic size, wing buffet, and dragon fear aura -> you can use your PCScry tool to change your appearance, definitely worth a look (and a chuckle).
Legendary Levels -> your control class is xDD, you do not actually pick what class to level up as.
From here on out you will always take +1 to Discipline, Parry, and Listen every level.
You will also take +1 to Tumble every odd numbered level (taking Tumble for the last time on level 57)
Lvl 41 -> xDD(31), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon
Lvl 42 -> xDD(32), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon, Epic Prowess
Lvl 43 -> xDD(33), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon
Lvl 44 -> xDD(34), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
Lvl 45 -> xDD(35), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon, Legendary Weapon Focus (Heavy Flail)
You can visit the other secret place to gain your stat bonuses, but as it does not include INT it is not critical to do so.
Lvl 46 -> xDD(36), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
Lvl 47 -> xDD(37), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon
Lvl 48 -> xDD(38), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon, Overwhelming Critical (Heavy Flail)
Lvl 49 -> xDD(39), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon
Lvl 50 -> xDD(40), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
You absolutely want to visit the secret place because of the +2 INT that comes with the others stats -> you will get the lvl 35 bonuses, too, if you did not visit then.
Lvl 51 -> xDD(41), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon, Devastating Critical (Heavy Flail)
Lvl 52 -> xDD(42), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
Lvl 53 -> xDD(43), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon
Lvl 54 -> xDD(44), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon, Legendary Slippery Soul (+5 to your Reflex and Will saves!)
Lvl 55 -> xDD(45), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon
Yet again, it's time to visit the secret place, though again you can choose to do it later as there is no INT involved.
Lvl 56 -> xDD(46), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
Lvl 57 -> xDD(47), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon, Epic Skill Focus (Parry)
Remember, do not take any more Tumble ranks after this level (you could only take #31 at lvl 59 anyway).
Lvl 58 -> xDD(48), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
Lvl 59 -> xDD(49), +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
Lvl 60 -> xDD(50), +1 STR , +3 Craft Armor, +3 Craft Weapon, Epic Skill Focus (Listen)
Now is time for your final visit to the secret place to get your stat bonuses, including any from previous levels if you haven't visited.
When all is said and done you'll have the following stats/skills w/no gear on:
STR 52, DEX 14, CON 24, INT 22, WIS 8, CHA 18
Lore (8), Concentration (18), Tumble (30), Discipline / Parry / Listen / Craft Armor / Craft Weapon (63)
Due to your high STR your Discipline could hit 140+ with full buffs and good gear (and due to ESF:Parry, your parry could reach 130+), however the maximum you can ever get is 127. Keep this in mind when getting enhancements on your gear - you can reach the 127 cap without needing the full +50 from bards and such that others may require. Also note that you only gain AB and AC from the Craft Weapon / Craft Armor skills per 40 full points - so you only need 57 points between your stat modifier, gear, and other effects (and you INT modifier will be +12-13 in most cases) to get the max +3 bonus at 120.
That pretty much covers the build, please give me feedback because this is what I am in the process of building out and I'd love to know what mistakes I've made before I get to them!
<thanks to the creator of the Icy Hot Draggy for giving me a great starting point>
The White Dwarf is a build aimed at being an enjoyable tanking build with reasonable gearing requirements to survive in most areas of the game throughout his lifetime. As I am a new player and have not yet made it to 60, nevermind Demi and beyond, some of this is conjecture and number-crunching, using the forums and Wiki as resources. However, I felt like I wanted to express my ideas and get feedback, so here goes...
----
The core of this build is taking advantage of how a class benefit can be used to remove a racial disadvantage and to show how intelligence (and skill points) can be used to give you just a little more bang for the buck. This is not a be-all end-all tank, it certainly will not be able to tank everywhere, but it should do well as you level along.
Note that xDD is used throughout the build to refer to the White Dragon Disciple levels you will be choosing. The interface always displays Red Dragon Disciple (like on the level up screens), but no later than your 3rd level of RDD you must visit a secret place to choose to be a White Dragon Disciple. If you forget and take the 4th RDD level you will be a Red Dragon Disciple until you reincarnate (so don't forget - ask in game for where the secret is). Each color of disciple has a different breath weapon and elemental immunity, and you need white's cold immunity to compensate for your 50% vulnerability from being an Azer Dwarf.
Read about all of the Dragon Disciples abilities here: wiki.hgweb.org/wiki/Red_Dragon_Disciple
At xDD legendary levels of 35, 40, 45, and 50 you will need to visit a special place to activate your stat bonuses. You most especially want to make sure you visit at level 40, as you need the INT boost to get a few more skill points, which come in handy.
Some other notable benefits you gain as you level up:
Dragon breath - once you hit level 10 xDD it can be used every 2 minutes, and does damage based on your color
-radial menu Special Abilities (left) - More Special Abilities (top left) - Wyrmling Breath, Cold (right option)
Draconic size - at level 30 xDD you can wield a large 2-handed weapon (like a heavy flail) in one hand, and a shield in your off-hand
Your larger size can make maneuvering in some places more difficult, but the benefits are worth the headaches.
Dragonfear aura - reduces enemy AC, saves, and skills from a -1 at level 30 xDD to -3 at level 50 xDD
-radial menu Special Abilities (left) - More Special Abilities (top left) - Aura, Dragon Fear (top option)
Also note that you must put this up throughout your adventuring, it only lasts for a couple minutes at a time.
Wing buffet - this is an area of effect attack that can knock down foes and remove cloud-like effects, but be cautious when enemies do kickback damage as you can severely hurt your party using this!
-radial menu Special Abilities (left) - More Special Abilities (top left) - Pulse, Air Elemental Whirlwind (left option)
Stat increases - in total you will get +20 strength, +10 constitution, +6 intelligence, and +6 charisma
The skill point benefit from INT gained by xDD levels occurs on the level after you gain the stat bonus.
When completed to level 60, with decent gear and buffs, you'll hit some good targets:
AC: 127+ -- using either Heavy Armor/Tower Shield or Medium Armor/Large Shield, as required
10 (base) +25 (hvy armor) +17 (tower shield) +3 (dexterity)
--- or ---
10 (base) +21 (med armor) +16 (large shield) +8 (dexterity)
-- plus --
+16 (natural) +16 (deflection) +20 (dodge) +6 (tumble) +2 (armor skin) +3 (craft armor) +10 (xDD) -1 (size penalty)
Note that you can switch between the 2 armor/shield sets as required by where you are without suffering an AC loss. Some areas may require higher parry or other Dex-based checks, so the lighter armor will aid in survival. Your flat-footed AC will be lower though, so just be aware of it.
HP: 1800+ -- a good solid amount for a tank
Attack Bonus: 95 -- minimum recommended to be able to be effective
16 (base) +10 (epic) +12 (legendary) +8 (epic prowess/weapon focus feat set) +3 (craft wpn) +27 (strength) +20 (buffs) -1 (size penalty)
Saves: 73 Fort / 65 Reflex / 66 Will -- enough to make most saving throws anywhere
1st you have to build your character, so that is where we will begin:
Race: Dwarf
As a Dwarf you will gain the standard +2 CON, -2 CHA, plus the Darkvision and Bullheaded feats.
Sub-Race: Azer <-- type it exactly like that, it is case sensitive!!
As an Azer you gain Firewalking, 50% resistance (fire), 50% vulnerability (cold)
-Firewalking will let you walk in certain places without needing a special ring to do so.
-The resistance to fire gives you a leg up for those places with frequent/high fire damage.
-The vulnerability to cold is not a problem as once you reach the 13th level as a White Dragon Disciple you will be 100% immune to cold and nothing can reduce or remove that invulnerability!
Class: Sorcerer
To become a Red Dragon Disciple you must be either a Sorcerer or a Bard. By chosing to start as a Sorcerer you will gain the ability to use many magic items in the game, especially scrolls like Greater Sanctuary (the ultimate, "Oh %*&@# things went horribly wrong..." hotkey) and Tenser's Transformation (a nice combat boost, for a short period of time) all without needing to spend precious skillpoints aquiring Use Magic Device. Spells with a caster-level based effect, like Greater Magic Weapon, are not as good because your caster level is really low. You may use them while levelling up, but in the harder areas it is not worth the expense.
Alignment: Lawful Good
This is a must as you will be adding Paladin to your build and they must be goodie-two-shoes. Note that while in vanilla NWN paladins retain their saving throw bonus even if they lose their good alignment, in HG a paladin must maintain their good alignment or they will lose the divine grace saving throw bonus! There are ways in game to change your aligment, so if you mess yours up ask around and someone can guide you along.
Ability Scores (as displayed in the creator screen):
STR 12 -- This will get much higher due to your xDD levels
DEX 14 -- As this build often uses heavy armor it's not worth spending more on this
CON 14 -- You'll have plenty of HP due to the Epic Tougness feats you take to unlock xDD bonuses
INT 16 -- Needed to give the large number of skill points that are needed to make this build
WIS 8 -- You will never cast paladin spells, but that's OK
CHA 12 -- This will help boost your saves due to being a paladin
Skills:
Lore (4) -- you need 8 points total in Lore before you can take a level in xDD
Tumble (2) -- you'll end up with 30 points in this to maximize the benefits you can gain from it
Feats:
Strong Soul -- This feat is not what you will be keeping, it is need to access Slippery Soul once you have logged into the world fully. The very first thing you should do is type !charedit and choose to modify your character - exchanging Strong Soul for Slippery Soul. This will give you +1 to you Reflex and Will saves, and allow you to take Legendary Slippery Soul later on. These are needed to get these saves over the 60 mark, where you definitely want to be.
Spells:
As you will be wearing armor with high arcane failure rates, these are not that important since you wont be casting much. One exception is the level 1 spell True Strike, which does not suffer from arcane spell failure, so it's worth taking. Pick whatever suits your fancy for the cantrips and remaining level 1 spell.
Before listing out the order of spending skill points and picking stats/feats, let's breakdown what they are all for.
Lore - you need 8 points total in Lore before you can take a level in xDD, no need to spend more than that
Concentration - having this makes passing some checks later on possible {this build may not have enough though}
Discipline - many checks are based on this, so to avoid being disarmed, knocked down or having gear slagged you will want this as high as possible
Parry - this reduces the critical damage you take by 1% per 2 points over 20, which you want since you cannot get crit immunity
Listen - the higher this is, the less benefit the enemy receives from concealment, and in the late stages many mobs have lots of concealment
Tumble - each 5 points in tumble skill increases your AC by 1, but you cannot benefit from more than 30 skill points worth due to xDD armor bonuses
Craft Armor - every 40 points in this skill (including buffs) gives +1 AC, to a max of +3 AC at 120
Craft Weapon - every 40 points in this skill (including buffs) gives +1 AB, to a max of +3 AB at 120
Armor Skin - gives +2 AC, which you can never have enough of
Power Attack, Cleave, and Great Cleave - prerequisites for the advanced critical hit feats
Devastating Critical (x) - increase critical damage multiple by 1 (so x3 becomes x4)
Epic Prowess - gives a +1 AB, and when combined with legendary weapon focus, grants an additional +1 AB
Epic Skill Focus (x) - gives a +10 to a skill, and this is outside of the +50 maximum limitation from other sources, you'll be taking Parry to reduces the critical hit damage taken and listen to reduces the benefits enemies receive from concealment
Epic Toughness I thru X - these are all required to unlock all of the abilities of a Dragon Disciple and must be taken!!
Epic Weapon Focus (x) - gives a +2 AB
Greater Weapon Focus (x) - gives a +1 AB
Improved Critical (x) - doubles critical threat range (so 19-20 becomes 17-20)
Legendary Weapon Focus (x) - gives a +2 AB
Legendary Slippery Soul - gives a +5 to reflex and will saves
Overwhelming Critical (x) - increases critical threat range by 1 (so 17-20 becomes 16-20)
Weapon Focus (x) - gives a +1 AB
For a weapon you'll be using a heavy flail, a bludgeoning weapon good against many types of opponents. However, you wont be able to use it in combination with a shield until the 30th xDD level. Until then use whatever weapons you have at hand to get the job done. You could use the heavy flail without a shield, if you like, but I would not recommend it as a shield is a large part of your defense. If you want to use a slashing weapon the great axe will give you similar performance in damage and crit range. It's also worth noting that while bludgeoning weapons are very useful, keen is much more common on slashing weapons.
All skills will be listed up until level 40 as to the total points you should have in them. After level 40 they will be listed as how many points to add, because the NWN interface is not used for levelling from 41-60 (use !level or visit the altar in town).
Lvl 1 -> Sorcerer(1), Lore(4), Tumble(2), Strong Soul (remember, use !charedit to make this Slippery Soul once in game)
Lvl 2 -> Paladin(1), Lore(5), Discipline(5), Parry(5)
Lvl 3 -> Paladin(2), Lore(6), Discipline(6), Parry(6), Tumble(3), Weapon Focus (Heavy Flail)
Lvl 4 -> Paladin(3), +1 STR , Lore(7), Discipline(7), Parry(7)
Lvl 5 -> Paladin(4), Lore(8), Discipline(8), Parry(8), Tumble(4)
At this point you have enough Lore skill to become a Dragon Disciple
Lvl 6 -> xDD(1), Discipline(9), Parry(9), Listen(9), Power Attack
You are only taking listen during xDD levels as it's a class skill for them.
Lvl 7 -> xDD(2), Discipline(10), Parry(10), Listen(10), Tumble(5)
Lvl 8 -> xDD(3), +1 STR , Discipline(11), Parry(11), Listen(11)
Do not level beyond this point until you have visited the secret place and chosen to become a white dragon disciple!!
Lvl 9 -> xDD(4), Discipline(12), Parry(12), Listen(12), Tumble(6), Cleave
You gain a 10% immunity to cold at this level, increasing by 10% each xDD level thereafter.
Lvl 10 -> xDD(5), Discipline(13), Parry(13), Listen(13)
Lvl 11 -> xDD(6), Discipline(14), Parry(14), Listen(14), Tumble(7)
Lvl 12 -> xDD(7), +1 STR , Discipline(15), Parry(15), Listen(15), Great Cleave
Lvl 13 -> xDD(8), Discipline(16), Parry(16), Listen(16), Tumble(8)
Lvl 14 -> xDD(9), Discipline(17), Parry(17), Listen(17)
Lvl 15 -> xDD(10), Discipline(18), Parry(18), Listen(18), Tumble(9), Improved Critical (Heavy Flail)
At this point you have a 70% immunity to cold and have cold/magic as your breath weapon.
Lvl 16 -> Paladin(5), +1 STR , Discipline(19), Parry(19)
Lvl 17 -> Paladin(6), Discipline(20), Parry(20), Tumble(10)
Lvl 18 -> Paladin(7), Discipline(21), Parry(21), Greater Weapon Focus (Heavy Flail)
Lvl 19 -> Paladin(8), Discipline(22), Parry(22), Tumble(11)
Lvl 20 -> Paladin(9), +1 STR , Discipline(23), Parry(23)
Lvl 21 -> xDD(11), Discipline(24), Parry(24), Listen(24), Tumble(12), Epic Toughness I
Lvl 22 -> xDD(12), Discipline(25), Parry(25), Listen(25)
Lvl 23 -> xDD(13), Discipline(26), Parry(26), Listen(26), Tumble(13)
You are now 100% immune to cold.
Lvl 24 -> xDD(14), +1 STR , Discipline(27), Parry(27), Listen(27), Epic Toughness II, Epic Toughness III
Lvl 25 -> xDD(15), Discipline(28), Parry(28), Listen(28), Tumble(14)
Lvl 26 -> xDD(16), Discipline(29), Parry(29), Listen(29)
Lvl 27 -> xDD(17), Discipline(30), Parry(30), Listen(30), Tumble(15), Epic Toughness IV
Lvl 28 -> xDD(18), +1 STR , Discipline(31), Parry(31), Listen(31), Epic Toughness V
Lvl 29 -> xDD(19), Discipline(32), Parry(32), Listen(32), Tumble(16)
Lvl 30 -> xDD(20), Discipline(33), Parry(33), Listen(33), Epic Toughness VI
Lvl 31 -> xDD(21), Discipline(34), Parry(34), Listen(34), Tumble(17)
Lvl 32 -> xDD(22), +1 STR , Discipline(35), Parry(35), Listen(35), Epic Toughness VII
Lvl 33 -> xDD(23), Discipline(36), Parry(36), Listen(36), Tumble(18), Epic Toughness VIII
Lvl 34 -> xDD(24), Discipline(37), Parry(37), Listen(37)
Lvl 35 -> xDD(25), Discipline(38), Parry(38), Listen(38), Tumble(19)
Lvl 36 -> xDD(26), +1 STR , Discipline(39), Parry(39), Listen(39), Epic Toughness IX, Epic Toughness X
Lvl 37 -> xDD(27), Discipline(40), Parry(40), Listen(40), Tumble(20)
Lvl 38 -> xDD(28), Discipline(41), Parry(41), Listen(41)
Lvl 39 -> xDD(29), Discipline(42), Parry(42), Listen(42), Tumble(21), Epic Weapon Focus (Heavy Flail)
Lvl 40 -> xDD(30), +1 STR , Discipline(43), Parry(43), Listen(43), Concentration(18), Craft Armor(27), Craft Weapon(27), Armor Skin
You could have spent points in Concentration, Craft Armor, and Craft Weapon prior to this point, but there's not a great need for it.
You will change in appearance, gain draconic size, wing buffet, and dragon fear aura -> you can use your PCScry tool to change your appearance, definitely worth a look (and a chuckle).
Legendary Levels -> your control class is xDD, you do not actually pick what class to level up as.
From here on out you will always take +1 to Discipline, Parry, and Listen every level.
You will also take +1 to Tumble every odd numbered level (taking Tumble for the last time on level 57)
Lvl 41 -> xDD(31), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon
Lvl 42 -> xDD(32), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon, Epic Prowess
Lvl 43 -> xDD(33), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon
Lvl 44 -> xDD(34), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
Lvl 45 -> xDD(35), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon, Legendary Weapon Focus (Heavy Flail)
You can visit the other secret place to gain your stat bonuses, but as it does not include INT it is not critical to do so.
Lvl 46 -> xDD(36), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
Lvl 47 -> xDD(37), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon
Lvl 48 -> xDD(38), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon, Overwhelming Critical (Heavy Flail)
Lvl 49 -> xDD(39), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon
Lvl 50 -> xDD(40), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
You absolutely want to visit the secret place because of the +2 INT that comes with the others stats -> you will get the lvl 35 bonuses, too, if you did not visit then.
Lvl 51 -> xDD(41), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon, Devastating Critical (Heavy Flail)
Lvl 52 -> xDD(42), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
Lvl 53 -> xDD(43), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon
Lvl 54 -> xDD(44), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon, Legendary Slippery Soul (+5 to your Reflex and Will saves!)
Lvl 55 -> xDD(45), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon
Yet again, it's time to visit the secret place, though again you can choose to do it later as there is no INT involved.
Lvl 56 -> xDD(46), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
Lvl 57 -> xDD(47), +1 Craft Armor, +1 Craft Weapon, Epic Skill Focus (Parry)
Remember, do not take any more Tumble ranks after this level (you could only take #31 at lvl 59 anyway).
Lvl 58 -> xDD(48), +1 STR , +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
Lvl 59 -> xDD(49), +2 Craft Armor, +2 Craft Weapon
Lvl 60 -> xDD(50), +1 STR , +3 Craft Armor, +3 Craft Weapon, Epic Skill Focus (Listen)
Now is time for your final visit to the secret place to get your stat bonuses, including any from previous levels if you haven't visited.
When all is said and done you'll have the following stats/skills w/no gear on:
STR 52, DEX 14, CON 24, INT 22, WIS 8, CHA 18
Lore (8), Concentration (18), Tumble (30), Discipline / Parry / Listen / Craft Armor / Craft Weapon (63)
Due to your high STR your Discipline could hit 140+ with full buffs and good gear (and due to ESF:Parry, your parry could reach 130+), however the maximum you can ever get is 127. Keep this in mind when getting enhancements on your gear - you can reach the 127 cap without needing the full +50 from bards and such that others may require. Also note that you only gain AB and AC from the Craft Weapon / Craft Armor skills per 40 full points - so you only need 57 points between your stat modifier, gear, and other effects (and you INT modifier will be +12-13 in most cases) to get the max +3 bonus at 120.
That pretty much covers the build, please give me feedback because this is what I am in the process of building out and I'd love to know what mistakes I've made before I get to them!
Either way I wanted to get the build online to get feedback and to offer it up for others to look at, so I'm glad I at least managed to accomplish that.
