Post by tomaan on Apr 18, 2009 12:38:12 GMT
This is one of two builds I'm submitting for the open subrace build contest.
Dragon Disciple is a good build for new players because it gives you a nice combination of ability bonuses, ac bonuses, and mass/wide radius attacks. You also get to wield a heavy weapon while using a shield (which is great for dealing damage) and you can use the pc scry to switch between dragon models (hey, looks count too!).
HG has made significant changes to dragon disciple ability bonuses, but you must take all 10 Epic Toughness feats to get them. They are applied automatically up to WDD lvl 30. When you hit legendary levels, you must find a secret altar to get the rest. The changes are as follows:
Wing Buffet is a mass/aoe knockdown attack that also dispels aoe spells (similar to gust of wind)
Dragonfear Aura will give your opponents a penalty (up to -3) to attacks, skills and saves
Draconic Size allows you to wield a heavy weapon while using a shield.
In order to select the White Dragon "path", you will need to find an undisclosed location before WDD lvl 4 (no, Dick Cheney isn't there!). When you do, you will receive cold immunity and a cold & magical breath attack (accessed from the Special Abilities menu as a Wyrmling Breath)
This build is solid in most legendary areas and will help you get some high quality gear for future builds. It has sick strength, good con, good cha, and enough dex to wear medium armor. Your paladin levels give you fear immunity and very good saves. You will not lead your party in damage, but you will hold your own and the dragonfear aura helps everybody (especially casters!)
I chose Azer Dwarf for the 50% fire immunity and +2 con. Combined with a White Dragon path you will have also get full cold immunity. Grab a few easilty accessible rings and you will be able to resist nearly all elemental damage types.
The biggest weakness that I can think of is the fact that you have to wait until level 40 to wield your primary weapon, unless you want to go shieldless (which I wouldn't). You can get around this by using a human PT - Fire Genasi. With the extra feat you can take exotic weapons feat and weapon focus (club). This will let you use a club, heavy mace, or heavy/light pick until you hit level 40 (you can then use a maul). Either build works, so it comes down to personal preference.
Koldfire
race: Dwarf
subrace: Azer
+2 Con, SR18, 50% immune fire, 50% vulnerable cold
Sor 1, Pal 9, RDD 30
Starting Stats (racial bonus):
Str: 16
Dex: 14
Con: 12 (14)
Int: 12
Wis: 8
Cha: 12
Level Progression
1: Sor(1) - Blindfight
Blindfight helps you hit invis/concealed targets and reduces the penalty you receive when you face them. This is not an essential feat, but there's not much else you can take at Sor (1). Perhaps Skill Focus: Listen?
2: Pal(1)
3: Pal(2) - Power Attack
Power Attack is required for the Overwhelming/Devastating Critical feats
4: Pal(3) - +1 str
5: Pal(4)
6: DD(1) - Cleave
Cleave is required for the Overwhelming/Devastating Critical feats
7: DD(2) - +2 str
8: DD(3) - +1 str
9: DD(4) - Gr Cleave, +2 str
Great Cleave is required for the Overwhelming/Devastating Critical feats
10: DD(5)
11: DD(6)
12: DD(7) - Weap Focus (Heavy Flail), +1 str
Heavy Flail gives you a good critical threat range and bludgeoning damage, which is effective against a wide variety of opponents
13: DD(8) - +2 Con
14: DD(9) - +2 Int
15: DD(10) - Improved Crit (Heavy Flail), +2 Cha
Improved Critical increases your critical threat range and is required for Devastating & Overwhelming Critical feats
16: Pal(5) - +1 Str
17: Pal(6)
18: pal(7) - Greater Weapon Focus
Greater Weapon Focus adds +1 to your AB with your primary weapon
19: Pal(8)
20: Pal(9) - +1 str
21: DD(11) - Epic Toughness I
You need all ten Epic Toughness feats for maximum draggability(is that a word )
22: DD(12)
23: DD(13)
24: DD(14) - Epic Toughness II, Epic Toughness III, +1 str
More Epic Toughness feats
25: DD(15) - +2 str
26: DD(16)
27: DD(17) - Epic Toughness IV
Even more Epic Toughness
28: DD(18) - +1 str, Epic Toughness V
Epic Toughness V is the first "plateau' for your improved dragon abilities (received at WDD lvl 20).
29: DD(19)
30: DD(20) - +2 str, +2 con, +2 int, Epic Toughness VI
As before, take all 10 Epic Toughness feats
31: DD(21)
32: DD(22) - +1 str, Epic Toughness VII
Epic Toughness VII opens up the next level of dragon ability bonuses (received at WDD lvl 25)
33: DD(23) - Epic Toughness VIII
Almost there.
34: DD(24)
35: DD(25) - +2 str
36: DD(26) - Epic Toughness IX, Epic Toughness X, +1 str
With Epic Toughness X, you now have access to your full dragon abilities, received at WDD lvl 30.
37: DD(27)
38: DD(28)
39: DD(29) - Epic Weapon Focus (Heavy Flail)
Epic Weapon Focus grants an additional +2 to your attack with your chosen weapon.
40: DD(30) - Armor Skin, +1 str, +2 str, +2 con, +2 cha, Wing Buffet, Dragonfear Aura, and Draconic Size
Armor Skin gives you +2 ac, which never hurts. See above for Wing Buffet, Dragonfear Aura and Draconic Size abilities.
stats at 40 (buffed):
str: 38 (50)
dex: 14 (26)
con: 20 (32)
Int: 16 (28)
Wis: 8 (20)
Cha: 16 (28)
Saves (buffed):
Fort: 31 (43)
Reflex: 21 (33)
Will: 25 (37)
41: DD(31)
42: DD(32) - Epic Prowess, +1 cha
Epic Prowess gives you +1 attack bonus, and improves Legendary Weapon Focus to +3 (up from +2)
43: DD(33)
44: DD(34) - +1 cha
45: DD(35) - Legendary Weapon Focus (Heavy Flail), +2 str
Legendary Weapon Focus gives you a +3 attack bonus when combined with Epic Prowess.
46: DD(36) - +1 str
47: DD(37)
48: DD(38) - +1 str, Overwhelming Critical
Overwhelming Critical increases your critical threat range by +1
49: DD(39)
50: DD(40) - +1 str, +2 str, +2 int, +2 con
51: DD(41) - Devastating Critical
Devastating Critical adds +1 to your critical multiplier.
52: DD(42) - +1 str
53: DD(43)
54: DD(44) - +1 str, Epic Reflexes
Epic Refexes gives you +4 to your reflex saves, which you need on this build
55: DD(45) - +2 str
56: DD(46) - +1 str
57: DD(47) - Brutal Throw/Epic Skill Focus: Parry
Brutal Throw allows you to use your strength modifier for AB on throwing axes and darts. It won't do a lot of damage, but there are runs where you need a ranged attack to destroy an object. You can also take Epic Skill Focus: Parry here which will give you +5% crit immunity.
58: DD(48) - +1 str
59: DD(49)
60: DD(50) - Epic Skill Focus: Listen, +2 str, +2 con, +2 cha, +1 str
ESF: Listen adds +10 to your Listen ability which is not included in the +50 ability max bonus (Legendary Skill Focus is). This will improve your ability to hit concealed targets.
Stats at 60 (buffed)
str: 56 (70)
dex: 14 (26)
con: 24 (36)
Int: 18 (30)
Wis: 8 (20)
Cha: 18 (32)
Saves (buffed) [+20 w/gear]:
Fort: 38 (58) [72]
Reflex: 30 (50) [64]
Will: 30 (50) [64]
Skills:
maximize Disc (63; needed to avoid domination and other checks)
Parry (63; reduces critical damage by 1% per 2 points over 20)
Listen (63; increases chance to hit concealed opponents but won't stack with Blindfight)
don't forget to put 8 points into lore as soon as possible (DD requirement)
Tumble (30; cross class, +6 to AC) - You could also take Craft Weapon for up to +3 to AB, but, since this isn't exactly an offensive juggernaut, I prefer the AC.
Your AC with even simple gear will reach the high 120s (low 130s with BUR gear and buffs)
AB = 96 (up to 99 with max CW)
16(BAB) + 10(Epic) + 12(Legendary) + 8(Feats) + 30(Str. mod) + 20(max AB bonus) = 96
Feat order isn't too important, although I prefer to get my epic toughness out of the way early . You also have some flexibility with Blindfight since you'll have maximized listen.
Feedback (good, bad and ugly) is appreciated.
T
EDIT--updated per stryker's suggestions (thanks . Will have to strip toon to see base ab, skills etc. and post later.
EDIT--updated again with new feats and to reflect update from 7/24/2010
Dragon Disciple is a good build for new players because it gives you a nice combination of ability bonuses, ac bonuses, and mass/wide radius attacks. You also get to wield a heavy weapon while using a shield (which is great for dealing damage) and you can use the pc scry to switch between dragon models (hey, looks count too!).
HG has made significant changes to dragon disciple ability bonuses, but you must take all 10 Epic Toughness feats to get them. They are applied automatically up to WDD lvl 30. When you hit legendary levels, you must find a secret altar to get the rest. The changes are as follows:
2 : +2 Strength4 : +2 Strength
7 : +2 Constitution
9 : +2 Intelligence
10: +2 Charisma, Dragon Breath improvement
15: +2 Strength
(Epic Toughness 5 requirement)
20: +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, +2 Intelligence, Dragon Characteristics improvements
(Epic Toughness 7 requirement)
25: +2 Strength
(Epic Toughness 10 requirement)
30: +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, +2 Charisma, Wing Buffet, Dragonfear Aura, and Draconic Size improvements
35: +2 Strength
40: +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, +2 Intelligence
45: +2 Strength
50: +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, +2 Charisma
Wing Buffet is a mass/aoe knockdown attack that also dispels aoe spells (similar to gust of wind)
Dragonfear Aura will give your opponents a penalty (up to -3) to attacks, skills and saves
Draconic Size allows you to wield a heavy weapon while using a shield.
In order to select the White Dragon "path", you will need to find an undisclosed location before WDD lvl 4 (no, Dick Cheney isn't there!). When you do, you will receive cold immunity and a cold & magical breath attack (accessed from the Special Abilities menu as a Wyrmling Breath)
This build is solid in most legendary areas and will help you get some high quality gear for future builds. It has sick strength, good con, good cha, and enough dex to wear medium armor. Your paladin levels give you fear immunity and very good saves. You will not lead your party in damage, but you will hold your own and the dragonfear aura helps everybody (especially casters!)
I chose Azer Dwarf for the 50% fire immunity and +2 con. Combined with a White Dragon path you will have also get full cold immunity. Grab a few easilty accessible rings and you will be able to resist nearly all elemental damage types.
The biggest weakness that I can think of is the fact that you have to wait until level 40 to wield your primary weapon, unless you want to go shieldless (which I wouldn't). You can get around this by using a human PT - Fire Genasi. With the extra feat you can take exotic weapons feat and weapon focus (club). This will let you use a club, heavy mace, or heavy/light pick until you hit level 40 (you can then use a maul). Either build works, so it comes down to personal preference.
Koldfire
race: Dwarf
subrace: Azer
+2 Con, SR18, 50% immune fire, 50% vulnerable cold
Sor 1, Pal 9, RDD 30
Starting Stats (racial bonus):
Str: 16
Dex: 14
Con: 12 (14)
Int: 12
Wis: 8
Cha: 12
Level Progression
1: Sor(1) - Blindfight
Blindfight helps you hit invis/concealed targets and reduces the penalty you receive when you face them. This is not an essential feat, but there's not much else you can take at Sor (1). Perhaps Skill Focus: Listen?
2: Pal(1)
3: Pal(2) - Power Attack
Power Attack is required for the Overwhelming/Devastating Critical feats
4: Pal(3) - +1 str
5: Pal(4)
6: DD(1) - Cleave
Cleave is required for the Overwhelming/Devastating Critical feats
7: DD(2) - +2 str
8: DD(3) - +1 str
9: DD(4) - Gr Cleave, +2 str
Great Cleave is required for the Overwhelming/Devastating Critical feats
10: DD(5)
11: DD(6)
12: DD(7) - Weap Focus (Heavy Flail), +1 str
Heavy Flail gives you a good critical threat range and bludgeoning damage, which is effective against a wide variety of opponents
13: DD(8) - +2 Con
14: DD(9) - +2 Int
15: DD(10) - Improved Crit (Heavy Flail), +2 Cha
Improved Critical increases your critical threat range and is required for Devastating & Overwhelming Critical feats
16: Pal(5) - +1 Str
17: Pal(6)
18: pal(7) - Greater Weapon Focus
Greater Weapon Focus adds +1 to your AB with your primary weapon
19: Pal(8)
20: Pal(9) - +1 str
21: DD(11) - Epic Toughness I
You need all ten Epic Toughness feats for maximum draggability(is that a word )
22: DD(12)
23: DD(13)
24: DD(14) - Epic Toughness II, Epic Toughness III, +1 str
More Epic Toughness feats
25: DD(15) - +2 str
26: DD(16)
27: DD(17) - Epic Toughness IV
Even more Epic Toughness
28: DD(18) - +1 str, Epic Toughness V
Epic Toughness V is the first "plateau' for your improved dragon abilities (received at WDD lvl 20).
29: DD(19)
30: DD(20) - +2 str, +2 con, +2 int, Epic Toughness VI
As before, take all 10 Epic Toughness feats
31: DD(21)
32: DD(22) - +1 str, Epic Toughness VII
Epic Toughness VII opens up the next level of dragon ability bonuses (received at WDD lvl 25)
33: DD(23) - Epic Toughness VIII
Almost there.
34: DD(24)
35: DD(25) - +2 str
36: DD(26) - Epic Toughness IX, Epic Toughness X, +1 str
With Epic Toughness X, you now have access to your full dragon abilities, received at WDD lvl 30.
37: DD(27)
38: DD(28)
39: DD(29) - Epic Weapon Focus (Heavy Flail)
Epic Weapon Focus grants an additional +2 to your attack with your chosen weapon.
40: DD(30) - Armor Skin, +1 str, +2 str, +2 con, +2 cha, Wing Buffet, Dragonfear Aura, and Draconic Size
Armor Skin gives you +2 ac, which never hurts. See above for Wing Buffet, Dragonfear Aura and Draconic Size abilities.
stats at 40 (buffed):
str: 38 (50)
dex: 14 (26)
con: 20 (32)
Int: 16 (28)
Wis: 8 (20)
Cha: 16 (28)
Saves (buffed):
Fort: 31 (43)
Reflex: 21 (33)
Will: 25 (37)
41: DD(31)
42: DD(32) - Epic Prowess, +1 cha
Epic Prowess gives you +1 attack bonus, and improves Legendary Weapon Focus to +3 (up from +2)
43: DD(33)
44: DD(34) - +1 cha
45: DD(35) - Legendary Weapon Focus (Heavy Flail), +2 str
Legendary Weapon Focus gives you a +3 attack bonus when combined with Epic Prowess.
46: DD(36) - +1 str
47: DD(37)
48: DD(38) - +1 str, Overwhelming Critical
Overwhelming Critical increases your critical threat range by +1
49: DD(39)
50: DD(40) - +1 str, +2 str, +2 int, +2 con
51: DD(41) - Devastating Critical
Devastating Critical adds +1 to your critical multiplier.
52: DD(42) - +1 str
53: DD(43)
54: DD(44) - +1 str, Epic Reflexes
Epic Refexes gives you +4 to your reflex saves, which you need on this build
55: DD(45) - +2 str
56: DD(46) - +1 str
57: DD(47) - Brutal Throw/Epic Skill Focus: Parry
Brutal Throw allows you to use your strength modifier for AB on throwing axes and darts. It won't do a lot of damage, but there are runs where you need a ranged attack to destroy an object. You can also take Epic Skill Focus: Parry here which will give you +5% crit immunity.
58: DD(48) - +1 str
59: DD(49)
60: DD(50) - Epic Skill Focus: Listen, +2 str, +2 con, +2 cha, +1 str
ESF: Listen adds +10 to your Listen ability which is not included in the +50 ability max bonus (Legendary Skill Focus is). This will improve your ability to hit concealed targets.
Stats at 60 (buffed)
str: 56 (70)
dex: 14 (26)
con: 24 (36)
Int: 18 (30)
Wis: 8 (20)
Cha: 18 (32)
Saves (buffed) [+20 w/gear]:
Fort: 38 (58) [72]
Reflex: 30 (50) [64]
Will: 30 (50) [64]
Skills:
maximize Disc (63; needed to avoid domination and other checks)
Parry (63; reduces critical damage by 1% per 2 points over 20)
Listen (63; increases chance to hit concealed opponents but won't stack with Blindfight)
don't forget to put 8 points into lore as soon as possible (DD requirement)
Tumble (30; cross class, +6 to AC) - You could also take Craft Weapon for up to +3 to AB, but, since this isn't exactly an offensive juggernaut, I prefer the AC.
Your AC with even simple gear will reach the high 120s (low 130s with BUR gear and buffs)
AB = 96 (up to 99 with max CW)
16(BAB) + 10(Epic) + 12(Legendary) + 8(Feats) + 30(Str. mod) + 20(max AB bonus) = 96
Feat order isn't too important, although I prefer to get my epic toughness out of the way early . You also have some flexibility with Blindfight since you'll have maximized listen.
Feedback (good, bad and ugly) is appreciated.
T
EDIT--updated per stryker's suggestions (thanks . Will have to strip toon to see base ab, skills etc. and post later.
EDIT--updated again with new feats and to reflect update from 7/24/2010