Dragon's Tail - UR Lash - BG25/R15 and R21/BG19
Nov 19, 2020 18:01:13 GMT
swingking, shendelzare, and 1 more like this
Post by tomaan on Nov 19, 2020 18:01:13 GMT
This is the first in my series of UR-and-lower builds for new and mid-level players. These builds are optimized for deep Hells runs - you won't dominate, but you will contribute and, in the process, acquire the gear and subraces you need to build some of the more advanced toons you see in the forums. In my opinion, this method is more time- and cost-efficient than trying to upgrade subraces (which requires TWO of the higher tiered books!).
Starting stats assume NO demigod status. Feel free to shuffle them around for single- or double-demi reincarnation. For more alternative builds using BUR subbies, check out my Crazy Unoptimized Builds thread.
HG has several Quasiclasses - combinations of traditional classes with unique abilities. One of the more popular is the Lash of Hatred:
The Lash of Hatred is a self-buffing tank that inflicts a significant damage reduction penalty in your favorite enemies. This helps the entire party by making mobs that much easier to kill. The biggest drawback is that you only get a handful of favored enemies -- choose them based on where you're playing the build most. As you level up and advance through the server, you can reincarnate and adjust your favorite enemies accordingly (more below).
Blackguard Control Class (CC) builds are more offensive but have fewer Favored Enemies, Ranger CC builds have more Favored enemies, but lower damage output.
You will see some end-game specialist lash builds that only take 12 levels of Ranger. These builds maximize damage reduction and take advantage of some Blackguard abilities but only get 3 favored enemies. As a leveling/generalist build, however, I recommend the 15th Ranger level and extra favored enemy. It may not sound like much but allows you to cover most parts of the server. For a good open subrace build, check out Sabregirl's Beginner's Gnoll Whipmaster.
Race: Half-Elf
Listen is an essential skill for tanks on HG. You can increase it as a class skill with the Legendary Skill Affinity: Listen feat. In order to take that feat you have to be half-elf or have the blindfight feat. You can also raise it as a cross-class skill (3pts) as an elf without a feat.
Subrace: Dragonblooded
big fan of Dragonblooded due to its balanced stat bonuses and elemental immunity. As a lower-demand subrace, it's not too expensive to acquire. It's a good option for several tank builds and will be used for both versions of this build.
Starting stats assume NO demigod status. Feel free to shuffle them around for single- or double-demi reincarnation. For more alternative builds using BUR subbies, check out my Crazy Unoptimized Builds thread.
HG has several Quasiclasses - combinations of traditional classes with unique abilities. One of the more popular is the Lash of Hatred:
- The Lash of Hatred quasiclass combines the Ranger's singleminded devotion to slaying certain types of foes with the Blackguard's rage and magic. This potent mix of hatred is channeled through the Lash's weapon of choice, the whip.
- To qualify for Lash of Hatred the character must have 12 levels of Ranger, 10 levels of Blackguard, and Weapon Focus (Whip) before level 24.
- Lashes of Hatred receive Weapon Specialization (Whip), Disarm, Improved Disarm, Knockdown, and Improved Knockdown as bonus feats.
Touch of the Lash
- When the Lash of Hatred casts Blade Thirst on a whip he is wielding, he imbues it with the Touch of the Lash.
- The duration of his Blade Thirst spell multiplies by 10. The additional damage done by Blade Thirst is negative damage instead of positive, and is increased by 2 dice. This additional damage can be activated and deactivated with the !damon and !damoff commands.
- A whip imbued with the Touch of the Lash inflicts up to 5% damage vulnerability to physical, elemental, and negative damage on hit when striking a favored enemy, to a maximum of (2 + Blackguard class level)% (half that for physical and negative damage). If the Lash has the Bane of Enemies feat, the limit increases a further 5%. In addition, when striking a favored enemy, it inflicts a -2 Discipline penalty for 2 rounds.
- The vampiric regeneration from Blade Thirst becomes on-hit for an imbued whip. The vampiric regeneration will function against undead, but all other Lash effects will.
- To qualify for Lash of Hatred the character must have 12 levels of Ranger, 10 levels of Blackguard, and Weapon Focus (Whip) before level 24.
- Lashes of Hatred receive Weapon Specialization (Whip), Disarm, Improved Disarm, Knockdown, and Improved Knockdown as bonus feats.
Touch of the Lash
- When the Lash of Hatred casts Blade Thirst on a whip he is wielding, he imbues it with the Touch of the Lash.
- The duration of his Blade Thirst spell multiplies by 10. The additional damage done by Blade Thirst is negative damage instead of positive, and is increased by 2 dice. This additional damage can be activated and deactivated with the !damon and !damoff commands.
- A whip imbued with the Touch of the Lash inflicts up to 5% damage vulnerability to physical, elemental, and negative damage on hit when striking a favored enemy, to a maximum of (2 + Blackguard class level)% (half that for physical and negative damage). If the Lash has the Bane of Enemies feat, the limit increases a further 5%. In addition, when striking a favored enemy, it inflicts a -2 Discipline penalty for 2 rounds.
- The vampiric regeneration from Blade Thirst becomes on-hit for an imbued whip. The vampiric regeneration will function against undead, but all other Lash effects will.
Blackguard Control Class (CC) builds are more offensive but have fewer Favored Enemies, Ranger CC builds have more Favored enemies, but lower damage output.
You will see some end-game specialist lash builds that only take 12 levels of Ranger. These builds maximize damage reduction and take advantage of some Blackguard abilities but only get 3 favored enemies. As a leveling/generalist build, however, I recommend the 15th Ranger level and extra favored enemy. It may not sound like much but allows you to cover most parts of the server. For a good open subrace build, check out Sabregirl's Beginner's Gnoll Whipmaster.
Race: Half-Elf
- All half-elves receive 1 additional skill point per level. Skill points for levels prior to 41 will be granted upon taking level 41 at the Altar of Legends.
- All half-elves can acquire Legendary Skill Affinity Spot and Listen in legendary levels.
- All half-elves can acquire Legendary Skill Affinity Spot and Listen in legendary levels.
Subrace: Dragonblooded
- STR +2, CON +2, WIS -2, INT +2, CHA +2, +5 lore, 10% immune to acid, cold, electrical, and fire, speaks Draconic