I was looking for class combinations that had few entries in the search engine and I came up with this. The only other similar build is Ythaniel's Darkwall Defender but he went for more DwD levels and less BG.
Vitals BAB: 30 AB: +41/+36/+31/+26 AC (mundane plate): 22 (+3 with Tower Shield) HP: 724 (max.) Damage Reduction: 24/-
Saves (+2 vs. spells, +1 vs. traps, +2 vs. poison) Fortitude: 31 Will: 19 Reflex: 17
Abilities 3d6 Sneak Attack Bull's Strength (+1-2 damage and AB) Defensive Stance (11 times per day, +1 AB and damage, +80 HP, +4 Dodge AC, +2 to all saves) Defensive Awareness (immunity to Sneak Attacks from every enemy when in combat according to the Wiki) Turn Undead (not that you'll gonna get many undead, but just in case) Minor summons (Vrock, Doom Knight) Inflict X Wounds, Contagion, Smite Good (only 10 more damage once per day), Dark Blessing (no benefits, no penalties), Use Poison
The AB is average, but should be improved with Bull's Strength as well as Taunt. As for AC, it is really low for a meleer, but the huge amount of HP and Damage Reduction should take care of that. Saves are very low, except for Fortitude (+2 vs. spells). Luckily, Reflex and Will are easily covered with spells or potions. Just don't ever try to dodge a Fireball or something similar.
Well, criticism, suggestions are welcome! I know this build has a lot of flaws, so fire away.
It's good, +41 unbuffed AB is nice considering you have 24/- DR, however, you're not taking Epic Prowess, I'd lower CON to 21 for it, -40 HP and Fortitude won't be much noticed, and you know your AB isn't the highest around.
Now, in my experience with Dwarven Defenders heavy DR builds, taking Epic Damage Reduction earlier seems to be most playable (for example, a Fighter/CoT/DwD can reach EDR III by level 22, that rocks on playability), the thing is you're taking 10 CHA for Blackguard instead of 6, which is what any Dwarven Defender would take, which would allow you to bump your intial CON to 18, making things easier and freeing Great CON feats, but Dark Blessing is so nasty you'll get penalty to saves. You should drop CHA if you can find some equipment that grants immunity to mind effects where you play, I'd probably drop it even if you don't, your Will and Reflex are low anyhow.
Expertise might not be needed for such a build, since you already have Power Attack and Defensive Stance, so I suggest taking a feat that boosts saves, or Energy Resistance.
I'm pretty sure you ain't immune to sneak attack with Defensive Awareness, it's just a bit harder to hit them, you can't be flanked but you can still be knocked down, and I believe invisible enemies will sneak through like they always do. _________________ "My name is Thaxll'ssyllia, but you simians may refer to me merely as "Sir", if you prefer a less... syllable intensive workout."
Edwin Odesseiron - Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn
Edited By Thaxll'ssyllia on 10/29/07 23:27
Quote: Posted 10/29/07 23:30 (GMT) -- Thaxll'ssyllia It's good, +41 unbuffed AB is nice considering you have 24/- DR, however, you're not taking Epic Prowess, I'd lower CON to 21 for it, -40 HP and Fortitude won't be much noticed, and you know your AB isn't the highest around.
Agreed.
Quote: Now, in my experience with Dwarven Defenders heavy DR builds, taking Epic Damage Reduction earlier seems to be most playable (for example, a Fighter/CoT/DwD can reach EDR III by level 22, that rocks on playability), the thing is you're taking 10 CHA for Blackguard instead of 6, which is what any Dwarven Defender would take, which would allow you to bump your intial CON to 18, making things easier and freeing Great CON feats, but Dark Blessing is so nasty you'll get penalty to saves. You should drop CHA if you can find some equipment that grants immunity to mind effects where you play, I'd probably drop it even if you don't, your Will and Reflex are low anyhow.
Indeed, the split I chose isn't the best around by any means, but Fighter/CoT/DwD seems somewhat overdone and BG adds lots of style points
Quote: Expertise might not be needed for such a build, since you already have Power Attack and Defensive Stance, so I suggest taking a feat that boosts saves, or Energy Resistance.
While I was posting I thought about making a note about that, but I forgot. Probably the best thing to do is to choose Iron Will instead of Expertise.
Quote: I'm pretty sure you ain't immune to sneak attack with Defensive Awareness, it's just a bit harder to hit them, you can't be flanked but you can still be knocked down, and I believe invisible enemies will sneak through like they always do.
Let's say partially immune . The discussion page at the Wikia offers further insight on this subject. As you said, stealthing should allow sneaks, as well as knockdown. _________________ "Hats off and applause to rogues and evolution"
One could also put the first 5 ability increases into CON and that would get it to 21, just in time for EDR. _________________ "Hats off and applause to rogues and evolution"
. The discussion page at the Wikia offers further insight on this subject. As you said, stealthing should allow sneaks, as well as knockdown.