I came to the idea for this build on my own, but was interested to see quite a few really good builds that were along the same lines. The closest build to this one would be Chief's Undead Bodyguard by Separ.
I'm posting this one because it is the only build that combines: Half-Orc Barbarian(20) Full BAB(30) Improved Power Attack Devastating Critical
Purpose/Theme This is a character bred for a single purpose: To be the last one standing in any one-on-one fighter vs. fighter epic level 40 matchup. This build is optimally tweaked such that you cannot make a change in skills, abilities, feats, class levels, or race that would significantly improve the character for the purpose stated, (though there may be similarily beneficial options).
Playing high level PWs solo, or battling casters is not recommended.
Story A song of awe and wonder floated through the ancient halls of the King, dancing, a world above graceful, it swam amongst the mesmerized peoples; an enchanting brilliance. The hearts of men were never touched by a lay more capturing or powerful. But for all its beauty, the music was a shadow in the light of the glorious deeds it recounted.
At the King's side, standing in righteous pose was the hero of their time. An awesome figure with an aura that resonated the epic might of a demigod. As the champion stood there and listened to the story of his heroic actions, a fierce pride was evident in his glowing face. His stature seemed to grow as the song continued, until all that was around him shrank away and diminished, and the people, friends and foes, places and histories, all sank to insignificance beneath his glory and legend.
It was there above the clouds as he flew among the notes, that he began to wake from his rapture. A slow rousing heralded faintly by a distant and unsettling discord. Subtle at first, but then growing as if in approach. And into the refrain, a weave of sorrow and regret was entwined, an unbearable weeping despair to drown the chords in a dark murk of anger and hate. From the clouds to the depths of an empty black void the champion fell, now a mask of cold terror.
A low and powerful rumble shook the ancient halls, and all memory of warmth was sapped from the world as the shadows gathered and began to shift inwards to a single point. Even before the shadow took shape, a voice was heard, terrible and woeful such that flesh would cling to bone out of demented fear, "Your end draws nigh". Inexplicably, it was known to all that these words were meant for the hero.
Shrouded in dark mist and a pale unnatural light, the figure of the dread wraith was a thing of disbelief and hysteric dreams, a sense of something that should not be. With a steady and unwavering pace, the wraith moved purposefully towards the epic champion. Those gathered in the King's hall cowered unabashedly, most unable to open their tightly shut eyes for fear of confirming the reality. The King and his most valorous knights could do no better.
As the wraith drew nearer, the hero was struggling to regain control of his nerve. Riveted in place, he stared unflinchingly as death approached him. He fought away a powerful compulsion to succumb to his fear, and surrender. The dreaded wraith swiftly lifted his sword, and as the pale tinged edge made its way to the champion's neck, the hero erupted in a crazed frenzy of flurrying blows. Frantically he assailed the dread wraith with combination after deadly combination. Yet the more he attacked, the more he despaired, as every blow he tried to deal seemed only to cut through the wisps of smoke that surrounded the wraith.
The epic champion was almost on the verge of panic when he remembered himself. He remembered that at his feet had fallen the mightiest of giants and ancient dragons. In that instant the hero regained his confidence and form. He took a step back and with a deft and calculated attack he penetrated the formidable defenses of the creature and struck a direct and thunderous blow at the heart. Pulling back, he prepared to deliver a finishing blow to the wraith then immediately stopped short. With sudden alarm and horror, he realised that the creature was unscathed and unphased. He looked into the callous gloom of the dread wraith's eyes, and the frayed remains of his courage dissolved and died in a silent whimper. Then with a swift and soundless cut, the head of the epic champion fell to the marble floor, bereft of pride and then blood.
As the mist and shadows dissipated, those gathered in the halls could not bring themselves to move or speak for quite some time....
Max 90 damage buffed on Overwhelming Critical with Improved Power Attack. Average 183.6 damage per round with Greater Rage, Bard Song and Improved Power Attack.
LEVELING GUIDE 01: Barbarian(1): Heavy Armor* 02: Barbarian(2): 03: Barbarian(3): Toughness* 04: Barbarian(4): STR +1 (STR=21) 05: Barbarian(5): 06: Barbarian(6): Weapon Focus Greatsword 07: Barbarian(7): 08: Barbarian(8): STR +1 (STR=22) 09: Barbarian(9): Power Attack 10: Barbarian(10): 11: Barbarian(11): 12: Barbarian(12): Imp. Crit. Greatsword, STR +1 (STR=23) 13: Barbarian(13): 14: Barbarian(14): 15: Barbarian(15): Cleave 16: Barbarian(16): STR +1 (STR=24) 17: Barbarian(17): 18: Barbarian(18): Great Cleave 19: Barbarian(19): 20: Barbarian(20): STR +1 (STR=25) 21: Bard(1): Epic Weapon Focus Greatsword 22: Bard(2): 23: Bard(3): 24: Pale Master(1): Imp. Power Attack*, STR +1 (STR=26) 25: Pale Master(2): 26: Pale Master(3): 27: Pale Master(4): Overwhelming Critical Greatsword 28: Pale Master(5): STR +1 (STR=27) 29: Pale Master(6): 30: Pale Master(7): Devastating Critical Greatsword 31: Pale Master(8): 32: Pale Master(9): STR +1 (STR=28) 33: Pale Master(10): Armor Skin* 34: Pale Master(11): 35: Pale Master(12): 36: Pale Master(13): Epic Prowess*, Epic Fire Resist 1, STR +1 (STR=29) 37: Pale Master(14): 38: Pale Master(15): 39: Pale Master(16): Epic Mage Armor, Epic Warding 40: Bard(4): STR +1 (STR=30)
*Non-critical Feats.
SKILLPOINT DISTRIBUTION Max out Discipline on all Barbarian and Bard levels. Add 19 points of Perform on first Bard level and do not increase further. Increase Spellcraft on all Bard and Pale Master levels, but stop at 35. Max out Tumble on all Bard levels.
PROS Good AB, AC, HP. Good chance for Devastating Critical (17-20), with a buffed DC of 43. Immune to critical hits and sneak attacks. Immune to smite attacks. Minimal buffing (total of 4 buffs).
CONS Low saves. Relatively low duration of buffs means that this build is only good for one fight per day against other epic builds.
OPTIONS You can replace the greatsword with a scimitar and shield for a higher AC as well as a higher critical threat range. I chose the greatsword for its 2d6 damage and because of the 1.5 x STR Modifier for two-handed weapons. This gets a better damage average against builds with damage reduction or critical hit immunity. Also, if you sacrifice some CON for INT, you can replace non-critical feats with Knockdown and Improved Knockdown, or Expertise and Improved Expertise.
ITEM WISH-LIST Boots of Speed to increase attacks per round. Belt of Strength. Keen Greatsword. +5 Full Plate.
MOST CHALLENGING OPPONENTS Builds with non-piercing/slashing/bludgeoning melee damage. Builds with very high AC, Self Concealment, and Epic Dodge. Builds similar to this one. Please suggest a good matchup if you know any.
Edited By Kail Pendragon on 04/29/09 18:02
I like the build. A couple of things though.
I understand wanting to achieve MAX BAB by going straight Barbarian 20, but when actually playing a build from the ground up I find it difficult to not add a level or two of Bard for skill dumps pre-epic.
Also, whats the point of having CON at 15? Wouldnt those two points be better used somewhere else? DEX or INT maybe?
Quote: Posted 02/07/09 17:11 (GMT) -- galelabriel Also, whats the point of having CON at 15? Wouldnt those two points be better used somewhere else? DEX or INT maybe?
Yeah, a +1 to AC through DEX and the feats it would give you access to would definately be good. And some more skills through INT would give you flexibility.
The reason I didn't for this particular version was so that the HP would be as high as possible. And the reason for that is to survive against magical melee damage builds.
Alternatively, drop DEX to 8 and bump up CON to 16. -1 AC and Reflex Save (which can, theoretically, be made up for with Cat's Grace potions), vs. 40 HP, +1 Fort and one more round for your Rages. _________________ People who say that I am arrogant are mistaken. Arrogance is a flaw; I am flawless.
Quote: Posted 02/07/09 17:11 (GMT) -- galelabriel Also, whats the point of having CON at 15? Wouldnt those two points be better used somewhere else? DEX or INT maybe?
Yeah, a +1 to AC through DEX and the feats it would give you access to would definately be good. And some more skills through INT would give you flexibility.
The reason I didn't for this particular version was so that the HP would be as high as possible. And the reason for that is to survive against magical melee damage builds.
I understand wanting as much HP as possible. What gal asked though has nothing to do with that, as 14 con or 15 con end up with SAME HP. In nwn, we need even numbers to get increases, so 14, 16, 18, etc. I know this is common knowledge, but i am just putting it here to simplify what gal asked.
You have 10 in or 10 dex. For the 15th con, you actually loose 2 stat points. So, for the sake of, say 2 to dex or 12 dex, which now means you dont need any more dex to get FULL ac from FP. iirc, and it has been some time since i built a halfer.. goin to 12 int would still require 2 stats, no? lol dam i am rusty and used to nwn2 now..
SO wouldnt it be better to leave con at 14 and bump Dex or Int?
It seems like a nice build, though i am no barbarian expert (maybe Anuis can stop by and give us his opinion). The only thing i dont like is NOT havin Dev crit at 24! You are half orc! THe ONLY reason to take this race is to one hit kill asap (i built one halfer years ago that had dc at 21). Puttin it at 30, esp for a silly ipa feat (i NEVER use, nor recommend ipa for anything other than killin sewer rats). Remember, takin ewf at 21 is nice, BUT you have FULL ab already. In the end, it is about preferences. _________________
Quote: -- Posted by Kail Pendragon
Being hyperbolic is an integral part of Avado's being
Edited By avado on 02/07/09 19:13
Quote: Posted 02/07/09 19:11 (GMT) -- avado
1. SO wouldnt it be better to leave con at 14 and bump Dex or Int?
2. It seems like a nice build, though i am no barbarian expert (maybe Anuis can stop by and give us his opinion). The only thing i dont like is NOT havin Dev crit at 24! You are half orc! THe ONLY reason to take this race is to one hit kill asap (i built one halfer years ago that had dc at 21). Puttin it at 30, esp for a silly ipa feat (i NEVER use, nor recommend ipa for anything other than killin sewer rats). Remember, takin ewf at 21 is nice, BUT you have FULL ab already. In the end, it is about preferences.
1. Yes. 2. Yes, I should have put Dev Crit. earlier. I guess I didn't consider the earlier stages of the build as much as the final outcome. As for the Imp. PA, you could take it or leave it I suppose.
This will definitely improve the build. Thanks a lot guys!
I think you need to get what is to be gotten.
Eat the 19 BAB, since I fell Terrifying Rage is worth the loss of 1 BAB. But then we have a feat to worry about. A good place to spend your IPA?
Dropping CON to 14 and INT to 12 would get you the skillpoints needed in Intimidate.
Quote: Posted 02/07/09 15:46 (GMT) -- Angelis Dania Purpose/Theme This is a character bred for a single purpose: To be the last one standing in any one-on-one fighter vs. fighter epic level 40 matchup.
You think so? Wouldn't, say, a fighter14/Bard16/RDD or PM10 give you trouble? Getting an effective -7 to hit, while he gets an effective +7 isn't too cool, really. Actually any high-bard build. I think you could take cursesong though, since I believe that when it's activated, then it can't be used against you.
Any build with HiPS would make it impossible for this guy to win. There's plenty of STR ones out there you know. Epic Warding will only block 800 hitpoints, and it can even be outwaited. Epic Warding is good, EMA will in most settings grant you 5 AC.
It's also impossible for a 44 AB hitter to DevCrit a Dragon.
You don't have BlindFight(???) which will make builds with concealment and Epic dodge virtually impossible to hit.
The list goes on and on. Remember. there's always someone who can beat you. Still a really tough build, no mistakes.
Quote: Average 183.6 damage per round with Greater Rage, Bard Song and Improved Power Attack.
I'd like to adress this, as I find it misleading. In order to deal damage you need to hit, and there's no such thing as average damage unless you're fighting only average ACs. 48 buffed AB is not bad, in fact, it's certainly quite acceptable, but after Improved Power Attack, you'll barely even hit your own build, or any other high AC build. _________________ "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 02/08/09 17:50
Um... 19 perform? Why? Looks like a monumental waste of skill points.
Edit: Also, IMO, imp PA in epics is a horrible waste. I kinda like imp PA, but there's absolutely no way I'd include it in this build. You need the feats. You're spending an epic feat on a pre-epic. You have a good AB, but not a great one, and most importantly, you don't have blind fight!
Edited By onion eater on 02/08/09 20:20
Quote: Posted 02/08/09 20:17 (GMT) -- onion eater
Um... 19 perform? Why? Looks like a monumental waste of skill points.
Edit: Also, IMO, imp PA in epics is a horrible waste. I kinda like imp PA, but there's absolutely no way I'd include it in this build. You need the feats. You're spending an epic feat on a pre-epic. You have a good AB, but not a great one, and most importantly, you don't have blind fight!
onion i totally agree. Let's take a look at somethin interesting...
Purpose/Theme This is a character bred for a single purpose: To be the last one standing in any one-on-one fighter vs. fighter epic level 40 matchup. This build is optimally tweaked such that you cannot make a change in skills, abilities, feats, class levels, or race that would significantly improve the character for the purpose stated, (though there may be similarily beneficial options).
Playing high level PWs solo, or battling casters is not recommended.
1) the OP doesnt think enough of this EPIC build but to suggest that you ONLY play it vs fighters.. hmm.
2) Its a lv 40 build (you can spot those ten miles away.. the linear class progression shows the total lack of creativity and thought) as such, it has been my experience that placement of feats means nothing. At least, that is what i have told myself to sleep at night lol
Angel, the reason people are making suggestions when you precieve your build is optimal is cuz most of us play through a build (not born at 40s) so the PROCESS is important. The reality of this build is that, with a few tweaks (YES, despite your opinion it can and should be tweaked to make it optimal) you wouldnt have to worry about the HIPers, casters, or anything NON-Fighter! In my mind, to make ONLY for a fighter is a huge WASTE of time and energy. But that is me... btw, i must be sick or something.. this "trying" to be nice is HARD _________________
I think avado answered your question like no other could...
Edited By avado on 02/08/09 21:38
Ok, first of all thanks to everyone who posted, I appreciate all the suggestions and improvements (quite a few).
Quote: Posted 02/08/09 21:37 (GMT) -- avado
Purpose/Theme This is a character bred for a single purpose: To be the last one standing in any one-on-one fighter vs. fighter epic level 40 matchup. This build is optimally tweaked such that you cannot make a change in skills, abilities, feats, class levels, or race that would significantly improve the character for the purpose stated, (though there may be similarily beneficial options).
Playing high level PWs solo, or battling casters is not recommended.
Secondly, (and don't hate me ), I'm not new to internet forums. I knew very well that what I wrote above about my build being optimally tweaked and being the best fighter, was going to come across as an open invitation for meticulous and even harsh critique. I'm not bad at building characters, but I don't compare to the combined knowledge and experience of the members of this guild. So again, thanks for taking the time to look at it and prove my statements so very wrong.
Lastly, to Avado, you are of course right about the level progression. The reason my build is that way is because I don't ever play online, and I don't play through campaigns from scratch to level up a character. In fact, 90% of the time I spend in NWN is actually coming up with build ideas and testing them in modules designed specifically for level 40 characters, predominately melee tanks (but that's just me).
Quote: Average 183.6 damage per round with Greater Rage, Bard Song and Improved Power Attack.
I'd like to adress this, as I find it misleading. In order to deal damage you need to hit, and there's no such thing as average damage unless you're fighting only average ACs. 48 buffed AB is not bad, in fact, it's certainly quite acceptable, but after Improved Power Attack, you'll barely even hit your own build, or any other high AC build.
Sorry, my bad. I should have put in a clause that said "provided all your attacks landed".
Considering all the improvements suggested above, I would change the following so far.
1. Start CON at 14. 2. Start INT at 12. 3. Take 2 Bard Levels before Level 21 (maybe at 11 & 16). 4. Put 25 or more ranks in Intimidate. 6. Take Barb at 21, Bard at 22, PM at 23, and Barb at 24. 7. Replace Imp. PA with Blind Fight. 8. Replace Epic Prowess & Armor Skin with Terrifying Rage and Thundering Rage. 9. I'm still putting points into perform, but only 11. This gives me the "9 points and bard level 3" status (after -2 CHA Mod) for buffing. 10. Put 40 in Tumble and 40 in Spellcraft (now +8 vs. spells), leaving 25 points for something like Taunt or UMD (suggestions)?
Hopefully that brings the build up a notch. I think you lose 2 AB and 2 AC, but you do better critical damage without losing a further 8 AB with Imp. PA. You also end up with a more rounded character which is a bit better to play from the ground up.
Considering all the improvements suggested above, I would change the following so far.
1. Start CON at 14. 2. Start INT at 12. 3. Take 2 Bard Levels before Level 21 (maybe at 11 & 16). 4. Put 25 or more ranks in Intimidate. 6. Take Barb at 21, Bard at 22, PM at 23, and Barb at 24. 7. Replace Imp. PA with Blind Fight. 8. Replace Epic Prowess & Armor Skin with Terrifying Rage and Thundering Rage. 9. I'm still putting points into perform, but only 11. This gives me the "9 points and bard level 3" status (after -2 CHA Mod) for buffing. 10. Put 40 in Tumble and 40 in Spellcraft (now +8 vs. spells), leaving 25 points for something like Taunt or UMD (suggestions)?
Hopefully that brings the build up a notch. I think you lose 2 AB and 2 AC, but you do better critical damage without losing a further 8 AB with Imp. PA. You also end up with a more rounded character which is a bit better to play from the ground up.
Edit: Changes to the changes. 3. Take 3 Bard Levels before Level 21 (maybe 7, 11 & 16). 3.5. Take 1 PM Level before 21 (maybe 20). 4. Put 43 ranks in Intimidate. 6. Take Barb at 21 & 24 & 27 & 40, PM at 22 & 23, Bard at 39. 10. Put 40 in Tumble and 40 in Spellcraft (now +8 vs. spells), leaving 7 points for a charity of your choice.
You still get 4 attacks per round and 29 BAB (I think).
3. Take 3 Bard Levels before Level 21 (maybe 7, 11 & 16).
k, (and dont hate me ) now you are being way too silly! LOL There ARE times when you can take a class straight through (i do it with clerics, no matter what the other classes are). I feel that 20 barb will be fine to play, or 19/1bard. To give up 3!!! putting a pm level before 20, pm is a 1/2 bab progression, so you are really hurtin your efforts!
I hope i didnt come off as hatin the build. I dont. For another lesson: for skill dumps (which is what was suggested for the 3 bard lvls) should fall on multis of 5(clv) - 3. Why? At creation, we get 1 (lvl) + 3 skills. THis means that at 7, 12, 17 we get full tumble dumps (iirc tumble doesnt work with non-5 mutlis).
THe 17barb/3bard pre is perfect for this idea.
so, to recap! SOmetimes straight levels IS the only way! Sometimes it isnt!
oh, and Angel has my vote for NICEST new builder (though she can be seen to have an ego (but who of us doesnt))! _________________
This post is for general information purposes only, and does not constitute a legal opinion or render any legal advice. It may not be relied on for any purpose, and gives rise to
Quote: Posted 02/09/09 21:37 (GMT) -- avado oh, and Angel has my vote for NICEST new builder (though she can be seen to have an ego (but who of us doesnt))!
I don't know if that was a typo, but I'm actually a guy . But thanks for that last tip re: Bard levels, I got it to work and it's good.
Glad you don't hate the build, and I hope that my attempt at a story for it didn't cause anyone to shudder too much.
Quote: Posted 02/09/09 21:37 (GMT) -- avado oh, and Angel has my vote for NICEST new builder (though she can be seen to have an ego (but who of us doesnt))!
I don't know if that was a typo, but I'm actually a guy . But thanks for that last tip re: Bard levels, I got it to work and it's good.
Glad you don't hate the build, and I hope that my attempt at a story for it didn't cause anyone to shudder too much.
lmao sorry mate. My bad.. never met a male Angelis..
imo, this post is a model for takin and usin critiques (we have had some rough ones lately). Thanks for restorin my faith in peeps..
Is there any way of having the accepted changes edited into the original post?
I don't know if that is normally or even ever done.
In fact, 90% of the time I spend in NWN is actually coming up with build ideas and testing them in modules designed specifically for level 40 characters, predominately melee tanks (but that's just me).
Would you mind sharing some of these modules? I'm looking for some good epic character testers. Thanks!
I think you need to get what is to be gotten. 
lol
. But thanks for that last tip re: Bard levels, I got it to work and it's good.
lmao sorry mate. My bad.. never met a male Angelis..