What is the most powerful melee build? I'm specifically looking for the following: 1) Good combo between damage and AC 2) Must be fully playable in OC/SOU/HoTU/Modules (i.e. no lame Bard skill dump at Level 37 unless you have several Bard skill dumps throughout the build) 3) Must be fully playable from lvl 1-40 PvM (again I'm going to use in modules) 4) Must be able to have many battles before resting so you can't use all buff spells and then rest after every single battle.
Thanks.
Hey man,
I'll repeat to you what I've been told ever since I joined this guild: The OCs (SOU, HOTU, etc...) are really easy, and pretty much anyone can go through them with any build. I can vouch for that myself, seeing as I got through them several times with builds that were far from optimized. The problem with no Bard (or whatever other class) skill dumps is that you can't max out tumble, and therefore you can't get the extra +8 AC that 40 ranks in it provide.
If you want a high AC melee build, you should probably use a class that can max out tumble at level 37.
Max, Thanks for the info. I've never played a PW so I don't know what that is all about, although everyone talks about PWs. Is there a place/link I can take that will tell me every thing I need to about PWs?
Actually, I have never played on a PW myself. I don't have time for those. But I do have some other modules, with cool stories that are said to be harder than the OC's. If you want, I can refer you to them. The one I'm playing now is called The Aielund Saga, and I'm enjoying it very much so far. The biggest problem that you're going to have is that you'll need certain hakpaks to run the module, and it's a pain in the *** to get them to work, but now that I've done it I can help you too if need be.
Take it EZ!
Quote: Posted 12/29/08 17:51 (GMT) -- chucknra
Max, Thanks for the info. I've never played a PW so I don't know what that is all about, although everyone talks about PWs. Is there a place/link I can take that will tell me every thing I need to about PWs?
I don't know a link, but I can give you a short crash course. There are a few different types of PW. A lot of them are "server vault" meaning your PC is stored on their server. Some start at level one, others give you some XP on your first login to get a few levels. Others are local vault where your PC is stored on your computer. The RP local vault servers seem to often cap levels at 30 or less and have gear restrictions like no immunities and such. Every PW has a different style, like RP where you must RP all the time and leveling tends to be slow. Others are more hack and slash sometimes with optional RP. Leveling tends to be faster. Others are all about PvP. Every PW has a certain level of magic, from +1 or +2 items only to +20 uber gear. Certain modifications will often be made, like banning item properties (haste, true sight, and immunities are common) or banning/nerfing the more powerful spells or feats like Harm and Dev Crit. HiPS is occasionally nerfed. You can PM me if you want more info. The place I play is a server vault RP PW with fast leveling and +5 gear.
I just completed Aielund last night. Very good mod. I went through as a Ba/RDD/Monk with most of the levels in Monk; I finished at level 36 I think. I was looking for other good mods as well.
There is no such thing as the most powerful build, please stop asking for that.
Many builds work with what you asked, please be more specific. _________________ "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
All I'll say is that four to eight levels of bard or rogue is a beautiful, beautiful thing. One or two is just .
Aielund is a great module. A bit weak at the end, but otherwise excellent. Runes of Blood is another really good one (not as long as Aielund, but still quite good).
For powerful melee builds, there are lots of possibilities. Ftr/Rogue/SD combos are very good, either dex-based (high AC and AB, but rely on sneak attack for damage), or str-based (lower AC, but huge damage potential with both str and sneak damage). These guys only need to rest to heal, no spells or one-time abilities to worry about.
Ftr/Bard/RDD is also very powerful. Tends to mature late (once they get RDD to 10 and Bard up into the teens), but has very high Str and damage output. AC is nothing special, and will need to rest to recharge buffing spells and Bard Song uses, but have enough to last several battles between rests.
Cleric and/or Paladin builds can also be very powerful. If str-based, they have good AB and damage even unbuffed, and with buffs it gets even better. Again, will need to rest to restore spells, but usually have enough to get through several battles without problems. Cha-based paladins can get into trouble if they rely too heavily on Smiting, only 3 uses per day (but they can be 3 1-hit kills even for most bosses...). Usually have better saves and defenses thanks to spells than most other fighter builds.
Monk/fighter builds can be very powerful in melee due to the large number of attacks per round (8-10, depending on whether or not they dual-wield). When str-based, that means outstanding damage output. Dex-based have very high AC, but not as good damage. Good saves, plus SR.
Last, there are the Ftr/WM builds. Very high AB, very high damage. They do tend to mature late, be a bit feat-starved, and have lower AC and poor saves.
No one is the "best", each have strengths and weaknesses, but all are quite playable 1-40.
TM
TM, wow! You gave way more than most of us would to this question!
We all know that the ULTIMATE uber AC/AB build is the top secret dwarven Plae master/Dwarf defender/arcane archer build! You get uber AB, PM AC, AA and Defender AB!! Defensive stance! Even epic spells! YOu can even get Epic Dodge and dev crit if you really know what you are doing! alas, it is the TOP secret build of our guild! Only when you STOP asking "what is the uberest build" do we pass on the secret of the dwarven PM/Defender/arcance archer build _________________
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 12/30/08 03:06 (GMT) -- avado We all know that the ULTIMATE uber AC/AB build is the top secret dwarven Plae master/Dwarf defender/arcane archer build!
Um... how exactly do you do that? This is a joke, right? There are just way too many things wrong here, mostly that avado seems to be making a joke that's too subtle for me to grasp... That's really wrong.
onion that's the 2nd time now! The palemaster/defender/arcane archer IS a secret build. My vote is to NOT let onion into the secret society of the Epic builders!
dude, everytime a new fish asks about the uberist build, it is our moral responsiblity (esp when they are vague) to post the uber secret 3 PRC build so they can wonder about it for ages. it can be ANY 3 PRC classes, and if you really really want to mess with them, simply post the uber fighter/rdd/sd build! shhh _________________
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
I have always been partial to the BG/RDD/PM... 4/10/26 STR/CHA split. Great build.
I much prefer the RP prowess of the CoT/HS/SD.
For those of you who answered seriously I appreciate it.
Aielund is a great module. A bit weak at the end, but otherwise excellent. Runes of Blood is another really good one (not as long as Aielund, but still quite good).
TM
Weak at the end? You do realize the final installment won *both* Mod of the Year and the Golden Dragon? That's not exactly easy to do.
There is one thing about Aielund that I really don't like: the language used isn't medieval at all, but you can't have everything, I guess...
TM, can you give me a link to the Runed of Blood module so I can download it? Thanks!
Edited By Maximillian Kane on 01/02/09 09:52
Quote: Posted 01/02/09 09:50 (GMT) -- Maximillian Kane
There is one thing about Aielund that I really don't like: the language used isn't medieval at all, but you can't have everything, I guess...
Doesn't bother me, as the setting isn't really medieval anyways.
I thought Act IV started off well (I really liked the coup attempt, and the devious scheming of the various royalty), up to where you take off to the hall of planes. After that, I thought it became a bit Monty Haul-ish. One of the things I liked about the whole series is that it had lots of interesting magic items, with useful but not overpowering properties. The end bit was sort of a hunt for the super-duper ring, armor, shield, weapon, etc., so you can easily clobber the newest big bad guy, and got less interesting to me. YMMV. Overall, the series is still about my favorite module, so consider this a minor criticism of an overall excellent adventure.
For that one, I went with a dex-based Rogue/Ftr/SD build, but it has some nice content for monks, and a paladin build would also do well. I wouldn't go with WM or RDD, you won't get high enough level to really take advantage of those. You start at level 3, and will end up in the mid-teens (similar to the OC). It is a mod that requires some thought - there are a number of enemies that you won't be able to defeat by just attacking them, but you can take them out fairly easily if you pay attention to the environment.
TM
Edited By Tattoed Monk on 01/02/09 13:59
Thanks TM, when I'm done with The Aielund Saga I'll get started on this one.
Take it EZ!
RoB is good stuff. Very well done. Had a PW feel to it. _________________ Got Hommlet? World of Greyhawk Action Server (with 1/2 price ales on Mondays!)
Ariel, Ookla, RIDE!
I enjoy playing the DwD/DwD/DwD 20/10/15..
Great build..
But I seriously think any heavy bard or cleric is the best way to go in terms of raw power
.. I seriously think any heavy .. cleric is the best way to go in terms of raw power
It really makes me sad that clerics are so... they always seem to get the short end of the stick! Now, if only we can make clerics alittle like bards, in that you can qualify for pm or rdd as a cleric! WOuldnt a cleric20/rdd10/pm10 be a nice build? I am literally drooling in all that divine-ness good....
*for legal purposes: YES, i doctored the quote... i took out Bard where the .. is.... i just couldnt justify a bard bein in the same league as cleric
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
Edited By avado on 01/05/09 06:35
TM,
Seeing as the best weapons in Aielund are +7 for a level 37 PC, and you probably carry +5 well into the endgame, I'd say calling it Monty Haul is rather unkind. There are some items I don't like (the epic warding ring). But mid magic standard is +1 per 5 levels. And that's almost exactly where you end up for gear. So I think that's generally fair. The story going sci-fi(ish) is a tad surprising perhaps. But I consider that better than the rubbish FR cosmology. *shrugs*
I'd like to see an epic mod that didn't use the planes or level strips sometime. If it could tell a good story and be well balanced I'd be impressed.
The Epic Warding ring, the Dev Crit monk gloves, and a few other ones. Plus the nature of the last few quests were basically "seek out the next powerful item".
As I said, overall it's an excellent series or modules. One of my favorites. And the fourth one was really good up to the Hall of Planes section. I just thought the ending wasn't quite up to the same high standard as the rest of the series. I would still recommend it as my number 1 pick if someone asked what module they should download.
The Epic Warding ring, the Dev Crit monk gloves, and a few other ones. Plus the nature of the last few quests were basically "seek out the next powerful item".
As I said, overall it's an excellent series or modules. One of my favorites. And the fourth one was really good up to the Hall of Planes section. I just thought the ending wasn't quite up to the same high standard as the rest of the series. I would still recommend it as my number 1 pick if someone asked what module they should download.
TM
Yeah, so far I agree, just starting Act 3 and it's a really impressive story up until this point. It wouldn't hurt to get an english language revisor to work on it, since I myself have run into quite a few typos everywhere in the module (and english isn't even my first language).
There's only one thing that's bothering me now. I was told this mod was harder than the OCs, but truly, so far there was only one fight that I would consider hard: the one against the slaads near the monastery in Act 2. And in saying that I must add that I went there by mistake at level 10. I truly believe that if I had waited until level 14 it'd be a lot easier. I'm still waiting for it to get harder .
On a side note, I was playing with a Cleric, and you know how IMBA they are, so maybe that's the reason? I killed pretty much all the bosses the same way: Buff up, GS, Harm (or Heal if the guy was undead), Attack (death), then have the henchmen join the battle while I stood there getting missed by everyone of the remaining companions of each boss (I had Improved Expertise on ). AC 50 at level 15 should be illegal .
Take it EZ!
Edited By Maximillian Kane on 01/06/09 09:10
Quote: Posted 01/06/09 09:07 (GMT) -- Maximillian Kane
There's only one thing that's bothering me now. I was told this mod was harder than the OCs, but truly, so far there was only one fight that I would consider hard: the one against the slaads near the monastery in Act 2. And in saying that I must add that I went there by mistake at level 10. I truly believe that if I had waited until level 14 it'd be a lot easier. I'm still waiting for it to get harder .
On a side note, I was playing with a Cleric, and you know how IMBA they are, so maybe that's the reason? I killed pretty much all the bosses the same way: Buff up, GS, Harm (or Heal if the guy was undead), Attack (death), then have the henchmen join the battle while I stood there getting missed by everyone of the remaining companions of each boss (I had Improved Expertise on ). AC 50 at level 15 should be illegal .
Take it EZ!
Well, it seems you are ready to step out into the pw worlds!! jk
first, the OC is so easy, i did it naked (character) with my cleric. I called it neked maging (throw back to diablo 2 days). That means that, if you make a mod harder, i would have to wear mundane!
YOU ARE A CLERIC! I played a cleric, lv 40 csater lvl, but not "pure" on a server designed for party play. The average boss is designed for 4 or 5 of that level to take it out (5 lv 20's for example). My cleric did it ALONE. Of course, i was taught by the best, and my strategies were MUCH different than what you use above. But that is the power you are dealing with!
There is only one real way to make a cleric weak, and that is to do a cleric/harperscout! well... maybe a cleric1/hs5/sick invalid 34. Yeah, that cleirc would pretty much suck.
it is good that you do not know the secrets of mass cleric destruction! I am still needed in this guild! muhahahahahahahah k, well not really, but.
sorry bout the ramble... its 4am here and i really need sleep! I was just so excited to see the maximus is finally turned to the dark side _________________
Quote: -- Posted by Kail Pendragon
Being hyperbolic is an integral part of Avado's being
Dark side indeed. If you're looking for a challenge, I'd very much suggest you avoid clerics like the plague.
Did someone just have a Clericgasm?
I'm not really playing a Cleric though. He's a variation of Crispy Critter's Wizard (23) / Cleric (15) / Monk (2) dexer with Dual Kamas. I just started off with Cleric for the higher BAB, saves, buffs and the early need to wear armor and shield.
I knew you were going to say something like that, avado, I just knew it. Apparently Clerics are as addictive as gambling
Takeit EZ!
But from an RP stance, what is a bigger drag than being subservient to some imaginary wish-dispensing schmuck?
But from an RP stance, what is a bigger drag than being subservient to some imaginary wish-dispensing schmuck?
dude, you have to look at clerics in the RIGHT way! Subserviant? NEVER! We are the ALL POWERFULS! Everything bows to the cleric! EVERYTHING! THe whole purpose of the class of cleric isnt to follow. THat is what a Paladin or Blackguard is! Clerics are out to BE GODS! Wizards THINK they can get there, but really they are on the wrong ladder. YES I SAID IT! LOL _________________
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
Uh, you're losing focus avado. Clerics are not gods, you want to know why? gods are selfish jackasses. They wouldn't take the trouble of coming down to our plane of existence and smite an orc for some crappy quest or the like, that's no god-doing. Instead they rip off the real gods into lending them their power with no real compensation and do what they want with it. No, Clerics are not gods, but they sure take advantage of those jerks in their faces. _________________ "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
Uh, you're losing focus avado. Clerics are not gods,
WHAT! Take that back!
Quote: They wouldn't take the trouble of coming down to our plane of existence and smite an orc for some crappy quest
Funny. Why is that war in Ireland going on? RIght over misunderstandings about a GOD that DID come to earth.. hmm. What about buddha? and dont get me started on the hindu god(s)... Aint it funny that the "gods" want you to believe they are one thing, yet the whole time, they are something else entirely!! Besides, if you were responsible for everything, imagine the FUN you could have. btw, i see this EXACT problem with owners of PW's. Dont get me started on that!
Quote: No, Clerics are not gods, but they sure take advantage of those jerks in their faces.
Sorry thax for cuttin up the quote. The bible has been quoted just like that for hundreds and huindreds of years (yes avado is deeper than deep, sometimes).
To get back to the OP, if you want the MOST powerful melee build, you take CLERIC. whatever else you want to throw in is fine, as long as you have 19 wis! You cant do a bad cleric (which has been proven over and over on this guild), which is why they ARE gods!
*note to mod: this is WAYYY off topic now! my vote to close the topic... lol _________________
I think avado answered your question like no other could...
Quote: Posted 12/29/08 16:32 (GMT) -- chucknra
What is the most powerful melee build? I'm specifically looking for the following: 1) Good combo between damage and AC 2) Must be fully playable in OC/SOU/HoTU/Modules (i.e. no lame Bard skill dump at Level 37 unless you have several Bard skill dumps throughout the build) 3) Must be fully playable from lvl 1-40 PvM (again I'm going to use in modules) 4) Must be able to have many battles before resting so you can't use all buff spells and then rest after every single battle.
Thanks.
Getting back to the OP, I am a big fan of the bard palemaster dwarven defender, the barbarian druid shifter and bard rdd palemaster for builds that hit hard and suffer little due to AC, DR and buffs.
And for the record, I have never had much trouble killing clerics. Anything can be dangerous in the right hands, except maybe a harper scout.
[snip]And for the record, I have never had much trouble killing clerics. Anything can be dangerous in the right hands, except maybe a harper scout.[/snip]
Actually no, harper scout has its uses. You can use harper scout to have high smite damaging character.
Anuis _________________ - Epic Character Builders Guild
- Life is but a dream...
- I know more than I am letting on...
-I think, Therefore I am.
Edited By Anuis on 01/09/09 20:48
Quote: Posted 01/09/09 20:08 (GMT) -- Deltutammatre And for the record, I have never had much trouble killing clerics.
The amount of trouble you may or may not have had killing clerics is inconsequential to the cleric's ability to dominate. PvP is it's own little (totally broken) thing.
I think it's also worth pointing out that he's playing Aielund without EMS enabled, and the mod was designed around EMS. So fun cleric tricks like reducing a mob with 500 hp to 1 with harm usually doesn't work, but it will for him.
And for the record, I have never had much trouble killing clerics. Anything can be dangerous in the right hands, except maybe a harper scout.
We still talkin pvp? dude, pvp in bioware is like saying there is a storyline to Diablo 2! (you can follow along, but it wont make you feel good in the end).
pvp in nwn is so ridiculous that i cannot believe one even mentions it with seriousness in mixed company. So you kill a cleric, so what? Every class has its weaknesses, big deal. From my experience, the cleric's tools arent really up for pvp. Sure, they have harm and can boost ab +15 or so in a pinch, but really they are a jack of all things (READ THEY CAN SOLO ANYWHERE ANY TIME) where the so called pvp builds require hand holding to get through the rat mazes. Dont diss the HS. I used to diss halforcs until i grew up. THe problem people have is that their expertise isnt up to what they dont understand! I too dised the HS, until i did exactly what anuis said and lookd at how it was meant to fit.
Don't get me wrong guys. I even have a HS in my vault, but there are better builds for smiting. I took the quickest route to level 5 potion maker and left it at that.
As for pvp, I do it almost daily where I play and it's great. Many who play there after 5+ years say they do it for the joy of being hunted. I have come to know that a good PVPr has little or no trouble dealing with anything driven by game AI.
Some people (some of us, right?) come here to learn what they can do with builds, so thanks Anuis. Your point is valid and taken with the respect it was given. As for clerics, yeah, very user friendly, but when you sing with the choir you will end up hearing the same old song.
Uh, you're losing focus avado. Clerics are not gods,
WHAT! Take that back!
Eh... no!?
Quote: by Deltutammatre Some people (some of us, right?) come here to learn what they can do with builds, so thanks Anuis. Your point is valid and taken with the respect it was given. As for clerics, yeah, very user friendly, but when you sing with the choir you will end up hearing the same old song.
Sure, I've learned a lot since I entered the guild. There are some rules I just couldn't point out by playing and testing, or I just missed stuff. Well-informed advice is great help. But frankly, a "most powerful build" request is so unrealistic I can't get myself to advice "properly".
avado saying Cleric is starting to get redundant alright, I can't but laugh at it though. Some entertainment is also pretty nice. _________________ "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 01/10/09 06:33
Quote: Posted 01/10/09 06:30 (GMT) -- Thaxll'ssyllia avado saying Cleric is starting to get redundant alright, I can't but laugh at it though. Some entertainment is also pretty nice.
But, but... but it's true. Seriously, most powerful melee build in a decently balanced NWN PvM environment is so totally a cleric. I don't care if an effort was made to 'balance' the obscene power that is the NWN cleric, they still have plenty left to wipe the floor with all of the competition.
So, basically, you have two choices to argue: is it the cleric26/bard4/RDD10, or the cleric35/fighter2/rogue3. Between them it can only come down to environment.
Yup, I said it, and maybe it aint true, but I believe it, and if D&D has taught me anything, it's that that belief is enough to get several castings of extended Divine Favor every time I rest, and that's enough for me.
.
Aielund is a great module. A bit weak at the end, but otherwise excellent. Runes of Blood is another really good one (not as long as Aielund, but still quite good). 
WOuldnt a cleric20/rdd10/pm10 be a nice build? I am literally drooling in all that divine-ness good.... 
.
k, well not really, but.
