Dwarf and Duergar Builds for Update 80

[unbongwah]

Duergar maul build isn't any different from all the other Silvanus options because you're not gaining a +1 crit range bonus from the racial tree like you are with warhammers. The main benefit (apart from Duergar Shape) is it is the first non-Iconic Forgotten Realms race, meaning you don't have to LR +1 out of an initial class level like you do to play e.g. PDK cleric 20.

So I would expect all the usual combos to work: i.e., pure cleric (War domain ofc), Dragonlord 5 / cleric or paladin 15, cleric 6 / barbarian 6 / fighter 6 (T5 Ravager + Strike with No Thought), etc. Or a bear build like druid 3 / cleric 6 / barbarian 11.

 

[Arkat]

Duergar maul build isn't any different from all the other Silvanus options because you're not gaining a +1 crit range bonus from the racial tree like you are with warhammers.

Confirmed. The Maul is just a two-handed warhammer, really. Both Duergar and Dwarves should get the +1 crit range for Mauls.

 

[Taraborn]

Duergar maul build isn't any different from all the other Silvanus options because you're not gaining a +1 crit range bonus from the racial tree like you are with warhammers. The main benefit (apart from Duergar Shape) is it is the first non-Iconic Forgotten Realms race, meaning you don't have to LR +1 out of an initial class level like you do to play e.g. PDK cleric 20.

So I would expect all the usual combos to work: i.e., pure cleric (War domain ofc), Dragonlord 5 / cleric or paladin 15, cleric 6 / barbarian 6 / fighter 6 (T5 Ravager + Strike with No Thought), etc. Or a bear build like druid 3 / cleric 6 / barbarian 11.

You are getting a total of +10 to hit and +12 to damage with mauls as well +5% fortification bypass, +2 to hit and damage on crits and +20% helpless damage that makes it the best race for a maul build by far.

 

[unbongwah]

You are getting a total of +10 to hit and +12 to damage with mauls as well +5% fortification bypass, +2 to hit and damage on crits and +20% helpless damage that makes it the best race for a maul build by far.

Where is the extra helpless damage coming from?

 

[drjoans]

Where is the extra helpless damage coming from?

t4 racial size mastery

 

[QuantumFX]

You are getting a total of +10 to hit and +12 to damage with mauls as well +5% fortification bypass, +2 to hit and damage on crits and +20% helpless damage that makes it the best race for a maul build by far.

Can confirm that the Pick and Hammer Training enhancement line is applying to mauls.

 

[gudal84]

Duergar maul build isn't any different from all the other Silvanus options because you're not gaining a +1 crit range bonus from the racial tree like you are with warhammers. The main benefit (apart from Duergar Shape) is it is the first non-Iconic Forgotten Realms race, meaning you don't have to LR +1 out of an initial class level like you do to play e.g. PDK cleric 20.

So I would expect all the usual combos to work: i.e., pure cleric (War domain ofc), Dragonlord 5 / cleric or paladin 15, cleric 6 / barbarian 6 / fighter 6 (T5 Ravager + Strike with No Thought), etc. Or a bear build like druid 3 / cleric 6 / barbarian 11.

Yeah I know. My main purpose for asking about build was not so much what will work, but what will be most unique for it being a 1-20 build rather than a 15-30 build. Let us say 5/15 DL/cleric is technically the strongest at endgame, but doesnt come fully online until level 15 and you play it as a regular THF build until then, vs the pure cleric is fully a cleric maul hybrid build from level 1, I would prefer the cleric build.
Note that I have no idea which is the strongest at endgame and which comes online first - the above are just examples. What I want is opinions on that though... which offers the most unique experience for it being the first level 1 silvanus build..

 

[Hobgoblin]

still comes out to what? 15-20x 5 for mauls ? pretty good i say

 

[unbongwah]

My main purpose for asking about build was not so much what will work, but what will be most unique for it being a 1-20 build rather than a 15-30 build.

Gotcha. I would probably do something like DDDCCCDCCCCDCCCCCCCC:

• start Dragonlord 1-3 to grab Dragon's Roar ASAP
• cleric 1-3 for low-level spells and unlock metamagics
• DLord 4 for ITHF at BAB 6 plus free Displacement from T4 DLord
• Cleric 4-7 for Blessing of Silvanus (+2 critical range) and level 4 spells
• DLord 5 at level 12 to unlock T5 (+2 critical multiplier). Also grab Improved Critical for +1 critical range.
• Cleric 8-15 for Holy Sword (+1 critical range) and level 8 spells

Might want to adjust leveling order due to feat pre-reqs, I have to play with the builder later. You get 9 heroic feats; THF x3 and Improved Critical are required, remaining feats can go towards more melee (e.g. Whirlwind Attack) or a couple of metamagics like Quicken + Empower Heal.

You can either build for STR Trance + Precision; or plan for FotW Rage with Power Attack + CHA Trance and Draconic Rage so you can still cast spells.

 

[drjoans]

I was thinking of maybe a wolf sylvanus build 8druid/6cleric/6 DL or barb str domain. But IDK if thats any better than just the old 11barb/8druid/1fvs split

 

[Rosze]

Still disappointed with duergar they had so much potential but really don’t add anything new that you can’t already do with another race. The range should apply all the weapons and ideally been unique.

Maybe they could add a new feat like knight training for dwarven weapons.

 

[unbongwah]

Duergar DragonPriest (mauls)

This build is basically an amalgam of other battleclerics, such as Shear-buckler's SWF Vistani and Axel's pure cleric. The goal is self-sufficient melee DPS who can also be a party buffer / healer in a pinch.

Duergar DragonPriest of Silvanus
15/5 Cleric/Dragon Lord
Chaotic Neutral Duergar


Level Order

1. Dragon Lord . . . 6. Cleric. . . . . .11. Cleric. . . . . .16. Cleric
2. Cleric . . . . . .7. Dragon Lord . . .12. Cleric. . . . . .17. Cleric
3. Dragon Lord . . . 8. Cleric. . . . . .13. Cleric. . . . . .18. Cleric
4. Dragon Lord . . . 9. Dragon Lord. . . 14. Cleric . . . . . 19. Cleric
5. Cleric . . . . . 10. Cleric . . . . . 15. Cleric . . . . . 20. Cleric


Stats
. . . . . . . .36pt . . Tome . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . ----. . .--------
Strength. . . . 19. . . . . . . . 4: STR
Dexterity . . . 10. . . .+3. . . .8: STR
Constitution. . 16. . . . . . . .12: STR
Intelligence. . .8. . . . . . . .16: STR
Wisdom. . . . . .8. . . . . . . .20: STR
Charisma. . . . 16. . . . . . . .24: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32: STR

Feats

.1. . . . : Two Handed Fighting
.1 DrgLord: Minor Draconic Aura: Thraxata's Instinct
.3. . . . : Dodge
.3 DrgLord: Mobility
.6. . . . : Whirlwind Attack
.7 DrgLord: Improved Two Handed Fighting
.9. . . . : Improved Critical: Bludgeoning
12. . . . : Quicken Spell
15. . . . : Greater Two Handed Fighting
18. . . . : Power Attack
21 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
22 Destiny: Perfect Two Handed Fighting
24 Epic . : Patience OR Stunning Blow
25 Destiny: Doublestrike OR Crush Weakness
27 Epic . : Epic Damage Reduction OR Intensify Spell
28 Destiny: Harbinger of Chaos
30 Epic . : Eerie Aim
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Ethereal Plane
31 Destiny: Enhanced Elemental Dice
33 Epic . : Empower Healing Spell
34 Destiny: Titan's Blood OR Deific Warding

.5 Cleric : War Domain

.2 Deity. : Follower of: Silvanus
11 Deity. : Deity Ability: Blessing of Silvanus


Enhancements (Spent: 80 +1r +0u / Max: 80 +1r +0u AP)

Dragon Lord (36 AP)

• Draconic Soul: Black, Draconic Arms
  1. Dragon's Protection I, Battlefield Tactician I, Martial Superiority: Doublestrike III
  2. Dragon's Protection II, Battlefield Tactician II, Haste Boost III
  3. Dragon's Protection III, Battlefield Tactician III, Dragon's Roar, Draconic Outburst III, Strength
  4. Dragon's Protection IV, Battlefield Tactician IV, Untouchable Soul, Lead the Charge III
  5. Soul Scales, Tactical Commander, Greater Roar, Flight of Kings, Conqueror II

Duergar (18 AP)

• Underdark Upbringing I, Strength, Underdark Upbringing II, Strength, Underdark Upbringing III
  1. Dwarven Weapon Training I: Pick and Hammer Training, Duergar Shape I
  2. Dwarven Weapon Training II: Pick and Hammer Training, Duergar Shape II, Child of the Mountain
  3. Dwarven Weapon Training III: Pick and Hammer Training, Duergar Shape III, Duergar Favored Enemies: Giant, Forgemaster
  4. Dwarven Weapon Training IV: Pick and Hammer Training, Duergar Shape IV, Size Mastery

Radiant Servant (14 AP)

• Healing Power, Cure Moderate Wounds, Positive Energy Burst
  1. Divine Aid, Divine Cleansing III, Altruism I
  2. Purge Dark Magics III
  3. Divine Aid, Unyielding Sovereignty

Dragon Lord-Ravager (13 AP)

• Furious Rage, Pain Touch
  1. Dragon Lord Power Attack III, Extra Action Boost II
  2. Cruel Cut III
  3. Festering Wound III

Destinies (Spent: 75 (56 +19pdp) / Max: 75 (56 +19pdp) AP)

Fury of the Wild (41 AP)

• Die Hard, Die Harder, Die Harderest, Be the Whirlwind
  1. Quick Cutter III, Savage Take Down I
  2. Boulder's Might III, I'm Always Angry I, Primal Scream
  3. Wild Weapons: Doublestrike II, Eternal Rage II, Furious III
  4. Top Dog, The Voice of Fury, Overwhelming Force III, Unquenchable Rage III
  5. Lore of the Wilds, Scarred by Chaos, Unbridled Fury, Nature's Fury, The Great Leveler III

Legendary Dreadnought (26 AP)

• Fearless, Weaponmaster, Thick Skinned, Unparalleled Accuracy
  1. Push Through The Line III, Epic Tactics I, Dread Mantle
  2. Extra Action Boosts III, Esoteric Touch, Combat Brute
  3. Strike Twice III, Epic Power & Precision III
  4. Strike with Fear, Kick While They're Down III

Draconic Incarnation (8 AP)

• Draconic Bloodline: Black, Draconic Heritage
  1. Draconic Perception I, Dragonhide III
  2. Draconic Rage

I realized if I tweaked my initially proposed leveling order, I could have Whirlwind Attack by level 6 and Improved Critical by level 9, though it meant delaying Blessing of Silvanus to level 11. EDIT: I'd suggest using Carnifex for levels 4-8 until you take Improved Critical Blunt; at which point you can switch to Calamitous or whatever's the best maul(s) you have access to. If you can stand farming for one, Drow Maul is pretty good for epic leveling due to its +2 crit range.

I'm on the fence about whether using Precision or Power Attack + Rage is the better approach. I think it will boil down to whether you want Fury of the Wild to be your primary Epic Destiny; and also whether you have enough Accuracy / Fortification bypass bonuses without Precision. The other downside to the Rage approach is needing to invest into CHA for Battle Trance; so I ended up dump-stating WIS which will make you highly dependent on gear, tome, etc. for spellcasting.

The required Enhancement spread is Tier-5 Dragonlord for all its bonuses; and T4 Duergar for Size Mastery, Shape IV, and max Pick & Hammer Training. That's 54 APs, so you have plenty left to spread among your other trees, especially if you have more racial APs than what I have listed. Instead of Ravager + Radiant Servant, I also considered T4 Warpriest for Ameliorating Strike and +10% doublestrike.

This would also work as Dark Apostate instead of regular cleric, especially if you wanted to go deep into the DA tree for the Apostate's Curse line, one of the better Imbue options IMO. Apostate's Curse's main downsides are it's based on Spellpower rather than Melee Power (and this is definitely not an offensive caster so you'd be investing in Evil Spellpower just to boost your Imbue); and it only works with Favored weapons (not a problem for a Silvanus build focused on mauls). The other tradeoff being you would be a worse healer than base cleric, of course.

EDIT: also works as DLord 6 / cleric 14, trading level 8 spells for an extra feat and access to Dragonlord / Ravager level 6 core Enhancements - Death Pact / Holy Aura / Mass CCW vs better melee DPS. Fortunately you don't need to decide until level 20 what your final level will be.

 

[gudal84]

Duergar DragonPriest (mauls)

This build is basically an amalgam of other battleclerics, such as Shear-buckler's SWF Vistani and Axel's pure cleric. The goal is self-sufficient melee DPS who can also be a party buffer / healer in a pinch.

I realized if I tweaked my initially proposed leveling order, I could have Whirlwind Attack by level 6 and Improved Critical by level 9, though it meant delaying Blessing of Silvanus to level 11. EDIT: I'd suggest using Carnifex for levels 4-8 until you take Improved Critical Blunt; at which point you can switch to Calamitous or whatever's the best maul(s) you have access to. If you can stand farming for one, Drow Maul is pretty good for epic leveling due to its +2 crit range.
...

Thanks. I just got a drow maul, but I am still debating on wether or not to go epics. I have so few epic past lives left I might as well save it for something I have a sentient weapon for. I just thought about making one of them a pure paladin also. So maybe
1. DL/cleric silvanus
2. Pure paladin silvanus
3. Vanguard from you suggestion, or a pally version. Or just stick with another silvanus if I enjoyed them.

 

[unbongwah]

1. DL/cleric silvanus
2. Pure paladin silvanus

Dragonlord 5 / paladin 15 instead of cleric 15 is also an option, trading cleric spells for better melee DPS from Zeal (+10% doublestrike) and KotC bonuses (e.g., Light Imbue, +20% Strikethrough, Exalted Smite Evil, etc.).

 

[QuantumFX]

Drow Maul is pretty good for epic leveling due to its +2 crit range.

Also, if you're looking at the drow maul and going "OhMahGerd! It's BTC! I hates the BTC! No BTC for me!", just slot a sentient jewel BEFORE equipping it the first time. It'll make it BtA, and per Tonquin, that's working as intended.

 

[unbongwah]

Dwarf Dragon Apostate (SWF warhammers)

For the dwarf take, I wanted to try something different and also be more F2P first-life friendly. It shouldn't just be the whales who pre-order Terror of Demogorgon who get to have fun with Update 80's new options. So I went the SWF warhammer (Onatar) route with Strength domain instead of War, since we're getting +1 critical range from dwarf tree and +2 critical multiplier from Dragonlord again, making Holy Sword unnecessary. And this time I went Dark Apostate for Apostate's Curse line and the no-save debuff abilities; I think Pray for Mercy's damage will proc Arcane Warrior stacks but I don't have an epic Dark Apostate I can use to confirm. Consider this a lowbie alternative to SWF Vistani builds.

Kundarak SWF Dragon Apostate
14/6 Dark Apostate/Dragon Lord
Lawful Neutral Dwarf


Level Order

1. Dragon Lord . . . 6. Dragon Lord. . . 11. Dark Apostate. . 16. Dark Apostate
2. Dark Apostate. . .7. Dragon Lord . . .12. Dark Apostate . .17. Dark Apostate
3. Dragon Lord . . . 8. Dragon Lord. . . 13. Dark Apostate. . 18. Dark Apostate
4. Dark Apostate. . .9. Dragon Lord . . .14. Dark Apostate . .19. Dark Apostate
5. Dark Apostate. . 10. Dark Apostate. . 15. Dark Apostate. . 20. Dark Apostate


Stats
. . . . . . . .32pt . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . --------
Strength. . . . 18. . . .4: STR
Dexterity . . . 13. . . .8: STR
Constitution. . 16. . . 12: STR
Intelligence. . 10. . . 16: STR
Wisdom. . . . . 11. . . 20: STR
Charisma. . . . .6. . . 24: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . 28: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . 32: STR

Skills
. . . . .DL DA DL DA DA DL DL DL DL DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA
. . . . . 1 .2 .3. 4. 5. 6 .7. 8 .9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
Heal. . . . .2 . . 2. 2. . . . . . . 2. . .2 .2 .2 .2 .2 .2 .1 .1 .1 .23
Balance . 2 . . 1 . . . .1. 1 . . 1 . . 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Swim. . . 2 . . . . . . . . . .2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Spellcr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 .1 .1 . 3
Tumble. . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
. . . . . 8 .2 .2. 2. 2. 2 .2. 2 .2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2


Feats

.1. . . . : Single Weapon Fighting
.1 DrgLord: Minor Draconic Aura: Thraxata's Instinct
.3. . . . : Dodge
.3 DrgLord: Mobility
.4 DarkA. : Strength Domain
.6. . . . : Whirlwind Attack
.7 DrgLord: Improved Single Weapon Fighting
.9. . . . : Improved Critical: Bludgeoning
.9 DrgLord: Knight's Training
12. . . . : Quicken Spell
15. . . . : Greater Single Weapon Fighting
18. . . . : Precision
21 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
22 Destiny: Perfect Single Weapon Fighting
24 Epic . : Patience OR Offhand Versatility
25 Destiny: Doublestrike OR Crush Weakness
27 Epic . : Epic Damage Reduction OR Intensify Spell
28 Destiny: Arcane Warrior
30 Epic . : Eerie Aim
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Ethereal Plane
31 Destiny: Embodiment of Law
33 Epic . : Empower Healing Spell
34 Destiny: Titan's Blood OR Deific Warding

.2 Deity. : Follower of: Onatar
12 Deity. : Deity Ability: Onatar's Forge


Enhancements (Spent: 80 +0r +0u / Max: 80 +0r +0u AP)

Dragon Lord (36 AP)

• Draconic Soul: Black, Draconic Arms, Reckless Devotion
  1. Dragon's Protection I, Battlefield Tactician I, Martial Superiority: Doublestrike III
  2. Dragon's Protection II, Battlefield Tactician II, Haste Boost III, Dragonslayer
  3. Dragon's Protection III, Battlefield Tactician III, Dragon's Roar, Draconic Might III
  4. Dragon's Protection IV, Battlefield Tactician IV, Untouchable Soul, Lead the Charge III
  5. Soul Scales, Tactical Commander, Greater Roar, Flight of Kings, Conqueror II

Dark Apostate (23 AP)

• Dark Apostate, Shadow Shrouding, Enhanced Shadowform I, Enhanced Shadowform II
  1. Bane, Apostate's Curse
  2. Prayer, Enhanced Curse I, Dark Rewards III
  3. Pray for Mercy, Cursed Words, Enhanced Curse II
  4. Enhanced Curse III

Dwarf (17 AP)

• Dwarven Toughness, Dwarven Constitution
  1. Iron Stomach III, Pick and Hammer Training
  2. Child of the Mountain III, Pick and Hammer Training
  3. Pick and Hammer Training
  4. Pick and Hammer Training

Dragon Lord-Ravager (4 AP)

• Furious Rage
  1. Extra Action Boost III

Destinies (Spent: 68 (56 +12pdp) / Max: 68 (56 +12pdp) AP)

Divine Crusader (39 AP)

• Just Cause, Confront any Foe, Weather any Blow, Sunder Evil
  1. Divine Smite, Consecration III
  2. Endless Smiting III, Holy Mantle
  3. Gaze of the Divine, Strike with Poise III, Crusade, How Dare You Strike Me III
  4. Heavenly Presence, Blessed Strikes III, Cower Before Me, Rend Armor
  5. Mighty Crusade, Bring Down Wrath, Law of the Divine, Blessed Blades, Beckon Divinity

Fury of the Wild (15 AP)

• Die Hard, Die Harder, Die Harderest
  1. Quick Cutter III, Enduring I
  2. Fast and Furious III, Primal Scream
  3. Sense Weakness III

Legendary Dreadnought (14 AP)

• Fearless, Weaponmaster, Thick Skinned
  1. Push Through The Line II, Epic Tactics II
  2. Extra Action Boosts III, Esoteric Touch
  3. Strike Twice III

Nightforge Hammer is a weapon that anyone can farm at level 9 (minimum level to enter the quest); and is the only warhammer with x4 critical multiplier. That becomes 16-20/x4 once you have all three critical range bonuses and 16-20/x6 with Dragonlord's Conqueror. So that'd be my pick for mid-heroics, especially for F2Pers. Again, you'll want a drow warhammer for epics if you can farm / buy one.

EDIT: Fatesinger and Shadowdancer are also good secondary trees for SWF builds.

 

[sHiBe]

Do you have a nice build that would work well at cap?

 

[unbongwah]

Duergar Silvanus Bear (mauls)

Disclaimer: I haven't bought Duergar yet so I can't test to confirm. But AFAIK Duergar Shape is not a Transformation effect so it should stack with bear form.

So the gist of this build is druid 3 to unlock bear form + Natural Fighting feats; and cleric or Favored Soul 6 for Blessing of Silvanus (+2 crit range to mauls). From there you have a lot of flexibility with what to do with remaining levels, though the obvious third classes IMO are either barbarian or Dragonlord. Barbarian gets you +10% runspeed, Blood Tribute, and extra Rage enhancements which stack with Rage of the Beast; Dragonlord gets you extra feats, Dragon's Roar, and all the other goodies DLord provides. Either way, you'll want T5 Ravager for another +2 crit range and Blood Strength; or T5 DLord / Berserker for +2 crit multiplier.

So this is more of a proof-of-concept build than something set in stone. Reader discretion is advised.

Duergar SilvanBear
9/8/3 Dark Apostate/Dragon Lord/Druid
Chaotic Neutral Duergar


Level Order

1. Druid . . . . . . 6. Dragon Lord. . . 11. Dark Apostate. . 16. Dark Apostate
2. Druid . . . . . . 7. Dragon Lord. . . 12. Dark Apostate. . 17. Dark Apostate
3. Druid . . . . . . 8. Dragon Lord. . . 13. Dark Apostate. . 18. Dark Apostate
4. Dragon Lord . . . 9. Dragon Lord. . . 14. Dark Apostate. . 19. Dragon Lord
5. Dragon Lord . . .10. Dark Apostate . .15. Dark Apostate . .20. Dragon Lord


Stats
. . . . . . . .36pt . . Tome . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . ----. . .--------
Strength. . . . 19. . . . . . . . 4: STR
Dexterity . . . .8. . . .+5. . . .8: STR
Constitution. . 16. . . .+5. . . 12: STR
Intelligence. . 10. . . .+2. . . 16: STR
Wisdom. . . . . .8. . . . . . . .20: STR
Charisma. . . . 16. . . . . . . .24: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32: STR

Feats

.1. . . . : Quicken Spell
.3. . . . : Natural Fighting
.4 DrgLord: Minor Draconic Aura: Thraxata's Instinct
.5 DrgLord: Power Attack
.6. . . . : Natural Fighting
.7 DrgLord: Stunning Blow
.9. . . . : Natural Fighting
.9 DrgLord: Improved Critical: Slashing
11 DarkA. : Strength Domain
12. . . . : Dodge
15. . . . : Mobility
15 Swap. .: Improved Critical: Bludgeoning replaces Improved Critical: Slashing
18. . . . : Whirlwind Attack
20 DrgLord: Major Draconic Aura: Velah's Fury
21 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
22 Destiny: Perfect Natural Fighting
24 Epic . : Patience
25 Destiny: Doublestrike OR Crush Weakness
27 Epic . : Epic Damage Reduction
28 Destiny: Harbinger of Chaos
30 Epic . : Eerie Aim
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Ethereal Plane
31 Destiny: Enhanced Elemental Dice OR Legendary Toughness
32 Swap. .: Toughness replaces Quicken Spell
33 Epic . : Epic Toughness
34 Destiny: Titan's Blood OR Legendary Toughness

.2 Druid. : Bear

10 Deity. : Follower of: Silvanus
15 Deity. : Deity Ability: Blessing of Silvanus


Enhancements (Spent: 80 +12r +2u / Max: 80 +12r +2u AP)

Dragon Lord (36 AP)

• Draconic Soul: Black, Draconic Arms, Reckless Devotion
  1. Dragon's Protection I, Battlefield Tactician I, Martial Superiority: Doublestrike III
  2. Dragon's Protection II, Battlefield Tactician II, Haste Boost III, Dragonslayer
  3. Dragon's Protection III, Battlefield Tactician III, Dragon's Roar, Draconic Outburst III
  4. Dragon's Protection IV, Battlefield Tactician IV, Untouchable Soul, Lead the Charge III
  5. Soul Scales, Tactical Commander, Greater Roar, Flight of Kings, Conqueror II

Duergar (18 AP)

• Underdark Upbringing I, Strength, Underdark Upbringing II, Strength, Underdark Upbringing III
  1. Dwarven Weapon Training I: Pick and Hammer Training, Duergar Shape I
  2. Dwarven Weapon Training II: Pick and Hammer Training, Duergar Shape II, Child of the Mountain
  3. Dwarven Weapon Training III: Pick and Hammer Training, Duergar Shape III, Duergar Favored Enemies: Giant, Forgemaster
  4. Dwarven Weapon Training IV: Pick and Hammer Training, Duergar Shape IV, Size Mastery

Dark Apostate (13 AP)

• Dark Apostate, Shadow Shrouding, Enhanced Shadowform I
  1. Bane, Apostate's Curse
  2. Prayer, Enhanced Curse I
  3. Enhanced Curse II

Nature's Protector (13 AP)

• Nature's Protector, Nature's Defense
  1. Rage of the Beast III, Bloody Claws I
  2. Primal Beast III, Bloody Claws
  3. Enduring Beast III

Nature's Warrior (12 AP)

• Natural Adept, Nature's Senses
  1. Extra Wild Empathy III, Beastial Nature II
  2. Flight III
  3. Prey on the Weak II

Vistani Knife Fighter (2 AP)

• Knife Expertise
  1. Undead Hunter

Destinies (Spent: 82 (56 +26pdp) / Max: 82 (56 +26pdp) AP)

Fury of the Wild (41 AP)

• Die Hard, Die Harder, Die Harderest, Be the Whirlwind
  1. Adrenaline III, Savage Take Down I
  2. Fast and Furious III, Primal Scream
  3. Sense Weakness III, Eternal Rage II, Furious III
  4. Top Dog, The Voice of Fury, Overwhelming Force III, Unquenchable Rage III
  5. Lore of the Wilds, Scarred by Chaos, Unbridled Fury, Nature's Fury, The Great Leveler III

Legendary Dreadnought (26 AP)

• Fearless, Weaponmaster, Thick Skinned, Unparalleled Accuracy
  1. Push Through The Line III, Dread Mantle
  2. Extra Action Boosts III, Esoteric Touch, Combat Brute, Life and Death I
  3. Strike Twice III, Epic Power & Precision III
  4. Strike with Fear, Kick While They're Down III

Shadowdancer (15 AP)

• Shadow Training, Step Through Shadow, The Darkest Luck
  1. Cover of Darkness III, Assassinate I
  2. Dance in the Dark II, Shadowstrike (melee)
  3. Shadowstriker, Meld into Darkness

I went Dark Apostate instead of regular cleric for the Apostate's Curse line, which also gives extra Imbue dice. We will not be using Shadow form, since it would cancel out bear form. Strength domain for STR bonus to Reflex saves (going for Evasion from Shadowdancer @ level 26) and knockdown immunity @ cleric level 9.

EDIT: The way I see it, the druid / barbarian / Dragonlord combo will out-DPS this one. So I wanted to get more mileage from the cleric levels and make it stand out from builds like Tronko's. Druid 3 / DLord 6 / cleric 11 is also viable; gain level 6 spells vs a bit more melee DPS from DLord 8.

Weapons for leveling: recommend you start with Carnifex + Duergar axe bonuses; then switch to falchions or Sword of Shadow at level 9/10 until you have Blessing of Silvanus; at which point we swap IC:Slash for Blunt and switch to mauls full-time.

Despite appearances, this is first-life viable. If you haven't got a +5 DEX tome, you'd need to rearrange stats a bit to keep Whirlwind Attack. Without the extra APs from tomes & racial past lives, drop the AP spread to something like 36 Dragonlord / 18 Duergar / 13 Nature's Protector / 13 Nature's Warrior or Dark Apostate. Likewise drop the Epic Destiny layout to something like T5 Fury of the Wild / T3 Dreadnought / T3 Shadowdancer.

Tronko makes a good case for Adrenaline + Fast & Furious on bear builds, so that's what I went with here. Swapping to Quick Cutter is a trivial change.

 

[unbongwah]

Vanguard Fighter (dwarven axe)

In the past, taking Tier-5 Vanguard locked you out from Kensei's Keen Edge (+1 critical threat range). But now you can get that from dwarf / Duergar racial tree, allowing you take T5 Vanguard. While still getting +1 critical multiplier from Kensei's level 6 core Enhancement, giving dwarven axes 18-20/x4 critical threat range.

I'm not under any illusions this is the new meta for melee builds or anything. We all have our own priorities, though.

Primary features / Enhancements:

• 41 Vanguard for capstone (+20% attack speed, 10% chance of stun on shield bash) and Tier-5 abilities.
• 17 racial (dwarf or Duergar) for +1 critical threat range and +25% Strikethrough from dwarven axe. Duergar would also want to max out the Shape line + Size Mastery.
• 11 Kensei for +1 critical multiplier and Haste Boost.
• 6+ Harper Agent for Know the Angles (INT Battle Trance).

That's 75 APs minimum which makes it doable (if not optimal) for anyone. Extra APs let you go deeper into Kensei (e.g., Weapon Specialization, Power Surge) and/or invest in Stalwart Defender for defensive boosts including the stance if you're making a hate-tank. Probably the optimal DPS layout is 41 VG / 31 Kensei (One Cut) / 19 Duergar / 6+ Harper Agent which is 97 APs minimum - easy, right?

Can be built for Precision or Power Attack + barbarian Rage (past-life feat or Fury of the Wild). Not sure which is the optimal DPS choice, though using Rage lets you take advantage of other FotW bonuses (Eternal Rage, Unquenchable Rage, etc.). So plan accordingly.

There's no specific skill requirements for this build; though obviously max Intimidate if you want to be a hate-tank too. When in doubt, I put a rank into Tumble just to unlock it, then max Use Magic Device and/or Balance.

First-lifer dwarf with zero tomes or other twink gear:

Dwarf Vanguard Kensei (U81)
Fighter 20
Lawful Neutral Dwarf


Stats
. . . . . . . .28pt . . 32pt. . .Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . ----. . .--------
Strength. . . . 17. . . .18 . . . 4: STR
Dexterity . . . 13. . . .14 . . . 8: STR
Constitution. . 16. . . .16 . . .12: STR
Intelligence. . 12. . . .12 . . .16: STR
Wisdom. . . . . .8. . . . 8 . . .20: STR
Charisma. . . . .6. . . . 6 . . .24: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36: STR

Feats

.1. . . . : Two Handed Fighting
.1 Fighter: Precision
.2 Fighter: Dodge
.3. . . . : Mobility
.4 Fighter: Whirlwind Attack
.6. . . . : Improved Two Handed Fighting
.6 Fighter: Spring Attack
.8 Fighter: Improved Critical: Slashing
.9. . . . : Stunning Blow
10 Fighter: Shield Mastery
12. . . . : Greater Two Handed Fighting
12 Fighter: Improved Shield Mastery
14 Fighter: Greater Shield Mastery
15. . . . : Improved Shield Bash
16 Fighter: Tactical Supremacy
18. . . . : Weapon Focus: Slashing
18 Fighter: Weapon Specialization: Slashing
20 Fighter: Heavy Armor Champion OR Tactical Mastery OR Greater Weapon Specialization: Slashing
21 Epic . : Strength of Arms
22 Destiny: Perfect Shield Mastery
24 Epic . : Epic Precision
25 Destiny: Perfect Two Handed Fighting
27 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
28 Destiny: Doublestrike OR Crush Weakness
30 Epic . : Legendary Strength of Arms
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Ethereal Plane
31 Destiny: Embodiment of Law
33 Epic . : Eerie Aim
34 Destiny: Titan's Blood OR Deific Warding
36 Epic . : Epic Damage Reduction


Enhancements (Spent: 80 +0r +0u / Max: 80 +0r +0u AP)

Vanguard (44 AP)

• To the Fore!, Shield Combat I, Vicious Shield I, Shield Combat II, Vicious Shield II, Shield Champion
  1. Shield Specialization I, Shield Smash III
  2. Shield Specialization II, Stunning Shield III, Missile Shield I
  3. Shield Specialization III, Follow Up III, Fatal Bulwark
  4. Shield Specialization IV, Vanguard Armor Mastery III, Shield Charge III
  5. Shield Specialization V, Disorienting Smash III, Shield Rush III, Armored Strength, Brutal Impact

Dwarf (17 AP)

• Dwarven Toughness, Dwarven Constitution
  1. Axe Training, Dwarven Armor Mastery III
  2. Child of the Mountain III, Axe Training
  3. Axe Training
  4. Axe Training

Kensei (12 AP)

• Kensei Focus: Axes, Spiritual Bond, Strike With No Thought
  1. Weapon Group Specialization: Axes, Action Boost: Haste Boost III
  2. Weapon Group Specialization: Axes, Ascetic Training: Conditioning III
  3. Weapon Group Specialization: Axes

Harper Agent (7 AP)

• Agent of Good I
  1. Harper Enchantment, Traveler's Toughness II
  2. Know the Angles II

Destinies (Spent: 77 (64 +13pdp) / Max: 77 (64 +13pdp) AP)

Divine Crusader (35 AP)

• Just Cause, Confront any Foe, Weather any Blow, Sunder Evil
  1. Divine Smite, Consecration III
  2. Holy Mantle, Shield of Light III
  3. Strike with Poise III, Crusade, How Dare You Strike Me III
  4. Heavenly Presence, Blessed Strikes III, Cower Before Me, Rend Armor
  5. Bring Down Wrath, Law of the Divine, Blessed Blades, Beckon Divinity

Fury of the Wild (28 AP)

• Die Hard, Die Harder, Die Harderest, Be the Whirlwind
  1. Quick Cutter III, Enduring I
  2. Boulder's Might III, Primal Scream, Gird Against Demons
  3. Sense Weakness III, Wild Weapons: Doublestrike III
  4. Top Dog, The Voice of Fury, Unquenchable Rage III

Unyielding Sentinel (14 AP)

• Unyielding, Ward Against Darkness, Stand Against the Tide
  1. Divine Energy Resistance, Brace for Impact II
  2. Renewal, Shield Prowess III
  3. Legendary Shield Mastery III

Disclaimer: I'm not sure which of the new U81 feats are worth taking. I went with Legendary Strength of Arms and Epic Precision because they seemed like the obvious fits for this build. Since dwarven axes only have a 15% crit chance (18-20), Patience probably isn't worth it so I skipped it.

To be honest, it'd be faster to level with 2H weapons in early heroics (Carnifex FTW), then switch to S&B much later, like around level 12 when you can grab +10% attack speed. Which is why I prioritize THF + Whirlwind Attack + Spring Attack and delay the shield feats until mid-teens. That said, if you wanna grab a dwarven axe and shield from level one, nothing prevents you from doing so. You'll still get the extra damage and Strikethrough from THF feats, after all.

Duergar with some racial past-lives and AP tomes under its belt:

Duergar Vanguard Kensei (U81)
Fighter 20
Lawful Neutral Duergar


Stats
. . . . . . . .36pt . . Tome . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . ----. . .--------
Strength. . . . 19. . . . . . . . 4: STR
Dexterity . . . .8. . . .+5. . . .8: STR
Constitution. . 17. . . .+4. . . 12: STR
Intelligence. . 16. . . .+2. . . 16: STR
Wisdom. . . . . .8. . . . . . . .20: STR
Charisma. . . . .8. . . . . . . .24: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36: STR

Feats

.1. . . . : Two Handed Fighting
.1 Fighter: Power Attack
.2 Fighter: Stunning Blow
.3. . . . : Weapon Focus: Slashing
.4 Fighter: Weapon Specialization: Slashing
.6. . . . : Shield Mastery
.6 Fighter: Improved Two Handed Fighting
.8 Fighter: Improved Critical: Slashing
.9. . . . : Improved Shield Mastery
10 Fighter: Improved Shield Bash
12. . . . : Greater Two Handed Fighting
12 Fighter: Dodge
14 Fighter: Mobility
15. . . . : Whirlwind Attack
16 Fighter: Tactical Supremacy
18. . . . : Toughness
18 Fighter: Greater Shield Mastery
20 Fighter: Greater Weapon Specialization: Slashing OR Heavy Armor Champion OR Spring Attack
21 Epic . : Strength of Arms
22 Destiny: Perfect Shield Mastery
24 Epic . : Epic Power Attack
25 Destiny: Perfect Two Handed Fighting
27 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
28 Destiny: Embodiment of Law
30 Epic . : Legendary Strength of Arms
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Ethereal Plane
31 Destiny: Legendary Toughness
33 Epic . : Eerie Aim
34 Destiny: Titan's Blood OR Deific Warding
36 Epic . : Epic Damage Reduction OR Epic Toughness


Enhancements (Spent: 80 +7r +2u / Max: 80 +7r +2u AP)

Vanguard (41 AP)

• To the Fore!, Shield Combat I, Vicious Shield I, Shield Combat II, Vicious Shield II, Shield Champion
  1. Shield Specialization I, Shield Smash III
  2. Shield Specialization II, Stunning Shield III, Missile Shield I
  3. Shield Specialization III, Follow Up III, Fatal Bulwark
  4. Shield Specialization IV, Vanguard Armor Mastery III, Shield Charge III
  5. Shield Specialization V, Shield Rush III, Armored Strength, Brutal Impact

Kensei (23 AP)

• Kensei Focus: Axes, Spiritual Bond, Strike With No Thought, Power Surge
  1. Extra Action Boost III, Weapon Group Specialization: Axes, Action Boost: Haste Boost III
  2. Weapon Group Specialization: Axes
  3. Weapon Group Specialization: Axes, Shattering Strike: Shattering Strike III, Strength
  4. Strike at the Heart

Duergar (19 AP)

• Underdark Upbringing I, Strength, Underdark Upbringing II, Strength
  1. Dwarven Weapon Training I: Axe Training
  2. Dwarven Weapon Training II: Axe Training, Duergar Shape II, Child of the Mountain III
  3. Dwarven Weapon Training III: Axe Training, Duergar Shape III
  4. Dwarven Weapon Training IV: Axe Training, Duergar Shape IV, Size Mastery

Harper Agent (6 AP)

• Agent of Good I
  1. Harper Enchantment, Traveler's Toughness II
  2. Know the Angles I

Destinies (Spent: 77 (64 +13pdp) / Max: 77 (64 +13pdp) AP)

Divine Crusader (35 AP)

• Just Cause, Confront any Foe, Weather any Blow, Sunder Evil
  1. Divine Smite, Consecration III
  2. Holy Mantle, Shield of Light III
  3. Strike with Poise III, Crusade, How Dare You Strike Me III
  4. Heavenly Presence, Blessed Strikes III, Cower Before Me, Rend Armor
  5. Bring Down Wrath, Law of the Divine, Blessed Blades, Beckon Divinity

Fury of the Wild (28 AP)

• Die Hard, Die Harder, Die Harderest, Be the Whirlwind
  1. Quick Cutter III, Enduring I
  2. Boulder's Might III, Primal Scream, Gird Against Demons
  3. Eternal Rage III, Furious III
  4. Top Dog, The Voice of Fury, Unquenchable Rage III

Unyielding Sentinel (14 AP)

• Unyielding, Ward Against Darkness, Stand Against the Tide
  1. Divine Energy Resistance, Brace for Impact II
  2. Renewal, Shield Prowess III
  3. Legendary Shield Mastery III

Went with a slightly different approach here, using barbarian Rage + Power Attack bonuses instead of Precision. Also picked up a couple of Toughness feats on the presumption we'll have CON 21+ with the appropriate tome. Since we didn't get a S&B barbarian Archetype with Terror of Demogorgon like I wanted, this is my attempt to approximate what I had in mind. CON-based variants with Throw Your Weight Around are also possible, if you really wanna double down on the flavor.

 

[woq]

Warning to the flavor dwarf: to hit requirements in legendary Terror of Demogorgon (as well as other newer content really since Myth Drannor) are significantly higher than in content before those. This means that not having a class trance and not using precision is a fair bit more punishing than before, especially if soloing and not running in a group. Group debuffs offset a lot of it, but some of the monsters have really high AC or at least require very high to hit to not spend a significant portion of your attack time grazing.

The dwarf + kensei lines help a bit but I do recommend going for the precision route, and perhaps weapon focus line / eerie aim are somewhat high value as well.