Kalibano
Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
Welcome to my build repository! I've been playing since 2006, and I play to have fun: I don't really care about 'the META'. I have 23 alts, so I actively play practically every class and race available in the game. I design all my builds fully from scratch. Hope you find them useful, and constructive comments/ suggestions are always welcome!
8. Kali's Bard Swashbuckler HYBRID SWF CHA Melee/Caster build
DDOBuilder (v2) file for this build. You can find and download Maetrim's DDOBuilder (v2) here.
Preface to the build
This thread aims to provide the very 'core' of the build:
DISCLAIMER: nobody in real life has been injured on the making of this thread, and nobody will suffer injuries in real life if they try it. DDO is an awesome game, and trying-and-testing + making changes to suit your specific play style are a very healthy aspect of the game. It's how you learn and get better! Try not to stress too much about what some people have to say about how you play your game. Not everyone gets that this is a game, that people are not the same, and don't want the same things! The Mountain has many paths. Have fun!
Aims of the build
Primary aim(s):
1. Melee DPS:
2. interweaved with Crowd Control:
4. Moderate offensive casting (mostly Sonic):
> Preference for spells that heal while doing damage to enemies:
7. Party buffs via enhanced 'Bardic Inspiration' & 'Bardic Ballad':
8. Finding & disabling traps + opening locks
Key stats & synergies
My preferred Quickbar layout (in case it's useful):
A. Charisma for melee combat & spellcasting:
> Attack speed boost = +30% (total 65%)
C. Doublestrike = 69%
Doublestrike breakdown:
> Crit damage multiplier boosts = +2 (15-18/ x4, 19-20/ x6):
> Expanded Vorpal threat range = +1 (19-20):
F. 7 Sneak Attack die
SA die breakdown:
G. DR bypass (on main weapon)
Note: DR breaker weapon also available via swap
H. Fortification bypass = 92%
I. Helpless damage = +70%
J. Extra melee damage:
N.B. The values below are NOT inclusive of the de-buffs outlined earlier in section 6.
M. Main Spell Powers:
Note: Electric Spell Power is solely to boost Fatesinger's 'The Rythm to Reign [T3]'
> On Vorpal Strikes, unleash a thunderclap, dealing Electric and Sonic dmg (scales w respective spell power)
> Expanded Vorpal threat range = +1 (19-20):
N. Traps & Locks:
Some info on how incorporeality (e.g. Ghostly) and concealment (e.g. Blur and Displacement) are reduced in reaper mode.
My understanding is that this info is based on player testing, not officially from the Devs. Info below (inc link) from the DDO Wiki:
I share some strategies for general defensiveness and survival in this thread. Come visit if you feel it could be useful to you!
Class(es): Bard (16)/ Dragon Lord (3) / Rogue (1)
Race: Tiefling Scoudrel
Alignment: Chaotic Good (Non-Lawful because Bard restriction)
Main stat: Charisma (level ups here)
Starting stats (36 pts): STR: 08/ DEX: 14/ CON: 16/ INT: 12/ WIS: 08/ CHA: 20
Skills:
Feats:
Heroic enhancements: 85 = 80 + 3 (Racial tomes) + 2 (Universal tome)
N.B: Multi-selector choices:
N.B: ED multi-selector choices:
Spells:
Suggestions for gear
(not part of the core build: choices based on what supports the main aims of the build best, with the intention to suggest/ inspire)
Gear Set bonuses:
Gear:
(PS: Some choices ref gear cater to a much larger personal scheme/tetris where items need to get shared between several alts at endgame, where I normally play in reaper mode 6-10 skulls).
Bard Swashbuckler Hybrid Gear planner spreadsheet above is available to download too. More Gear Set suggestions & planners in this thread.
Main Filigree Set bonuses:
Filigrees: 14 = 4 (Minor Artifact) + 10 (Weapon sentient gem)
Filigree master plan:
Note: In case it proves useful, the previous build (inc previous gear set) is still available in the DDOBuilder file, under the tab 'Builds'
I am always happy to read, consider and respond to constructive comments/ suggestions / feedback that are provided in a polite and friendly manner. I welcome discussions with anyone who is capable (and willing) to do this. Some discussions may lead to both parties simply agreeing to disagreeing - that's absolutely fine, everyone is entitled to their opinion after all!
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| If you would like to contribute towards this effort, any donations will be greatly appreciated. If not, please don't worry: sharing is caring! Just sit back and relax, and enjoy the builds! |
8. Kali's Bard Swashbuckler HYBRID SWF CHA Melee/Caster build
DDOBuilder (v2) file for this build. You can find and download Maetrim's DDOBuilder (v2) here.
Preface to the build
This thread aims to provide the very 'core' of the build:
- show how it started: its key aims
- indicate the key decisions that can be made to achieve those aims: stats, skills, feats, heroic enhancements, epic destinies
- all numbers are based on what a first-lifer (or someone with minimal past lives) would have, unbuffed, outside of reaper mode (they do, however, include equipped gear and partially completed filigrees). They are real characters, and those are the numbers I can offer.
- numbers are indicative of the potential minimum amounts that can be achieved with the investments that were proposed
- provide a 'photo' of what your character could look like at endgame during quite a few lives of their 'TR hamster wheel' journey
- show the 'foundations' to be built upon, if a player decides to embark on the 'TR hamster wheel' and go out there to hunt for rare bonuses
- gear choices are NOT part of the core build, but rather one of the most important ways to invest in the key elements of the core build to make the aims work. It has been added here simply to suggest options/ inspire. No promises are being made towards keeping this updated upon the release of new content.
DISCLAIMER: nobody in real life has been injured on the making of this thread, and nobody will suffer injuries in real life if they try it. DDO is an awesome game, and trying-and-testing + making changes to suit your specific play style are a very healthy aspect of the game. It's how you learn and get better! Try not to stress too much about what some people have to say about how you play your game. Not everyone gets that this is a game, that people are not the same, and don't want the same things! The Mountain has many paths. Have fun!
Aims of the build
Primary aim(s):
1. Melee DPS:
> AoE
> Fury of the Wild's 'Quick Cutter [T1]'
> {+30% dmg; +3 crit threat range}: Cleave Melee Attack that strikes all enemies around you twice
> Swashbuckler's 'En Point [T2]'
> {+30% dmg; +12 crit threat range; -1 crit multiplier}: Two attacks AoE
NO Save extra dmg
> Fatesinger's 'Mantle of Sound and Fury [T2]'
> Weapon attacks: chance for AoE Sonic damage per Char Level to all nearby foes
> Fury of the Wild's 'Cutter [T1]'
> all enemies hit by 'Quick Cutter [T1]' gain Cutter: Slash dmg/char Level; every 2s for 8s; stacks 3 times, scales w Melee Power
> Single-target
> Fury of the Wild's 'Fast and Furious [T2]'
> {+30% dmg; +3 crit multiplier}: Rush forward and strike your enemies!
> Swashbuckler's 'Blow by Blow [T1]'
> {+3 crit range} deals extra Sonic damage (scales spell power), and reduces threat with nearby enemies
NO Save dmg
> Fatesinger's 'The Rythm to Reign [T3]'
> On Vorpal Strikes, unleash a thunderclap, dealing Electric and Sonic dmg (scales w respective spell power)
2. interweaved with Crowd Control:
> AoE spells/abilities:
Stun DCs {vs Will Save}
> Dragon Lord
> 'Dragon's Roar [T3]' {cone effect, Daze, 25% chance to be broken out of the Daze on taking damage}
Enchantment {vs Will Save}
> Fatesinger
> 'Cut the Strings [T5]' {monsters within a wide radius around you are forced to dance for 10s, cooldown 60s}
> Bard spell
> 'Otto's Sphere of Dancing' {A magical sphere that compels all enemies who enter it to dance}
Evocation {vs Fort Save}
> Bard spells
> 'Greater Shout' {an ear-splitting yell that stuns targets in its path}
> 'Soundburst' {a tremendous cacophony creates a burst area of effect that stuns targets}
Perform skill {vs Will Save}
> Bard
> 'Fascinate' (feat)
> Single-target spells/abilities:
NO Save
> Bard spell
> 'Otto's Irresistible Dance' {a single enemy feels an undeniable urge to dance}
Perform skill + d20
> Swashbuckler
> 'Low Blow [T4]' {perform a shield bash; on hit, knocks down affected enemy for 3s, 18s cooldown}
Enchantment {vs Will Save}
> Bard spell
> 'Hold Monster' {a single enemy becomes held in place, causing helplessness, for a max of 6s per caster level}
> 'Guard' effects on being hit/missed:
NO Save
> Fatesinger's 'Intoxicating presence [C2]'
> {5% chance for enemies to become Fascinated for 12s, on being hit}
> Swashbuckler's 'Elegant footwork [T3]'
> {20% chance for enemies to be knocked down when they attack but miss you, 20s cooldown}
3. and with Insta-kills:
> AoE
Enchantment {vs Will Save}
> Fatesinger
> 'Cut the Strings [T5]' {for 10s your character gains the ability to cut their strings with any weapon strike or spell at a rate of once per second, instantly killing them}
> Single target
Perform skill {vs Fort Save}
> Swashbuckler
> 'Coup de Grace [T5]' {any Fascinated, Sleeping, Dancing, Dazed, Tripped, Mesmerized, Paralyzed, Petrified, or Stunned enemy must save or die instantly, 20s cooldown}
Secondary aim(s):4. Moderate offensive casting (mostly Sonic):
> Preference for spells that heal while doing damage to enemies:
> AoE spells/abilities/effects:
NO Save vs dmg
> Fatesinger
> 'Echoes of Discord [T2]' [Sonic + Healing]
> 'Mantle of Sound and Fury [T2]' {spells: chance for AoE Sonic damage per Char Level to all nearby foes}
> Fury of the Wild:
> 'Primal Scream [T2]' [Sonic] {scales w highest of Melee Power or Sonic Spell Power)
Evocation {vs Fort Save}
> Bard spell:
> 'Greater Shout' [Sonic + Healing]
> +100% damage via Fatesinger's 'Very Very Vocal [T4]'
> 'Soundburst' [Sonic] (occasional use, and mainly when extra CC is needed)
> Spellsinger:
> SLA: 'Shout [T3]' [Sonic + Healing]
> +50% damage via Fatesinger's 'Very Very Vocal [T4]'
> Single-target spells/abilities/effects:
NO Save
> Spellsinger SLAs:
> 'Reverberate [T2]' [Sonic]
> 'Sonic Blast [T1]' [Sonic] (mostly for smashing breakables, not frequently for dmg)
> both +50% damage via Fatesinger's 'Master the Acoustics [T3]'
> Tiefling Scoundrel:
> 'Fiendish Arpeggio' (auto-granted racial feat) [Sonic + Fire]
> 'Guard' damage on being hit/missed (scales Spell Power):
NO Save
> Swashbuckler
> 'Sword Dance [T2]' [Sonic] (scales w spell power)
5. Moderate support healing the frontline:
> Fatesinger
> 'Hear my Voice Friend [C4]'
{Greater Shout, Shout, and Echoes of Discord spells now target allies inside their areas of effect and heal them for 10% of the damage potential of the spell}
> 'Majesty [T4]'
{When you play any Bardic Song while using the Mantle of Sound & Fury, you heal yourself & nearby allies for 1d2 Hit Points per Character Level (scaling with Positive Spellpower) and apply the Restoration spell}
> Spellsinger
> 'Sustaining Song [T4]' {applies a temp fast-healing effect for duration of song; heals for 2d3 every 2s}
> Bard
> 'Soothing Song' (auto-granted feat @lvl 8): heals twice with 'Majesty [T4]'
> 'Mass Cure Light Wounds' and 'Cure Critical Wounds' (spells)
6. some Enemy de-buffs:
NO Save
> Swashbuckler:
> Improved Destruction on hit: -1 AC, -1% Fortification per stack, stacks up to 15 times; 20s duration, may trigger once every second
'Battering Barrage [T4]'
> Fatesinger:
> Harmonic Resonance stacks {10% Sonic damage vulnerability and -5 AC per stack; stacks up to 3 times, lasts up to 20s}
20% chance on weapon attacks & offensive spells
'Harmonic Resonance [T1]'
> Fury of the Wild
> Shaken {-2 attack rolls, saves & skill checks}, for 30s every 30s
'Primal Scream [T1]'
Enchantment {vs Will Save}
> Stormsinger spells:
> -2 attack, saves, skill checks and weapon dmg, on failed save. Also applies Weaken Will (-5 to Will Saves for 15s), even on successful save
'Crushing Despair'
> -10 Will Saves on failed save; while in the fog
'Mind Fog'
> -3 Will Saves, for 15s, even on successful save
'Hypnotism'
7. Party buffs via enhanced 'Bardic Inspiration' & 'Bardic Ballad':
enhanced 'Bardic Inspiration' (active song)
> Spellsinger
> 'Spell Song trance [T3]' {+1 morale spell DC's & 10% morale discount on spell point costs}
> 'Song of Arcane Might [T4]' {+1 morale bonus to caster level for all spells}
> Fatesinger
> 'Jack of All Trades [T1]' {Inspire Competence now also grants +3 Skills to those you inspire}
> Epic feat
> 'Inspiration Melody: Excellence' {+2 competence bonus to all stats}
enhanced 'Bardic Ballad' (passive 'aura')
> Fatesinger
> 'Inspire Transcendence [T5]' {+1 all Spell DCs, +1 DC of all Tactical Feats, and True Seeing}
8. Finding & disabling traps + opening locks
Key stats & synergies
My preferred Quickbar layout (in case it's useful):
A. Charisma for melee combat & spellcasting:
> To-hit via Feydark Illusionist's 'Familiar Flourish [T1]'
> To damage (inc Bucklers) via Swashbuckler's 'Smooth Flourishes [T3]'
> Dragon Lord
> insightful bonus from 'Draconic Conviction [T3]'
> To hit + dmg
> tactics bonus
> High Perform skill:
> DCs for insta-kill: Swashbuckler's 'Coup de Grace [T5]'
> DCs for some CC abilities:
- Swashbuckler's 'Low Blow [T4]'
- Tiefling Scoundrel's 'Fiendish Arpeggio: Ash Imprisonment [T3]'
> Bard 'Fascinate' (auto-granted feat)
> base ability for some key spells/enhancements:
> Fatesinger (e.g. Cut the Strings [T5])
> Dragon Lord (e.g. Dragon's Roar)
> Bard CC & offensive spells (e.g. Hold Monster, Otto's Sphere of Dancing & Greater Shout)
B. Attack speed = 35%
Feats
> -10%: 'Patience'
Combat style bonus
> +30%: 'Greater Single Weapon Fighting' (feat)
Enhancement bonus
> +15%: Haste spell
[Dragon Lord 'Haste Action Boost [T2]']
> 9 Charges:
Base charges
> 5
Augment
> +3: 'Legendary Moment to Legendary Moment'
Airship buffs
> +1: 'Concert Hall'
C. Doublestrike = 69%
Doublestrike breakdown:
Feats
> +10% 'Shield Mastery Speciality'
Heroic
> +1%: Swashbuckler 'Swashbuckling [C2]'
> +1%: Swashbuckler 'Uncanny Dodge [C3]'
> +1%: Swashbuckler 'Panache [C4]'
> +3%: Dragon Lord 'Martial Superiority: Strike Twice' [T1]'
Epic Destinies
> +5%: Shadowdancer 'Shadowstriker [T3]'
> +3%: FotW 'Wild Weapons: Doublestrike [T3]'
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses)
> +15% artifact bonus (set bonus)
> +15% enhancement bonus
> +7% insightful bonus
> +3% quality bonus
> +3% profane bonus
Unknown source
> +2%: ???
> buffable to 99% in reaper mode
[Dread Adversary's 'Reaper Strike [T1]']
D. Weapon Critical profile 15-20/ x4:→ Critical threat range
Base
> 19-20: Short Swords
Feats
> +2 feat bonus: 'Improved Critical: Piercing' (feat)
Heroic enhancements/spells
> +1 competence bonus: Bard's 'Swashbuckling* [C3]' {base bonus}
> +1 competence bonus: Bard's 'Swashbuckling* [C3]' {*doubled bonus if you have the IC feat}
= 15-20
Special bonus
Heroic enhancements/spells
> +1 insightful bonus (stacking until successfully critically hit): Swashbuckler's 'Exploit Weakness [T5]'
→ Critical damage multiplier
Base
> x2: Short Swords
Feats
> +1 feat bonus: 'Patience'
Heroic enhancements/spells
> +1 competence bonus: Bard's 'Swashbuckling [C3]'
= x4
→ Average extra damage from weapon crit profile = +94%:
Overall Critical Profile Multiplier = 19 + 'Crit Units' / 19
'Crit Units' = (threat range) x (multiplier -1)
Critical threat range 15-20 = 6
Critical damage multiplier = 4
'Crit units' = (6) * (4-1) = 18
Overall Critical Profile Multiplier = 19 + 18 / 19 = 1.94 = 194% (100% base damage + 94% extra from crit profile)
> Crit damage multiplier boosts = +2 (15-18/ x4, 19-20/ x6):
Feats
> +1 on 19-20 rolls: 'Overwhelming Critical'
Epic Destinies
> +1 on 19-20 rolls: Fatesinger's 'Blade Song [T5]'
→ Average total extra damage from weapon crit profile on 19-20 rolls = +115%:
Overall Critical Profile Multiplier = 19 + 'Crit Units' / 19
'Crit Units' = (threat range) x (multiplier -1) + 2 * (19-20 bonuses)
Critical threat range 15-20 = 6
Critical damage multiplier = 4
19-20 bonuses = 2
'Crit units' = (6) * (4-1) + 2 * (2)= 22
Overall Critical Profile Multiplier = 19 + 22 / 19 = 2.15 = 215% (100% base damage + 115% extra from crit profile)
> Expanded Vorpal threat range = +1 (19-20):
Feats
> +1: 'Perfect Single Weapon Fighting' (feat)
E. 6 imbue die: Sonic dmg (scales Spell Power)> Swashbuckler's toggle 'Resonant Arms [T3]'
Imbue die breakdown:
+3 die Feats
+3 Scion of Feywild (@lvl 30)
+1 dice Augment
+1 Emerald of Arcane Empowerment
+2 die Filigrees
+2 Reverberation (set bonus: 2 pieces)
= total 6 die, sustainable 100% of the time
F. 7 Sneak Attack die
SA die breakdown:
+1 die Feats
+1 Rogue (auto-granted feat @lvl 1)
+4 dice Epic Destinies
+3 Shadowdancer (C1-3)
+1 Shadowdancer (T2)
+2 die Gear
+2 profane bonus (Dino Bone Buckler: Armor Fang Slot)
= total 7 die, sustainable 100% of the time
G. DR bypass (on main weapon)
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses)
> Evil: Dino Bone weapon 'Meltfang'
> Crystal: Dino Bone weapon 'Meltscale'
> Byeshk: Dino Bone weapon: Meltscale
Note: DR breaker weapon also available via swap
H. Fortification bypass = 92%
Feats
> +25%: 'Precision'
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses)
> +30%: set bonus
> +22%: enhancement bonus
> +10%: insightful bonus
Airship Buffs
> +5%: 'Trapsmith's Workshop'
I. Helpless damage = +70%
Base bonus
> +50%
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses)
> +15%: set bonus
Airship Buffs
> +5%: 'Game Hunter'
J. Extra melee damage:
> Ability modifier to dmg = 1.75x:
> Full SWF combat style line of feats
> Extra Weapon dmg = +0.25{W]:
Airship Buffs
> +0.25[W]: 'Ninja Assassin'
> Extra Melee Power = up to +20:
> 'Arcane Warrior' (feat): Your offensive spells grant you a stack of Arcane Warrior: Physical (+1 Melee and Ranged Power), each of these stacks to 20 times and each stack lasts for 12 seconds.
> large Insightful bonus to damage:
> Dragon Lord 'Draconic Conviction [T3]'
K. Burst damage:
> Fatesinger's 'Turn the Tide [T5]'
L. Spell DCs:N.B. The values below are NOT inclusive of the de-buffs outlined earlier in section 6.
> Enchantment = 110+
Breakdown:
A saving throw against most standard spells has a DC of :
10 + (the level of the spell) + (your bonus for the relevant Ability) + (any relevant items and or buffs)
10 + 6* + 43 + 51 = 110
* Bards cast max level 6 spells.
{Spellcasting ability modifier}
+43 (CHA modifier)
{Enchantment bonuses}
+51
Feats {+9}
> +1: 'Spell Focus: Enchantment'
> +1: 'Greater Spell Focus: Enchantment'
> +1: 'Epic Spell Focus: Enchantment'
> +4: 'Scion of the Feywild'
> +2: 'Embolden Spell' (metamagic)
Heroic {+5}
> +3: Spellsinger cores [2-4]
> +1: Spellsinger's 'Yellow Marigold Crown [T2]'
> +1 morale bonus: Spellsinger's 'Spell Song Trance [T3]'
Epic Destinies {+11}
> +4: Epic bonus: Fatesinger cores [1-4]
> +3: Shadowdancer [T3]
> +3: Fatesinger's 'Mastering the Strings' [T5]
> +1: Fatesinger's 'Inspire Transcendence' [T5]
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses) {+20}
> +3 artifact bonus (Sun Augment)
> +2 profane bonus (set bonus)
> +5 equipment bonus
> +3 insightful bonus
> +2 quality bonus
> +2 sacred bonus
> +2 enhancement bonus (Gianthold augment)
> +1 fortune bonus (Deck Curse: I got lucky!)
Filigrees (inc Set bonuses) {+5}
> +2: 'Eye of the Beholder' (4-piece set)
> +2: 'Otto's Irrevocable Power' (4-piece set)
> +1: 'Lunar Magic' (3-piece set)
Airship Buffs {+1}
> +1: 'Archwizard'
Note1: Some ED spells reach higher DCs:
> Cut the Strings = 20 + Highest ability modifier + Enchantment bonuses
20 + 43 + 51 = 114 (vs Will)
Note2: due to not having the Heighten feat, some spells reach slightly lower DCs:
10 + the level of the spell + the relevant ability modifier + Enchantment bonuses
> Level 5 spells (Mind Fog)
10 + 05 + 43 + 51 = 109 (vs Will)
> Level 4 spells (Otto's Sphere of Dancing + Hold Monster)
10 + 04 + 43 + 51 = 108 (vs Will)
> Level 3 spells (Crushing Despair)
10 + 03 + 43 + 51 = 107 (vs Will)
> Evocation = 106+
Breakdown:
A saving throw against most standard spells has a DC of :
10 + (the level of the spell) + (your bonus for the relevant Ability) + (any relevant items and or buffs)
10 + 6* + 43 + 47 = 106
* Stormsingers cast max level 6 spells.
{Spellcasting ability modifier}
+43 (CHA modifier)
{Evocation bonuses}
+47
Feats {+7}
> +3: 'Spell Speciality: Evocation'
> +2: 'Scion of the Feywild'
> +2: 'Embolden Spell' (metamagic)
Heroic {+4}
> +3: Spellsinger cores [2-4]
> +1 morale bonus: Spellsinger's 'Spell Song Trance [T3]'
Epic Destinies {+11}
> +4: Epic bonus: Fatesinger cores [1-4]
> +3: Fatesinger [T3]
> +3: Fatesinger's 'Mastering the Strings' [T5]
> +1: Fatesinger's 'Inspire Transcendence' [T5]
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses) {+19}
> +3 artifact bonus (Sun Augment)
> +2 profane bonus (set bonus)
> +5 equipment bonus
> +3 insightful bonus
> +2 quality bonus
> +2 sacred bonus
> +2 enhancement bonus (Gianthold augment)
Filigrees (inc Set bonuses) {+5}
> +2: 'Eye of the Beholder' (4-piece set)
> +2: 'Otto's Irrevocable Power' (4-piece set)
> +1: 'Lunar Magic' (3-piece set)
Airship Buffs {+1}
> +1: 'Archwizard'
Note: due to not having the Heighten feat, some spells reach slightly lower DCs:
10 + the level of the spell + the relevant ability modifier + Evocation bonuses
> Level 4 spells (SLA: Shout)
10 + 04 + 43 + 47 = 104 (vs Fortitude)
> Level 2 spells (Soundburst) [not used frequently]
10 + 02 + 43 + 51 = 102 (vs Fortitude)
> Casting ability: Charisma = 97/43+
CHA breakdown:
Base {+20}
> +18 (character creation)
> +2 (character creation - Tiefling Scoundrel: +2 CHA)
Level up {+8}
> +8 (+1 @ lvls 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32)
Tome {+8}
> +8 inherent bonus
Feats {+2}
> +2 competence bonus (Inspiration Melody: Excellence)
Heroic {+4}
> +2: Spellsinger [T3+4]
> +2: Swashbuckler [T3+4]
Racial {+1}
> +1: Tiefling Scoundrel [C2]
Epic Destinies {+2}
> +1 Fatesinger's 'Glitter of Fame [C3]'
> +1 Fatesinger's 'Arcane Resonance [T4]'
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses) {+35}
> +3 artifact bonus (set bonus)
> +4 profane bonus (Moon Augment)
> +14 enhancement bonus
> +7 insightful bonus (Augment)
> +3 quality bonus
> +2 festive bonus (Augment)
> +2 exceptional bonus (Dino weapon)
Filigrees (inc Set bonuses) {+12}
> +4: 'Raid: 'Reverberation'/'Sanctified Fervor' (single filigree x2: weapon + Minor artifact)
> +2: 'Raid: 'To Hell and Back'/'Embraced by Light' (single filigree)
> +2: 'Eye of the Beholder' (single filigree x2: weapon + Minor artifact)
> +2: 'Otto's Irrevocable Power' (single filigree x2: weapon + Minor artifact)
> +2: 'Lunar Magic' (single filigree x2: weapon + Minor artifact)
Spells/Potions/Scrolls {+2}
> +2: 'Yugoloth: Essence of Seduction' (potion)
Airship Buffs {+2}
> +2: 'Old Sully's Grog Cellar'
Reaper bonus {+1}
> +1: Dire Thaumaturge tree 'Reaper's Arcanum III [C3]' {this works out of reaper mode too}
Note: it takes 11 reaper points to acquire this. I am mindful this is not something everyone will have access to, but I listed it since it seems like a goal that can potentially be achieved in the short term.
Total = 97/43+
> buffable to 99/44+
Spells/Potions/Scrolls {+2}
> +2: 'Lasting Elixir of ability' (potion) {I personally use on high reapers only}
> More detailed comments on 'Spell DCs: hybrids vs pure casters' in this post.
M. Main Spell Powers:
> Extra Spell Power = up to +40 Universal SPw:
> 'Arcane Warrior' (feat): Your weapon and unarmed attacks grant you a stack of Arcane Warrior: Magical (+2 Universal Spell Power), each of these stacks to 20 times and each stack lasts for 12 seconds.
Note: Electric Spell Power is solely to boost Fatesinger's 'The Rythm to Reign [T3]'
> On Vorpal Strikes, unleash a thunderclap, dealing Electric and Sonic dmg (scales w respective spell power)
> Expanded Vorpal threat range = +1 (19-20):
Feats
> +1: 'Perfect Single Weapon Fighting' (feat)
N. Traps & Locks:
> Swap-in INT items:
> Search + Disable traps
> High DEX:
> Reflex saves + Open Locks
> Evasion:
> Shadowdancer's 'The Darkest Luck [C3]'
O. Survivability & Defenses (after all, soul stones do zero dps):
> Temporary HPs: Dino weapon Brighthorn 'Affirmation' {Attacks and offensive spells have a 10~33% chance to grant 1,000 temporary hitpoints with 1 minute duration. Cooldown is also one minute}
> % Hit Points bonus = +30%
Competence bonus
> +20%: Swashbuckler's 'Second Skin [T5]'
Legendary bonus
> +10%: set bonus
> Damage Avoidance
> Max DEX bonus to armor = 38
Armor
> +20: Light armor
Heroic enhancements
> +4: Swashbuckler [Cores 1-4]
> +6: Swashbuckler 'Second Skin [T5]'
Epic Destinies
> +6: Shadowdancer 'Lithe [T2]'
Airship Buffs
> +2: 'Fencing Master'
> Dodge cap = 27%
Base bonus
> 25
Airship Buffs
> +2: 'Fencing Master'
> Dodge chance = 32% {capped @27}
Heroic enhancements
> +4: Swashbuckler [Cores 1-4]
> +1: Swashbuckler 'On Your Toes [T1]'
> +10: Swashbuckler 'Skirmisher [T3]'
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses)
> +14 enhancement bonus
> +3 quality bonus
> buffable to 52% {for 15s every 3m}
['Uncanny Dodge' (feat)]
> Incorporeality = 10%
Augments (inc Set bonuses)
> +10: 'Legendary Wraithborn Emerald'
> Concealment = 20%-50%
Spells
> +20%: 'Blur' (lvl 2 spell)
> buffable to 50%: 'Displacement' (lvl 3 spell)
Some info on how incorporeality (e.g. Ghostly) and concealment (e.g. Blur and Displacement) are reduced in reaper mode.
My understanding is that this info is based on player testing, not officially from the Devs. Info below (inc link) from the DDO Wiki:
> Evasion
{on successful Reflex save: no dmg, instead of half dmg}
> Shadowdancer's 'The Darkest Luck [C3]'
> Deflect arrows:
> 1 projectile every 6s: Swashbuckler's 'Deflect Arrows [T2]'
> Damage Reduction
> PRR = 143 {58.8% less dmg from slashing, bludgeoning and piercing attacks}
Breakdown:
Armor
> +20: Light armor PRR (BAB*1)
Feats
> +3: 'Past Life - Purple Dragon Knight x1'
> +10: 'Shield Mastery Speciality: Buckler' (taken @ lvl 31)
Epic Destinies
> +4: FoTW's 'Enduring [T1]'
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses)
> +30 artifact bonus (Sun Augment)
> +30 profane bonus (set bonus)
> +37 enhancement bonus
> +0 insightful bonus
> +0 quality bonus
> +5 fortune bonus (Deck Curse: I got lucky!)
Filigrees (inc Set bonuses)
> +2: 'Otto's Irrevocable Power' - CON (rare) single filigree
Sub-total = 141
Gear: Mythic bonuses
> +2 armor
Grand total = 143 (as per current live game)
> Elemental resistance/protection
Racial
> +34 {Fire}: Tiefling Scoundrel's 'Infernal Ancestry' {bonus = character level, permanent}
Airship buffs
> +15 {Fire}: 'Sign of the Silver Flame' {permanent}
> Energy Absorption
Epic Destinies
> +10% {Fire, Cold, Acid & Electric}: Fatesinger's 'Arcane Resonance [T4]' {permanent}
Airship buffs
> +15% {Fire}: 'Sign of the Silver Flame' {permanent}
> +15% {Acid & Cold}: 'Shrine to the Devourer' {permanent}
> +15% {Electric & Sonic}: 'Stormreaver Memorial' {permanent}
> Immunities:
Tiefling Scoundrel
> Fear: 'Infernal Ancestry' (racial feat auto-granted @ lvl 1)
Fatesinger
> Charisma stat Damage: 'Majesty [T4]'
Shadowdancer
> Energy Drain (negative levels): 'Shadowstriker [T3]'
Spells/potions
> Mind-affecting effects (e.g. charms & compulsions): 'Protection from Evil' potions
Items
> Magic Missiles: 'Shield' clickie
N.B.: found in 'Kind of a Big Deal' quest, in the Twelve.
The 'core elements' of the buildClass(es): Bard (16)/ Dragon Lord (3) / Rogue (1)
Race: Tiefling Scoudrel
Alignment: Chaotic Good (Non-Lawful because Bard restriction)
Main stat: Charisma (level ups here)
Starting stats (36 pts): STR: 08/ DEX: 14/ CON: 16/ INT: 12/ WIS: 08/ CHA: 20
Skills:
> Search/ Disable Device / Open Lock
> Perform/ Use Magic Device/ Balance*/ Tumble (min 1 point)
* min 7 points req for Greater Single Weapon Fighting feat
Weapon type(s): Short swords, Rapiers, Daggers, Light Picks (light piercing weapons)Note: Handaxes won't fully synergise with this specific build, but since they seem a popular choice for swashbucklers, sharing this link to someone else's thread where I posted some info on the Handaxe-Swash synergy specifically.
Feats:
Heroic enhancements: 85 = 80 + 3 (Racial tomes) + 2 (Universal tome)
N.B: Multi-selector choices:
> Swashbuckler
> T3: 'Smooth Flourishes' (CHA)
> T3: 'Skirmisher' (Buckler)
> T4: 'Low Blow'
> Spellsinger
> T2: 'Yellow Marigold Crown' (Enchantment)
> Dragon Lord
> T1: 'Strike Twice'
> T2: 'Haste Boost'
> T3: 'Draconic Conviction'
Epic Destinies: 73 = 69 + 1 (Tome of Fate +3) + 2 (Fey & Dread tomes) + 1 (Historic tome)
N.B: ED multi-selector choices:
> Fatesinger
> T1: 'Strike a Cord'
> T2: 'Echoes of Discord'
> T3: 'Evocation DCs'
> T4: 'Arcane Resonance'
> T4: 'Very Very Vocal'
> T4: 'Enlarge Spell'
> Shadowdancer
> T3: 'Shadowstriker'
> T3: 'Enchantment DCs'
> Fury of the Wild
> T1: 'Quick Cutter'
> T2: 'Fast and Furious'
> T3: 'Doublestrike'
> T3: 'Sprit of the Beast'
Spells:
Suggestions for gear
(not part of the core build: choices based on what supports the main aims of the build best, with the intention to suggest/ inspire)
Gear Set bonuses:
Gear:
(PS: Some choices ref gear cater to a much larger personal scheme/tetris where items need to get shared between several alts at endgame, where I normally play in reaper mode 6-10 skulls).
Bard Swashbuckler Hybrid Gear planner spreadsheet above is available to download too. More Gear Set suggestions & planners in this thread.
Main Filigree Set bonuses:
Filigrees: 14 = 4 (Minor Artifact) + 10 (Weapon sentient gem)
Filigree master plan:
- Primarily invest in Spell DC and Charisma.
- Spell Power and Imbue Dice are secondary aims, if/when possible to squeeze in
- other effects get the least priority
Note: In case it proves useful, the previous build (inc previous gear set) is still available in the DDOBuilder file, under the tab 'Builds'
(Life 2) B2: L34 - Scoundrel - 18 Bard, 2 Rogue, E10, L4
I am always happy to read, consider and respond to constructive comments/ suggestions / feedback that are provided in a polite and friendly manner. I welcome discussions with anyone who is capable (and willing) to do this. Some discussions may lead to both parties simply agreeing to disagreeing - that's absolutely fine, everyone is entitled to their opinion after all!
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