GPuzzle
2014-03-01, 10:46 PM
Improving on the last Fighter|Chaladin/Daring Blade build, this one is inescapable. No, seriously. Try getting away from him.
I dare you.
This build uses the following sources:
PHB - Player's Handbook
PHB2 - Player's Handbook 2
PHB3 - Player's Handbook 3
Adventurer's Vault - AV
HotFL - Heroes of the Forgotten Lands
DXXX - Dragon Magazine, XXX means edition
EPG - Eberron Player's Guide
MP - Martial Power
MP2 - Martial Power 2
DP - Divine Power
Level 1:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Attributes:
Strength: 14 (+2)
Constitution: 10 (+0)
Dexteritry: 14 (+2)
Intelligence: 8 (-1)
Wisdom: 13 (+1)
Charisma: 18 (+4)
Defenses:
AC: 19-->10(base)+7(scale)+2(Shield)
Fortitude: 14-->10(base)+2(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)
Reflex: 15-->10(base)+2(Dexteritry)+2(Shield)+1(Human)
Will: 16-->10(base)+4(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)
Health:
HP: 33-->15(base)+18(Charisma)
Bloodied: 16
Surge Value: 8
Surges p/day: 11-->9(base)+2(Durable)
Skills:
Athletics: +5
Endurance: +3
Intimidation: +9
Diplomacy: +9
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
Scale Armor (PHB) (45 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
Holy Symbol (PHB) (10 GP)
Longsword (PHB) (15 GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 95 GP
Discussion:
Basically, a weird Paladin. It will make more sense later on down the line, though. Now it exchanges an attack for +1 to hit on OAs and stopping movement dead cold. Also, it has a way to stop shifts. That doesn't mean it's not good at multimarking, it's really good at it. But until level 16, it's not going to be as deadly as it is now.
Level 6:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Attributes:
Strength: 14 (+2)
Constitution: 10 (+0)
Dexteritry: 14 (+2)
Intelligence: 8 (-1)
Wisdom: 14 (+2)
Charisma: 19 (+4)
Defenses:
AC: 25-->10(base)+10(scale)+2(Shield)+3(level)
Fortitude: 19-->10(base)+2(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)+2(Item)+3(level)
Reflex: 20-->10(base)+2(Dexteritry)+2(Shield)+1(Human)+2(Item)+ 3(level)
Will: 21-->10(base)+4(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)+2(Item)+3(level)
Health:
HP: 64-->15(base)+19(Charisma)+30(level)
Bloodied: 32
Surge Value: 16
Surges p/day: 11-->9(base)+2(Durable)
Skills:
Arcana: +7
Athletics: +8
Endurance: +8
Intimidation: +12
Diplomacy: +12
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
L2-Bardic Dilletante (PHB2)
L4-Devout Protector Expertise (D374)
L6-Mark of Storm (EPG)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
L3-Parry and Riposte (MP)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
L5-Rain of Steel (PHB)
Utilities:
L2-Glowering Threat (HotFL)
L6-Virtue (DP)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
+2 Dwarven Drakescale Armor (PHB) (2,600 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
Holy Symbol (PHB) (10 GP)
+1 Lightning Longsword (PHB) (1,000 GP)
+2 Amulet of Physical Resolve (2,600GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 6235 GP
Discussion:
This level is when things need to get started.
And they are. The build requires a lot to get started, but so far, we're tough, we slap multimarks, and we can bring the pain to adjacent enemies in different ways. We miss a few things, of course - but we're not finished yet.
Level 11:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Paragon Path: Daring Blade (D381)
Attributes:
Strength: 15 (+2)
Constitution: 11 (+0)
Dexteritry: 15 (+2)
Intelligence: 9 (-1)
Wisdom: 16 (+3)
Charisma: 21 (+5)
Defenses:
AC: 27-->10(base)+10(scale)+2(Shield)+5(level)
Fortitude: 24-->10(base)+2(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)+3(Item)+5(level)+2(Feat)
Reflex: 25-->10(base)+2(Dexteritry)+2(Shield)+1(Human)+3(Item)+ 5(level)+2(Feat)
Will: 27-->10(base)+5(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)+3(Item)+5(level)+2(Feat)
Health:
HP: 96-->15(base)+21(Charisma)+60(level)
Bloodied: 48
Surge Value: 24
Surges p/day: 11-->9(base)+2(Durable)
Skills:
Arcana: +9
Athletics: +10
Endurance: +11
Intimidation: +15
Diplomacy: +15
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
L2-Bardic Dilletante (PHB2)
L4-Devout Protector Expertise (D374)
L6-Mark of Storm (EPG)
L8-White Lotus Hindrance (D374)
L10-Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L11-Harlequin Style (D373)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
L3-Parry and Riposte (MP)
L7-Astral Thunder (DP)
L11-Weapon Display (D381)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
L5-Rain of Steel (PHB)
L9-Ray of Reprisal (DP) (Retrained to Thicket of Blades (PHB) at level 11)
Utilities:
L2-Glowering Threat (HotFL)
L6-Virtue (DP)
L10-Call of Challenge (DP)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
+2 Dwarven Drakescale Armor (PHB) (2,600 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
+2 Magic Holy Symbol (PHB) (1,800 GP)
+2 Lightning Longsword (PHB) (5,000 GP)
+3 Amulet of Physical Resolve (13,000 GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 22,425 GP
Discussion:
At this point, the build starts to get going. It is still not finished (damnit), and probably will take a few levels until it is. However, we should set up for the next few levels. And that's where our attributes start showing their basic signs (namely, the 15 Dexteritry by Paragon).
Yes, we're going to be Shocktroopers, which are Lightning Weapon+Mark of Storm builds.
But we're combining Shocktrooper tactics with Polearm Cheese. And White Lotus Hindrance will make a lot of sense soon, especially if you check out the last spoiler.
Level 16:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Paragon Path: Daring Blade (D381)
Attributes:
Strength: 15 (+2)
Constitution: 11 (+0)
Dexteritry: 15 (+2)
Intelligence: 9 (-1)
Wisdom: 17 (+3)
Charisma: 22 (+6)
Defenses:
AC: 32-->10(base)+14(scale)+8(level)
Fortitude: 27-->10(base)+2(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)+3(Item)+8(level)+2(Feat)
Reflex: 26-->10(base)+2(Dexteritry)+1(Human)+3(Item)+8(level)+2 (Feat)
Will: 31-->10(base)+6(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)+3(Item)+8(level)+2(Feat)
Health:
HP: 127-->15(base)+22(Charisma)+90(level)
Bloodied: 63
Surge Value: 31
Surges p/day: 11-->9(base)+2(Durable)
Skills:
Arcana: +12
Athletics: +15
Endurance: +17
Intimidation: +19
Diplomacy: +19
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
L2-Bardic Dilletante (PHB2)
L4-Devout Protector Expertise (D374)
L6-Mark of Storm (EPG)
L8-White Lotus Hindrance (D374)
L10-Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L11-Harlequin Style (D373)
L12-Polearm Momentum (MP)
L14-Heavy Blade Opportunity (PHB)
L16-White Lotus Master Hindrance (D374)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
L7-Come and Get It (PHB)
L11-Weapon Display (D381)
L13-Castigating Strike (DP)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
L5-Rain of Steel (PHB)
L15-Unyielding Avalanche (PHB)
Utilities:
L2-Glowering Threat (HotFL)
L6-Virtue (DP)
L10-Call of Challenge (DP)
L12-Defensive Posture (D381)
L16-Divine Aegis (DP)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
+4 Dwarven Dragonscale Armor (PHB) (65,000 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
+2 Magic Holy Symbol (PHB) (1,800 GP)
+3 Lightning Glaive (PHB) (25,000 GP)
+3 Amulet of Physical Resolve (AV) (13,000 GP)
Rushing Cleats (AV) (2,600 GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 107,425 GP
Discussion:
And we've got the build set up. Now we're going to be painful. The trick here is simple - due to careful positioning (last spoiler explains how you're going to drag enemies in and not let them go out), you're going to drag them in with your paladin marks, keep them close via Combat Challenge, get +Cha mod to defenses via Harlequin Style, Brash Strike and Heavy Blade Opportunist, and iif they try to escape, the Shocktrooper tactics knock them prone and keep them away from the squishies. Excellent stuff there.
But we're not finished yet, are we?
Level 21:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Paragon Path: Daring Blade (D381)
Epic Destiny: Ceaseless Guardian (D387)
Attributes:
Strength: 16 (+3)
Constitution: 12 (+1)
Dexteritry: 16 (+3)
Intelligence: 10 (+0)
Wisdom: 21 (+5)
Charisma: 24 (+7)
Defenses:
AC: 36-->10(base)+16(scale)+10(level)
Fortitude: 33-->10(base)+3(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)+4(Item)+10(level)+3(Feat)+1(Armo r)
Reflex: 31-->10(base)+3(Dexteritry)+1(Human)+4(Item)+10(level)+ 3(Feat)
Will: 36-->10(base)+7(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)+4(Item)+10(level)+3(Feat)
Health:
HP: 159-->15(base)+24(Charisma)+120(level)
Bloodied: 79
Surge Value: 39
Surges p/day: 12-->9(base)+2(Durable)+1(Constitution)
Skills:
Arcana: +15
Athletics: +18
Endurance: +21
Intimidation: +22
Diplomacy: +22
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
L2-Bardic Dilletante (PHB2)
L4-Devout Protector Expertise (D374)
L6-Mark of Storm (EPG)
L8-White Lotus Hindrance (D374)
L10-Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L11-Harlequin Style (D373)
L12-Polearm Momentum (MP)
L14-Heavy Blade Opportunity (PHB)
L16-White Lotus Master Hindrance (D374)
L18-Superior Will (HotFL)
L20-Improved Initiative (PHB) (retrained to Superior Initiative (PHB3) at level 21)
L21-Polearm Gamble (PHB)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
L7-Come and Get It (PHB)
L11-Weapon Display (D381)
L13-Castigating Strike (DP)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
L5-Rain of Steel (PHB)
L15-Unyielding Avalanche (PHB)
L20-Offensive Spin Slash (D381)
Utilities:
L2-Glowering Threat (HotFL)
L6-Virtue (DP)
L10-Call of Challenge (DP)
L12-Defensive Posture (D381)
L16-Divine Aegis (DP)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
+5 Dwarven Nagascale Armor (PHB) (325,000 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
+4 Magic Holy Symbol (PHB) (45,000 GP)
+4 Lightning Longsword (PHB) (125,000 GP)
+4 Amulet of Physical Resolve (AV) (65,000 GP)
Rushing Cleats (AV) (2,600 GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 87,425 GP
Discussion:
As we iron out some stuff we had to take at the end of Paragon, here comes the goodies. And boy, how many goodies are we going to get. Polearm Gamble is just the start, Blade Opportunist, Epic NADs, Armor Especialisation, Rapid Combat Challenge...
Level 26:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Paragon Path: Daring Blade (D381)
Epic Destiny: Ceaseless Guardian (D387)
Attributes:
Strength: 16 (+3)
Constitution: 12 (+1)
Dexteritry: 16 (+3)
Intelligence: 10 (+0)
Wisdom: 22 (+6)
Charisma: 25 (+7)
Defenses:
AC: 43-->10(base)+19(scale)+13(level)+1(feat)
Fortitude: 37-->10(base)+3(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)+6(Item)+13(level)+3(Feat)
Reflex: 36-->10(base)+3(Dexteritry)+1(Human)+6(Item)+13(level)+ 3(Feat)
Will: 41-->10(base)+7(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)+6(Item)+13(level)+3(Feat)
Health:
HP: 190-->15(base)+25(Charisma)+150(level)
Bloodied: 95
Surge Value: 47
Surges p/day: 12-->9(base)+2(Durable)+1(Constitution)
Skills:
Arcana: +18
Athletics: +21
Endurance: +25
Intimidation: +25
Diplomacy: +25
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
L2-Bardic Dilletante (PHB2)
L4-Devout Protector Expertise (D374)
L6-Mark of Storm (EPG)
L8-White Lotus Hindrance (D374)
L10-Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L11-Harlequin Style (D373)
L12-Polearm Momentum (MP)
L14-Heavy Blade Opportunity (PHB)
L16-White Lotus Master Hindrance (D374)
L18-Superior Will (HotFL)
L20-Improved Initiative (PHB) (retrained to Superior Initiative (PHB3) at level 21)
L21-Polearm Gamble (PHB)
L22-Blade Opportunist (PHB)
L24-Rapid Combat Challenge (D387)
L26-Armor Especialisation (Scale) (PHB)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
L11-Weapon Display (D381)
L13-Castigating Strike (DP)
L23-Warrior's Urging (PHB)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
L15-Unyielding Avalanche (PHB)
L20-Offensive Spin Slash (D381)
L25-Reaper's Stance (PHB)
Utilities:
L2-Glowering Threat (HotFL)
L6-Virtue (DP)
L10-Call of Challenge (DP)
L12-Defensive Posture (D381)
L16-Divine Aegis (DP)
L22-Undeniable Challenge (MP2)
L26-Always Ready (D387)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
+6 Dwarven Ancientscale Armor (PHB) (1,625,000 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
+6 Magic Holy Symbol (PHB) (1,125,000 GP)
+5 Lightning Longsword (PHB) (625,000 GP)
+6 Amulet of Physical Resolve (AV) (1,625,000 GP)
Rushing Cleats (AV) (2,600 GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 5,002,625 GP
Discussion:
By this level, this build has a simple way of being awesome at defending:
Step 1: Mark everyone in sight (Paladin Powers)
Step 2: Make sure they don't escape (Combat Superiority gives your MBAs +34, and Polearm Cheese slides them 2 and knocks them prone)
Step 3: Make sure they don't attack you (+7 to all defenses with Brash Strike)
Step 4: Make sure they don't attack your friends (White Lotus Hindrance/White Lotus Master Hindrance and careful positioning make sure they eat OAs on the way out, and in that case, movement ends and we get a +7 bonus to our defenses, with a bonus of +38 to hit).
Due to that, we're basically inescapable.
Level 30:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Paragon Path: Daring Blade (D381)
Epic Destiny: Ceaseless Guardian (D387)
Attributes:
Strength: 16 (+3)
Constitution: 12 (+1)
Dexteritry: 16 (+3)
Intelligence: 10 (+0)
Wisdom: 23 (+6)
Charisma: 26 (+8)
Defenses:
AC: 45-->10(base)+19(scale)+15(level)+1(feat)
Fortitude: 43-->10(base)+3(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)+6(Item)+15(level)+3(Feat)+4(Epic NAD)
Reflex: 42-->10(base)+3(Dexteritry)+1(Human)+6(Item)+15(level)+ 3(Feat)+4(Epic NAD)
Will: 44-->10(base)+8(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)+6(Item)+15(level)+3(Feat)
Health:
HP: 215-->15(base)+26(Charisma)+174(level)
Bloodied: 107
Surge Value: 53
Surges p/day: 12-->9(base)+2(Durable)+1(Constitution)
Skills:
Arcana: +20
Athletics: +23
Endurance: +27
Intimidation: +28
Diplomacy: +28
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
L2-Bardic Dilletante (PHB2)
L4-Devout Protector Expertise (D374)
L6-Mark of Storm (EPG)
L8-White Lotus Hindrance (D374)
L10-Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L11-Harlequin Style (D373)
L12-Polearm Momentum (MP)
L14-Heavy Blade Opportunity (PHB)
L16-White Lotus Master Hindrance (D374)
L18-Superior Will (HotFL)
L20-Improved Initiative (PHB) (retrained to Superior Initiative (PHB3) at level 21)
L21-Polearm Gamble (PHB)
L22-Blade Opportunist (PHB)
L24-Rapid Combat Challenge (D387)
L26-Armor Especialisation (Scale) (PHB)
L28-Epic Reflexes (PHB2)
L30-Epic Fortitude (PHB2)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
L13-Castigating Strike (DP)
L23-Warrior's Urging (PHB)
L27-Cruel Reaper (PHB)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
L20-Offensive Spin Slash (D381)
L25-Reaper's Stance (PHB)
L29-Sudden Onslaught (MP2)
Utilities:
L2-Glowering Threat (HotFL)
L6-Virtue (DP)
L10-Call of Challenge (DP)
L12-Defensive Posture (D381)
L16-Divine Aegis (DP)
L22-Undeniable Challenge (MP2)
L26-Always Ready (D387)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
+6 Dwarven Ancientscale Armor (PHB) (1,625,000 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
+6 Magic Holy Symbol (PHB) (1,125,000 GP)
+6 Lightning Longsword (PHB) (3,125,000 GP)
+6 Amulet of Physical Resolve (AV) (1,625,000 GP)
Rushing Cleats (AV) (2,600 GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 7,502,625 GP
Discussion:
And we've finally finished with our defending trip. We were ready since level 16, the rest was just gravy.
And now, capstone, our friends probably won't die.
How to make him inescapable and deadly:
Due to White Lotus Hindrance and White Lotus Master Hindrance, we get set ourselves in this position:
---xxx---
---xAx---
---xxx---
xxxxxxxxx
xAxxUxxAx
xxxxxxxxx
---xxx---
---xAx---
---xxx---
x means Difficult Terrain, U means us, A is allies. Once they get in our grasps (which they should, they are possibly going to be marked really easily), they're not going to be able to shift, with a small exception, which triggers Combat Superiority, which also slides and knocks prone in this. Enemies that get near him aren't going to get away.
This trick can be used in basically anyone that counts as an Arcane Class. That's right, you Pallocks, Avernian Knights, Swordmages and just about anyone that has dipped into Arcane classes and can punish shifts can become inescapable through this tactic.
I dare you.
This build uses the following sources:
PHB - Player's Handbook
PHB2 - Player's Handbook 2
PHB3 - Player's Handbook 3
Adventurer's Vault - AV
HotFL - Heroes of the Forgotten Lands
DXXX - Dragon Magazine, XXX means edition
EPG - Eberron Player's Guide
MP - Martial Power
MP2 - Martial Power 2
DP - Divine Power
Level 1:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Attributes:
Strength: 14 (+2)
Constitution: 10 (+0)
Dexteritry: 14 (+2)
Intelligence: 8 (-1)
Wisdom: 13 (+1)
Charisma: 18 (+4)
Defenses:
AC: 19-->10(base)+7(scale)+2(Shield)
Fortitude: 14-->10(base)+2(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)
Reflex: 15-->10(base)+2(Dexteritry)+2(Shield)+1(Human)
Will: 16-->10(base)+4(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)
Health:
HP: 33-->15(base)+18(Charisma)
Bloodied: 16
Surge Value: 8
Surges p/day: 11-->9(base)+2(Durable)
Skills:
Athletics: +5
Endurance: +3
Intimidation: +9
Diplomacy: +9
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
Scale Armor (PHB) (45 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
Holy Symbol (PHB) (10 GP)
Longsword (PHB) (15 GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 95 GP
Discussion:
Basically, a weird Paladin. It will make more sense later on down the line, though. Now it exchanges an attack for +1 to hit on OAs and stopping movement dead cold. Also, it has a way to stop shifts. That doesn't mean it's not good at multimarking, it's really good at it. But until level 16, it's not going to be as deadly as it is now.
Level 6:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Attributes:
Strength: 14 (+2)
Constitution: 10 (+0)
Dexteritry: 14 (+2)
Intelligence: 8 (-1)
Wisdom: 14 (+2)
Charisma: 19 (+4)
Defenses:
AC: 25-->10(base)+10(scale)+2(Shield)+3(level)
Fortitude: 19-->10(base)+2(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)+2(Item)+3(level)
Reflex: 20-->10(base)+2(Dexteritry)+2(Shield)+1(Human)+2(Item)+ 3(level)
Will: 21-->10(base)+4(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)+2(Item)+3(level)
Health:
HP: 64-->15(base)+19(Charisma)+30(level)
Bloodied: 32
Surge Value: 16
Surges p/day: 11-->9(base)+2(Durable)
Skills:
Arcana: +7
Athletics: +8
Endurance: +8
Intimidation: +12
Diplomacy: +12
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
L2-Bardic Dilletante (PHB2)
L4-Devout Protector Expertise (D374)
L6-Mark of Storm (EPG)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
L3-Parry and Riposte (MP)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
L5-Rain of Steel (PHB)
Utilities:
L2-Glowering Threat (HotFL)
L6-Virtue (DP)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
+2 Dwarven Drakescale Armor (PHB) (2,600 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
Holy Symbol (PHB) (10 GP)
+1 Lightning Longsword (PHB) (1,000 GP)
+2 Amulet of Physical Resolve (2,600GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 6235 GP
Discussion:
This level is when things need to get started.
And they are. The build requires a lot to get started, but so far, we're tough, we slap multimarks, and we can bring the pain to adjacent enemies in different ways. We miss a few things, of course - but we're not finished yet.
Level 11:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Paragon Path: Daring Blade (D381)
Attributes:
Strength: 15 (+2)
Constitution: 11 (+0)
Dexteritry: 15 (+2)
Intelligence: 9 (-1)
Wisdom: 16 (+3)
Charisma: 21 (+5)
Defenses:
AC: 27-->10(base)+10(scale)+2(Shield)+5(level)
Fortitude: 24-->10(base)+2(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)+3(Item)+5(level)+2(Feat)
Reflex: 25-->10(base)+2(Dexteritry)+2(Shield)+1(Human)+3(Item)+ 5(level)+2(Feat)
Will: 27-->10(base)+5(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)+3(Item)+5(level)+2(Feat)
Health:
HP: 96-->15(base)+21(Charisma)+60(level)
Bloodied: 48
Surge Value: 24
Surges p/day: 11-->9(base)+2(Durable)
Skills:
Arcana: +9
Athletics: +10
Endurance: +11
Intimidation: +15
Diplomacy: +15
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
L2-Bardic Dilletante (PHB2)
L4-Devout Protector Expertise (D374)
L6-Mark of Storm (EPG)
L8-White Lotus Hindrance (D374)
L10-Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L11-Harlequin Style (D373)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
L3-Parry and Riposte (MP)
L7-Astral Thunder (DP)
L11-Weapon Display (D381)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
L5-Rain of Steel (PHB)
L9-Ray of Reprisal (DP) (Retrained to Thicket of Blades (PHB) at level 11)
Utilities:
L2-Glowering Threat (HotFL)
L6-Virtue (DP)
L10-Call of Challenge (DP)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
+2 Dwarven Drakescale Armor (PHB) (2,600 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
+2 Magic Holy Symbol (PHB) (1,800 GP)
+2 Lightning Longsword (PHB) (5,000 GP)
+3 Amulet of Physical Resolve (13,000 GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 22,425 GP
Discussion:
At this point, the build starts to get going. It is still not finished (damnit), and probably will take a few levels until it is. However, we should set up for the next few levels. And that's where our attributes start showing their basic signs (namely, the 15 Dexteritry by Paragon).
Yes, we're going to be Shocktroopers, which are Lightning Weapon+Mark of Storm builds.
But we're combining Shocktrooper tactics with Polearm Cheese. And White Lotus Hindrance will make a lot of sense soon, especially if you check out the last spoiler.
Level 16:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Paragon Path: Daring Blade (D381)
Attributes:
Strength: 15 (+2)
Constitution: 11 (+0)
Dexteritry: 15 (+2)
Intelligence: 9 (-1)
Wisdom: 17 (+3)
Charisma: 22 (+6)
Defenses:
AC: 32-->10(base)+14(scale)+8(level)
Fortitude: 27-->10(base)+2(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)+3(Item)+8(level)+2(Feat)
Reflex: 26-->10(base)+2(Dexteritry)+1(Human)+3(Item)+8(level)+2 (Feat)
Will: 31-->10(base)+6(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)+3(Item)+8(level)+2(Feat)
Health:
HP: 127-->15(base)+22(Charisma)+90(level)
Bloodied: 63
Surge Value: 31
Surges p/day: 11-->9(base)+2(Durable)
Skills:
Arcana: +12
Athletics: +15
Endurance: +17
Intimidation: +19
Diplomacy: +19
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
L2-Bardic Dilletante (PHB2)
L4-Devout Protector Expertise (D374)
L6-Mark of Storm (EPG)
L8-White Lotus Hindrance (D374)
L10-Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L11-Harlequin Style (D373)
L12-Polearm Momentum (MP)
L14-Heavy Blade Opportunity (PHB)
L16-White Lotus Master Hindrance (D374)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
L7-Come and Get It (PHB)
L11-Weapon Display (D381)
L13-Castigating Strike (DP)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
L5-Rain of Steel (PHB)
L15-Unyielding Avalanche (PHB)
Utilities:
L2-Glowering Threat (HotFL)
L6-Virtue (DP)
L10-Call of Challenge (DP)
L12-Defensive Posture (D381)
L16-Divine Aegis (DP)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
+4 Dwarven Dragonscale Armor (PHB) (65,000 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
+2 Magic Holy Symbol (PHB) (1,800 GP)
+3 Lightning Glaive (PHB) (25,000 GP)
+3 Amulet of Physical Resolve (AV) (13,000 GP)
Rushing Cleats (AV) (2,600 GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 107,425 GP
Discussion:
And we've got the build set up. Now we're going to be painful. The trick here is simple - due to careful positioning (last spoiler explains how you're going to drag enemies in and not let them go out), you're going to drag them in with your paladin marks, keep them close via Combat Challenge, get +Cha mod to defenses via Harlequin Style, Brash Strike and Heavy Blade Opportunist, and iif they try to escape, the Shocktrooper tactics knock them prone and keep them away from the squishies. Excellent stuff there.
But we're not finished yet, are we?
Level 21:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Paragon Path: Daring Blade (D381)
Epic Destiny: Ceaseless Guardian (D387)
Attributes:
Strength: 16 (+3)
Constitution: 12 (+1)
Dexteritry: 16 (+3)
Intelligence: 10 (+0)
Wisdom: 21 (+5)
Charisma: 24 (+7)
Defenses:
AC: 36-->10(base)+16(scale)+10(level)
Fortitude: 33-->10(base)+3(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)+4(Item)+10(level)+3(Feat)+1(Armo r)
Reflex: 31-->10(base)+3(Dexteritry)+1(Human)+4(Item)+10(level)+ 3(Feat)
Will: 36-->10(base)+7(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)+4(Item)+10(level)+3(Feat)
Health:
HP: 159-->15(base)+24(Charisma)+120(level)
Bloodied: 79
Surge Value: 39
Surges p/day: 12-->9(base)+2(Durable)+1(Constitution)
Skills:
Arcana: +15
Athletics: +18
Endurance: +21
Intimidation: +22
Diplomacy: +22
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
L2-Bardic Dilletante (PHB2)
L4-Devout Protector Expertise (D374)
L6-Mark of Storm (EPG)
L8-White Lotus Hindrance (D374)
L10-Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L11-Harlequin Style (D373)
L12-Polearm Momentum (MP)
L14-Heavy Blade Opportunity (PHB)
L16-White Lotus Master Hindrance (D374)
L18-Superior Will (HotFL)
L20-Improved Initiative (PHB) (retrained to Superior Initiative (PHB3) at level 21)
L21-Polearm Gamble (PHB)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
L7-Come and Get It (PHB)
L11-Weapon Display (D381)
L13-Castigating Strike (DP)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
L5-Rain of Steel (PHB)
L15-Unyielding Avalanche (PHB)
L20-Offensive Spin Slash (D381)
Utilities:
L2-Glowering Threat (HotFL)
L6-Virtue (DP)
L10-Call of Challenge (DP)
L12-Defensive Posture (D381)
L16-Divine Aegis (DP)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
+5 Dwarven Nagascale Armor (PHB) (325,000 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
+4 Magic Holy Symbol (PHB) (45,000 GP)
+4 Lightning Longsword (PHB) (125,000 GP)
+4 Amulet of Physical Resolve (AV) (65,000 GP)
Rushing Cleats (AV) (2,600 GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 87,425 GP
Discussion:
As we iron out some stuff we had to take at the end of Paragon, here comes the goodies. And boy, how many goodies are we going to get. Polearm Gamble is just the start, Blade Opportunist, Epic NADs, Armor Especialisation, Rapid Combat Challenge...
Level 26:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Paragon Path: Daring Blade (D381)
Epic Destiny: Ceaseless Guardian (D387)
Attributes:
Strength: 16 (+3)
Constitution: 12 (+1)
Dexteritry: 16 (+3)
Intelligence: 10 (+0)
Wisdom: 22 (+6)
Charisma: 25 (+7)
Defenses:
AC: 43-->10(base)+19(scale)+13(level)+1(feat)
Fortitude: 37-->10(base)+3(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)+6(Item)+13(level)+3(Feat)
Reflex: 36-->10(base)+3(Dexteritry)+1(Human)+6(Item)+13(level)+ 3(Feat)
Will: 41-->10(base)+7(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)+6(Item)+13(level)+3(Feat)
Health:
HP: 190-->15(base)+25(Charisma)+150(level)
Bloodied: 95
Surge Value: 47
Surges p/day: 12-->9(base)+2(Durable)+1(Constitution)
Skills:
Arcana: +18
Athletics: +21
Endurance: +25
Intimidation: +25
Diplomacy: +25
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
L2-Bardic Dilletante (PHB2)
L4-Devout Protector Expertise (D374)
L6-Mark of Storm (EPG)
L8-White Lotus Hindrance (D374)
L10-Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L11-Harlequin Style (D373)
L12-Polearm Momentum (MP)
L14-Heavy Blade Opportunity (PHB)
L16-White Lotus Master Hindrance (D374)
L18-Superior Will (HotFL)
L20-Improved Initiative (PHB) (retrained to Superior Initiative (PHB3) at level 21)
L21-Polearm Gamble (PHB)
L22-Blade Opportunist (PHB)
L24-Rapid Combat Challenge (D387)
L26-Armor Especialisation (Scale) (PHB)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
L11-Weapon Display (D381)
L13-Castigating Strike (DP)
L23-Warrior's Urging (PHB)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
L15-Unyielding Avalanche (PHB)
L20-Offensive Spin Slash (D381)
L25-Reaper's Stance (PHB)
Utilities:
L2-Glowering Threat (HotFL)
L6-Virtue (DP)
L10-Call of Challenge (DP)
L12-Defensive Posture (D381)
L16-Divine Aegis (DP)
L22-Undeniable Challenge (MP2)
L26-Always Ready (D387)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
+6 Dwarven Ancientscale Armor (PHB) (1,625,000 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
+6 Magic Holy Symbol (PHB) (1,125,000 GP)
+5 Lightning Longsword (PHB) (625,000 GP)
+6 Amulet of Physical Resolve (AV) (1,625,000 GP)
Rushing Cleats (AV) (2,600 GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 5,002,625 GP
Discussion:
By this level, this build has a simple way of being awesome at defending:
Step 1: Mark everyone in sight (Paladin Powers)
Step 2: Make sure they don't escape (Combat Superiority gives your MBAs +34, and Polearm Cheese slides them 2 and knocks them prone)
Step 3: Make sure they don't attack you (+7 to all defenses with Brash Strike)
Step 4: Make sure they don't attack your friends (White Lotus Hindrance/White Lotus Master Hindrance and careful positioning make sure they eat OAs on the way out, and in that case, movement ends and we get a +7 bonus to our defenses, with a bonus of +38 to hit).
Due to that, we're basically inescapable.
Level 30:
Race: Human (PHB, HotFL)
Class: Fighter|Paladin (PHB, PHB3)
Hybrid Talent: Combat Superiority
Background: Auspicious Birth (D366)
Paragon Path: Daring Blade (D381)
Epic Destiny: Ceaseless Guardian (D387)
Attributes:
Strength: 16 (+3)
Constitution: 12 (+1)
Dexteritry: 16 (+3)
Intelligence: 10 (+0)
Wisdom: 23 (+6)
Charisma: 26 (+8)
Defenses:
AC: 45-->10(base)+19(scale)+15(level)+1(feat)
Fortitude: 43-->10(base)+3(Strength)+1(Hybrid Fighter)+1(Human)+6(Item)+15(level)+3(Feat)+4(Epic NAD)
Reflex: 42-->10(base)+3(Dexteritry)+1(Human)+6(Item)+15(level)+ 3(Feat)+4(Epic NAD)
Will: 44-->10(base)+8(Charisma)+1(Hybrid Paladin)+1(Human)+6(Item)+15(level)+3(Feat)
Health:
HP: 215-->15(base)+26(Charisma)+174(level)
Bloodied: 107
Surge Value: 53
Surges p/day: 12-->9(base)+2(Durable)+1(Constitution)
Skills:
Arcana: +20
Athletics: +23
Endurance: +27
Intimidation: +28
Diplomacy: +28
Feats:
L1-Durable (PHB)
L1-Hybrid Talent (Combat Superiority) (PHB3)
L2-Bardic Dilletante (PHB2)
L4-Devout Protector Expertise (D374)
L6-Mark of Storm (EPG)
L8-White Lotus Hindrance (D374)
L10-Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L11-Harlequin Style (D373)
L12-Polearm Momentum (MP)
L14-Heavy Blade Opportunity (PHB)
L16-White Lotus Master Hindrance (D374)
L18-Superior Will (HotFL)
L20-Improved Initiative (PHB) (retrained to Superior Initiative (PHB3) at level 21)
L21-Polearm Gamble (PHB)
L22-Blade Opportunist (PHB)
L24-Rapid Combat Challenge (D387)
L26-Armor Especialisation (Scale) (PHB)
L28-Epic Reflexes (PHB2)
L30-Epic Fortitude (PHB2)
At-Will:
L1-Brash Strike (MP)
L1-Virtuous Strike (DP)
Encounter:
L1-Valorous Smite (DP)
L13-Castigating Strike (DP)
L23-Warrior's Urging (PHB)
L27-Cruel Reaper (PHB)
Daily:
L1-Majestic Halo (DP)
L20-Offensive Spin Slash (D381)
L25-Reaper's Stance (PHB)
L29-Sudden Onslaught (MP2)
Utilities:
L2-Glowering Threat (HotFL)
L6-Virtue (DP)
L10-Call of Challenge (DP)
L12-Defensive Posture (D381)
L16-Divine Aegis (DP)
L22-Undeniable Challenge (MP2)
L26-Always Ready (D387)
Racial:
L1-Heroic Effort (HotFL)
Inventory:
+6 Dwarven Ancientscale Armor (PHB) (1,625,000 GP)
Heavy Shield (PHB) (10 GP)
+6 Magic Holy Symbol (PHB) (1,125,000 GP)
+6 Lightning Longsword (PHB) (3,125,000 GP)
+6 Amulet of Physical Resolve (AV) (1,625,000 GP)
Rushing Cleats (AV) (2,600 GP)
Adventurer's Standard Kit (PHB) (15 GP)
Total GP spent: 7,502,625 GP
Discussion:
And we've finally finished with our defending trip. We were ready since level 16, the rest was just gravy.
And now, capstone, our friends probably won't die.
How to make him inescapable and deadly:
Due to White Lotus Hindrance and White Lotus Master Hindrance, we get set ourselves in this position:
---xxx---
---xAx---
---xxx---
xxxxxxxxx
xAxxUxxAx
xxxxxxxxx
---xxx---
---xAx---
---xxx---
x means Difficult Terrain, U means us, A is allies. Once they get in our grasps (which they should, they are possibly going to be marked really easily), they're not going to be able to shift, with a small exception, which triggers Combat Superiority, which also slides and knocks prone in this. Enemies that get near him aren't going to get away.
This trick can be used in basically anyone that counts as an Arcane Class. That's right, you Pallocks, Avernian Knights, Swordmages and just about anyone that has dipped into Arcane classes and can punish shifts can become inescapable through this tactic.