D&D 4E MwaO's Frankensteins

[darkbard]

No, just not really ever using the Elemental Initiate's Fist - I just like Elemental Initiate for a build such as this one.

I must be missing something. Doesn't the Tempest bonus to damage apply to all weapon and close attacks? But only if wearing light armor or chain....

Also, clearly Rhythm blade wouldn't be in play at character creation, so I don't understand how you get a defender-level AC out of the box. I come up with starting AC of 17, as I noted.

 

[MwaO]

I must be missing something. Doesn't the Tempest bonus to damage apply to all weapon and close attacks? But only if wearing light armor or chain....

Also, clearly Rhythm blade wouldn't be in play at character creation, so I don't understand how you get a defender-level AC out of the box. I come up with starting AC of 17, as I noted.

Cloth is a kind of light armor, so you get the bonus.

Right. AC 17, which is high damage, low AC Defender, such as a two-handed weapon using Fighter or a Chainmail wearing Tempest Fighter.

 

[darkbard]

Cloth is a kind of light armor, so you get the bonus.

Right. AC 17, which is high damage, low AC Defender, such as a two-handed weapon using Fighter or a Chainmail wearing Tempest Fighter.

Gotcha, and thanks! All this makes a lot more sense now.

 

[masteraleph]

Trying to figure out how the Staggering Alulak/Flail Expertise/Lashing Flail are working together on both the Cavalier|Battlemind and GISM.

On the C|B, Lashing Flail lets you slide on an MBA (presumably OAs), and Flail Expertise lets you prone- fair enough. But then your slide is gone, and you don't have the DEX to qualify for Dragging Flail, which would add back the slide. So what's the Staggering enchantment doing for you?

On the GISM variant, you MBA more often due to Combat Challenge. But the same issue as above is present at levels 11-12, and then at 13, when you drop Lashing Flail, you lose the MBA slide that gets you the Prone. And again, you can't qualify for the Dex for Dragging Flail, so what is Flail Expertise then doing for you that Devout Protector wouldn't, and what is the Staggering enchantment doing for you?

 

[MwaO]

Staggering+Lashing Flail = big slide. Flail Expertise+Lashing Flail = prone. Both are useful for different reasons.

I don't drop Lashing Flail on either build?

 

[masteraleph]

Staggering+Lashing Flail = big slide. Flail Expertise+Lashing Flail = prone. Both are useful for different reasons.

I don't drop Lashing Flail on either build?

Got it; wanted to see if there was anything I was missing.

You do refer to dropping Lashing Flail and Harlequin Style for Lasting Frost and Cunning Stalker at 13, but presumably you grab them back at 14/16.

 

[MwaO]

Got it; wanted to see if there was anything I was missing.

You do refer to dropping Lashing Flail and Harlequin Style for Lasting Frost and Cunning Stalker at 13, but presumably you grab them back at 14/16.

Yup. That's more to show the offensive side rather than a clear cut move. I'd personally keep Lashing Flail+Harlequin Style and just pick up the other two options next.

 

[darkbard]

Working on any new builds these days, [MENTION=12749]MwaO[/MENTION]? Have anything to report about how any of these are working out in play?

 

[MwaO]

Couple of builds in play in a really high magic item game, couple of free feats, some DMs are former CharOp regulars:

Mirrakkah is an angel of the Traveler. She's a pathological liar who carries a cigarette lighter for a holy symbol in her hand for most of her attacks. She focuses on mostly close burst attacks.

[sblock]====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Mirrakkah, level 12
Deva, Paladin, Traveler's Harlequin
Binding Initiate Option: Binding Initiate (Fey Pact)
Auspicious Birth (Auspicious Birth Benefit)
Theme: Cipher

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 13, CON 9, DEX 13, INT 11, WIS 21, CHA 21

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 12, CON 8, DEX 12, INT 10, WIS 16, CHA 16


AC: 31 Fort: 23 Ref: 25 Will: 27
HP: 102 Surges: 9 Surge Value: 25

TRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +13, Bluff +16, Diplomacy +16, Insight +16, Intimidate +16, Religion +13

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +6, Athletics +5, Dungeoneering +11, Endurance +1, Heal +11, History +8, Nature +11, Perception +11, Stealth +3, Streetwise +11, Thievery +3

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Deva Racial Power: Memory of a Thousand Lifetimes
Paladin Feature: Divine Mettle
Paladin Feature: Divine Strength
Paladin Feature: Divine Challenge
Paladin Feature: Ardent Vow
Bard Feature: Majestic Word
Warlock Attack: Fascinating Shadows
Warlock Utility: Cloud Sight
Paladin Attack 1: Virtuous Strike
Paladin Attack 1: Ardent Strike
Paladin Attack 1: Valorous Smite
Paladin Attack 1: Frost of Letherna
Paladin Utility 2: Call of Challenge
Sorcerer Attack 3: Flame Spiral
Paladin Attack 5: Hallowed Circle
Sorcerer Attack 5: Thunder Leap
Paladin Utility 6: Wrath of the Gods
Paladin Attack 7: Astral Thunder
Paladin Utility 10: Guiding Verse
Traveler's Harlequin Attack 11: Traveler's Mummery
Traveler's Harlequin Utility 12: Shape of the Traveler

FEATS
Level 1: Devout Protector Expertise
Level 1: Battle Intuition
Level 2: Bardic Dilettante
Level 4: Novice Power
Level 8: Superior Implement Training (Accurate symbol)
Level 10: Adept Power
Level 11: Improved Defenses
Level 11: Arcane Familiar
Level 11: Binding Initiate
Level 11: Arcane Prodigy
Level 12: Fiery Blood

ITEMS
Siberys Shard of Radiance (heroic tier)
Vanguard Longsword +1
Burning Gauntlets (heroic tier) x1
Javelin
Acrobat Boots x1
Accurate symbol of Scorned Fate +1
Horned Helm (heroic tier) x1
Accurate symbol of Turning +1
Holy Healer's Mace +1
Gloves of Eldritch Admixture (heroic tier)
Wand of Otherwind Stride +2
Sun Shield Heavy Shield x1
Necklace of Prayer Beads Accurate symbol +2
Thunderhead Plate Armor +3 x1
Aversion Staff +1
Staff of Resilience +1
Staff of Tongues +1
Power Jewel
Salve of Power
Seashimmer Cloak +3 x1
Rod of the Feywild +2
Accurate symbol of Fire and Fury +3 x1
Staff of the Magi +3
====== End ======
[/sblock]

Huilliam is a completely freaked out, scaredy cat noble possessed by a thrillseeking fire elemental. He establishes fire vulnerability in most combats, then picks all thunder/lightning powers that add a little fire damage to every attack.

[sblock]
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Huilliam Warden|Sorcerer, level 8
Human, Sorcerer/Warden
Sorcerous Power Option: Sorcerous Power Strength
Hybrid Warden Option: Hybrid Warden Fortitude
Hybrid Talent Option: Warden's Armored Might
Guardian Might Option: Lifespirit
Versatile Expertise Option: Versatile Expertise (Heavy Blade)
Versatile Expertise Option: Versatile Expertise (Staff)
Arcane Implement Proficiency Option: Arcane Implement Proficiency (heavy blade group)
Student of the Plague Option: Sight of the Unseen
Human Power Selection Option: Heroic Effort
Spellscarred
Auspicious Birth (Auspicious Birth Benefit)
Theme: Firecrafter

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 18, CON 10, DEX 12, INT 12, WIS 8, CHA 20

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 16, CON 10, DEX 12, INT 12, WIS 8, CHA 16


AC: 26 Fort: 22 Ref: 20 Will: 23
HP: 76 Surges: 7 Surge Value: 20

TRAINED SKILLS
Athletics +10, Bluff +14, Diplomacy +14, Intimidate +14

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +4, Arcana +5, Dungeoneering +3, Endurance +1, Heal +3, History +5, Insight +3, Nature +3, Perception +3, Religion +5, Stealth +2, Streetwise +9, Thievery +2

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Firecrafter Attack: Blazing Corona
Human Racial Power: Heroic Effort
Warden Feature: Warden's Fury
Warden Feature: Warden's Grasp
Warden Attack 1: Warden's Lunge
Sorcerer Attack 1: Burning Spray
Warden Attack 1: Thunder Ram Assault
Warden Attack 1: Form of the Walking Conflagration
Sorcerer Utility 2: Dragonflame Mantle
Sorcerer Attack 3: Stormy Emotions
Sorcerer Attack 5: Thunder Leap
Firecrafter Utility 6: Burning Bright
Sorcerer Attack 7: Spark Form

FEATS
Level 1: Versatile Expertise
Level 1: Path of the Scarred
Level 1: Hybrid Talent
Level 2: Arcane Implement Proficiency
Level 4: Student of the Plague
Level 6: Mark of Storm
Level 8: Corrupting Attacks

ITEMS
Heavy Shield x1
Iron Armbands of Power (heroic tier) x1
Khyber Shard of the Fiery Depth (heroic tier)
Firewind Blade Longsword +2 x1
Rushing Cleats x1
Staff of Resilience +1
Battle Harness Hide Armor +2 x1
Adventurer's Kit
Farbond Spellblade Longsword +1
Blood Apricot
Cloak of Distortion +2 x1
Belt of Vigor (heroic tier) x1
Elven Chain Shirt (heroic tier)
Coif of Mindiron (heroic tier) x1
====== End ======[/sblock]

 

[darkbard]

Couple of builds in play in a really high magic item game, couple of free feats, some DMs are former CharOp regulars:

Mirrakkah is an angel of the Traveler. She's a pathological liar who carries a cigarette lighter for a holy symbol in her hand for most of her attacks. She focuses on mostly close burst attacks.

[sblock]====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Mirrakkah, level 12
Deva, Paladin, Traveler's Harlequin
Binding Initiate Option: Binding Initiate (Fey Pact)
Auspicious Birth (Auspicious Birth Benefit)
Theme: Cipher

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 13, CON 9, DEX 13, INT 11, WIS 21, CHA 21

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 12, CON 8, DEX 12, INT 10, WIS 16, CHA 16


AC: 31 Fort: 23 Ref: 25 Will: 27
HP: 102 Surges: 9 Surge Value: 25

TRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +13, Bluff +16, Diplomacy +16, Insight +16, Intimidate +16, Religion +13

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +6, Athletics +5, Dungeoneering +11, Endurance +1, Heal +11, History +8, Nature +11, Perception +11, Stealth +3, Streetwise +11, Thievery +3

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Deva Racial Power: Memory of a Thousand Lifetimes
Paladin Feature: Divine Mettle
Paladin Feature: Divine Strength
Paladin Feature: Divine Challenge
Paladin Feature: Ardent Vow
Bard Feature: Majestic Word
Warlock Attack: Fascinating Shadows
Warlock Utility: Cloud Sight
Paladin Attack 1: Virtuous Strike
Paladin Attack 1: Ardent Strike
Paladin Attack 1: Valorous Smite
Paladin Attack 1: Frost of Letherna
Paladin Utility 2: Call of Challenge
Sorcerer Attack 3: Flame Spiral
Paladin Attack 5: Hallowed Circle
Sorcerer Attack 5: Thunder Leap
Paladin Utility 6: Wrath of the Gods
Paladin Attack 7: Astral Thunder
Paladin Utility 10: Guiding Verse
Traveler's Harlequin Attack 11: Traveler's Mummery
Traveler's Harlequin Utility 12: Shape of the Traveler

FEATS
Level 1: Devout Protector Expertise
Level 1: Battle Intuition
Level 2: Bardic Dilettante
Level 4: Novice Power
Level 8: Superior Implement Training (Accurate symbol)
Level 10: Adept Power
Level 11: Improved Defenses
Level 11: Arcane Familiar
Level 11: Binding Initiate
Level 11: Arcane Prodigy
Level 12: Fiery Blood

ITEMS
Siberys Shard of Radiance (heroic tier)
Vanguard Longsword +1
Burning Gauntlets (heroic tier) x1
Javelin
Acrobat Boots x1
Accurate symbol of Scorned Fate +1
Horned Helm (heroic tier) x1
Accurate symbol of Turning +1
Holy Healer's Mace +1
Gloves of Eldritch Admixture (heroic tier)
Wand of Otherwind Stride +2
Sun Shield Heavy Shield x1
Necklace of Prayer Beads Accurate symbol +2
Thunderhead Plate Armor +3 x1
Aversion Staff +1
Staff of Resilience +1
Staff of Tongues +1
Power Jewel
Salve of Power
Seashimmer Cloak +3 x1
Rod of the Feywild +2
Accurate symbol of Fire and Fury +3 x1
Staff of the Magi +3
====== End ======
[/sblock]

Huilliam is a completely freaked out, scaredy cat noble possessed by a thrillseeking fire elemental. He establishes fire vulnerability in most combats, then picks all thunder/lightning powers that add a little fire damage to every attack.

[sblock]
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Huilliam Warden|Sorcerer, level 8
Human, Sorcerer/Warden
Sorcerous Power Option: Sorcerous Power Strength
Hybrid Warden Option: Hybrid Warden Fortitude
Hybrid Talent Option: Warden's Armored Might
Guardian Might Option: Lifespirit
Versatile Expertise Option: Versatile Expertise (Heavy Blade)
Versatile Expertise Option: Versatile Expertise (Staff)
Arcane Implement Proficiency Option: Arcane Implement Proficiency (heavy blade group)
Student of the Plague Option: Sight of the Unseen
Human Power Selection Option: Heroic Effort
Spellscarred
Auspicious Birth (Auspicious Birth Benefit)
Theme: Firecrafter

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 18, CON 10, DEX 12, INT 12, WIS 8, CHA 20

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 16, CON 10, DEX 12, INT 12, WIS 8, CHA 16


AC: 26 Fort: 22 Ref: 20 Will: 23
HP: 76 Surges: 7 Surge Value: 20

TRAINED SKILLS
Athletics +10, Bluff +14, Diplomacy +14, Intimidate +14

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +4, Arcana +5, Dungeoneering +3, Endurance +1, Heal +3, History +5, Insight +3, Nature +3, Perception +3, Religion +5, Stealth +2, Streetwise +9, Thievery +2

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Firecrafter Attack: Blazing Corona
Human Racial Power: Heroic Effort
Warden Feature: Warden's Fury
Warden Feature: Warden's Grasp
Warden Attack 1: Warden's Lunge
Sorcerer Attack 1: Burning Spray
Warden Attack 1: Thunder Ram Assault
Warden Attack 1: Form of the Walking Conflagration
Sorcerer Utility 2: Dragonflame Mantle
Sorcerer Attack 3: Stormy Emotions
Sorcerer Attack 5: Thunder Leap
Firecrafter Utility 6: Burning Bright
Sorcerer Attack 7: Spark Form

FEATS
Level 1: Versatile Expertise
Level 1: Path of the Scarred
Level 1: Hybrid Talent
Level 2: Arcane Implement Proficiency
Level 4: Student of the Plague
Level 6: Mark of Storm
Level 8: Corrupting Attacks

ITEMS
Heavy Shield x1
Iron Armbands of Power (heroic tier) x1
Khyber Shard of the Fiery Depth (heroic tier)
Firewind Blade Longsword +2 x1
Rushing Cleats x1
Staff of Resilience +1
Battle Harness Hide Armor +2 x1
Adventurer's Kit
Farbond Spellblade Longsword +1
Blood Apricot
Cloak of Distortion +2 x1
Belt of Vigor (heroic tier) x1
Elven Chain Shirt (heroic tier)
Coif of Mindiron (heroic tier) x1
====== End ======[/sblock]

Heading out of town for the rest of the week, but now I have something to look forward to diving into upon my return! Thanks!