Character Optimization - Warlord

[Mengu]

Bravura vs Tactical choice should depend on the party. If the party consists mostly of single-target attackers with viable basic attacks, such as Rageblood Barbarian, Warlock, Paladin, Seeker, then Bravura is the better deal. If the party has multi-target attackers like Dragon Sorcerer, Monk, Swordmage, Wizard, then Tactical is better.

If it's a mix, it's a question of who do you want to support more. So, not very clear cut in my head. As much as I like Tactical Warlords (and typically dislike Bravura Warlords), I think Bravura is a good choice for this particular build.

 

[Prestidigitalis]

There's an utterly evil finesse on that build if you want it and don't mind a flatter stat spread. Drop the multiclass bard feat for multiclass fighter (and a Glaive). And then pick up Polearm Gamble and Heavy Blade Opportunity. Also see if you can drop Brash Assault and instead be an Essentials human. Still, I'd consider hybriding. And definitley go Taclord.

By "flatter stat spread" you must mean one that puts at least 13 points into Strength, and it certainly looks like this character is largely an exercise in not needing strength -- though doubtless fun to play.

 

[JiggleFloyd]

There's an utterly evil finesse on that build if you want it and don't mind a flatter stat spread. Drop the multiclass bard feat for multiclass fighter (and a Glaive). And then pick up Polearm Gamble and Heavy Blade Opportunity. Also see if you can drop Brash Assault and instead be an Essentials human. Still, I'd consider hybriding. And definitley go Taclord.

That sounds like fun, and is a nice combo, but not for me.

My AC and Reflex would be lowered significantly with a two-handed weapon and a more even spread, and my focus would be diluted a lot. Plus you can't use Direct the Strike as an at-will OA (From Heavy Blade Opportunity) because it doesn't have the weapon keyword. You could use Commander's Strike but that would be more situational as a melee ally may not be in the right position when the OA occurs. I will stick with Ninth Legion Student and settle for those boring, normal OAs...

Nice idea though, have fun with it.

 

[Herschel]

Hafted defense feat.

 

[JiggleFloyd]

Yeah that takes care of the light shield.

 

[JiggleFloyd]

Made some additional changes to my character. In general, I'm much more combat focused. I delayed my healing focus and removed my skill focus.

* Changed my race to Tiefling
* Picked up two sweet utility powers from Acolyte Power and Secrets of Belial. Due to my high initiative (thanks for the idea Malisteen) I can start off any encounter with Twilight's Veil [Shaman], Mantle of Unity [Bard], AND Reorient the Axis [Warlord]. I then action point to either do a standard or a simple move action in order to situate myself for Impromptu Attack. First rounds will be crazy due to all this plus the Battle Captain PP.
* Picked up Imperious Majesty
* Changed a few APs
* Changed background to get 14 more HP
* Got a basic whip to use with Commander's Strike in case I need 2 range.

Also, I plan to get Ninth Legion Student, Mark of Healing, and Fight On for the rest of my paragon feats.

Akmenos, level 14
Tiefling, Warlord, Battle Captain
Build: Tactical Warlord
Warlord: Combat Leader
Commanding Presence: Tactical Presence
Background: Born Under a Bad Sign (Born Under a Bad Sign Benefit)

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 9, Con 12, Dex 11, Int 24, Wis 11, Cha 20.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 8, Con 11, Dex 10, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 14.

AC: 31 Fort: 24 Reflex: 29 Will: 28
HP: 101 Surges: 8 Surge Value: 25

TRAINED SKILLS
Intimidate +17, Diplomacy +17, Heal +12, History +19, Arcana +19

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +6, Bluff +14, Dungeoneering +7, Endurance +7, Insight +7, Nature +7, Perception +7, Religion +14, Stealth +8, Streetwise +12, Thievery +6, Athletics +5

FEATS
Bardic Ritualist: Ritual Caster
Level 1: Lend Might
Level 2: Lend Strength
Level 4: Tactical Assault
Level 6: Bardic Ritualist
Level 8: Acolyte Power
Level 10: Imperious Majesty
Level 11: Combat Commander
Level 12: Danger Sense
Level 14: Secrets of Belial

POWERS
Warlord at-will 1: Commander's Strike
Warlord at-will 1: Direct the Strike
Warlord encounter 1: Provocative Order
Warlord daily 1: Lead by Example
Warlord utility 2: Shake It Off
Warlord encounter 3: Powerful Warning
Warlord daily 5: Stand the Fallen
Warlord utility 6: Reorient the Axis
Warlord encounter 7: Friendly Fire
Warlord daily 9: Warlord's Recovery
Warlord utility 10: Bolstering Shout (retrained to Mantle of Unity at Acolyte Power)
Warlord encounter 13: Impromptu Attack (replaces Provocative Order)

ITEMS
Golden Crown of Battle Command (paragon tier), Mantle of the Golden General +3, Fireheart Tattoo (heroic tier), Diamond Cincture (heroic tier), Boots of Quickness (heroic tier), Bracers of Mental Might (heroic tier), Light Shield, Gloves of Grace (heroic tier), War Pick of Shared Wrath +2, Master's Wand of Magic Missile +1, Master's Wand of Scorching Burst +1, Lifeblood Earthhide Armor +3, Whip