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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lancelot" data-source="post: 5407542" data-attributes="member: 30022">Here are my thoughts on the posted character:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Melee Training only applies to basic attacks, which means this PC's attack bonus is going to be horrible for all their regular fighter powers. This will impact attack bonuses against all defenses. Note that if this was an Essentials fighter build, it might be more acceptable. Essentials fighters primarily use basic attacks; their powers are stances and "special use" abilities that augment basic attacks.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">As noted, the point-buy seems to be off. Normal point-buy is 22; this appears to be an 18-point build. That'll impact expected values.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Also, that's some slightly odd stat advancement. Most players pick two stats and pour all their +1/+1 bonuses into those two stats. Instead, this character has regularly put +1's into CON... and spread the other +1's between STR, INT, and WIS. The latter two are slightly helping the non-AC defenses, but it's probably better picking one non-CON stat and buffing it regularly.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">It's a STR/CON build, which is going to hurt in any case. You have one good non-AC defense (Fort). Assuming you pour all your +1/+1 bonuses into STR/CON, your Reflex and Will defenses simply aren't going to keep pace with monster attack bonuses. C'est la vie - that's the unfortunate cost of playing a STR/CON, INT/DEX or WIS/CHA character. Personally, I try to avoid these builds (which is why I played a vengeful Deva and a valorous Bard, rather than a pursuit avenger and a prescient Bard). However, many of my players are happy playing "single defense" builds. You just have to recognize that you will be highly vulnerable to two different attack forms, rather than just one.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">There's only one feat listed for the dwarf that is helping their numbers (plate armor prof). I'd strongly recommend at least one of the non-AC defense feats (Improved Defenses for a general buff, or Great Fortitude if you really want to go nuts on Fortitude) and/or one of the expertise feats (as mentioned, the new Essentials feats would give +2 attack at level 11 and above).</li> </ul>To "correct" this character, I'd recommend working with the DM to see if the PC could be switched to an Essentials fighter build (where the low STR wouldn't hurt much, as they use mostly basic attacks - and Melee Training would apply). Alternatively, retain the pre-Essentials build and see if the stats can be rejigged to improve STR. Consider retraining 1-2 feats to further improve numbers. Otherwise, I'd suggest this would be quite frustrating to play. You're looking at a +13 attack modifier, true? If you're fighting a typical "soldier" monster of your own level (13th), you'll need to roll a 16 or better to hit under normal circumstances. If you're fighting a "boss monster" several levels higher than you, you'll be missing nearly every attack - unless you're simply using Basic Attacks, where Melee Training kicks in. Ouch.</blockquote>

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