Half-Elf Diletante Ability: Any Good Synergies?

[Felon]

So, I've tried to make use of half-elves in a couple of builds: a warlock and a bard. The diletante feature is the make-or-break point for me, and I haven't had luck finding a good application.

There are a couple of problems: implements and ability scores. Taking an at-will power and using it as an encounter power is kind of iffy in the first place in terms of effectiveness. Having to carry around another implement to whip out and then operate at an attack bonus that's at least a couple of points lower feels like a real deal-breaker.

So, on the premise that some folks have dipped more than a toe into this pool, I ask: anyone found any good combos? Not necessarily for a bard or warlock, but any class? I guess all the various Str-based, weapon-using classes provide the best compability.

 

[Stalker0]

If your int is good, scorching burst or the wizard power that creates a pillar for a round are good. SB is a solid power, and the pillar doesn't really rely on stats, its biggest draw is the ability to block an area for a round.

One thing you could ask your DM if he would allow another pact at will as your dilletenatte.

 

[jasonbostwick]

I've built (but not played yet) a Half-Elf Storm Sorceror (House Lyrandar PP) for an upcoming Eberron campaign.

I took the Wizard Power Storm Pillar as my Dilletante ability.

It doesn't have an attack roll, so I don't have to worry about my low Int, and all of my feats that modify my lightning powers affect it. It should give me some decent battlefield control and minion auto-clearing.

 

[keterys]

Charisma characters can get decent mileage out of weapon-based charisma attacks like the bard and paladin ones. Implement users can get mileage out of similar implements - especially if they have arcane weapon proficiency. Swordmage and Artificer weapon at-wills can be a possible option even without that.

Str-based or Dex-based do pretty much win for having lots of good options.

 

[Nifft]

Half-Elf Bard: take Arcane Implement Proficiency (heavy blades). Now all your Bard powers key off your magic longsword, which will save you big money in the long term.

- Now you can take any Sorcerer, Warlock or whatever other Arcane class power, and it'll use your magic longsword too. I recommend either Blazing Starfall or Burning Spray, because you don't have a lot of area attacks.

- Alternately, take Virtuous Strike (Paladin power from DP). It's a melee basic, so it covers your OA and Charge scenarios, and it's Radiant damage. Too bad it doesn't play nice with White Lotus (psssst! Power of Arcana [Domain]) -- er, nevermind. It's perfect in every way.

- - -

Prescient Bards will want to take Twin Strike (and Combat Virtuoso).

Another sweet candidate for use with Combat Virtuoso is Astral Seal (Cleric power from DP), but that one will demand its own implement, at least until you get your own holy avenger.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Merlin the Tuna]

I just built a Valorous Bard earlier today and set my eye on the Paladin's Virtuous Strike, from Divine Power. It's charisma based but uses a sword, gives you some access to radiant damage, grants a save bonus, and can be used as a melee basic attack. The more I read that, the more ridiculous it looks as far as at-wills are concerned, but there you go.

 

[Iron Sky]

There's an entire 19 page thread on the CharOp forums that does nothing but analyze half-elf Dilettante choices. You can find it here if you're feeling adventurous.

 

[Starfox]

I know Avenger is not exactly the prime class for Half Elves, but anything that gives youi two attacks/round is lovely for an Avenger crit build.

 

[Theroc]

I'm not certain it's optimal, but for Living Eberron, I chose Burning Spray for my Fey Warlock as the Half-Elf Dilettante power.

I figured a little more AoE is always nice. Then again, I also MC'ed Sorcerer and took the Dancing Lightning level 3 encounter power, since it fit the fey theme I had going and seemed a bit more useful than the Warlock powers at that level.

Sorcerer and Warlock both use daggers as implements, so your pact dagger may work with your Sorcerer abilities. Seems synergistic to me.

 

[Felon]

Sorcerer and Warlock both use daggers as implements, so your pact dagger may work with your Sorcerer abilities. Seems synergistic to me.

The problem, at the end of the day you're left wondering why you didn't just create a sorcerer in the first place.

Thanks for the advice so far, everyone.