Optimizing a Con-based Warlock

[Xia Lin]

Hi, I just started a new campaign and rather than use my usual Wizard decided to try out the Warlock. I chose Genasi as they seemd like a cool new race to play with. I am open to MC if that would help. Also on the last encounter, I received a Earthroot Staff +1 but swapped it for a Rod of Corruption +1 as I thought that made more sense. Any advice on optimizations to improve the character?

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Sonliin - level 2
Genasi, Warlock
Build: Scourge Warlock
Eldritch Blast Option: Eldritch Blast Constitution
Eldritch Pact Option: Star Pact
Elemental Manifestation Option: Firesoul
Firepulse Option: Firepulse Constitution
Dark Sun, Inherent Bonuses, Spellscarred, Harper
Silent Hunter (Silent Hunter Benefit)
Theme: Elemental Priest

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 9, CON 20, DEX 10, INT 20, WIS 9, CHA 10

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 9, CON 18, DEX 10, INT 18, WIS 9, CHA 10


AC: 19 Fort: 17 Ref: 20 Will: 13
HP: 37 Surges: 11 Surge Value: 9

TRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +11, History +11, Insight +5, Perception +6

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +1, Athletics +0, Bluff +1, Diplomacy +1, Dungeoneering +0, Endurance +8, Heal +0, Intimidate +1, Nature +2, Religion +6, Stealth +2, Streetwise +1, Thievery +1

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Elemental Priest Feature: Spirit of Athas
Genasi Racial Power: Firepulse
Warlock's Curse Power: Warlock's Curse
Wild Talent Cantrip: Body Equilibrium
: Arcane Defiling
Warlock Attack 1: Eldritch Blast
Warlock Attack 1: Dire Radiance
Warlock Pact Boon 1: Fate of the Void
Warlock Attack 1: Vampiric Embrace
Warlock Attack 1: Flames of Phlegethos
Warlock Utility 2: Ethereal Stride

FEATS
Level 1: Killing Curse
Level 2: Rod Expertise

ITEMS
Adventurer's Kit
Potion of Healing (heroic tier)
Dagger
Mace
Rod of Corruption +1 x1
Quickcurse Rod +1 x1
Leather Armor x1
====== End ======

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I'm playing a Dwarven Starlock with equal Con & Cha- I'll help if I can.

1) what EXACTLY are you trying to optimize about the character? I ask, because there are a few ways you can go. A Con-based Warlock can be very tough, for instance: my guy has the second highest HP total in the party, behind only the fighter. This can lead to unorthodox tactics that have their own reward.

2) what is Killing Curse? I don't know that one.

3) Hidden Sniper is virtually a must have for Warlocks: it gives you a bonus to attacks based on whether you have concealment feom your target or not...and by grace of Shadow Walk, you'll probably have concealment.

4) I always look at the MC Feats. Most of them add a trained skill to your PC, and several add a benefit or even a power to your repertoire. And there are classes out there with nifty Con-based powers you might find useful. Look at the Sorcerer and Runepriest.

 

[Xia Lin]

Well as this is my first time at playing a Warlock, I'm not sure what the best options are. So I'm trying to "optimize" the character to be the best it can. I would like it to be able to do large damage attacks. Since it is more of a one-on-one, as far as I can tell, type of attacker as opposed to a group attacker like a wizard/mage, individual attacks that do lots of damage are what I'm looking for. If there are better options to take advantage of the skills/class of a warlock, then I would love to get a better understanding and feel for those.

As to Killing Curse, it improves the damage from Warlock's Curse to d8 from d6.

Thanks.

 

[AbdulAlhazred]

Just as a note, check your sheet. I think your ability scores are a bit off for level 2. Maybe get someone to run this through CB and check the math.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Ah, yeah- forgot that one!

General consensus seems to be that the Warlock is actually the weakest of ranged strikers in terms of damage output per target, and I can't say I've seen anything to refute that. The archer ranger in our party outdoes me all the time. He can also hit targets at a range of 20- most if not all Warlock powers are capped at range 10, absent feat/item help.

However, I have a lot more options.

The ranger is always targeting AC or reflex, as I recall. I, OTOH, can attack any defense. Your Con-boosted HP and Shadowwalking (and certain feats) boosts your defenses, so you can risk combat options others can't, such as continuing to use ranged combat powers even if a foe closes to melee range on you.

Toughness is a much better feat in 4Ed than in 3.5Ed- for you, it amounts to getting an extra level's worth of HP per tier. You might not need it, though- I haven't taken it yet myself.

 

[darkdragoon]

I am a bit surprised you're not starting with the Sorcerer-King Pact, even if only for Mindbite Scorn. Vestige Pact, at least starting out can also be helpful for a sort of arcane sniper (Zutwa boosts your Prime Shot)

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I am a bit surprised you're not starting with the Sorcerer-King Pact, even if only for Mindbite Scorn. Vestige Pact, at least starting out can also be helpful for a sort of arcane sniper (Zutwa boosts your Prime Shot)

Sorcerer-King is DarkSun isn't it? It may not be available outside of a DS campaign (it wasn't in the game I'm playing, for instance).

 

[Xia Lin]

My DM is pretty flexible so Dark Sun or any other official source material is available.
Would Sorcerer-King be a better Pact than Star for a Con based Warlock?
What are the adavntages? Any suggestions on modifications/optimizations?

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

The main problem with the Starpact in general is that it is a dual-stat pact. However, it won't matter much if you routinely pick Con-based powers & feats.

The Starpact boon is nice for boosting accuracy. Feats like Sacrifice to Caiphon are perfect for a high-Con build- it lets you take damage to reuse a Warlock encounter power. Salt in a couple Infernal powers that get you THP and you're kind or running a M:tG Suicide Black themed PC.

And don't forget Twin Pact at Paragon level so you can get full benefit of the various rider effects.

 

[Xia Lin]

So are you saying it is best to stay with Star Pact and then get Twin Pact and add Infernal?