Sample Character request: Warrior/Mage

[Nifft]

Vaeron, Half Elf Fighter 1
STR 15 +2
CON 12 +1
DEX 14 +2
INT 14 +2
WIS 14 +2
CHA 10 +0
- - -
Vaeron, Half Elf Fighter 11 / Battle Mage Paragon

STR 17 +3
CON 12 +1
DEX 14 +2
INT 14 +2
WIS 16 +3
CHA 10 +0

All stats should be +1 at 11th level.
Also, why are you improving Wisdom instead of Intelligence?

Cheers, -- N

 

[ShadowyFigure]

wisdom is a good stat for Wiz, as thunder wave can push 3 squares at 11th. And I only increasing wis to the 16 mark. there are also meant to be other wisdom reliant abilities for extra effects.

 

[Zaruthustran]

Key abilities to me would be:

- Proficient with a number of weapons, including traditional warrior weapons such as swords, bows, or polearms
- Proficient in at least light-to-medium armor, and able to use a shield. Ideally, able to cast spells in armor
- Sufficient toughness to be able to enter melee, if not tough enough to be the party's sole melee combatant
- Access to a mix of physical and knowledge/arcane skill information
- Able to cast spells in combat that can aid in defense, attack a single target, or have area offensive effects
- Able to cast utility spells outside of combat that can assist the party
- Be able to demonstrate the flavor of the above from very early -- ideally first level. None of this "I'm an arcane warrior, but I'm still working on the arcane part" to suddenly "Hey look, spells!". This can't be a "build" that only works at 20th level ... the concept needs to be coherent for the majority of the character's career.

One of the challenges with caster/melee is that melee attacks and caster attacks tend to be powered by different ability scores (Charisma is the exception, as noted below). I'd give Warlock a serious look, since it gives leather armor, basic weapons (including mace and crossbow), and the same HP as rangers and rogues.

Some general build ideas:

1. Paladin multiclassed with Warlock, or Warlock multiclassed with Paladin. There's only one caster/melee combo that relies on the same ability score, and that's Warlock and Paladin, which both can rely on Charisma. A human, halfling, or ideally half-elf could make this combo work. Probably best to go with Warlock as your primary, using multiclass feats to gain a Paladin attack power and paragon path. If you go with Paladin as your primary, you'll have better defenses and can leave Int at 12 or 14, relying on heavy armor for AC. You can even dump Str if you wish, since you don't need to qualify for Plate's and Heavy Shield's pre-reqs if you get those feats from your class.

2. Melee class, Tiefling or Eladrin race, multiclassed with Wizard or Warlock (choosing Arcane as the skill) and with the Ritual Casting feat. Those two races give a bonus to Intelligence, allowing high rolls for Arcane checks (and good performance on rituals). The high Int helps with light armor AC. Dabbling in Wizard or Warlock gives access to a ranged arcane attack power, and therefore access to magic implements like wands (which give a daily arcane attack power) and arcane paragon paths.

3. Warlock class, Eladrin race, Dagger Master paragon path, spend feats on multiclass rogue, novice power rogue, TWF, TWD, and ritual casting feat.. Warlocks start with leather armor, and Eladrin gives proficiency with bows and longsword. After you take Novice Power ditch the longsword in favor or dagger, and once per encounter you can shank a guy with a Dex-based Rogue attack power. Assuming you use the attack power or your Teleport ability to gain combat advantage, you get to add sneak attack damage to the attack. TWF and TWD add to damage and defenses without requiring Str or Con, and can be used with the magic item Pact Blade. At 11th level you'll gain more per-encounter melee attack powers. You're definitely going to rely on your arcane powers most of the time, but at least once per encounter you can hit--hard--with a melee attack.

4. Rogue base class, Wizard of the Spiral Tower paragon path, Eladrin race, multiclassed with Wizard, other feats on Ritual Casting, TWF, and TWD. Again, this gives free Bow proficiency, arcane skill, and a ranged arcane attack. Fight with longsword and dagger. Use your dagger for your rogue powers, your longsword for your Wizard and Spiral Tower powers. TWF and TWD for a little extra damage and defense without requiring Str or Con.

 

[Nifft]

New idea:

Paladin (Cleric) -> Radiant Servant: This is all about the Illuminating Attacks feature, which allows you to crit on a 19 or 20 with any power that has the Radiant keyword. And Paladins have Holy Strike (an at-will Radiant melee attack). Mua-ha-ha-ha-ha! Epic melee feats, bite my scaly Dragonborn tail!

Some of the other Paladin Radiant attack prayers seem to have some Wisdom synergy, so it's a decent combo. Why Dragonborn? Because you will want high Charisma and Strength.

Cheers, -- N