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The Warlord, Or How to Wield A Barbarian One-Handed (by zelink551)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nibelung" data-source="post: 6709507" data-attributes="member: 74499"><p><strong>Originally posted by zelink551:</strong></p><p></p><p>Tactics: The Methods To Glory</p><p></p><p>After some analysis and playtesting, I believe that the following guidelines are key to playing a successful Warlord.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>1. Know the easiest path to glory.</strong></span></p><p></p><p>The first step to playing a successful Warlord is identifiying what each particular build does best. This depends on the Commanding Presence you have chosen. The areas where I believe each one excels are summarized here:</p><p></p><p>Bravura Presence - As far as combat style goes, you typically fall in between a Soldier and a Brute; your place is the frontline, and you should prepare for it. Some of you may even dive headfirst into the action. Your abilities often demand you grant Combat Advantage to your enemies in exchange for their benefits, so be prepared to invest in your defense more than other Warlords will. Your specialty is granting your allies additional attacks, so look to flank with them in order to maximize their chances of hitting.</p><p></p><p>Insightful Presence - This build may be the purest Soldier in the bunch: you will be smack dab in the frontline, as many of your powers like to disrupt enemy actions and otherwise contribute to allied success outside your turn. Apart from that, looking to enable your allies is your class's bread and butter, so you should do that as well.</p><p></p><p>Inspiring Presence - This build is more of a straight Soldier as far as its individual combat style; heavily armored, solid damage, and can offer a bit of "off-tanking". That being said, your specialties are healing and damage buffing, so you're built to stand and deliver in combat. Work closely with your Defender, and you will go a long way toward keep both of you upright, which means the enemy will find it much harder to damage your more vulnerable allies.</p><p></p><p>Resourceful Presence - This build has a hint of Skirmisher with it, thanks to its lighter armor and higher mobility. You have a veritable grab bag of abilities available to you, so you can choose to be a jack-of-all-trades that is able to provide buffing, healing, or extra attacks as needed, or you could choose an area of specialization, which would be reinforced by your selection of the Infernal Strategist path. If so, pay attention to the entry of the build you dabbled in, as much of that will apply to you as well.</p><p></p><p>Skirmishing Presence - This build reverses the typical tendency in that likes fighting at Range, which makes you a pretty straight-forward Artillery in concept, since you're not going to be moving around nearly as much as a Ranged Skirmisher would. Look for powers that let you plink away safely in the back; no need for you to go risk your neck out in front. If the worst comes to the worst or you have a Melee power that was simply too good to pass up, consider a Thrown Weapon to keep all your capabilities going.</p><p></p><p>Tactical Presence - This build is also has a side of Skirmisher with that Soldier base, because of the extra mobility afforded by its light armor. In this case, your specialty is attack buffing, and plenty of it. Since you are able to buff attacks so efficiently, you will also want the ability to grant extra attacks, so your allies can milk your bonuses for what they're worth. Bear in mind, though, your primary priority is being a buffer; after you've selected powers to that end, pick up some goodies to grant extra swings.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>2. Be the Leader in combat.</strong></span></p><p></p><p>While you may not always be the actual party leader, in combat, people would do well to do what you say. In general, these three strategies will help your party win the day:</p><p></p><p>Select the target. You are an offensively inclined Leader in that a lot of your features allow allies to bring down enemies faster. To that end, the target you choose is the one that the party should focus on. Look to evaluate which enemy going down would bring you the most benefit at any given moment.</p><p></p><p>Live to talk about it. You are a Melee character first and foremost, and a lot of your abilities are close-range. That means you will probably have to get up close and personal with your target in order to help your allies bring him down. This means that having good defenses and going in judiciously is paramount to avoid the enemy's retributive attacks.</p><p></p><p>Let 'em have it. Although your main role is that of the facilitator, that doesn't mean that you should abandon all hope of being an offensive force. If you can hit the opponent hard, it makes it easier for your allies to bring them down. This is not your primary priority, but it should be a priority.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>3. Make the team better.</strong></span></p><p></p><p>Teamwork is the foundation of what you do as a Leader, so you should be prepared to do what it takes for your side to win. Apart from the standard functions of healing injured allies and facilitating offense via bonuses, don't be afraid of doing the little risky things, like provoking an Opportunity Attack to set up a flank (especially if the one making the Opportunity Attack is within reach of your party Defender), and look to set up opponents where another ally can lock them down, be it with a Defender's mark, a Striker's damage, or a Controller's status effect. You are the Leader, after all; in the words of TML20, "You are God; let the mortals have their victory."</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>4. Be aware of yourself.</strong></span></p><p></p><p>With all the micro-managing and resource-oriented functions you do, it's rather easy to lose track of what you are doing, and what you are needing at the moment. Sometimes, it's OK to let your party's Defender and Striker tear something up themselves because it's too dangerous (or action-consuming) to back them up. The worst-case scenario is that you have to heal them after a while, which is easier to do than them healing you. That doesn't mean you treat your allies as expendable flesh-bags, but it does mean that you don't have to be after them like an over-protective parent. <img src="http://community.wizards.com/sites/all/modules/custom/forest_site/smileys/wizards/grin.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>5. Apply force judiciously.</strong></span></p><p></p><p>Having a good understanding of a given tactical situation can save your party more time and HP than any damage combo you (or anyone else) can cook up. Learn when to stick to your guns and fight conservative, and when to gamble more resources to end the encounter faster. You don't necessarily need ALL your Dailies to take out the BBEG, after all, but you probably will need SOME of them.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>6. Balance specialization with versatility.</strong></span></p><p></p><p>This may be the class with the most build options simultaneously available to a character without requiring drastic changes in builds or ability scores. Be wary of over-specialization; being a one-trick pony is a quick and dirty way to get you (and the rest of your party) in serious trouble. However, don't strive to be a generalist, either; you should pick a style, and let it influence (not mandate) your choices.</p><p></p><p>Sample Builds: Chasers of Glory</p><p></p><p>UNDER CONSTRUCTION...</p><p></p><p><strong>The General</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p>This build is made to enable your allies to take encounters by storm. To accomplish that, it has taken measures to help your allies get where they need to go faster and kill what they need to kill more efficiently. It also invests some resources in going first so that you can do your job as quickly as possible.</p><p></p><p><strong>Race:</strong> Genasi.</p><p><strong>Commanding Presence:</strong> Tactical Presence.</p><p><strong>Leader Feature:</strong> Combat Leader.</p><p><strong>Multiclass:</strong> None.</p><p><strong>Paragon Path:</strong> Battle Captain.</p><p><strong>Epic Destiny:</strong> Warmaster.</p><p></p><p><strong>Ability Scores:</strong></p><p><strong></strong>L1 – Str 18, Con 12, Dex 10, Int 18, Wis 8, Cha 12</p><p>L4 – Str 19, Con 12, Dex 10, Int 19, Wis 8, Cha 12</p><p>L8 – Str 20, Con 12, Dex 10, Int 20, Wis 8, Cha 12</p><p>L11 – Str 21, Con 13, Dex 11, Int 21, Wis 9, Cha 13</p><p>L14 – Str 22, Con 13, Dex 11, Int 22, Wis 9, Cha 13</p><p>L18 – Str 23, Con 13, Dex 11, Int 23, Wis 9, Cha 13</p><p>L21 – Str 24, Con 14, Dex 12, Int 24, Wis 10, Cha 14</p><p>L24 – Str 25, Con 14, Dex 12, Int 25, Wis 10, Cha 14</p><p>L28 – Str 26, Con 14, Dex 12, Int 26, Wis 10, Cha 14</p><p></p><p><strong>Feats:</strong></p><p>L1 – Mark of Healing</p><p>L2 – Heavy Blade Expertise</p><p>L4 – Tactical Assault</p><p>L6 – Shield Proficiency (Heavy)</p><p>L8 – Primordial Surge</p><p>L10 – Toughness</p><p>L11 – Combat Commander</p><p>L12 – Fight On</p><p>L14 – Tactician’s Word</p><p>L16 – Vexing Flanker</p><p>L18 – Improved Initiative</p><p>L20 – Improved Defenses</p><p>L21 – Martial Mastery</p><p>L21 – Superior Initiative (replaces Improved Initiative)</p><p>L22 – Shared Resources</p><p>L24 – Epic Will</p><p>L26 – Weapon Focus (Heavy Blades)</p><p>L28 – Improved Tactics</p><p>L28 – Protective Leadership (replaces Tactician’s Word)</p><p>L30 – Danger Sense</p><p></p><p><strong>At-Will Powers:</strong></p><p>L1 – Commander’s Strike</p><p>L1 – Inevitable Wave</p><p></p><p><strong>Encounter Powers:</strong></p><p>L1 – Warlord’s Favor</p><p>L3 – Vengeance is Mine</p><p>L7 – On My Mark</p><p>L11 – Force Retreat</p><p>L13 – Death from Two Sides (replaces On My Mark)</p><p>L17 – Hail of Steel (replaces Vengeance is Mine)</p><p>L23 – Thunderous Fury (replaces Warlord’s Favor)</p><p>L27 – A Plan Comes Together (replaces Death from Two Sides)</p><p></p><p><strong>Daily Powers:</strong></p><p>L1 – Lead the Attack</p><p>L5 – Stand the Fallen</p><p>L9 – Iron Dragon Charge</p><p>L15 – Anticipate Attack (replaces Iron Dragon Charge)</p><p>L19 – Victory Surge (replaces Anticipate Attack)</p><p>L20 – Cunning Flurry</p><p>L25 – Precision Stance (replaces Lead the Attack)</p><p>L29 – Defy Death (replaces Renew the Troops)</p><p></p><p><strong>Utility Powers:</strong></p><p>L2 – Adaptive Stratagem</p><p>L6 – Reorient the Axis</p><p>L10 – Tactical Orders</p><p>L12 – Bolt of Genius</p><p>L16 – Warlord’s Banner</p><p>L22 – Rush of Battle</p><p>L26 – Spring the Trap</p><p></p><p><strong>Skills:</strong></p><p>L1 – Athletics</p><p>L1 – Diplomacy</p><p>L1 – Endurance</p><p>L1 – History</p><p></p><p><strong>Magic Items (Expected GP = 14,625,000): </strong></p><p><strong>L30 (3,125,000 gp): </strong>+6 Healer's Elderhide Armor (AV 2)</p><p><strong>L29 (2,625,000 gp):</strong> Ring of Free Time (AV 2) </p><p><strong>L28 (2,125,000 gp):</strong> +6 Steadfast Amulet (AV)</p><p><strong>L27 (1,625,000 gp):</strong> +6 Farbond Spellblade Longsword (AV 2)</p><p><strong>L26 (1,125,000 gp): </strong>Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV) </p><p><strong>L26 (1,125,000 gp): </strong>Violet Solitaire (AV) </p><p><strong>L25 (625,000 gp):</strong> Diamond Scabbard (AV) </p><p><strong>L24 (525,000 gp):</strong> Zephyr Boots (AV) </p><p><strong>L23 (425,000 gp): </strong>Eye of Awareness (AV) </p><p><strong>L22 (325,000 gp):</strong> Gloves of the Healer (Epic Tier) (AV)</p><p><strong>L15 (25,000 gp):</strong> Ring of the Dragonborn Emperor (AV) </p><p><strong>L13 (17,000 gp):</strong> Cord of Divine Favor (AV)</p><p><strong>L12 (13,000 gp): </strong>Stone of Earth (AV 2)</p><p><strong>L11 (9,000 gp):</strong> Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)</p><p><strong>L9 (4,200 gp): </strong>Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)</p><p><strong>L3 (680 gp):</strong> Battle Standard of Healing (AV)</p><p><strong>TOTAL:</strong> 13,721,880 gp</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>The Hero</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p>This build is made to inspire his allies into a veritable fighting frenzy; to that end, it focuses both on throwing itself into combat in order to lead by example, and by enhancing ally capabilities through liberal doses of granted attacks and buffing.</p><p></p><p><strong>Race:</strong> Dragonborn.</p><p><strong>Commanding Presence:</strong> Bravura Presence.</p><p><strong>Leader Feature:</strong> Battlefront Leader.</p><p><strong>Multiclass:</strong> None.</p><p><strong>Paragon Path:</strong> Battlelord of Kord.</p><p><strong>Epic Destiny:</strong> Warmaster.</p><p></p><p><strong>Ability Scores:</strong></p><p><strong></strong>L1 – Str 18, Con 12, Dex 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 18</p><p>L4 – Str 19, Con 12, Dex 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 19</p><p>L8 – Str 20, Con 12, Dex 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 20</p><p>L11 – Str 21, Con 13, Dex 13, Int 11, Wis 9, Cha 21</p><p>L14 – Str 22, Con 13, Dex 13, Int 11, Wis 9, Cha 22</p><p>L18 – Str 23, Con 13, Dex 13, Int 11, Wis 9, Cha 23</p><p>L21 – Str 24, Con 14, Dex 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 24</p><p>L24 – Str 25, Con 14, Dex 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 25</p><p>L28 – Str 26, Con 14, Dex 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26</p><p></p><p><strong>Feats:</strong></p><p>L1 – Mark of Healing</p><p>L2 – Heavy Blade Expertise</p><p>L4 – Armored Warlord</p><p>L6 – Toughness</p><p>L8 – Inspiring Breath</p><p>L10 – Improved Inspiring Word</p><p>L11 – Improved Battlefront Shift</p><p>L12 – Fight On</p><p>L14 – Vexing Flanker</p><p>L16 – Harlequin Style</p><p>L18 – Impetuous Charger</p><p>L20 – Improved Initiative</p><p>L21 – Shift the Field</p><p>L21 – Supreme Inspiration (replaces Improved Battlefront Shift)</p><p>L22 – Martial Mastery</p><p>L22 – Superior Initiative (replaces Improved Initiative)</p><p>L24 – Call to Glory</p><p>L26 – Improved Defenses</p><p>L28 – Epic Reflexes</p><p>L30 – Weapon Focus (Heavy Blades)</p><p></p><p><strong>At-Will Powers:</strong></p><p>L1 – Brash Assault</p><p>L1 – Direct the Strike</p><p></p><p><strong>Encounter Powers:</strong></p><p>L1 – Vengeance is Mine</p><p>L3 – No Gambit is Wasted</p><p>L7 – Provoke Overextension</p><p>L11 – Tempest of Triumph</p><p>L13 – Death from Two Sides (replaces Vengeance is Mine)</p><p>L17 – Hail of Steel (replaces Provoke Overextension)</p><p>L23 – Hold that Thought (replaces No Gambit is Wasted)</p><p>L27 – A Plan Comes Together (replaces Death from Two Sides)</p><p></p><p><strong>Daily Powers:</strong></p><p>L1 – Lamb to the Slaughter</p><p>L5 – Stand the Fallen</p><p>L9 – Iron Dragon Charge</p><p>L15 – War Master’s Assault (replaces Lamb to the Slaughter)</p><p>L19 – Victory Surge (replaces Iron Dragon Charge)</p><p>L20 – Path of the Storm</p><p>L25 – Relentless Assault (replaces War Master’s Assault)</p><p>L29 – Defy Death (replaces Stand the Fallen)</p><p></p><p><strong>Utility Powers:</strong></p><p>L2 – Knight’s Move</p><p>L6 – Inspiring Reaction</p><p>L10 – Instant Planning</p><p>L10 – Tactical Orders</p><p>L12 – Blood-Tested Inspiration</p><p>L22 – Rush of Battle</p><p>L26 – Spring the Trap</p><p></p><p><strong>Skills:</strong></p><p>L1 – Athletics</p><p>L1 – Diplomacy</p><p>L1 – History</p><p>L1 – Intimidate</p><p></p><p><strong>Magic Items (Expected GP = 14,625,000): </strong></p><p><strong>L29 (2,625,000 gp): </strong>Ring of Free Time (AV 2)</p><p><strong>L28 (2,125,000 gp):</strong> +6 Steadfast Amulet (AV)</p><p><strong>L28 (2,125,000 gp):</strong> +6 Vanguard Longsword (AV)</p><p><strong>L27 (1,625,000 gp):</strong> +6 Dwarven Elderscale Armor (PHB)</p><p><strong>L27 (1,625,000 gp): </strong>+6 Farbond Spellblade Longsword (AV 2)</p><p><strong>L26 (1,125,000 gp): </strong>Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV)</p><p><strong>L25 (625,000 gp): </strong>Diamond Scabbard (AV)</p><p><strong>L22 (325,000 gp):</strong> Boots of Speed (AV)</p><p><strong>L22 (325,000 gp):</strong> Gloves of the Healer (Epic Tier) (AV)</p><p><strong>L21 (225,000 gp):</strong> Ring of Tenacious Will (AV)</p><p><strong>L20 (125,000 gp): </strong>Helm of Heroes (Paragon Tier) (PHB)</p><p><strong>L13 (17,000 gp):</strong> Cord of Divine Favor (AV)</p><p><strong>L9 (4,200 gp):</strong> Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)</p><p><strong>L3 (680 gp):</strong> Battle Standard of Healing (AV)</p><p><strong>TOTAL:</strong> 12,896,880 gp</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>The Sergeant</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p>While this Warlord likes to enable as much as the next member of his class, he also has a legitimate single-target option in the ability to produce an At-Will double attack plus knocking prone, just in case you need to bring the pain yourself.</p><p></p><p><strong>Race:</strong> Human.</p><p><strong>Commanding Presence:</strong> Bravura Presence.</p><p><strong>Leader Feature:</strong> Battlefront Leader.</p><p><strong>Multiclass:</strong> Fighter.</p><p><strong>Paragon Path:</strong> Kulkor Arms Master.</p><p><strong>Epic Destiny:</strong> Destined Scion.</p><p></p><p><strong>Ability Scores:</strong></p><p><strong></strong>L1 – Str 18, Con 13, Dex 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 14</p><p>L4 – Str 19, Con 13, Dex 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 15</p><p>L8 – Str 20, Con 13, Dex 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16</p><p>L11 – Str 21, Con 14, Dex 15, Int 11, Wis 9, Cha 17</p><p>L14 – Str 22, Con 14, Dex 15, Int 11, Wis 9, Cha 18</p><p>L18 – Str 23, Con 14, Dex 15, Int 11, Wis 9, Cha 19</p><p>L21 – Str 26, Con 15, Dex 16, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 22</p><p>L24 – Str 27, Con 16, Dex 16, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 22</p><p>L28 – Str 28, Con 17, Dex 16, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 22</p><p></p><p><strong>Feats:</strong></p><p>L1 – Mark of Healing</p><p>L1 – Weapon Proficiency (Waraxe)</p><p>L2 – Axe Expertise</p><p>L4 – Armored Warlord</p><p>L6 – Student of the Sword (One-Handed Weapons, Streetwise)</p><p>L8 – Kulkor Battlearm Student</p><p>L10 – Wintertouched</p><p>L11 – Lasting Frost</p><p>L12 – Fight On</p><p>L14 – Improved Battlefront Shift</p><p>L16 – Risky Charge</p><p>L18 – Armor Specialization (Scale)</p><p>L20 – Weapon Focus (Axes)</p><p>L21 – Shift the Field</p><p>L21 – Supreme Inspiration (replaces Improved Battlefront Shift)</p><p>L22 – Call to Glory</p><p>L24 – Martial Mastery</p><p>L26 – Superior Initiative</p><p>L28 – Axe Mastery</p><p>L30 – Improved Defenses</p><p></p><p><strong>At-Will Attack Powers:</strong></p><p>L1 – Brash Assault</p><p>L1 – Direct the Strike</p><p>L1 – Wolf Pack Tactics</p><p></p><p><strong>Encounter Powers:</strong></p><p>L1 – Vengeance is Mine</p><p>L3 – No Gambit is Wasted</p><p>L7 – Provoke Overextension</p><p>L11 – Arms Master Challenge</p><p>L13 – Death from Two Sides (replaces Vengeance is Mine)</p><p>L17 – Hail of Steel (replaces Provoke Overextension)</p><p>L23 – Hold That Thought (replaces No Gambit is Wasted)</p><p>L27 – A Plan Comes Together (replaces Death from Two Sides)</p><p></p><p><strong>Daily Powers:</strong></p><p>L1 – Lamb to the Slaughter</p><p>L5 – Stand the Fallen</p><p>L9 – Iron Dragon Charge</p><p>L15 – War Master’s Assault (replaces Lamb to the Slaughter)</p><p>L19 – Victory Surge (replaces Iron Dragon Charge)</p><p>L20 – Subjugation of Steel</p><p>L25 – Relentless Assault (replaces War Master’s Assault)</p><p>L29 – Defy Death (replaces Stand the Fallen)</p><p></p><p><strong>Utility Powers:</strong></p><p>L2 – Knight’s Move</p><p>L6 – Inspiring Reaction</p><p>L10 – Instant Planning</p><p>L10 – Tactical Orders</p><p>L12 – Tempered in Blood</p><p>L22 – Rush of Battle</p><p>L26 – Epic Recovery</p><p></p><p><strong>Skills:</strong></p><p>L1 – Athletics</p><p>L1 – Diplomacy</p><p>L1 – Endurance</p><p>L1 – History</p><p>L1 – Intimidate</p><p>L8 – Streetwise</p><p></p><p><strong>Magic Items (Expected GP = 14,625,000):</strong></p><p><strong>L28 (2,125,000 gp):</strong> +6 Frost Handaxe (PHB)</p><p><strong>L28 (2,125,000 gp):</strong> +6 Frost Waraxe (PHB)</p><p><strong>L28 (2,125,000 gp):</strong> Boots of Teleportation (AV)</p><p><strong>L28 (2,125,000 gp):</strong> +6 Steadfast Amulet (AV)</p><p><strong>L27 (1,625,000 gp):</strong> +6 Dwarven Elderscale Armor (PHB)</p><p><strong>L27 (1,625,000 gp):</strong> Shadow Band (AV)</p><p><strong>L26 (1,125,000 gp):</strong> Horned Helm (Epic Tier) (PHB)</p><p><strong>L26 (1,125,000 gp):</strong> Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV)</p><p><strong>L22 (325,000 gp):</strong> Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Epic Tier) (EPG)</p><p><strong>L21 (225,000 gp):</strong> Gloves of Ice (Epic Tier) (AV 2)</p><p><strong>L13 (17,000 gp):</strong> Ring of Giants (D 378)</p><p><strong>L12 (13,000 gp):</strong> Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)</p><p><strong>L12 (13,000 gp):</strong> Stone of Earth (AV 2)</p><p><strong>L11 (9,000 gp):</strong> Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)</p><p><strong>L9 (4,200 gp): </strong>Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)</p><p><strong>Nonmagical:</strong> Heavy Shield (PHB)</p><p><strong>TOTAL:</strong> 14,608,200 gp</p><p>[/sblock] </p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nibelung, post: 6709507, member: 74499"] [b]Originally posted by zelink551:[/b] Tactics: The Methods To Glory After some analysis and playtesting, I believe that the following guidelines are key to playing a successful Warlord. [Size=3][b]1. Know the easiest path to glory.[/b][/size] The first step to playing a successful Warlord is identifiying what each particular build does best. This depends on the Commanding Presence you have chosen. The areas where I believe each one excels are summarized here: Bravura Presence - As far as combat style goes, you typically fall in between a Soldier and a Brute; your place is the frontline, and you should prepare for it. Some of you may even dive headfirst into the action. Your abilities often demand you grant Combat Advantage to your enemies in exchange for their benefits, so be prepared to invest in your defense more than other Warlords will. Your specialty is granting your allies additional attacks, so look to flank with them in order to maximize their chances of hitting. Insightful Presence - This build may be the purest Soldier in the bunch: you will be smack dab in the frontline, as many of your powers like to disrupt enemy actions and otherwise contribute to allied success outside your turn. Apart from that, looking to enable your allies is your class's bread and butter, so you should do that as well. Inspiring Presence - This build is more of a straight Soldier as far as its individual combat style; heavily armored, solid damage, and can offer a bit of "off-tanking". That being said, your specialties are healing and damage buffing, so you're built to stand and deliver in combat. Work closely with your Defender, and you will go a long way toward keep both of you upright, which means the enemy will find it much harder to damage your more vulnerable allies. Resourceful Presence - This build has a hint of Skirmisher with it, thanks to its lighter armor and higher mobility. You have a veritable grab bag of abilities available to you, so you can choose to be a jack-of-all-trades that is able to provide buffing, healing, or extra attacks as needed, or you could choose an area of specialization, which would be reinforced by your selection of the Infernal Strategist path. If so, pay attention to the entry of the build you dabbled in, as much of that will apply to you as well. Skirmishing Presence - This build reverses the typical tendency in that likes fighting at Range, which makes you a pretty straight-forward Artillery in concept, since you're not going to be moving around nearly as much as a Ranged Skirmisher would. Look for powers that let you plink away safely in the back; no need for you to go risk your neck out in front. If the worst comes to the worst or you have a Melee power that was simply too good to pass up, consider a Thrown Weapon to keep all your capabilities going. Tactical Presence - This build is also has a side of Skirmisher with that Soldier base, because of the extra mobility afforded by its light armor. In this case, your specialty is attack buffing, and plenty of it. Since you are able to buff attacks so efficiently, you will also want the ability to grant extra attacks, so your allies can milk your bonuses for what they're worth. Bear in mind, though, your primary priority is being a buffer; after you've selected powers to that end, pick up some goodies to grant extra swings. [Size=3][b]2. Be the Leader in combat.[/b][/size] While you may not always be the actual party leader, in combat, people would do well to do what you say. In general, these three strategies will help your party win the day: Select the target. You are an offensively inclined Leader in that a lot of your features allow allies to bring down enemies faster. To that end, the target you choose is the one that the party should focus on. Look to evaluate which enemy going down would bring you the most benefit at any given moment. Live to talk about it. You are a Melee character first and foremost, and a lot of your abilities are close-range. That means you will probably have to get up close and personal with your target in order to help your allies bring him down. This means that having good defenses and going in judiciously is paramount to avoid the enemy's retributive attacks. Let 'em have it. Although your main role is that of the facilitator, that doesn't mean that you should abandon all hope of being an offensive force. If you can hit the opponent hard, it makes it easier for your allies to bring them down. This is not your primary priority, but it should be a priority. [Size=3][b]3. Make the team better.[/b][/size] Teamwork is the foundation of what you do as a Leader, so you should be prepared to do what it takes for your side to win. Apart from the standard functions of healing injured allies and facilitating offense via bonuses, don't be afraid of doing the little risky things, like provoking an Opportunity Attack to set up a flank (especially if the one making the Opportunity Attack is within reach of your party Defender), and look to set up opponents where another ally can lock them down, be it with a Defender's mark, a Striker's damage, or a Controller's status effect. You are the Leader, after all; in the words of TML20, "You are God; let the mortals have their victory." [Size=3][b]4. Be aware of yourself.[/b][/size] With all the micro-managing and resource-oriented functions you do, it's rather easy to lose track of what you are doing, and what you are needing at the moment. Sometimes, it's OK to let your party's Defender and Striker tear something up themselves because it's too dangerous (or action-consuming) to back them up. The worst-case scenario is that you have to heal them after a while, which is easier to do than them healing you. That doesn't mean you treat your allies as expendable flesh-bags, but it does mean that you don't have to be after them like an over-protective parent. [IMG]http://community.wizards.com/sites/all/modules/custom/forest_site/smileys/wizards/grin.gif[/IMG] [Size=3][b]5. Apply force judiciously.[/b][/size] Having a good understanding of a given tactical situation can save your party more time and HP than any damage combo you (or anyone else) can cook up. Learn when to stick to your guns and fight conservative, and when to gamble more resources to end the encounter faster. You don't necessarily need ALL your Dailies to take out the BBEG, after all, but you probably will need SOME of them. [Size=3][b]6. Balance specialization with versatility.[/b][/size] This may be the class with the most build options simultaneously available to a character without requiring drastic changes in builds or ability scores. Be wary of over-specialization; being a one-trick pony is a quick and dirty way to get you (and the rest of your party) in serious trouble. However, don't strive to be a generalist, either; you should pick a style, and let it influence (not mandate) your choices. Sample Builds: Chasers of Glory UNDER CONSTRUCTION... [b]The General[/b] [sblock] This build is made to enable your allies to take encounters by storm. To accomplish that, it has taken measures to help your allies get where they need to go faster and kill what they need to kill more efficiently. It also invests some resources in going first so that you can do your job as quickly as possible. [b]Race:[/b] Genasi. [b]Commanding Presence:[/b] Tactical Presence. [b]Leader Feature:[/b] Combat Leader. [b]Multiclass:[/b] None. [b]Paragon Path:[/b] Battle Captain. [b]Epic Destiny:[/b] Warmaster. [b]Ability Scores: [/b]L1 – Str 18, Con 12, Dex 10, Int 18, Wis 8, Cha 12 L4 – Str 19, Con 12, Dex 10, Int 19, Wis 8, Cha 12 L8 – Str 20, Con 12, Dex 10, Int 20, Wis 8, Cha 12 L11 – Str 21, Con 13, Dex 11, Int 21, Wis 9, Cha 13 L14 – Str 22, Con 13, Dex 11, Int 22, Wis 9, Cha 13 L18 – Str 23, Con 13, Dex 11, Int 23, Wis 9, Cha 13 L21 – Str 24, Con 14, Dex 12, Int 24, Wis 10, Cha 14 L24 – Str 25, Con 14, Dex 12, Int 25, Wis 10, Cha 14 L28 – Str 26, Con 14, Dex 12, Int 26, Wis 10, Cha 14 [b]Feats:[/b] L1 – Mark of Healing L2 – Heavy Blade Expertise L4 – Tactical Assault L6 – Shield Proficiency (Heavy) L8 – Primordial Surge L10 – Toughness L11 – Combat Commander L12 – Fight On L14 – Tactician’s Word L16 – Vexing Flanker L18 – Improved Initiative L20 – Improved Defenses L21 – Martial Mastery L21 – Superior Initiative (replaces Improved Initiative) L22 – Shared Resources L24 – Epic Will L26 – Weapon Focus (Heavy Blades) L28 – Improved Tactics L28 – Protective Leadership (replaces Tactician’s Word) L30 – Danger Sense [b]At-Will Powers:[/b] L1 – Commander’s Strike L1 – Inevitable Wave [b]Encounter Powers:[/b] L1 – Warlord’s Favor L3 – Vengeance is Mine L7 – On My Mark L11 – Force Retreat L13 – Death from Two Sides (replaces On My Mark) L17 – Hail of Steel (replaces Vengeance is Mine) L23 – Thunderous Fury (replaces Warlord’s Favor) L27 – A Plan Comes Together (replaces Death from Two Sides) [b]Daily Powers:[/b] L1 – Lead the Attack L5 – Stand the Fallen L9 – Iron Dragon Charge L15 – Anticipate Attack (replaces Iron Dragon Charge) L19 – Victory Surge (replaces Anticipate Attack) L20 – Cunning Flurry L25 – Precision Stance (replaces Lead the Attack) L29 – Defy Death (replaces Renew the Troops) [b]Utility Powers:[/b] L2 – Adaptive Stratagem L6 – Reorient the Axis L10 – Tactical Orders L12 – Bolt of Genius L16 – Warlord’s Banner L22 – Rush of Battle L26 – Spring the Trap [b]Skills:[/b] L1 – Athletics L1 – Diplomacy L1 – Endurance L1 – History [b]Magic Items (Expected GP = 14,625,000): [/b] [b]L30 (3,125,000 gp): [/b]+6 Healer's Elderhide Armor (AV 2) [b]L29 (2,625,000 gp):[/b] Ring of Free Time (AV 2) [b]L28 (2,125,000 gp):[/b] +6 Steadfast Amulet (AV) [b]L27 (1,625,000 gp):[/b] +6 Farbond Spellblade Longsword (AV 2) [b]L26 (1,125,000 gp): [/b]Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV) [b]L26 (1,125,000 gp): [/b]Violet Solitaire (AV) [b]L25 (625,000 gp):[/b] Diamond Scabbard (AV) [b]L24 (525,000 gp):[/b] Zephyr Boots (AV) [b]L23 (425,000 gp): [/b]Eye of Awareness (AV) [b]L22 (325,000 gp):[/b] Gloves of the Healer (Epic Tier) (AV) [b]L15 (25,000 gp):[/b] Ring of the Dragonborn Emperor (AV) [b]L13 (17,000 gp):[/b] Cord of Divine Favor (AV) [b]L12 (13,000 gp): [/b]Stone of Earth (AV 2) [b]L11 (9,000 gp):[/b] Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381) [b]L9 (4,200 gp): [/b]Backlash Tattoo (AV 2) [b]L3 (680 gp):[/b] Battle Standard of Healing (AV) [b]TOTAL:[/b] 13,721,880 gp [/sblock] [b]The Hero[/b] [sblock] This build is made to inspire his allies into a veritable fighting frenzy; to that end, it focuses both on throwing itself into combat in order to lead by example, and by enhancing ally capabilities through liberal doses of granted attacks and buffing. [b]Race:[/b] Dragonborn. [b]Commanding Presence:[/b] Bravura Presence. [b]Leader Feature:[/b] Battlefront Leader. [b]Multiclass:[/b] None. [b]Paragon Path:[/b] Battlelord of Kord. [b]Epic Destiny:[/b] Warmaster. [b]Ability Scores: [/b]L1 – Str 18, Con 12, Dex 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 18 L4 – Str 19, Con 12, Dex 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 19 L8 – Str 20, Con 12, Dex 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 20 L11 – Str 21, Con 13, Dex 13, Int 11, Wis 9, Cha 21 L14 – Str 22, Con 13, Dex 13, Int 11, Wis 9, Cha 22 L18 – Str 23, Con 13, Dex 13, Int 11, Wis 9, Cha 23 L21 – Str 24, Con 14, Dex 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 24 L24 – Str 25, Con 14, Dex 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 25 L28 – Str 26, Con 14, Dex 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26 [b]Feats:[/b] L1 – Mark of Healing L2 – Heavy Blade Expertise L4 – Armored Warlord L6 – Toughness L8 – Inspiring Breath L10 – Improved Inspiring Word L11 – Improved Battlefront Shift L12 – Fight On L14 – Vexing Flanker L16 – Harlequin Style L18 – Impetuous Charger L20 – Improved Initiative L21 – Shift the Field L21 – Supreme Inspiration (replaces Improved Battlefront Shift) L22 – Martial Mastery L22 – Superior Initiative (replaces Improved Initiative) L24 – Call to Glory L26 – Improved Defenses L28 – Epic Reflexes L30 – Weapon Focus (Heavy Blades) [b]At-Will Powers:[/b] L1 – Brash Assault L1 – Direct the Strike [b]Encounter Powers:[/b] L1 – Vengeance is Mine L3 – No Gambit is Wasted L7 – Provoke Overextension L11 – Tempest of Triumph L13 – Death from Two Sides (replaces Vengeance is Mine) L17 – Hail of Steel (replaces Provoke Overextension) L23 – Hold that Thought (replaces No Gambit is Wasted) L27 – A Plan Comes Together (replaces Death from Two Sides) [b]Daily Powers:[/b] L1 – Lamb to the Slaughter L5 – Stand the Fallen L9 – Iron Dragon Charge L15 – War Master’s Assault (replaces Lamb to the Slaughter) L19 – Victory Surge (replaces Iron Dragon Charge) L20 – Path of the Storm L25 – Relentless Assault (replaces War Master’s Assault) L29 – Defy Death (replaces Stand the Fallen) [b]Utility Powers:[/b] L2 – Knight’s Move L6 – Inspiring Reaction L10 – Instant Planning L10 – Tactical Orders L12 – Blood-Tested Inspiration L22 – Rush of Battle L26 – Spring the Trap [b]Skills:[/b] L1 – Athletics L1 – Diplomacy L1 – History L1 – Intimidate [b]Magic Items (Expected GP = 14,625,000): [/b] [b]L29 (2,625,000 gp): [/b]Ring of Free Time (AV 2) [b]L28 (2,125,000 gp):[/b] +6 Steadfast Amulet (AV) [b]L28 (2,125,000 gp):[/b] +6 Vanguard Longsword (AV) [b]L27 (1,625,000 gp):[/b] +6 Dwarven Elderscale Armor (PHB) [b]L27 (1,625,000 gp): [/b]+6 Farbond Spellblade Longsword (AV 2) [b]L26 (1,125,000 gp): [/b]Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV) [b]L25 (625,000 gp): [/b]Diamond Scabbard (AV) [b]L22 (325,000 gp):[/b] Boots of Speed (AV) [b]L22 (325,000 gp):[/b] Gloves of the Healer (Epic Tier) (AV) [b]L21 (225,000 gp):[/b] Ring of Tenacious Will (AV) [b]L20 (125,000 gp): [/b]Helm of Heroes (Paragon Tier) (PHB) [b]L13 (17,000 gp):[/b] Cord of Divine Favor (AV) [b]L9 (4,200 gp):[/b] Backlash Tattoo (AV 2) [b]L3 (680 gp):[/b] Battle Standard of Healing (AV) [b]TOTAL:[/b] 12,896,880 gp [/sblock] [b]The Sergeant[/b] [sblock] While this Warlord likes to enable as much as the next member of his class, he also has a legitimate single-target option in the ability to produce an At-Will double attack plus knocking prone, just in case you need to bring the pain yourself. [b]Race:[/b] Human. [b]Commanding Presence:[/b] Bravura Presence. [b]Leader Feature:[/b] Battlefront Leader. [b]Multiclass:[/b] Fighter. [b]Paragon Path:[/b] Kulkor Arms Master. [b]Epic Destiny:[/b] Destined Scion. [b]Ability Scores: [/b]L1 – Str 18, Con 13, Dex 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 14 L4 – Str 19, Con 13, Dex 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 15 L8 – Str 20, Con 13, Dex 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16 L11 – Str 21, Con 14, Dex 15, Int 11, Wis 9, Cha 17 L14 – Str 22, Con 14, Dex 15, Int 11, Wis 9, Cha 18 L18 – Str 23, Con 14, Dex 15, Int 11, Wis 9, Cha 19 L21 – Str 26, Con 15, Dex 16, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 22 L24 – Str 27, Con 16, Dex 16, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 22 L28 – Str 28, Con 17, Dex 16, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 22 [b]Feats:[/b] L1 – Mark of Healing L1 – Weapon Proficiency (Waraxe) L2 – Axe Expertise L4 – Armored Warlord L6 – Student of the Sword (One-Handed Weapons, Streetwise) L8 – Kulkor Battlearm Student L10 – Wintertouched L11 – Lasting Frost L12 – Fight On L14 – Improved Battlefront Shift L16 – Risky Charge L18 – Armor Specialization (Scale) L20 – Weapon Focus (Axes) L21 – Shift the Field L21 – Supreme Inspiration (replaces Improved Battlefront Shift) L22 – Call to Glory L24 – Martial Mastery L26 – Superior Initiative L28 – Axe Mastery L30 – Improved Defenses [b]At-Will Attack Powers:[/b] L1 – Brash Assault L1 – Direct the Strike L1 – Wolf Pack Tactics [b]Encounter Powers:[/b] L1 – Vengeance is Mine L3 – No Gambit is Wasted L7 – Provoke Overextension L11 – Arms Master Challenge L13 – Death from Two Sides (replaces Vengeance is Mine) L17 – Hail of Steel (replaces Provoke Overextension) L23 – Hold That Thought (replaces No Gambit is Wasted) L27 – A Plan Comes Together (replaces Death from Two Sides) [b]Daily Powers:[/b] L1 – Lamb to the Slaughter L5 – Stand the Fallen L9 – Iron Dragon Charge L15 – War Master’s Assault (replaces Lamb to the Slaughter) L19 – Victory Surge (replaces Iron Dragon Charge) L20 – Subjugation of Steel L25 – Relentless Assault (replaces War Master’s Assault) L29 – Defy Death (replaces Stand the Fallen) [b]Utility Powers:[/b] L2 – Knight’s Move L6 – Inspiring Reaction L10 – Instant Planning L10 – Tactical Orders L12 – Tempered in Blood L22 – Rush of Battle L26 – Epic Recovery [b]Skills:[/b] L1 – Athletics L1 – Diplomacy L1 – Endurance L1 – History L1 – Intimidate L8 – Streetwise [b]Magic Items (Expected GP = 14,625,000):[/b] [b]L28 (2,125,000 gp):[/b] +6 Frost Handaxe (PHB) [b]L28 (2,125,000 gp):[/b] +6 Frost Waraxe (PHB) [b]L28 (2,125,000 gp):[/b] Boots of Teleportation (AV) [b]L28 (2,125,000 gp):[/b] +6 Steadfast Amulet (AV) [b]L27 (1,625,000 gp):[/b] +6 Dwarven Elderscale Armor (PHB) [b]L27 (1,625,000 gp):[/b] Shadow Band (AV) [b]L26 (1,125,000 gp):[/b] Horned Helm (Epic Tier) (PHB) [b]L26 (1,125,000 gp):[/b] Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV) [b]L22 (325,000 gp):[/b] Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Epic Tier) (EPG) [b]L21 (225,000 gp):[/b] Gloves of Ice (Epic Tier) (AV 2) [b]L13 (17,000 gp):[/b] Ring of Giants (D 378) [b]L12 (13,000 gp):[/b] Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG) [b]L12 (13,000 gp):[/b] Stone of Earth (AV 2) [b]L11 (9,000 gp):[/b] Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381) [b]L9 (4,200 gp): [/b]Backlash Tattoo (AV 2) [b]Nonmagical:[/b] Heavy Shield (PHB) [b]TOTAL:[/b] 14,608,200 gp [/sblock] [/QUOTE]
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The Warlord, Or How to Wield A Barbarian One-Handed (by zelink551)
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