After
making my first complete build on here about a week ago (a Rageblood
hammer barbarian), I decided to make a barbarian using each of the 4
Feral Mights. This week's winner: Whirling Slayer.
In my opinion,
Whirling Slayers are highly underrated. They don't have the best
focus-fire abilities, but they are a great secondary striker, softening
up every enemy so that your normal striker can take them out quickly and
efficiently.
So, without further ado, the build:
Level 1 Snapshot
Race: Half-Orc
Class: Barbarian
Feral Might: Whirling Slayer
Ability Scores (with racial adjustments):
Strength 18 (+4)
Constitution 14 (+2)
Dexterity 16 (+3)
Intelligence 8 (-1)
Wisdom 13 (+1)
Charisma 10 (+0)
HP: 29-->15 base, +14 Constitution
Bloodied: 14 HP or less
Healing Surge Value: 7
Surges per Day: 10
AC: 17--> 10 base, +3 Dexterity, +3 Hide, +1 Barbarian Agility
Fortitude: 16--> 10 base, +4 Strength, +2 class
Reflex: 14--> 10 base, +3 Dexterity, +1 Barbarian Agility
Will: 11--> 10 base, +1 Wisdom
Initiative: +3
Speed: 6
Racial Powers:
Furious Assault
At-Will Powers:
L1: Pressing Strike
L1: Whirling Rend
Encounter Powers:
L1: Whirling Frenzy
Daily Powers:
L1: Thunder Hooves Rage
Feats:
L1: Weapon Proficiency: Double Axe
Gear (Expected GP=100)
Double Axe (40 gp)
Hide Armor (30 gp)
Standard Adventurer's Kit (15 gp)
15 gp
Discussion:
The starting ability distribution is very important for our Whirling Slayer. Strength gets most of the points (for a 16 pre-racial) because most attacks are going to be made using that ability. Dexterity and Constitution follow for 14s pre-racial, which lets me have solid AC and solid HP. Wisdom gets the remaining points to qualify for the Battle Awareness feat later on and to increase my Will defense.
The Double Axe is a convenient weapon in that you only need 1 enchantment (if I'm wrong, feel free to correct me), and it lets me take advantage of Shock Trooper's increase in damage die, which is nice. Pressing Strike lets me shift through enemy spaces, which activates Thunder Hooves Rage's extra damage, and Whirling Rend will be your go-to at-will. Whirling Frenzy actually does pretty large amounts of damage for level 1, and it's your only build-specific encounter power at this level.
Race: Half-Orc
Class: Barbarian
Feral Might: Whirling Slayer
Ability Scores (with racial adjustments):
Strength 18 (+4)
Constitution 14 (+2)
Dexterity 16 (+3)
Intelligence 8 (-1)
Wisdom 13 (+1)
Charisma 10 (+0)
HP: 29-->15 base, +14 Constitution
Bloodied: 14 HP or less
Healing Surge Value: 7
Surges per Day: 10
AC: 17--> 10 base, +3 Dexterity, +3 Hide, +1 Barbarian Agility
Fortitude: 16--> 10 base, +4 Strength, +2 class
Reflex: 14--> 10 base, +3 Dexterity, +1 Barbarian Agility
Will: 11--> 10 base, +1 Wisdom
Initiative: +3
Speed: 6
Racial Powers:
Furious Assault
At-Will Powers:
L1: Pressing Strike
L1: Whirling Rend
Encounter Powers:
L1: Whirling Frenzy
Daily Powers:
L1: Thunder Hooves Rage
Feats:
L1: Weapon Proficiency: Double Axe
Gear (Expected GP=100)
Double Axe (40 gp)
Hide Armor (30 gp)
Standard Adventurer's Kit (15 gp)
15 gp
Discussion:
The starting ability distribution is very important for our Whirling Slayer. Strength gets most of the points (for a 16 pre-racial) because most attacks are going to be made using that ability. Dexterity and Constitution follow for 14s pre-racial, which lets me have solid AC and solid HP. Wisdom gets the remaining points to qualify for the Battle Awareness feat later on and to increase my Will defense.
The Double Axe is a convenient weapon in that you only need 1 enchantment (if I'm wrong, feel free to correct me), and it lets me take advantage of Shock Trooper's increase in damage die, which is nice. Pressing Strike lets me shift through enemy spaces, which activates Thunder Hooves Rage's extra damage, and Whirling Rend will be your go-to at-will. Whirling Frenzy actually does pretty large amounts of damage for level 1, and it's your only build-specific encounter power at this level.
Level 2
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Utility Power: Shrug it Off
New Feat: Weapon Expertise (Axes)
Magic Items (expected GP=1,920)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Double Axe
L2 (540 gp): +1 Screaming Hide
L2 (540 gp): Cloak of Resistance
TOTAL: 1,760
Discussion:
This is a big level in your development. You get Weapon Expertise to offset the low accuracy of your Waraxes, you pick up 2 nice Frost Waraxes, increasing your damage and accuracy, and you get a way to ignore a status effect per encounter. Nice.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Utility Power: Shrug it Off
New Feat: Weapon Expertise (Axes)
Magic Items (expected GP=1,920)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Double Axe
L2 (540 gp): +1 Screaming Hide
L2 (540 gp): Cloak of Resistance
TOTAL: 1,760
Discussion:
This is a big level in your development. You get Weapon Expertise to offset the low accuracy of your Waraxes, you pick up 2 nice Frost Waraxes, increasing your damage and accuracy, and you get a way to ignore a status effect per encounter. Nice.
Level 3
Changes:
+6 HP
New Encounter Power: Whirling Step
Magic Items (expected GP=2560):
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Double Axe
L2 (540 gp): +1 Screaming Hide
L2 (540 gp): Cloak of Resistance
TOTAL: 1,760
Discussion:
Your new encounter power Whirling Step gives you some nice mobility in addition to some automatic damage to some adjacent enemies, which is always nice. As far as magic items go, you should probably just wait this one out.
Changes:
+6 HP
New Encounter Power: Whirling Step
Magic Items (expected GP=2560):
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Double Axe
L2 (540 gp): +1 Screaming Hide
L2 (540 gp): Cloak of Resistance
TOTAL: 1,760
Discussion:
Your new encounter power Whirling Step gives you some nice mobility in addition to some automatic damage to some adjacent enemies, which is always nice. As far as magic items go, you should probably just wait this one out.
Level 4
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Strength (19), +1 Dexterity (17)
New Feat: Weapon Focus (Axes)
Magic Items (Expected GP=3,200)
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Double Axe
L2 (540 gp): +1 Screaming Hide
L2 (540 gp): Cloak of Resistance
TOTAL: 2,600
Discussion:
You get your first ability scores boosts, and they go in Strength and Dexterity, which they will for your whole career. You also gain Weapon Focus, increasing your damage by a little bit, and you pick up some Twice-Clawed Gauntlets, which increase your damage while raging, which is always nice.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Strength (19), +1 Dexterity (17)
New Feat: Weapon Focus (Axes)
Magic Items (Expected GP=3,200)
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Double Axe
L2 (540 gp): +1 Screaming Hide
L2 (540 gp): Cloak of Resistance
TOTAL: 2,600
Discussion:
You get your first ability scores boosts, and they go in Strength and Dexterity, which they will for your whole career. You also gain Weapon Focus, increasing your damage by a little bit, and you pick up some Twice-Clawed Gauntlets, which increase your damage while raging, which is always nice.
Level 5
Changes:
+6 HP
New Daily Power: Rage of the Crimson Hurricane
Magic Items (Expected GP=4,480):
L4 (840 gp): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Double Axe
L2 (540 gp): +1 Screaming Hide
L2 (540 gp): Cloak of Resistance
TOTAL: 3,440
Discussion:
You get your second rage at this level, and it's a good one. Rage of the Crimson Hurricane gives you a very significant boost in your damage, and it scales nicely (not the entry attack, the effect). For magic items, you pick up your arms-slot item in the form of Counterstrike Guards, which provide a secondary way to get opportunity attacks, and thus, more chances for a critical hit.
Changes:
+6 HP
New Daily Power: Rage of the Crimson Hurricane
Magic Items (Expected GP=4,480):
L4 (840 gp): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Double Axe
L2 (540 gp): +1 Screaming Hide
L2 (540 gp): Cloak of Resistance
TOTAL: 3,440
Discussion:
You get your second rage at this level, and it's a good one. Rage of the Crimson Hurricane gives you a very significant boost in your damage, and it scales nicely (not the entry attack, the effect). For magic items, you pick up your arms-slot item in the form of Counterstrike Guards, which provide a secondary way to get opportunity attacks, and thus, more chances for a critical hit.
Level 6
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Utility: Combat Surge
New Feat: Two-Weapon Fighting
Magic Items (Expected GP=6,400):
L4 (840 gp): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Double Axe
L2 (540 gp): +1 Screaming Hide
L2 (540 gp): Cloak of Resistance
TOTAL: 3,440
Discussion:
A decent offensive level, you pick up Two-Weapon Fighting, giving you a measly +1 to damage but it opens up some very nice feats. You also get a new Utility in the form of Combat Surge, letting you reroll an attack once per day, which is nice.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Utility: Combat Surge
New Feat: Two-Weapon Fighting
Magic Items (Expected GP=6,400):
L4 (840 gp): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Double Axe
L2 (540 gp): +1 Screaming Hide
L2 (540 gp): Cloak of Resistance
TOTAL: 3,440
Discussion:
A decent offensive level, you pick up Two-Weapon Fighting, giving you a measly +1 to damage but it opens up some very nice feats. You also get a new Utility in the form of Combat Surge, letting you reroll an attack once per day, which is nice.
Level 7
Changes:
+6 HP
New Encounter Power: Slash and Slash Again
Magic Items (Expected GP=9,600):
L8 (3,400): +2 Frost Double Axe
L7 (2,600): +2 Screaming Hide
L4 (840 gp): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
L2 (540 gp): Cloak of Resistance
TOTAL: 8,220
Discussion:
Another big offensive boost, you get your third encounter power with Slash and Slash Again, which deals some very respectable auto-damage. You also upgrade your weapon and your armor.
Changes:
+6 HP
New Encounter Power: Slash and Slash Again
Magic Items (Expected GP=9,600):
L8 (3,400): +2 Frost Double Axe
L7 (2,600): +2 Screaming Hide
L4 (840 gp): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
L2 (540 gp): Cloak of Resistance
TOTAL: 8,220
Discussion:
Another big offensive boost, you get your third encounter power with Slash and Slash Again, which deals some very respectable auto-damage. You also upgrade your weapon and your armor.
Level 8
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Strength (20), +1 Dexterity (18)
New Feat: Battle Awarness
Magic Items (Expected GP=12,800):
L8 (3,400): +2 Frost Waraxe
L8 (3,400): +2 Steadfast Amulet
L7 (2,600): +2 Screaming Hide
L4 (840 gp): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 11,620
Discussion:
A nice offensive boost, you pick up Battle Awareness for an extra attack, and your ability modifier go up by 1. You also get your Steadfast Amulet, which prevents daze and stun, and increases your NADs.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Strength (20), +1 Dexterity (18)
New Feat: Battle Awarness
Magic Items (Expected GP=12,800):
L8 (3,400): +2 Frost Waraxe
L8 (3,400): +2 Steadfast Amulet
L7 (2,600): +2 Screaming Hide
L4 (840 gp): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 11,620
Discussion:
A nice offensive boost, you pick up Battle Awareness for an extra attack, and your ability modifier go up by 1. You also get your Steadfast Amulet, which prevents daze and stun, and increases your NADs.
Level 9
Changes:
+6 HP
New Daily Power: Rage of the Death Spirit
Magic Items (Expected GP=16,000):
L8 (3,400): +2 Frost Double Axe
L8 (3,400): +2 Steadfast Amulet
L7 (2,600): +2 Screaming Hide
L4 (840 gp): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 11,620
Discussion:
You pick up Rage of the Death Spirit for some crazy to-hit chances, which is always welcome, but besides that, not a very exciting level. We love our rages though.
Changes:
+6 HP
New Daily Power: Rage of the Death Spirit
Magic Items (Expected GP=16,000):
L8 (3,400): +2 Frost Double Axe
L8 (3,400): +2 Steadfast Amulet
L7 (2,600): +2 Screaming Hide
L4 (840 gp): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 11,620
Discussion:
You pick up Rage of the Death Spirit for some crazy to-hit chances, which is always welcome, but besides that, not a very exciting level. We love our rages though.
Level 10
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Feat: Wintertouched
New Utility Power: Howl of the Alpha Wolf
Magic Items (Expected GP=22,400):
L8 (3,400): +2 Frost Double Axe
L8 (3,400): +2 Steadfast Amulet
L7 (2,600): +2 Screaming Hide
L4 (840 gp): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 11,620
Discussion:
You gain a solid utility in Howl of the Alpha Wolf, which lets you shuffle around the battlefield as you please. Half of Permafrost is set with Wintertouched, and you should wait for magic items at this level.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Feat: Wintertouched
New Utility Power: Howl of the Alpha Wolf
Magic Items (Expected GP=22,400):
L8 (3,400): +2 Frost Double Axe
L8 (3,400): +2 Steadfast Amulet
L7 (2,600): +2 Screaming Hide
L4 (840 gp): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840 gp): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 11,620
Discussion:
You gain a solid utility in Howl of the Alpha Wolf, which lets you shuffle around the battlefield as you please. Half of Permafrost is set with Wintertouched, and you should wait for magic items at this level.
Level 11 Snapshot
Race: Half-Orc
Class: Barbarian
Feral Might: Whirling Slayer
Paragon Path: Shock Trooper
Ability Scores (with racial adjustments):
Strength 21 (+5)
Constitution 15 (+2)
Dexterity 19 (+4)
Intelligence 9 (-1)
Wisdom 14 (+2)
Charisma 11 (+0)
HP: 90-->15 base, +15 Constitution, +60 levels
Bloodied: 45 HP or less
Healing Surge Value: 22
Surges per Day: 10
AC: 26--> 15 base, +4 Dexterity, +3 Hide,+2 Enhancement, +2 Barbarian Agility
Fortitude: 23--> 15 base, +4 Strength, +2 class, +2 Enhancement
Reflex: 23--> 15 base, +4 Dexterity, +2 Enhancement, +2 Barbarian Agility
Will: 19--> 15 base, +2 Wisdom, +2 Enhancement
Initiative: +9
Speed: 6
Racial Powers:
Furious Assault
At-Will Powers:
L1: Pressing Strike
L1: Whirling Rend
Encounter Powers:
L1: Whirling Frenzy
L3: Whirling Step
L7: Slash and Slash Again
L11: Shocking Twister
Daily Powers:
L1: Thunder Hooves Rage
L5: Rage of the Crimson Hurricane
L9: Rage of the Death Spirit
Utility Powers:
L2: Shrug it Off
L6: Combat Surge
L10: Howl of the Alpha Wolf
Feats:
L1: Weapon Proficiency: Double Axe
L2: Weapon Expertise
L4: Weapon Focus
L6: Two-Weapon Fighting
L8: Battle Awareness
L10: Wintertouched
L11: Lasting Frost
Magic Items (Expected GP=32,000):
L13 (17,000): +3 Frost Double Axe
L8 (3,400): +2 Steadfast Amulet
L7 (2,600): +2 Screaming Hide
L4 (840): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 24,680
Discussion:
Like always, a huge level for you. You grab the Fighter's Shock Trooper PP, increasing your off-hand weapon size and giving you some nice AC and Reflex boosts. You grab Lasting Frost, which lets you deal a very respectable amount of damage to your targets now, and you upgrade your weapon.
Race: Half-Orc
Class: Barbarian
Feral Might: Whirling Slayer
Paragon Path: Shock Trooper
Ability Scores (with racial adjustments):
Strength 21 (+5)
Constitution 15 (+2)
Dexterity 19 (+4)
Intelligence 9 (-1)
Wisdom 14 (+2)
Charisma 11 (+0)
HP: 90-->15 base, +15 Constitution, +60 levels
Bloodied: 45 HP or less
Healing Surge Value: 22
Surges per Day: 10
AC: 26--> 15 base, +4 Dexterity, +3 Hide,+2 Enhancement, +2 Barbarian Agility
Fortitude: 23--> 15 base, +4 Strength, +2 class, +2 Enhancement
Reflex: 23--> 15 base, +4 Dexterity, +2 Enhancement, +2 Barbarian Agility
Will: 19--> 15 base, +2 Wisdom, +2 Enhancement
Initiative: +9
Speed: 6
Racial Powers:
Furious Assault
At-Will Powers:
L1: Pressing Strike
L1: Whirling Rend
Encounter Powers:
L1: Whirling Frenzy
L3: Whirling Step
L7: Slash and Slash Again
L11: Shocking Twister
Daily Powers:
L1: Thunder Hooves Rage
L5: Rage of the Crimson Hurricane
L9: Rage of the Death Spirit
Utility Powers:
L2: Shrug it Off
L6: Combat Surge
L10: Howl of the Alpha Wolf
Feats:
L1: Weapon Proficiency: Double Axe
L2: Weapon Expertise
L4: Weapon Focus
L6: Two-Weapon Fighting
L8: Battle Awareness
L10: Wintertouched
L11: Lasting Frost
Magic Items (Expected GP=32,000):
L13 (17,000): +3 Frost Double Axe
L8 (3,400): +2 Steadfast Amulet
L7 (2,600): +2 Screaming Hide
L4 (840): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 24,680
Discussion:
Like always, a huge level for you. You grab the Fighter's Shock Trooper PP, increasing your off-hand weapon size and giving you some nice AC and Reflex boosts. You grab Lasting Frost, which lets you deal a very respectable amount of damage to your targets now, and you upgrade your weapon.
Level 12
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Feat: Deadly Axe
New Utility Power: Assault Footwork
Magic Items (Expected GP=48,000):
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Armor
L13 (17,000): +3 Frost Double Axe
L8 (3,400): +2 Steadfast Amulet
L4 (840): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 47,080
Discussion:
A nice level for you, you make your Double Axe into a High Crit weapon with the Deadly Axe feat (this will come into effect more at epic, when you're chance to crit will increase dramatically), and you upgrade from Screaming Armor to Lifeblood, which takes some of the sting off of your low Constitution score.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Feat: Deadly Axe
New Utility Power: Assault Footwork
Magic Items (Expected GP=48,000):
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Armor
L13 (17,000): +3 Frost Double Axe
L8 (3,400): +2 Steadfast Amulet
L4 (840): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 47,080
Discussion:
A nice level for you, you make your Double Axe into a High Crit weapon with the Deadly Axe feat (this will come into effect more at epic, when you're chance to crit will increase dramatically), and you upgrade from Screaming Armor to Lifeblood, which takes some of the sting off of your low Constitution score.
Level 13
Changes:
+6 HP
New Encounter Power: Rolling Boulder/Storm of Blades (replaces Whirling Step)
Magic Items (Expected GP=64,000):
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Armor
L13 (17,000): +3 Frost Double Axe
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold
L8 (3,400): +2 Steadfast Amulet
L4 (840): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 60,080
Discussion:
A very good encounter power comes from this level, but the 2 choice here are too hard to choose from for me. Either option is extremely competitive, so it's really up to the player. For me, I'm just going to go with Storm of Blades for now, but really, choose either option. They both work just fine. You also get a nice damage boost in Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold.
Changes:
+6 HP
New Encounter Power: Rolling Boulder/Storm of Blades (replaces Whirling Step)
Magic Items (Expected GP=64,000):
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Armor
L13 (17,000): +3 Frost Double Axe
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold
L8 (3,400): +2 Steadfast Amulet
L4 (840): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 60,080
Discussion:
A very good encounter power comes from this level, but the 2 choice here are too hard to choose from for me. Either option is extremely competitive, so it's really up to the player. For me, I'm just going to go with Storm of Blades for now, but really, choose either option. They both work just fine. You also get a nice damage boost in Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold.
Level 14
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
Ability Score Boosts: Strength +1 (22), Dexterity +1 (20)
New Feat: Deadly Rage
Magic Items (Expected GP=80,000):
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Armor
L13 (17,000): +3 Frost Double Axe
L13 (17,000): +3 Steadfast Amulet
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold
L4 (840): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 73,680
Discussion:
You get your ability scores boosted again, this time upgrading your modifier once again, and you upgrade your amulet.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
Ability Score Boosts: Strength +1 (22), Dexterity +1 (20)
New Feat: Deadly Rage
Magic Items (Expected GP=80,000):
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Armor
L13 (17,000): +3 Frost Double Axe
L13 (17,000): +3 Steadfast Amulet
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold
L4 (840): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 73,680
Discussion:
You get your ability scores boosted again, this time upgrading your modifier once again, and you upgrade your amulet.
Level 15
Changes:
+6 HP
New Daily Power: Thunderfury Rage (replaces Thunder Hooves Rage)
Magic Items (Expected GP=112,000):
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Earthhide Armor
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L13 (17,000): +3 Frost Double Axe
L13 (17,000): +3 Steadfast Amulet
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (paragon)
L4 (840): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 94,680
Discussion:
You get a very powerful rage in the form of Thunderfury Rage, giving your enemies a strong disincentive to not attack you. You also pick up the Helm of Opportunity, which gives you some additional accuracy whenever you make an OA (which might happen a lot thanks to enemies taking a lot of auto-damage when adjacent to you, giving them incentive to move away).
Changes:
+6 HP
New Daily Power: Thunderfury Rage (replaces Thunder Hooves Rage)
Magic Items (Expected GP=112,000):
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Earthhide Armor
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L13 (17,000): +3 Frost Double Axe
L13 (17,000): +3 Steadfast Amulet
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (paragon)
L4 (840): Counterstrike Guards
L4 (840): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets
TOTAL: 94,680
Discussion:
You get a very powerful rage in the form of Thunderfury Rage, giving your enemies a strong disincentive to not attack you. You also pick up the Helm of Opportunity, which gives you some additional accuracy whenever you make an OA (which might happen a lot thanks to enemies taking a lot of auto-damage when adjacent to you, giving them incentive to move away).
Level 16
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Feat: Overwhelming Critical
New Utility: Spur the Cycle
Magic Items (Expected GP=160,000):
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Earthhide Armor
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L13 (17,000): +3 Frost Double Axe
L13 (17,000): +3 Steadfast Amulet
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (paragon)
TOTAL: 135,000
Discussion:
A good level for your magic items, you get to both upgrade your Counterstrike Guards and your Twice-Clawed Gauntlets, which increases your damage output rather nicely. You also pick up some extra-action goodness in Spur the Cycle, and you get a way to increase the deadliness of your crits by knocking prone with Overwhelming Critical.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Feat: Overwhelming Critical
New Utility: Spur the Cycle
Magic Items (Expected GP=160,000):
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Earthhide Armor
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L13 (17,000): +3 Frost Double Axe
L13 (17,000): +3 Steadfast Amulet
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (paragon)
TOTAL: 135,000
Discussion:
A good level for your magic items, you get to both upgrade your Counterstrike Guards and your Twice-Clawed Gauntlets, which increases your damage output rather nicely. You also pick up some extra-action goodness in Spur the Cycle, and you get a way to increase the deadliness of your crits by knocking prone with Overwhelming Critical.
Level 17
Changes:
+6 HP
New Encounter Power: Whirling Skirmish (replaces Whirling Frenzy)
Magic Items (Expected GP=240,000):
L18 (85,000): +4 Frost Double Axe
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Earthhide Armor
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L13 (17,000): +3 Steadfast Amulet
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (paragon)
TOTAL: 216,600
Discussion:
Whirling Skirmish adds a nice increase in damage over Whirling Frenzy, and you also upgrade your wepaon. Not bad.
Changes:
+6 HP
New Encounter Power: Whirling Skirmish (replaces Whirling Frenzy)
Magic Items (Expected GP=240,000):
L18 (85,000): +4 Frost Double Axe
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Earthhide Armor
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L13 (17,000): +3 Steadfast Amulet
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (paragon)
TOTAL: 216,600
Discussion:
Whirling Skirmish adds a nice increase in damage over Whirling Frenzy, and you also upgrade your wepaon. Not bad.
Level 18
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
Ability Score Boosts: Strength +1 (23), Dexterity +1 (21)
New Feat: Paragon Defenses
Magic Items (Expected GP=320,000):
L18 (85,000): +4 Frost Double Axe
L18 (85,000): +4 Steadfast Amulet
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Earthhide Armor
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (paragon)
TOTAL: 284,000
Discussion:
You pick up Paragon Defenes, which ups your NADs by a bit and you boost your scores once again. You also upgrade your amulet and pick up some Assault Boots, which I really really like.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
Ability Score Boosts: Strength +1 (23), Dexterity +1 (21)
New Feat: Paragon Defenses
Magic Items (Expected GP=320,000):
L18 (85,000): +4 Frost Double Axe
L18 (85,000): +4 Steadfast Amulet
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Earthhide Armor
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (paragon)
TOTAL: 284,000
Discussion:
You pick up Paragon Defenes, which ups your NADs by a bit and you boost your scores once again. You also upgrade your amulet and pick up some Assault Boots, which I really really like.
Level 19
Changes:
+6 HP
New Daily Power: Desert Wind Rage (replacing Rage of the Death Spirit)
Magic Items (Expected GP=400,000):
L18 (85,000): +4 Frost Double Axe
L18 (85,000): +4 Steadfast Amulet
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Earthhide Armor
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (paragon)
TOTAL: 329,000
Discussion:
Desert Wind Rage will provide us with a reliable source of auto-damage within 5 squares, and blinding the big baddie is always nice. We also pick up a Grasping Javelin, which lets us pull an enemy into melee range quite easily.
Changes:
+6 HP
New Daily Power: Desert Wind Rage (replacing Rage of the Death Spirit)
Magic Items (Expected GP=400,000):
L18 (85,000): +4 Frost Double Axe
L18 (85,000): +4 Steadfast Amulet
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L15 (25,000): +3 Lifeblood Earthhide Armor
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (paragon)
TOTAL: 329,000
Discussion:
Desert Wind Rage will provide us with a reliable source of auto-damage within 5 squares, and blinding the big baddie is always nice. We also pick up a Grasping Javelin, which lets us pull an enemy into melee range quite easily.
Level 20
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Feat: Hide Armor Specialization
New Encounter Power: Shocking Skewer
Magic Items (Expected GP=560,000):
L20 (125,000): +4 Lifeblood Darkhide Armor
L18 (85,000): +4 Frost Double Axe
L18 (85,000): +4 Steadfast Amulet
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (paragon)
TOTAL: 429,000
Discussion:
A decent level, but you are 1 more away form Epic, so you can't really expect big changes to occur. You do upgrade your armor once again, and you pick up Hide Armor Spec. to boost your AC by a little bit. Not too exciting, but hey, we'll take it.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Feat: Hide Armor Specialization
New Encounter Power: Shocking Skewer
Magic Items (Expected GP=560,000):
L20 (125,000): +4 Lifeblood Darkhide Armor
L18 (85,000): +4 Frost Double Axe
L18 (85,000): +4 Steadfast Amulet
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
L12 (13,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (paragon)
TOTAL: 429,000
Discussion:
A decent level, but you are 1 more away form Epic, so you can't really expect big changes to occur. You do upgrade your armor once again, and you pick up Hide Armor Spec. to boost your AC by a little bit. Not too exciting, but hey, we'll take it.
Level 21 Snapshot
Race: Half-Orc
Class: Barbarian
Feral Might: Whirling Slayer
Paragon Path: Shock Trooper
Epic Destiny: Fury of the Wild
Ability Scores (with racial adjustments):
Strength 26 (+8)
Constitution 16 (+3)
Dexterity 22 (+6)
Intelligence 10 (+0)
Wisdom 15 (+2)
Charisma 12 (+1)
HP: 151-->15 base, +16 Constitution, +120 levels
Bloodied: 75 HP or less
Healing Surge Value: 37
Surges per Day: 11
AC: 38--> 20 base, +6 Dexterity, +4 armor, +4 Enhancement, +3 Barbarian Agility, +1 feat
Fortitude: 36--> 20 base, +8 Strength, +2 class, +4 Enhancement, +2 feat
Reflex: 35--> 20 base, +6 Dexterity, +4 Enhancement, +3 Barbarian Agility, +2 feat
Will: 28--> 20 base, +2 Wisdom, +4 Enhancement, +2 feat
Initiative: +16
Speed: 6
Racial Powers:
Furious Assault
At-Will Powers:
L1: Pressing Strike
L1: Whirling Rend
Encounter Powers:
L7: Slash and Slash Again
L11: Shocking Twister
L13: Storm of Blades
L17: Whirling Skirmish
Daily Powers:
L5: Rage of the Crimson Hurricane
L15: Thunderfury Rage
L19: Desert Wind Rage
L20: Shocking Skewer
Utility Powers:
L2: Shrug it Off
L6: Combat Surge
L10: Howl of the Alpha Wolf
L12: Assault Footwork
L16: Spur the Cycle
Feats:
L1: Weapon Proficiency: Double Axe
L2: Weapon Expertise
L4: Weapon Focus
L6: Two-Weapon Fighting
L8: Battle Awareness
L10: Wintertouched
L11: Lasting Frost
L12: Deadly Axe
L14: Deadly Rage
L16: Two-Weapon Opening
L18: Paragon Defenses
L20: Armor Secialization (Hide)
L21: Axe Mastery
Magic Items (Expected GP=800,000):
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L20 (125,000): +4 Lifeblood Darkhide Armor
L18 (85,000): +4 Frost Double Axe
L18 (85,000): +4 Steadfast Amulet
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 741,000
Discussion:
A HUGE level for us Whirlers, we grab the excellent Epic Destiny Fury of the Wild, which boosts our Strength by 2 and will grant us some great critical hit shenanigans when we reach level 24.
As far as items go, you upgrade your shard one last time, but everything else stays the same. We also upgrade all of our ability scores, increasing the modifiers once again.
Race: Half-Orc
Class: Barbarian
Feral Might: Whirling Slayer
Paragon Path: Shock Trooper
Epic Destiny: Fury of the Wild
Ability Scores (with racial adjustments):
Strength 26 (+8)
Constitution 16 (+3)
Dexterity 22 (+6)
Intelligence 10 (+0)
Wisdom 15 (+2)
Charisma 12 (+1)
HP: 151-->15 base, +16 Constitution, +120 levels
Bloodied: 75 HP or less
Healing Surge Value: 37
Surges per Day: 11
AC: 38--> 20 base, +6 Dexterity, +4 armor, +4 Enhancement, +3 Barbarian Agility, +1 feat
Fortitude: 36--> 20 base, +8 Strength, +2 class, +4 Enhancement, +2 feat
Reflex: 35--> 20 base, +6 Dexterity, +4 Enhancement, +3 Barbarian Agility, +2 feat
Will: 28--> 20 base, +2 Wisdom, +4 Enhancement, +2 feat
Initiative: +16
Speed: 6
Racial Powers:
Furious Assault
At-Will Powers:
L1: Pressing Strike
L1: Whirling Rend
Encounter Powers:
L7: Slash and Slash Again
L11: Shocking Twister
L13: Storm of Blades
L17: Whirling Skirmish
Daily Powers:
L5: Rage of the Crimson Hurricane
L15: Thunderfury Rage
L19: Desert Wind Rage
L20: Shocking Skewer
Utility Powers:
L2: Shrug it Off
L6: Combat Surge
L10: Howl of the Alpha Wolf
L12: Assault Footwork
L16: Spur the Cycle
Feats:
L1: Weapon Proficiency: Double Axe
L2: Weapon Expertise
L4: Weapon Focus
L6: Two-Weapon Fighting
L8: Battle Awareness
L10: Wintertouched
L11: Lasting Frost
L12: Deadly Axe
L14: Deadly Rage
L16: Two-Weapon Opening
L18: Paragon Defenses
L20: Armor Secialization (Hide)
L21: Axe Mastery
Magic Items (Expected GP=800,000):
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L20 (125,000): +4 Lifeblood Darkhide Armor
L18 (85,000): +4 Frost Double Axe
L18 (85,000): +4 Steadfast Amulet
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 741,000
Discussion:
A HUGE level for us Whirlers, we grab the excellent Epic Destiny Fury of the Wild, which boosts our Strength by 2 and will grant us some great critical hit shenanigans when we reach level 24.
As far as items go, you upgrade your shard one last time, but everything else stays the same. We also upgrade all of our ability scores, increasing the modifiers once again.
Level 22
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Feat: Two-Weapon Flurry
New Utility Power: Unexpected Clarity
New Feat: Robust Defenses (replaces Paragon Defenses)
Magic Items (Expected GP=1,200,000):
L23 (425,000): +5 Frost Double Axe
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L20 (125,000): +4 Lifeblood Darkhide Armor
L18 (85,000): +4 Steadfast Amulet
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 1,081,000
Discussion:
I'm really liking this level. We get more accuracy and damage by upgrading our weapon to a +5, we pick up some extra action goodies in Unexpected Clarity (which lets us put on ENORMOUS amounts of auto-damage by using your encounter powers for both actions), and you pick up a way to make those criticals even more deadly with Two-Weapon Flurry.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Feat: Two-Weapon Flurry
New Utility Power: Unexpected Clarity
New Feat: Robust Defenses (replaces Paragon Defenses)
Magic Items (Expected GP=1,200,000):
L23 (425,000): +5 Frost Double Axe
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L20 (125,000): +4 Lifeblood Darkhide Armor
L18 (85,000): +4 Steadfast Amulet
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 1,081,000
Discussion:
I'm really liking this level. We get more accuracy and damage by upgrading our weapon to a +5, we pick up some extra action goodies in Unexpected Clarity (which lets us put on ENORMOUS amounts of auto-damage by using your encounter powers for both actions), and you pick up a way to make those criticals even more deadly with Two-Weapon Flurry.
Level 23
Changes:
+6 HP
New Encounter Power: Berserker's Fury (replacing Slash and Slash Again)
Magic Items (Expected GP=1,600,000):
L23 (425,000): +5 Frost Double Axe
L23 (425,000): +5 Steadfast Amulet
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L20 (125,000): +4 Lifeblood Stalkerhide Armor
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 1,421,000
Discussion:
We upgrade our Steadfast Amulet at this level, and we get a nice upgrade over Slash and Slash Again in the form of Berserker's Fury, which is basically a more damaging version of the previous power. Decent level, but not many changes here.
Changes:
+6 HP
New Encounter Power: Berserker's Fury (replacing Slash and Slash Again)
Magic Items (Expected GP=1,600,000):
L23 (425,000): +5 Frost Double Axe
L23 (425,000): +5 Steadfast Amulet
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L20 (125,000): +4 Lifeblood Stalkerhide Armor
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 1,421,000
Discussion:
We upgrade our Steadfast Amulet at this level, and we get a nice upgrade over Slash and Slash Again in the form of Berserker's Fury, which is basically a more damaging version of the previous power. Decent level, but not many changes here.
Level 24
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Strength (27), +1 Dexterity (23)
New Feat: Ferocious Critical
Magic Items (Expected GP=2,100,000):
L25 (625,000): +5 Lifeblood Stalkerhide Armor
L23 (425,000): +5 Frost Double Axe
L23 (425,000): +5 Steadfast Amulet
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 1,921,000
Discussion:
Ferocious Critical really ups our damage output by quite a lot, adding a significant boost to your accuracy and damage every time you crit (which will be a lot, trust me). We also get the great Epic Destiny feature in Land's Fury. Now, everytime we crit, we get a free attack, we get a +4 bonus to attack and damage rolls (which helps out the free attack), and we deal at LEAST 32 damage to each unbloodied enemy within 10. That's some nice damage output right there. You also upgrade your armor at this level.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Strength (27), +1 Dexterity (23)
New Feat: Ferocious Critical
Magic Items (Expected GP=2,100,000):
L25 (625,000): +5 Lifeblood Stalkerhide Armor
L23 (425,000): +5 Frost Double Axe
L23 (425,000): +5 Steadfast Amulet
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 1,921,000
Discussion:
Ferocious Critical really ups our damage output by quite a lot, adding a significant boost to your accuracy and damage every time you crit (which will be a lot, trust me). We also get the great Epic Destiny feature in Land's Fury. Now, everytime we crit, we get a free attack, we get a +4 bonus to attack and damage rolls (which helps out the free attack), and we deal at LEAST 32 damage to each unbloodied enemy within 10. That's some nice damage output right there. You also upgrade your armor at this level.
Level 25
Changes:
+6 HP
New Daily Power: Stone Tempest Rage (replaces Rage of the Crimson Hurricane)
Magic Items (Expected GP=2,800,000):
L25 (625,000): +5 Lifeblood Stalkerhide Armor
L 24 (525,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (epic)
L23 (425,000): +5 Frost Double Axe
L23 (425,000): +5 Steadfast Amulet
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 2,425,000
Discussion:
Stone Tempest Rage is perhaps the single thing that takes this build from solid to rediculous when it's activated. Having a crit chance of 18-20 makes getting those crits a LOT easier, and now you're criticals are extremely deadly. We also upgrade our Gauntlets, giving us some increased damage once again.
Changes:
+6 HP
New Daily Power: Stone Tempest Rage (replaces Rage of the Crimson Hurricane)
Magic Items (Expected GP=2,800,000):
L25 (625,000): +5 Lifeblood Stalkerhide Armor
L 24 (525,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (epic)
L23 (425,000): +5 Frost Double Axe
L23 (425,000): +5 Steadfast Amulet
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L16 (45,000): +4 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 2,425,000
Discussion:
Stone Tempest Rage is perhaps the single thing that takes this build from solid to rediculous when it's activated. Having a crit chance of 18-20 makes getting those crits a LOT easier, and now you're criticals are extremely deadly. We also upgrade our Gauntlets, giving us some increased damage once again.
Level 26
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Feat: Sweeping Blade
New Utility Power: Fury's Form
Magic Items (Expected GP=4,000,000):
L25 (625,000): +5 Lifeblood Stalkerhide Armor
L25 (625,000): Belt of Titan Strength
L 24 (525,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (epic)
L23 (425,000): +5 Frost Double Axe
L23 (425,000): +5 Steadfast Amulet
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L21 (225,000): +5 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 3,230,000
Discussion:
We pick up some extra damage in the form of Sweeping Blade, giving us some extra auto-damage on our OAs. We also get the very solid Fury's Form utility from our ED, making us just generally stronger. Finally, we upgrade our javelins and pick up our waist-slot item in the form of Belt of Titan Strength, giving us some nice damage boosts.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
New Feat: Sweeping Blade
New Utility Power: Fury's Form
Magic Items (Expected GP=4,000,000):
L25 (625,000): +5 Lifeblood Stalkerhide Armor
L25 (625,000): Belt of Titan Strength
L 24 (525,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (epic)
L23 (425,000): +5 Frost Double Axe
L23 (425,000): +5 Steadfast Amulet
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L21 (225,000): +5 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 3,230,000
Discussion:
We pick up some extra damage in the form of Sweeping Blade, giving us some extra auto-damage on our OAs. We also get the very solid Fury's Form utility from our ED, making us just generally stronger. Finally, we upgrade our javelins and pick up our waist-slot item in the form of Belt of Titan Strength, giving us some nice damage boosts.
Level 27
Changes:
+6 HP
New Encounter Power: Hurricane of Blades (replacing Storm of Blades)
Magic Items (Expected GP=6,000,000):
L28 (2,125,000): +6 Frost Double Axe
L25 (625,000): +5 Lifeblood Stalkerhide Armor
L25 (625,000): Belt of Titan Strength
L 24 (525,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (epic)
L23 (425,000): +5 Steadfast Amulet
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L21 (225,000): +5 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 4,930,000
Discussion:
A solid offensive level, we upgrade Storm of Blades to the devastating Hurricane of Blades, and we upgrade our weapon for the last time.
Changes:
+6 HP
New Encounter Power: Hurricane of Blades (replacing Storm of Blades)
Magic Items (Expected GP=6,000,000):
L28 (2,125,000): +6 Frost Double Axe
L25 (625,000): +5 Lifeblood Stalkerhide Armor
L25 (625,000): Belt of Titan Strength
L 24 (525,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (epic)
L23 (425,000): +5 Steadfast Amulet
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L21 (225,000): +5 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 4,930,000
Discussion:
A solid offensive level, we upgrade Storm of Blades to the devastating Hurricane of Blades, and we upgrade our weapon for the last time.
Level 28
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Strength (28), +1 Dexterity (24)
New Feat: Primal Resurgence
Magic Items (Expected GP=8,000,000):
L30 (3,125,000): +6 Lifeblood Elderhide Armor
L28 (2,125,000): +6 Frost Double Axe
L25 (625,000): Belt of Titan Strength
L 24 (525,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (epic)
L23 (425,000): +5 Steadfast Amulet
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L21 (225,000): +5 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 7,430,000
Discussion:
We get a way to use Stone Tempest Rage 2/day with Primal Resurgence, and since we love our crits, that's a very big thing. Our armor also gets upgraded for the last time.
Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks/defenses/checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Strength (28), +1 Dexterity (24)
New Feat: Primal Resurgence
Magic Items (Expected GP=8,000,000):
L30 (3,125,000): +6 Lifeblood Elderhide Armor
L28 (2,125,000): +6 Frost Double Axe
L25 (625,000): Belt of Titan Strength
L 24 (525,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (epic)
L23 (425,000): +5 Steadfast Amulet
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L21 (225,000): +5 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 7,430,000
Discussion:
We get a way to use Stone Tempest Rage 2/day with Primal Resurgence, and since we love our crits, that's a very big thing. Our armor also gets upgraded for the last time.
Level 29
Changes:
+6 HP
New Daily Power: World Serpent Rage (replaces Desert Wind Rage)
Magic Items (Expected GP=10,000,000):
L30 (3,125,000): +6 Lifeblood Elderhide Armor
L28 (2,125,000): +6 Frost Double Axe
L28 (2,125,000): +6 Steadfast Amulet
L25 (625,000): Belt of Titan Strength
L 24 (525,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (epic)
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L21 (225,000): +5 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 9,130,000
Discussion:
World Serpent Rage is a nice pickup that lets us make some more attacks (and thus increase our crit chance). We like being immortal as well, so we'll level up just 1 more time.
Changes:
+6 HP
New Daily Power: World Serpent Rage (replaces Desert Wind Rage)
Magic Items (Expected GP=10,000,000):
L30 (3,125,000): +6 Lifeblood Elderhide Armor
L28 (2,125,000): +6 Frost Double Axe
L28 (2,125,000): +6 Steadfast Amulet
L25 (625,000): Belt of Titan Strength
L 24 (525,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (epic)
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L21 (225,000): +5 Grasping Javelin
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 9,130,000
Discussion:
World Serpent Rage is a nice pickup that lets us make some more attacks (and thus increase our crit chance). We like being immortal as well, so we'll level up just 1 more time.
Level 30 Snapshot
Race: Half-Orc
Class: Barbarian
Feral Might: Whirling Slayer
Paragon Path: Shock Trooper
Epic Destiny: Fury of the Wild
Ability Scores (with racial adjustments):
Strength 28 (+9)
Constitution 16 (+3)
Dexterity 24 (+7)
Intelligence 10 (+0)
Wisdom 15 (+2)
Charisma 12 (+1)
HP: 205-->15 base, +16 Constitution, +174 levels
Bloodied: 102 HP or less
Healing Surge Value: 51
Surges per Day: 11
AC: 48--> 25 base, +7 Dexterity, +5 armor, +6 Enhancement, +3 Barbarian Agility, +2 feat
Fortitude: 44--> 25 base, +9 Strength, +2 class, +6 Enhancement, +2 feat
Reflex: 43--> 25 base, +7 Dexterity, +6 Enhancement, +3 Barbarian Agility, +2 feat
Will: 37--> 25 base, +2 Wisdom, +6 Enhancement, +4 feat
Initiative: +22
Speed: 6
Racial Powers:
Furious Assault
At-Will Powers:
L1: Pressing Strike
L1: Whirling Rend
Encounter Powers:
L11: Shocking Twister
L17: Whirling Skirmish
L23: Berserker's Fury
L27: Hurricane of Blades
Daily Powers:
L15: Thunderfury Rage
L20: Shocking Skewer
L25: Stone Tempest Rage
L29: World Serpent Rage
Utility Powers:
L2: Shrug it Off
L6: Combat Surge
L10: Howl of the Alpha Wolf
L12: Assault Footwork
L16: Spur the Cycle
L22: Unexpected Clarity
L26: Fury's Form
Feats:
L1: Weapon Proficiency: Double Axe
L2: Weapon Expertise
L4: Weapon Focus
L6: Two-Weapon Fighting
L8: Battle Awareness
L10: Wintertouched
L11: Lasting Frost
L12: Deadly Axe
L14: Deadly Rage
L16: Two-Weapon Opening
L20: Armor Specialization (Hide)
L21: Robust Defenses
L21: Axe Mastery
L22: Two-Weapon Flurry
L24: Ferocious Critical
L26: Sweeping Blade
L28: Primal Resurgence
L30: Epic Will
Magic Items (Expected GP=14,625,000):
L30 (3,125,000): +6 Lifeblood Elderhide Armor
L28 (2,125,000): +6 Frost Double Axe
L28 (2,125,000): +6 Steadfast Amulet
L27 (1,625,000): Shadow Band
L27 (1,625,000): Ring of the Phoenix
L26 (1,125,000): +6 Grasping Javelin
L25 (625,000): Belt of Titan Strength
L 24 (525,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (epic)
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 13,280,000
Discussion:
At last, we've reached immortality. All of your items are bought, you've picked all of your feats, and your powers are ready to go.
At this level, we upgrade our javelins one last time, and we pick up both a Shadow Band for the increased defences from being concealed and a Ring of the Phoenix, because we don't like dying (and our ED has no way of preventing it like most do). You have a little leeway to whatever items you decide to pick up, so feel free to supplement this item list with anything different (this build isn't item-dependant at all).
Enjoy hacking away at everything in sight with your Double Axe. You've earned it.
Race: Half-Orc
Class: Barbarian
Feral Might: Whirling Slayer
Paragon Path: Shock Trooper
Epic Destiny: Fury of the Wild
Ability Scores (with racial adjustments):
Strength 28 (+9)
Constitution 16 (+3)
Dexterity 24 (+7)
Intelligence 10 (+0)
Wisdom 15 (+2)
Charisma 12 (+1)
HP: 205-->15 base, +16 Constitution, +174 levels
Bloodied: 102 HP or less
Healing Surge Value: 51
Surges per Day: 11
AC: 48--> 25 base, +7 Dexterity, +5 armor, +6 Enhancement, +3 Barbarian Agility, +2 feat
Fortitude: 44--> 25 base, +9 Strength, +2 class, +6 Enhancement, +2 feat
Reflex: 43--> 25 base, +7 Dexterity, +6 Enhancement, +3 Barbarian Agility, +2 feat
Will: 37--> 25 base, +2 Wisdom, +6 Enhancement, +4 feat
Initiative: +22
Speed: 6
Racial Powers:
Furious Assault
At-Will Powers:
L1: Pressing Strike
L1: Whirling Rend
Encounter Powers:
L11: Shocking Twister
L17: Whirling Skirmish
L23: Berserker's Fury
L27: Hurricane of Blades
Daily Powers:
L15: Thunderfury Rage
L20: Shocking Skewer
L25: Stone Tempest Rage
L29: World Serpent Rage
Utility Powers:
L2: Shrug it Off
L6: Combat Surge
L10: Howl of the Alpha Wolf
L12: Assault Footwork
L16: Spur the Cycle
L22: Unexpected Clarity
L26: Fury's Form
Feats:
L1: Weapon Proficiency: Double Axe
L2: Weapon Expertise
L4: Weapon Focus
L6: Two-Weapon Fighting
L8: Battle Awareness
L10: Wintertouched
L11: Lasting Frost
L12: Deadly Axe
L14: Deadly Rage
L16: Two-Weapon Opening
L20: Armor Specialization (Hide)
L21: Robust Defenses
L21: Axe Mastery
L22: Two-Weapon Flurry
L24: Ferocious Critical
L26: Sweeping Blade
L28: Primal Resurgence
L30: Epic Will
Magic Items (Expected GP=14,625,000):
L30 (3,125,000): +6 Lifeblood Elderhide Armor
L28 (2,125,000): +6 Frost Double Axe
L28 (2,125,000): +6 Steadfast Amulet
L27 (1,625,000): Shadow Band
L27 (1,625,000): Ring of the Phoenix
L26 (1,125,000): +6 Grasping Javelin
L25 (625,000): Belt of Titan Strength
L 24 (525,000): Twice-Clawed Gauntlets (epic)
L22 (325,000): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic)
L14 (21,000): Helm of Opportunity (paragon)
L14 (21,000): Counterstrike Guards (paragon)
L12 (13,000): Assault Boots
TOTAL: 13,280,000
Discussion:
At last, we've reached immortality. All of your items are bought, you've picked all of your feats, and your powers are ready to go.
At this level, we upgrade our javelins one last time, and we pick up both a Shadow Band for the increased defences from being concealed and a Ring of the Phoenix, because we don't like dying (and our ED has no way of preventing it like most do). You have a little leeway to whatever items you decide to pick up, so feel free to supplement this item list with anything different (this build isn't item-dependant at all).
Enjoy hacking away at everything in sight with your Double Axe. You've earned it.
Build Goal and Tactics:
The build does two things extremely well: it spreads out quite a lot of auto-damage to mostly adjacent enemies, which softens those enemies up before your other party members can kill them, and it really capitalizes on getting a critical on an attack. We'll examine the first part first.
Spreading around damage tends to be seen as not as good as focus-fire style damage. Well, I agree with that a little bit, but there's also a big part of me that says they both have their own places within certain builds. To me, I really like the 5th man in a party to be good at spreading around damage, because it makes those enemies easier to kill for the rest of us.
This
build accomplishes this mainly by having encounter powers, along with
Whirling Rend, that deal [W] damage to each adjacent enemy. Since this
is increased by anything that increases a damage roll, this can add up
fast. You also gain a bonus to this in the form of Shock Trooper,
gaining Dex modifier damage to a damage roll (adding it to auto-damage
instead of an attack is nice becuase you don't need to worry about it
not hitting), and from Fury of the Wild's level 24 feature (which
triggers on a crit, btw). Add all of these together and you have a build
that can punish enemies just for standing next to him.
Your
criticals with this build are just downright nasty. You get your first
major boost to criticals with Overwhelming Critical, which lets you
knock the target prone on any critical. Nice. This gets further boosted
from Axe Mastery, because doubling your crit chance means double the
attacks. Picking up Ferocious Critical will make you both very accurate
and very damaging, and your Double Axe being a high-crit weapon (thanks
to Deadly Axe) adds even more power. Combining this with the auto-damage
function of a typical Whirler can make for some devastating results.
Your
tactics for this build should be to get adjacent to as many enemies as
possible without being overrun to trigger your auto-damage the most. To
accomplish this, we have the Whirlers general mobility power Whirling
Lunge, and we pick up Howl of the Alpha Wolf, which lets us rearrange
the battlefield how we see fit. You also have above-average AC for a
barbarian, which you can really take advantage of with auto-damage.
Overall, I really enjoy this build, as criticals and auto-damage are two
aspects of the game people sometimes overlook, but they can be
extremely deadly, especially when that's your focus.
