The Eternal Seeker's Guide to the Galaxy

-- -- 4e Character Optimization
  • Dungeons & Dragons
  • -- Dungeons & Dragons - Fifth Edition
  • -- -- Rules Questions
  • -- -- Player Help
  • -- -- Dungeon Master Help
  • -- -- D&D Adventurers League
  • -- -- Product and General D&D Discussions
  • -- D&D Products
  • -- -- D&D Future Releases
  • -- -- D&D Board Games
  • -- -- -- Dungeon Command
  • -- -- D&D Insider
  • -- -- Third Party and Officially Licensed Products
  • -- D&D Community
  • -- -- Community Business
  • -- -- What's a DM to Do?
  • -- -- What's a Player to Do?
  • -- -- 4e Character Development
  • -- -- 4e Character Optimization
  • -- -- 4e General Discussion
  • -- -- 4e Rules Q&A
  • -- -- D&D Gamer Classifieds
  • -- -- -- Asia, Australia and Oceania
  • -- -- -- Canada
  • -- -- -- Central and South America and Africa
  • -- -- -- Europe
  • -- -- -- Online Games
  • -- -- -- US: East of the Mississippi
  • -- -- -- US: West of the Mississippi
  • -- -- Off-Topic Tavern
  • -- D&D Worlds
  • -- -- Forgotten Realms
  • -- -- Homebrew Campaigns
  • -- -- Dark Sun
  • -- -- Eberron
  • -- -- Gamma World
  • -- -- Nentir Vale and Beyond
  • -- -- Other Published Worlds
  • -- -- -- Birthright
  • -- -- -- Dragonlance
  • -- -- -- Greyhawk
  • -- -- -- Mystara
  • -- -- -- Oriental Adventures
  • -- -- -- Other Worlds (Including 3rd Party)
  • -- -- -- Planescape
  • -- -- -- Ravenloft
  • -- -- -- Spelljammer
  • -- 4e Errata
  • -- -- Print Material
  • -- -- Dragon and Dungeon articles
  • -- -- 4E Errata Archive
  • -- D&D Previous Editions
  • -- -- Previous Editions General
  • -- -- Previous Editions Character Optimization
  • -- -- Non-D&D TSR and WotC RPG Discussion
  • -- -- RPGs General Discussion
  • -- -- Previous Editions Archive
63 posts / 0 new
Last post

The Eternal Seeker's Guide to the Galaxy


 


spiral-galaxy.jpg


You've been overlooked until now. In the beginning, you really didn't have much seeking to do. But the universe of options in the Epic Tier of this galaxy we call Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition has grown multifold. The call of the Eternal Seeker has amplified, but how do you know you're seeking the right path? Allow me to guide you on your voyage. And, uh, watch out for the black holes.


This guide will use the following system for ratings:


Red: Look away. A black hole that will only lead you to destruction.
Purple: Situational at best. You can do better.
Black: Not bad. You'll survive.
Blue: Should definitely catch your eye.
Sky Blue: Take it. Hold it. Love it.


This guide covers the following sources:


PHB - Player's Handbook
PHB 2 - Player's Handbook 2
AV - Adventurer's Vault
D XXX - Dragon Magazine, issue XXX
EPG - Eberron Player's Guide
FRPG - Forgotten Realms Player's Guide
MOTP - Manual of the Planes
MP - Martial Power
AP - Arcane Power
DP - Divine Power


Key:


Art - Artificer
Avg - Avenger
Bbn - Barbarian
Brd - Bard
Clr - Cleric
Dru - Druid
Ftr - Fighter
Inv - Invoker
Pal - Paladin
Rgr - Ranger
Rog - Rogue
Sha - Shaman
Sor - Sorcerer
Sdm - Swordmage
Wdn - Warden
Wlk - Warlock
Wld - Warlord
Wiz - Wizard


Thanks to everyone who helps and contributes.

Basic information for your trek


What you should expect: A litany of options. The Eternal Seeker epic destiny makes use of almost literally all the Epic Tier content that has been and will be released in 4e. Other epic destinies are fixed in their features. Yours are infinitely customizable. Knowing which options are best for you at each step of the journey is important, as it will pay great dividends.


What you should NOT expect: The same exploits and abuses found in other epic destinies, often involving their capstones. If you're looking to spam encounter powers like they were at-wills, or generate and spend ridiculous amounts of action points on crits, this voyage is not for you. You can be powerful, but brokenly powerful is pretty rare among the Eternal Seekers.


Features of the Eternal Seeker

Seeker of the Many Paths (21st level): This feature, in a nutshell, is free Epic Tier power-swapping. It allows you to select any encounter or daily attack power from any class when you get your new power levels. Note that this is not full-on multiclassing. In many cases, you'll need to have already selected the applicable multiclass feat to be able to actually use a power to its full purpose. Knowing which powers you can pick at what costs is crucial, and this shall be explored in detail later. Note (courtesy of Prism): The Character Builder lets you start retraining powers to any class at 21st level. This means that Paragon Tier powers are pretty important too for the first half of Epic.


Eternal Action (24th level): The only thing all Eternal Seekers have in common. It gives you an extra action in the turn after you use an action point, as well as the extra action the action point already gave you. Straightforward, and very solid feature. Certain paragon paths and items that generate action points can really take advantage of this one.


Seeker's Lore (26th level): Pick one 22nd-level utility power from any class. Unlike Seeker of Many Paths, where you have to worry about things like implement proficiencies and multiclass feats, this one's actually pretty simple: Just pick whatever fits your character the best. This will be explored later.


Seeking Destiny (30th level): Your capstone is the 24th-level feature of any other epic destiny you qualify for. This one also requires great care; just because the feature may be good for the destiny you cherry-picked doesn't necessarily mean it's good for you.


Navigating the Many Paths


As per your 21st-level feature, your choice of Epic Tier powers will come down to three things: 1) Your main attack stat, or stats 2) Whether you use a weapon or implement (or both), and 3) If you use an implement, do you have any other classes (via multiclassing) that can use it?


If you use a weapon, you pretty much have free rein over any weapon-keyword power, regardless of class, that matches your attack stat. Simple enough there. The only time it gets any more complicated than that is if you use powers that require a specific type of weapon, such as Rogue powers. But even then, just make sure you're using that type of weapon and you'll be fine.


If you use an implement, it gets tricky. You have to not only be proficient in the implement itself, you have to have the appropriate class to be able to use its benefits for that particular class' powers. Example: Although a WIS-Cleric and an Avenger both use holy symbols, a WIS-Cleric will not get the benefits of his holy symbol with Avenger powers (such as properties and enchancement bonus) unless he took an Avenger multiclass feat that lets him use a holy symbol for those powers.


A few ways to work around the implement/class roadblock:


Arcane Implement Proficiency (AP): If you're in any capacity (primary or multiclassed) an arcane class, pick this feat up and you can use the implement with all arcane powers.


Star of Corellon (AV): You must worship Corellon and be, in some capacity (primary or multiclassed), an Avenger, Cleric or Paladin to use it. This holy symbol can be used for any arcane power. Example: A Bard could multiclass to Paladin, then use this symbol with all Paladin implement powers, all his Bard powers, and any Sorcerer and Warlock powers he might want to pick up later.

The Paths Illuminated: Paragon and Epic Tier Powers of Note

 


Paragon Tier powers are listed here as well since the Character Builder allows you to start retraining powers into other classes' from 21st level on. Some of these may tide you over until the later Epic levels. Since this guide can't list all the powers, most of the powers listed are ones that were worth a mention, so most will be blue or sky blue. Traps will be noted. The powers will be judged on universal appeal, not just the appeal to its native class, so some powers may be rated higher or lower than you'd expect, or not be mentioned at all. Powers will be categorized by attack stat, and whether it uses a weapon or a class' implement.


Stances and Miscellany:


Lv. 15 Daily

Unyielding Avalanche (Ftr, PHB): Battlefield control, regeneration for CON-heavy melee-ers at its finest.


War Master's Assault (Wld, MP): A gang beatdown that only gets better with a high CHA.


Lv. 19 Daily

Increasing the Tempo (Brd, PHB2): Someone's gonna do some killing. Four basic attacks as a free action to an ally of your choice. Ouch.


Lv. 25 Daily

Reaper's Stance (Ftr, PHB): Can really pile on the damage, especially with a high DEX.


Quicksilver Blade (Sdm, FRPG): Minor-action melee basic attacks every round. Very nice.


Lv. 29 Daily

Force the Battle (Ftr, PHB): If you have even one Fighter at-will power, definitely consider going for this. If not, ignore it.


Mirrorblade Army (Sdm, AP): With a good CON modifier, you can be just about anywhere you want to be. Literally.


 


Strength, Weapon:


Lv. 13 Encounter

Storm of Blades (Bbn, PHB2): This power has been recently capped at three attacks flat. And just like before, once you miss with this power, that's it. Still, the potential to hit an enemy three times with a single standard is what it is: a way to kill a standard enemy fast. If you're willing to wait for proper setup every encounter (say, the ability to hit on a 2 or 3), it can still be devastating.


Anvil of Doom (Ftr, PHB): Stuns with a hammer or mace. Not the greatest damage, but it'll tide you over nicely if you're looking for a status-effect power early on.


Chains of Sorrow (Ftr, PHB): Great power-play setup against all defenses if you have a good DEX and a flail.


Armor Splinter (Rgr, PHB): Perfect for dual-wielders with a good WIS looking to set up gross power plays against AC.


Off-Hand Diversion (Rgr, MP): Minor-action attack for dual-wielders, which is grand in itself, and it also sets up combat advantage.


Lv. 15 Daily

Blade Cascade (Rgr, PHB): Really needs no introduction. As with Storm of Blades, just make sure to only use it when you've been setup for success.


Renew the Troops (Wld, PHB): Surge-value-and-independent mass healing with an attack. Better with a good CHA.


Lv. 17 Encounter

Blinding Light (Clr, PHB): Blinds, attack Fortitude, and Radiant. Good combination.


Hail of Steel (Wld, PHB): Gang beatdown, baby.


Mark of Terror (Pal, DP): For any defender loading up on the stuns.


Lv. 19 Daily

Indomitable Spirit (Clr, PHB): Surge-value-and-independent mass healing regardless of hit or miss.


Strike of the Watchful Guard (Ftr, PHB): Even better in the hands of an off-Defender (or even a Barbarian) than a primary defender Fighter. Can force a devastating squeeze play with a primary Defender.


Storm Drake Rage (Bbn, PHB2): Reward enemies for hitting you in melee by knocking them down. Nice. A Defender can really force the issue with this.


Cruel Cage of Steel (Rgr, PHB): Lots of damage and potentially a cocktail of status effects. For dual-wielders.


Smite the Soul (Pal, DP): Save-ends stun with a dazing aftereffect.


Lv. 23 Encounter

Skullcrusher (Ftr, PHB): Dazes and blinds with a hammer or mace. Very nice.


Sudden Assault (Wld, PHB): Giving someone a standard action for free is awesome even without the Presence benefit.


Nonchalant Collapse (Rgr, MP): Minor-action attack for dual-wielders that attacks Fortitude and knocks prone. Beautiful.


Staggering Strike (Bbn, PHB2): Attacks Fortitude and stuns. If you're loading up on melee stunning encounter powers, here's one for this level.


Lv. 25 Daily

Ash Hammer Rage (Bbn, PHB2): Good damage and push on the attack, and a lot of temp HPs for someone with a high CHA to boot.


Stone Tempest Rage (Bbn, PHB2): 18-20 crit range is no joke.


Lv. 27 Encounter

Hurricane of Blades (Bbn, PHB2): Even after errata, four guaranteed attacks is still the most damaging encounter power you'll ever see. It's still more damaging than even most dailies, as well. When it's absolutely, positively gotta die, accept no substitute.


Stunning Smite (Pal, PHB): Can potentially stun everyone around you. And attacks Will to do it. If you're looking for a strong melee control element, this is it.


Death Rend (Rgr, PHB): For dual-wielders, a great combination of high single-target damage and the chance of a stun.


Warlord's Doom (Wld, PHB): For when you absolutely have to extend that nice save-ends status effect for an extra turn.


Lv. 29 Daily

Rage of the Primal Beast (Bbn, PHB2): AKA you don't miss in this fight.


World Serpent Rage (Bbn, PHB2): All Defenders drool over this one. Fighters even more so, since they can double-punish a shift with their CC and the free-action attack off the same trigger. And if the enemy doesn't want to get away, they eat more damage from your attacks. This one creates one hell of a lose-lose situation.


 


Constitution, Warlock Implement:


Lv. 27 Encounter

Zutwa's Incandescence (AP): AoE blinding power (close burst 2). Attacks Will. Good deal.


Lv. 29 Daily
Hurl through Hell (PHB): Remove a particularly troublesome enemy from the fight for four rounds, and after that they're stunned. Very nice. Attacks Will, too.

 


Dexterity, Weapon:


Lv. 13 Encounter

Pinning Strike (Rgr, PHB): While it can be used in melee as a STR-based dual-wielding attack, it shines a lot brighter in its ranged-attack form. Can attack the same foe twice, and it immobilizes.


Stunning Strike (Rog, PHB): Stunning melee attack. Definitely serves its purpose.


Lv. 15 Daily

Confounding Arrows (Rgr, PHB): Ranged attack. Big damage and a good chance to stun.


Garrote Grip (Rog, PHB): With some backup in the form of stunning powers or unconscious effects, this melee attack can end an enemy easily. If the enemy is weak in Athletics or Acrobatics, you won't even need the backup.


Lv. 17 Encounter

Arrow of Vengeance (Rgr, PHB): Off-action ranged attack when an enemy attacks your ally. Will be used often.


Dragon Tail Strike (Rog, PHB): Can be done melee or ranged and is a good way to discourage retaliation for hitting with it, lest it do even more damage.


Pounding Barrage (Rgr, MP): Three ranged attacks on the same enemy. Does sick damage and can immobilize.


Lv. 19 Daily

Feinting Flurry(Rog, PHB): Power-play madness with a high CHA. Can be melee or ranged.


Dead Stop (Rgr, MP): Immediate interrupt ranged attack versus a charge, attacks Reflex, knocks prone. Solid.


Daunting Barrage (Rog, MP): Save-ends mass dazing madness with a Rogue's ranged weapon.


Lv. 23 Encounter

Manticore's Volley (Rgr, PHB): Another three-shot against one enemy. Can't really have enough of these.


Steel Entrapment (Rog, PHB): Mass immobilization. Awesome.


Crack Shot (Rog, MP): Doesn't freeze the army Steel Entrapment does, but the range is greater and area burst 1, knock prone ain't bad. For some this might be a fair tradeoff.


Lv. 25 Daily

Cruel Pursuit (Rog, MP): Two painful melee stabs versus Reflex with a nice little flank-setting dance in between. Beautiful.


Visceral Strike (Rog, MP): Melee attack save-ends stuns, and if they save, they're weakened and slowed until they save again. This one's quite nasty.


Lv. 27 Encounter

Hail of Arrows (Rgr, PHB): The overall usefulness of this power is situational, but no one can say it's not good for minion control.


Lightning Shot (Rgr, PHB): Off-action ranged attack that piles on the damage to an enemy in response to an ally doing damage. Very solid.


Perfect Strike (Rog, PHB): Solid damage and potential to stun. As long as you can beat AC and Fortitude, in most cases the rest will fall into place. Can be done melee or ranged.


Lv. 29 Daily

Five-Missile Dance (Rgr, MP): Ouchie. That's what an enemy will say after getting mercilessly peppered by this series of ranged attacks. If he's alive to say it.


Cagey Killer (Rog, MP): Save-end stun with a save-end daze as an aftereffect. Very cold. Can be done melee or ranged, but melee-ers are more likely to take it.


Deathweaving Strike (Rog, MP): Ridiculous damage potential for melee if you happen to have a high CHA. It's Reliable, too, and it pops Reflex.


Sight-Stealing Shot (Rog, MP): If you're looking for status-effect lockdown with a ranged weapon, this is it. Blinding and dazing together are almost as good as Cagey Killer's stunning, and it attacks Reflex to pull ahead of Cagey Killer as a ranged attack.


 


Intelligence, Weapon:


Lv. 15 Daily

Hunter's Pursuit (Sdm, AP): A Wizard might use it to immobilize an enemy who gets next to him, and then shift away. The initial attack hits Reflex.


Lv. 17 Encounter

Dazzling Display (Sdm, AP): Close burst 1, attacks Reflex. It sets up combat advantage and grants you concealment. Decent.


Lv. 19 Daily

Hell's Own Blade (Sdm, FRPG): One of the Swordmage's few multi-attack, focus-fire powers. Piles the damage on one target and blasts a few of his buddies as collateral.


Planar Shock (Sdm, AP): Remove an enemy from the fight for a while or instantly put him in a position where he's gonna get slaughtered for free. Very nice.


Lv. 23 Encounter

Thunder Riposte (Sdm, FRPG): Whoa. Where to begin? It's an immediate reaction, it's a close blast 3, and it knocks all enemies in the blast prone and dazes, which unless the targets can teleport is tantamount to a stun. Godly even without the Aegis of Shielding benefit.


Lightning Bolt Charge (Sdm, AP): Multi-attack (and yes, it can attack the same enemy) with a teleport in between. Very nice.


 


Intelligence, Wizard Implement:


Lv. 13 Encounter

Prismatic Burst (PHB): AoE blinding with a good range and decent damage. Attacks Will.


Lv. 15 Daily

Prismatic Beams (PHB): This is capable of some pretty nice damage, as well as dazing. It's also a close burst 5, so the area is huge and it won't provoke an OA in melee.


Lv. 23 Encounter

Thunderclap (PHB): Stuns at a good range along with decent damage.


Lv. 25 Daily

Maze (PHB): With a good Will defense (high WIS or CHA and a couple feats helps), you'll keep a particularly bothersome enemy out of the fight for at least a couple rounds.


Prismatic Spray (PHB): The Prismatic line of spells is great in general. This one in particular is good for more than just Wizards. Close burst 5, so great area and no provoking OAs, and capable of both great damage and stunning.


Lv. 27 Encounter

Lost in the Mists (AP): Dominates. With a good CHA modifier you turn your puppet into a greater liability to his cronies. Only weakness is the Charm keyword.


Steal Time (AP): The target's stunned, and you took his standard action to boot. Wreak further havoc with it. Best of all, this has no Charm or Illusion keyword, so immunity won't help there.


Lv. 29 Daily

Legion's Hold (PHB): I don't think this one needs an introduction.


 


Intelligence, Swordmage Implement:


Lv. 13 Encounter

Hypnotic Swordplay (AP): Stuns. If you're trying to max out stunning powers from the getgo, it's there.


Lv. 25 Daily

Waves of Languor (AP): A close-burst Sleep spell that does a little damage and targets only enemies. Hey, can't complain.


Wisdom, Weapon:


Lv. 25 Daily

Executioner's Justice (PHB2): Dazes, and possibly stuns. A Cleric might look at this one.


Lv. 27 Encounter

Scatter to the Astral Winds (PHB2): This one's actually really good. Even without the Censure feature, teleporting all nearby enemies 5 squares is a great way to rearrange a battlefield, something anyone regardless of role could make use of.


 


Wisdom, Cleric Implement:


Lv. 17 Encounter

Thunderous Word: Pretty good rearrangement power.


Lv. 25 Daily

Sacred Word (PHB): Mass stunning. Nice.


Seal of Binding (PHB): In case you needed a reminder, if you have a good amount of regeneration active, this equals guaranteed death on one enemy.


 


Wisdom, Avenger Implement:


---


 


Wisdom, Invoker Implement:


Lv. 13 Encounter

Seal of the Heretic (PHB2): Even without the Covenant benefit, putting down a -5 to even one saving throw is valuable. Targets Will and can affect up to three targets.


Lv. 17 Encounter

Blood Debt (PHB2): Even a +2 bonus to allies' attacks for betting attacked by the target is pretty good.


Curse of Haemnathuun (PHB2): Dazing and immobilation together are almost as good as a stun, and this does it in a huge close blast area.


Lv. 29 Daily

Word of the Gods (PHB2): Mass domination on hit. The close blast area is great, too.


 


Wisdom, Druid Implement:


Lv. 15 Daily

Baleful Polymorph (PHB2): Oh, how humiliating. And effective.


Lv. 25 Daily

Primal Storm (PHB2): Pretty solid control power. Keeps them on their rears.


 


Wisdom, Shaman Implement:


Lv. 25 Daily

Western Wind of Storms (PHB2): Major battlefield rearrangement, and in a nice area size, too.


Lv. 29 Daily

Sea of Serpents (PHB2): AoE of a good size followed by a zone of overall great combat improvements for allies in it.


Spirit of the Unbroken Vow (PHB2): This one's best used on a Striker to ensure he almost never misses in the fight.


 


Charisma, Weapon:


Lv. 13 Encounter

Couplet of Deceptive Weakness (Brd, AP): Off-action punishment, with a nearby ally coming over to help.


Lv. 19 Daily

Corona of Blinding Radiance (Pal, PHB): Close-burst blinding, Radiant, and attacks Reflex. Awesome.


Lv. 25 Daily

Discipline the Unruly (Pal, DP): Damage and blind anyone within 5 squares who attacks an ally. Sustain this with minor actions. Nasty.


Lv. 27 Encounter

Surge of Valor (Brd, PHB2): Good even without the Virtue, it can set up a gang beatdown of an enemy if your allies are close enough.


Lv. 29 Daily

Hero's Beacon (Brd, PHB2): Attack followed by a zone that moves with you, heals allies and blasts enemies with radiant damage. Great.


 


Charisma, Paladin Implement:


Lv. 23 Encounter

Demand Respect (DP): Immediate interrupt, knocks an enemy prone and blinds for attacking an ally. Good range, too.


Lv. 27 Encounter

Deific Vengeance (PHB): An immediate reaction with fantastic range against someone who attacks you. Does solid damage, attacks Fortitude at +2 bonus and weakens. Extremely helpful for a lot of classes, even moreso than it is for Paladins.


 


Charisma, Warlock Implement:


Lv. 19 Daily

Passionate Betrayal (FRPG): Dominate a bloodied enemy with a potentially huge penalty to the save. Awesome. Save-ends daze on miss.


Lv. 25 Daily
Instruction in Darkness (AP): Remove an enemy from the fight until they save, then it and every enemy closeby gets save-ends blinded. Nice. Even if it misses, the target at least gets blinded.

Lv. 29 Daily

Arrangement of Disorder (AP): Close burst 5 AoE damage followed by rearranging the battlefield. Even if you miss at least allies can teleport.


 


Charisma, Bard Implement:


Lv. 23 Encounter

Chant of Bad Fortune (AP): Inflict massive saving throw penalties to all enemies in the burst, and grant allies a save. Nice.


Lv. 25 Daily

Frenzied Rhythm (PHB2): Get your enemies to beat each other up, then stun them for a round. Dazes them if you miss.


Lv. 27 Encounter

Pounding Rhythm (AP): This close blast 3 can result in a lot of stunned enemies, particularly if you have an ally ready to follow up with an AoE.


Lv. 29 Daily

Horrifying Truth (AP): Good-sized AoE blast that save-ends dazes enemies ... until your friends hit them and they get save-ends stunned instead. The beginning daze happens regardless of hit or miss.


Spellbind (PHB2): Save-ends domination with a damaging and dazing aftereffect.


 


Charisma, Sorcerer Implement:


Lv. 17 Encounter

Dragon Tail Meditation (PHB2): Immediate reaction when you get flanked. Good just for that, even without the Dragon Magic perk.


Poisonous Evasion (PHB2): Immediate reaction AoE when someone misses you with an attack. Pretty good. Be aware poison is the most common resistance, though.


Lv. 23 Encounter

Sun and Stars (AP): Two attacks of focus fire with a fantastic range. Rare for implements, so keep this one in mind.


Lv. 27 Encounter

Mother Claw (AP): Immediate reaction against a melee attack. Solid damage followed by CHA-mod squares of shifting. Nice.


Overpowering Lightning (AP): Stun from 20 squares away. Nice.


Lv. 29 Daily

Entropic Whirlwind (PHB2): Great battlefield rearrangement potential, especially if you have the DEX. Even if not, the effect that can teleport one nearby creature (enemy or ally) every round is great.

For Every Action: Action Point Optimization


The more action points you can either generate or use, the more you can take advantage of the Eternal Action feature.


Paragon Paths

Adroit Explorer (Human) (PHB2): The 16th-level feature Champion of Humanity starts your days off with 2 action points, instead of 1.


Battlefield Archer (Ranger) (PHB): Only Rangers themselves can access this because the Archery style is required. Their utility, Archer's Glory, gives them an action point when they kill something that they spend before the end of their next turn.


Items

Lv. 26 Wondrous Item


Solitaire (Violet) (AV): Once per day, gain an action point on a crit, which you must spend before the end of your next turn. Use of it does not count against the normal once-per-encounter limit.


Epic Destiny Lv. 24 Features

Blessing of Mielikki (Harper of Legend) (D 367): Start the day with 2 action points instead of 1, and for every enemy that spends an action point in an encounter, you get to spend an additional action point beyond the one-per limit.

Searching for Long-Forgotten Lore: Seeker's Lore Powers


Not all the 22nd-level powers will be listed. Mostly just the good ones, great ones, and the black holes. Again, these are rated based on universal appeal, so some might be better or worse than you expect, or not be mentioned at all.


Artificer

Bag of the Four Winds (EPG): Eat your heart out, Taclord and Paladin. If you have a high Wisdom, this mass-sliding of you and allies in the close burst 5 is a fantastic battlefield-rearrangement power, and you can do it every encounter.


Avenger

Twin Step (PHB2): Per-encounter teleport 8 squares as a move action, then teleport another 8 at the end of the turn. The ultimate for Strikers who want to get in and get out, and/or have total control over their positioning.


Bard

Climactic Chord (AP): A fantastic daily to use when your party is in position to tee off on an enemy, especially an elite or solo. With a high Charisma, the beatdown is close to guaranteed.


Elegy Unwritten (PHB2): Arguably the best class-related resurrection spell in the game. This one is a close burst 5 immediate interrupt. Yes, an off-action resurrection with a surges' worth of surgeless healing.


Invisible Troupe (PHB2): Per-encounter close burst 3 mass-invisibility for you and allies. Great.


Note of Aggression (AP): Per-encounter minor-action granting of a free melee basic attack or a charge to either yourself or an ally. The results won't ever be as spectacular as Climactic Chord, but for per-encounter consistency you can't go wrong here.


Cleric

Clarion Call of the Astral Sea (PHB): The ultimate heal-and-rescue spell. Lets an ally (or you) heal up completely with no surges spent, watch the battle in complete safety, and then return them to action right on schedule for their next turn.


Heal (DP): Trap. Garbage. Don't ever, ever, ever look at this one over Clarion Call of the Astral Sea, or anything else for that matter.


Mass Cure Serious Wounds (DP): It's a daily and a standard action, but it's surgeless healing for the whole party: two surges' worth of it for everyone.


Ramparts of Light (DP): When someone simply needs protecting. You or an ally every encounter resists 25 damage for a round.


Revive(DP): Resurrection spell with surge-less healing up to bloodied value. Standard action and touch range. You hope you never have to use it, but it's there when stuff happens.


Fighter

Unyielding (MP): A very efficient immediate reaction self-heal as long as you remember to only use it when you're very near the brink. When used then, you essentially get two free surges' worth of healing on top of the two you spent. Dragonborn get a little extra perk with this one.


Paladin

Failure is No Option (DP): A battlefield-changer that uses Charisma to determine the movement, and it also comes with some decent free healing for your allies, also based on your Charisma. It's a daily, but if your Wisdom isn't high enough to use the Artificer's Bag of the Four Winds to its fullest, this is still worthy.


Ranger

Forest Ghost (PHB): Cover or concealment gives you invisibility when it's not your turn. And unlike the Swordmage's Oni's Gift, you don't need to sustain this daily; it lasts the whole encounter.


Shaman

Bounty of Life (PHB2): Per-day regeneration for potentially the whole party, more when bloodied. Solid.


Call the Dead (PHB2): Close burst 5 resurrection spell, so it has good range for that purpose (in comparison, the Cleric has to be next to his target). Unlike the Bard's or Cleric's resurrections, this one uses up a healing surge. This one can also raise all dead allies in the burst, although how often you're going to have more than one ally dead is the question. Solid enough, though.


Spirit of the World Healer (PHB2): A minor-action full heal spell with a great range (10 squares). Another one that makes the Cleric's Heal look like the fraud it is.


Sorcerer

Platinum Scales (PHB2): If you have a high Strength, you can be nigh-un-hittable for the rest of the encounter.


Wind Shape (PHB2): Per-encounter short-term flight, with hovering and insubstantial. The best short-term flight spell available.


Swordmage

Oni's Gift (AP): Invisibility until you attack each round. You must sustain this daily with minor actions, but it's useful in any fight, not just ones where cover or concealment are factors.


Warden

Wellspring of Life (PHB2): Spend a healing surge and gain a good amount of regeneration if your Strength is high. Solid.


Warlord

Own the Battlefield (PHB): The Artificer's Bag of the Four Winds has stolen this one's thunder, but if you have a high Intelligence, rather than a high Wisdom, you should still consider this battlefield-rearrangement daily.


Quickening Order (MP): Anyone with a high Intelligence can take this to make the whole party lay waste to the enemy before they can do anything about it.


Rush of Battle (MP): Even without the Resourceful Presence benefit, simply granting the party a round of minor-action basic attacks is great.


Wizard

Mass Fly (PHB): The best long-term flight utility. Grants you and the whole party minor-sustainable flight. The fly speed is 8, faster than most characters' base speed.


Time Stop (PHB): If you have a lot of non-attacking standard action powers, this will help you a lot. It's also really good if you have Leader powers that grant attacks to allies, since you're technically not attacking yourself with the standard action in those cases.

What's Really Your Destiny: Seeking Destiny


A list of the 24th-level features of the other Epic Destinies.


General EDs

Trickster's Control (Deadly Trickster) (PHB): You get the best part of this destiny, a 15% chance to prevent an encounter or daily power from being expended when you use it. Good for you. Requires DEX 21 or CHA 21 and training in Acrobatics, Bluff, Stealth or Trickery.


Divine Recovery (Demigod/Chosen) (PHB): You get the least appealing part of this controversial destiny. Pretty low-end as far as the near-death recovery features go.


Return from the Shadowfell (Darklord) (D 372): Decent death-recovery.


Traveler's Tricks (Keybearer) (D 372): Weak.


Astral Critical (Planeshaper) (D 372): A crit can remove the enemy from the battle for a round. Not bad, actually.


Hellfire Master (Prince of Hell) (D 372): Ignore fire resistance and add the fire keyword to an encounter power. You can do better.


Devourer of Fate (Punisher of the Gods) (D 372): Irrelevant to you.


Thunder and Lightning (Storm Sovereign) (D 372): Probably the best part of this destiny. A decent death-triggered feature.


Winter's Bite (Winter Sovereign) (D 372): Weak.


Master of Ill Fortune (Harbinger of Doom) (PHB2): An underwhelming part of an underwhelming destiny.


Lorekeeper's Cunning (Lorekeeper) (PHB2): If you're into rituals, this one's not bad. Requires INT 21 or WIS 21 and training in two knowledge skills.


Forgotten Realms EDs

Sustained by Magic (Elf High Mage) (D 367): Horrible. Just horrible.


Blessing of Mielikki (Harper of Legend) (D 367): Described in the "For Every Action" section above, this one is awesome for letting you break the one-per-encounter limit on action point usage, letting you take greater advantage of Eternal Action.


This is Not My Fate (Mythic Sovereign) (D 367): Another near-death recovery. Quite a bit better than the Demigod's/Chosen's, actually.


Eberron EDs

Burden of Leadership (Dispossessed Champion) (EPG): Basically a Lay on Hands-type ability that happens whenever an ally gets bloodied. Not bad if you're a Defender class.


Memory of Cyre (Mourning Savior) (EPG): Impose a save-ends -2 penalty on enemies' attack rolls and defenses on action point use, as long as they're not constructs or undead. Fair.


Argent Vessel (Sublime Flame) (EPG): Decent near-death recovery for divine classes who worship the Silver Flame.


Arcane EDs

Mastery over Death (Archlich) (AP): Not one of the better death-triggered features.


Returning Spell (Archspell) (AP): Irrelevant to you.


Eternal King on an Eternal Throne (Feyliege) (AP): Another death-triggered feature that's not too impressive.


Spirit of Energy (Immanence) (AP): Near-death recovery, and one of the better ones of that type. Insubstantial and phasing for the rest of the encounter, and you also deliver some solid free damage to adjacent enemies when you use this.


Balanced Sum (Lord of Fate) (AP): The errata has made this near-death recovery feature very not-capstone worthy. Probably not a bad thing, as it used to be arguably broken.


Return of the Magister (Magister) (AP): This near-death recovery is pretty weak.


Keeper's Prescience (Sage of Ages) (AP): Roll a d20 at the start of all your turns, which you may use to replace an upcoming d20 roll (attack, save or skill check). This one is very impressive.


Divine EDs

Manifest the Divine (Revered One) (PHB2): Easily the best part of this destiny. Makes all your Divinity powers separate encounter powers, and you can pick any Divinity feat regardless of domain or deity. If you were a serious Divinity user, you probably had the Glorious Channeler feat before Lv. 30; retrain that one out for a new Divinity feat you may want.


Deadly Revival (Avatar of Death) (DP): Not impressive at all. Requires Death Knell.


Liberating Revival (Avatar of Freedom) (DP): Also not impressive. The ally benefits are rather situational. Path of Freedom required.


Hopeful Revival (Avatar of Hope) (DP): This one's actually pretty decent. 20 temp HPs are always welcome, at least. Hope Remains required.


Just Revival (Avatar of Justice) (DP): Would be decent, but requires a rather unimpressive divinity feat in Immediate Justice.


Vital Revival (Avatar of Life) (DP): Healing surge triggers for all allies in range. Decent. Pulse of Life required.


Thundering Revival (Avatar of Storm) (DP): If you don't have a high CON, don't bother. Probably the least impressive part of this destiny anyway. Requires Storm Sacrifice.


Invoker of War (Avatar of War) (DP): Sorry, a damage bonus just for the qualifying Divinity feat is not a proper capstone.


Reborn in Light (Exalted Angel) (DP): Save-ends blinding is good by itself, but NOT when you're removed from the fight for the rest of the encounter.


Sanctified Touch (Saint) (DP): A Cleric or Paladin could get some use out of this, even if it's slightly underwhelming for a capstone.


Martial EDs

Unbreakable Skin (Adamantine Soldier) (MP): Must be a Fighter or a Warlord. CON-mod damage resistance while in heavy armor is simply awesome if you do wear that type of armor.


Dark Road (Dark Wanderer) (MP): Must be a Ranger or Rogue. An excellent adventuring benefit for the party.


Reliable Warrior (Martial Archetype) (MP): Depending on your arsenal, you might find this useful.


Primal EDs

Seeker of Foes (Glorious Spirit) (PHB2): Per-encounter teleport next to an enemy. Meh.


Spirit Boon (Primal Avatar) (PHB2): In proper execution, this will be a permanent +1 bonus to attack rolls. Not bad.


Bard EDs

Fate's Clarity (Fatesinger) (PHB2): The best part of this destiny. The Majestic Word target rolling twice on all attacks is extremely powerful if he/she is in position to nova. Only a real Bard will make use of this one, though.


Fighter EDs

Godlike Stature (Eternal Defender) (MP): The best part of this solid destiny. Have fun with oversized weapons and greater melee reach.


Undying Stamina (Undying Warrior) (MP): Meh. By this point, extra surges per milestone are diminishing returns, unless perhaps you were a Paladin with Lay on Hands who multiclassed Fighter. The least important part of this destiny, for sure.


Ranger EDs

Fused Fate (Beastlord) (MP): You get the least impressive part of this destiny. Must have a beast companion.


Swordmage EDs

Sword's Vengeance (Arcane Sword) (AP): Flavorful, and actually one of the better death-triggered features. Since you're already dead, the enemy can't keep targeting you, and your sword can't be targeted with attacks, allowing you to attack without fear of dying again. And if your body is around at the end of the fight, you live again.


Warlord EDs

Legendary Tactical Action (Legendary General) (MP): Pooling the party's action points and breaching the normal action point use limitations is pretty powerful.


Shock and Awe (Warmaster) (MP): This one's incredible for you. With this, your action points now give the party a total of 3 extra actions (your regular extra action, your Eternal Action, and the action this feature grants your ally). Now that is some awesome synergy.


Wizard EDs

Arcane Spirit (Archmage) (PHB): Decent death-triggered feature.


Never Really There (Parable) (AP): If you could do without Evasion and Mettle, you can easily do without this.

res 6
res 7
res 8 - should be enough
Excellent idea. Although I'm sure the main focus will be on higher level powers, the CB lets you start retraining to any class at 21st level, which I wasn't sure about before. This means that late paragon powers are pretty important too for the first half of epic.

Are you going to group by primary attack stat or class (or something else)?
Excellent idea. Although I'm sure the main focus will be on higher level powers, the CB lets you start retraining to any class at 21st level, which I wasn't sure about before. This means that late paragon powers are pretty important too for the first half of epic.

I'll definitely make a note of this.

Are you going to group by primary attack stat or class (or something else)?

Primary attack stat and, if applicable, implement usage (which will involve class).
A great idea, Litigation. I believe I will help you construct this guide, as well. Eternal Seeker is one of my favorite epic destiny options.

I didn't know that you could retrain powers prior to level 21 into those of different classes. Is is also possible to down-rank powers in the same way as usual? As an example, I gain a level 23rd encounter power from any class, but I instead choose a level 13 encounter power from any class.

I had always assumed only your level 21+ powers could be from any class (otherwise paragon MC/hybrid would make less sense).

One simple combo is Battlefield Archer. This PP generates action points (when you drop a foe to 0 hp, I believe) which synergizes nicely with your Eternal Action. Two extra standards every encounter, sweet!
Builds and Guides The Cosmonaut a build that teleports foes into space. November Errata Item Guide a guide to equipping Avengers and Strikers after the November errata. 100% Crit Rate Ardent Champion an Avenger combo that autocrits and/or inflicts infinite damage at level 11.
AI didn't know that you could retrain powers prior to level 21 into those of different classes. Is is also possible to down-rank powers in the same way as usual? As an example, I gain a level 23rd encounter power from any class, but I instead choose a level 13 encounter power from any class.

I was unsure about this too. Certainly character builder opens up powers from all classes for the purpose of retraining but seems to have a bug in it which only allows powers from 1st - 10th. The wording of Eternal Seeker says when you gain a power from gaining a level you can choose from any class. The wording that is in common between what happens at 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th level, and that of retraining is the ability to 'replace' a power

One simple combo is Battlefield Archer. This PP generates action points (when you drop a foe to 0 hp, I believe) which synergizes nicely with your Eternal Action. Two extra standards every encounter, sweet!

Certainly Battlefield Archer and Adroit Explorer seem good simple ways to get more action points
I'll definitely be watching this- a good guide to Paragon-tier powers would also be very useful for PMC/Versatile Mastery which I've been rather interested in lately.

However, the wording of Seeker of Many paths doesn't really support the idea of being able to retrain older powers into any class...
I'm also curious about this, partly because I haven't been able to get much input on my Bard Versatile Master PMC thread. Speaking of which, I assume by the wording that you can't apply Combat Virtuoso to Eternal Seeker powers. Which would be nice, as it could significantly reduce MAD.
Speaking of which, I assume by the wording that you can't apply Combat Virtuoso to Eternal Seeker powers. Which would be nice, as it could significantly reduce MAD.

That is my understanding of the RAW as well. The Daring Blade PP does so a lot to reduce MAD for Bards and high charisma martial classes. However, other than reducing MAD, the Daring Blade seems fairly lackluster.

Looks like the beginnings of a cool guide Litigation.
I'm also curious about this, partly because I haven't been able to get much input on my Bard Versatile Master PMC thread. Speaking of which, I assume by the wording that you can't apply Combat Virtuoso to Eternal Seeker powers. Which would be nice, as it could significantly reduce MAD.

Probably not, but you can use the Daring Blade's Daring Improvisation feature with any Eternal Seeker powers that are martial and melee, which sounds like a tasty idea to me.

I'd also like to say I'm looking forward to this guide. One interesting thing about the Eternal Seeker's capstone is that most ED's that have a "once per day when you die" ability get it at level 24. Granted, by level 30 you might not be so concerned about dying, but Orcus does like to drop people to 0 hp.
Awesome idea, Litigation! I've been playing an Eternal Seeker since before it was "cool," so it's nice to see it getting some love. :D


I personally don't believe you can retrain Powers past 21st to other Class' Powers, and I don't really feel it's necessary. Novice Power and the like do that well enough as-is.


A quick suggestion: Cruel Reaper (Fighter) - One of the most versatile high-damaging AoE Powers available to anyone.

Also, I know you haven't gotten to it yet, but on the subject of 24th-level ED Features, you really should avoid all of the "You don't die!" ones; you should never be reliant on something that depends on you getting your ass kicked. :S

My favorite is the Deadly Trickster's Trickster's Control Feature, because not expending your Powers without resorting to cheese is like finding out you won the Gold in an Olympic Event and were the only person not using steroids to do it. :P
Resident Logic Cannon
Also, I know you haven't gotten to it yet, but on the subject of 24th-level ED Features, you really should avoid all of the "You don't die!" ones; you should never be reliant on something that depends on you getting your ass kicked. :S

My favorite is the Deadly Trickster's Trickster's Control Feature, because not expending your Powers without resorting to cheese is like finding out you won the Gold in an Olympic Event and were the only person not using steroids to do it. :P

I agree with this sentiment... 24th level anti-death effects are common and boring. I have to say I'm a big fan of the Sage of Ages and its Keeper of Prescience feature, though, since its definitely something you will use every round for the rest of your adventuring career (however short that may be).
I agree with this sentiment... 24th level anti-death effects are common and boring. I have to say I'm a big fan of the Sage of Ages and its Keeper of Prescience feature, though, since its definitely something you will use every round for the rest of your adventuring career (however short that may be).

By and large I agree, but with a few exceptions... if you happen to be a swordmage or multiclassed into it (and use a sword), the Arcane Sword's Sword's Vengeance feature is just awesome. And when it comes to style, you can't beat returning from the dead as an insubstantial, phasing, enemy damaging-and-sliding machine - the Storm Sovereign's Thunder and Lightning feature. Admittedly, you can't use dailies or magic items, but you are a badass spirit of lightningy death for the rest of the encounter. Bonus points to this one for having no prereq's. The Lord of Fate's Balanced Sum feature is also worth noting (though in my opinion, quite inferior to the other 2) - while it unfortunately triggers off 0 hp, not dying, the sheer number of temp hp that you can get from it if you're downed by a BBEG is hilarious. The look on Orcus's face after he Touch of Death's you in the first round would be priceless.

If you want to not die, I highly recommend one of those features. But Keeper of Prescience is indeed quite awesome as well, as is Trickster's Control.

Also, great idea for a guide.
Here's something: Taking Arcane Implement Proficiency means you can use that Implement for all of your Arcane Powers. ;)
Resident Logic Cannon
Here's something: Taking Arcane Implement Proficiency means you can use that Implement for all of your Arcane Powers. ;)

Yeah. Fun to abuse that as a Bard (Wiz/Swd/Wlk/Src).

Cheers, -- N
Good to see something like this...I'm a big fan of an eternal seeker's versatility.

A quick comment on the Action Point front: Avenger is a solid multiclass for melee Eternal Seeker's as the MC Oath of enmity can be used to get re-rolls for four standard action attacks when you spend an AP (since it lasts until the end of your next turn). Additionally the avenger MC will allow you to wear a dirt cheap Symbol of Victory +1 which should get you an extra Action Point/Eternal Action every day.

As an aside, I've always wondered if multi-class powers that are only associated with a multi-class rather than a base class can be selected by ES's (eg: spellscarred pwoers). "Gravity of Moment" would be great for any class that has a slew of powers that cause "On-enter" damage, but I'm a little fuzzy on whether or not it would be choosable at all since I'm not sure if multiclass powers count as class powers.
I'd like to submit Artificer powers to this list:

Use Magic Item (Daily Utility 2) - An extra magic item daily usage cannot possibly be useless for anyone, and it's also useful for everyone.

Vorpal Edge (Daily Utility 16) - 18-20 crit range for one touched weapon (yours or an ally!) until the end of the encounter is bafflingly good for anyone - especially critfishing Avengers who took Stone Tempest Rage and Hurricane of Blades.
This is an Excellent Idea, I love this ED
I'd like to submit Artificer powers to this list:

Use Magic Item (Daily Utility 2) - An extra magic item daily usage cannot possibly be useless for anyone, and it's also useful for everyone.

Vorpal Edge (Daily Utility 16) - 18-20 crit range for one touched weapon (yours or an ally!) until the end of the encounter is bafflingly good for anyone - especially critfishing Avengers who took Stone Tempest Rage and Hurricane of Blades.

Unfortunately, Eternal Seeker doesn't allow you to pick Utility powers from other classes, just encounter and daily attack powers.

If you really want Use Magic Item, you'll have to MC Artificer and take Acolyte Power at level 8. Then, just keep that one for ever and ever.
Unfortunately, Eternal Seeker doesn't allow you to pick Utility powers from other classes, just encounter and daily attack powers.

If you really want Use Magic Item, you'll have to MC Artificer and take Acolyte Power at level 8. Then, just keep that one for ever and ever.

I thought that was the purpose of the seeker's lore feature, to pick an utility from any class that is...
Seeker's Lore states 22nd-level utility, not "or lower."
Now, if you are a half-elf and PMC into a class and take Versatile Mastery, *then* you can pick a level 10 or lower Utility power *from any class* for your level 12 paragon Utility power. But you have to be a half-elf.
This thread is fantastic... if you have a chance to keep going with it, Litigation, I'd be thrilled What's there right now is already great, though!
[20:53] [SadisticFish] yeah Llamas convinced me
Alright, finally got to fill this guide out. It may be missing some specifics, but at least it's ready for general consumption, now.
Just wanted to point out again that taking the Arcane Implement Proficiency Feat means you can use that Implement for any Arcane Power.
Resident Logic Cannon
A sub-section of this work is applicable to Bards who take the Resourceful Magician paragon path. Starting at level 16, they can pick powers from any Arcane class (for which they have the multi-class feat).

Cheers, -- N
Good stuff!

I know that this is intended for Eternal Seekers, but it would be nice if you also talked about the Martial Archetype which has a similar interest in the powers of other classes. I bet these classes won't be the only ones who cherry-pick and it would be good to have the resources all in one place.
Good stuff!

I know that this is intended for Eternal Seekers, but it would be nice if you also talked about the Martial Archetype which has a similar interest in the powers of other classes. I bet these classes won't be the only ones who cherry-pick and it would be good to have the resources all in one place.

While you're at it, why not add the Chameleon paragon path.
Regarding the section on action point optimization, I was also interested in this subject recently.

Also take a look at:

PHB - Action Surge (Humans, Half-Elves). Obvious no-brainer. Amazing attack bonus when you spend an AP.

PHB - Symbol of Victory. Gain an AP when you or an ally crits as a daily item power. Earliest available extra AP power. Yay, divine classes.

PHB - Level 22 Fighter Utility, forget the name. Gain an AP when an ally is dying.

MP - Human Fighter/Warlord feat. Gain an AP when an ally is reduced to 0 hp.

Arcane Power - Heroic Interjection. Level 16 Bard utility, grants an action point as a reaction when an enemy spends one.

There are also certain PP that let you trade APs around, notably Guildmaster Thief (MP).

Eternal Seeker can nab Warmaster's Shock and Awe feature to grant allies extra actions. Also available is Legendary Tactical Action, but this doesn't let you spend any more APs.

Also consider the following items:
AV p164 - Baldric of Valor. Gain a nice suite of bonuses when you spend an AP.

AV p169 - Charm of Abundant Action. Lets you spend an additional AP each encounter.
Builds and Guides The Cosmonaut a build that teleports foes into space. November Errata Item Guide a guide to equipping Avengers and Strikers after the November errata. 100% Crit Rate Ardent Champion an Avenger combo that autocrits and/or inflicts infinite damage at level 11.

Awesome guide, Litigation.  Any chance we can see it updated to include Primal Power?


Also, would it be possible to take an Artificier level 22 utility and then retrain it out for either Use Magic Item or Vorpal Edge?

PHB Pg28: Retraining
"Power: You can replace a power with another
power of the same type (at-will attack power, encounter
attack power, daily attack power, or utility power),
of the same level or lower, and from the same class"

In regards to Blessing of Mielikki, what are the rules for using more than one action point in the same turn?  If you haven't used your AP yet and an enemy uses one, can you use both your APs during the next turn (giving you 2 extra actions that turn, and then another 2 extra during the following turn), or is there a limit of one AP per turn somewhere?
You are Red/Blue!
Afaik, you can spend 2 action points per turn if you're allowed to spend 2 APs that encounter and have both of them to use.  It does certainly put a red target sign on you that says "dominate me" though.
I was surprised not to see the Warden's Renewal power in the lvl 22 utility list. A minor action to spend a surge and regain an expended encounter power is pretty nice (especially for folks who take Hurricane of Blades at 27).
Don't forget some of the Spellscarred powers.  Lots of them are pretty unimpressive, but there are one or two that might be worthwhile, especially if you've become a Spellscarred Savant before Eternal Seeker.
Sign In to post comments