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Joined Mar 2001

591 Posts

The Pariah

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I have been working a new Warlock Build for a while. I finally got around to posting it on here. It is not polished, but I think I have an impressive proof of concept.

Warlock/Umbral Cabalist/Radiant One:

This Build uses the following sources:
AV - Adventurer's Vault
AV 2 - Adventurer's Vault 2
D XXX - Dragon Magazine, issue XXX
EPG - Eberron Player's Guide
AP - Arcane Power
PHB - Player's Handbook
PHB 2 - Player's Handbook 2
PHB 3 - Player's Handbook 3

NOTE: All DPR calculations are made against an enemy of an AC equal to the character's level + 14, and other defenses equal to the character's level + 12.

Level 1 Snapshot

Race: Revenant (D376)
Choose your Race in Life: Longtooth Shifter
Class: Warlock (PHB)
Warlock Pact: Vestige (AP)

Ability Scores, with racial adjustments:
Strength 8 (-1)
Constitution 18 (+4)
Dexterity 14 (+2)
Intelligence 16 (+3)
Wisdom 10 (+0)
Charisma 12 (+1)

HP: 30 --> 12 base, +18 Constitution
Bloodied: 15 HP or less
Healing Surges: 10 --> 6 base, +4 Constitution
Healing Surge Value: 7 HP

AC: 15 --> 10 base, +3 ability (Intelligence), +2 armor
Fortitude: 14 --> 10 base, +4 ability (Constitution)
Reflex: 14 --> 10 base, +3 ability (Intelligence), +1 class
Will: 12 --> 10 base, +1 ability (Charisma), +1 class

Initiative: +2 --> +2 ability (Dexterity), +1 (background benefit)

Speed: 6 --> 6 base

Eyes of the Vestige: +4 vs. Will (+5 vs. Will when no allies are closer)
Hit: 1d6+4 damage (+2 damage while shifting)
Critical: 10 damage (+2 damage while shifting)
Warlock's Curse: 1d6 damage

DPR: (0.55)*(11) + (0.05)*(16) = 6.85 DPR / 7.4 DPR with prime shot
DPR after shifting: (0.55)*(13) + (0.05)*(18) = 8.05 DPR / 8.7 DPR with prime shot

Eldritch Strike: +7 vs. AC
Hit: 1d8+4 damage (+2 damage while shifting)
Critical: 12 damage (+2 damage while shifting)
Warlock's Curse: 1d6 damage

DPR: (0.6)*(12) + (0.05)*(18) = 8.1 DPR
DPR after shifting: (0.60)*(14) + (0.05)*(20) = 9.4 DPR

Racial Powers:
Longtooth Shifting (PHB2)

At-Will Attack Powers:
L1 - Eyes of the Vestige (AP)
L1 - Eldritch Strike (PHH1)

Encounter Attack Powers:
L1 - Chains of Levistus (AP)

Daily Attack Powers:
L1 - Armor of Agathys (PHB)

Skills:
Arcana (+8) --> +3 ability (Intelligence), +5 trained
Intimidate (+8) --> +3 ability (Charisma), +5 trained, +2 racial
Religion (+8) --> +3 ability (Intelligence), +5 trained
Thievery (+7) --> +2 ability (Dexterity), +5 trained

Feats:
L1 - Shifter Soul (D376)

Gear (Expected GP = 100):
Longsword (PHB) (15 gp)
Leather armor (PHB) (25 gp)
Standard adventurer's kit (PHB) (15 gp)
Thieves' Tools (PHB) (20gp)
25 gp

Discussion:

For the initial ability score distribution Constitution 9 of the 22 pts for a 18 after racial mods because it is the primary ability for all of our attacks. Intelligence gets the same 9 pts but without a racial bonus we get a 16, this will determine our AC, Reflex, and most of the riders for our powers. We split the remaining 4 build points evenly between Dex for a 14 after racial mods for feat qualification and initiative, and Cha for a 12 to help out Will, and for the Intimidate skill. Strength and Wisdom aren't used for much in this build, so the remaining 10 and 8 can go in either.

The first thing we do for this build is grab the Shifter Soul feat to grab the keystone power of the whole build: Longtooth Shifting. This gives us a damage bonus as soon as we get bloodied, and regen while we are bloodied to keep us on our feet. We take the Gritty Sergeant background in order to take a solid heavy blade weapon for our Eldritch Striker power, and we net a +1 to initiative as a bonus. Early in our Battlefield Archer's career, we want to establish one thing, and that is big damage (accomplished by picking up a Greatbow). The skills were taken based on synergy with the character’s primary ability scores and racial bonuses.

As far as powers go, we get Eyes of the Vestige as our automatic power from our pact, and we opt for Eldritch Strike for our basic attack since we plan to be in melee as much as possible. Chains of Levistus gives us a solid power that we can use either as soft control to immobilize a target or deal a whopping 5d6+4 if they opt out of the immobilization. When we have an action point, we use this a small nova. We cast Chains of Levistus dealing 3d6+6, then spend an AP to charge with Eldritch Strike for another 1d8+6 plus 2d6+2 for the target moving. Total average damage = 36, which is enough to kill most L1 standard monsters. Lastly, we have Armor of Agathys for a preview of our aura of death. For one encounter a day, it gives us almost our bloodied value in THP, and deals 1d6+6 to any enemy unlucky enough to start adjacent to us.

Equipment is rather straight forward. We grab our longsword, leather armor for defense, and Thieves' Tools to aid our secondary role as trapsmith, and of course an adventurer's kit for the basic survival gear.

Level 2

Changes:
+5 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
New Feat: Plagued Regeneration (D385)
New Utility Power: Fey Bargain (AP)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 1,920):
L3 (680 gp): +1 Bloodfury Longsword (AV2)
L1 (360 gp): +1 Magic Leather Armor (PHB)
L1 (360 gp): +1 Amulet of Protection (PHB)
L1 (360 gp): +1 Magic Rod (PHB)
TOTAL: 1,760 gp

Discussion:
Here is where we begin to earn our namesake. We pick up the Plagued Regeneration feat, which means that we now deal 3 necrotic damage to anyone adjacent to us when we start our turn while shifting. And to help ensure we are shifting all of the time, the bloodfury longsword is a godsend. It lets us turn on longtooth shifting in the first round of every encounter regardless of our HP total. We still need to be bloodied to deal the aura damage, but that isn't too hard to pull off. We just make sure only to heal to roughly our bloodied value after each encounter. We also get our first utility power, Fey Bargain, which we use to give us a +2 bonus to hit to help land our encounter power for our mini nova.

Level 3

Changes:
+5 HP
New Encounter Attack Power: Fortune Binding (AP)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 2560):
L3 (680 gp): +1 Bloodfury Longsword (AV2)
L1 (360 gp): +1 Magic Leather Armor (PHB)
L1 (360 gp): +1 Amulet of Protection (PHB)
L1 (360 gp): +1 Magic Rod (PHB)
TOTAL: 1,760 gp

Discussion:
Not much change this level...

[under construction]

Ok here is the build:

L30 CB summary

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
The Pariah, level 30
Revenant, Warlock, Umbral Cabalist, Radiant One
Build: Scourge Warlock
Eldritch Strike: Eldritch Strike Constitution
Eldritch Pact: Vestige Pact
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Heavy Blade)
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Rod)
Arcane Implement Proficiency: Arcane Implement Proficiency (heavy blade group)
Twofold Pact: Sorcerer King pact
Choose your Race in Life: Longtooth Shifter
Gritty Sergeant Benefit: Weapon Proficiency (Longsword)
Vestige Mastery: Vestige of Ugar
Background: Gritty Sergeant (Gritty Sergeant Benefit)

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 10, Con 26, Dex 16, Int 24, Wis 12, Cha 14.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 8, Con 16, Dex 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 12.

AC: 42 Fort: 41 Reflex: 39 Will: 36
HP: 218 Surges: 14 Surge Value: 54

TRAINED SKILLS
Intimidate +24, Thievery +23, Religion +27, Arcana +29

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +18, Bluff +17, Diplomacy +17, Dungeoneering +16, Endurance +25, Heal +16, History +22, Insight +16, Nature +16, Perception +16, Stealth +18, Streetwise +17, Athletics +15

FEATS
Level 1: Shifter Soul
Level 2: Plagued Regeneration
Level 4: Versatile Expertise
Level 6: Arcane Implement Proficiency
Level 8: Toughness
Level 10: Dual Implement Spellcaster
Level 11: Prime Punisher
Level 12: Called Shot
Level 14: Flitting Shadows
Level 16: Twofold Pact
Level 18: Mindbite Scorn
Level 20: Beseech Patron
Level 21: Vestige Mastery
Level 22: Arcane Familiar
Level 24: Bloodied Boon
Level 26: Primed Curse
Level 28: Rapid Regeneration
Level 30: Warding Curse

POWERS
Eldritch Blast: Eldritch Strike
Shifter Soul: Longtooth Shifting
Warlock encounter 1: Chains of Levistus
Warlock daily 1: Armor of Agathys
Warlock utility 2: Fey Bargain
Warlock encounter 3: Fortune Binding
Warlock daily 5: Vestige of Ugar
Warlock utility 6: Fey Switch
Warlock encounter 7: Infernal Moon Curse
Warlock daily 9: Feast of Souls
Warlock utility 10: Ethereal Sidestep
Warlock encounter 13: Killing Flames (replaces Infernal Moon Curse)
Warlock daily 15: Caution of Dispater (replaces Armor of Agathys)
Warlock utility 16: Painful Transference
Warlock encounter 17: Despair of Zhudun (replaces Chains of Levistus)
Warlock daily 19: Minions of Malbolge (replaces Feast of Souls)
Warlock utility 22: Deliverance of Faith
Warlock encounter 23: Harrowstorm (replaces Fortune Binding)
Warlock daily 25: Tartarean Tomb (replaces Minions of Malbolge)
Warlock encounter 27: Shattering of the Sword (replaces Despair of Zhudun)
Warlock daily 29: Doom of Delban (replaces Tartarean Tomb)

ITEMS
Adventurer's Kit, Battlecrazed Longsword +6, Brooch of Vitality +6, Eye of Awareness (epic tier), Ring of Protection (paragon tier), Shadow Warlock Starleather Armor +6, Backlash Tattoo (heroic tier), Rod of Corruption +1, Strikebacks (heroic tier), Counterstrike Guards (paragon tier), Rod of Ulban +5, Rod of Avernus +1, Khyber Shard of the Fiery Depth (epic tier), Ring of the Radiant Storm (paragon tier), Blood Fury Longsword +1, Ironskin Soulfang (level 5) (3), Ruby Scabbard (heroic tier), Spark Slippers (paragon tier), Diamond Cincture (paragon tier), Incisive Dagger Dagger +4
====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======

my list of back and forth feats include: cursed spells, robust defenses, bloodied boon, quicken spell, prime punisher.

For equipment, my alternates include Survivor's Boots, Ring of Free Time, Headband of Intellect.

I call him the Pariah. His distinguishing feature is that he exploits the Plagued Regeneration feat which effectively gives him and aura 1 that deals necrotic damage equal to his regen rate from Longtooth Shifting. His regen rate is 6 (base) + 3 (plagued regeneration feat) + 8 (rapid regeneration feat) = 17. Then he should have CA against all cursed targets due to Shadow Warlock Armor and teleporting 3 squares every turn, so Radiant One adds +7 fire and radiant damage to the aura damage, for a total of 24 points of autodamage to anyone adjacent to him. In order to get enemies adjacent and keep them there he has Flitting Shadows. This lets him teleport 1 target he hits each round up to 14 squares (including up into the air for 7d10 falling damage if he's feeling lucky about the target failing its save).

His goal is to remain bloodied at all times, because while bloodied he gets +3d6 damage, immunity to OAs, a +8 bonus to one NAD of his choice (generally Will), and of course his Regen and damage aura. To stay bloodied he's got soulfangs and Doom of Delban to bleed himself if monsters decide to ignore him, and he's got several THP generating powers if monsters decide to swarm him (not to mention the 17 regen rate). Plus he has a Bloodfury weapon to give him an on-demand round of bloodied every encounter and his Battlecrazed Weapon to back that up once a day.

His defenses look low, but once you factor in +2 to defenses vs cursed targets, +2 from concealment from Shadowwalk, and +8 Will from the Umbral Cabalist PP feature, they look a LOT better.

He uses his ranged powers while adjacent for guaranteed Prime Shot bonuses of +2 to hit and +5 to damage, which in turn provokes OAs when he is not bloodied (and trying to be :P ) and doesn't provoke OAs when he is bloodied.

He uses a Rakshasa claw to shuffle around off-hand implements as needed; incisive dagger when teleporting, Rod of Avernus when needing to rearrange the battlefield a bit, Rod of Corruption for his first kill to spread his curse, and Rod of Ulban the rest of the time for vulnerability 10 with all of his attacks thanks to +1d6 psychic curse damage from Mindbite Scorn. It also gives him a decent +25 Thievery check.

Whenever his pact boon triggers he gets to hand out a free basic attack. This can go to himself (since it says any creature within 5), another striker in the party, or it can go to a monster--preferably one marked by the Defender for a 2-for-1 attack.

He's got a solid MBA in Eldritch Strike which deals 2d8+3d6+23 (+4d6+17 if curse has not been applied yet) to use for OAs when monsters try to flee his aura and to use with 3 encounter retaliation attacks when they try to attack him.

Eyes of the Vestige does 9d6+50 damage plus spreads his curse, and does an extra 14 damage if the target doesn't move away on their turn. Then he's got 2 encounter stuns, an area burst that imposes vulnerability for situational needs, and an immediate reaction attack to pounce when a monster gets bloodied. For dailies, he's got 2 powers that ramp up his aura damage, 1 area burst power with ongoing damage again for situational needs, and 1 power that provides escalating sustainable damage output and keeps him bloodied.

Here is his attack bonus break down:
+8 Con mod
+15 half level
+6 enhancement
+3 feat
+2 CA
+2 Prime Shot (implement only) / +3 Proficiency (weapon only)
=+36 vs NAD with implement attacks / +37 vs AC with Eldritch Strike

And damage bonuses:
+8 Con mod
+6 enhancement
+5 off-hand enhancement
+2 longtooth shifting
+7 Radiant One
+3d6 battlecrazed weapon
+4d6+7 warlock's curse
+10 psychic vulnerability (rod of ulban)
+5 Called Shot
=+7d6+50 with implement attacks / +7d6+40 with Eldritch Strike

Eyes of the Vestige DPR:
0.7 * 81.5 + .05 * 125 = 63.3 + 24 aura damage = 97.3 DPR

Not bad for a non-multiattacker

My Warlock Guide The Power of the Dark Side: The Warlocks Handbook

#2 Sep 15, 2010 23:08:17

Joined Mar 2001

591 Posts

Novas

My Warlock Guide The Power of the Dark Side: The Warlocks Handbook

#3 Sep 15, 2010 23:08:33

L30 Character Builder summary

Joined Mar 2001

591 Posts

Variants

This was actually the original build before I decided to try and focus on DPR rather than defense.

The idea with this build is to start every encounter with as few HP above bloodied as possible. This way you can get bloodied every fight. This translates to a free basic attack every encounter, Regeneration 18, an aura 1 that deals 18 necrotic damage to anyone adjacent to you when you start your turn, +9 to one NAD of your choice (most likely boosting his otherwise pitiful Will), resist 2 to all damage, +3d6+2 to damage, and 20 THPs. You have a high HP total, and thus a high bloodied value (110 HP), so even giving the monsters a headstart you have nearly as many HP as a wizard.

Your plan is also to curse everyone quickly, as you gain +4 to all defenses against cursed targets. And when your pact boon triggers you slide all of your cursed victims 1 square and hand out a free basic attack to 1 of your allies or force on of your curse victims to attack. And of course you get to deal 3d6+8 extra damage to one curse victim you hit every round.

For mobility you can teleport 4 squares at will, which all but guarantees you will have Shadow Walk active every turn, effectively giving you an extra +2 to all defenses against melee and ranged attacks (as well as make grabs easy to break, and many obstacles easy to avoid). You also have a few longer range teleports when necessary.

Now, you don't have Shadow Warlock Armor, so you won't have CA all the time, but with your defenses you really don't fear OAs, so you can freely use your ranged attacks in melee to gain +1 to hit and +5 to damage from Prime Shot.

You have quite a few immediate action powers, both for defense when things get too hot, as well as free retaliation strikes agains those that dared to attack you.

You have several very high skills to help in skill challenges, including the very useful Bluff and Inimidate skills (despite only having a 12 Charisma!).

You have a potent melee basic attack for OAs and warlord style bonus attacks. You have 2 stunning powers at your disposal every encounter, that deal respectable damage as well. You have an area burst encounter power to deal with groups, which imposes vulnerablity and grants you 13 THPs. You have Dailies that provide you with alternative pact boons and Eyes of the Vestige augments when the situation arrises, as well as one Daily which grants you access to sustainable Daily-level damage for the entire encounter.

You have variable resistance 10, so elemental encounters pose little threat.

You have a solid +23 initiative modifier.

You have numerous miscellaneous magic items to deal with situational concerns.

And lastly, I wholeheartedly believe this would be a very fun character to play given all of the different options available to you every turn.

(Note that all of the ranged attacks assume you are getting the prime shot bonuses, and everything except the immediate action powers include a flat +18 to DPR from the aura, and are against the default defenses of a L30 monster, i.e. L30 CharOp Tofu)

At-wills
EotV: 69.75 + free curse application
Eldritch Strike: 61.1 + slide 1

Encounter powers
Command of the Abyss: 67.175 + stun
Shatter the Sword: 74.2 + stun
Killing Flames: +40.3 (assumes you've already dealt curse damage)
Awaken the Dragon: 67.45 + 37.05 to extra targets + vuln 5 (all)
Strikebacks/Counterstrike guards: +30.7 (assumes you've already dealt curse damage)

Daily powers
Vestige of Kulnoghrim: 89.7 + 60.225 to extra targets
Vestige of Vykolad: 82.4 + weaken (save ends) + 55 HP
Vestige of Amaan: 78.625 + Immobilize+vuln 10 (all) (save ends both)
Doom of Delban: 90.425/round (increases by 4.625 with each hit)

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Vestigelock Tank, level 30
Revenant, Warlock, Umbral Cabalist, Chosen
Build: Scourge Warlock
Eldritch Strike: Eldritch Strike Constitution
Eldritch Pact: Vestige Pact
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Heavy Blade)
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Rod)
Arcane Implement Proficiency: Arcane Implement Proficiency (heavy blade group)
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Constitution
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Intelligence
Choose your Race in Life: Longtooth Shifter
Gritty Sergeant Benefit: Weapon Proficiency (Longsword)
Vestige Mastery: Vestige of Amaan
Background: Gritty Sergeant (Gritty Sergeant Benefit)

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 15, Con 28, Dex 15, Int 26, Wis 10, Cha 12.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 13, Con 16, Dex 11, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 10.

AC: 45 Fort: 44 Reflex: 46 Will: 37
HP: 220 Surges: 15 Surge Value: 55

TRAINED SKILLS
Intimidate +29, Thievery +22, Bluff +27, Arcana +28

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +17, Diplomacy +16, Dungeoneering +15, Endurance +26, Heal +15, History +23, Insight +15, Nature +15, Perception +15, Religion +23, Stealth +17, Streetwise +16, Athletics +17

FEATS
Level 1: Shifter Soul
Level 2: Sturdy Shifter
Level 4: Versatile Expertise
Level 6: Arcane Implement Proficiency
Level 8: Weapon Focus (Heavy Blade)
Level 10: Armor Proficiency (Hide)
Level 11: Vestige Versatility (retrained to Vestige Mastery at Level 21)
Level 12: Called Shot
Level 14: Dual Implement Spellcaster
Level 16: Primed Curse (retrained to Warding Curse at Level 22)
Level 18: Toughness
Level 20: Beasthide Shifting
Level 21: Cursed Spells
Level 22: Epic Reflexes
Level 24: Plagued Regeneration
Level 26: Robust Defenses
Level 28: Rapid Regeneration
Level 30: Armor Specialization (Hide)

POWERS
Eldritch Blast: Eldritch Strike
Shifter Soul: Longtooth Shifting
Warlock encounter 1: Chains of Levistus
Warlock daily 1: Vestige of Mount Vaelis
Warlock utility 2: Charm of Hearts
Warlock encounter 3: Fortune Binding
Warlock daily 5: Vestige of Ugar
Warlock utility 6: Unspeakable Bond
Warlock encounter 7: Howl of Doom
Warlock daily 9: Vestige of the Onyx Queen
Warlock utility 10: Ethereal Sidestep
Warlock encounter 13: Killing Flames (replaces Howl of Doom)
Warlock daily 15: Vestige of the Unknown Arcanist (replaces Vestige of Mount Vaelis)
Warlock utility 16: Infuriating Elusiveness
Warlock encounter 17: Sea Tyrant's Fury (replaces Chains of Levistus)
Warlock daily 19: Vestige of Amaan (replaces Vestige of the Unknown Arcanist)
Warlock utility 22: Wakeman's Invocation
Warlock encounter 23: Awaken the Dragon (replaces Fortune Binding)
Warlock daily 25: Vestige of Vykolad (replaces Vestige of Ugar)
Warlock encounter 27: Shattering of the Sword (replaces Sea Tyrant's Fury)
Warlock daily 29: Doom of Delban (replaces Vestige of the Onyx Queen)

ITEMS
Adventurer's Kit, Elderhide Armor of Dark Majesty +6, Battlecrazed Longsword +6, Brooch of Vitality +6, Rod of Avernus +5, Eye of Awareness (epic tier), Belt of Vitality (epic tier), Ring of Protection (paragon tier), Counterstrike Guards (paragon tier), Strikebacks (heroic tier), Eladrin Ring of Passage (paragon tier), Eladrin Boots (paragon tier), Backlash Tattoo (heroic tier), Battle Standard of Healing (heroic tier), Bag of Holding (heroic tier), Battle Standard of the Hungry Blade (heroic tier), Salve of Power (heroic tier), Dice of Auspicious Fortune (paragon tier), Stone of Wind (paragon tier), Solitaire (Aquamarine) (paragon tier), Battle Standard of the Stalwart (paragon tier), Symbol of Reflection +5, Frozen Whetstone (paragon tier) (10), Oil of Flesh Returned (heroic tier), Unguent of Blindsight (epic tier), Siberys Shard of the Mage (epic tier)
====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======

Original proof of concept for Pariah (version 2.0)

This is before I was able to fine tune the feats and more significantly, the powers, which were basically copy + pasted from a previous build.

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
The Pariah, level 30
Revenant, Warlock, Umbral Cabalist, Radiant One
Build: Scourge Warlock
Eldritch Strike: Eldritch Strike Constitution
Eldritch Pact: Vestige Pact
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Heavy Blade)
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Rod)
Arcane Implement Proficiency: Arcane Implement Proficiency (heavy blade group)
Twofold Pact: Sorcerer King pact
Choose your Race in Life: Longtooth Shifter
Gritty Sergeant Benefit: Weapon Proficiency (Longsword)
Vestige Mastery: Vestige of Kulnoghrim
Background: Gritty Sergeant (Gritty Sergeant Benefit)

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 10, Con 26, Dex 16, Int 24, Wis 12, Cha 14.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 8, Con 16, Dex 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 12.

AC: 42 Fort: 43 Reflex: 41 Will: 38
HP: 218 Surges: 14 Surge Value: 54

TRAINED SKILLS
Intimidate +24, Religion +27, Thievery +23, Arcana +29

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +17, Bluff +16, Diplomacy +16, Dungeoneering +15, Endurance +25, Heal +15, History +22, Insight +15, Nature +15, Perception +15, Stealth +17, Streetwise +16, Athletics +17

FEATS
Level 1: Shifter Soul
Level 2: Sturdy Shifter
Level 4: Versatile Expertise
Level 6: Arcane Implement Proficiency
Level 8: Toughness
Level 10: Plagued Regeneration
Level 11: Vestige Versatility (retrained to Vestige Mastery at Level 21)
Level 12: Called Shot
Level 14: Dual Implement Spellcaster
Level 16: Primed Curse
Level 18: Flitting Shadows
Level 20: Twofold Pact
Level 21: Warding Curse
Level 22: Arcane Familiar
Level 24: Mindbite Scorn
Level 26: Robust Defenses
Level 28: Rapid Regeneration
Level 30: Cursed Spells

POWERS
Eldritch Blast: Eldritch Strike
Shifter Soul: Longtooth Shifting
Warlock encounter 1: Chains of Levistus
Warlock daily 1: Armor of Agathys
Warlock utility 2: Fey Bargain
Warlock encounter 3: Fortune Binding
Warlock daily 5: Vestige of Ugar
Warlock utility 6: Unspeakable Bond
Warlock encounter 7: Howl of Doom
Warlock daily 9: Vestige of the Onyx Queen
Warlock utility 10: Ethereal Sidestep
Warlock encounter 13: Killing Flames (replaces Howl of Doom)
Warlock daily 15: Vestige of the Unknown Arcanist (replaces Armor of Agathys)
Warlock utility 16: Painful Transference
Warlock encounter 17: Sea Tyrant's Fury (replaces Chains of Levistus)
Warlock daily 19: Minions of Malbolge (replaces Vestige of the Unknown Arcanist)
Warlock utility 22: Deliverance of Faith
Warlock encounter 23: Awaken the Dragon (replaces Fortune Binding)
Warlock daily 25: Armor of Agathys (replaces Vestige of Ugar)
Warlock encounter 27: Shattering of the Sword (replaces Sea Tyrant's Fury)
Warlock daily 29: Doom of Delban (replaces Vestige of the Onyx Queen)

ITEMS
Adventurer's Kit, Battlecrazed Longsword +6, Brooch of Vitality +6, Survivor's Boots (paragon tier), Eye of Awareness (epic tier), Belt of Vitality (epic tier), Ring of Protection (paragon tier), Shadow Warlock Starleather Armor +6, Backlash Tattoo (heroic tier), Rod of Corruption +1, Incisive Dagger Dagger +2, Strikebacks (heroic tier), Counterstrike Guards (paragon tier), Rod of Ulban +5, Rod of Avernus +1, Khyber Shard of the Fiery Depth (epic tier), Ring of the Radiant Storm (paragon tier), Blood Fury Longsword +1, Ironskin Soulfang (level 5) (3), Ruby Scabbard (heroic tier)
====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======

The Restless Pariah - 549 damage AP Nova build (vers 2.1)

This version is built to nova. It uses the glorious Vestige of Kulnoghrim pact boon which grants a free action basic attack to yourself, an ally, or even forces an enemy to attack (which is totally worth it if you can force the enemy to trigger an attack from your defender, and/or OAs for a ranged attack). However, because the pact boon is only available after using the Vestige of Kulnoghrim daily power and then only until you rest (short or extended), this build simply doesn't rest. And it can manage that thanks to its constant Regen 17 while bloodied and the fact that it relies mostly on at-wills, with encounter powers as nice situational backups, but nothing vital.

Attack bonuses
+8 con mod
+15 half level
+6 enhancement
+3 feat
+2 CA
+2 Prime Shot
+3 Proficiency (weapon only)
=+36 vs NAD with implement attacks / +39 vs AC with Eldritch Strike (+1 on a charge)

Damage bonuses
+8 Con mod
+6 enhancement
+5 off-hand enhancement (implement) / +6 item bonus (Eldritch Strike)
+2 longtooth shifting
+7 Radiant One
+5 Khyber shard of fiery death
+3d6 battlecrazed weapon
+4d6 warlock's curse
+10 psychic vulnerability (rod of ulban)
+5 Called Shot
+2 Gifts of the Queen set bonus
+2d6 horned helm (charges only)
=+7d6+50 with implement attacks / +7d6+51 with Eldritch Strike (+2d6 on a charge)

AP Nova
minor -> curse target
free -> equip Rod of Ulban
Standard -> Eldritch Strike Charge +40vAC 2d8+9d6+51 (91.5 average damage)
+ slide to an adjacent square -> 9 damage from spark slippers
free -> equip Rod of Avernus
AP -> Restricting Action -> restrain target
+ Beseech Patron -> Pact Boon -> slide all cursed targets 1 square -> 9 damage from spark slippers
+ Kulnoghrim's Boon -> Eldritch Strike +39vAC 2d8+3d6+41 (74.5 avg)
+ slide to an adjacent square -> 9 damage from spark slippers
free -> equip Rod of Ulban
AP Standard -> Eyes of the Vestige +36vWill 9d6+50 (81.5 avg)
free -> equip Rod of Avernus
[Target starts its turn adjacent and restrained] -> makes a ranged/area attack against another target -> OA -> Eldritch Strike +40vAC 2d8+3d6+41 (74.5 avg)
+ slide to an adjacent square -> 9 damage from spark slippers
OR target attacks you -> WLR -> 17 damage -> WLMR -> Eldritch Strike +39vAC 2d8+3d6+41 (74.5 avg)
+ slide to an adjacent square -> 9 damage from spark slippers
[Target is bloodied] -> Bloodied Boon -> slide all cursed targets 1 square -> 9 damage from spark slippers
+ Kulnoghrim's Boon -> Eldritch Strike +39vAC 2d8+3d6+41 (74.5 avg)
[you start your next turn] -> Plagued Regeneration -> 24 damage
=549 average damage plus 1 basic attack from an ally

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
The Restless Pariah, level 30
Revenant, Warlock, Umbral Cabalist, Radiant One
Build: Scourge Warlock
Eldritch Strike: Eldritch Strike Constitution
Eldritch Pact: Vestige Pact
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Heavy Blade)
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Rod)
Arcane Implement Proficiency: Arcane Implement Proficiency (heavy blade group)
Twofold Pact: Sorcerer King pact
Choose your Race in Life: Longtooth Shifter
Gritty Sergeant Benefit: Weapon Proficiency (Longsword)
Background: Gritty Sergeant (Gritty Sergeant Benefit)

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 10, Con 26, Dex 16, Int 24, Wis 12, Cha 14.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 8, Con 16, Dex 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 12.

AC: 42 Fort: 41 Reflex: 39 Will: 34
HP: 218 Surges: 14 Surge Value: 54

TRAINED SKILLS
Intimidate +24, Thievery +23, Religion +27, Arcana +29

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +18, Bluff +17, Diplomacy +17, Dungeoneering +16, Endurance +25, Heal +16, History +22, Insight +16, Nature +16, Perception +16, Stealth +18, Streetwise +17, Athletics +15

FEATS
Level 1: Shifter Soul
Level 2: Plagued Regeneration
Level 4: Versatile Expertise
Level 6: Arcane Implement Proficiency
Level 8: Toughness
Level 10: Dual Implement Spellcaster
Level 11: Prime Punisher
Level 12: Called Shot
Level 14: White Lotus Riposte
Level 16: Twofold Pact
Level 18: Mindbite Scorn
Level 20: Beseech Patron
Level 21: Vestige Adept
Level 22: Arcane Familiar
Level 24: Bloodied Boon
Level 26: White Lotus Master Riposte
Level 28: Rapid Regeneration
Level 30: Warding Curse

ITEMS
Adventurer's Kit, Battlecrazed Longsword +6, Brooch of Vitality +6, Ring of Protection (paragon tier), Shadow Warlock Starleather Armor +6, Backlash Tattoo (heroic tier), Rod of Corruption +1, Strikebacks (heroic tier), Rod of Ulban +5, Rod of Avernus +1, Khyber Shard of the Fiery Depth (epic tier), Ring of the Radiant Storm (paragon tier), Blood Fury Longsword +1, Ironskin Soulfang (level 5) (3), Ruby Scabbard (heroic tier), Spark Slippers (paragon tier), Diamond Cincture (paragon tier), Incisive Dagger Dagger +4, Horned Helm (paragon tier), Bracers of Mighty Striking (epic tier)
====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======

My Warlock Guide The Power of the Dark Side: The Warlocks Handbook

#4 Sep 15, 2010 23:09:17

Joined Mar 2001

591 Posts

last one, ok to post

My Warlock Guide The Power of the Dark Side: The Warlocks Handbook

#5 Sep 16, 2010 5:50:35

thomasjtheobald

Joined Sep 2009

895 Posts

Me likey likey ). Stupid question: I'm not familiar with the aura he's putting out - is that party-friendly?

T

Yeah. I did just kill your BBEG with a vorpal frisbee. Problem?

#6 Sep 16, 2010 7:49:35

sandman90210

Joined Aug 2007

13 Posts

My only real complaint is it's a L30 optimized build, and I like things which are playable in the real world where we grow from small kobold-hunters to mighty engines of destruction =) That being said, the concept looks solid.

I do have a comment on Vestige of Kulnoghrim: You yourself count as a creature within five squares. The pact boon grants an extra attack to "One creature within 5 squares or affected by your Warlock's Curse." If you've got a rocking MBA or RBA, and this character does, then you can use it on yourself. Why bother granting an MBA to an ally when the goal is to kill the adjacent monster and you have "a solid MBA in Eldritch Strike which deals 2d8+7d6+40."

This does assume that the Essentials rules rewrite will let us apply Warlock's Curse once per turn. Something which we don't know for sure yet, but which seems likely given all the press about the Rogue's backstab change. If we don't get the Warlock's Curse upgrade then have one of your buddies make the attack, as normal.

- Brand, SM|Warlock, Umbral Cabalist

#7 Sep 16, 2010 10:23:43

Joined Mar 2001

591 Posts

Me likey likey ). Stupid question: I'm not familiar with the aura he's putting out - is that party-friendly?

T

Thanks. Actually the aura is NOT party friendly (which is what inspired the name of Pariah). There is a feat out there (Student of the Plague) which drops the damage down to 1 point against allies, but there were more important feats to take. Plus there is no need for any allies to be adjacent to you, so it is best for them to just give you some space anyway.

My only real complaint is it's a L30 optimized build, and I like things which are playable in the real world where we grow from small kobold-hunters to mighty engines of destruction =) That being said, the concept looks solid.

I do have a comment on Vestige of Kulnoghrim: You yourself count as a creature within five squares. The pact boon grants an extra attack to "One creature within 5 squares or affected by your Warlock's Curse." If you've got a rocking MBA or RBA, and this character does, then you can use it on yourself. Why bother granting an MBA to an ally when the goal is to kill the adjacent monster and you have "a solid MBA in Eldritch Strike which deals 2d8+7d6+40."

This does assume that the Essentials rules rewrite will let us apply Warlock's Curse once per turn. Something which we don't know for sure yet, but which seems likely given all the press about the Rogue's backstab change. If we don't get the Warlock's Curse upgrade then have one of your buddies make the attack, as normal.

- Brand, SM|Warlock, Umbral Cabalist

Well I have every intention of fleshing out the build from L1 thru 30. And since the Plagued Regeneration feat is a heroic feat, this build can be up and running as early as L2.

Regarding Kulnoghrim, I intended to ask custserv about that, as it is a bit of a rules gray area. Most DMs would agree that you are a creature within 5 squares of yourself, since after all Lay on Hands works for paladins since they are a creature within Melee Touch range. But I could see some stickler DMs arguing that similar powers that grant effects to you or others specifically word them as such. But for purposes of CharOp, I think you're right that I can fix that to refer to the build's own basic attack.

Regarding essentials making curse 1/turn, I wouldn't hold your breath. Mike Mearls on enworld said that Rangers definitely weren't getting a 1/turn upgrade and strongly implied that Warlocks weren't either.

My Warlock Guide The Power of the Dark Side: The Warlocks Handbook

#8 Sep 16, 2010 10:59:46

Tech-Priest

Joined Apr 2010

2303 Posts

Pretty badass build!

RIP George! 4-21-11 RIP Abie! 1-2-13

Funny Forum Quotes

[quote author=82733368 post=532127449]

58115148 wrote:
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63797881 wrote:
The standard d4 is somewhat (SOMEWHAT) rounded on the top, the older models are even flat. The Lego is shaped in such a way that in an emergency, you can use one as a makeshift surgical knife.

147742801 wrote:
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My wife asked me if her pants made her look fat. What do you think I said?
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63797881 wrote:
82733368 wrote:
28.) Making a "Drunken Master" style character (Monk or otherwise) does not require my character to be completely shitfaced, no matter what the name (and fun interpretation) implies.
29.) Making a "Drunken Master" style character does not require ME to be completely tanked, no matter how "in-character" I want to be..

#9 Sep 16, 2010 11:14:27

alphathegreat

Joined Mar 2008

1545 Posts

The Munchkin Fallacy The Theoretical Optimization Manifesto Modularity: A Guide to CO Tricks and Tactics Ultimate Defenders

I'm glad there are others who recognize the potential of the Umbral Cabalist. I've been debating for a few months now whether to convert Darth Vader or the Defenderlock to an Umbral Cabalist (or at least make a variant).

My builds

Darth Vader, Ultimate Defender, Swordmage|Warlock/Avernian Knight Thunderstruck, Striking Swordmage The Defenderlock Arcane Slasher --nerfed Nightcrawler, a Shift Slasher build --nerfed

#10 Sep 16, 2010 14:40:49

Jay_Ibero_911

Joined Feb 2006

5917 Posts

Rygel, Svirfneblin Warlord|Sentinel 16--Kelith, Revenant Fighter 16 --Samel, Human Thief 13 --Aden Kadril, Elf Paladin 13 --Traya Moonraven, Revenant Hybrid 13 --Chais Domarien, Tiefling Psion 12 --Shiny Scales, Dragonborn Warlord 8 --Krush, Human Warlock 6 --Maxwell Edison, Human Rogue 4

It seems like a worthwhile variant of this could be made as a Revenant Battlemind, adding in spellscarred invigoration to make it more of a lose-lose choice, either stay adjacent and rot, or get away and go after someone else and heal you and rot them. You could even keep umbral cabalist if you take Pact Initiate (Vestige Pact).

Current LFR Characters

LFR: Embrace the travelling carnival of exotic murder hobos. - Bargle0

#11 Sep 16, 2010 15:45:10

melos

Joined Nov 2005

1440 Posts

Unfortunately, Vestige Mastery only applies to Warlock daily attack powers, so it does not work with the PP power.

Also, you might want to go with a Frost Fury weapon, probably a Khopesh. Battlecrazed only works when you hit, so if you are using powers that have secondary damage, Frost Fury will deal more damage. Other benefits are that it is cheaper and has higher crit damage. It also adds the cold keyword to your attacks.

#12 Sep 16, 2010 20:41:51

vonlazuli

Joined Dec 2009

392 Posts

Unfortunately, Vestige Mastery only applies to Warlock daily attack powers, so it does not work with the PP power.

Fortunately you can use Vestige Adept instead. Provided you have already used Kulnoghrim today.

#13 Sep 16, 2010 23:24:22

melos

Joined Nov 2005

1440 Posts

Sure, unless you have taken a short or extended rest since you used it.

#14 Sep 17, 2010 12:32:52

Joined Mar 2001

591 Posts

Well crap. Way to rain on my parade, Melos.

Why would they write the feat that way? They had PPs in the same book with Vestige augmenting dailies! Well I guess this explains the "bug" in the CB that wouldn't let me select Kulnoghrim with Vestige Mastery.

Ah well, i'll just have to find a better vestige for the permanent augment to Eyes of the Vestige. It will also free up some feats as Beseech Patron was awesome when it gave me an extra basic attack with an AP, but w/o that I doubt it is worth it over the other feats I am considering. It's a shame because the build was shaping up to have one hell of an AP nova.

My Warlock Guide The Power of the Dark Side: The Warlocks Handbook

#15 Mar 16, 2011 19:57:23

draconisorion

Joined Oct 2009

82 Posts

Ok, for our new LFR campaign, I have to play a human Vestige Lock....can I get some suggestions on builds up to say level 9 (we are starting at level 2)....need feats and equipment here is what I have so far:

10
19
10
15
10
11

Feats: Vestige Expertise, Ritual Caster
Powers:
Eldritch Strike
Life Bind
Dire Radiance
Vestige of Mt. Vaelis
Ethereal Stride

I really could use some help planning this out for Feats, Powers (I may have these already good until 5th), and Equipment....all preferably at a per level basis.

Thanks in advance!!

#16 Apr 16, 2011 13:23:48

guest697404392

Joined Mar 2011

33 Posts

I had a few questions on this build or at least on variations.

First, is clarion call (for the multi target thing and the temp hit points with vestige pact) a viable alternative for the level 1 encounter?

Next, I can't find plagued regeneration in the character builder even though I'm a revenant with shifter soul. Is there a trick I'm missing?

Third, I kind of like the idea of sacrificing some intelligence for more dexterity and constitution. Is an array of str =8, con = 20 (18+2), dex = 16 (14+2), int = 11, wis = 10, char = 10 going to be viable? It seems better in heroic (not too many int riders on the powers I like) but I don't have experience in paragon and epic. I can see the +1 to hit and damage losing its appeal later on...

#17 Apr 18, 2011 11:18:17

Joined Mar 2001

591 Posts

Clarion call is viable, but I would definitely say it is a downgrade. It is a small AoE and it doesn't exclude allies, so it can be hard to find opportunities to hit 2+ enemies without hitting at least 1 ally. Then it only deals 3d4 damage, which is rather unimpressive and then for "control" all it does is deafen, which is meaningless 99% of the time. So the only perk is the 3 THP per hit you gain as a Vestige'lock and I don't feel that a handful of THP is worth it. Chains of Levistus on the other hand, deals basically the same damage but has excellent "soft" control of effectively forcing the target to choose between immobilization and doubling the damage. This means that as long as you choose your target carefully (a melee only monster who can't reach any of your allies, or artillery who is adjacent to your defender, or simply have a way to follow up the attack with forced movement) you get either double damage power or a stun power. Personally I think that is much more effective than Clarion Call.

Well Plagued Regeration requires you to have a Spellscar, which I am not sure if the current character builder supports yet.

Sacrificing Int may not hurt much in heroic, but it is vital at Epic due to Int being added to curse damage via the Cursed Spells feat and Int being added to ALL damage (including the aura damage!) via the Radiant One Epic Destiny. So personally I think the stat spread I chose is necessary for the long haul. But I can understand the desire for a 20 Con, however if you go that route (an plan on getting to epic eventually) I would go 20 Con, 14 Int, 13 Dex as the extra +2 Int modifier is much more worthwhile than the extra +2 Dex modifier.

My Warlock Guide The Power of the Dark Side: The Warlocks Handbook

#18 Apr 18, 2011 12:56:28

Zathris

Joined Nov 2009

6366 Posts

Spellscars BAMF, the Teleport Guide Potent Potables, Artificer Handbook

There's a box you can select for having a Spellscar (as well as member of harpers or house vadalis, etc.) on the Manage Character (the last) section of the online cb.

"Invokers are probably better round after round but Wizard dailies are devastating. Actually, devastating is too light a word. Wizard daily powers are soul crushing, encounter ending, havoc causing pieces of awesome." -AirPower25 Sear the Flesh, Purify the Soul; Harden the Heart, and Improve the Mind; Born of Blood, but Forged by Fire; The MECH warrior reaches perfection.

My Guides

#19 Apr 18, 2011 19:13:32

guest697404392

Joined Mar 2011

33 Posts

Thank you gentlemen.

#20 Apr 18, 2011 21:38:29

dragon4e

Joined Aug 2007

212 Posts

There's a new epic destiny in Heroes of Shadow called Keeper of the everflow. After a rest you can change your origin. The immortal origin got 5 regen while bloodied. That ought to beef up your aura.

#21 Apr 19, 2011 9:22:27

Joined Mar 2001

591 Posts

Actually the Radiant One ED adds more to the aura than Keeper of the Everflow would. For one, to my knowledge you can't have 2 stacking regeneration rates, the higher would simply apply. But even if they could stack, it would effectively add 5 to the aura damage, whereas Radiant One adds our Int modifier (+7) to the aura damage (as well as all other damage). It also adds the radiant and fire keywords to all of our powers opening up the Khyber Dragonshard of Fire.

My Warlock Guide The Power of the Dark Side: The Warlocks Handbook

#22 Aug 11, 2011 17:36:31

deyool

Joined Aug 2011

2 Posts

Sorry my ignorance but... How do this Warlock get Proficience in Longsword? Because Warlock don't have it.

#23 Aug 11, 2011 17:42:14

sammay

Joined Jun 2010

75 Posts

Gritty Sergeant Background gives him Proficiency and Arcane Implement Proficiency lets him use it for his implement powers.

#24 Aug 12, 2011 7:10:15

deyool

Joined Aug 2011

2 Posts

Thanks... I didn't know about backgrounds effects ^^

#25 Sep 24, 2011 19:46:02

DarkSpiral

Joined Jan 2008

25 Posts

This is essentially necroposting, but I'm curious: Malkonnen, What do you think of the Spellscarred Harbinger Theme for this build? The fluff certainly fits, but what about the granted powers, utility swaps and the theme features?

#26 Sep 26, 2011 10:58:38

Joined Mar 2001

591 Posts