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Joined Jun 2008

5782 Posts

The point of this build is that I wanted to make a character that would be able to hit things that violated the swordmage mark with an executioner's axe and I had not seen any teleporting barbaran builds. All of the powers are weapon powers and its hybrid talent is barbarian armored agility so it does not need a blade. By early paragon it is marking two creatures with its aegis at a time and when teleporting next to them has CA against them. It has all the basic feats to up DPR with at wills and basic attacks and should be getting a fair number of attacks as reactions.

Ghost blade is to help with getting CA, for the boost to defenses and because overwhelming assault seems barbarian appropriate power. Sword of assault and Malec Keith Jannisary would also work for paragon paths It needs demigod for the con boost for axe mastery and second skin. Thirsty blade could be switched out for a multiclass feat since it is low on skills. I think in the end it works as a good striker, off defender, but I have little experience with either class so feedback would be welcome. I have made minor changes like switchting the at will power to lightning lure/luring strike, making storm the first manifestation, and adding full equipment.

Original Build

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Angry Teleporter, level 30
Genasi, Barbarian|Swordmage, Ghost Blade, Demigod
Swordmage Aegis (Hybrid): Aegis of Assault
Hybrid Talent: Barbarian Armored Agility
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Axe)
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Heavy Blade)
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Constitution
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Strength
Elemental Manifestation: Stormsoul
Extra Manifestation: Firesoul
Firepulse: Firepulse Strength
Background: Chessenta (Chessenta Benefit)

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 28, Con 17, Dex 12, Int 26, Wis 10, Cha 13.

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

AC: 49 Fort: 45 Reflex: 44 Will: 37
HP: 206 Surges: 11 Surge Value: 51

TRAINED SKILLS
Endurance +25, Arcana +28, Athletics +29

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +16, Bluff +16, Diplomacy +16, Dungeoneering +15, Heal +15, History +23, Insight +15, Intimidate +16, Nature +17, Perception +15, Religion +23, Stealth +16, Streetwise +16, Thievery +16

FEATS
Level 1: Hybrid Talent
Level 2: Weapon Proficiency (Execution axe)
Level 4: Versatile Expertise
Level 6: Weapon Focus (Axe)
Level 8: Manifest Healing
Level 10: Extra Manifestation
Level 11: Shocking Flame
Level 12: Double Aegis (retrained to Total Aegis at Level 23)
Level 14: Paragon Defenses (retrained to Robust Defenses at Level 21)
Level 16: Extended Teleportation
Level 18: Thirsty Blade
Level 20: Vigorous Assault (retrained to Primal Resurgence at Level 22)
Level 21: Axe Mastery
Level 22: Double Manifestation
Level 24: Second Skin
Level 26: Cleaving Axe
Level 28: Epic Resurgence
Level 30: Overpowering Charge

POWERS
Hybrid at-will 1: Lightning Lure (retrained to Luring Strike at Level 4)
Hybrid at-will 1: Howling Strike
Hybrid encounter 1: Avalanche Strike
Hybrid daily 1: Tyrant's Rage
Hybrid utility 2: Dimensional Warp
Hybrid encounter 3: Dual Lightning Strike
Hybrid daily 5: Energy Theft
Hybrid utility 6: Laugh it Off
Hybrid encounter 7: Curtain of Steel
Hybrid daily 9: Rage of the Death Spirit
Hybrid utility 10: Howl of the Alpha Wolf
Hybrid encounter 13: Storm of Blades (replaces Avalanche Strike)
Hybrid daily 15: Thunderfury Rage (replaces Tyrant's Rage)
Hybrid utility 16: Borrowed Confidence
Hybrid encounter 17: Necromantic Disruption (replaces Dual Lightning Strike)
Hybrid daily 19: Bane Blade (replaces Energy Theft)
Hybrid utility 22: Giant's Might
Hybrid encounter 23: Staggering Strike (replaces Curtain of Steel)
Hybrid daily 25: Raptor's Eye Rage (replaces Rage of the Death Spirit)
Hybrid encounter 27: Hurricane of Blades (replaces Storm of Blades)
Hybrid daily 29: World Serpent Rage (replaces Thunderfury Rage)

ITEMS
Adventurer's Kit, Vorpal Execution axe +6, Ectoplasmic Elderhide Armor +6, Steadfast Amulet +6, Shadow Band (epic tier), Eye of Awareness (epic tier), Iron Armbands of Power (paragon tier), Strikebacks (heroic tier), Belt of Vitality (epic tier), Fireheart Tattoo (paragon tier), Ring of the Radiant Storm (paragon tier), Boots of the Mighty Charge (heroic tier), Distance Handaxe +3
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Ginzu Items: A Guide to Dual Purpose Implements & Weapons

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This Party is Off the Hook! A Miniguide to Party Optimization

My Fun builds:

Defender, Set Hammers to Stun: 8.5 Stuns an Encounter at level 23

Swampthing: Earthforger Lifespirit Warden Verdant Lord

St. Elmo's Fire: Satyr Monk/Chaladin, Challenge, Slide, and Shift!

Don't Come Around Here No More: A Catch 22 WorldSpeaker

Bear Trap: Polearm Momentum Protector Shaman Disciple of Winds

Raging Teleporter: Genasi Barbarian/Assault swordmage Ghostblade

#2 Sep 12, 2010 16:57:04

auspex7

Joined Mar 2008

2499 Posts

very curious to see how this one shakes out, GO. I'm very used to thinking GO = Leaders.

Sweet concept, as well. The visuals are awesome. I'll keep poking my head in here!

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#3 Sep 12, 2010 17:14:02

qorvus

Joined Aug 2007

322 Posts

A long time ago I designed a teleporting barbarian build - a Half-Orc Barbarian/Wizard/Arcane Wayfarer/Demigod.

Arcane Wayfarer gave him a teleport speed so that he could telecharge all over the battlefield.

This was designed pre Primal Power so it is kind of out of date.

#4 Sep 12, 2010 17:19:28

Roofshadow

Joined Feb 2009

247 Posts

A lightning weapon would be pretty cool for this build to abuse Promise of Storm with Hurricane of Blades, and you could even use Lyrander Wind Rider for an accuracy boost and more damage with lightning/thunder powers.

#5 Sep 12, 2010 20:48:10

Lord_Ventnor

Joined Jul 2008

5693 Posts

My Dark Sun conversion rules for 5e

I wonder if the Gouge could be worked into this somehow?

Come Paragon Levels, the Gouge + Deadly Axe is strictly superior to the Execution Axe.

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4e Handbookes I've done:

Heart of the Dragon: A Dragonborn's Handbook

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#6 Sep 12, 2010 21:05:24

RuinsFate

Joined Jan 2010

1571 Posts

Well, it qualifies for Deadly Axe from any point at 11th lvl on, so it would make a good replacement for the already noted Thirsty Blade, so swapping Weapon Prof. is a simple enough adjustment. That said, the Ex. Axe does make it a lot more campaign-setting-neutral.

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#7 Sep 12, 2010 23:08:53

furious_kender

Joined Oct 2007

2152 Posts

I've played quite a bit with a barb|swordmage stated almost identically, and it worked very well in LFR. However, I only played with the guy through H2, so I don't know how he did later in his career. More importantly, he had a ton of fun with the build.

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#8 Sep 13, 2010 8:43:58

Joined Apr 2002

6914 Posts

One of the things I've noticed lately is that the Critical Mastery feats don't seem quite so essential any longer. Do you really want Greenflame Blade over Swordburst? Especially as you could Arcane Admixture/Resounding Thunder it and combine that with Stormsoul.

Plus, you get the +1 to hit - I think Barbarian really likes having that additional +1 over a little extra damage.

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#9 Sep 13, 2010 9:23:24

Joined Jun 2008

5782 Posts

A fullblade would be fine since the +1 to hit would be nice and would open up more powers like swordburst, but the swordmage weapon powers seem to do higher single target damage than the implement powers and with the errata to weapon focus it no longer works with implement powers so that would add the need for implement focus feat later on once it comes out. WIth a greataxe and greenflame blade at level two he will be hitting with an average damage of 12.925 to the target (8.5 average + .425 high crit +4 int, someone can double check my math) and 4 fire damage to adjacent enemies vs 7.5 force damage to all enemies adjacent to him with swordburst and a fullblade. I thought about booming blade for when he picks up the lightning manifestation, but did not think that would be worth it since he will be moving around so much. I can see more where greenflame blade would be more useful than howling strike, but not that many where swordburst would be.

I thought of other variants to the build and if you could settle for a starting 16 int you could use the new dwarf str/con stat array or the goliath and both of those could save you the weapon focus feat. There might be a way to do with an eladrin and fullblade, but your con would suffer and you would have a starting strength of 16 and I am pretty sure there is no other race with str and int yet.

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My Fun builds:

Defender, Set Hammers to Stun: 8.5 Stuns an Encounter at level 23

Swampthing: Earthforger Lifespirit Warden Verdant Lord

St. Elmo's Fire: Satyr Monk/Chaladin, Challenge, Slide, and Shift!

Don't Come Around Here No More: A Catch 22 WorldSpeaker

Bear Trap: Polearm Momentum Protector Shaman Disciple of Winds

Raging Teleporter: Genasi Barbarian/Assault swordmage Ghostblade

#10 Sep 13, 2010 9:44:34

Joined Apr 2002

6914 Posts

I think Greenflame Blade is going to rarely be more useful than Howling Strike or Swordburst - it needs opponents to be adjacent to each other rather than to you. Howling Strike opens up Rampage and does more damage to a single target.

Swordburst also attacks Reflex instead of AC. A nice option if you find yourself attacking a soldier...

NETH4-1 Containing Shadow (co-author)

My In-Play Builds Compilation Ioun Grey Stone Marker: Half-Elf Tank 3.0 Catch-22 Illusion of Hope Annie Oakley Chordswitch Invisible Stalker

#11 Sep 13, 2010 10:53:16

Joined Jun 2008

5782 Posts

Would arcane admixture (lightning) be a good addition for greenflame blade for promise of storm? Promise of storm says "when you hit" so would the damage just apply to the main target or would it also apply to the extra fire damage to adjacent enemies?

I know it would work with all targets in a power like swordburst and it could also be used for a power like Necromantic Disruption so that might be a better choice than thirsty blade or extended teleport. That would also make mark of strom a decent feat to add.

Edit: And related to this, would't greenflame blade get the bonus from shocking flame, but not swordburst since swordburst is close burst? Final question, I am not that familiar with the keyword adding rules, but is arcane admixture even needed with the shocking flame feat since I can add 2 points of lightning damage with any melee power?

Ginzu Items: A Guide to Dual Purpose Implements & Weapons

Night at the Roxbury: Tricks for Parties With Multiple Defenders

This Party is Off the Hook! A Miniguide to Party Optimization

My Fun builds:

Defender, Set Hammers to Stun: 8.5 Stuns an Encounter at level 23

Swampthing: Earthforger Lifespirit Warden Verdant Lord

St. Elmo's Fire: Satyr Monk/Chaladin, Challenge, Slide, and Shift!

Don't Come Around Here No More: A Catch 22 WorldSpeaker

Bear Trap: Polearm Momentum Protector Shaman Disciple of Winds

Raging Teleporter: Genasi Barbarian/Assault swordmage Ghostblade

#12 Sep 13, 2010 11:21:03

Joined Apr 2002

6914 Posts

Would arcane admixture (lightning) be a good addition for greenflame blade for promise of storm? Promise of storm says "when you hit" so would the damage just apply to the main target or would it also apply to the extra fire damage to adjacent enemies?

Just when you hit. You're not hitting the other target(s). Also, remember, it isn't adjacent enemies, it is enemies adjacent to the target. That removes a lot of options - most enemies will try to flank as an example, so you can't hit both of them with the Greenflame Blade effect.

Edit: And related to this, would't greenflame blade get the bonus from shocking flame, but not swordburst since swordburst is close burst? Final question, I am not that familiar with the keyword adding rules, but is arcane admixture even needed with the shocking flame feat since I can add 2 points of lightning damage with any melee power?

Correct. But again, that's something Howling Strike gets anyway. The advantage of Promise of Storm is that you can potentially use it on multiple attacks. It isn't worth all that much on Greenflame Blade.

NETH4-1 Containing Shadow (co-author)

My In-Play Builds Compilation Ioun Grey Stone Marker: Half-Elf Tank 3.0 Catch-22 Illusion of Hope Annie Oakley Chordswitch Invisible Stalker

#13 Sep 13, 2010 11:34:49

furious_kender

Joined Oct 2007

2152 Posts

I think Greenflame Blade is going to rarely be more useful than Howling Strike or Swordburst - it needs opponents to be adjacent to each other rather than to you. Howling Strike opens up Rampage and does more damage to a single target.

Swordburst also attacks Reflex instead of AC. A nice option if you find yourself attacking a soldier...

You also are taking a relative -1 to hit using the implement attack as the fullblade is a +3 prof weapon. Although I like swordburst and would probably go with that myself, I have to agree with GO that recent errata have really changed the relative worth of some powers. Greenflame Blade is much better relative to swordburst that it used to be, especially for a fullblade user.

My Monk Handbook

#14 Sep 13, 2010 11:44:20

Joined Jun 2008

5782 Posts

So just to make sure I understand correctly, since I get to add 2 lightning damage to howling strike at level 11 with shocking flame, I can use promise of storm on that or any other melee power like storm of blades or omnipresent assult, but not for extra non hitting damage on powers like booming blade/frigid blade/greenflame blade. Luring strike looks like it might be a decent choice for an at will as well.

I think I need to make a minor switch and make storm the first manifestation and fire the extra one, since at level 3 at least he has a lightning power. He might be best off then with lightning lure as his swordmage power from levels 1-2 (lack of an implement won't matter) and then retrain into something else at three when he gets dual lightning strike as his encounter power. Maybe lightning lure 1-2, swordburst 3-10, then luring strike from 11+. The damage disparity from not using a weapon, not having weapon focus, and not having shocking flame on swordburst would be too big to pass up on taking some swordmage weapon power at paragon.

It also looks like multiclassing fighter/ranger/warlord and then taking elemental warrior might be a good use of feats to potentially recharge promise of storm.

Ginzu Items: A Guide to Dual Purpose Implements & Weapons

Night at the Roxbury: Tricks for Parties With Multiple Defenders

This Party is Off the Hook! A Miniguide to Party Optimization

My Fun builds:

Defender, Set Hammers to Stun: 8.5 Stuns an Encounter at level 23

Swampthing: Earthforger Lifespirit Warden Verdant Lord

St. Elmo's Fire: Satyr Monk/Chaladin, Challenge, Slide, and Shift!

Don't Come Around Here No More: A Catch 22 WorldSpeaker

Bear Trap: Polearm Momentum Protector Shaman Disciple of Winds

Raging Teleporter: Genasi Barbarian/Assault swordmage Ghostblade

#15 Sep 13, 2010 12:00:06

Joined Apr 2002

6914 Posts

I think Greenflame Blade is going to rarely be more useful than Howling Strike or Swordburst - it needs opponents to be adjacent to each other rather than to you. Howling Strike opens up Rampage and does more damage to a single target.

Swordburst also attacks Reflex instead of AC. A nice option if you find yourself attacking a soldier...

You also are taking a relative -1 to hit using the implement attack as the fullblade is a +3 prof weapon. Although I like swordburst and would probably go with that myself, I have to agree with GO that recent errata have really changed the relative worth of some powers. Greenflame Blade is much better relative to swordburst that it used to be, especially for a fullblade user.

The problem isn't how much better Greenflame Blade is relative to Swordburst, the problem is how much better it is relative to Howling Strike. I really don't think any Striker|Defender should be using their Defender at-will unless it gets them something significantly different than what their Striker at-will does.

Swordburst offers significant options that Howling Strike does not(it is a burst, attacks a NAD, has some other very interesting options) - toss in Malec-Keth Janissary and you can have the following options with Resounding Thunder at 16th:
Focused Striker via Barbarian - all powers work with Promise of Storm
Big burst Swordmage on all powers which again work with Promise of Storm

NETH4-1 Containing Shadow (co-author)

My In-Play Builds Compilation Ioun Grey Stone Marker: Half-Elf Tank 3.0 Catch-22 Illusion of Hope Annie Oakley Chordswitch Invisible Stalker

#16 Sep 13, 2010 12:05:28

Joined Apr 2002

6914 Posts

So just to make sure I understand correctly, since I get to add 2 lightning damage to howling strike at level 11 with shocking flame, I can use promise of storm on that or any other melee power like storm of blades or omnipresent assult, but not for extra non hitting damage on powers like booming blade/frigid blade/greenflame blade. Luring strike looks like it might be a decent choice for an at will as well.

At the moment, if you do a particular kind of damage, it gains that keyword.

NETH4-1 Containing Shadow (co-author)

My In-Play Builds Compilation Ioun Grey Stone Marker: Half-Elf Tank 3.0 Catch-22 Illusion of Hope Annie Oakley Chordswitch Invisible Stalker

#17 Sep 14, 2010 16:48:16

Joined Jun 2008

5782 Posts

If I take Lightning Arc could I apply the damage from a critical hit turned into a normal hit to a nontargetted creature within 10 for all the melee powers in paragon and epic?

That would lose out on rampage on barbarian powers if I had not used it yet, but for multi W barbarian powers like curtain of steel, barbarian powers if I had already used rampage that encounter, basic attacks, and all the swordmage powers that might be a good call some of the time. I would lose out on high crit of the executioners axe if I did that though, so I would do less single target damage, but would do maybe 2/3 of a crits damage to 2 different enemies. Is that math about right?

I will post a build that includes my changes later tonight.

Ginzu Items: A Guide to Dual Purpose Implements & Weapons

Night at the Roxbury: Tricks for Parties With Multiple Defenders

This Party is Off the Hook! A Miniguide to Party Optimization

My Fun builds:

Defender, Set Hammers to Stun: 8.5 Stuns an Encounter at level 23

Swampthing: Earthforger Lifespirit Warden Verdant Lord

St. Elmo's Fire: Satyr Monk/Chaladin, Challenge, Slide, and Shift!

Don't Come Around Here No More: A Catch 22 WorldSpeaker

Bear Trap: Polearm Momentum Protector Shaman Disciple of Winds

Raging Teleporter: Genasi Barbarian/Assault swordmage Ghostblade

#18 Feb 12, 2011 2:10:42

thanerhogar

Joined Feb 2011

382 Posts

[sorry to resurrect such an old thread, but I was building a similar character and it seemed better than opening a new one to ask questions]

That Shocking Flame/Stormsoul thing is almost a shame... kinda makes it impossible to optimally justify a multiattacker Genasi who isn't a Stormsoul.

I really wanted a chance to try out one of the abyssal Genasi (soul of erosion PP looked entertaining at least, and the causticsoul racial power seemed pretty cool for a striker), or at least go firesoul for flavor and another use of my immediate action when my aegis target hits me, but it seems like from a DPR standpoint I can't in all good conscience turn down Promise of Storm with Storm of Blades... is there any reason to get another manifestation?

[edit: wow, totally didn't look closely enough at Ghost Blade, I was thinking of it as a defensive thing, but CA after teleporting is functionally the same as the Anarch of Shyr feature, and Omnipresent Assault looks pretty hilarious with even minimal setup. Anarch of Shyr still sounds like a reasonable choice for a Barbarian, especially with the AP feature, but you can pretty much ignore the general argument, I think I'm gonna have to go Ghost Blade.]

What do you guys think of Anarch of Shyr as a PP for this build?.

11th: a free MBA with your fullblade at the end of your AP nova.
11th: +2 to hit with your aegis enforcement.
enc: 2[W]+int and a second aegis in case your immediate actions are being wasted.
util: encounter stance for -2 to hit for +1d12 damage with weapon attacks... maybe if I was guaranteed CA for a round or two and/or have a large attack buff from a leader? long as we stick to fullblades.
16th: aegis trigger radius goes to 20... would be cool if you could actually throw it anywhere near that far... I guess I can't imagine needing this more than twice in a campaign.
daily: unfriendly close burst 5 weapon attack for 5d8+int, half on a miss. A little odd for a defender PP, but solid damage to a block of enemies. Not as cool as Omnipresent assault...

#19 Jul 06, 2011 15:36:50

Joined Feb 2005

2749 Posts

I went Causticsoul and Fullblade for my version of this for Gen Con last year. When "scouting" the build out there were two very good reasons for Fullblade: Dimensional Vortex and Hypnotic Swordplay. Those two powers are absolute dynamite. Causticsoul also works well with Thunderhooves Rage as a first-level daily if you really want to keep Howling Strike as your at-will.

#20 Jul 06, 2011 16:13:56

Joined Jun 2008

5782 Posts

What do you guys think of Anarch of Shyr as a PP for this build?.

11th: a free MBA with your fullblade at the end of your AP nova.
11th: +2 to hit with your aegis enforcement.
enc: 2[W]+int and a second aegis in case your immediate actions are being wasted.

I missed this reply from a few months ago, but I think while the freatures are good, I don't much like the powers.

I went Causticsoul and Fullblade for my version of this for Gen Con last year. When "scouting" the build out there were two very good reasons for Fullblade: Dimensional Vortex and Hypnotic Swordplay. Those two powers are absolute dynamite. Causticsoul also works well with Thunderhooves Rage as a first-level daily if you really want to keep Howling Strike as your at-will.

I think in retrospect that if I actually ever get to play this build I will use a fullblade.

All the campaigns I get invited too are either fairly low level, this PC wouldn't fit well, or have restrictions against hybrids or something so I have never gotten to play it. Hopefully someday there will be a paragon or epic level VT tabletop game where I can use him.

Ginzu Items: A Guide to Dual Purpose Implements & Weapons

Night at the Roxbury: Tricks for Parties With Multiple Defenders

This Party is Off the Hook! A Miniguide to Party Optimization

My Fun builds:

Defender, Set Hammers to Stun: 8.5 Stuns an Encounter at level 23

Swampthing: Earthforger Lifespirit Warden Verdant Lord

St. Elmo's Fire: Satyr Monk/Chaladin, Challenge, Slide, and Shift!

Don't Come Around Here No More: A Catch 22 WorldSpeaker

Bear Trap: Polearm Momentum Protector Shaman Disciple of Winds

Raging Teleporter: Genasi Barbarian/Assault swordmage Ghostblade

#21 Jul 07, 2011 8:29:09

svendj

Joined Apr 2010

2552 Posts

Bovine Intervention: a Minotaur miniguide

I went Causticsoul and Fullblade for my version of this for Gen Con last year. When "scouting" the build out there were two very good reasons for Fullblade: Dimensional Vortex and Hypnotic Swordplay. Those two powers are absolute dynamite. Causticsoul also works well with Thunderhooves Rage as a first-level daily if you really want to keep Howling Strike as your at-will.

How does this build work out in play? I've recently stumbled upon this hybrid myself, but haven't been able to play it yet. Do you just mark something and charge away with Howling Strike all the time, teleporting back once your mark hits an ally? Or do you stay close to your mark, kiting it while you attack another enemy with Swordburst and your encounters?

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Bladesingers a-go-go: a list of my Bladesinger builds

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#22 Jul 07, 2011 9:18:39

Joined Feb 2005

2749 Posts

It plays pretty well, at least at low levels last year and at low paragon where I ran it this spring through some paces. I was actually the only defender for the paragon run and it worked surprisingly well because a hybrid swordmage doesn't lose a whole lot if you're careful with what you mark. I did use Howling Strike most of the time as I was sporting Dimensional Vortex and Curtain of Steel in two of my encounter slots. I had to directly engage a fair amount but the DM went for a pincer move a couple of times which made teleporting/charging back & forth pretty sweet. Not ideal, but it worked. The biggest issue I ran in to was not having scores for Superior Will.

For the low heroic run it was along side a warden and was really nice. I was able to hit the backfield and take on squishies after the Warden marked his horde as well as rotate in when the Warden got beaten up and take over as primary as needed. It was also fun to mark, hit the backfield and have the Warden in his stance not mark. It made the DM stay on his toes and we had some tactical goodness as the marking burst set up a situation where the baddie adjacent to the warden was too far away from me to shift & charge, giving the Warden an attack of opportunity or me teleporting back in if he hit the Warden.

#23 Jul 07, 2011 10:21:17

Joined Apr 2002

6914 Posts

All the campaigns I get invited too are either fairly low level, this PC wouldn't fit well, or have restrictions against hybrids or something so I have never gotten to play it. Hopefully someday there will be a paragon or epic level VT tabletop game where I can use him.

I don't know - I think the build would be fun to play in Heroic and relatively easy to construct.

NETH4-1 Containing Shadow (co-author)

My In-Play Builds Compilation Ioun Grey Stone Marker: Half-Elf Tank 3.0 Catch-22 Illusion of Hope Annie Oakley Chordswitch Invisible Stalker

#24 Jul 07, 2011 10:30:19

Joined Jun 2008

5782 Posts

If I ever play this I want it to be at least partly in paragon and I don't get that many opportunities to try out all the builds I come up with past low heroric.

The only long haul campaign I am in right now started at level 2 with no hybrids allowed and it finally gave me an opportunity to play a paladin, which I have wanted to do since divine power came out.

Ginzu Items: A Guide to Dual Purpose Implements & Weapons

Night at the Roxbury: Tricks for Parties With Multiple Defenders

This Party is Off the Hook! A Miniguide to Party Optimization

My Fun builds:

Defender, Set Hammers to Stun: 8.5 Stuns an Encounter at level 23

Swampthing: Earthforger Lifespirit Warden Verdant Lord

St. Elmo's Fire: Satyr Monk/Chaladin, Challenge, Slide, and Shift!

Don't Come Around Here No More: A Catch 22 WorldSpeaker

Bear Trap: Polearm Momentum Protector Shaman Disciple of Winds

Raging Teleporter: Genasi Barbarian/Assault swordmage Ghostblade

#25 Jul 07, 2011 11:50:06

svendj

Joined Apr 2010

2552 Posts

Bovine Intervention: a Minotaur miniguide

It plays pretty well, at least at low levels last year and at low paragon where I ran it this spring through some paces. I was actually the only defender for the paragon run and it worked surprisingly well because a hybrid swordmage doesn't lose a whole lot if you're careful with what you mark. I did use Howling Strike most of the time as I was sporting Dimensional Vortex and Curtain of Steel in two of my encounter slots. I had to directly engage a fair amount but the DM went for a pincer move a couple of times which made teleporting/charging back & forth pretty sweet. Not ideal, but it worked. The biggest issue I ran in to was not having scores for Superior Will.

For the low heroic run it was along side a warden and was really nice. I was able to hit the backfield and take on squishies after the Warden marked his horde as well as rotate in when the Warden got beaten up and take over as primary as needed. It was also fun to mark, hit the backfield and have the Warden in his stance not mark. It made the DM stay on his toes and we had some tactical goodness as the marking burst set up a situation where the baddie adjacent to the warden was too far away from me to shift & charge, giving the Warden an attack of opportunity or me teleporting back in if he hit the Warden.

Cool, thanks.

Just one thing - Dimensional Vortex is a ranged attack, and it seems that you'll always be next to a bad guy (thus provoking an OA). Wouldn't Dual Lightning Strike be better in this slot? Especially since it really puts you out of range of your marked enemy, so it has almost no choice but to attack someone else. Also helps against slow/immobilize/daze.

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#26 Jul 07, 2011 11:58:00

Joined Feb 2005

2749 Posts

Dual Lightning Strike is okay, but Dimensional Vortex is situationally awesome. I'm durable enough to take a hit when needed and re-directing a crit from a squishy ally to a fellow baddie is usually a great trade off and can be exceptionally hilarious when Giants are involved.

I count that as damage I did and it's an off-turn attack.

#27 Jul 07, 2011 12:46:39

Joined Apr 2002

6914 Posts

Dual Lightning Strike is one of those powers that if you use it correctly, you have DMs shaking their heads at you. It is a lot better for a hybrid than a pure Swordmage, especially if you have some kind of Striker capability or off-action capability already. Such as Curtain of Steel...

NETH4-1 Containing Shadow (co-author)

My In-Play Builds Compilation Ioun Grey Stone Marker: Half-Elf Tank 3.0 Catch-22 Illusion of Hope Annie Oakley Chordswitch Invisible Stalker

#28 Jul 07, 2011 13:06:44

Joined Feb 2005

2749 Posts

Remember though that it's a generic mark, not an Aegis mark so it's only a -2 attack if they don't come after you.

#29 Jul 07, 2011 13:19:50

svendj

Joined Apr 2010

2552 Posts

Bovine Intervention: a Minotaur miniguide

Yeah, but teleporting 8-10 squares away each encounter power is hilarious, not to mention that it allows you to reach that hard-to-get squishy in the back line. And the marking is optional if I'm not mistaken. So you can aegis mark, attack with DLS and get the hell away from them so they have no choice but to trigger your mark.

When Everyone is Super: a Miniguide to Classless Damage Boosts

The Mind's Eye: a Psion Handbook

Bladesingers a-go-go: a list of my Bladesinger builds

The Comprehensive Guide to Alternate Goals in Combat

#30 Jul 07, 2011 13:39:02

Joined Feb 2005

2749 Posts

It's a nice way to get to a squishy, no doubt, but I already have Armathor's Step to do that at 6th level and if I'm on the squishy I'm not teleporting back for the extra attack on a meatsack, I'm taking the squishy down.

And the marking is not optional, the power reads exactly "1[W] + Intelligence modifier lightning damage, and the target is marked until the end of your next turn." And by RAW this generic mark overrides an Aegis mark so you didn't attack your Aegis-marked target to begin with so you're not focusing damage either.....

You get the picture.

#31 Jul 07, 2011 13:54:43

Joined Apr 2002

6914 Posts

It's a nice way to get to a squishy, no doubt, but I already have Armathor's Step to do that at 6th level and if I'm on the squishy I'm not teleporting back for the extra attack on a meatsack, I'm taking the squishy down.

And the marking is not optional, the power reads exactly "1[W] + Intelligence modifier lightning damage, and the target is marked until the end of your next turn." And by RAW this generic mark overrides an Aegis mark so you didn't attack your Aegis-marked target to begin with so you're not focusing damage either.....

You get the picture.

Round 1:
Move 6 up to frontline soldier
Dual Lightning Strike and teleport 8-10 squares next to squishy in back and swing at him too. Potentially behind squishy.
Minor Aegis squishy
Use AP to bash in head of squishy

I'd like to see how Armathor's Step lets you do that...

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My In-Play Builds Compilation Ioun Grey Stone Marker: Half-Elf Tank 3.0 Catch-22 Illusion of Hope Annie Oakley Chordswitch Invisible Stalker

#32 Jul 07, 2011 14:09:07

Joined Feb 2005

2749 Posts

Effect: Teleport 5 squares. If you end this move adjacent to an enemy, you gain a +2 power bonus to the next attack roll you make against that enemy during your turn.

Aegis mark and teleport over meatsack and unload with a 3+[W] rage on squishy (with a +2 attack bonus!) instead of a glorified melee basic and AP into another can-o-hurt (or heck, even Booming Blade, if that's your at-will and it's still holding on) and it's a net gain on focused damage. Especially fun if your controller or someone has an immobilize in his pocket for the squishy. Even a seeker with an at-will can mess that squishy up hard. Hello Curtain of Steel!

#33 Jul 07, 2011 14:36:12

Joined Apr 2002

6914 Posts

Effect: Teleport 5 squares. If you end this move adjacent to an enemy, you gain a +2 power bonus to the next attack roll you make against that enemy during your turn.

Aegis mark and teleport over meatsack and unload with a 3+[W] rage on squishy (with a +2 attack bonus!) instead of a glorified melee basic and AP into another can-o-hurt (or heck, even Booming Blade, if that's your at-will and it's still holding on) and it's a net gain on focused damage. Especially fun if your controller or someone has an immobilize in his pocket for the squishy. Even a seeker with an at-will can mess that squishy up hard. Hello Curtain of Steel!

And how are you getting to the meatsack in the 1st place? What if the squishy is further away than 5 squares from the meatsack? What if you being so far away from your meatsack aegis means that he can position himself to be outside your aegis/dimensional vortex range?

The value of Dual Lightning Strike is that with just your move and your standard, you can easily go across most battlemats on round 1 and force the controller to choose between taking a -2 penalty to hit on the party and an MBA or targeting a single target(one likely to dump Curtain of Steel on him if adjacent)

NETH4-1 Containing Shadow (co-author)

My In-Play Builds Compilation Ioun Grey Stone Marker: Half-Elf Tank 3.0 Catch-22 Illusion of Hope Annie Oakley Chordswitch Invisible Stalker

#34 Jul 07, 2011 14:41:10

Mand12

Joined Jun 2010

17444 Posts

For the question of Swordburst, that would require you to use a Fullblade, which you may not want to do. Unless you feel like taking a multiclass feat that gives you holy symbol or ki focus proficiency, at least.

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#35 Jul 07, 2011 14:49:02

Joined Feb 2005

2749 Posts

If ifs and buts were candy and nuts... you throw a whole lot of 'em in there. IF the intitial target doesn't go first and close on you (there's no points for dex and likely no feat slot for improved initiative), then IF it's within 6 squares, then IF the secondary is within 8 of it, and IF the rest of the party is incompetant...

...then I'm still teleporting over the meatsack, charging the squishy with the added damage of Howling Strike (and teh +1 to attack and potential for rampage) and AP into the can-o-hurt. Oh, and my way if said meatsack is in the vicinity and lays smack on an ally I can still have a chance to re-direct that attack on to said squishy.

Your way works better only if the squishy is 12-14 squares away and the initial target is 5 or 6 away.

#36 Jul 07, 2011 14:49:54

Joined Jun 2008

5782 Posts

I think I am going to update this build in the couple of days with destined scion as the epic destiny and switch out the axe feats for a fullblade and related feats. Any other suggestiongs?

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#37 Jul 07, 2011 15:09:48

Joined Feb 2005

2749 Posts

Aside from Dimensional Vortex, Hypnotic Swordplay and Armathor's Step I'd also switch out your Swordmage Daily to Burning Blade or Frost Backlash for either the off-turn 3[W] attack or the +str damage to all melee (not just arcane) attacks until end of encounter.

I'm also not a fan of Avalanche Strike if you end up being the primary defender but that's a matter of personal taste.

#38 Jul 07, 2011 15:15:59

Joined Apr 2002

6914 Posts

I think I am going to update this build in the couple of days with destined scion as the epic destiny and switch out the axe feats for a fullblade and related feats. Any other suggestiongs?

I'd MC into Assassin and then pick up Ki Focus Expertise. More damage against bloodied targets and both weapon/implement options.

I'd get rid of Thirsty Blade and Extended Teleportation. Is Extra Manifestation, Shocking Flame, and Double Manifestation really worth 8 hp of damage per swing now? Especially when it is only 2 hp of damage in Paragon?

NETH4-1 Containing Shadow (co-author)

My In-Play Builds Compilation Ioun Grey Stone Marker: Half-Elf Tank 3.0 Catch-22 Illusion of Hope Annie Oakley Chordswitch Invisible Stalker

#39 Jul 07, 2011 15:21:00

Joined Jun 2008

5782 Posts

Extended teleportation was already iffy for me and I wasn't sure about thirsty blade either.

I had not thought of MC assassin, but that takes a 13 dex. I was planning on going with a 16 13 10 16 11 8 array with only boosts to str/int since I am going to stick with the fullblade.

Ginzu Items: A Guide to Dual Purpose Implements & Weapons

Night at the Roxbury: Tricks for Parties With Multiple Defenders

This Party is Off the Hook! A Miniguide to Party Optimization

My Fun builds:

Defender, Set Hammers to Stun: 8.5 Stuns an Encounter at level 23

Swampthing: Earthforger Lifespirit Warden Verdant Lord

St. Elmo's Fire: Satyr Monk/Chaladin, Challenge, Slide, and Shift!

Don't Come Around Here No More: A Catch 22 WorldSpeaker

Bear Trap: Polearm Momentum Protector Shaman Disciple of Winds

Raging Teleporter: Genasi Barbarian/Assault swordmage Ghostblade

#40 Jul 07, 2011 15:26:34

Joined Feb 2005

2749 Posts

Yeah, your array looks good but Shocking Flame is kind of meh. If you want to go along that vein I'd be tempted to move your feats around a bit with Extra Manifestation (Earthsoul) and change *something* in to Earthshock Master (Dex) and Shocking Flame to Elemental Echo. That way for a minor action you get a +1 attack and 2 more damage.

#41 Jul 07, 2011 15:28:03

Joined Apr 2002

6914 Posts

Extended teleportation was already iffy for me and I wasn't sure about thirsty blade either.

I had not thought of MC assassin, but that takes a 13 dex. I was planning on going with a 16 13 10 16 11 8 array with only boosts to str/int since I am going to stick with the fullblade.

There's the new Assassin feat in the hybrid article that gives you +1d8/2d8/3d8 with a one-handed weapon, a skill, and ki foci. No prereqs, though a 13 Dex seems reasonably easy to do if you're not really using a 13 con - 12 Con, 12 Dex, 18/18 Str/Int. Then you can afford everything in Paragon/Epic - as you weren't really planning to ever play the character in heroic anyway...

Then you get some shrouds to nicely boost your damage output in the nova rounds.

NETH4-1 Containing Shadow (co-author)