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Create the Ultimate Dwarven Defender

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
darien_ashoka
Apr 04, 2008 12:25:31 I'm making a Dwarven Defender (level 10) for a military campaign in which there will be large scale battles and a lot of standing still in formation a few times per day would be helpful.

Gold Dwarf Dwarven Ranger3/Deepwarden2/Fighter2/Dwarven Defender3
STR 16 DEX 8 CON 20 INT 14 WIS 16 CHA 16 OR
Gold Dwarf Dwarven Ranger3/Deepwarden2/Paladin2/Dwarven Defender3
STR 16 DEX 8 CON 20 INT 14 WIS 16 CHA 16
I thought about taking two levels in Paladin (CHA bonus to saves) instead of two levels in Fighter, but I would really like the free feats for extra defense, considering my CHA is so high.

Goals:
-Have a truckload of HP (Because my Relfex save will be terrible, I need to be able to soak up damage from those fireballs that will no doubt be raining on the battlefield)
-Have a ludicrous AC (The point of this build is to not be hit a lot, and out last the competition)
-Be decent in Melee combat against swarms of enemies or one big guy

Feat Selection:
Because we are allowed Traits and Flaws, I was taking the Slow Trait (half move speed, +1 HP per level) and the Flaw Slow (half Speed - extra feat). This would give me a lad speed for 5 feet per round, but since I'll be standning still during battle, it doesn't matter that much to me. Between battles, I'll be Using Boots of Levetation of Winged Boots to get from place to place, so I'm not concerned about overland speed.

Weapon/Shield Selection:
Because I get TWF for free as a Ranger 2, I was thinking of grabbing a Dwarven Waraxe (Classic 1d10 damage in one hand, nothing crazy but good for rolling) and taking Improved Shield Bash with a +2 Large Steel Shield of Bashing in case times get tough and I need a few extra attacks.

However, I was also thinking of Going with a Tower Shield (Because the AC is higher, and Because I get my CON to AC instead of DEX, the Max DEX doesn't affect me), but then I can't make Shield Bash attacks with it, and then my attacks get a -2 Penalty on top of that (although this is no different from getting Combat Expertise for two points anyway).

Armor Selection:
Because my DM allows Racial familiarity with race-based weapons and armor, I get Mountain plate prof for free - Mountain Plate it is!

So, to get my AC high, I have:
10 Base
13 (+3 Mountain Plate)
8 from CON bonus (enhanced through Defensive Stance)
1 Dodge (the feat)
4 more Dodge (Defensive Stance)
1 (Defender Class ability)
2 Deflection (Ring of Protection)
2 Natural (Amulet of Natural Armor)
5 from a +3 Large Steel Shield (or 7 if it's a Tower shield)

that's a 47 total (or 49 if I'm using a Tower Shield)
Add a Horn of Goodness for Magic Circle against EVil, and it increases by 2
If I can afford a Luckstone, that adds another 1
I'm tempted to max out Combat Expertise, but that would prevent me from hitting the enemy.

Questions:
1) How do I boost my Refelex save without changing classes or my DEX?
2) Should I take Tower Shield and not use TWF, of should I Get a Shield of Bashing and for all out (since I'm not moving anyway)?
3) Any magic items that boost my AC that stack with what I have up here?

Also, are feats like Shield Wall and Shield Mate worth it? (remember, I'm looking for a high AC all the time, not just when I'm near my comrade, keeping him behind)
Comments are greatly appreciated -thanks in advance!
#2
snakeman830
Apr 04, 2008 12:41:31 I would go with a bashing spiked light shield. It takes a point off your AC, but in return, it cuts your TWF penalties in half. It still does the same damage (minus 1/2 your Strength modifier).

There is an ioun stone that provides a +1 insight bonus to AC, but it may be out of your price range.

I hate saying it, but I'm going to laugh when an enemy caster shoots an empowered lightning bolt your way. Or worse, an Otto's Iresistable Dance
#3
eepop
Apr 04, 2008 12:43:12 That should be plenty of AC, I would start trying to optimize my other defenses some. That probably means going the Paladin route for Divine Grace. I also like the Paladin route for the ability to pick up a couple more levels (Up to Paladin 4) as you level to get turning attempts and then pick up Healing Devotion with a feat. That would make you alot studier and long lasting.

With that much AC, the Shocktrooper feat may be useful for damaging foes that you can afford to lower your AC for.

I'd definitely go with the Tower Shield, it can provide cover which will help against those fireballs. (Also ranger TWF does not work while in Heavy Armor)
#4
pfooti
Apr 04, 2008 14:40:35 on AC: remember to get Armor spikes and shield spikes, have them both enchanted with the Defending enchantment, and have your wizard/cleric cast greater magic weapon on them. Bonus AC there.

on the Dwarven Defender: AC doesn't matter if your foes walk around you. It's a dangerous class. I strongly suggest getting into the Bloodstorm Blade from ToB, that lets you hurt people from far away even though you're not allowed to move.
#5
x-codes
Apr 04, 2008 16:30:33 I believe I saw something official (a CustServ response, I believe) stating that Deepwarden gives Con to AC, but must still abide by Max Dex. I'm looking for that now.

Furthermore, Heavy Armor will negate your Ranger's Combat Style, so going TWF with your shield won't help. Also, Magic Circle against Evil does not stack with a Ring of Protection. They both give Deflection bonuses to AC.
#6
pfooti
Apr 04, 2008 16:37:32 Yoikes, X-Codes, be careful. There's an Eternal Flamewar going on in the Deepwarden PrC thread.

But to the OP: YMMV. Ask your DM. Some believe con-to-AC is limited by max dex, some don't. Either way, X-Codes has the combat style thing correct.
#7
x-codes
Apr 04, 2008 16:46:44
Yoikes, X-Codes, be careful. There's an Eternal Flamewar going on in the Deepwarden PrC thread.

Not my 2cp, like I said I thought I saw the CustServ response posted in some random thread where someone referenced the Deepwarden.
#8
kobold_esq
Apr 04, 2008 16:51:19 Won't it be a problem when the bad guys just decide to walk away from you and hit someone else?
#9
x-codes
Apr 04, 2008 16:54:20
Won't it be a problem when the bad guys just decide to walk away from you and hit someone else?

Yes, this is a problem. Military units don't stand in formation, they move in formation. Typically at 20'.
#10
pfooti
Apr 04, 2008 16:59:25 Oh, another minor thing: the spell circle of protection: evil or protection from evil both give you a deflection bonus to your AC, which doesn't stack with your ring of protection.

A lesser crystal of arrow deflection would give you +5 on ranged attacks, which is pretty handy, since you really, really, really want people to come visit you. It also works on ranged touch attacks (despite the name of it), which makes rays harder to hit you.

Similarly, a lesser crystal of screening gives you a +5 AC against incorporeal touch, which is handy against some touch attackers.
#11
darien_ashoka
Apr 06, 2008 0:21:35 eepop: Thank you so much! I completely overlooked the fact that TWF doesn't work while in Heavy Armor. Bringing that to my attention has made my choice to take a Tower Shield that much easier.

pfooti: Thank you for reminding me about the deflection bonuses not stacking.

Strangely enough, my will save is very high, and my Reflex is decent. I really like the "defending" armor Spikes and Greater Magic Weapon idea - an easy +5 AC that stacks with pretty much anything else.

Thanks for the ideas, everyone!

If anyone has anything else, please don't hesitate to share.
#12
vicen_korel
Apr 06, 2008 0:36:38 Grab a bow of big booms (exit wounds + explosive, maybe something bursting), you're going to need something to poke people into coming to you.
#13
paradox-of-life
Apr 06, 2008 5:43:14 Maybe Blade of Orion from Eberron so you can teleport, which I don't think counts as a move, would solve the immobility. That, or I second Bloodstorm Blade.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 darien_ashoka Apr 04, 2008 12:25:31	I'm making a Dwarven Defender (level 10) for a military campaign in which there will be large scale battles and a lot of standing still in formation a few times per day would be helpful. Gold Dwarf Dwarven Ranger3/Deepwarden2/Fighter2/Dwarven Defender3 STR 16 DEX 8 CON 20 INT 14 WIS 16 CHA 16 OR Gold Dwarf Dwarven Ranger3/Deepwarden2/Paladin2/Dwarven Defender3 STR 16 DEX 8 CON 20 INT 14 WIS 16 CHA 16 I thought about taking two levels in Paladin (CHA bonus to saves) instead of two levels in Fighter, but I would really like the free feats for extra defense, considering my CHA is so high. Goals: -Have a truckload of HP (Because my Relfex save will be terrible, I need to be able to soak up damage from those fireballs that will no doubt be raining on the battlefield) -Have a ludicrous AC (The point of this build is to not be hit a lot, and out last the competition) -Be decent in Melee combat against swarms of enemies or one big guy Feat Selection: Because we are allowed Traits and Flaws, I was taking the Slow Trait (half move speed, +1 HP per level) and the Flaw Slow (half Speed - extra feat). This would give me a lad speed for 5 feet per round, but since I'll be standning still during battle, it doesn't matter that much to me. Between battles, I'll be Using Boots of Levetation of Winged Boots to get from place to place, so I'm not concerned about overland speed. Weapon/Shield Selection: Because I get TWF for free as a Ranger 2, I was thinking of grabbing a Dwarven Waraxe (Classic 1d10 damage in one hand, nothing crazy but good for rolling) and taking Improved Shield Bash with a +2 Large Steel Shield of Bashing in case times get tough and I need a few extra attacks. However, I was also thinking of Going with a Tower Shield (Because the AC is higher, and Because I get my CON to AC instead of DEX, the Max DEX doesn't affect me), but then I can't make Shield Bash attacks with it, and then my attacks get a -2 Penalty on top of that (although this is no different from getting Combat Expertise for two points anyway). Armor Selection: Because my DM allows Racial familiarity with race-based weapons and armor, I get Mountain plate prof for free - Mountain Plate it is! So, to get my AC high, I have: 10 Base 13 (+3 Mountain Plate) 8 from CON bonus (enhanced through Defensive Stance) 1 Dodge (the feat) 4 more Dodge (Defensive Stance) 1 (Defender Class ability) 2 Deflection (Ring of Protection) 2 Natural (Amulet of Natural Armor) 5 from a +3 Large Steel Shield (or 7 if it's a Tower shield) that's a 47 total (or 49 if I'm using a Tower Shield) Add a Horn of Goodness for Magic Circle against EVil, and it increases by 2 If I can afford a Luckstone, that adds another 1 I'm tempted to max out Combat Expertise, but that would prevent me from hitting the enemy. Questions: 1) How do I boost my Refelex save without changing classes or my DEX? 2) Should I take Tower Shield and not use TWF, of should I Get a Shield of Bashing and for all out (since I'm not moving anyway)? 3) Any magic items that boost my AC that stack with what I have up here? Also, are feats like Shield Wall and Shield Mate worth it? (remember, I'm looking for a high AC all the time, not just when I'm near my comrade, keeping him behind) Comments are greatly appreciated -thanks in advance!
#2 snakeman830 Apr 04, 2008 12:41:31	I would go with a bashing spiked light shield. It takes a point off your AC, but in return, it cuts your TWF penalties in half. It still does the same damage (minus 1/2 your Strength modifier). There is an ioun stone that provides a +1 insight bonus to AC, but it may be out of your price range. I hate saying it, but I'm going to laugh when an enemy caster shoots an empowered lightning bolt your way. Or worse, an Otto's Iresistable Dance
#3 eepop Apr 04, 2008 12:43:12	That should be plenty of AC, I would start trying to optimize my other defenses some. That probably means going the Paladin route for Divine Grace. I also like the Paladin route for the ability to pick up a couple more levels (Up to Paladin 4) as you level to get turning attempts and then pick up Healing Devotion with a feat. That would make you alot studier and long lasting. With that much AC, the Shocktrooper feat may be useful for damaging foes that you can afford to lower your AC for. I'd definitely go with the Tower Shield, it can provide cover which will help against those fireballs. (Also ranger TWF does not work while in Heavy Armor)
#4 pfooti Apr 04, 2008 14:40:35	on AC: remember to get Armor spikes and shield spikes, have them both enchanted with the Defending enchantment, and have your wizard/cleric cast greater magic weapon on them. Bonus AC there. on the Dwarven Defender: AC doesn't matter if your foes walk around you. It's a dangerous class. I strongly suggest getting into the Bloodstorm Blade from ToB, that lets you hurt people from far away even though you're not allowed to move.
#5 x-codes Apr 04, 2008 16:30:33	I believe I saw something official (a CustServ response, I believe) stating that Deepwarden gives Con to AC, but must still abide by Max Dex. I'm looking for that now. Furthermore, Heavy Armor will negate your Ranger's Combat Style, so going TWF with your shield won't help. Also, Magic Circle against Evil does not stack with a Ring of Protection. They both give Deflection bonuses to AC.
#6 pfooti Apr 04, 2008 16:37:32	Yoikes, X-Codes, be careful. There's an Eternal Flamewar going on in the Deepwarden PrC thread. But to the OP: YMMV. Ask your DM. Some believe con-to-AC is limited by max dex, some don't. Either way, X-Codes has the combat style thing correct.
#7 x-codes Apr 04, 2008 16:46:44	Yoikes, X-Codes, be careful. There's an Eternal Flamewar going on in the Deepwarden PrC thread. Not my 2cp, like I said I thought I saw the CustServ response posted in some random thread where someone referenced the Deepwarden.
#8 kobold_esq Apr 04, 2008 16:51:19	Won't it be a problem when the bad guys just decide to walk away from you and hit someone else?
#9 x-codes Apr 04, 2008 16:54:20	Won't it be a problem when the bad guys just decide to walk away from you and hit someone else? Yes, this is a problem. Military units don't stand in formation, they move in formation. Typically at 20'.
#10 pfooti Apr 04, 2008 16:59:25	Oh, another minor thing: the spell circle of protection: evil or protection from evil both give you a deflection bonus to your AC, which doesn't stack with your ring of protection. A lesser crystal of arrow deflection would give you +5 on ranged attacks, which is pretty handy, since you really, really, really want people to come visit you. It also works on ranged touch attacks (despite the name of it), which makes rays harder to hit you. Similarly, a lesser crystal of screening gives you a +5 AC against incorporeal touch, which is handy against some touch attackers.
#11 darien_ashoka Apr 06, 2008 0:21:35	eepop: Thank you so much! I completely overlooked the fact that TWF doesn't work while in Heavy Armor. Bringing that to my attention has made my choice to take a Tower Shield that much easier. pfooti: Thank you for reminding me about the deflection bonuses not stacking. Strangely enough, my will save is very high, and my Reflex is decent. I really like the "defending" armor Spikes and Greater Magic Weapon idea - an easy +5 AC that stacks with pretty much anything else. Thanks for the ideas, everyone! If anyone has anything else, please don't hesitate to share.
#12 vicen_korel Apr 06, 2008 0:36:38	Grab a bow of big booms (exit wounds + explosive, maybe something bursting), you're going to need something to poke people into coming to you.
#13 paradox-of-life Apr 06, 2008 5:43:14	Maybe Blade of Orion from Eberron so you can teleport, which I don't think counts as a move, would solve the immobility. That, or I second Bloodstorm Blade.