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Re: Guide to Picking a Build

Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2016 11:51 pm
by rijackson741
That is the danger of posting an unlocked Google docs file. Someone may edit it without realizing that every change is saved automatically (a feature I don't like; I would rather have a button to explicitly save when I choose to). If I was you, I would just reset it to your last know good point.

Re: Guide to Picking a Build

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 12:32 am
by Voom
Yeah, I think I just learned a lesson. Fortunately google sheets allows for an instant reset to older versions and can be locked. The only thing I don't like about it is that both MS excel and word are not very compatible with Google docs and sheets.

Re: Guide to Picking a Build

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 3:20 am
by rijackson741
Actually, didn't the revision history tell you who edited it?

Re: Guide to Picking a Build

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 3:58 am
by Voom
It said anonymous...
In any case, it's reset now and I hope it helps those interested in the details as much as I am.

Re: Guide to Picking a Build

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 3:29 pm
by Tomcat
My new character is now up to level 35. I just finished the Iqhan and Allaceph caves, with the Remgard trip next up, before Charwood and Lodar. I thought I'd solicit some opinions on my build and my plans...

Norbert is my first try at a dual wield build.

For level ups, I started the first 20 or so levels doing a strict rotation: BC, AC, AD, AD every for levels. After that, I've been cutting down on AD and taking more BC, to make up for the lack of shield.

Skills: took Increased Fortitude 1 at 5, then Regen 1 at 10 (should have been 8 but I was being too stubborn about not taking HP for level ups, and hadn't made the min base HP yet). Combat Speed 1 at 12, Dual Wield 1 at 16, IF2 at 20. Then I saved the skill points from 24 and 28 and when I got level 30, I took both CS2 and DW2.

BOOM! That was huge! I went from two swings per turn to four bigger ones.

To be honest, I had felt like I was struggling through on DW1/CS1, with a lower block chance than I was used to (no shield). At first I was using Venomous Dagger and Sharp Steel Dagger, and then tried trading the latter up for Quickstrike Dagger, but hated the BC hit. I guess I could have gone with Evasion (instead of IF2?), but I don't have the patience for so much hit-and-run tactics. That's a different build.

Once I got Flagstone's Pride, I put down the daggers and added Balanced Steel Sword. Same number of swings and more damage. That was a nice improvement. Once I got DW2/CS2, my damage per round went through the roof, and those two caves were very easy.

So, now what? I'm considering getting to Cleave before hitting the Green Maze, but I hate spending the points on the prereqs, so I took Evasion 1 at 32 instead. I suppose I could have taken care of the Hard Hit and Weapon Accuracy instead of IF2 and Evasion, and I'd be almost there. Probably would next time around.

Definitely planning to take Specialization:Dual Wield as soon as possible, at 45 using the skill point from 44. That gives me two to play with on the meantime. What would work best work this build? More Evasion is a possibility, to help ensure getting more first hits. Or suck it up and do the Cleave prereqs now.

So, the rest of the gear. JoF goes without saying. Polished Ring of Backstabbing and Ring of Damage +6. Leather Cap, Lightweight Chainmail, Troublemakers Gloves, and Woodcutter's Boots. Stats are:

AC 194, BC 79, AD 26-35, Crit skill 27, mult 2.0, ECC 18%

So before I head up to Remgard, what gear should I upgrade? Better armor to survive the spider caves? Wait til I get the to buy better? Swap out the BSS for DotSP? At some point I will have to decide between two daggers or two swords before spending Oegyth Crystals on training for one or the other. Decisions, decisions...

Re: Guide to Picking a Build

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 3:30 pm
by Tomcat
Another random question: which cave do you usually try to hit first, Iqhan or Allaceph?

Re: Guide to Picking a Build

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 5:17 pm
by nyktos
iqhan - still deadly, but it "feels" safer? :lol:

that and i always go there early for the DotSP...

Re: Guide to Picking a Build

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 6:43 pm
by rijackson741
I think that the Alleceph cave is easier, except for what you get at the end. That's really hard to deal with at a low level.

I view the Evasion skill as an all or nothing deal. With 3 levels you can stand next to a monster for ever without it attacking you, which means a lot more safe places to stand. It also means your chance to flee is 95% (or 100% if you get Ev4). If you don't use those tactics though, it's not useful at all.

My next skills will be WA (just as a prereq), Cleave, Corpse eater. I might do Corpse eater first though.

Re: Guide to Picking a Build

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 6:56 pm
by nyktos
i was just about to comment that it may be that Iqhan cave was released earlier that had me going there first?

that and the problems at the end that you mention... :twisted:

Re: Guide to Picking a Build

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 9:34 pm
by Tomcat
Those twin Vaeregs are the big block there. Iqhan nasties are easier to dance around and fight on your own terms.