George_Truman

With 100% attack speed reduction using sword + shield mechanics make it work?

If you go for a frontline build (no pike) then I wouldn't dump anything. If you go for a backline barbarian with tallgrass you can get away with dumping resolve i think but that didn't seem like the build you are looking for. For front liners you really don't want to dump resolve imo not even because of the deflection (the deflection is big though) but because of the concentration (low concentration means getting interrupted = fewer swings and delayed actions). The barbarian isn't going to start super tanky but at levels 3 and 4 if you go savage defiance into stalwart defiance you will be pretty well set. In the early game I recommend giving him heavier armor, but as the game progresses and you get a bit beefier i recommend lightening the load for faster swings.

I don't think you can go wrong with split might and int, 10 in everything else. Might helps overcome the damage reduction on carnage attacks and boosts your savage defiance, and int gives better aoe as well as longer duration for your nice self buffs. Also the dankest weapon in the game (firebrand) benefits plenty from both, with a huge base damage that is boosted even more by solid might your carnage will do solid damage.

Will spell-tongue increase the duration of all buffs on a character indefinitely? I am wondering if I can go for a warrior build where I dump int but grab the good self buffs and angio's gambeson and just get infinite duration on those +20 defenses, +20 accuracy, and triggered immunity from zero recovery attacks. Does the weapon work this way or am I missing something?

So I made my list based on how much easier the character makes the game on PotD (thats the true meaning of power imo). That includes ease of use, as well as availability of build defining weapons/talents and how powerful the build(s) are in all stages of the game. I try my hardest not to cheese and not to abuse choke points so I like melee heavy parties that protect one or two less defended ranged characters. I also don't like respeccing unless I am trying to fine tune a new build. I hate running back and forth and like to try and finish dungeons with 2 camping supplies + whatever is inside. Also I am assuming use of what I consider the strongest builds. Wizard - best control best melee damage least squishy caster - mechanics bot Priest - best support/healing, can be fairly sturdy Druid - best ranged aoe and strong control. good mix between buffs, damage, and control Barbarian - firebrand build is insane aoe melee dps and available way earlier than citzal's. Gets plenty tanky pretty quick as well, can also be a back-line control machine with tall grass Fighter - intelligence builds are very strong. only viable full tank and can be really strong unkillable melee dps that is useful with a wide range of weapons. The knockdown tank build is somewhat weak until 7 but is an awesome party leader and ok as an early game meat-bag/knockdown bot. Rogue - ranged build with borresaine. super early weapon availability, high damage and strong target lockdown. super powerful at dealing with the more annoying casters and enemies with high enough defenses to defend against aoe control. - also easy +3 mechanics Paladin - really great abilities but outclassed by priest at all phases of game. no suberb builds except full support tank that is imo just a worse priest that can take more hits. I'd rather dump perception and pump resolve on my priest and make him a support only that can take a few hits. I like paladins though so I usually bring one anyway. Monk - the best builds are really micro intensive. really strong but way too much effort to squeeze the most out of him. Cipher - really strong damage but I find the abilities too annoying to use and he can't handle the front line like the wizard. too outclassed imo Ranger - if the pet death didn't give the debuff I would like this class more. best single target ranged damage but the rogue is almost as good and gets free control as well. Chanter - really useful late game with dragon thrashed but is too useless until then. master of cheese though