mjo2138

Thank you. I see what you mean. I really like Ray of Fire, too. I also thought about switching away from using the immunity to interrupt helm, but I just love having not to worry about being interrupted whilst casting a spell. Also, Vaporous Weaponry is such a good grimore for having that extra spell, even if Ningraths (sp) has spells I love more, or Akemry's (sp) for that matter.

I really enjoy this build. I just got to level 20, and I can melt everything! I never really appreciated meteor shower before, but with all the self buffs, as well as the ring of focused flame, it is a force to be reckoned with! I just had some questions: 1. In a thread somewhere, you mentioned Duskfall is a good late game weapon, too. What enchantments would you use? Does the +10 action speed apply to casting times and recovery times, or just melee? How about Magrans Chain - Which enchantments would you favor? 2. For Power Level 2. Would you consider leaving out Arcane Veil, and using Merciless Gaze? I know late game favors survivability, esp., the DLC, but I wonder if the axiom "a great defense is a good offense" might favor it. I always run out of PL 2 spells quickly, as there are so many good ones here. 3. Would you add Pull of Eora or Arcane Dampener, or is it not really needed? 4. Are there any other late game pets or items you like which you did not mention? Thank you!

You could try a solo class fighter for your first run, so you can really experience all the different abilities for one class. Then you will have a strong understanding of the class itself. That being said, you can also try out a multiclass; as you are playing with a party , you have a lot of room for experimentation. It depends on your personal style. I think the recommendations above are great ways for a first run, especially Black Jacket fighter. If you want to experiment, as mentioned, swashbuckler (fighter/rogue) is a great tank that also can dish out dmg, killing enemies faster results in being a better 'tank' because the mobs are dead! Pure Fighters are better and holding the line, but not necessarily at dmg. However, adding in a combat focused multiclass will enhance the damage dealing role. Otherwise, you can even become a super tanky character as a paladin/fighter. The other benefit is you can try out multiclasses for your companions, many of which are unique , and they are very strong. Have fun!

@Not So Clever Hound, and others, do like Jernaugh's Equalizing Burst ? I fancy this spell, but I am sure others are better. I like it as an opener for fights. I am a really big nerd for disable and CC spells, however, so I carry some bias!

@theleeI keep meaning to play Fallout: NV, so here is even more reason to try it! Personally, playing a solo game (POTD, upscaled all) really lets me understand how to maximize the skills and efficacy of a certain class. For example, as a swashbuckler, I learned how to find that sweet spot in which you take dmg, but your riposte and defenses, along with Dudes the cat, lets you 'heal' and out damage enemies. Megabosses required some cheese, or many health pots, except for the Blob who I couldn't sustain. Now I am really learning how to play the best wizard possible as an SC bloodmage, without having to manage other characters. I guess it is something of an intellectual exercise, if that makes sense. @KaylonI like that approach. I will do that next time, so I really get the flavor of the game, and area around Port Maje and Nekataka, without making those fights too easy. @Not So Clever Hound Yes haha I have also opted for the peaceful solution to Gorecci street; it is really tough to solo, and the slog zone makes it even harder. I also choose to kill Benweth; I cannot really justify someone trying to kill me , even as a pirate RP character. I think in the end, players are always going to tend to maximize their loot , reward, and skills, so you are right that any RP benefits will be exchanged for the best loot when possible, or vice versa. I suppose games could have quests where you receive a material reward, or you receive some kind of karma points that let you develop certain skills, or maybe gain reputation into certain 'shops' of a faction (kinda like pillars 1); even then it would be too complicated, and there would end up being a preferred metagaming 'path' in terms of quest progression or choices. Players would find that item X , for example, is simply too good to pass up, so everyone would recommend a certain path. Thanks for the ideas!

Hello Everyone, I am back to the world of Eora, after playing doing a POTD solo run as a Swashbuckler. I really appreciate the singular experience of solo play; it lets you study the game mechanics very carefully, and you really learn the class(es) that you play very well. Now, I am level 13 as a SC Bloodmage, following the guide of @NotSoCleverHound , as well as Lost Sinner (Sin Tee) What I want to ask if, how do you level up, and how much powerplay you incorporate in your gameplay. For example I usually do this. 1. After Port Maje, due to my perfectionist nature, I usually end up sailing around the world to accumulate experience , and then I loot, buy, or steal core items for the build, along with the 'usual stops' such as Crookspur Island for Legendary items. 2. Rush core item builds afterwards, and play the game in a more 'traditional' way a. Do you think it is worth it to skip early and midgame so much? I feel like I miss out. But at the same time, I think solo builds rely on getting to high level quickly, so you can take on encounters b. How many encounters to you tend to skip before 'powerleveling'? and do c. do you do all the questions in the game, or only ones that benefit you? 3. this is unrelated, but don't you think the rewards system should be different for quests? For example, I will end up metagaming and choosing the best result to get the best gear. For example, I always kill Beneweth (pirate guy) for his Miscreat Leather armor. It makes me wonder, however, if quests should have a different reward system stops you from choosing based on Gear Alone. Like , if you roleplay your character, it should take precedence over the material rewards. It would be fun to complete quests as per your 'roleplay' and character, rather than just to get the 'best gear'. I think the light/dark point system in Knights of the Old Republic (Bioware, Single Player) had a good idea. I am interested what you all think about this. Thanks in advanced!

@Not So Clever Hound Thank for the detailed responses. I find that playing single player games can be isolating ,in sense that you cannot bounce ideas around in real time with others, so I appreciate the responses. 1. Nice- I think I will start with Hyela's Bounty , in that case. Did you ever run into underpen situations in your run? It feels like that shouldn't be an issue, however, because there are so many wizard spells available. 2. That is a great point - Chillfog is very good, so it is better to kill mobs faster. Dumb question, but does the +50 graze to hit apply to DoT stacks of chillfog? In any case, I agree that the +PER and +Hit is great. 3. Thanks. For the Guardian, I just did Gouging strike . I got it to half health, but ran out of resources and healing potions, when it was bloodied. As a Devoted/Streetfighter, it was a bit challenging (hard to stay bloodied for too long before it becomes dangerous) Basically, I found that using Charge (which targets deflection) removes Energized (so annoying!) from the Guardian , then, getting it down to Hurt status was alright, thanks to many interrupts (which drained my resources). The issue was using Sabres , the Guardian has 19 slash AR. If I try again, I will stack -AR malus (Blackened Armor, Fungal Poison, Flanked via summons, Beza's tooth) and maybe try Purging Volley (does it remove Brillant?? idk). Can't think of any other -AR items. Shattered Vengeance would be a good idea for the +dmg, as well as Gravehound Dog +10 vessel dmg. I will need to stack +Crit items and potions as well. In the end, with +2 quick item slots, and a Marux Amanth finish , I think I could do it without cheese, but honestly idk if it is worth it I cheesed the Megabosses, except for the Megablob (Huani o Wheni?) , which I couldn't kill. It merges so quickly again! I might try using the gloves that cast Statis Shield, so then I can wreck it, or ust scrolls of Maelstorm (which I dont really wanna do)

@Not So Clever Hound 1.When you start the no rest approach and buffs for this ? I imagine I could start it from the start of the game, right? How soon would you venture to get Nature's resolve, and other perma buffs? 2. Why do you choose Eldritch Aim over spirit shield early game? I tried both, and it seems like the perception boost is actually better , because you end up killing mobs faster this way. I will still try it out! 3. What weapon modals do you use early game? How often do you respec before 'powerplay' begins? I just finished my first solo run with a Swashbuckler on POTD +, and now it is time for a wizard. I opted for Bloodmage, because it just looks so much better. Plus, I hated running out of resources on my previous run. Thank you for the guide!

May I ask a question to you all on this topic -- have you been able to beat the guardian of ukazio with a Swashbuckler (Devoted/Streetfighter) in solo on POTD (upscaled) So far, It has been a real grind. I am tempted to just gouging strike and wait it out... the fight is really long, the slash AR is so high for the dragon, too (19!) I can meta game it, but even then, I run out of healing potions, or get interrupted and die (despite using Whiteleaf)

i just realized this, too. I think it wouldn't be totally game breaking if these skills were per encounter, but I suppose devs wanted this to be used during boss fights or end game encounters.

This sounds like a nice build. I always wondered how to use Fassina, and I see how she could function quite well using phantoms. Thanks!

Yes, I have read that one a bit, I just need to fully understand how bonuses work excellent resource, btw @thelee Thanks

Thank you @MaxQuestand @Boeroer I will for sure read that guide and do some more testing. I really appreciate it!

What do you guys think Beza's Tooth First Blood enchantment? I like the +10 action speed against ANY enemy with more than 75 percent health. However, I don't understand mathmatically if the + action speed bonuses stack or not. For example, If I have + action speed from this sabre, and from recklass briggande, and from champions helmet, do these all stack normally, of is there a drop off?

I am trying to finish up my first POTD solo run with a swashbuckler (devoted/streetfighter) So, I ended up having the a +2 disposition of aggressive, so I could not get the boon Nature's Resolve. I ended up using the console. If anyone is not tech savvy, here is how to add it! Also, what is everyone personal rule about using in the console in game? Honestly, I never planned to, but now I am in an experimenting stage. I even give myself common ingredients (too lazy to shop!)

That is great to know. Thanks. I really like streetfighters, so I will have to try this out! Great advice! I love having super fast attacks. Yes, the accuracy bonus is nice , right? Thank you ! I finally killed Megaboss Auranic with my swashbuckler (Streetfighter/Devoted) ugh it was really hard. I used a custom build for 6 quick slots, 10 invis potions, gouging strikes, and burst dmg. I forget about summons haha!

Hello What are some rare, overlooked, or obscure items you really like? I am thinking about items you get for killing important NPCS! I recently discovered how much I love Gipon Prudesco, the unique armor you get will reaching -3 Reputation with the Principi. In my current playthrough, I decided to 'kill everyone' just to see what unique items are out there. I was surprised to see how many good items are out there, but I do regret burning so many bridges in terms of quest rewards for other items. https://pillarsofeternity.fandom.com/wiki/Gipon_Prudensco I really love this armor because it allows +10 deflection and +20 reflex as its innate ability, which also stacks with active abilities, If am not mistaken! I think that certain item abilities actually stack with abilities which you activate. What this means is my Swashbuckler can get around 150 deflection, which is very nice for Riposte! 2. I killed Queens Oneida( sp) at her palace., and she has a really good helm - +10 accuracy on being critically hit, but only for 10 seconds?. I think the Helm of the White Void would be better, but maybe some people out there have ideas. https://pillarsofeternity.fandom.com/wiki/Serpent_Crown 3. KIlling all of the RDC, the Hazanui has boots thats +5 ranged deflection, which is alright, but not really groundbreaking. https://pillarsofeternity.fandom.com/wiki/Fenan's_Finery So, what are some other items you really like?

Yes @NotDumbEnough, that has been my thought process. I would rather just play in a normal way, so a devoted/wizard would better serve the purposes of being a tank with good stats, and good battlefield mobility. I can see it being quite fun at level 20, using wall of draining, and trying out Draconic Fury.

So, I am strongly considering re-rolling the Tactician/Wizard I made. It just feels like I am neither a potent caster, not a damage dealer. I am , however, a good tank that does mediocre damage. Eder dishes out much better damage than I can as a swashbuckler. It also is pretty hard to make sure every enemy is flanked, and none of my party is. Besides, most fights finish quickly, so I am not sure brillant is all that necessary.... lots of micro involved to keep it active. Also, I need betray the Princip to get the Gipon Prudesco armor, which by the way looks amazing. I know I can get squids grasp and the club for flanking immunity, but I really want that armor!!! I can see brilliant really shining in a solo run, on a swashbuckler who has Persistent Distraction. would really pay off mid/late game. I might just focus on being an engagement hog who tanks the mobs. I must say, the melee buffs from the wizard tree are great- but it feels like they would be better suited for a rogue, monk, or barb. The other option would be for me to play as a caster who takes advantage of the Intuitive buff from the fighter's tree. Seems like a waste, however, to just use that skill. I might try to 'wait it out' for Spirit Lance, and see how that is.I can imagine all the buffs would go well with spirit lance, and then the fighter skills come into play nicely for the active and passives. haven't been impressed with WoTEP - its damage is bad, and the offensive parry is also very little dmg.... the cone of attack is nice, but not ground breaking. On another note, Serafan is pretty weak as a witch early on - not a lot of defensive buffs. Seems like I have to get him the highest AR armor, otherwise he gets killed quickly. I really like his character however. Have been running a party with Tekehu (druid/chanter), and he is really good.

That is interesting to keep in a mind for future MC builds with monk. What happens if you 'choose' Monastic Unarmed Training on a Multiclass monk / x character? Are the 'fists' always going to be based on the Monk (Multiclassed) Power Level, then? I honestly don't use Range Animal Companion as much as I should. I always love to AOE (blunderbass or spells) , so sometimes the pet dies lol. There are ways around that, of course. On another topic, Firebrand would then work with multiclassed characters (though I could use scrolls , too for 2 arcana only) Thanks again for the info!

Thanks. I will add that to my mental library haha. I guess I was thinking about monk's fists (which scale with the classes PL, if I am not mistaken)

Thanks! @Boeroer

Hello everyone, I was wondering if you could share your thoughts about some Watcher builds. I didn't finish my Solo run (Swasbuckler), but it was fun experience. Without further ado, here are my ideas 1. Battlemage who uses Whispers of the Endless Paths WoTEP (haven't tried an Offensive Parry build). I think this build would be the best way to stack Deflection easily. Not sure which direction to go with the classes, however. Tactician looks fun, but lots of variables to consider. Bloodmage might be fun, but most encounters are decided in 60 seconds or less in Deadfire, so I am not sure it is worth losing empower. I guess bloodmage and tactican would be overkill for the resource regeneration (one is enough) Is it work pumping RES to ensure offensive parry gets the most returns, or can I keep it at 10 and keep my options open? I wanna try out the Spirit Lance summon. 2. SC Wizard (Bloodmage?) . I have never played an SC Wizard Watcher. I was thinking I could pump PER and MIGHT, and focus on spells. Might try out melee summons. Not sure how useful they are for SC wizard (Blackbow aside, that has potential to be a great PL 8 spell that multiclassers cannot get) 3. Zealot (Streetfighter / X?) Perhaps Wodeica , but I am not sure. Was reading that the lashes are quite strong. However, the power level of the summons will be affected if I multiclass, so I am not sure if it is worth it . I will have to read up on it! 4. SC Transmuter: It probably isnt worth it to do this build just for +PL to Cobra strike. Much thanks in advanced!

Would casting Phantom foes make this easy? I want to try out a battlemage MC next.

In terms of a 5th melee-damage dealer, rogue mutliclasses are great, because Escape is such a useful ability. You can pester the enemies' backlines (archers, mages), which are the ones who really wreck you. The benefits of sneak attack mean mobs die faster. Swashbucklers are good at this, and the classes mentioned above in the thread are all good. I personally enjoy having the helmet slot free, for different playstyles and equipment, so I don't usually choose Godlike. Again, this is just a minor benefit, so I say choose what fits with you thematically. I didn't know about Petrify being Tier 4, and Paralyze being Tier 3, so that is goo to know. I still find that DEX affiliations are fairly common, and very annoying throughout the game, so I think Wood Elf is a solid choice. On the other hand, there is a lot of equipment that gives you DEX resistance ,so you can negate such afflictions easily. It depends if you want the utility wood elf offers, and the nice +DEX and +PER. Perception is an incredibly useful stat all game, especially early on. More hits land, you take less dmg, and spells land more easily. +DEX is great for melee. You can feel a difference between mid range vs. high DEX melee fighters.