mjo2138

Thank you! That sounds like a great idea. In fact, lowering fortitude for so many enemies would make it easier for other classes to land Fortittude attacks (Blessed Harvest / Wizard spells come to mind) On another note having eder do this would mean Xoti doesnt need to use a morning star, and therefore could stay as SC Priest. Did you have Borth Serafen and Eder using Morning Stars in this build? I hadn't used Clear the Path much before, so it is good to learn more about it from you.

Thanks! Yes, i also am not an 'expert' at AI scripting; in fact, many times it is easier to just micro for me haha. Do you see any particular reason to keep Eder as a SC fighter? Honestly, I feel like Swasbuckler is just as good... only advantages would be getting some fighter skills earlier on, none of which seem to be worth sacrificing sneak attack/rogue skills.

Thanks! So chillfog would give me flanked status, but blinded as well right? I see how powder burns might be the better choice, but it is really good to have this option. Thanks! I like the idea of a soulblade/streetfighter. Especially with the lightening theme! Thank you! I will check that one out. I wouldnt mind the micro of SC rogue, but how much of it can be scripted for an AI? I generally try to focus on super micro intensive builds ,especially since it will be a party run. That being said, it is good to know that both are viable options for Eder!

Hello Everyone, It is time for another run of Deadfire! Have been enjoying reading the recent posts, and I wanted to pick your collective brains about a few things. I want to do things different in my next run (POTD, Scaling -All, not solo) , and here are some ideas for MC, and how to build Eder/Xoti in different ways. Please let me know what you think! 1. Blunderbuss (sp) Helwalker/Streetfight. Trigger Heating up with power burns, then use Hand Mortar / Fire in the hole for AOEs with stunning surge or rogue skills. Will Enduring Dance stack with powder burns? I see this build would be really strong on paper. Race suggestions? Wsa thinking Hearth Orlan for the crit bonus 2. Streetfigther/Soul Blade. Similiar build as above, but I would focus on buffing and CC. Have never played Soul blade.... could be fun! Race suggestions? Hearth Orlan for the crit bonus 3. Spellblade (Bloodmage/Streetfighter) using Snakeskin grimore. Would require some microing to trigger heated up. How can I achieve this? (btw, I read Wisps from a chanter can already trigger flanked??) seems like this, or powder burns modal, would be a good way? as for race, was thinking human or godlike alongside a dedication priest for SoT and Barring deaths door. Idea is, this character would teleport around the battles and destroy targets after buffing up with wizard spells. Wouldn't focus as much as casting. Minor blights would suffice if enemies are poison / piercing immune. Lots of room for thematic development here. Race suggestions? 4. Lastly, I want to avoid making eder a swashbuckler every time. I do the same meta (sabres) and it is kinda old now, but effective. How would you build Eder as a SC fighter or SC Rogue? I really wanna do something different this time around. I feel like I end up using the same characters, with the same builds and spells, which can get dry. Thanks in advanced!

Here are some ways to make muiltiple playthroughs interesting: 1) Create a unique MC, using a thematic build, and build your party around the MC. Try to use different companions each time, and choose new classes for them if you'd like. For example, I am trying Serafen as an SC Barb this time. 2) Avoid the DLCs, unless you really like them. I find the DLCs a bit grindy, although they offer some good items. The real theme of this game is wandering islands, having short encounters, and moving onto the next island. I feel like the DLCs move back toward the direction of POE 1 with long dungeons. 3) Megabosses are fun, but not worth it if you find it tedious or boring. Once you have beaten them without cheese many times, you can use Gouging Strike nad Lover's True kiss , turn up game speed, and kill several of them a) this works for Dorudugan, The Spider, and the Wizard megabosses I think. For the blob, you can just use Marux amanth's insta kill skill. Boost your accuracy , and dual wield it for 2 chances. 3) Choose different paths for quests, and really roleplay. This makes it more fun 4) Take breaks between Playthroughs. I take a few weeks or months between playthroughs, and do some other genres of games i like (Natural Selection 2, Left for Dead 2) then come back to RPGS. Or , go play Skyrim for a while then return with a fresh perspective! 5) Read these Forums for excellent ideas on builds and items!

I am running a debonair/beguiler, and Beguiler is so strong, even as a multiclass! Casting phantom foes + secret horrors gives me loads of focus. In fact, I don't even use the rogue skills for much, aside from rogue charm. Using all the deception skills occupies most of the battle, plus some occasional pain blocks. I wish I ran SC Beguiler, just to experiment with the PL 8 and 9 spells.

I concur above @thelee, the first island, and much of the early game can be very challenging. Avoid ship fights until you have a full party, decent armor, and enough AOE to survive. Overall, what has helped me in POTD is really studying the skills I use and the defenses they attack. For example, A lot of wizard spells attack reflex, but before I can really land them, I need to debuff mobs' reflex stat (which can be done in a variety of ways). Studying the combat log , looking at damage rolls, penetration, and accuracy are very important. For instance, while sword and large shield can be good for defensive, it has very low accuarcy, which means your tank will not land many hits, thus prolonging fights. Steam has some good POTD guides, especially by Lost Sinner. I would check those out.

Good point! I have been checking out some weapons with good crit only procs, but it seems that ciphers can already emulate them. Perhaps I'd have fared better to play as Debonair/Wizard, as mentioned above, for the crits to be more impactful. heck, even a Druid/Debonaire?

I will have to keep testing it! Maybe if I respec and pick up some different passives... in any case, it is still a very fun class! I have found that I end up focusing on controlling the battlefield with deception spells, shred spells, and healing as I mentioned, which more than occupies my role in the party. In fact, @boeroer, you mentioned a beguiler/beckoner build, and I wish I had tried that ! I will keep on with this build, and It will come together. The great thing about this game is the infinite number of builds and synergies to explore.

I am running a MC Debonair/Beguiler, and the 100 percent conversion to crit does not work for me, despite using charm on enemies, and having the rogue passive dirty fighting... Kinda rough because that was the focal point of this build. In any case, beguiler is so fun. I never run out of focus after I spam Phantom Foes a few times! That means I can use Silent Scream often, and serve as a healer with pain block spamming in fights!

Yes, you can play using a variety of multiclasses. Choose subclasses, if you want, that boost skills you'd like. Anything with fighter in it will be good for the front line. A fighter/paladin will give you insane defensive stats, healing, support, and ability to do some damage, too. Paladin/chanter is a really good front line class, too. With their healing ability ,summons, and defensive skills, they are hard to hurt. They, however, lack some skills to deal with many engagements. That being said, playing in POTD upscaled (all), I never had a problem with Pallegina as my main tank.

Hello everyone, I would like to pick your brains as to how to play a mindstalker beguiler/debonaire. After a few months off, I am back for my next run in deadfire! (POTD, all upscale, non-solo) I decided on trying beguiler debonaire: stats are below race: human (to exploit fighting spirit) I focused on maxxing, near maxing INT, DEX, and PER, and dumped RES a little, MIG and and CON are normal values Now, I have trouble deciding on a weapon choice. Due to the Cowardice debuff, I cannot play a traditional flanking rogue role, unless I micro in soemone to always be near me. Instead, it feels that range weapons are a better choice. so that I always have party members nearby. Problem is, the short range of charm spells will get me into closer quarters. At first, I was thinking of trying a dagger or rapier build, but it feels like pistols or hunting bow (essence interruptor) might be better. I could even boost my accuracy with borrowed instincts. However, this begs the question, why not play ranger If i will be a dedicated range build? Here is how I am thinking as a rotation of skills: 1. Deception spells: Phantom Foes, Eye strike, secret horrors to soften up mobs. 2. charm back liners, problematic mobs flanking my back line 3. focus fire with party (rogue resources) 4. repeat. 5. When I get disintegrate, I will use that on charmed enemies. Thank you!

Thanks! I agree that subclasses have a lot of interesting synergies... althoug that +8 Pen looks nice, I am not sure I want to wait all game for it. Besides, food and buff can provide the +PEN needed. Thanks! I might check out the soulblade /assasin. I really like rogues. That build would be very interesting, and more enjoyable that a single class cipher. Yes, driving echos looks amazing. I can imagine a lot of great synergies, especially for blasting Mega bosses into oblivion. Thanks!

Hello everyone, This is mjo2138, a forum user who has finally figured out how to change my username! First of all , I really appreciate the advice and discussions here. I've decided to play again (POTD, All upscale), and for this playthrough it is cipher time! I want to focus on debuffing and CC, so I don't want to necessarily multiclass. I can't decide between a multiclass or not. How much of a different will early access to spells really make? Besides, the level 1 spells are pretty good throughout the game. It would be nice to have another useful resource pool to use in fights. I thought I'd start with a single class cipher so I can experience everything the class has to offer, and here are what some users (Boerer, Thelee) have said, along with my own observations. 1. Ascendent seems to be the best choice on paper, but I am worried the play style will be very boring. (acheive max focus via guns, get SoT from priest, spam spells) -also, how significant is the -1 PL? 2. Psion seems good, but some users mention it is better for multiclassing, and that the chance to take dmg and negate focus generation is annoying on POTD. However, with high PL boosts and mid/late game, focus generation shouldn't be a problem. 3. Beguiler looks like a lot of fun. Might struggle in more difficult fights where focus generation is problem against tough enemy defenses. Beguiler/Rogue multiclass seems natural, so perhaps a Deboniare? 4. Soul blade looks better for a melee multiclass. Thank you in advance!

I agree that priests are a strong class, especially for buffs. Overall, I think the best defense is a good offense, so giving your party inspirations is a great strategy, along with boosting their Armor Rating. once an encounter begins. I think druid can provide some very powerful buffs and heals (Form of the Delegman, Woodskin, Nature's Balm, Moonwell). In particular the healing and + defenses from Moonwell is a real boon. I always gravitate towards Heralds because the combination of paladin/chanter has so many support choices, along with passive heals, which make it very versatile for many situations, such as negating certain afflictions with the proper chant, and the ability to suppress afflictions via Liberating Exonerations.

Thank you for these insights! It sounds like SC Psion would be a fun choice for a SC Cipher. Having constant focus regenerations means have to worry about running out of focus during tough fights where my weapons wouldn't generate enough focus. Lord of the forest buff sounds like a real boon. One last thing I'd ask if how would you choose race/stats for a SC Psion? I would prioritize INT , DEX and PER, keep RES / MIG at 10ish, and then I guess dump CON some. I guess heath orlan would be a good choice, or maybe a nature godlike.

Yes, this is what I was worried about. Even playing an SC ascendant early game it felt so strong. I remember reading this about Kitchen Stove somewhere in the forums, so thanks again for reminding me! Perhaps it was you? You Both have great points, Haplok and Boeroer and thanks for the insights. I like to be strong for boss fights, so I might lean towards a Psion, or heck maybe even a vanilla cipher. I dislike not having focus on hand, so a Psion could be a fun class for that reason. Or perhaps I can play a vanilla cipher and use Kitchen stove, along with some chanter support to ensure fast reload times. For the subsequent build , I will have to look into a beguiler/beckoner like you mentioned before, or a beguiler/rogue!

Thanks for the feedback! Yes, I was thinking the same thing actually. A small boost in penetration can mean the difference between avoiding underpenetration esp. on POTD. What's interesting is that the cipher's passive have some boosts to penetration and accuracy across the board, so Imagine that those, along with the +2 PL food item, would negate Ascendant's penalty once mid game starts (maybe even earlier, using BB's 50k). That being said, I can imagine not landing deception spells as easily with the global -PL. Just before I took a nap, I was thinking about this options too. Mainly, I'd like to play a SC Cipher to really get a 'feel' for the cipher class before moving onto multiclassing. It is great how much variety and replayability this game has! It sounds like Psion is a great fit for SC cipher as a spellcaster/debuffer/CC'er . The focus generation would be great, and fit the playstyle of a 'backline' caster. SC Beguiler seems like battle changing character who is a load of fun! I imagine using other party members (Teheku, for example) It'd be easy create 'Vulnerable to sneak attack" on mobs. Heck, even Phantom Foes would do the trick! Plus, I really like charm spells, and this seems like a great to utilize them since they have been 'debuffed' since POE 1. SC Soulblade seems out of the question, since it appears to have a better synergy with a martial class. SC Ascendant would be so powerful, but again I like to start battles off casting. Maybe I am just impatient, however, since I bet this character would benefit from the X amount of seconds casting all the high level spells once I hit the more difficult content in DLCs and endgame. Playing with it early game, it's great to have that time where you spam spells, but then it is a bit anticlimatic to have it drop back to 0. I just am trying to vary my party composition. I ran with a priest last time, so I want to do things differently.

Well I am gonna do a new playthrough, and I might try Psion. I tried to do SC Ascendant, but it felt like it was going to be too strong, and reliant on SoT to really make it worthwhile. In my style, I'd rather be able to cast spells once battle starts, and not suffer any minus power level. That being said, I am not sure the -1 PL is that noticable, even on POTD (plus it can be offset through food bonuses from wraps)

I would replace Tekehu or Xoti with a Hearld (Pallegina does the trick). Hearlds can heal, tank, and CC with summons. I think then you need to add a character who can quickly get to the backlines (mages, archers are the really problems in this game) and take them down. The best offense is a good defense! I'd suggest a monk, rogue, barbarian, or whatever you fancy. A large number of sidekicks can fill this role. The MC could play this role as well. Anything that can stun or paralyze is a boon. If you haven't yet, i'd try a SC monk. They are a lot of fun. I try to avoid having more than 2 'squishies' in my parties on POTD, since enemy AI will target low armor characters (this, however, can be negated by having high AR on them, which results in more recovery time).

Do you think there is any reason to choose Eder as a fighter or rogue instead of swashbuckler? I started a run through on POTD (upscaled) but it feels like a vanilla tank does a worse job than an offtank/striker swasbuckler, especially considered the debuffs from persistent distracton. Also, the benefit of having two resource pools is great. The only benefit I see from a pure tank is that you can stack defenses with passives. That being said, I always gravitate towards a paladin/ ______ tank (usually a hearld, but I wanna try a crusader this time for Pallegina)

Furyshaper sounds fun; i havent played that subclass yet. I need to focus on weapon modals to debuff enemy stats more; I haven't been doing that . I might do a beguiler/beckoner for a full support/ CC build Nice. Yeah I think i wanan do a SC cipher to really 'see' what the class offers, before doing a multiclass. Also, the post below mentions that a cipher with kitchen stove can get full focus, so I wonder if a multiclass is even needed. Considering most fights end in 60 seconds or less, I wonder if I really wanna spend my action economy using martial skills and spells. That is great to learn! I will have to make a choice now.

So, I am going to to something with a cipher or chanter. I want to focus on CC, defbuff, and a little support. Is there any real reason to SC cipher? It seems most people prefer a martial class+cipher to maximize focus gain. The downside of a multiclass, however, is fewer points to spend on the cipher tree (which is expansive if you consider the passives); also, the powerlevels will suffer, meaning accuracy s Alot of cipher passives are really good, and I like having a large arsenal of cipher skills for given situations (albeit, I tend to take too many skills at times, so I don't want to overload my active skills economy) What I am concerned about is the term action economy @thelee, meaning will I have too many skills to use for a fight. By the way, i LOVE the Game FAQ guide. The way I see it, it depends on how I build it, which is not inherent to the classes/subclasses themselves: For instance, for synergy, let's look at Cipher+ranger: two variations 1) DPS build. Focus on accuracy buffs ,crits, and damage, using the cipher tree to augment the ranger's skills. Minor role = debuffer CC 2) CC build / debuff: action economy is spent on spell casting, using ranger passives and skills to maximize focus generation. If I go the chanter rote, I want to focus on CC /debuff, and light heals. I am thinking of: 1) troubador/fighter - able to hold the off tank position . buff, and cc up close. Probably summons too. 2) beckoner/ ranger: range focused and CC/summons from range. Party support 3) Troubador / rogue - DPS combined with upclose CC / DMG.

Yes, I think cipher looks fun. i haven't run with a cipher yet besides some megaboss fights. I like the subclass aspect; I just played FF and it was so fun! Nice! I didn't know suppress affliction / Paladin's version allows you to spam FF. That being said, I will have to try it in the future. Great strat! Streetfighter sounds very fun. I really like the syngery i've learned about mortars ability to apply an effect to an AOE from reading the forums @Boeroer A lot of people seem to like streetfighter/priest, so this one has some nice variety. !

Nice build ideas! Skald sounds like a fun build , so I might try that one!