diamondsforever

Firstly, thank you for taking time to answer my questions. This really helps RE Fast Runner VS. Long Stride - I was wondering if they stack. But I never got around to testing. I'm not certain I have room for both unless I don't take Finishing Blow/Devastating Blow. But then... I see lower you mention Stunning Surge, and this is certainly more tempting, I'll test it out. RE Eliminating Blow or Devastating Blow - Its one of those skill they you only use when the enemy has 1/4 life left and you need to finish off fast. I picked Devastating Blow because of that. However, as mentioned above, maybe its better to go Stunning Surge?... Then again, resource wise we would be using a lot of monks every fight. RE Escape or Flagellant's Path - I had thought to carry pistols as a back up but this build isn't really designed for ranged play. Escape + Long Stride should get me to those casters in the back RE Slippery Mind or Blade Turning - Both are in RE DoC or Bloody Links or something else - Yea this build isn't about super high AR (like my last one). Its more a fast and furious playstyle, so I completely agree about DoC. Most likely I wouldn't be breaking engagement since I want to stay flanked for Streetfighter bonus'. RE Entonia Signet Ring or Voidward or Greater Ring of Regeneration or something else - I guess Voidward was for enemies who do raw damage against us... but to be honest I just really don't know. I was leaning toward Ring of Greater Regeneration since there is basically no passive healing in the build outside of DoC and Abraham. Question: Is uncanny luck worth it? or would it be better to take Fast Runner?

You are a god send. I think I’ve made a mistake. This means I can take both slippery mind and blade turning. I’ll give it a quick DPS test in the morn. See any other mistakes? Thanks Boeroer

Got a new build for your list https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/106335-class-build-the-lightning-tempest/page-1

Could someone answer the following questions for me: 1. Fast Runner or Long Stride? 2. Lightning Strikes or Swift Flurry? 3. Eliminating Blow or Devastating Blow? 4. Escape or Flagellant's Path? 5. Slippery Mind or Blade Turning? 6. Arcana, technically I only need 13 points for Scroll of Avenging Storm, is there a reason to pump it to 15 or would my points be better into Mechanical (I think I'll max out around 14 or 15 Mechanical with Thief's Putty and Burglar's Gloves)? 7. DoC or Bloody Links or something else? 8. Entonia Signet Ring or Voidward or Greater Ring of Regeneration or something else?

As promised above. Goldpact/Nalpazca Phase 1: Goldpact (my favorite of the paladin subclasses), what can I say about this. First stage of the fight really tanky, Ukaizo did not break my Gilded Enmity, FoD plus lighting strikes equals cool. Attack rate is slow, trade off for being tanky I'd say. Blade Turning... its super effective! Stat-wise, obviously very tanky all around. Consumable usage is middle of the road between Devoted and Streetfighter (1 healing scroll, 5 avenging storms plus 1 from the helm). Stage two I was able to mostly stay at full health. DPS-wise I could not burn him nearly as fast as Streetfighter probably on par with the Devoted but more survivable. Battle lasted around 5 minutes. Phase 2: Goldpact... in a surprising turn of events, could not win this encounter easily. Actually it died and used more resources than both Devoted and Streetfighter in this battle. I'm actually shocked... Battle lasted 5 minutes, and the only reason it lasted that long is because the Fampyrs decided to go on a killing spree around Port Maje, oh and I kept getting dominated, so thats a thing... Attributes: MIG: 16 >> 20 (BB, GoTM) >> 25 (Thunderous Blows) CON: 6 >> 10 (BB, Gear) DEX: 16 >> 20 (BB, Gear) >> 25 (Lightning Strikes) PER: 18 >> 22 (BB, Effigy, Cauldron Brew) INT: 15 >> 20 (BB, Gear) >> 30 (Max Wounds) RES: 7 >> 10 (BB, Gear) Abilities: Level 1: Swift Strikes & Flames of Devotion Level 2: Lesser Wounds Level 3: Deep Faith Level 4: Two Weapon Style & Retribution Level 5: Zealous Aura Level 6: Divine Purpose Level 7: Lightning Strikes & Sworn Rival Level 8: Eternal Devotion Level 9: Lay on Hands Level 10: Duality of Mortal Presence & Exalted Focus (could have done endurance but I wanted the accuracy) Level 11: Thunderous Blows Level 12: Crucible of Suffering Level 13: Rooting Pain & Practiced Healer Level 14: Enervating Blows Level 15: Greater Lay on Hands Level 16: Turning Wheel & Virtuous Triumph Level 17: Uncanny Luck Level 18: Flagellant's Path Level 19: Heartbeat Drumming & Stoic Steel Level 20: Blade Turning PREBUFFED Damage: MH: 25-34 OF: 25-34 Accuracy: MH: 108 OH: 108 Penetration: MH: 11 OH:11 Deflection: 88 >> 89 (w/ Gear) Fortitude: 105 >> 126 (w/ Gear) Reflex: 129 >> 148 (w/ Gear) Will: 106 >> 129 (w/ Gear)

Re deflection: That's a fair point; that is pretty low deflection. The cloak of the falling star might help mitigate the number of times you get critted (which will make them go through your armor like butter), but deflection does have increasing returns, so it's not as nearly as helpful when you start low. So maybe Giftbearer's is better for this build, as you say. Re regeneration and AR: Yeah, I'm curious to see what ends up working for you here. Bloody Links and Reckless Brigandine are great for Streetfighters, but you'll probably also want some pierce-resistant armor for some fights (probably some form of plate). Or maybe you'll be able to kill things fast enough to survive with low AR? (I'd be a little worried about having a low AR, because your deflection is so low. But who knows!) Also curious to see how much of a difference you notice with high AR set-ups with and without regeneration. I think the SSS fights are actually nice tests for all of this. They made me get really creative with equipment and tactics in a way that earlier fights had not. So it'll be a good testing ground for various ways of running this build: high AR vs low AR, regeneration vs defense-boosting, and so on. I'm curious to hear what ends up working best! RE: SSSI'm hoping to create a character that can smash through it with reckless abandon. But I don't know, I have so many questions. I think I've sorted out the stats and most of the gear. Sill not sure about Entonia Signet Right and Devil of Caroc vs. Bloodly Links. Otherwise I think I'm set... On the skill side of things I'm just between Slippery Mind and Blade Turning. I still have a bunch of questions I'm hoping to get answers on but if not, I think I could post this build soonish. ******************************** ******************************** SO I did a little test. Since we are talking about Deflection/Regeneration. A side by side fight on my character test (Phase 1: 1v1 Ukaizo, Phase 2: 1v5 Ancient Fampyrs). Devoted/Nalpazca Phase 1: Devoted preformed strongly at the beginning of the fight during Ukaizos first stage, lost 0 health, used one Avenging Storm (from helm). Fighter passive and active abilities are amazing, all stats are over 100 defensively reflex in the low 180s, fortitude and will in the high 160s. During stage 2 Ukiazo deals some huge damage, went through 8 healing scrolls and 5 Avenging Storms, almost died several times. Ran out of active abilities on the devoted side, had to empower to continue fighting, probably would have died otherwise. Battle was around 4 minutes. Phase 2: Devoted preformed strongly again despite a full surround. Was very survivable through the entire fight, 3 healing scrolls used 1 avenging storm used. Active abilities ran out fast had to refresh a bunch of times, no empower needed. Battle was around 1 minute. Attributes: MIG: 16 >> 20 (BB, GoTM) >> 25 (Thunderous Blows) CON: 6 >> 10 (BB, Gear) DEX: 16 >> 20 (BB, Gear) >> 25 (Lightning Strikes) PER: 18 >> 22 (BB, Effigy, Cauldron Brew) INT: 15 >> 20 (BB, Gear) >> 30 (Max Wounds) RES: 7 >> 10 (BB, Gear) Abilities: Level 1: Swift Strikes & Disciplined Strikes Level 2: Lesser Wounds Level 3: Fast Runner Level 4: Two Weapon Style & Fighter Stances Level 5: Determination Level 6: Confident Aim Level 7: Lightning Strikes & Disciplined Strikes Level 8: Rapid Recovery Level 9: Blade Turning Level 10: Duality of Mortal Presence & Vigorous Defense Level 11: Thunderous Blows Level 12: Crucible of Suffering Level 13: Rooting Pain & Conqueror Stance Level 14: Enervating Blows Level 15: Armored Grace Level 16: Turning Wheel & Refreshing Defense Level 17: Body Control Level 18: Unstoppable Level 19: Heartbeat Drumming & Bear's Fortitude Level 20: Bull's Will PREBUFFED Damage: MH: 25-34 OF: 25-34 Accuracy: MH: 113 OH: 113 Penetration: MH: 13 OH:13 Deflection: 83 >> 84 (w/ Gear) Fortitude: 101 >> 122 (w/ Gear) Reflex: 119 >> 138 (w/ Gear) Will: 99 >> 122 (w/ Gear) VS. Streetfighter/Nalpazca Phase 1: Streetfighter opens with a full attack due to Debilitating Strike, followed up with Avenging Storm from helm, immediately notice a huge difference in speed between the two characters. DoC armor heals through stage 1 Ukaizo damage. Stat-wise we are looking much lower on all fronts, deflection gets to the mid 80s, fortitude, reflex and will get their little boost from Entonia but other than that stay about the same. During stage 2 I was able to kill Ukaizo before his 3rd head attached, streetfighter is amazingly fast, heals have to be timed before you reach 50% health or you will die. Went through 3 healing scrolls and 3 Avenging Storms. Had plenty of active abilities at the end of the fight, no need to empower. Battle was around 2 minutes or less (it seemed so fast). Phase 2: Got fully surrounded again, almost died. Felt very squishy compared to Devoted. Survived by spamming Debilitating strike followed by Devastating Blow. Pace of the fight is fast and frantic, I feel like a single wrong move could get you killed FAST. 1 (maybe 2? it was so fast) healing scrolls used 1 avenging storm used. Battle was around 1 minute (probably faster). Attributes: MIG: 16 >> 20 (BB, GoTM) >> 25 (Thunderous Blows) CON: 6 >> 10 (BB, Gear) DEX: 16 >> 20 (BB, Gear) >> 25 (Lightning Strikes) PER: 18 >> 22 (BB, Effigy, Cauldron Brew) INT: 15 >> 20 (BB, Gear) >> 30 (Max Wounds) RES: 7 >> 10 (BB, Gear) Abilities: Level 1: Swift Strikes & Crippling Strike Level 2: Lesser Wounds Level 3: Defensive Roll Level 4: Two Weapon Style & Dirty Fighting Level 5: Escape Level 6: Fast Runner Level 7: Lightning Strikes & Riposte Level 8: Debilitating Strike Level 9: Finishing Blow Level 10: Duality of Mortal Presence & Persistent Distraction Level 11: Thunderous Blows Level 12: Crucible of Suffering Level 13: Rooting Pain & Deep Wounds Level 14: Enervating Blows Level 15: Uncanny Luck Level 16: Turning Wheel & Devastating Blow Level 17: Blade Turning Level 18: Bull’s Will Level 19: Heartbeat Drumming & Deathblows Level 20: Bear's Fortitude PREBUFFED Damage: MH: 25-34 OF: 25-34 Accuracy: MH: 103 OH: 103 Penetration: MH: 11 OH:11 Deflection: 76 >> 77 (w/ Gear) Fortitude: 98 >> 119 (w/ Gear) Reflex: 124 >> 143 (w/ Gear) Will: 101 >> 124 (w/ Gear) VS. Goldpact/Nalpazca [COMING SOON]

--Re Giftbearer's Cloak: Yeah, you certainly lose more net points in defenses if you wear the Cape of the Falling Star. But the designers, anyway, take deflection to be much more important than the other defenses. One point of comparison: The Cloak of Greater Deflection and the Cloak of Greater Resistance are supposed to be comparable, one which provides +7 deflection, the other which provides +10 to each of your other three saves (so +30). That suggests that +1 deflection is supposed to be worth about +4.3 points of one of the other defenses (refl, fort, will). So that would make the Cape of the Falling Star worth about +50.1 "generic" defense points, as compared to the Giftbearer's Cloak which is worth around +45/46 "generic" defense points, and only if you devote all of your skill points to History. Another point of comparison: a 3rd level feat available to all classes increases refl or fort or will by +10, while a 5th level feat that only fighters can take increases defl by +4. The fighter-only restriction, and higher level requirement, make it clear that the +4 deflection boost is supposed to be a considerably better deal than the +10 boost to one defense. Again, something like a +1/+4 or +1/+5 tradeoff sounds about right, which again puts the Cape of the Falling Star ahead, value-wise. But, of course, what the designers think and what's actually best in the game are two different things! And there's no denying that the Giftbearer's Cloak is very good. --Re Ring of Greater Regeneration: Yeah, the value of the ring is roughly determined by (1) what percentage of the damage you take it heals, and (2) how many other sources of healing you have to rely on. The build I tend to run with has very high AR, which slows down damage enough such that a Ring of Greater Regeneration goes a fair way toward healing me as quickly as I get damaged. And in upscaled solo PotD, I find that a lot of fights (especially in the SSS DLC) tend to take forever, meaning that consumable healing runs out too quickly to rely on. If you're finding that you get damaged much more quickly than the ring heals you, and/or you find that you can get through upscaled PotD fights relatively quickly, then the ring will probably be of less value to you. (I'm genuinely curious about the latter question, by the way -- do you find you can get through solo upscaled PotD fights in SSS pretty quickly? Cuz if so, I definitely should try this out -- my SSS fights seem to last forever!) RE: Deflection Stacking I see what you are saying, i just can't see how 7 deflection is going to make a difference? I mean maybe it will, I think this testing character has pretty low deflection. Current stats are w/ The Giftbearer's Cloth: Deflection: 76 >> 77 (w/ Gear) Fortitude: 102 >> 119 (w/ Gear) Reflex: 120 >> 139 (w/ Gear) Will: 101 >> 124 (w/ Gear) 5 Quick Items. Stats w/ Cape of the Falling Star Deflection: 76 >> 84 (w/ Gear) Fortitude: 102 >> 111 (w/ Gear) Reflex: 120 >> 131 (w/ Gear) Will: 101 >> 116 (w/ Gear) 4 Quick Items. RE: Ring of Greater Regeneration and Passive Healing This character has basically 0 passive healing ability. One thing I could do is craft Scrolls of Moonwell and see how they do, they also provide +10 defenses. Now I do see this is a minor issue, I could stack Whiteleaf , with a Ring of Regen, and Moonwell, but then we would be missing out on that bloodied start Streetfighter is known for. This character will be using Abraham as a pet so per kill will regain some health back. I've also been trying out different armor sets. I keep going back to Dethros Cage, DoC and Blackened Plate. This character is very fast and doesn't seem to hindered when using heavy armor. RE: Armor Rating This character has an armor rating of 12-14 (not including Mythic upgrades). As mentioned above I've considered 3 armor sets for this build. Other options include The Bloody Links (Crimson Steel +2AR when bloodied), Nomad's Brigandine (Tactical Withdraw), Reckless Brigandine (Into the Breach), Patinated Plate (Constant Rebound, Bronze Juggernaut). So many options and i'm not entirely sure which is the way to go... RE: Solo SSS So technically I've only done the initial testing as mentioned at the beginning with this build. My last build I only completed the main game on PoTD. So the idea of this character is to beat all the DLCs. This build is VERY fast at attacking, and when you use your Avenging Storms (which I think should be done sparingly) you tend to crush your enemies. ******************************** ******************************** To the rest of the community I'm hoping to get some feedback on the rest of the questions from the original post. I've made some minor changes to the build based on some of the feed back and some testing. Your help is much appreciated

UPDATE #1 Abilities (Nalpazca): 1 Swift Strikes Lightning Strikes Clarity of Agony Enlightened Agony Blade Turning Duality of Mortal Presence Turning Wheel Thunderous Blows Lesser Wounds Two Weapon Style Bear’s Fortitude Snake’s Reflexes Bull’s Will Rooting Pain Crucible of Suffering Uncanny Luck Enervating Blows Heartbeat Drumming Abilities (Streetfighter): 1 Crippling Strike Escape Debilitating Strike Finishing Blow Eliminating Blows Devastating Blow Defensive Roll Fast Runner Dirty Fighting Riposte Persistent Distraction Deep Wounds Deathblows Gears: Armor: Deltro’s Cage (Shock Shield) Weapons (MH): Fist Weapons (OH): Fist Neck: Strand of Favor (+1 INT) Belt: The Undying Burden (+2 CON) Ring 1: Ring of the Solitary Wanderer (+1 RES) Ring 2: Greater Ring of Regneration Hands: Boltcatchers Cloak: The Giftbearer’s Cloth Head: Heaven’s Cacophony (+2 INT) Boots: Footprints of Ahu Taka (+2 DEX) Pet: Abraham Consumables: Mouth Char X5 Scroll of Moderate Healing X5 Scroll of Moderate Healing X5 Scroll of Avenging Storm X5 Scroll of Avenging Storm X5 Shark Soup CONCLUSION: Build is still very excellent, if not better. I swear I did WAY more damage to Ukaizo (3 Avenging Storms, 2 Heals, 1 Mouth Char). Fampyrs were about the same (they do so much damage) but I was able to beat the with 1 Avenging Storm and no Heals on my second try. Rooting Pain is fantastic, works really well vs. multiple targets. Blade Turning seemed alright, I noticed a bigger difference from Riposte (and Deathblows). Escape, I didn’t use much during testing, but I think it will be useful during swarmed fights. Deltro’s Cage, made me more tanky, I didn’t notice was any healing pricing from Shock Shield so that’s a thing… The Undying Burden, not sure it made much difference, maybe I was more tanky? The only reason I see so far to take this is to try and up my strength a bit. If I could squeeze in 2 more points our fully buffed stats would be: MIG: 15 >> 20 (BB, GoTM, Effigy, Cauldron Brew) >> 25 (Thunderous Blows) CON: 7 >> 10 (BB, Gear) DEX: 16 >> 20 (BB, Gear) >> 25 (Lightning Strikes) PER: 18 >> 20 (BB) INT: 15 >> 20 (BB, Gear) >> 30 (Max Wounds) RES: 7 >> 10 (BB, Gear) This of course requires switching out some stats or gear (ie. Boots of Stone, Chameleon’s Touch, Upright Captian’s Belt = 2 additional Points) or losing some perception (2 points). The Giftbearer’s Cloth vs. Cape of the Falling Star, so I tested this, I end out losing 21-24 defenses for 7 deflection and an additional quickslot. I just don’t think Cape of the Falling Star is worth it. Ring of Greater Regeneration, I was getting 4 HP per 6 seconds back during most the encounter. The tick is so slow I don’t think its worth it. Voidward or Entonia Signet Ring or Chameleon’s Touch. Boltcatchers, I think this item is fantastic, 20% chance to do shock damage with melee weapons.

RE1 - Agreed, that's why I originally choose it. I figured in the end it would be giving more more than improved crit "overall". What skill is worth getting rid of for blade turning? I'm worried about not being tanky enough. This character can certainly handle its own RE3 - I feel like in the end, Flagellant’s Path is the better of the choices. However escape is only one guile. Again what skill is worth getting rid of for one of these choices? RE4 - Yea the description seems promising. That makes 2 maybe 3 to swap skills out on. RE20/22 - if we take a regen ring we will lose out defenses, which i'm thinking we may lose also on skill choices as well. I feel like this may cripple the build a bit. You aren't wrong, I'm just worried.

Sniped ya dude. I don’t do no rest runs. I enjoy the freedom of being able to rest whenever.

Lots to consider here. I’ll go over this soon as I get a chance later Yes, my Goldpact/Devoted basically needs 0 consumables. This build also does enough damage that it shouldn’t need more than the drugs for wound generation, healing pots and food. Avenging storm is just fun, try the helm out. Is Avenging Storm on the helm per rest or per encounter? Once per rest I believe.

Yes, my Goldpact/Devoted basically needs 0 consumables. This build also does enough damage that it shouldn’t need more than the drugs for wound generation, healing pots and food. Avenging storm is just fun, try the helm out.

Build Name: The Lightning Tempest Subclass(es): Shadowdancer - Nalpazca/Streetfighter Author: diamondsforever Game version: 3.0.2.0027 Difficulty: PoTD Solo: Yes Every feel the need to kill Ukaizo in 2 minutes? Every wonder what its like to laugh in the face of Ancient Fampyrs? Ever want to achieve that PoTD solo with your fists!? Well punch yourself in the face and look no further. May I present to you The Lightning Tempest a Shadowdancer. Race: Human (Fighting Spirit: Bloodied or Near Death, gain a bonus to Accuracy and damage) Attributes: MIG: 16 >> 20 (BB, GoTM) >> 25 (Thunderous Blows) CON: 6 >> 10 (BB, Gear) DEX: 16 >> 20 (BB, Gear) >> 25 (Lightning Strikes) PER: 18 >> 22 (BB, Effigy, Cauldron Brew) INT: 15 >> 20 (BB, Gear) >> 30 (Max Wounds) RES: 7 >> 10 (BB, Gear) Culture/Job: Rauatai or Ixamitl Plains - Scholar Abilities: Level 1: Swift Strikes & Crippling Strike Level 2: Lesser Wounds Level 3: Defensive Roll Level 4: Two Weapon Style & Dirty Fighting Level 5: Escape Level 6: Long Stride Level 7: Lightning Strikes & Riposte Level 8: Blade Turning Level 9: Finishing Blow Level 10: Duality of Mortal Presence & Persistent Distraction Level 11: Thunderous Blows Level 12: Crucible of Suffering Level 13: Rooting Pain & Deep Wounds Level 14: Enervating Blows Level 15: Soul Mirror Level 16: Turning Wheel & Devastating Blow Level 17: Slippery Mind Level 18: Bull’s Will Level 19: Heartbeat Drumming & Deathblows Level 20: Bear's Fortitude Weapon Proficiency: Unarmed (gained automatically) Dagger Sabre Pistol Battle Axe Sword Stiletto Small Shield Skills: Arcana: 13 >> 15 (Scholar, Training: Geivard) Mechanics: 7 >> 11 (BB, Rogue, Training: Elias Zelen) >> 15 (Thief's Putty, Burglar's Gloves)* History: 19 >> 21 (Scholar, Training: Geivard) *Take Mechanics for 7 points first, then all the rest into Arcana. Gears: Armor: Devil of Caroc Breastplate (Devil's Due, Mechanical Mind) Weapons (MH): Fist Weapons (OH): Fist Neck: Strand of Favor (+1 INT) Belt: The Undying Burden (+2 CON) Ring 1: Ring of the Solitary Wanderer (+1 RES) Ring 2: Ring of Greater Regeneration Hands: Gatecrashers (+1 MIG) Cloak: The Giftbearer’s Cloth Head: Heaven’s Cacophony (+2 INT) Boots: Footprints of Ahu Taka (+2 DEX) Pet: Abraham Consumables: Mouth Char, Svef, Taru Turu Chew (really any drugs you find take them) Scroll of Moderate Healing Scroll of Moonwell Scroll of Avenging Storm Potion of Ascension Shark Soup/Hot Razor Skewers - Normal Mobs Captain's Banquet - Bosses and Fampyrs Shopping List: Palm Slats Ta Ondra Tara Glaive Berries Huona Mahe Mother of Pearl Primal Wind Velune Primal Flame Rum Luminous Lobster Oysters Fire Kelp Tahiwa Snapper Spices Aged Shark Meat NOTES: 1. How to obtain the Cauldron Brew from Outcast’s Respite: “Finding the Encoded notes before freeing Tama Watua allows you to and ask for a reward and get the Deciphered notes: It allows to brew in the purple cauldron a potion (depending of the ingredients you have) giving you a permanent +1 to one attribute of your choice.” To decipher you’ll need one of the following: Alchemy: 15 History: 17 Intellect: 20 2. How to achieve more passive healing: Ring 2: Ring of Greater Regeneration (+3 Health Restored per 6.0 sec) Cloak: Three Trolls Stitched* (+5 Health Restored per 12.0 sec) Drugs: Whiteleaf (+1 Health Restored per 3.0 sec) Food: Honey Wine Hen (+2 Health Restored per 6.0 sec) Scroll: Moonwell (+8 Health Restored per 3.0 sec) *ideally you wouldn't switch this cloak out. 3. How to defeat Ukaizo in 2 minutes: Prefight, use Mouth Char. Then swap mouth char for Potion of Ascension. Consumables your need during the fight: Scroll of Moderate Healing x 10 Scroll of Avenging Storm x 10 Potion of Ascension x1 At the beginning of the fight, Lighting Strikes followed by Thunderous Blows and your potion of Ascension. Phase 1: Open with X1 Crippling Strike. Then cast Avenging Storm (helm), followed by X1 Crippling Strike. He should kneel within 2-3 auto attacks from here, use Crippling Strike if you have to get the full attack. Usually I have him under 50% health when he collapses. Refresh Lighting Strikes followed by Thunderous Blows as needed. Phase 2: Run away, defeat the adds try and save your guile if you can. When Ukaizo gets his second head, refresh Lighting Strikes followed by Thunderous Blows, Cast Avenging Storm, and use Crippling Strike. If you see him going for a power slam, cast Blade Turning (if you took it), you should be so fast that you can complete your action before he completes his. Once you have Ukaizo at 1/4 health he will want to get his thirds head. If you are fast enough you can end the fight here with X1 Crippling Strike followed by X1 Devastating Blow (should be around the 2 minute mark). If not, onto Phase 3. Phase 3: Run away, defeat the adds try and save your guile if you can. Follow the above strategy. 4. Useful Guides Permanent Bonuses: https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/101300-guide-permanent-bonuses-approach-for-a-no-rest-run/ Limited Resources: https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/103020-guidelimited-resources-locations/ ************************************************************** ************************************************************** Original Post, Questions, Answers & Conclusions ************************************************************** ************************************************************** After working through solo Arcane Knight with u/ Hulk'O'Saurus, I/we came to the conclusion that maybe wizard class aren’t for me. What I’m looking for is a physical monster that can stand at the front-line of any encounter and just crush it. I’ve tested quite a number of builds that have to pass my own personal criteria before I post anything here. All testing is done solo PoTD no upscaling. The test includes a 1v1 fight with Ukaizo (cre_Ukaizo_Guardian) and a 1v5 fight with Ancient Fampyrs including 1 Rogue, 1 Cipher, 1 Priest, and 2 Sages (cre_Fampyr_Ancient_XX). I feel like this is a good representation of what an end game build should be able to handle. That brings us to my latest build/test. I was inspired by u/ giftmefood’s build Gypsy Thunder. I even went as far as to build it and test it. I personally couldn’t defeat Ukaizo using a blunderbuss, I got close several times but ultimately, I got frustrated and switched to fists… then I got really close… and I rebuilt the same character but as Devoted/Nalpazca (a more geared for melee version), and I still couldn’t defeat Ukaizo, but I was close… Then I saw a build by u/ Theosupus called The Drunken Master. An untested build probably not for solo. I combined Gypsy Thunder with The Drunken Master… QUESTIONS/NOTES: Blade Turning vs. Riposte, which one, or both? Lightning Strikes vs. Swift Flurry? I’m fairly certain lightning strikes is the way to go here, in fact the lash that it has is really amazing against Fampyrs. Escape vs. Flagellant’s Path, do I need one, if so which one? Rooting Pain, seems like it would mix well with Streetfighter, opinions? Eliminating Blow vs. Devastating Blow which one? Long Stride? Improved Critical? Deep Pockets? Could carry some Potion of Ascension then Arcana, technically we only need 13 points here for Scroll of Avenging Storm, is there a reason to pump it to 15 or would my points be better into something else? Are there any other Scrolls like Avenging Storm that apply that one hit effect with weapons? Alchemy, how much do I really need? Seems like I can craft foods without any Alchemy, but what about drugs? Does the amount of Alchemy reflect how long your drugs last? In my testing Coral Snuff last 288 seconds. I stacked Dexterity with my gears to increase my action speed, I was hoping that street fighter would increase them more as she get flanked. Seems to work. I increased Might to increase my damage. I don’t think this build can survive with less than what it has. I maxed Perception because who doesn’t. I took very high Intellect for ability duration, seems to work great. I left Constitution at base, not sure if this is smart. I left resolve low because I don’t stack enough deflection. Not low enough to incur a penalty though. Is there a way to get more attribute points out of this build? What are the best and most important attributes? Please critique my gear choices. I’m interested in having some back up weapon choices. Since we are using The Giftbearer’s Cloth we have 3 weapon slots. There isn’t much healing with this build? Flamethrower’s Gloves vs. Boltcatchers (my fav glove) vs. Anything else? Deltro's Cage? Should we really stack the shock skills/gear Boltcathers+Deltro's Cage? Helwalker? DELETED (repeated later) Cauldron Brew, where should this stat go? Stunning Surge? Slippery Mind? DoC or Some other armor choice? Effigy Choice: - Durance: +1 CON, +5% Max Health - Devil of Caroc: +1 DEX, +1 Penetration vs. Kith - Eder: +1 MIG, +2 Deflection - Mahena: +1 MIG, +5 defense against might affliction - Grieving Mother: +1 RES, +5 defense against intelligence affliction - Kana: +1 INT, +5 defense against dexterity affliction - Pallegina: +1 RES, +1 Shock AR - Sagani: +1 PER, +2 Accuracy for >4m targets - Aloth: +1 INT, +5 Reflex - Hiravias: +1 DEX, +1 Slash AR - Zahua: +1 CON, +5% Beneficial effect duration ANSWERS: 1. u/ whimper - Riposte = Yes 1. u/ whimper - Blade Turning = Optional 1. u/ diamondsforever - Blade Turning... its super effective (especially if you can see the attack about to start). 2. u/ Boeroer - Lightning Strikes is better vs. high defense enemies. 3. u/ whimper - Escape vs. Flagellant’s Path = Pick One 3. u/ diamondsforever - Escape can be obtained much earlier, so its probably the clear winner. 3. u/ Boeroer - Escape over Flagellant’s Path, both is nice though. 4. u/ whimper - Rooting Pain = Yes 5. u/ Boeroer - Personally would use it, but Devastating Blow overall seems better. 6. u/ diamondsforever - Fast Runner vs. Long Stride = Pick One (possibly Long Stride is better since we won't disengage without Escape). 6. u/ Boeroer - Long Stride = Yes, Fast Runner if you have room. They stack. 7. u/ diamondsforever - Don't think there will be enough room in this build for it. 8. u/ diamondsforever - Not enough room. Better to take your drugs before a big fight then swap it out with Potion of Ascension. 9. 10. u/ diamondsforever - Nope, I just checked all the scrolls we can craft. 11. u/ diamondsforever - Looks like I don't have to take Alchemy to craft potions, drugs or food. 12. u/ diamondsforever - Works can confirm, exceptionally fast. 13. u/ diamondsforever - Works can confirm, exceptionally fast. 14. u/ diamondsforever - I could go higher but we would sacrifice core elements of this build bast the 22 we currently have. 15. u/ diamondsforever - when we max out at 30 from wounds and run a skill it last a long ass time. Also, our scrolls hit hard as nuts. 16. u/ diamondsforever - We could take it lower but I'm not sure its a great idea. 17. u/ diamondsforever - We could take it lower but I'm not sure its a great idea. 18. u/ diamondsforever - I figured it out. Currently we could maybe get 1 or 2 more attribute points but the cost would be to core elements of this build. 19. u/ diamondsforever - I think I've sorted this out. 20. u/ whimper - Gear Change - Greater Ring of Regeneration 20. u/ whimper - Gear Change - Cape of the Falling Star 20. u/ diamondsforever - Limited items choices can be swapped out at this point. Only armor, 1 ring and maybe cloak are left. 21. u/ diamondsforever - I've sorted this out, most likely I'll carry a ton of weapons to swap out if i get bored, we get 7 additional choices. 22. u/ whimper - Greater Ring of Regeneration 22. u/ Boeroer - Greater Ring of Regeneration is ok or Ring of Minor Protection 23. u/ diamondsforever - Gatecrashers for +1 MIG 24. u/ diamondsforever - Tested, results sort of unknown. More Tanky, but Shock Shield didn't proc... Maybe another heavy armor? 25. u/ diamondsforever - Tested, but results not really noticeable... so maybe. 26. u/ diamondsforever - Tested and no, not a good plan. 27. DELETED 28. u/ diamondsforever - Perception 29. u/ diamondsforever - Don't think there will be enough room in this build for it. 30. u/ Boeroer - Blade Turning over Slipper Mind, but both is nice. 31. u/ Boeroer - DoC and Nomad's Brigandine (w/ Boots of Speed) 32. u/ diamondsforever - Between Eder: +1 MIG, +2 Deflection and Zahua: +1 CON, +5% Beneficial effect duration 32. u/ diamondsforever - Has to be Sagani: +1 PER, +2 Accuracy for >4m targets its the only one to boost perception and thus the only way we can get to 22. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Riposte = Yes 1. Blade Turning = Yes 2. Lightning Strikes 3. Escape = Yes 3. Flagellant's Path = No 4. Rooting Pain = Yes 5. Devastating Blow = Yes 6. Long Stride = Yes 6. Fast Runner = No 7. Improved Critical = No 8. Deep Pockets = No 9. 10. No 11. Alchemy = No 12. 20 is perfect. 13. 20 is perfect. 14. 22 is perfect. 15. 20 is perfect. 16. 10 is perfect. 17. 10 is perfect. 18. No 19. PER >> DEX / INT >> MIG >> CON / RES 20. Added to build. 21. Added to build. 22. Greater Ring of Regeneration 23. Gatecrashers for +1MIG 24. Deltro's Cage = No 25. No 26. No 27. DELETED 28. Cauldron Brew = Perception 29. Stunning Surge = No 30. Slippery Mind = Yes 31. DoC = Yes 32. Effigy = Perception

What about non Devoted classes?

Is it possible to have 15 penetration and 15 armour rating on a PC before stacking food, potions, or spells? If so what class/classes/multi classes can achieve this?

I"ve done a slight revision for slickens. Fleet feet really helped keep a gap between Ukaizo and my PC, but at the end when I had no spells I had to toe-to-toe the beast. Your not wrong. I do dabble in casters here or there but my main mode of game-play has always been front-line DPS or Tanking. This build is very workable. But I think in the end I'd be happier with something a bit more in your face. That being said, this build is more than capable of taking on Ukazio or a mob of ancient Fampyrs (I tested against 5). I think this may be my last update on this build. Its certainly playable but in the end, I don't think it achieves what I'm personally looking for. ************************************************ ************************************************ UPDATE #5 Some minor changes to abilities. Otherwise more of the same. Class: Arcane Knight - Goldpact Knights/Wizard Race: Human Attributes: MIG: 15 >> 18 (BB, GoTM) CON: 6 >> 10 (BB, Gear, Effigy) DEX: 15 >> 20 (BB, Gear) PER: 19 >> 22 (BB, Gear, Cauldron Brew) INT: 16 >> 22 (BB, Gear) RES: 7 >> 10 (BB, Gear) Job: Hunter Abilities (Goldpact): 1 Gilded Enmity 1 Lay on Hands 2 Deep Faith 3 Retribution 4 Zealous Aura 5 Flames of Devotion 6 Divine Purpose 7 Sworn Rival 8 Combat Focus 9 Eternal Devotion 10 Zealous Focus 11 Scion of Flame 13 Uncanny Luck 15 Bear’s Fortitude 16 Virtuous Triumph 17 Practiced Healer 18 Improved Critical 19 Stoic Steel 20 Uncanny Luck Abilities (Wizard): 1 Slicken 4 Merciless Gaze 7 Llengrath’s Displaced Image 10 Infuse With Vital Essence 12 Secrets of Rime 13 Llengrath's Safeguard 14 Heart of the Storm 16 Rapid Casting 19 Ninagauth’s Freezing Pillar Weapon Proficiency: Battle Axe Flail (model on) Medium Shield Club Users Choice 1 Users Choice 2 Skills: Arcana: 11 >> 15 (Paladin, Wizard, BB, Gear, Training: Geivard) Mechanics: 11 >> 13/14 (Hunter, BB, Training: Elias Zelen)* History: MAX Gears: Armor: Blackened Plate Armor (Death in Life, Usher’s Visage) QS1: Trash Mobs Weapons (MH): Sun and Moon (Golden Sun, Solar Excellence) Weapons (OH): Magran’s Favor (Blazing Core, Enduring Flame) QS2: Tough Mobs Weapons (MH): Sun and Moon (Golden Sun, Solar Excellence) Weapons (OH): Nerian's Ward (Father’s Masterwork) or Kapana Taga (All Comers, Lone Champion) QS3: Bosses Weapons (MH): Sun and Moon (Golden Sun, Solar Excellence) Weapons (OH): Magran’s Favor (Blazing Core, Enduring Flame) Grimoire 1: Trash Mobs Iron-Clasped Grimoire Grimoire 2: Bosses Ninagauth’s Teachings Neck: Strand of Favor (+1 INT) Belt: Upright Captain’s Belt (+1 CON) Ring 1: Kuaru’s Prize (+1 INT, +1 PER) Ring 2: Ring of Focused Flame Hands: Flamethrower’s Gloves (+2 DEX) Cloak: The Giftbearer’s Cloth Head: Heaven’s Cacophony (+2 INT) Boots: Boots of the Stone (+1 DEX, +1 RES) Pet: Nemnok Consumables: Potions of Ascension X5 Scroll of Moderate Healing X5 Scroll of Circle of Protection X5**** Scroll of Great Maelstrom X5 Scroll of Meteor Shower X5***** Crusted Swordfish NOTES: *should be able to get that to 12 with gear and 14ish with thieves’ putty I believe. That should enable us to open most locks in the game. With the skill bonus from Barth it should be a further 2 point bringing our total to 16. Does anyone know if there is any other items or pets that give a boost to mechanics? I think 18 is the highest lock in the game. **** can swap for more Moderate Healing scrolls (recommended). ***** can swap for more Great Maelstorm scrolls (recommended).

Okay so I tested out Fractured Casque with Grimoire of Vaporous Wizardry. They do work together, zero interrupts the entire fight with Ukaizo. The problem with the Grimoire is that it has limited attack spells. So I ended up spamming scrolls til I ran out and Ukaizo picked me up and 1 shotted me LOL. ************************************************ ************************************************ UPDATE #3 Some changes to what skills to take at what level. Some changes in skills, attributes, weapon proficiency and abilities This build can defeat Ukaizo but will uses everything it has to do it. Class: Arcane Knight - Goldpact Knights/Wizard Race: Human Attributes: MIG: 15 >> 18 (BB, GoTM) CON: 6 >> 10 (BB, Gear, Effigy) DEX: 15 >> 20 (BB, Gear) PER: 19 >> 22 (BB, Gear, Cauldron Brew) INT: 16 >> 22 (BB, Gear) RES: 7 >> 10 (BB, Gear) Job: Hunter Abilities (Goldpact): 1 Gilded Enmity 1 Lay on Hands 2 Deep Faith 3 Retribution 4 Zealous Aura 5 Flames of Devotion 6 Divine Purpose 7 Sworn Rival 8 Combat Focus 9 Eternal Devotion 10 Zealous Focus 11 Scion of Flame 13 Uncanny Luck 14 Bull’s Will 15 Bear’s Fortitude 16 Virtuous Triumph 17 Practiced Healer 18 Improved Critical 19 Stoic Steel 20 Snake’s Reflexes *** Abilities (Wizard): 1 Fleet Feet 4 Merciless Gaze 7 Llengrath’s Displaced Image 10 Heart of the Storm 12 Secrets of Rime 13 Llengrath's Safeguard 16 Rapid Casting 19 Infuse With Vital Essence** Weapon Proficiency: Battle Axe Flail (model on) Medium Shield Club Users Choice 1 Users Choice 2 Skills: Arcana: 11 >> 15 (Paladin, Wizard, BB, Gear, Training: Geivard) Mechanics: 11 >> 13/14 (Hunter, BB, Training: Elias Zelen)* History: MAX Gears: Armor: Blackened Plate Armor (Death in Life, Usher’s Visage) QS1: Trash Mobs Weapons (MH): Sun and Moon (Golden Sun, Solar Excellence) Weapons (OH): Magran’s Favor (Blazing Core, Enduring Flame) QS2: Tough Mobs Weapons (MH): Sun and Moon (Golden Sun, Solar Excellence) Weapons (OH): Nerian's Ward (Father’s Masterwork) or Kapana Taga (All Comers, Lone Champion) QS3: Bosses Weapons (MH): Sun and Moon (Golden Sun, Solar Excellence) Weapons (OH): Magran’s Favor (Blazing Core, Enduring Flame) Grimoire 1: Trash Mobs Iron-Clasped Grimoire Grimoire 2: Bosses Ninagauth’s Teachings Neck: Strand of Favor (+1 INT) Belt: Upright Captain’s Belt (+1 CON) Ring 1: Kuaru’s Prize (+1 INT, +1 PER) Ring 2: Ring of Focused Flame Hands: Flamethrower’s Gloves (+2 DEX) Cloak: The Giftbearer’s Cloth Head: Heaven’s Cacophony (+2 INT) Boots: Boots of the Stone (+1 DEX, +1 RES) Pet: Nemnok Consumables: Potions of Ascension X5 Scroll of Moderate Healing X5 Scroll of Circle of Protection X5**** Scroll of Great Maelstrom X5 Scroll of Meteor Shower X5***** Crusted Swordfish NOTES: *should be able to get that to 12 with gear and 14ish with thieves’ putty I believe. That should enable us to open most locks in the game. With the skill bonus from Barth it should be a further 2 point bringing our total to 16. Does anyone know if there is any other items or pets that give a boost to mechanics? I think 18 is the highest lock in the game. ** not sure what to take here. *** could also take Greater Lay on Hands, not sure if its worth it. **** can swap for more Moderate Healing scrolls (recommended). ***** can swap for more Great Maelstorm scrolls (recommended).

I’ll give this a try tomorrow morning. And report back. I retolled as a human to see how it goes.

That’s the idea But then again I don’t really know. I saw raw damage, sorta had a basic understanding, but, didn’t see any builds using it. Right now I’m thinking Kind Wayfarer/Corpse Eater with Margims Favor and Oathbreaker. Heals with fore damage plus raw damage.

Ah thank you. So if the weapon does a base of 10 you can expect 10 raw damage. You know that’s not to bad on a boss haha

Hmm, how does the +PL work? What are the numbers behind it? According to wiki “Carnage: 33% of Base Weapon Damage in Area on Weapon Hit”. How are you making that 100%?

Added Couldn’t find the proper description though. Revised the list. Hmm, Carnage you say. I see some potential here I think Does Base barbarian her carnage or just berserker?

I haven’t tested with Fractured Casque yet. I was trying to find the console command to give an injury.

Must not be a default damage? I don't see it on the wiki? Or its an upgrade. Which I didn't add in. Either way, it seems a shame there isn't a build the revolves around raw damage. Seems like it should be powerful.

Yea, its really just the extra cast that makes the Grimoire so good. Other than that I think there are better. I was actually trying Greater LoH and it did work against Ukaizo for the first half of the fight. Actually right until i ran out... trying to keep Guilded up and GLOH is a ton to invest. As a side note I tried this build vs. 5 Fampyrs (x2 Sage, X1 Rogue, X1 Chiper, X1 Priest). Zero consumables used, I was able to clean them up. It was a bit chaotic though heh.