I completed the game with a paladin and it was good enough, but I didn't understand how skills worked with party assist and such, and missed a lot of conversation checks.
I'd like to try a very weird build based on the skill check analysis on the wiki, and some personal preference (eg, focus on magic-related stuff, antitheist so no priest).
In short:
Male Island Aumana from Deadfire Archipelago
Aristocrat
WizardEnchanter/Cipher
start with 18 Per, Int, Res (leaves the other three attributes at 7, 7, 7)
Make sure to cover metaphysics, arcana, religion checks for their maximum value (both with and without party assist)
I think it will be fun, but I'm worried I'm too squishy. There's too much I don't understand about PoE combat. I would be ranged, obviously, but I have a few questions:
what are some "must have" perks from both classes?
suggestions on which armor to use? I guess I need a robe to reduce casting speed as much as possible
does that low dexterity increase casting speed too much? Can I improve it somehow?
I need to bring perception and intelligence to 20, to get to the highest convo checks. Will I get some permanent bonuses, or do I need to use equipment for this? I don't like temporary bonuses so food/potions don't help there
any general advice on survivability?