Critique my 5-man squad?

[Yosharian]

I got a 6-man 5-man custom party I'm planning to do the entire game with, on POTD of course

I'd be grateful if anyone could critique the builds, point out obvious mistakes or suggest better choices, etc. Not that I intended the party to be the best custom party ever or anything like that, but I built it based off the state of the game back before any of the DLC came out, so I'm curious if anything I chose has since been nerfed into the ground, or if there's better options, etc.

Anyway, here it is

 

[1: The Watcher]

-=-Class: Warlock [Devoted/Enchanter]
-=-Roles: melee damage
-=-Race: Human (+1 MIG, +1 RES)
-=-Culture: Rauatai (+1 CON)
-=-Attributes: MIG16-CON04-DEX18-PER18-INT18-RES04
-=-Final unbuffed attributes: MIG20-CON10-DEX21-PER20-INT22-RES06
-=-Skills: Athletics, Metaphysics
-=-Attribute bonus: Effigy's Resentment (Durance) - +1 CON, +5% max Health
-=-Attribute bonus: Gift from the Machine - +1 MIG, +5% max Health
-=-Attribute bonus: Berath's Blessing - +2 to all attributes

-=-Equipment:

Pet: Abraham (!) (Reduces Recovery penalty for armor, +10HP on kill)

^{---[Luminous adra mill: On the upper balcony]}

Grimoire: Zandethus' Dragon-Scaled Grimoire
^{---[Delvers' Row: Sold by The Spindle Man]}
Head: Helm of the Falcon (!) (-10% Recovery with 2H weapons)
^{---[Crookspur Merchant]}
Neck: Strand of Favor (!) (+1 Intellect, -10% hostile effect +10% friendly effect durations)

---[Looted/Given by Sugaan during A Distant Light. It may also be pick pocketed.]
Cloak: Cloak of Greater Protection (+10 to Fortitude/Reflex/Will)
^{---[Arkemyr's Manor: In the vault; Port Maje Harbor: Sold by Well-traveled Supplier (with Berath's Blessing "Unique Item Vendor" enabled]}
Armor: Devil Breastplate (!) (Legendary, Intellect Affliction resistance, +2 Max Power Pool, -20% Recovery time, +2HP/3sec for 6sec on crit)
^{---[if Devil of Caroc spared Harmke in the imported Pillars of Eternity save, it is available for purchase in Marihi's shop in Periki's Overlook.]}

Hands: Aegor's Swift Touch (!) (+1 Dexterity, +5% Action Speed with weapons, While above 50% HP 5% chance to avoid ranged dmg)

^{---[At the very top of the map, to the left of Kohopa's Fang, on a Plagued Ship]}

Ring1: Drunkard's Regret (!) (Alcohol without hangovers)
^{---[Quest: Lost Dues in Good Faith; save/loot Oswald]}

Ring2: Chameleon's Touch (!) (+1 MIG, +1 Athletics, +1 INT, +1 Arcana)

^{---[Looted from Bounty - Nomu the Marauder]}

Belt: Girdle of Eoten Constitution (!) (+3 CON)
^{---[Can be looted from Beina during Bounty - Beina]}
Feet: Slippers of the Assassin (!) (Invis on killing blow)
^{---[The Deck of Many Things: Sold by Captain Thaenic.]}
Weapon: Chromoprismatic Quarterstaff (!) (Damage)
^{---[in a chest below the Statue of Nemnok in the Sanctum of Drowned Barrows (at 8'35" 36'38"), which is accessible via Junvik Village.]}

 

Afflictions/Inspirations

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Might: Resistance (Body Control)

Constitution: n/a

Dexterity: Resistance (Unstoppable), Immunity 1/encounter (Free Action), Tier3 (DAOM)

Perception: Tier2 (Tactical Barrage)

Intellect: Resistance (DoC Breastplate), Tier2 (Tactical Barrage)

Resolve: Resistance (Fearless), Tier2 (Unbending Shield)

 

Spells

-=-=-=-

Level 1: Spirit Shield (En), Concelhaut's Parasitic Staff (Cj)

Level 2: Arcane Veil (Cj), BATE (En)

Level 3: DAOM (En)

Level 4: MAR (En), Flame Shield* (Ev)

Level 5: Llengrath's SG* (En)

Level 6: Arcane Reflection* (En), Minoletta's Precisely Piercing Burst (Ev)

Level 7: Zandethus' Draconic Fury* (En)

* Covered by Grimoire

 

Level progression

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1: Disciplined Barrage, Spirit Shield

2: Concelhaut's Parasitic Staff

3: Fast Runner

4: Fighter Stances, Arcane Veil

5: Two-Handed Style

6: Determination

7: Tactical Barrage, Deleterious Alacrity of Motion

8: Combat Focus

9: Bulwark Against The Elements

10: Fearless, Minor Arcane Reflection

11: Body Control

12: Unstoppable

13: Conquerer Stance, Rapid Casting

14: Unbending

15: Armored Grace

16: Weapon Specialization, Spell Resistance

17: Reaping The Whirlwind

18: Minoletta's Precisely Piercing Burst

19: Unbending Shield, Tough

20: Unbreakable

 

[2:]
-=-Class: Swashbuckler [unbroken/Trickster]
-=-Race: Human (+1 MIG, +1 RES)
-=-Culture: Old Vailia (+1 INT)

-=-Attributes: MIG10-CON07-DEX05-PER18-INT19-RES19

-=-Final unbuffed attributes: MIG10-CON10-DEX06-PER20-INT21-RES20

-=-Skills: Athletics, Metaphysics
-=-Roles: tank, flanker
-=-Equipment:
Head: Blackened Plate Helm (!) (+1 enemies Engaged, +1 Intellect, +1 Perception)
^{---[Dropped by Quartermaster Harka in the Sea-Lashed Crypt interior on Splintered Reef]}

Neck: Baubles of the Fin (!) (+1 CON, +1 INT, +3% damage aura 5m)

^{---[Received for completing Broodmother's Fury peacefully, or simply by killing the broodmother]}

Cloak: Cloak of Greater Deflection (!) (+7 Deflection)
^{---[Port Maje Harbor: Sold by Well-traveled Supplier]}
Armor: Blackened Plate Armor (!) (12 armor, Decay/Poison/Disease attacks heal for 25%, +2 Enemies Engaged, Raw damage aura, random Mind inspiration on Bloodied for 60s)
^{---[Dropped by Quartermaster Harka in the Sea-Lashed Crypt interior on Splintered Reef]}
Hands: Bracers of Greater Deflection (!) (+7 Deflection)
^{---[sold by Engari in the Temple of Toamowhai on Kazuwari after completing the Rite of Passage]}
Ring1: Ring of Greater Regeneration (!) (+3 Health restored per 6 sec)
^{---[The Brass Citadel: Sold by Orlan Peddler; Boot-suck Bog: Dropped by the Bog Warden]}
Ring2: Etonia Signet Ring (!) (+2 Defenses per engagement (stacks 5 times), +2 Diplomacy)
^{---[Fort Deadlight: In the shrine to Skaen.]}
Belt: The Undying Burden (!) (+1 Athletics, Grants +1 use of Second Wind, -10% damage (increases to -30% based on missing HP), +2 CON)
^{---[Delvers' Row: Sold by Imuani]}
Feet: Rakhan Field Boots (!) (+3 Corrode AR, grants No Quarter (Teleport to enemy attack))

---[Dropped by a Mercenary Paladin on the Spire of the Soul-Seers rooftop during the quest Skipping Ahead]
Weapon1: Kapana Taga (!) [Champion's Relic, All Comers] + Shield (Superb, Deals Crush/Slash, +5% Damage as Raw, 20% Daze-on-hit, +2 enemies Engaged, 3% Melee Damage per Engaged target, Immune to Flanking Afflictions]
^{---[Looted after killing Fyrgist in ship combat near unnamed volcanic island south of Tikawara.]}
Shield: Akola's Apex Ward (!) (+1 enemies Engaged, Superb: +6, 33% Crush Riposte, +10 Acc, -100% weapon dmg when <50% HP)
^{---[On a Huana vengeance ship. You need -4 reputation with them for that ship to appear. ]}
Weapon2: Eccea's Arcane Blaster + Akola's Apex Ward (!) (Legendary, deals Raw damage instead of normal, Imbued Ammunition)
^{---[Dropped by Eccea in the Collapsed Coal Mine on the player-nameable island at 7° 49' S, 57° 16' E]}
Shield2: Cadhu Scalth

 

Afflictions/Inspirations

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Might: Resistance (Body Control)

Constitution: n/a

Dexterity: Resistance (Unstoppable)

Perception: Immunity when under 50% HP (Slippery Mind), Tier2 (Tactical Barrage)

Intellect: Immunity when under 50% HP (Slippery Mind), Tier2 (Tactical Barrage)

Resolve: Immunity when under 50% HP (Slippery Mind), Resistance (Fearless)

 

Level progression

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1: Crippling Strike, Disciplined Barrage

2: Fast Runner

3: Arms Bearer

4: Fighter Stances, Weapon & Shield Style

5: Determination

6: Blinding Strike

7: Tactical Barrage, Riposte

8: Hold The Line

9: Gouging Strike

10: Unstoppable, Persistent Distraction

11: Body Control

12: Fearless

13: Guardian Stance, Deep Wounds

14: Superior Deflection

15: Armored Grace

16: Overbearing Guard, Slippery Mind

17: Unbending

18: Reaping The Whirlwind

19: Unbending Trunk, Deathblows

20: Unbreakable

 

[3:]
-=-Class: Ascetic [Helwalker/Lifegiver]
-=-Race: Pale Elf (+1 DEX, +1 PER)
-=-Culture: The White That Wends (+1 PER)
-=-Attributes: MIG15-CON10-DEX12-PER20-INT18-RES03
-=-Final unbuffed attributes: MIG16-CON10-DEX13-PER21-INT21-RES03
-=-Skills: Alchemy, Metaphysics
-=-Roles: damage, healing
-=-Shapeshift: Boar
-=-Equipment:
Head: Heaven's Cacophony (!) (+2 Intellect, +1 Religion, Grants Shout of Hosts and Avenging Storm)
^{---[Queen's Berth: Sold by Wanika]}

Neck: Wahaki Tua (!) (+5 all Defenses except Deflection, Resistance to Resolve Afflictions)

^---[???]

Cloak: Mantle of the Seven Bolts (!) (+2 Shock Armor Rating, Grants Storm of Seven Bolts (Chain lightning spell) 1/rest, Shock AOE on death)
^{---[Periki's Overlook: Sold by Iolfr of Iolfr's Raiments]}
Cloak: Cloak of Greater Protection (+10 to Fortitude/Reflex/Will)
^{---[Arkemyr's Manor: In the vault; Port Maje Harbor: Sold by Well-traveled Supplier (with Berath's Blessing "Unique Item Vendor" enabled]}
Armor: Deltro's Cage (Conductive Storm) (!) (Exceptional: +2 Armor, +2 All Electricity Power Levels, Relentless Storm (Shock AOE spell))
^{---[Worn by Ezzali Bardatto and can be obtained if you side with House Valeras and kill the Bardatto]}
Hands: Boltcatchers (!) (Grants Crackling Bolt Lvl3 Wizard spell, 33% Reflect Electricity, Shock Damage on Melee Crit)
^{---[Looted during Bounty - The Steel Preacher]}
Ring1: Kuaru's Prize (!) (+5% Damage with Spells, +1 Intellect, +1 Perception)
^{---[Ori o Koiki: Sold by Kipeha]}
Ring2: Ring of Clenched Muscle (!) (10% on Hit random Tier 1 Affliction for 10.0 sec, +10% on weapon Hit random Tier 1 Inspiration for 10.0 sec)
^---[???]
Belt: The Maker's Own Power (!) (Near Death activates Reforge The Flesh (sanctuary heal-type ability), +1 Might, +2 Crush AR)
^{---[Dropped by Torkar during Bounty - Torkar]}
Feet: Boots of the Stone (!) (+1 Dexterity, +1 Resolve, Resistance to Might afflictions)
^{---[Dropped by Eamund the Fox when he attacks you during A Tidy Performance]}
Weapon1: Lord Darryn's Voulge (!) (Exceptional, 10% on hit activate Lightning Strikes Monk ability)
^{---[Can be scavenged from a shipwreck to the southeast of Neketaka Island, at the coordinates 37° 21' S, 55° 30' E]}
Weapon2: The Weyc's Wand (!) (Legendary, Refresh recovery after using Empower, 25% on hit Confuse 8sec, 50% on crit to deal Raw damage, After Empowering an ability, gain +3 Power Level for 20.0 sec)
^{---[in a chest in the contaminated section of The Archive in Forgotten Sanctum DLC]}
Weapon2: Amaliorra (Legendary, On crit Shaken vs Kith/Wilder, +10 accuracy vs Vessel)
^{---[Dropped by Menzzago in the Glowing Outcrop on Splintered Reef]}

 

Afflictions/Inspirations

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Might: Resistance (Boots of the Stone), Tier2 (Thunderous Blows)

Constitution: n/a

Dexterity: Immunity (Form of the Delemgan), Tier1 (Swift Strikes)

Perception: n/a

Intellect: n/a

Resolve: Resistance (Wahaki Tua)

 

Level progression

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1: Nature's Mark, Swift Strikes

2: Lesser Wounds

3: Fast Runner

4: Two-Handed Style, Dance of Death

5: Long Stride

6: Taste The Hunt

7: Returning Storm, Swift Flurry

8: Two-Weapon Style

9: Combat Focus

10: Heart of the Storm, Enduring Dance

11: Duality of Mortal Presence

12: Thunderous Blows

13: Relentless Storm, The Long Pain

14: Form of the Delemgan

15: Practiced Healer

16: Spell Resistance, Turning Wheel

17: Parting Sorrow

18: Rapid Casting

19: Accurate Empower, Instruments of Pain

20: Heartbeat Drumming

 

[4:]
-=-Class: Wizard [Evoker]
-=-Race: Wood Elf (+1 DEX, +1 PER)
-=-Culture: The White That Wends (+1 PER)
-=-Attributes: MIG18-CON08-DEX19-PER20-INT10-RES03
-=-Final unbuffed attributes: MIG18-CON08-DEX21-PER20-INT10-RES03
-=-Skills: Arcana, Survival
-=-Roles: damage, crowd control
-=-Equipment:
Grimoire: Ninagauth's Teachings (!) (Grants several unique and powerful spells)
^{---[Arkemyr's Manor: In the vault]}
Head: Whitewitch Mask (!) (Bloodied: activates Ryngrim's Repulsive Visage, Grants Ryngrim's Enervating Terror, +1 Illusion PL)
^{---[Delvers' Row: Sold by The Spindle Man; Delvers' Row: Can be stolen from the chest to the left of The Spindle Man.]}
Neck: Amulet of Greater Health (!) (+25 Max Health)
^{---[The Deck of Many Things: Sold by Bauble, Port Maje Harbor: Sold by Well-traveled Supplier]}
Cloak: Ruata's Walking Cloak (!) (+1 Diplomacy and Survival, +20% Stride scaling with Survival, +5 Reflex)
^{---[Reward for completing Eulogy for the Dead]}
Armor: Spider Silk Robe (!) (Legendary, +3 Slash AR, Immune to Dex Afflictions)
^{---[Dropped by Menzzago in the Glowing Outcrop on Splintered Reef]}
Hands: Firethrower's Gloves (!) (+2 Dexterity, +2 Explosives, +1 Arcana, +2 All Evocation Power Levels)
^{---[The Jagged Keep: (E) area, 8 Mechanics Chest; Port Maje Harbor: Sold by Well-traveled Supplier]}
Ring1: Ring of Greater Regeneration (!) (+3 Health restored per 6 sec)
^{---[The Brass Citadel: Sold by Orlan Peddler; Boot-suck Bog: Dropped by the Bog Warden]}
Ring2: Ring of the Marksman (!) (+4 acc and +1 PEN with Ranged weapons)
^{---[Queen's Berth: Dropped by Royal Dreadfire Company sailors on top of The Wild Mare during A Bigger Fish]}
Belt: Upright Captain's Belt (!) (Immune to Push and Pull effects, Grants Concentration at start of combat)
^{---[Given to you by Captain Furrante in the Balefire Beacon in Dunnage, as reward for completing the quest Symbols of Death.]}
Feet: Bounding Boots (!) (Grants Barbarian Lvl5 ability Leap 2/rest)
^{---[in a locked chest (4 Mechanics check) in Deadfire Donjon, in a room to the left from the Command]}
Weapon1: Eye of Wael (!) (Superb, 25% on crit Invisibility for 8sec, 5% random Illusion spell on target on hit, +3 Illusion PL)
^{---[Reward for solving the puzzle in Hall of the Unseen (located south of Tikawara on the Black Isles)]}
Weapon1: Whale of a Wand (!) (Superb, On hit 8% Polymorph, On Spell hit 10% Charm, Target ally cannot die for 10s)
^{---[The Orrery during Bekarna's Folly]}

 

Afflictions/Inspirations

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Might: Resistance (Boots of the Stone)

Constitution: n/a

Dexterity: Resistance (Wood Elf)

Perception: Tier2 (Eldritch Aim)

Intellect: n/a

Resolve: n/a

 

Spells

-=-=-=-

Level 1: Spirit Shield, Eldritch Aim

Level 2: Curse of Blackened Sight*, Miasma of Dull-Mindedness, Bulwark Against The Elements

Level 3: Ninagauth's Death Ray*

Level 4: Minoletta's Concussive Missiles, Ninagauth's Shadowflame*

Level 5: Ryngrim's Enervating Terror

Level 6: Minoletta's Precisely Piercing Burst, Chain Lightning

Level 7: Ninagauth's Killing Bolt*

Level 8: Wilting Wind*, Wall of Many Colors

Level 9: Minoletta's Missile Salvo, Meteor Shower*

 

Level progression

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1: Spirit Shield

2: Eldritch Aim

3: Two-Weapon Style, Miasma of Dull-Mindedness

4: Bulwark Against The Elements

5: Bear's Fortitude, Bull's Will

6: Combat Focus

7: Minoletta's Concussive Missiles, Spell Shaping

8: Scion of Flame

9: Rapid Casting, Ryngrim's Enervating Terror

10: Secrets of Rime

11: Chain Lightning, Minoletta's Precisely Piercing Burst

12: Heart of the Storm

13: Penetrating Empower, Accurate Empower

14: Potent Empower

15: Farcasting

16: Wall of Many Colors, Great Soul

17: Tough

18: Snake's Reflexes

19: Minoletta's Missile Salvo, Prestige

20: Spell Resistance

 

[5:]
-=-Class: Templar [Priest of Magran/Bleak Walker]
-=-Race: Human (+1 MIG, +1 RES)
-=-Culture: Old Vailia (+1 INT)

-=-Attributes: MIG18-CON10-DEX09-PER18-INT19-RES04

-=-Final unbuffed attributes: MIG18-CON10-DEX12-PER18-INT21-RES04

-=-Skills: Mechanics, History
-=-Roles: tank, healing, fire damage
-=-Equipment:
Head: Thaos' Headdress (!) (+1 Intellect, +10 Will vs Mind-affecting aura, +5 acc & +10% damage to flanked)
^{---[Worn by Aloth if he became the Leaden Key grandmaster]}

Neck: Bone Setter's Torc (!) (+10% Healing Done, +5% Hit-to-Crit)

^{---[Can be looted from a chest in Pahowane Underground, which is reached during the quest Skipping Ahead]}

Cloak: The Giftbearer's Cloth (!) (+1 Quick Item slots, +1 Weapon Sets, up to +15 non-Deflection defenses (History))
^{---[Cave of Threshing / Fampyr's Crypt]}
Armor: Fleshmender (!) (Superb, +1 Quick Item slots, +1 Weapon Sets, 15% incoming Hits to Grazes, +3 Regenerating AR, +5HP/12sec)
^{---[bounty - Ikorno: Looted from Ikorno]}
Hands: Burglar's Gloves (!) (+1 Dexterity, +2 Mechanics, +2 Athletics)
^{---[Periki's Overlook: Sold by Iolfr of Iolfr's Raiments]}
Ring1: Ring of Focused Flame (!) (+10 Accuracy with fire attacks)
^{---[The Dark Cupboard]}
Ring2: Halgot's Warmth (!) (+3 Priest Restoration PL, +3 Burn AR)
^{---[Quest reward for finishing Harsh Medicine]}
Belt: Physicker's Belt (!) (+10% Healing, +1 Alchemy)
^{---[Port Maje: Sold by Henric]}
Feet: Footprints of Ahu Taka (!) (+15% Healing, +2 Dex, +1 Lvl2 Priest casts)
^{---[scripted event in Whenura Cleft at 8° 4' S, 56° 56' E]}
Weapon1: Magran's Favour (!) + Shield (Legendary, +2 Fire PL, 15% Firelash (heals))
^{---[Kohopa's Fang: Can be looted from a corpse in the temple area]}
Weapon2: Thundercrack Pistol + Shield
^{---[Poko Kohara ruins: In a trapped crate, in the Xaurip camp to the east]}
Weapon3: Modwyr (!) + Shield (Superb, Immune to Charmed, Confused, Dominated, +2% AS on hit (stacks 15 times), 20% Fire/Icelash)
^{---[Found in the hideout in the northeast of the Old City Ruins beneath The Gullet district of Neketaka]}
Weapon4: Animancer's Energy Blade (!) (High armor targets) (Fine, Raw damage instead of normal, Increased attack speed) + Shield
^{---[spire of the Soul-Seers Loot on a mercenary during the quest Skipping Ahead]}
Shield: Lethandria's Devotion (!) (Superb, +1 Engagement, -25% Crit damage taken, +3HP/6sec 2.5m aura, 50% confuse/charm on incoming crit)
^{---[Periki's Overlook: Sold by Fassina in The Dark Cupboard]}

 

Afflictions/Inspirations

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Might: Tier1 (Holy Power)

Constitution: Resistance (Iron Gut)

Dexterity: n/a

Perception: Resistance (Clear Head)

Intellect: Resistance (Mental Fortress)

Resolve: n/a

 

Spells

-=-=-=-

Level 1: Restore

Level 2: Withdraw

Level 3: Divine Mark

Level 4: Devotions for the Faithful

Level 5: Searing Seal

Level 6: Pillar of Holy Fire

Level 7: Resurrection

 

Level progression

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1: Lay On Hands, Restore

2: Deep Faith

3: Retribution

4: Zealous Aura, Withdraw

5: Weapon & Shield Style

6: Divine Purpose

7: Shared Flames, Divine Mark

8: Aegis of Loyalty

9: Combat Focus

10: Exalted Endurance, Devotions for the Faithful

11: Iron Gut

12: Clear Head

13: Mental Fortress, Searing Seal

14: Scion of Flame

15: Practiced Healer

16: Righteous Soul, Rapid Casting

17: Inspired Path

18: Spell Resistance

19: Stoic Steel, Resurrection

20: Virtuous Triumph

Edited January 8, 2019 by Yosharian

[msyoung]

You only get a Watcher and four companions. 

[Yosharian]

You only get a Watcher and four companions. 

I was hoping for something a bit more in depth, but thank you for the heads up =)

[Phyriel]

I have an idea how to improve it, kick 4 customs and play solo as bloodmage/tactician 

[brasilgringo]

I have an idea how to improve it, kick 4 customs and play solo as bloodmage/tactician 

Dump might and Dex, pump Resolve, Int, Per and leave Con at 10+?   Without stacked Resolve can you get Def to the level you need to solo PoTD?

Does Refreshing Defense stack with Wizard def buffs?

How does Wiz avoid the acc/pen penalty for not attacking targets of allies, if solo?  Or just ignore it?

Is it really all worth it just to try to get Brilliant insp on yourself?

[Ensign]

Serious reply and quick thoughts:

 

Lots of strong individual characters but perhaps not a great combination.

 

Very front loaded, glass cannon style comp. Very little staying power and support. I suspect you will find some of your dps/support hybrids will get pressed into full time support duty in the harder content, for which they are under-specialized. For the core game and critical path though this should roll over everything without trying too hard.

 

Very melee heavy composition. Going to be stepping on each other a lot in dungeons.

 

You're worshipping the unique equipment too much. Capes, rings, boots and belts have only a few really standout unique pieces; generics like cloaks or rings of protection are often stronger.

 

But main impression is the lack of staying power (no chanters, no ciphers/brilliant); will roll over most of the game but I suspect this gets ground down by attrition in megaboss fights.

[guildwriter]

 

I have an idea how to improve it, kick 4 customs and play solo as bloodmage/tactician 

Dump might and Dex, pump Resolve, Int, Per and leave Con at 10+?   Without stacked Resolve can you get Def to the level you need to solo PoTD?

Does Refreshing Defense stack with Wizard def buffs?

How does Wiz avoid the acc/pen penalty for not attacking targets of allies, if solo?  Or just ignore it?

Is it really all worth it just to try to get Brilliant insp on yourself?

 

Refreshing Defense is "All Defenses" and Mirrored Image for example is "Deflection" only.  So they will add together.  Llengrath's Safeguard however is an active and also gives a bonus to "All Defenses" and therefore the stronger of Refreshing or Llengrath's will be used.

 

Wiz can't avoid it.  Summons don't engage so you have to deal with a perma -1 Pen and -5 Accuracy.  The Accuracy doesn't hurt nearly as much as the Pen.  It can be overcome though.

 

YMMV.  Personally I think getting it to work in a group setting requires so much micro for such a marginal benefit in a team setting.  From a solo perspective it will allow the combo to finish certain fights where otherwise they would run out of resources.  

[Gromnir]

the game is beatable with companions and the companions add much to the game experience. there is a fair amount of companion-specific content in deadfire; be it quests or dialogues, you is gonna miss much if you forgo companions.  

 

that said, some o' the ease o' potd for folks who have invested literal hundreds o' hours into the game comes from meta-knowledge you will not have access to 'less you read walkthroughs and view character build suggestions.  is ez for Gromnir to observe beatable nature o' potd, but we got schemes for doing ship combat and we know where and how to 1007 some o' the best gear in game w/o ever entering combat. we know a deadfire kraken has much different defenses than a poe kraken... and we even know exact when we is gonna encounter a kraken.  you clear already have significant level o' meta, so am thinking there is no need for further optimization in light o' fact you specific state you do not require your party to be the best five-person team evar... which would be impossible in any event as you would need surpass 95-96 bulls or perhaps these guys:

 

 

regardless, even w/o meta-knowledge, you do  not need an optimized party to beat potd deadfire.  should like your party dynamic and believe it is kewl.  concerns over potency and power is largely wasted.

 

that said, keeping resolve and con scores low on a melee helwalker wouldn't be our first choice.  helwalkers tend to be squishy early in the game and need a bit o' micromanagement. there is a tendency to build characters for endgame when reality is most o' your gaming hours is gonna happen at lower levels.  sceptres make great early helwalker weapons, and there is nice sceptres in the game.  also, dex, for most builds save heals, typical outstrips benefits o' might.  you are gonna be getting +10 to might anyway, so we would consider adding points from might to dex.  can similar use the might v. dex advice to alter your heals a bit too. 

 

regardless, our advice is chuck the custom party-- even bad companions offer more content than does the best custom merc.

 

HA! Good Fun

 

 

[guildwriter]

 

I got a 6-man 5-man custom party I'm planning to do the entire game with, on POTD of course

 

I'd be grateful if anyone could critique the builds, point out obvious mistakes or suggest better choices, etc.  Not that I intended the party to be the best custom party ever or anything like that, but I built it based off the state of the game back before any of the DLC came out, so I'm curious if anything I chose has since been nerfed into the ground, or if there's better options, etc.

 

 

I think Evoker is a mistake personally and would suggest a Wizard over Evoker.  The scaling changes that were made in 3.0 really made mid and late game PotD a huge slog.  Fights take much longer and having more control options when so much of the team is squishy would be a good idea.  Only +2 PL to lose two spell schools to me is a mistake.  You want the control offered by things like Essential Phantom which is one of the best summons in the game.  Also means that this person can cast Combusting Wounds right after the Barb lands a modal strike with the Willbreaker.  Combo with blunderbusses for a broken damage engine.

 

The team in general seems a bit too focused on doing damage and doesn't have much investment in sustain or control.  I would give some thought changing your druid to a Lifegiver and some other combo.  Lifegiver still has potent DoTs that are highly efficient for damaging groups.  Consider Cipher because charm is broken and since the Barbarian is Fort debuffing so Disintegration will land. 

[Yosharian]

 

I got a 6-man 5-man custom party I'm planning to do the entire game with, on POTD of course

 

I'd be grateful if anyone could critique the builds, point out obvious mistakes or suggest better choices, etc. Not that I intended the party to be the best custom party ever or anything like that, but I built it based off the state of the game back before any of the DLC came out, so I'm curious if anything I chose has since been nerfed into the ground, or if there's better options, etc.

 

I think Evoker is a mistake personally and would suggest a Wizard over Evoker. The scaling changes that were made in 3.0 really made mid and late game PotD a huge slog. Fights take much longer and having more control options when so much of the team is squishy would be a good idea. Only +2 PL to lose two spell schools to me is a mistake. You want the control offered by things like Essential Phantom which is one of the best summons in the game. Also means that this person can cast Combusting Wounds right after the Barb lands a modal strike with the Willbreaker. Combo with blunderbusses for a broken damage engine.

 

The team in general seems a bit too focused on doing damage and doesn't have much investment in sustain or control. I would give some thought changing your druid to a Lifegiver and some other combo. Lifegiver still has potent DoTs that are highly efficient for damaging groups. Consider Cipher because charm is broken and since the Barbarian is Fort debuffing so Disintegration will land.

Thank you for the very useful suggestions. I may make the Evoker a Blood Mage instead. However, losing Spell Echo... =(

 

I am reluctant to change the Fury build, because it's a 'flavour' build. Hmm. This one is difficult. I suppose I can still do the Fate Testarossa but as a Lifegiver?

Edited December 15, 2018 by Yosharian

[Logos]

 

 

HA! Good Fun

 

I remember you from when the Black Isle forums switched to the Bioware boards in late 2001/early 2002, when we were both excited for Neverwinter Nights to come out. Even earlier than that, you'd become a presence in BG2's expansion, Throne of Bhaal. Why are you doing this with your life? What's the endgame? I remember deducing you were late twenties/early thirties then, so you have to be in your fifties now. What do these boards even still offer you? Haven't you seen enough of life by now to not bother posting here? Why do this ****?

 

Let me give you an example from my own life. I've grown up with you. You and Karzak, Chosen of Shargaash were my first experiences with internet trolls back in 2002. Going back to newsgroups I now realize you must have had at least a 10 year advantage on me. Even so. You're still doing this. Since first encountering you I've obtained a bachelor's degree, a doctorate, and I've learned two new languages. But you're still posting in a fake orc dialect on isometric rpg forums. Who are you? What do you do? This keeps me up at night. 

[Gromnir]

kinda off-topic, so will let it slide with exception o' noting am serious considering retiring at age 50 next year after having already lived what we imagine would be considered a full and successful life by most measures.  have more than enough assets saved from real estate holdings and ira so we will be able to donate a considerable amount to st. jude's children's hospital and the national breast cancer foundation 'fore we ride off into the metaphorical sunset.  have had a long and meaningful professional career, and while we didn't make much money at our job, it were satisfying nevertheless.

 

so, thanks for the insights? but again, this is extreme off-topic.  mods should feel free to censor knowing we won't complain, though is doubtful they care what we think 'bout such matters. wanna discuss via pm, we will happily ignore your missives... but you never know, eh?

 

HA! Good Fun!

 

ps if education is the relevant and meaningful measure:

bfa (ucsb,) bs (cal,) mfa (uci,) jd (boalt.) not necessarily in order. is this what the kids call an epeen thing?  am possible dating self.

 

 

 

 

[Yosharian]

Serious reply and quick thoughts:

 

Lots of strong individual characters but perhaps not a great combination.

 

Very front loaded, glass cannon style comp. Very little staying power and support. I suspect you will find some of your dps/support hybrids will get pressed into full time support duty in the harder content, for which they are under-specialized. For the core game and critical path though this should roll over everything without trying too hard.

 

Very melee heavy composition. Going to be stepping on each other a lot in dungeons.

 

You're worshipping the unique equipment too much. Capes, rings, boots and belts have only a few really standout unique pieces; generics like cloaks or rings of protection are often stronger.

 

But main impression is the lack of staying power (no chanters, no ciphers/brilliant); will roll over most of the game but I suspect this gets ground down by attrition in megaboss fights.

Thank you for the comments.

 

All of my characters will be equipped for ranged combat, so they will be able to switch if needed. The Ascetic is a ranged character.

 

I played a Chanter in my first playthrough, found them quite boring. I was considering a summoner build, but it got nerfed before I could try it. If you have a particularly good build, I'd love to hear it.

 

As for Ciphers, I am open to that idea but I did use Serafen in my first playthrough so I'm not super keen on using one again. That said, I know they are very strong so if you have a build in mind that is particularly effective then I'm interested.

 

What sources of Brilliant are there in the game?

[Purudaya]

 

 

 

HA! Good Fun

 

I remember you from when the Black Isle forums switched to the Bioware boards in late 2001/early 2002, when we were both excited for Neverwinter Nights to come out. Even earlier than that, you'd become a presence in BG2's expansion, Throne of Bhaal. Why are you doing this with your life? What's the endgame? I remember deducing you were late twenties/early thirties then, so you have to be in your fifties now. What do these boards even still offer you? Haven't you seen enough of life by now to not bother posting here? Why do this ****?

 

Let me give you an example from my own life. I've grown up with you. You and Karzak, Chosen of Shargaash were my first experiences with internet trolls back in 2002. Going back to newsgroups I now realize you must have had at least a 10 year advantage on me. Even so. You're still doing this. Since first encountering you I've obtained a bachelor's degree, a doctorate, and I've learned two new languages. But you're still posting in a fake orc dialect on isometric rpg forums. Who are you? What do you do? This keeps me up at night. 

 

 

What a weird and unnecessary callout. It was a constructive post.

 

Also: you can offer online build advice in an orc dialect over the course of a decade and still have plenty of time to live an accomplished life afk

[Frog Man]

 

 

HA! Good Fun

I remember you from when the Black Isle forums switched to the Bioware boards in late 2001/early 2002, when we were both excited for Neverwinter Nights to come out. Even earlier than that, you'd become a presence in BG2's expansion, Throne of Bhaal. Why are you doing this with your life? What's the endgame? I remember deducing you were late twenties/early thirties then, so you have to be in your fifties now. What do these boards even still offer you? Haven't you seen enough of life by now to not bother posting here? Why do this ****?

 

Let me give you an example from my own life. I've grown up with you. You and Karzak, Chosen of Shargaash were my first experiences with internet trolls back in 2002. Going back to newsgroups I now realize you must have had at least a 10 year advantage on me. Even so. You're still doing this. Since first encountering you I've obtained a bachelor's degree, a doctorate, and I've learned two new languages. But you're still posting in a fake orc dialect on isometric rpg forums. Who are you? What do you do? This keeps me up at night.

What should keep you up at night is how you’ve become an insufferable, irredeemable pathetic jackass. You got two degrees (like a hundred million other morons In the world, hardly an accomplishment) and learned two new languages (who gives a ****), wow. And this is supposed to be an indication of success? Neither ‘accomplishment’ proves you’ve done a single thing of value in this world.

 

These forums are full of extremely successful people, good fathers and mothers, business owners, Philanthropists, who all enjoy connecting over a game we love.

 

Kindly **** off.

 

#gromnirforlife

Edited December 15, 2018 by Frog Man

[Ensign]

Thank you for the comments.

 

All of my characters will be equipped for ranged combat, so they will be able to switch if needed. The Ascetic is a ranged character.

 

I played a Chanter in my first playthrough, found them quite boring. I was considering a summoner build, but it got nerfed before I could try it. If you have a particularly good build, I'd love to hear it.

 

As for Ciphers, I am open to that idea but I did use Serafen in my first playthrough so I'm not super keen on using one again. That said, I know they are very strong so if you have a build in mind that is particularly effective then I'm interested.

 

What sources of Brilliant are there in the game?

 

Lots of things mix well with a Chanter - priest, druid, and paladin come immediately to mind since it doesn't limit those too much, but honestly you could talk me into any Chanter multiclass for the right comp. It is pretty boring as a single class, but mixed it just offers a whole lot very early on - a 15% lash from Aefyllath on everyone, moderate sustain from Ancient Memory, Thick Tongues for the expansions, the best armor reducer available at level 1, repeatable revives, hard cc, and summons of choice.

 

At the simplest, take Hel-Hyraf, Thick Tongues, Shield Cracks, Aefyllath, Rise Scions, and Ancient Instruments of Death with a couple other points to flesh it out; put your other 20 skill selections into any other class and play as though you were that class. The big summon at the start of every fight (take a big one at every new power level then respec) and passive auras with shield cracks on demand is a big power spike.

 

Brilliant doesn't have a ton of sources - the new Tactician can put it on itself, and Cipher has a party targeted one at PL7, otherwise you are relying on some very niche and unreliable applications.

 

Cipher with the repeatable brilliant is really valuable for endurance or megaboss fights since it refreshes your casters; with judicious spell use you can cast Minoletta's Missile Barrage, Salvation of Time, and other very high value spells over and over. It's a combo engine. Mix with any martial class to power the focus engine, though I have been happiest with fighter paladin ranger and rogue. Whispers of Treason on the starter isle, dominate after; Borrowed Instinct / Disintegrate / Ancient Memory at high level, Mind Lance or Silent Scream for interrupt happy fights.

[Flucas]

The evoker will be very micro intensive.

 

Do agree that a chanter will bring a lot of extras to this comp.

 

Youll need a cipher only for megabosses. Shouldnt be necesarry otherwise (but still very useful).

[Yosharian]

Really not interested in Chanter, honestly.  Cipher is another matter.  I'm tempted.  Just not sure which character it would replace.

[Gromnir]

Really not interested in Chanter, honestly.  Cipher is another matter.  I'm tempted.  Just not sure which character it would replace.

cipher is particular useful in a potd party.  as with poe, fort is the most common sooper defense o' foes.  debuff fort enough to successful use fort targeting abilities requires a good scheme which is likely gonna have somebody wielding  a morningstar for many battles.  will defense, on the other hand, is most common weakest potd defense.  ciphers got disproportionate number o' will targeting  abilities.  soul blades provide gaudy damage totals and is perhaps a bit over utilized by deadfire players.  teh rehul bailiwick o' the potd cipher is attacking will defense. 

 

HA! Good Fun!

[Yosharian]

 

Really not interested in Chanter, honestly.  Cipher is another matter.  I'm tempted.  Just not sure which character it would replace.

cipher is particular useful in a potd party.  as with poe, fort is the most common sooper defense o' foes.  debuff fort enough to successful use fort targeting abilities requires a good scheme which is likely gonna have somebody wielding  a morningstar for many battles.  will defense, on the other hand, is most common weakest potd defense.  ciphers got disproportionate number o' will targeting  abilities.  soul blades provide gaudy damage totals and is perhaps a bit over utilized by deadfire players.  teh rehul bailiwick o' the potd cipher is attacking will defense. 

 

HA! Good Fun!

 

Yes but which character will it replace?  And what build?

 

I'm fond of all these builds, I just can't see me replacing any of them

 

Unless...  Wizard Evoker switch to Wizard/Cipher?  I dunno

[Gromnir]

got loads o' damage potential in this party.  personal, would drop the ascetic... though we love the aoe lightning voulge, particular for a barbarian.  might actual consider a witch?  keep much o' the same gear as your ascetic and go spirit frenzy route.  only negative for witch is you do not have a predictable and low-level ability to mitigate berserk malus, 'cause, to paraphrase mr. bueller, berserk is so choice. if you have the means, we highly recommend picking it up.

 

HA! Good Fun!

[Flucas]

Ya basically go cipher singeclass or combo with berserker. The wiz/cypher combo works as well, but to a lesser extent. If you go that route, try to focus the wizard abilities on buffspells (enchanting).

[Yosharian]

If I was to replace the Evoker with a single-class Cipher, what would be the best build to use?

[Ensign]

If I was to replace the Evoker with a single-class Cipher, what would be the best build to use?

Single class Cipher is generally best as an Ascendant with Kitchen Stove and Thundercrack Pistol in one set. You can use Thunderous Report from Kitchen Stove per encounter to nearly fill your focus; if not Overcharged Shot from Thundercrack Pistol (per rest) will do the job. Use Time Parasite first for crazy action speed, then spam spam spam.

 

For long hard fights combine with a Salvation of Time Priest. You can cast SoT on the ascended Cipher to extend the duration of ascension, and the Cipher can use the (free) Ancestor's Memory to restore the Priest's SoT, giving an engine of permanent ascension on top of all over buffs.

 

Single class Ascendant gets additional fun with this combo, since you can take driving echoes and extend thst with Salvation of Time as well - giving everyone else in the party permanent +8 PEN for that fight.

 

This takes way too long to set up for many fights, but for megabosses taking that time to make your group insane can be well worth it.

[Flucas]

If I was to replace the Evoker with a single-class Cipher, what would be the best build to use?

Arsehole ascendant build is rly good.