I'm getting ready to experiment. I want to try a fighter type who focuses on AGI, but uses melee weapons (thus, not a ranger). My theory is that my attack rating and my END will make up for a lackluster STR.

I'm going to buff END with jewelry (both rings and amulet) and shoulders. Also, my target weapons will buff both STR and END. My body, head, hands, and feet will all buff STR (at level 33 items 'of the Hippo' are increasing STR by +60 and +20 roughly). Finally, I'm going to place all of my stat points in AGI and END evenly.

My skills will be mostly passive; Way of the Roo, Gym Freak, Average BMI, Mad Melee Mastery, and a passive resist which I'll just swap out based on the enemies. I'll also use an active resist for facing enemies of more than one type. Finally, Banner of Foolish Bravery, and when I get it, Awesome Cleavege. 1H Swivel Arm on left mouse, Cleave on right.

I'm thinking that with good gear, this will be pretty effective. I'll miss using Retribution and things like Soul Rend, though.

Any thoughts?

You seem to have thought it out very well. The problem is that with each new detail you add a new set of variables. I would suggest not assigning specific stat boosts to specific pieces. For the most part, you can probably make it work, but you may come across something very useful that doesn't fit into your mold.

Generally speaking, the build you're planning works well for tanking, and high agl will ensure dependable damage if not massive damage. I think you will do quite well in the normal dungeons, or fighting bosses in a group. Soloing bosses, however, at least on higher difficulty settings, will probably take a bit more time/trouble.

In my opinion, having a couple different builds to go to and being able to 'play jazz,' so to speak, will give you room to experiment while leaving you some insurance should you blow up the lab.

But all blathering aside, maybe it works out great for you! Let us know.

I'll be sure to let you know!

Thanks for the tips, here's my current build which is pretty much halfway there already (here). It's just it's a 2H build, and being so familiar with it I'm trying something new to see what works better! I have two good 1H weapons waiting, both of which have a higher combined DPS than The Gavel.

I'm a big fan of teamwork, so being unable to solo isn't a big deal for me.

Should I be concerned over the lack of active skills? So many passives seem so useful, I want to use them all!

Focusing on mainly 1 attack will free a slot on, for instance right mouse-clicker, to put a Passive or Buff there instead.

Edit: And on drplayers.com you can see your Average Damage as well as your Average DPS too. (Click the buttons in the middle of the screen called Stats.)



Edited by LordMagnus (07/17/08 06:20 AM)

You look to be in good shape, although 100 agl x your lvl is close to as low as you want to go, especially for a slow 2H like the Gavel where misses make a big difference.

When you get Awesome Cleavage in a couple lvls, you'll find that a strong 2H can devistate a mob pretty quickly. It was a key component for me as I lvl'd in HDoL from 30-60 as a fighter (much fewer swings of the arm per lvl ). I usually brought out the fast DPS 1H'ers for the bosses- but, as usual, different strokes...

Your skill set looks fine. You could stand to lose BMI if you need a slot, and a couple of your other skills are interchangeable depending on the situation...whoops, just noticed you're missing swivel arm action ??

Anyway, good luck

Some updates.

It's not finished yet, it needs one last re-spec after I picked up some outstanding gear. Take a look here. I'm going to sacrifice another 1,000 HP for mana, beause with the spells I'm using I need more. As you can see, it's changed a bit from my original vision, and is now more a hybrid than anything.

Still, so far so good. A few more STR buffs and this build will be a machine. It already makes short work of mobs my level.