Ok, so I finally settled on a build for my Main. As mentioned in another post, I like versatility. Let me just show you my build... tell you my thoughts behind it... then leave you guys to critique it and offer pointers.
Level 30 (4 420 577 xp)
Strength: 21
Agility: 15
Hit points: 66
Skills to attributes: 2
Ironflesh: 5
Power Strike: 7
Shield: 3
Athletics: 5
Riding: 0
Horse Archery: 0
Power Draw: 0
Power Throw: 4
Weapon Master: 5
One Handed: 51
Polearm: 130
Throwing: 75
Ok... let's take the build from the bottom up... meaning Weapon Proficiency first.
WPF:So first let's look at Throwing. At 75 Throwing, I should have plenty enough WPF to get my full Power Throw bonus. If my calculations are right, 4*14=56. So with 19 extra WPF, I should be ok even in Heavy Armor (mind you I'll never be in Plate).
So I should be safe, but if I'm wrong... please, please let me know. No use nerfing my Throwing.
And I'm sure you guys are thinking... why have 3 weapons with WPF. Well, I use Heavy Throwing Axes (while holding a shield mind you). And every once in a while, instead of trying to block with my Polearm, I find it advantageous to keep my shield up and use the Heavy Throwing Axe in melee. Comes in handy when I'm overwhelmed. And plus I'm new and suck a blocking, so it really helps keep me alive, while allowing me to get a hit or two in.
Having only 1 WPF to 1-Handed (instead of 51) would only translate to 5 extra in Polearms (making it 135, maybe .5 extra dmg, and very minimal swing speed increase). And it only translate into 15 extra Throwing (making it 90, but if I have enough WPF at 75 to give me the full PT bonus, I'm content). Having 51 WPF instead of 1 will give my 1-handed melee attacks against unarmored guys an extra 5 damage (about 3.5 dmg for medium armored guys). And the 50 extra WPF will make my melee attacks with a Heavy Throwing Axe considerable faster (at least compared to the bonus I'd get from only 5 extra in Polearms).
Skills:- 4 Power Throw: Enough to use Heavy Throwing Axes. I hate Jarids, so no need for 5 PT.
- 5 Athletics: Should be fine here. It's always nice to be faster, but can't do it all.
- 3 Shield: Will allow me to use the best 1 slot shields. Some may ask why take any in shield (being Polearms, and seeing it slows you down). But I really like being protected from ranged. Makes me feel safe.
- 5 Iron Flesh: I'd love to have 7 Iron Flesh to give me an even 70. I like having HP maxed out, if possible. But I feel other important skills would have to suffer (i.e Athletics). Should be fine with 66 HP.
Having 7 Power Strike while using a nice Polearm should give me good (above average, but not great) damage. And 5 Weapon Master seems to be ok. It'd of course be nice to have Polearms like 150+ WPF. But that would call for a Agility Build, in order to get Weapon Master around 7 or 8. But then damage would suffer, and I don't want that.
Well that's about it. That about sums up my thoughts on why this build could be both versatile and effective. Now that's effective... not elite-best. I have the most fun when teamworking with folks. Doing my part for the cause. I think this build will allow for such. And being my Main, I may eventually reach lvl 31/32, allowing me to throw a few points (hopefully 5) into riding. Thus allowing me to act as Cavalry, and be even more versatile.
Any thoughts, critiques, or pointers?