Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

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Min/Max Item and Level Progression Guide Riposte Tank - Trickster/Bleak Walker
By Ansalon
This build is designed to be a resolve based dodge/riposte tank which utilizes the rogue passive Riposte and the enchant ability of the great swordWhispers of the Endless Path to counter attack when an opponent misses you in melee. It relies on a lot of deflection based passives, items and buff+-/debuff spells to mitigate damage taken in melee by making the opponent miss. It has very low constitution and is therefore bit weak to magic and ranged damage compared to other tank builds, but makes up for it by having the added damage from going 2 handed. I haven't tested it yet but the build should be able to solo on PotD. Bleak Walkers favored disposition is Aggressive and Cruel but you can make this build work with other Orders aswell.
   
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Riposte Tank - Trickster/Bleak Walker
Update: Trickster recieved some buffs in patch 1.2.0. It shouldnt affect the build path just makes Trickster stronger.

Rogue

Trickster Gaze of the Adragan Guile Cost 3 -> 2.
Trickster Wall of Many Colors Guile Cost 4 -> 3.
Trickster Sneak Attack penalty -20% Damage -> -10%.
Trickster now also acquires wizard illusion spells at PL 2, 4, 6, and 8.
Eliminating Blow only applies Shaken to secondary targets, as suggested by its upgrade string.
Overview:
This build is designed to be a resolve based dodge/riposte tank which utilizes the rogue passive Riposte and the enchant ability of the great sword Whispers of the Endless Path to counter attack when an opponent misses you in melee. It relies on a lot of deflection based passives, items and buff+-/debuff spells to mitigate damage taken in melee by making the opponent miss. It has very low constitution and is therefore bit weak to magic and ranged damage compared to other tank builds, but makes up for it by having the added damage from going 2 handed. I haven't tested it yet but the build should be able to solo on PotD. Bleak Walkers favored disposition is Aggressive and Cruel but you can make this build work with other Orders aswell.
Min/Max Item and Level Progression Guide Riposte Tank - Trickster/Bleak Walker
Attributes:
Might 10
Constitution 5
Dexterity 14
Perception 14
Intellect 15
Resolve 19
Role: Main/offtank, Offhealer/buffs, AoE damage dealer
The build offers a lot of utility to the party in addition to beeing a tank by buffing and healing your team while debuffing enemies.
Race: Human or Hearth Orlan
Both have bonus Resolve and racial passives that increases damage.
Level progression:
Level 1: Lay on Hands/Crippling strike
Level 2: Deep Faith
Level 3: Backstab
Level 4: Dirty fighting/Zealous Aura
Level 5: Two handed style
Level 6: Inspiring Triumph
Level 7: Riposte/Glorious Beacon
Level 8: Hands of Light
Level 9: Eternal Devotion
Level 10: Finishing blow/Zealous aura upgrade (Exalted charge?)
Level 11: Persistent Distraction
Level 12: Scion of Flame
Level 13: Elimination Blow/Enduring Beacon
Level 14: Uncanny Luck
Level 15: Deep Wounds
Level 16: Improved Critical/Virtous Triumph
Level 17: Divine Purpose
Level 18: Retribution
Level 19: Deathblows/Sacred Immolation
Level 20: Stoic Steel
Skills:
Max intimidate for Casità Samelia's Legacy Passive
Mix stealth/Athletics
Weapon Proficiencies:
Great Sword
N/A. Just choose other two handers
Pros:
High damage for a tank build
Can work as an off-healer
Buffs/Debuffs
High AoE damage
Cons:
Weak to ranged and magic damage due to low constitution
Equipment/Gear:
Priority is to max the deflection as high as possible to proc Riposte and Offensive Parry. There is quite a lot of gear you can pickup before endgame but I will list best in slot items

Weapons:
Whispers of the Endless Path [pillarsofeternity.gamepedia.com] (Great Sword) with Offensive Parry enchant

Equipment:

Helm - Whitewitch Mask [pillarsofeternity.gamepedia.com] +1 Illusion Power levels, Ryngrim's Enervating Terror, Ryngrim's Repulsive Visage when bloodied
Neck - Claim and Refusal [pillarsofeternity.gamepedia.com] Modal ability: +10% damage taken from Melee attacks, +15 damage with Melee attacks
Chest - Casità Samelia's Legacy [pillarsofeternity.gamepedia.com] +Deflection that increases with Intimidate skill
Ring 1 - Entonia Signet Ring [pillarsofeternity.gamepedia.com] +3 All Defenses when Engaged (Stack 5 times)
Ring 2 - Ring of Focused Flame [http//Ring+of+Focused+Flame] 10 accuracy with fire attacks
Boots - Boots of the Stone [pillarsofeternity.gamepedia.com] +1 Dexterity, +1 Resolve, Resistance to Might afflictons
Belt - The Maker's Own Power [pillarsofeternity.gamepedia.com] Reforge the flesh; The wearer transforms into a stationary pillar of steel, reducing incoming damage and restoring health
Gloves - Gatecrashers [pillarsofeternity.gamepedia.com] Slugger: +2 Might, 50% chance to knock targets down on Critical Hit/Reeling Blow: Cone attack that pushes and stuns target (2 per rest)
or Onepahua's Strength [pillarsofeternity.gamepedia.com] +2 Might, + 2 Intimidate
Cloak - Cloak of Greater Deflection [pillarsofeternity.gamepedia.com] +7 Deflection
Pet - Nalvi (Dog): Reduce recover Penalty for armor (varies by type) - Party Wide
Consumables:
Coral Snuff +10% action speed, +5 Deflection, +5 Reflex for 180 sec
Grog (Deadfire) +15% Damage with Melee attacks, -1 Dexterity
Potion of Improved Arcane Reflection (Against Casters)
Potion of Insubstantial Form (Against Melee)
Core Abilities:
Faith and Conviction: +All defenses scales with disposition
Enduring Beacon: Blind enemies, + Deflection
Sacred Immolation: AoE DoT around caster
Mirrored Image: + Deflection buff
Riposte: Counterattack when opponent misses in melee
Offensive Parry (Whispers of the Endless Path enchant): Counterattack when opponent misses in melee
Youtube/Twitch/Donation Links
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3 Comments
Dragonirian 4 Jul, 2018 @ 11:22am 
Lol, made this build myself with exception of the Streetfighter class and Pale elf race plus some minor differences.
But maybe everyone gets this build idea when they see the riposte enchantment.

Now I'm a bit sad tho, my ilusion of me own unique build is shattered.
Ansalon  [author] 3 Jul, 2018 @ 12:37pm 
Glad you enjoy the build :) Put a lot of work into making the guide so nice to hear someone enjoys it!
Jerk 30 Jun, 2018 @ 10:04am 
Thank you for this. This is a fantastic, well thought out build.

Currently playing to see how effective it can remain.

I look forward to more of your work!