Thoughts please on the Warpriest Shieldbearer class?

[uwfsam2000]

So I’m thinking of trying this class, seems like a archetype with good DPs potential. I know I need two weapon fighting. But a few questions.

1. Should I use heavy or light in my offhand?

2. Is the dps decent? Any feats you’d recommend?

Thank you!

[dwarner]

Originally posted by uwfsam2000:

So I’m thinking of trying this class, seems like a archetype with good DPs potential. I know I need two weapon fighting. But a few questions.

1. Should I use heavy or light in my offhand?

2. Is the dps decent? Any feats you’d recommend?

Thank you!

DPS isn't a thing, this isn't an MMO. Most Medium Shields are Mithril (you can get the first in Market Square or Houndheart camp) so count as Light and there's a relic Light made for this class specifically that you want to build toward. There's also a good Holy Shield that the Skeleton Salesman sells in ch 3.

You need 15 DEX for the two-weapon fighting feat to unlock Shield Bash. Shield Mastery is amazing but it takes you awhile as Warpriest to get there.

I'd take the WIS to Persuasion background and try to get to Shatter Defenses to help you hit with your main weapon. Use Divine Favor/Power and Righteous Might to boost your damage. If you're good Eaglesoul is also good and try to keep Archon's Aura up.

[Amoc]

Honestly I don't think the shieldbearer warpriest is very good, especially not in this game. While having the extra armor and combat utility is nice (and it may have worked better in Kingmaker) the enemy stats in this game are so juiced up that the shieldbearer Warpriest will never truly be much of a tank. His AC will never be high enough to actually tank properly and his MAD ability dependencies mean he can't really do that much damage either.

I made one as a mercenary and he feels like little more than a buff/heal bot with mediocre combat ability. If not for the fact that you pretty much NEED some sort of cleric to run this campaign, I'd have replaced him with almost anything else.

[.Blade.]

Originally posted by uwfsam2000:

So I’m thinking of trying this class, seems like a archetype with good DPs potential. I know I need two weapon fighting. But a few questions.

1. Should I use heavy or light in my offhand?

2. Is the dps decent? Any feats you’d recommend?

Thank you!

There is a guy on youtube named "Werglia" he played the entire game through with Warpriest shield bearer on unfair, potentially might need to watch some of his videos for tips on an build guide. Probably just look at his leveling guide videos.

[revan1229]

Originally posted by dwarner:

Originally posted by uwfsam2000:

So I’m thinking of trying this class, seems like a archetype with good DPs potential. I know I need two weapon fighting. But a few questions.

1. Should I use heavy or light in my offhand?

2. Is the dps decent? Any feats you’d recommend?

Thank you!

DPS isn't a thing, this isn't an MMO.

Yes, it is. DPS isn't exclusive to MMOs, though DPR may be a more appropriate term for this game.

OP, if you're looking for damage, have you considered DW Cult Leader? Shieldbearer works but is nothing to write home about.

[.Blade.]

Originally posted by revan1229:

Originally posted by dwarner:

DPS isn't a thing, this isn't an MMO.

Yes, it is. DPS isn't exclusive to MMOs, though DPR may be a more appropriate term for this game.

OP, if you're looking for damage, have you considered DW Cult Leader? Shieldbearer works but is nothing to write home about.

Yeah but with Warpriest shield bearer you can spec into Wisdom. Wisdom is the meta stat at the moment because you can eventually spec a single level into Monk, get an easy road to crane style, but you'd get additional AC from the shield enhancements and Crane style.

Or if he does go your way with Cult Leader, eventually he could spec one level into Rowdy just for the buff to Vital Strike, 2d6 per sneak die is just too good to pass up especially if you're speccing into sneak.

[revan1229]

Originally posted by .Blade.:

Originally posted by revan1229:

Yes, it is. DPS isn't exclusive to MMOs, though DPR may be a more appropriate term for this game.

OP, if you're looking for damage, have you considered DW Cult Leader? Shieldbearer works but is nothing to write home about.

Yeah but with Warpriest shield bearer you can spec into Wisdom. Wisdom is the meta stat at the moment because you can eventually spec a single level into Monk, get an easy road to crane style, but you'd get additional AC from the shield enhancements and Crane style.

Or if he does go your way with Cult Leader, eventually he could spec one level into Rowdy just for the buff to Vital Strike, 2d6 per sneak die is just too good to pass up especially if you're speccing into sneak.

Why would Shieldbearer be able to spec more WIS than Cult Leader?

And kind of unrelated, but I think the defensive meta stat is CHA (Scaled Fist AC + Oracle Nature dip to replace DEX with CHA for AC + saves).

[.Blade.]

Originally posted by revan1229:

Originally posted by .Blade.:

Yeah but with Warpriest shield bearer you can spec into Wisdom. Wisdom is the meta stat at the moment because you can eventually spec a single level into Monk, get an easy road to crane style, but you'd get additional AC from the shield enhancements and Crane style.

Or if he does go your way with Cult Leader, eventually he could spec one level into Rowdy just for the buff to Vital Strike, 2d6 per sneak die is just too good to pass up especially if you're speccing into sneak.

Why would Shieldbearer be able to spec more WIS than Cult Leader?

And kind of unrelated, but I think the defensive meta stat is CHA (Scaled Fist AC + saves).

It's about what I'd think how people would choose to spec cult leader vs shield bearer, shield bearer isn't nearly as offensively focused as cult leader but you'd offset that by putting more points into Wisdom so you can have more access to spell slots to buff and re-mediate some of that differential in offensive capabilities.

Cult Leader is a rogue with divine spells and seeming the class skills mainly Stealth but also Trickery both make use of Dex. With Shield Bearer I'd feel fine with just putting a few points into Strength and Con with most of the distribution being in Wisdom but with Cult Leader I'd take some more from Wisdom and dump them both evenly in Dex and Wisdom with a few in Con.

[revan1229]

Originally posted by .Blade.:

Originally posted by revan1229:

Why would Shieldbearer be able to spec more WIS than Cult Leader?

And kind of unrelated, but I think the defensive meta stat is CHA (Scaled Fist AC + saves).

It's about what I'd think how people would choose to spec cult leader vs shield bearer, shield bearer isn't nearly as offensively focused as cult leader but you'd offset that by putting more points into Wisdom so you can have more access to spell slots to buff and re-mediate some of that differential in offensive capabilities.

Cult Leader is a rogue with divine spells and seeming the class skills mainly Stealth but also Trickery both make use of Dex. With Shield Bearer I'd feel fine with just putting a few points into Strength and Con with most of the distribution being in Wisdom but with Cult Leader I'd take some more from Wisdom and dump them both evenly in Dex and Wisdom with a few in Con.

OP wants to DW, so they're going to need DEX as a Shieldbearer. Similarly, if your goal is AC w/ a Monk dip like you mentioned, you'd want DEX anyway. That being said, I think Monk is kind of a waste for Shieldbearer because you won't reap the benefits of Sacred Shield.

[uwfsam2000]

Originally posted by revan1229:

Originally posted by .Blade.:

It's about what I'd think how people would choose to spec cult leader vs shield bearer, shield bearer isn't nearly as offensively focused as cult leader but you'd offset that by putting more points into Wisdom so you can have more access to spell slots to buff and re-mediate some of that differential in offensive capabilities.

Cult Leader is a rogue with divine spells and seeming the class skills mainly Stealth but also Trickery both make use of Dex. With Shield Bearer I'd feel fine with just putting a few points into Strength and Con with most of the distribution being in Wisdom but with Cult Leader I'd take some more from Wisdom and dump them both evenly in Dex and Wisdom with a few in Con.

OP wants to DW, so they're going to need DEX as a Shieldbearer. Similarly, if your goal is AC w/ a Monk dip like you mentioned, you'd want DEX anyway. That being said, I think Monk is kind of a waste for Shieldbearer because you won't reap the benefits of Sacred Shield.

After reading the comments just seems there are it better options as a Warpriest. Either go Damage if a Cult Leader or a champion of the faith seems decent.
I played around and did a Champion WP and made him super Tanky but Cult leader seems fun.

Idk. The damage output of the dual wield SB seems great. Unless I’m wrong

[jsaving]

Originally posted by revan1229:

OP wants to DW, so they're going to need DEX as a Shieldbearer.

If you're looking to dual-wield, you'll dish out significantly higher damage if you go strength-based. You can use items to meet the DEX requirements for two-weapon feats, just start with a 14 DEX and you will be fine.

If you aren't too concerned about damage and are focusing mainly on AC, then yes you'll get slightly better AC going DEX-based. But if you aren't too concerned about damage then I'm unsure what the point is of going warpriest rather than cleric.

[revan1229]

Originally posted by jsaving:

Originally posted by revan1229:

OP wants to DW, so they're going to need DEX as a Shieldbearer.

If you're looking to dual-wield, you'll dish out significantly higher damage if you go strength-based. You can use items to meet the DEX requirements for two-weapon feats, just start with a 14 DEX and you will be fine.

If you aren't too concerned about damage and are focusing mainly on AC, then yes you'll get slightly better AC going DEX-based. But if you aren't too concerned about damage then I'm unsure what the point is of going warpriest rather than cleric.

Yes, I agree. I was just pointing out that WIS isn't going to be a priority on this build (or a Cult Leader build).

[ajohnemus]

Originally posted by dwarner:

Originally posted by uwfsam2000:

So I’m thinking of trying this class, seems like a archetype with good DPs potential. I know I need two weapon fighting. But a few questions.

1. Should I use heavy or light in my offhand?

2. Is the dps decent? Any feats you’d recommend?

Thank you!

DPS isn't a thing, this isn't an MMO. Most Medium Shields are Mithril (you can get the first in Market Square or Houndheart camp) so count as Light and there's a relic Light made for this class specifically that you want to build toward. There's also a good Holy Shield that the Skeleton Salesman sells in ch 3.

You need 15 DEX for the two-weapon fighting feat to unlock Shield Bash. Shield Mastery is amazing but it takes you awhile as Warpriest to get there.

I'd take the WIS to Persuasion background and try to get to Shatter Defenses to help you hit with your main weapon. Use Divine Favor/Power and Righteous Might to boost your damage. If you're good Eaglesoul is also good and try to keep Archon's Aura up.

DPS is most certainly a thing. So is tanking. Stop making things up.

[uwfsam2000]

Originally posted by .Blade.:

Originally posted by uwfsam2000:

So I’m thinking of trying this class, seems like a archetype with good DPs potential. I know I need two weapon fighting. But a few questions.

1. Should I use heavy or light in my offhand?

2. Is the dps decent? Any feats you’d recommend?

Thank you!

There is a guy on youtube named "Werglia" he played the entire game through with Warpriest shield bearer on unfair, potentially might need to watch some of his videos for tips on an build guide. Probably just look at his leveling guide videos.

I listened to his video, it was super helpful. I did not choose the weapon of my dirty, so I’ll be respec.

Also, he did not take TWF. Thought you had too with this build?

[uwfsam2000]

Originally posted by ajohnemus:

Originally posted by dwarner:

DPS isn't a thing, this isn't an MMO. Most Medium Shields are Mithril (you can get the first in Market Square or Houndheart camp) so count as Light and there's a relic Light made for this class specifically that you want to build toward. There's also a good Holy Shield that the Skeleton Salesman sells in ch 3.

You need 15 DEX for the two-weapon fighting feat to unlock Shield Bash. Shield Mastery is amazing but it takes you awhile as Warpriest to get there.

I'd take the WIS to Persuasion background and try to get to Shatter Defenses to help you hit with your main weapon. Use Divine Favor/Power and Righteous Might to boost your damage. If you're good Eaglesoul is also good and try to keep Archon's Aura up.

DPS is most certainly a thing. So is tanking. Stop making things up.

Agreed, if you are a melee character in this game, you are either a Tank or a Dps guy. Use the term you like. Lol

+1

[djinnxy]

shield bearer is probably the best option for a shield basher build or at least tied with anything else in the running for single class. I read other posts wondering how to make heavy armor and shield viable instead of "pj warrior" and this class is it.

Should you use heavy or light? You can build into both, but it has built in advantages to using a strength shield for added armor, attack, and damage.

Is dps decent? Top of the line for two weapon shield bash build. You get what you put into it. I recommend building into a weapon with high crit range 18-20 and bashing finish.