What is the most effective way to use Durance?

[Malagon]

I usually skip him but this time I decided to see what he's all about. His stats seem unusual for a priest though, as does his starting equipment. What do people tend to do with him when he's in the party? Is he a better fighter or supporter? Thanks.

[Armanz]

First of all congratulations on the choice to keep him. He is by far (and I mean by FAR) the best written companion in the game, maybe the best I've had the pleasure to enjoy in all RPGs I've played so far.

Statwise he is mostly equipped to serve the role of a regular priest. Might for extra healing of his aoe heals and some damage. Con is wasted on him (at least in terms of standard priests, it serves him well for newcomers to the game). Dex is the really big factor here, it's his second or third most important stat depending on who you ask but the Dex gloves before gilded vale at least boost it to 11. Perception he doesn't need and Int is solid for his duration and aoe. Resolve is again not that important but for newcomers (or people who generally arent that great at fighting) it's helpful so he doesnt drop that quickly.

Priests never make good fighters, at least in my experience and he will take hits poorly despite his decent CON and skyhigh RES. I would focus on buffing might and int further and give him the dex gloves until you find something better (the pirate hat from the deadfire merchant for example) and I would use him for aoe-healing, aoe-buffing and aoe-debuffing. Thats what priests excel at and why they're considered a top tier class up there with wizards and druids.

Holy Radiance, Armor of Fatih, Consecrated Ground, Holy Power, Despodent Blows, Devotions for the Faithful, Shing Beacon...his powerful array of aoe-spells is sheer endless and never ceases to disappoint. Also he has protection spells (most of them aoe) against most kinds of crowd control.
So you better tuck that fella in real good, give him an extra long range 2 handed weapon or ranged weapon and let him wreak havoc (and by wreak havoc i mean heal, buff and protect your party into oblivion).

[Malagon]

Originally posted by Armanz:

First of all congratulations on the choice to keep him. He is by far (and I mean by FAR) the best written companion in the game, maybe the best I've had the pleasure to enjoy in all RPGs I've played so far.

Statwise he is mostly equipped to serve the role of a regular priest. Might for extra healing of his aoe heals and some damage. Con is wasted on him (at least in terms of standard priests, it serves him well for newcomers to the game). Dex is the really big factor here, it's his second or third most important stat depending on who you ask but the Dex gloves before gilded vale at least boost it to 11. Perception he doesn't need and Int is solid for his duration and aoe. Resolve is again not that important but for newcomers (or people who generally arent that great at fighting) it's helpful so he doesnt drop that quickly.

Priests never make good fighters, at least in my experience and he will take hits poorly despite his decent CON and skyhigh RES. I would focus on buffing might and int further and give him the dex gloves until you find something better (the pirate hat from the deadfire merchant for example) and I would use him for aoe-healing, aoe-buffing and aoe-debuffing. Thats what priests excel at and why they're considered a top tier class up there with wizards and druids.

Holy Radiance, Armor of Fatih, Consecrated Ground, Holy Power, Despodent Blows, Devotions for the Faithful, Shing Beacon...his powerful array of aoe-spells is sheer endless and never ceases to disappoint. Also he has protection spells (most of them aoe) against most kinds of crowd control.
So you better tuck that fella in real good, give him an extra long range 2 handed weapon or ranged weapon and let him wreak havoc (and by wreak havoc i mean heal, buff and protect your party into oblivion).

Wow, thanks very much for the detailed breakdown! Maybe I was looking at him through the wrong lens. I was a tad unsure about Durance at first, but I admit I'm quite excited now to try him out especially if his writing is so good. I was a big fan of PS:T and Avellone's writing. I planned on just getting a feel for him and going from there, but maybe I'll keep him around for the long haul to see how his character develops.

Thank you for providing some clarity friend.

[Armanz]

In that case, if you haven't yet, you should also get grieving mother into your party. He wrote her as well.

[Malagon]

Ah, I sensed a little bit of Avellone in her dialogue. I enjoyed her character so that explains it! Bodes well for Durance. :)

[D'amarr from Darshiva]

Battle Priests with high DEX/PER/INT and using a weapon compatible with their god's talent are very entertaining, though. Place the priest between your ordinary warriors, so the priest's area buffs cover a few characters in addition to self-support spells as to reach high Accuracy and damage.

[philhutchings]

I actually use him to pick locks also, somehow he ended up being my lock picking expert lol...and priest.

[Martialis]

My rogue loves Durance's Interdiction. It's a great way to get two debuffs on a large group of enemies at once. Sneak attack city, here we come!

[Diaz Ex Machina]

I run him with this build[forums.obsidian.net], and so far he has been incredibly useful in tough fights.

[Heresy]

Just use him as support in back lines. His staff is badass but hes too squishy and you dont want him in heavy armour either or he casts too slow. just give him a wand instead.