Eldritch Knight builds

[John Lynch 106]

I have created my first stab at an Eldritch knight in PF2e. He's actually a recreation of my Iron Gods character. As such he has to be a human who wields a bastard sword (incidentally a bastard sword seems to be the optimal weapon for an Eldritch knight).

Human (Scholar) Fighter (Wizard) 17:

STR 22 = 10 + 2 (ancestry) + 2 (background) +2 (class) + 2 (1st) + 1 (5th) + 1 (10th) +2 (belt)
DEX 12 = 10 + 2 (1st)
CON 18 = 10 + 2 (1st) + 2 (5th) + 2 (10th) + 2 (15th)
INT 20 = 10 + 2 (ancestry) + 2 (background) + 2 (1st) + 2 (5th) + 1 (10th) + 1 (15th)
WIS 12 = 10 + 2 (15th)
CHA 16 = 10 + 2 (5th) + 2 (10th) + 2 (15th)

Combat Actions:
Two-Handed Broadsword: +30/+25/+20; (5d12+6)
Two-Handed Huge Broadsword: +30/+25/+20; (5d12+10)
One-Handed Broadsword: +30/+25/+20; (5d8+6)
One-Handed Huge Broadsword: +30/+25/+20; (5d8+10)
Critical effect: creature is flat footed for 1 round.

General:
AC 36 (38 when fighting one handed; 39 with shield and one handed fighting)
HP: 263 = 8 (ancestry) + 68 (con) + 170 (class) + 17 (toughness)

Suggested Actions per Round:
1. Spell+Spell; Attack; Shield
2. Shield; whirlwind Strike (3 attack full round)
3. Shield; Attack; Attack; Attack

Skills:
Trained: Academia Lore, Acrobatics, Occultism, Diplomacy
Expert: Deception, Society, Intimidate
Master: Perception
Legendary: Athletics, Arcana

Feats:
Ancestry 1) General Training (Toughness)
Skill 1) Assurance (Arcana)
Fighter 1) Sudden Charge
Skill 2) Charming Liar
Fighter 2) Wizard Dedication
General 3) Diehard
Skill 4) Confabulator
Fighter 4) Basic Wizard Spellcasting
Ancestry 5) Assurance (Athletics)
Skill 6) Courtly Graces
Fighter 6) Dueling Parry
General 7) Fast Recovery
Skill 8) Connections
Fighter 8) Arcane Breadth
Flexible Feat 8) Dueling Riposte
Ancestry 9) General Training (Recognize Spell)
Skill 10) Lie to Me
Fighter 10) Combat Reflexes
General 11) Quick Recognition
Skill 12) Quick Identification
Fighter 12) Expert Wizard Spellcasting
Ancestry 13) General Training (Scribe Scroll)
Skill 14) Quick Climb
Fighter 14) Dueling Dance
Flexible Feat 14) Whirlwind Strike
General 15) Legendary Climber
Skill 16) Remarkable Resonance
Fighter 16) Stance Savant
Ancestry 17) Natural Ambition (Furious Focus)

Class Features:
Attack of Opportunity
Legendary Proficiency bastard sword
Master Proficiency heavy armor
+1 initiative
Bravery

Spell's:
Cantrips: Detect Magic, Shield
Level 1) True Strike
Level 1) True Strike
Level 2) False Life: 13 temporary hp
Level 2) False Life: 13 temporary hp
Level 3) Haste
Level 3) Haste
Level 4) Enlarge
Level 4) Enlarge
Level 5) See Invisibility
Level 5) Wall of Fire
Level 6) Enlarge
Level 6) Baleful Polymorph
Level 6) Enlarge

Resonance: 21

Treasure:
+4 keen adamantine bastard sword
+4 full plate
Belt of Giant Strength +2
Greater Ring of Wizardry

Overall I think this is a good build. The lack of heroism on the arcane spell list and buffs only lasting 1 minute were a substantial hit to the build. But I think it's still a very viable and didn't require any prestige class. Shield is a good buff.

I'll make a Wizard (fighter) next although this one took a while.

[Blave]

Shield is useless if you have Dueling Dance. Both grant a circumstance bonus and don't stack.

Other than that, it looks good at a first glance.

[ThatGuySteve]

Blave wrote:

Shield is useless if you have Dueling Dance. Both grant a circumstance bonus and don't stack.

Other than that, it looks good at a first glance.

Shield is a verbal only spell so can be used while wielding 2-handed for a little extra damage. Shield can also be dismissed to soak up some damage but then has a cool down period. Switch to 1-handed with the sword and enter Dueling Dance at this point to get defences back up.

[Blave]

With Riposte, Dueling Parry, Dueling Dance and Stance Savant I assume he's going one-handed most of the time. Also leaves one hand free for the other spells. And I think switching from one to two hands (or vice versa) takes an action, making it really painful to do in combat.

But yeah, one could use shield for the block reaction. I'd prefer Dueling Parry for the higher AC bonus most of the time. Ideally you get both but that would cost two actions every round before getting Dueling Dance and is most likely a bad idea.

Still, getting shield for such a character might not be quite as useless as I made it sound.

[John Lynch 106]

Bugger. I thought I had checked about them stacking. I also didn't spot that shield was verbal only. Given the dearth of in combat spells to cast he probably would be better off going two handed most of the time.

[Repentia]

Nice build.
However, i can see some significant weaknesses:

#1: Lacking option to attack flying enemies.
Even with a backup shortbow he will deal pathetic damage and miss a lot.
Suggested solution: Take Fly for your level 4 slots.

#2: Bad Reflex and Will Saves.
+23/+22 against DCs of 34+ is really bad. You will be charmed (unable to act hostile) and/or criticaly hit by Combat Spells. 7d12x2+ Damage hurts, even with a nice HP-pool.
Suggested solution: Try to invest more into DEX and WIS by lowering CHA and INT. Iron Will is mandatory.

#3: Bad Attack Spells.
Baleful polymorph (awful spell DC) and Wall of fire (pathetic damage) will do next to nothing.
Suggested soultion: Take more utility spells instead. Teleport would be a good idea.

[John Lynch 106]

Here's version 2 of the same character. Investing in full plate means pumping Dex is pointless.

Human (Scholar) Fighter (Wizard) 17
STR 22 = 10 + 2 (ancestry) + 2 (background) +2 (class) + 2 (1st) + 1 (5th) + 1 (10th) +2 (belt)
DEX 12 = 10 + 2 (1st)
CON 18 = 10 + 2 (1st) + 2 (5th) + 2 (10th) + 2 (15th)
INT 20 = 10 + 2 (ancestry) + 2 (background) + 2 (1st) + 2 (5th) + 1 (10th) + 1 (15th)
WIS 16 = 10 + 2 (5th) + 2 (10th) + 2 (15th)
CHA 12 = 10 + 2 (15th)

Combat Actions:
Two-Handed Broadsword: +30/+25/+20; (5d12+6/19-20)
Two-Handed Huge Broadsword: +30/+25/+20; (5d12+10/19-20)
One-Handed Broadsword: +30/+25/+20; (5d8+6/19-20)
One-Handed Huge Broadsword: +30/+25/+20; (5d8+10/19-20)
Critical effect: creature is flat footed for 1 round.

General:
AC 36 (37 with shield)
HP: 246 = 8 (ancestry) + 68 (con) + 170 (class)
Reflex: +23
Fort: +26
Will: +25

Suggested Actions per Round:
1. Spell+Spell; Attack; Shield
2. Shield; whirlwind Strike (3 attack full round)
3. Shield; Attack; Attack; Attack

Skills:
Trained: Academia Lore, Occultism, Diplomacy, Athletics
Expert: Deception, Society, Intimidate
Master: Perception, Acrobatics
Legendary: Arcana

Feats:
Ancestry 1) General Training (Toughness)
Skill 1) Assurance (Arcana)
Fighter 1) Sudden Charge
Skill 2) Charming Liar
Fighter 2) Wizard Dedication
General 3) Diehard
Skill 4) Confabulator
Fighter 4) Basic Wizard Spellcasting
Ancestry 5) General Training (Iron Will)
Skill 6) Courtly Graces
Fighter 6) Intimidating Strike
General 7) Fast Recovery
Skill 8) Connections
Fighter 8) Arcane Breadth
Flexible Feat 8) Shatter Defences
Ancestry 9) General Training (Recognize Spell)
Skill 10) Lie to Me
Fighter 10) Combat Reflexes
General 11) Quick Recognition
Skill 12) Quick Identification
Fighter 12) Expert Wizard Spellcasting
Ancestry 13) General Training (Scribe Scroll)
Skill 14) Arcane Senses
Fighter 14) Knockdown
Flexible Feat 14) Whirlwind Strike
General 15) Kip Up
Skill 16) Remarkable Resonance
Fighter 16) Reeling Blow
Ancestry 17) Natural Ambition (Furious Focus)

Class Features:
Attack of Opportunity
Legendary Proficiency bastard sword
Master Proficiency heavy armor
+1 initiative
Bravery

Spell's:
Cantrips: Detect Magic (4th), Shield, Light
Level 1) True Strike
Level 1) True Strike
Level 2) False Life: 13 temporary hp
Level 2) False Life: 13 temporary hp
Level 3) Haste
Level 3) Haste
Level 4) Freedom of Movement
Level 4) Freedom of Movement
Level 5) See Invisibility
Level 5) Wall of Stone
Level 6) Enlarge
Level 6) Enlarge
Level 6) Collective Transposition

Resonance: 20

Treasure:
+4 keen adamantine bastard sword (16th & 13th)
+4 full plate (15th)
Belt of Giant Strength +2 (14th)
Greater Cloak of theBat (14th)
Greater Ring of Wizardry (12th)

[Dragonborn3]

Shouldn't the Cantrips be cast at lv9? Cantrips and Powers are always half your character level.

[ThatGuySteve]

Dragonborn3 wrote:

Shouldn't the Cantrips be cast at lv9? Cantrips and Powers are always half your character level.

Detect Magic is gained from the feat Arcane Sense which sets the level based on level of proficiency of Arcana skill. Shield and Light Will be 9th as gained from Wizard Dedication.

[John Lynch 106]

What Steve said.

I've made a wizard (fighter). He obviously has more spells and tricks he can do, including ranged attacks. But he has a -2 to his attack bonus that he can't overcome. He also has less hit points, although his AC is the same (and by devoting more resources his saves are a bit higher).

Human (Scholar) Wizard (Fighter) 17:

STR 22 = 10 + 2 (ancestry) + 2 (background) + 2 (1st) + 2 (5th) + 1 (10th) + 1 (15th level) +2 (belt)
DEX 18 = 10 + 2 (1st) + 2 (5th) + 2 (10th) + 2 (15th)
CON 14 = 10 + 2 (1st) + 2 (15th)
INT 20 = 10 + 2 (ancestry) + 2 (background) + 2 (1st) + 1 (5th) + 1 (10th) + 1 + 2 (class)
WIS 16 = 10 + 2 (5th) + 2 (10th) + 2 (15th)
CHA 10 = 10

Combat Actions:
Two-Handed Broadsword: +28/+23/+18; (5d12+6/19-20)
Two-Handed Huge Broadsword: +28/+23/+18; (5d12+10/19-20)
One-Handed Broadsword: +28/+23/+18; (5d8+6/19-20)
One-Handed Huge Broadsword: +28/+23/+18; (5d8+10/19-20)

General:
AC 36 (37 with shield)
HP: 161 = 8 (ancestry) + 34 (con) + 102 (class) + 17 (toughness)
Resist 10 all energy types
Fort Save: +24
Reflex Save: +26
Will: +25

Suggested Actions per Round:
1. Spell+Spell; Attack; Shield
1. Shield; Attack; Attack; Attack

Skills:
Trained: Academia Lore, Athletics
Expert: Deception, Society, Intimidate, Religion, Occultism
Master: Perception
Legendary: Arcana

Feats:
Ancestry 1) General Training (Toughness)
Skill 1) Assurance (Arcana)
Wizard 1) Reach Spell
Skill 2) Charming Liar
Wizard 2) Fighter Dedication
General 3) Lightning Reflexes
Skill 4) Confabulator
Wizard 4) Basic Maneuver (Furious Focus)
Ancestry 5) General Training (Iron Will)
Skill 6) Courtly Graces
Wizard 6) Quick Preparation
General 7) Fast Recovery
Skill 8) Connections
Wizard 8) Quickened Casting
Ancestry 9) General Training (Recognize Spell)
Skill 10) Lie to Me
Wizard 10) Opportunist
General 11) Quick Recognition
Skill 12) Quick Identification
Ancestry 13) General Training (Scribe Scroll)
Skill 14) Streetwise
Wizard 14) Weapon Expert
General 15) Great Fortitude
Skill 16) Trick Item
Ancestry 17) Natural Ambition (Widen Spell)

Class Features:
9xDrain Focus

Spell's (DC 35)
Cantrips: Detect Magic, Shield, Light, Electric Arc
Level 1) 2xTrue Strike, Longstrider
Level 2)3xFalse Life
Level 3) 3xHaste
Level 4) 3xEnlarge
Level 5) See Invisibility, Wall of Stone
Level 6) Enlarge, Weapon Storm
Level 7) Fiery Body, Fly, Haste
Level 8) Disappearence, Prismatic Wall, Mage Armor
Level 9) Energy Aegis, Chain Lightning

Resonance: 19

Treasure:
+4 keen greater disrupting adamantine bastard sword
Belt of Giant Strength +2
Greater Ring of Wizardry
Pale lavender aeon stone

Depending on what you want both classes are equally valid. To be honest having played an Eldritch knight, the fighter build was disappointing. My magic augmented my fighting capability very little compared to PF1e. That said, the magic will definitely make a difference in how the character plays. Just not in the way I was hoping.

[Avir]

John Lynch 106 wrote:

What Steve said.

I've made a wizard (fighter). He obviously has more spells and tricks he can do, including ranged attacks. But he has a -2 to his attack bonus that he can't overcome. He also has less hit points, although his AC is the same (and by devoting more resources his saves are a bit higher).

** spoiler omitted **...

I'd suggest taking Magical Striker. It combos nicely with True Strike.

[Blave]

Have you thought about getting Makeshift Wand? That's probably the most awesome feat in the whole game (in my humble personal opinion ;) ). You could get three extra castings of any 4th level spell. False Life, Stoneskin, Heroism, Dimension Door, Fly, Haste, Mirror Image, Invisibility.

Admittedly a bit hard to use while wielding a weapon but still worth it, I think.