Hidden warlord (4e Optimized Character Build)

Introduction

The warlord can be played in a lot of ways. In the middle of melee, at a safe distance shooting or using a reach weapon from behind the defender. This build creates a warlord who prefers to stay in the shadows and shoot from at his enemies from cover. Just like a normal warlord, you can still help your allies, but you only go into melee if you have no other choice.

References

Player's Handbook, Martial Power (feats), Martial power 2

First Level

Race: We will take an elf as race. Elves can have bonuses to Dexterity and Intelligence. Their ability to reroll an attack roll can also come in handy, but the main reason is one feat that enables us to use a longbow for all rogue powers that require a crossbow.

Starting Ability Scores: Strength 16, Constitution 13, Dexterity 14 (+2), Intelligence 14 (+2), Wisdom 8, Charisma 10. The ability bonuses of a Eladrin are between brackets. This array will give you good Dexterity, Intelligence and Strength. It will also give you some Constitution. Strength and Dexterity are required for your attacks, Intelligence helps your buffs and Dexterity makes you stealthier.

Class Options: Choose the Combat Leader and Skirmishing Presence class features. I recommend training in Athletics, Endurance, History and Diplomacy. Archer warlord is not required, due to you having the same Strength and Dexterity modifiers and being an elf. You can still choose it, but it may be better to not take it.

Equipment:

• Hide armor (30 gp). The best armor available to you, and your high dexterity only makes it better. You can also choose leather if you want to exchange AC for better skills.
• Longbow (30 gp) The best ranged weapon that you can get without burning a feat, so take it.

Feats Take either Twilight adept or Sneak of shadows at first level. At higher levels, take Treetop sniper (MP2) and Skill Training (Stealth, if you chose Sneak of Shadows) or Skill Focus (Stealth, if you chose Twilight Adept), this will help you to hide from your opponents.

Powers: Choose ranged warlord powers and some buffs that don't require you to be in melee.

Suggested level 1 at-will exploits:

• Direct the strike - This lets you help your allies without coming to close to them, so you will still be far from the actual battle.
• Paint the bull's-eye - A small attack, but it can do lots of damage if enough of your allies attack the target.

Suggested level 1 encounter exploit:

• Race the arrow - Both you and a ally can attack the target, and it also helps to get allies between you and the enemy.

Suggested level 1 daily exploit:

• Inspiring shot - A bonus for healing is always nice, especially if it comes with good damage.

Final attributes

At level 1, you will have:

• 25 hit points
• Speed 6
• Initiative 4
• AC 17
• Fortitude 13, Reflex 14, Will 14
• +5-6 attack bonus.

Progression

Try to multiclass to rogue and take some nice cunning sneak powers. Thanks to Treetop Sniper, you will be able to use a longbow for rogue powers.

At 11th level, you can paragon multiclass to rogue, or take one of these interesting paragon paths:

• Captain of Fortune (MP2) - You can use multiple action points per encounter, has a buff to make sure that the important stuff does a lot of damage, and its daily power is arguably broken for a ranged attacker.

• Guildmaster Thief (MP) - This is a surprisingly leader-y paragon path for a rogue, but for you, it's perfect!

• Verdant stalker (MP2) - More stealth, but you won't get any enabling powers.

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