Optimal all-around character builds
I'm looking for a good build for Scarlett and Roderick in Divinity: Original Sin (first playthrough). I want to experience as much as possible of the content, so the goal is to cover as many areas as possible, which means between the two main characters I want:
- Loremaster
- Crafting & Blacksmithing
- The four elemental magic lines
- An ability to get to hard to reach places (such as Tactical Retreat from the Marksman line)
- Lucky Find
- Sneaking, Pickpocketing and Lockpicking
- Pet Pal talent for the extra conversations
- High perception to spot hidden things
The best I could come up with so far are a Ranger (dexterity) and a customized caster (intelligence) build with the Lone Wolf talent.
I'm sure there are better combinations out there, what are they?
Solution 1:
I've refined it down to the following, and am very pleased with it so far. This is without the Lone Wolf talent, so I get all four characters (and their dialogue).
Roderick (Spotter, Talker, Looter, Thief)
Ranged (Bow/Crossbow) with Dexterity and Perception as main stats. This is the character I usually have active when opening containers or talking to NPCs. It was therefore also useful to have him be the one that picks locks and sneaks into rooms (and pockets).
Stats
- Dexterity
- Perception
Abilities
- Expert Marksman (with Tactical Retreat)
- Bow/Crossbow (Crossbows are hard to find early on, so put a point into Bows to start with)
- Lucky Charm
- Charisma
- Lockpicking
- Sneaking
- Pickpocketing
- Telekinesis
Bartering I've found quite unnecessary due to finding plenty of loot (usually more than I could trade to merchants). You also get some from traits and items, so I wouldn't spend points on this.
If you have spare points, put them into the defensive abilities or add another spell line.
Talents
- Pet Pal (I love these, and felt really sorry when I accidentally crushed a rat with a crate)
- Light Stepper
- All Skilled Up
- Arrow Recovery
Traits (bold means take this side)
- Pragmatic (Crafting) ⇔ Romantic (Lucky Charm)
- Altruistic (Reputation) ⇔ Egotistical (Bartering)
- Independent (Willpower) ⇔ Obedient (Willpower from Leadership)
- Righteous (Leadership) ⇔ Renegade (Pickpocketing)
- Bold (Initiative) ⇔ Cautious (Sneaking)
- Spiritual (Fear Immunity) ⇔ Materialistic (Loremaster)
- Compassionate (Crit Chance) ⇔ Heartless (Backstab Hit Chance)
- Forgiving (Curse Immunity) ⇔ Vindictive (+Hit on AoO)
- Blunt (Charm Immunity) ⇔ Considerate (Charisma)
Scarlett (Elements, Crafting, Loremaster)
4-Element caster, Crafter, Blacksmith (for repairing) and Loremaster. As starting spells I strongly recommend Midnight Oil, Flare and the hydrosophist heal.
Stats
- Intelligence
- Speed
Abilities
- Aerotheurge
- Geomancer
- Hydrosophist
- Pyrokinetic
- Two-handed (Staff)
- Blacksmithing
- Crafting
I did not put any points into Loremaster, because it's easy to get the first point early on and then identify enough jewelry to boost the Loremaster skill to 2 or 3, which is all I've needed so far.
No points in Leadership either, although I ended up with quite a few from items and traits.
Talents
- Know-it-All
- Scientist
- All Skilled Up
Traits (bold means take this side)
- Pragmatic (Crafting) ⇔ Romantic (Lucky Charm)
- Altruistic (Reputation) ⇔ Egotistical (Bartering)
- Independent (Willpower) ⇔ Obedient (Willpower from Leadership)
- Righteous (Leadership) ⇔ Renegade (Pickpocketing)
- Bold (Initiative) ⇔ Cautious (Sneaking)
- Spiritual (Fear Immunity) ⇔ Materialistic (Loremaster)
- Compassionate (Crit Chance) ⇔ Heartless (Backstab Hit Chance)
- Forgiving (Curse Immunity) ⇔ Vindictive (+Hit on AoO)
- Blunt (Charm Immunity) ⇔ Considerate (Charisma)