Advanced Maneuvers:

Heroic Tier

Here, we’re going to look at the Warlords Encounter Powers that he can learn from levels 1-10.

Level 1 Encounter Powers

Diabolic Stratagem- Useful for the Warlord that wants to play part-time defender.  Attempts to entice an enemy into attacking you in order to grant an attack to an ally.  Some people like this, but it can end up being pretty DM dependant.

Guarding Attack- Not bad, but AC buffs tend to simply make the target attack another character, making the best use of this power to stave off attacks to one ally for a round.  Much better choices here.

Hammer and Anvil- One of the better powers for Cha based Warlords.  A BA from you that targets Reflex that allows a buffed attack from an ally.  Pretty good.

Hammer Formation- Requires a heavy thrown weapon.  Heavy weapons are generally weak and/or innaccurate.  This power is mediocre for most warlords, and acceptable on a Resourcelord.

Leaf on the Wind- Allows you or an ally to swap places with the target on a hit.  Lame!  We can do so much better, this one is hard to even look at.

Luring Focus- This power is only considered Black for Bravelords, and less for the others.  You can use this on a charge, and a pull of 3 or 4 can be pretty useful.

Myrmidon Formation- Requires a shield.  2W hit that as an effect gives all adjacent allies 5 THP at the start of your next turn.  Pretty good, fair amount of THP at this level.

Nimble Footwork- Pretty lack luster...  1 square shifts aren't very impressive.  If you really like playing the chess master though, this power can be somewhat useful.

Warlord's Favor- Prime pick for level one for a Taclord (it's a no contest).  Rates Blue for the other Warlord builds at this level for it being the only power at this level to offer an attack bonus.  Most Taclords will be giving out a +5 Attack bonus with this right from level one.  This power is so good, you'll probably keep it until Epic Tier.

Cooridnated Offensive- This is BARELY better than Wolf Pack Tactics, so why would you take this is your encounter power?  There are so many better choices here.  Very disappointing start for the new Class Acts power section (it’ll get better).

Provocative Order- This one isn’t much better than Commander’s Strike in most cases.  You give up your attack to allow an ally to charge and deal 1W extra damage.  So many better choices here.

Level 3 Encounter Powers

Bloody Ending- Strong hit, 2W +Str and Int mods.  Good choice for Resourcelords as they allow all allies a +2 to attack rolls to the enemy until the end of your next turn.  This would be Sky Blue if you didn't have to use this on bloodied creatures.

Dicey Predicament- You must be flanked to use this.  2W +str, and a hit will have all enemies within 5 squares of you grant CA to your allies until the end of your next turn.  Not bad, it's just not great.  Bravelords get to apply Cha mod to the hit.

Flattening Charge- Lousy if you aren't a Bravelord, in which case it is ok.  If you aren't a Bravelord built for charging, you can do better than this.

Follow Me In- This is somewhat dependant on your party make-up and play style.  Decent hit and can be used on a charge.  Speed bonus can be useful.  I would only suggest this for a Taclord though, for the extra effect he gets with it.

Hold the Line- BA that automatically grants a AC bonus to adjacent allies and protects them from forced movement until the start of your next turn.  Not great.

Inspiring War Cry- 2W hit that automatically hands a saving throw to an ally within 5.  Situational and lack luster, but granting saving throws is good stuff. 

Shielding Retaliation- A class with bad HP shouldn't be taking hits for an ally.  Very situational, as this only works on opportunity attacks.  Takes coordination to use for a mediocre attack.

Steel Monsoon-  The choice for Taclords that don't want Inspiring War cry.  Good thing to have if you didn't take WPT.

Warlord's Strike- Great pick for Inspiralords, mediocre for others.  Damage bonuses still beat out attack bonus at this level.

Devastating Offensive- A sorely needed power at this level for Taclords.  For non Taclords or Resourcelords, this is inferior to Hammer and Anvil.

Road to Victory- Provides an ample amount of movement to an ally (more if you use Inspiring Word on them afterward).  Not a bad power, but you can do much better.

Level 7 Encounter Powers

Deadly Returns- Much better choices.  Ok for a wannabe defender though.

Lion's Roar- Heals a surge regardless of whether you hit or miss.  Cha bonus to HP healed for Inspiralords.

Phalanx Assault- AC and Reflex boost to adjacent allies for a turn on a hit.  Resourcelords get it regardless.  Requires a shield.  Not very good.

Provoke Overextension- Bad for anyone but Bravelords.  Haven't done any math on this attack, so I think I'm leaving it at Blue.

Sacrificial Lure- You pick one ally to add your Cha mod to his next attack roll.  You automatically take a -2 penalty to AC.  You can do better.

Stirring Force- Saving throws to allies within two squares of you.  Resourcelords allow allies to add his Int mod.  Blue for non Resourcelords.

Sunder Armor- Allows hits against the target to crit on an 18-20 for one round.  Not bad, but how much crit optimization is in the party at this level?

Surprise Attack- BA that gives an ally within 5 a BA against any target.  Taclords give a bonus to the BA equal to Int mod.  Blue for not Taclords.

Suround Foe- Totally lame.  It's a little bit better than WPT for a level 7 encounter power...

War of Attrition- So, it may not enable a total Nova turn like Taclords can, but this is still a fantastic bonus for Inspiralords.  Black for other Presences.

Wild Runner Strike- Surrounds target with difficult terrain and allows your allies to ignore difficult terrain.  Ok move for a chess master or defender, but there are much better powers to pick from.

Withering Courage- Not a lot of Warlord Attack debuff powers, that come to mind, so this is somewhat unique.  Still, I’d pass on this for anyone but a Bravelord (there is a rider for Inspiring also, but they have a much better choice here), as they allow adjacent allies to deal Cha mod extra damage to the enemy.  For the Bravelords though, they are probably better off taking Provoke Overextension and pairing it up with Diabolic Stratagem.

Reserve Tactics:

Heroic Tier

 This is where we check out our Daily power selection from levels 1-10

Level 1 Daily Powers

Bastion of Defense- Very good choice for any Charisma based Warlord.  Don't laugh at the +1 defense bonus, it lasts until the end of the encounter.  I've been there, it helps.  5+Cha mod THP to allies within five squares is a big plus too.

Calculated Assault- This power is pretty good for Intelligence based Warlords that aren't of the Tactical Presence.  Taclords are gonna do much better with Lead the Attack.

Concentrated Attack- Automatically grants a free BA to an ally with a bonus to attack and damage equal to your Int mod.  Good for Intelligent Warlords, but Taclords have a far better choice.

Fearless Rescue- It's an immediate reaction, which is nice, but we have better ways to heal our allies...  Points for flavor.

Lead by Example- I think this may be better if you miss with it...  Dishing out auto CA is really weak for a warlord, he can do so much more.

Lead the Attack- If you're an intelligent Warlord, you're gonna hold onto this one for a long time.  When you hit with this, that baddie is good as dead.  Pretty pathetic on a miss though, so... make sure you hit.

Pin the Foe- 3w and automatically prevents the target from shifting if at least 2 allies (you count as an ally here) are adjacent to him.  This power ranges from mediocre to good based on your DM's play style.  Still a 3W hit that pins something, we just have better choices.  Chess master move for sure.

White Raven Onslaught- 3W power that allows ally sliding for the encounter.  Only allows sliding of adjacent allies though.  Some people love this, but I'm not seeing it.

Lamb to the Slaughter- Grants a charge attack to three allies within five squares.  Very good power.  Although you are required to hit to grant the attacks here, it is against will and is reliable.  Not a must pick, but a very strong choice for any non-Taclord (as it still doesn’t quite stand up to Lead the Attack).

Level 5 Daily Powers

A Rock and a Hard Place- Stance power that allows you to deal Int mod damage to any enemy that misses an ally with an attack.  Only worth taking for a Taclord, since he gets to add 1W to the damage dealt.  Especially good when sitting next to a defender.

Pike Hedge- Requires a reach weapon and allows you to deal Str Mod to enemies that aproach you until end of encounter.  Much better choices

Scent of Victory- Allows all allies within 5 to make a MBA to any Bloodied enemy adjacent to them.  Bloodied enemies only makes this too situational.

Situational Advantage- Requires a Heavy Thrown weapon.  Allows you and allies to deal extra damage for 1 round with CA, bonus to Resourcelords.  Much better choices.

Staggering Spin- Close burst 1, enemies only, vs Fort.  BA with push 1.  If the target is then adjacent to any allies, they can make an MBA as an opportunity action against the target.  Pretty good.  If you like the chess game, this is for you.

Stand the Fallen- The power Charisma based power that is so good, even the Taclords take it.  3W hit that as an effect lets all allies within 1o squares spend a surge with a cha mod bonus to hp healed.  Pretty much the power any Warlord should take at this level (it's why A Rock and a Hard Place didn't make Sky Blue).

Turning Point-  Gives a saving throw... This is a daily power!  Your encounter powers can do this.  Very lame.

Villain's Nightmare- Allows you to stick down the target for the encounter.  Good power if you wanna play defender.

Bait the Hook- Not a bad power, but there are better choices here.

Rousing Call- Lets prone allies stand up.  This power may be misworded, otherwise, it is nearly useless.

Level 9 Daily Powers

Blood Designation- Gives ongoing damage and CA to allies.  It's a damaging power for Inpiralords, but that's not our game.

Caging Glaive- Requires reach weapon.  Lame power that requires you to stick to one target. 

Denying Mark- Gives out a save ends mark.  While marked they can't rechare powers.  Bravelords deny action points while marked.  Lame for any warlord, even the wanna be defenders.

Disheartening Flurry- Close burst one for enemies only.  Gives a -2 penalty to saving throws until the end of the encounter.  Rates much higher depending on party make-up.

Iron Dragon Charge- Must use on a charge.  3W hit.  As an effect, an ally of choice can charge any target you do as an Immediate reaction.  This can hand out a fair amount of attacks at this level.  Fantastic for Chargelords.  Works Great with Flattening Charge and Inevitable Wave.

Knock them Down- 3W hit that knocks prone.  Allows every ally within 10 squares to move 3 and make an MBA that does no damage but knocks prone.  Pretty good power.  Probably the better choice for any Warlord that doesn't like charging.

Stay on Target- Requires a heavy thrown weapon, Ranged 3.  Immediate Reaction when enemy enters range.  Each ally within 2 squares can make an RBA against the target as an Immediate reaction with Int mod bonus to damage.  Sky Blue on party capable of RBA's.

Warlord's Recovery- It's a good power, but I'm not a fan of it.  Great for longer battles.

White Raven Strike- Gives out 15 THP to one or two allies.  Cha bonus if you dropped the ally.  At this level, you can do better.

Awakened Wrath- This actually seems like a mediocre encounter power…  The ally needs to be next to at least 3 enemies to make this worthwhile, and has to be in this situation at the moment you are bloodied, which is too situational for my taste. There are better choices here.

Teachable Moment- While the effect on this does last the rest of the battle, it is a relatively small bonus.  These bonuses add up, but most Warlord strategies revolve around setting up a few well placed big attacks, which this power is not designed for.  Once again, this effect does last for the encounter, so I may be wrong here, as I have no info or feedback on this power.  You’re still probably better off with Iron Dragon Charge or Knock Them Down though.

 Non-Offensive Maneuvers:

Heroic Tier

This is where we discuss the Utility Powers your Warlord can learn from level's 2-10

Level 2 Utility Powers

Adaptive Stratagem- Pretty good effects, good for any Warlord build, but best for Resourcelords, as they get both bonuses.  Good pick for Taclords too, they don't get as many bonuses to damage as they do attack power.

Aid the Injured-Standard Action that allows you or an adjacent ally to spend a surge.  It's a bad power, but may be the best choice for some parties.

Covering Maneuver- Pretty lousy power.  Gives a mark, but thats about it.  Triggers on using second wind...

Crescendo of Violence- I would take this power for the name alone if it weren't so lousy.  No build should ever take this.

Heroic Effort- Must be used when you're bloodied.  Gives allies a bonus to damage rolls equal to your Cha mod until your no longer bloodied.  You also get THP equal to your level + your Cha mod.  This is a very good choice for any Cha based Warlord, and only gets better when you reach higher levels.  Too bad it's a daily.  Plays especially well if you're a Dragonborn.

Inspired Belligerence- Gives CA to all allies against a target already granting CA.  Inspiralords give allies a bonus to damage rolls for a round equal to their CHA mod. This may be an encounter power, but I think Heroic Effort is still the prime choice for any Cha based Warlord at this level.

Knight's Move- Gives an ally your Move action.  I don't like it, but the Chess players do.  Remember this is a ranged attack (provokes OAs).

Motivated Recovery- Allows re-use of Second Wind and gives a Cha mod bonus to next attack roll.  Only useful in a party with at least one dwarf.

Reckless Opportunity- An Initiative check to gain CA, at the possibilty of granting CA.  Very Very lame.

Repositioning Command-  Allows allies to shift 1.  It's a daily power.  Pretty lame for that, compared to Knight's Move.  You can do much better here.

Rub Some Dirt On It- Bloodied ally gains THP equal to 5+ Cha mod.  Pretty good, nice flavor text, lol.

Shake It Off- Dishes out a saving throw with a Cha mod bonus.  Don't need too many saving throws yet, but this will be a good choice to retrain for.

Level 6 Utility Powers

Dragon's Tenacity- You and each bloodied ally in burst 5 gets a +2 bonus to attack rolls until the end of your next turn, +3 if you're Dragonborn.  Good bonus, but most imortantly, it's one of the few powers that works for you too.  Anything that helps you hit with a daily or encounter power is very important.

Encouraging Stance- Stance power that hands out THP to a bloodied ally on a hit with your melee attacks.  Bravelords are Sky Blue with this because they can grant the THP even on a miss. 

Forward Observer- Allows an ally to ignore the attack penalty for covor or concealment as minor action.  This is pretty situational, but it is an at-will.

Guide the Charge- This is ok if your party charges a lot.  There's just much better choices here though.

Guileful Switch- The evolved Knight's Move...  If giving your turn to an ally is better than you taking a turn, then you're not a very good leader.  It's not useless, but I don't put much into playing with initiative.

Inspiring Reaction- Immediate reaction when you or an adjacent ally takes damage.  Allows you or an adjancent ally to spend a surge with cha mod bonus.  Standard healing power, but thats not the kind of leader a Warlord has to be.

Phalanx Formation- Stance that offers a small AC and Feflex bonus if you are using a shield and an adjacent ally is using a shield.  Bad.

Polearm Vault- Allows you to move through an enemy (while still provoking OAs).  Lame.

Quick Step- Daily that increases one ally's speed by 2 for the encounter.  This is only gonna be semi useful for a round or two in most encounters.  We can do more for our allies than this.

Rousing Words- 2 Surge Healing! Inspiralords add 5 + Cha mod.  This is a very strong encounter heal, very hard choice not to take this one.

Stand Tough- Daily that allows all allies and yourself in burst 5 to regain 10 + Cha mod hit points.  Surgeless healing always helps...

Tactical Supervision- Immediate Interrupt that allows you to add Int Mod to attack roll of triggering BA, bull rush or charge.  I was about to rate this black until I noticed it was an Interrupt.  If it's not clicking, that means that this power is only going to used when you know the attack will hit only with your bonus, which is pretty unique to the Warlord, even though this only effects one BA.

Tempting Target- Blue for Bravelords only.  CA is pretty easy to get, you don't need to waste your actions and power choices to give it out, especially at a risk to yourself.

Leader’s Intercession-You shouldn’t really be taking hits for your allies, as your HP is about as low as it gets.  If you wanna heal someone, take Rousing words here.

Stand Fast- Allies can’t be moved for a round, and you can pick up an ally if you use inspiring word on them.  Far better options to pick up here.

Level 10 Utility Powers

Bolstering Shout- Cha mod bonus to Second Wind to all allies in Burst 10.  Targets can choose to use Second Wind as a minor, but gain no defense bonus.  Pretty good mass heal, but doesn't target you and uses Second Wind, which is a resource not often used all the time, but is still a resource.  Encounter mass heal though.

Defensive Rally- Each ally in burst 5 spends a surge, gets a +2 power bonus to all defenses and makes a saving throw.  Awesome heal, but it is a daily power.  If you feel you need a mass heal every encounter, go Bolstering Shout.

Ease Suffering- Or you could just grant them a saving throw, which isn't hard. 

Instant Planning- Sky Blue for any Charismalord, black for Intellords.  The important part of this power grants a cha mod bonus to attack rolls to you and all allies within burst 5 until the end of your next turn.  Remember, attack bonuses that actually hit you are very important.

Marked Revelation- Allows everything in the burst to be marked by one ally.  So much better to take at this level.

Rallying Deflection- Small damage reduction from a ranged attack if you are using a shield.  Does allow an ally to charge the attacker as a free action though.  Still doesn't make this worth taking.

Strider Stance- Stance to trade you move for a shift and +2 damage bonus.  Lame.

Tactical Shift- Daily that allows an ally to dodge an attack by shifting.  I'd rather have a mass heal or attack bonus.

Unintended Feint- Allows a reroll as a daily power.  Rerolls are strong, but not as a daily at this level.

Draw Their Eyes- We’re not the striker here. So do we want to grant combat advantage to get a damage bonus for ourselves?  Once again, there are far better choices here.

Warlord’s Denial- Saving throws to yourself and allies in a burst two, and an extra saving throw to anyone you use your word on for a round.  If you want a mass saving throw power, you’re probably better off with Defensive Rally to get healing and a defense bonus, as well as having a larger range.

Warlord Training:

Feats

Heroic Tier

General Feats

Double team- This may be an ok trade for a few levels, but it’s going to taper off fast.  Our attack bonus is generally nothing special, often on the low side, so let’s not drag it down anymore.

Improved Inspiring Word- Any Charisma lord should have this, at least through the heroic tier.  I like to pick this up at level 1, as that is when it has the highest impact on the party.

Lend Might- Tacks a +1 bonus to attacks you grant to allies.  Great feat, but I generally can’t find room for it (at least in Taclord builds).

Saving Inspiration- Trade in some healing for a saving throw.  Something most Warlord’s should have, at least by Paragon.

Courageous Example- This is a new one from 377… When you succeed on a saving throw, you give a bonus to your next ally that makes one.  This is probably gonna be pretty useful by paragon or epic.  Very leadery at least.   Lookin for feedback on this one.

Durable- We generally don’t have the luxury of a decent Constitution, if any at all…  However, most Warlord builds have trouble fitting this in with other necessary feats.

Harlequin Style- Makes Brash Assault worth taking.  Still not guaranteed to make the attack more damaging (actually a ditterent). 

Hunting Wolf Style- Wolf Pack Tactics can shift an ally within 2 squares of you.  WPT is still lame.

Improved Initiative- I don’t think Initiative is a huge thing for Warlords to worry about.  We’ve got plenty of other ways to play with/boost initiative, but feat slots are tight.

Steel Vanguard Veteran- Pretty good for a Bravelord that wants to get into the damage game.  19-20 Crit ranges are VERY rare in the Heroic Tier.  You can have it at first.  I almost feel that I’m underrating this, but I have no experience with it.  Feedback appreciated (keep in mind this cannot be used in conjunction with Harlequin Style).

Toughness- Feat space is tight.  Do you really need this? Be a man.

Grudge Style- If you like Furious Smash, this is pretty good.

Warding Shield style- If you actually like Opening Shove and have a shield, don’t pass on this.

Armor Proficiency- Good leaders don’t die and/or waste heals on themselves.  If you need this, take it.

Shield Proficiency- See Armor Proficiency

Weapon Proficiency-  Depends on your build.  Getting a Reach Weapon?   Sky Blue.  Getting a Bastard Sword, Blue.

Weapon Focus- You’re no striker, but damage is damage. Get this sometime in your career, probably after you spend your Weapon Proficiency feat, if necessary.

Weapon Expertise- Take this ASAP.  Our best results come when we hit with our powers, and we get no extra class features  for accuracy (as well as many good Warlord builds only having a 16 starting Strength).

Prepared for Anything- An AC buff that only lasts until the end of your first turn…  This feat is a minor effect that has a very good chance of being useless when considering the fact that Warlords have a fair amount of different ways to generously increase Initiative, rendering this feat nearly useless.

Bravura Presence

Improved Bravura- Attack bonus on Action points or a speed bonus.  Pretty good.

Bold Gamble- A feat for a chance to get CA after an action point (or grant it if you miss).  You shouldn’t have space for this in your feat list.

Courageous Word- Good damage boost at the cost of granting CA for a round.  I’m assuming this applies to all attacks against the opponent for a round, so this seems mandatory for a Bravelord.  If it only applies to one hit, it’s not nearly as good.

Risky Charge-  Very Bravura-esk feat…  I’m not even sure about this one, lol.  If you’re a Bravelord that  optimizes his charges, go ahead and try this.  Otherwise, this is a big gamble.

Inspiring Presence

Inspired Recovery- Free Saving Throws to allys when they action point with a Charisma Mod bonus.  This is something you have to have eventually.

Improved Inspiration- An extra 2 HP to your Presence bonus… It doesn’t even scale.  You should not have room for this.

Emboldening Presence- A Cha mod boost to Saving throws for two rounds?  This can be extremely useful in a battle with a lot of status effects, although it does trigger off using second wind.  If your party is not a fan of using their second wind, combine this with Bolstering Shout (level 10 encounter Utility power) for an easy way to take advantage of this feat.  Although this is one of the newest Warlord feats, I believe this will be a new standard (or very popular) pick for all Inspiralords)

Inspiring Aid- I’ll be honest, I have no idea how to rate this as I have no experience with Aid Another.  However, if you are the type to value this action, then this is a must have feat.

Rousing Resurgence- If your party uses second wind a lot, this is very good.  If this were available for all presences, I would rate it higher, but being as it is given to the “healerlord”, your party should not need to use it’s second winds too often.

Stirring Word- Cha mod THP to an ally that you use Inspiring Word on.  Not a lot of reasons to not take this in my opinion.  For a strong healing build, I think this is a great second level pick, right after Improved Inspiring Word.

Resourceful Presence

Improved Resources- Add 2 to damage and THP bonus that your Presence grants.  Pretty good.

Covered Retreat- This can provide some good maneuverability for the party, but I believe I’d rather just make an attack far more often than utilizing this feat.  I can still see some use for this though (just not my style).

Resourceful Donation- Allows you to split the HP you recover from spending a healing surge with an adjacent ally.  This can be a useful feature, but you probably shouldn’t be spending your surges when you don’t need them.  This would be a different story if you were a class that had more surges/hp, but we are among the worst.  In other words, we usually need all of our own stamina resources for ourselves.

Rousing Charge- Give up your +1 attack bonus on charges to grant your ally a +2 attack bonus against the same creature for one attack.  This is a relatively insignificant boost in attack accuracy, and we need all the extra attack bonuses we can get.  I wouldn’t suggest this even if you are a Resourcelord that does nothing but charge.

Imaginitive Reaction- A small loss in your initiative (choice) to grant Cha mod bonus to Initiative for one ally, and Int for another.  I’ve mentioned before that I am a player that will never take Improved Initiative, but this is nearly as good as Combat Commander, and it’s available during the Heroic Tier!  This is going to start off good and become phenomenal as you level up.

Tactical Presence

Tactical Assault- Bonus Damage to allies action points.  It’s not if you take this, it’s when.

Improved Tactics- I don’t think that this is worth a feat.  It’s still not a bad choice though.

Tactical Adjustment- A slide on action points… Small effect that you probably won’t need to use on every action point.  Taclords generally have a pretty big want list for their feats, so you won’t have room for this.

Tactical Feint- You give an ally ½ Int Mod to an attack roll when you AP…  Now our action points can be special too!  This isn’t that big a deal right away ( I rate this Blue for Heroic Tier), but I suggest taking this soon after your Int mod reaches a +6.  Very close to another Standard choice for Taclords.

Shrewd Positioning- A 1 square shift when initiative is rolled… Seriously? How useful can this be (no really, can somebody tell me a use for this other than starting the party 1 square closer to the action)?  This feat in my understanding is far too useless to warrant a feat slot for a Taclord.

Race Specific

Dragonborn

Bravura Spirit- Attack or speed bonus on Bravura Presence attack to bloodied allies.  Especially good with a party that likes to play bloodied.

Dwarf

Bolstering Inspiration- You shouldn’t be a Dwarven Warlord… This is an ok feat, but definitely nowhere close to making a Dwarflord worth playing.

Eladrin

Fey Command- Ally can teleport 1 square when they attack with an Action point.  It’s not useless, but we have so many better choices. Tactical Presence only

Tactical Inspiration- Add your Int modifier to Inspiring word.  Intellords can be just as good as the other leaders at healing, for about 1 level…

Eladrin Soldier- Damage bonus with longswords and spears, and proficiency with all spears.  Fantastic if you wanna go with a Greatspear, and good nonetheless.

Half-Elf

Inspired Tactics- +1 to allies attack rolls on action point.  Not bad.

Halfling

Bold Command- If an enemy that you are granting CA to misses you with a melee attack, you grant your allies a +1 bonus to attack rolls until the start of your next turn.  Not bad.  Bravura Presence only.

Human

Action Surge-Considered by many to be the reason to play Humans.  This really is the best chance you have to connect with a daily.  Throughout the Heroic tier, this will be your best tool to connect with Lead the Attack, which is gonna be your biggest threat for a while.

Inspired Defense- +1 defense bonus for a round to an ally that you use inspiring word on.  Small bonus that pops up twice an encounter.  You can do better.

Paragon Tier

Combat Commander- I would never take Improved Initiative, but this is a huge Initiative boost to the entire party.  Don’t pass on this.

Defensive Surge- +2 bonus to defenses on one ally when you use second wind.  I wouldn’t take this if I were a dwarf.  Pass.

Impetuous Charger- This isn’t bad, but giving out CA isn’t that big a deal.  OK choice.

Phalanx Warrior- Not bad.  You probably have better things to take though.

Warlord’s Formation- I’d like to think you can do something with your turn better than Aid Another.

Heavy Blade Opportunity- Pretty good pick, but it depends on your build.  Definitely doesn’t hurt.

Shield Specialization- +1 AC and Reflex for one feat?  Yes please.

Vexing Flanker- Helps out your allies, it’s what you’re there for.  If you’ve been reading this though, I don’t put a whole lot of stock in granting CA, but this is a pretty decent pick.

Armor Specialization- If you can afford it, take it.  I’m of the opinion that 1 feat is worth 1 AC (usually), so this is a good pick.

Resourceful Presence

Reliable Resources- Why wouldn’t you want to attack on your action point?  It is something that shouldn’t happen that often, so don’t take a feat for it.  Not that big a bonus anyway.

Versatile Word- Very good feat.  Not sure if this is Sky Blue material yet, but I can tell you it’s definitely worth taking.  Another feat that is making Infernal Strategist Resourcelords look like the better build right now.

Inspiring Only

Defense of the Inspired-  Does anyone take the Total Defense Action?  They probably shouldn’t be if they are, making this feat nearly useless (although this feat can make the action a bit more desirable, it’s still not a good thing to do)

Tactical Only

Tactician’s Word- Definitely a new must pick for any non-Battle Captain Taclord (and still a good choice for them too).  Battle Captain was the pick for any non-Eladrin Taclord, so this feat helps make that path a little less “mandatory”.  This may also fully tip the scale in favor of Spiral Tactician in regards  of the best Taclord Paragon Path category (in my view at least).

Race Specific

Dragonborn

Bloody Inspiration- Gives out some THP to a second ally when you use your Inspiring Word on an ally.  Pretty good, but requires a Con Investment.

Eladrin

Fey Tactics- When you use Fey Step, an ally within 5 squares of you can Fey step 2.  You guys have probably picked up on the fact that I don’t care much about shifting and sliding allies, but a free 5+ Teleport?  Unbelievablely awesome when paired with Feycharge.

Dwarf

Steadfast Tactics- Allows allies to resist forced movements until the end of the encounter  when you use inspiring word on them.  Definitely not a reason to play a Dwarflord…

Genasi

Elemental Companions- Allows your allies to share your racial elemental resistance and saving throw bonuses.  Depends on what Element you went with, but this is most likely going to be worth taking.

Half-Elf

Vital Inspiration-  Allys that see you can add your Cha mod to HP regained when they use Second Wind.  Depends on party makeup and playstyle.  I’d go with Black on this one if you don’t have a few dwarves or people that like to use second wind a lot.

Epic Tier

Aggressive Leadership- Good pick.  Usefulness can depend on party play style, but in general, people are going to be bloodied for a little while anyway.

Call to Glory- Depends on your build.  A good Warlord should probably be giving out a fair amount attacks, so this will help.

Protective Leadership- Ok choice, but most Intellords have better options than this.

Supreme Inspiration- If you have a 19 Charisma, you take this.  Non-Choice.  Why don’t Taclords get to have this…

Tactical Cunning- Gives an AC bonus to an ally that you slide.  This is great if you’re a chesslord, otherwise, you shouldn’t really have enough sliding powers to legitimize this.  SLIDE ONLY- does nothing for powers that push pull or shift.

Weapon Mastery- Very good thing for ANY character to have.  Best here is usually Heavy Blade Mastery, which requires a starting 15 dex, which is not gonna happen for all Warlord builds.  If you can take it, get it.

Epic Fortitude/Reflexes/Will- All completely worth a feat.  These picks are generally bases on how many other feats you would rather have and how much you care about your defenses.  Generally, taking 2 of these is best, as three is just bumping a NAD that is probably going to be hit all the time anyway.

Martial Mastery- Much better for us than Epic Resurgence.  Encounter power back on an AP, very nice.

Robust Defenses- For the most part, this is a non choice.

Bravura Presence

Bold Spirit- Get THP when you get hit while bloodied or granting CA to the attacker.  This is 90% of many Bravelords day.  Very nice pick.

Resourceful Presence

Action Grant- Give away an Action point (that must be uses during the encounter).  This is entirely dependant on party make up, as some characters will not be able to use more than one action point during an encounter.  Once again, this ranges from mediocre to great depending on your parties play style.

Tactical Presence

Tactical Action- Allows a basic attack if an ally misses their attack on an action point.  You don’t want this to happen on an action point, so it’s not something you should plan for.  I would think it’s pretty useful for a Resourcelord that went Infernal Strategist though.

Race Specific

Eladrin

Feywild Warrior- Teleport yourself and target of a daily power 5 squares on a hit.  Only works on daily powers, but that is still a nice effect.

Warlord Paths

There’s many paths your Warlord can take, but let’s weed out some of the good and bad.

Spiral Tactician- Eladrin Tactical warlords only.  One of the few paths for a Taclord that can compete with Battle Captain in term  of raw power.  Allows you to regain Feys Step when you use an action point and gives out a great Initiative reroll with bonus to one ally every encounter, right from level 11.  The level 11 encounter power is not great, but far from useless.  The level 12 utility is like Knight’s Move, but far better.  Encounter teleport for an ally?  Very nice.  The Level 16 feature is the pure gold here though.  Your Tactical Presence bonus becomes equal to your full Intelligence Modifier!  By the time you have this, it should be ensuring nearly automatic hits for your allies on an Action point attack.  The level 20 Daily Power is nothing to laugh at either.

Battle Captain- Open to any Warlord Presence, but designed for the Taclord.  You give all your allies a +1 bonus to attack rolls for a turn when you spend an action point. Allies also get a +2 bonus to attack rolls on the first round of combat.  The encounter power is very good, and allows you to push an enemy and the enemies adjacent to him. The Utility power is mostly garbage.  I don’t find it to be worth a standard action, and it’s a daily power any way.  Not the reason to pick Battle Captain. The level 16 path feature is why you pick this one though.  Gives your allies an Int Mod bonus to speed and attack rolls for a round when you use your inspiring word on them.  The level 20 daily power is ok, but it’s nothing too special.

Combat Veteran- This is a nice path for any warlord, but not great.  The class features are good and the powers are good, but this path isn’t really exceptional in any area.  Still not a bad choice though.

Knight Commander- Great path for the Charismalord who wants to play secondary defender.  The level 11 ability is a flat +2 bonus to attack rolls for all adjacent allies!  That’s great!  Just keep in mind that this won’t affect anyone you are flanking with.  Allies get a defensive bonus for a round when you action point, which is always nice.  At 16, you and all allies within 3 squares of you can add your Cha Mod to damage on opportunity attacks.  The powers are all defendery, but they’re good none the less.  You can definitely do worse than this.

Sword Marshal- For the Warlord that doesn’t want to lead…  The only thing that assists your allies here is the extremely weak level 16 path feature to grant CA to your allies against an enemy that you crit on.  On the other hand, you can lead more efficiently when you yourself are buffed, but this path is just not worth taking.  The utility power is great, but it’s being a daily power means that it is not enough to have a true impact on this path.  Much better choice here.

Battlelord of Kord- Great choice for any Charismalord- +1 to attack and damage rolls for a round to your allies when you spend an action point.  You also get Tempestuous Inspiration right from the start, which gives allies a +2 power bonus to attack rolls and cha mod bonus to damage for a round whenever you use inspiring word on them.  You can also save immediately against the mark effect at level 16, with a +5 bonus against fear effects.  The encounter and utility power are both pretty good, but Path of the Storm may be THE most damaging power in the entire game (maybe not from a standard Warlord though…).

Commando Captain- The path features all support a Warlord that likes to move their allies around a lot.  These features are not very strong though…  The encounter power is excellent however, but not enough to make this path worth choosing.  The utility is an encounter shift 3 to two allies, which is pretty nice.  The daily is worse than most of the encounter powers you should have in your arsenal…  This path goes along well with the chessmaster theme, but it’s still not worth taking.  Mobility is an aid in battle, not a path to victory.

Dujun of Erathis- This is an interesting path to say the least. At this current time of reading, I have not really looked into this path, nor have I heard much about it, even though it’s been out since Martial Power.  The level 11 features allow you to allow an ally to consume one of your own surges when you use your inspiring word on them, which can be extremely useful depending on you and your parties play style.  You can also spend your action point to grant a move action to all of your allies.  I’m not big on sacking power for mobility, but that’s a pretty nice feature.  At 16, you give yourself and all allies an extra +1 to attacks when they are flanking or aiding another.  It’s a small bonus, but one that will be nearly constantly in effect.  The encounter power is extremely interesting… On a hit with the attack, which only deals Str mod damage, the enemy is dazed, and allies can choose to make any at-will attacks against the enemy with a d20 result of 10 instead of actually rolling.  Given the fact that the enemy will be granting CA, your entire party should be able to auto hit most enemies with their at-wills under this effect.  This power is very close to insuring auto damage, and that is very strong.  The utility is a daily stance that allows all allies to make saving throws at the end of all your turns.  I find this to be one of the strongest parts of this path, although it is only once per day.  The daily power is pretty good, and gives you an attack bonus for the attack for your allies being nearby, besides targeting Will.  This is a path that doesn’t get talked about most likely because the effects of it are hard to calculate, but this is a path that is definitely worth looking into.  Great for any Warlord Presence.

Earthfast Brigadier- Decent features, although two of them are reliant on Constitution.  The powers have extra benefits for axes and hammers (which you shouldn’t really be wielding) and are again all using Constitution as a secondary.  The only place I see this path being acceptable is for a Dwarven Bravelord, but this still isn’t the best path for that horrible combination.

Longarm Marshal- An OK path for any Spear Wielding Intellord.  The level 11 feature gives a flat +1 bonus to all attack rolls with a spear, which is very nice.  The level 16 feature gives you an interesting version of threatening reach.  You can deal Int mod damage to any enemy within your reach when they move without shifting or make a ranged attack.  Keep in mind that this is your opportunity action, so instead of using your OA in a normal situation, you can just deal auto Int Mod damage.  The powers are good, but not exceptional.  The daily power however deals a fair amount of ongoing damage, as well as a large damage buff against the enemy while the Ongoing damage is still in effect.  Not the best path, but still a pretty good one.  Great for the Warlord that prefers to be more self sufficient.

Twiceborn Leader-  An odd path… The level 11 feature is terrific, granting allies a +2 attack bonus for a round when you use an action point.  The other level 11 feature allows you to use inspiring wind on two allies at once, but only regain their surge value in HP instead of the full amount of an inspiring word.  This path strongly encourages the use of Second Wind.  The level 16 feature grants allies a +4 bonus to all defenses when they use second wind instead of the usual +2.  The Encounter power is ok, but the Utility power is amazing.  You and one ally that remains within 5 squares of you can roll 2 dice for an attack each turn?  That’s awesome.  The daily power is ok, but kinda weak for something of this level.  Pretty good path for a party of all dwarves maybe?  Not a bad path, but you can do a lot better, although the utility power is AWESOME…

Flamebrow Commander- Bravura Presence only.  Wow, this Path has all the tools to make you a bloody unstoppable monster.  Right from level 11, you can benefit from your own Bravura Presence Action point bonus, as well as add your Cha mod to all HP you regain while dying and to your death saving throws.  At level 16, each time you regain HP while bloodied, you get a +2 attack bonus until the end of your next turn.  As far as I know, this bonus should be able to stack with itself, so you can get a pretty powerful constant attack bonus if you have regeneration while bloodied.  The powers are all good, but not great.  Overall, if you want to be a self sufficient nigh unkillable Bravelord, this is the path for you.

Infernal  Strategist- Resourceful Presence only.  A very interesting, very powerful path.  The level 11 features are very good.  You can use your action point to give an ally a reroll, which is a nice thing to have in your arsenal.  You also allow yourself and an ally that you are flanking with to add your Int or Cha mod as a bonus to damage to the flanked enemy.  The level 16 feature is what this path is all about though.  You get to pick a SECOND Commanding Presence!!!  While you can still only use one presence ability per action point spent, you do get to benefit from the rider effects of your newly selected presence.  You get the best of 2 worlds.  The encounter power is an ok attack with a small enemy debuff.  The utility power is totally awesome, as it is an encounter Immediate Reaction to grant an additional benefit to an ally’s action point (a choice of four different things that are all similar to or enhanced versions of the 4 Warlord Commanding Presence abilities).  The daily is pretty good, relatively simple.  4W hit that gives you an AP that you can use before the end of the encounter (does not count as your one action point use per encounter) when you hit with the power.  Overall, a very powerful, very flexible paragon path.  If you’re a Resourcelord, there’s not a lot of reason not to take this path.

Warlord Destinies

I’m gonna show some of the better Epic Destinies that your Warlord can pick up.

Demigod- I think it’s safe to say that you can never go wrong with this Destiny.  This may not be the most flavorful path for a Warlord, but unfortunately, the double stat bump is very very hard to pass on.  Standard level 24 feature and utility, but Divine Miracle is awesome.  It feels like you’re abusing it any way you use it.  Good for any Warlord.

Eternal Seeker- It’s pretty much Epic Multiclassing.  Problem is, a Warlord’s strength comes from his awesome leading powers, so this won’t be too useful for standard Warlord builds.  You lose Epic Destiny features for power versatility, but you already have great power selection at this point, so why make the sacrifice?

Adamantine Soldier- Great defensive bonuses if you have heavy armor and a high Con Mod.  Other than that, this Destiny seems very weak.  You can do a whole lot better.

Chosen- Unless you have a specific deity that you want to worship, this is gonna be strictly better than Demigod, which is something most Destinies cannot boast.  Works exactly the same as Demigod, but your Utility power is based off of the deity you worship.

Legendary General- A good path for any warlord.  When you use second wind, an ally can spend a surge too, not bad.  Allies can also use each other’s Action points.  The utility power is pretty good, it allows allies and yourself to regain a used daily or encounter power for a standard action.  At level 30, your allies become far more difficult to take down…  Allies can go below 0 hitpoints and not fall unconscious or die from negative hit points.  They still can die from failed death saving throw however.  This is a fine choice for an epic destiny, but we can do a little better.

Mythic Sovereign- Similar to Demigod, but missing the all important dual stat bump.  Nice features though, with a scaled down version of Divine Miracle at 30.  The utility power is simply amazing however.  Only take this path if you have a crit range of 19-20 or greater.

Punisher of the Gods- If you wanna play a striker Warlord, this is a fine path, although you probably won’t be able to fully exploit the cheese of this Destiny.

Warmaster- If you can live without the dual stat bump of Demigod, then this is likely the best possible Destiny for your Warlord.  Anytime a surprise round pops up, you and your entire party can act and use all the normal actions, as well as not granting CA when surprised.  That’s pretty sweet right there, look for ways to start surprise rounds… Whenever you spend an action point, an ally within 5 gets an extra action on their next turn too.  Nice!  Tactical Genius at level 30 is not the most incredible feature, but it is definitely a great thing to have, as it allows you to spend as many of your action points during a combat as you’d like.  The utility power is definitely a big part of this destiny, as it is a daily power which enables you and your allies to take an entire round of actions!  This destiny is gonna throw a lot of extra actions at your party.  The Party Novas with this Destiny are unbelievable.

Combination Tactics

Let’s go over some of the ways you can combine your powers to inflict or allow maximum damage (though yourself, or more likely, your allies).

Heroic Tier

Name: Overextension Stratagem

Can be Utilized by: Any presence, although Bravelords do gain a significant bonus to Provoke Overextension (which slightly increases the power of this combo).

Powers Used: Diabolic Stratagem (encounter), Provoke Overextension (encounter)

Actions Required: 2 Standard Actions

How to perform: Use Diabolic Stratagem, action point (unless you have another way of granting yourself an additional Standard Action), then use Provoke Overextension.

Possible by level: 7

Effect: When used in succession, Provoke Overextension will trigger opportunity attacks from all your allies (you are granted one also, but cannot utilize it on your own turn), regardless of Diabolic Stratagem hitting (although you are still required to connect with Provoke Overextension).  If the enemy misses you with the granted attack, one of your allies will also receive an additional Basic Attack against the enemy.  Bonuses to Bravelords.  This is a very damaging combo at this level, and may be the only way to trigger this many free attacks during the heroic tier.  Be advised that this combination does require the party to be surrounding one enemy to work best.  Further drawbacks are the fact that this requires two Encounter powers and an action point.

Increasing Effectiveness: Any effects that will increase damage and/or attack bonuses for your allies when the attacks are triggered (there are two many effects to list them all).

Name: Head First

Can be Utilized by: Any build with a moderate to high Intelligence can make best use of this, though the power is strong enough to be utilized by any build.

Powers Used: Iron Dragon Charge (daily), Inevitable Wave (at-will)

How to Perform: Relatively simple strategy, but that doesn’t make it any less potent.  Use Iron Dragon Charge, and proceed to charge whenever possible.  Using powers that benefit charging and/or can be used on a charge are very useful here.

Possible by level: 9

Effect- Using Iron Dragon Charge will allow one of your allies to charge whenever you do (as an immediate reaction) until the end of the encounter, regardless of whether you hit with the power.  The “strategy” here is to increase the effectiveness of your’s and your ally’s charges.  Inevitable Wave is a simple effective way of doing this.  Bravelords can substitute flattening charge, although it is not as reliable, to trade damage for knocking the enemy prone.

Increasing Effectiveness: Any powers that can be used on a charge and/or increase the effectiveness of charging.  Example powers are: Guide the Charge (level 6 utility) and Follow me in (level 3 encounter power).

Name: Adaptive Favor

Can be Utilized by: Any build with a good Intelligence score, but most effective with a Taclord.

Powers Used: Warlord’s Favor (level 1 encounter), Adapative Stratagem (level 2 utility).

How to Perform: Follow the use of Warlord’s Favor with Adaptive Stratagem.  You are required to hit with Warlord’s Favor, otherwise you miss out on any attack bonus from this combo (and it’s not really a combo any more…).

Possible by level: 2

Effect- Confers an attack bonus of +2 (1+Int mod for Taclords), as well as an Int mod bonus to damage rolls to one ally against one enemy until the end of your next turn.  A Taclord (best suited for them) with an 18 Int mod will grant a +5 attack bonus and a +4 damage bonus.

Increasing Effectiveness: At level 2, this is about the biggest buff a Taclord can give out.  Utilize the most of your granted bonuses by using Commander’s Strike to give your ally more attacks against the target while he is still under the effect of your bonuses.  Situation described above will add +5 attack and +8 damage to your ally’s Basic Attack with Commander’s Strike (which can be used once, or twice with an action point).

Example Builds

Here's a few builds to show examples of the different Warlord types.

Fey Charging Taclord: community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...

Inspiring Warlord: community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...

Resourceful Warlord: community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...

The Supreme Captain (Tiornys): community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...