Theorycraft

Barbarian Warrior (Free class)
(10) Northern Body: Str +1 & 2HE
(45) Strength +3
(30) Strength +1 more
(15) Druid, Free domain, one 1 rank one Fauna spell, Bear Strength, 2 DP
(10) Weapon Prof +1
+++
110 Build for 5 base, +7 Str (5 Natural, 2 from spell = +14 Damage), and +1 for Weapon Prof.

Hm. Can anyone beat this?

UPDATE: HA! I thought the build increased every 3 purchases for backstab. Damien is correct! Great catch, bud!

Here's what I was thinking for those interested in the math side of things:
Sm weapon (1 build)=1 damage
Backstab +1(scaling 6 build)= +1

Backstab+19=6*3+12*3+18*3+24*3+30*3+36*3+42= 420 build
+crit attack (2 build) +assail (6 build)= 428 build required.

I think I might have an idea

Celt Dragoon: Free Class

(10)Celtic Heritage
(4)Polearm
(1)Lore Dragon
(45)Strength+3
(10)Spirit of the Dragon
(10)Bard
(3)Spellsong Points
(1)Rank 1 Spellsong
(2)Rank 2 Spellsong
(3)Fanfare of Victory

Base 4 damage +6 damage(Strength+3) +2dmg(Spirit of the Dragon)+4dmg(Celtic Resolve)+4dmg(Fanfare of Victory)=88 Build

GJSchaller wrote: Challenge:

What is the least expensive way (build wise, no runes) to deal 20 damage with a melee weapon?

Show your work!

10 Build.

"You, Goblin priest! Bestow blade of victory upon me! Command Goblinoid!"

Then hope they're not too terribly literal with that request.

hmmm

Celt Dragoon
(10) Racials
(4) 2HE
(10) Weapon Prof +1
(2) Critical Attack


5 base + 1 prof + 4 Celt Resolve (the normal 2 doubled) = 10 then use Crit to get 20.

26 points to do it once. Two points more build for each additional swing of 20 that connects.

For more consistent damage during a battle, spend another 65 points (+3 strength and +2 Prof) for +8 dmg... then the calc goes like this

5 base +3 prof + 4 Celt Resolve (base 2) + 6 from Strength (base 3) = 18 base before Crit attack makes it 36.

Sooooo

26 points to do it once.
91 points to have a higher base damage that is close to 20 before crit.

Now if you are looking for consistent 20 damage.... then the calc changes to the following:

5 base +3 prof + 4 Celt Resolve + 8 from Strength (base 4 now) for 20 damage without crit being involved.

Total build spent is 104 points.... then of course, it gets really painful for every 2 points spent on Crit.

Challenge:

What is the least expensive way (build wise, no runes) to deal 20 damage with a melee weapon?

Show your work!

Sm weapon (1 build), 4 gold.

Pay for a moderate blade poison, apply, and deal 20 poison damage.