Wanting to make a character/build for each main stat combo, on character 9/10 I decided not to play through the campaign yet again. Instead, I used my main realm and all its resources to speed level a new character.
Prep
Build a lv 1 set and upgrade it to max. To do this, create a new realm and character, and farm the shallows and mariners keep until you have a set you like. Since I like mesh, I went with the Wildling set. When you get to the vendor in mariners keep, you can buy a starting weapon to max out if you don’t find one you like. I personally went with Regal Cleft, i.e. str and dex, because this is a pretty good stagger weapon for a starting weapon. After this, go back to your main realm and upgrade everything.
Plague Ichor
Unlock all the rings.
Gems
I put exp gain 15%, 15% barrier out of combat, enchantment power 60%, and stamina recovery in all my armor. With mesh, you’ll have to start without one piece until you can get a little equip load unless you put a weight reduction gem in the chest. On the weapon, I put the following gems: enchantment power 65% with a barrier, 12% lifesteal, 6 poise damage, and 15% attack stamina cost reduction.
Rings
Golden band for xp, willow cap ring, and agility ring.
Max Stat Requirement Weapon
I also created a blunt regal cleft for when I level up enough to meet the stat requirements. You won’t really be able to get a lv1 weapon with any kind of facet. I went for stagger, meaning exalting with a 6 poise damage gem, attack speed based on durability, barrier gain on kill, and durability enchant.
Buffs
Before going out to level, make sure to sleep at the inn for 10% bonus xp. Bring large experience potions. Sleep at your beds for increased health, stamina, and focus.
With the gems and buffs, should be looking at 146% xp gain.
Leveling
Things start out a little rocky because we will begin in the shallows on our main realm, meaning we will be level 1 but the zone will be level 21. With the gems and maxed out gear, killing a few mobs at first to level should be doable. Charge attacks from the regal cleft help. Should level up on each kill for the first few levels. Start by putting enough points in to equip load to wear the last mesh piece. After that, level the main damage stats so that killing things is less of a chore and you can equip the blunt weapon. After that, pump health to about 20 to improve the barriers. Add stamina and focus to taste. Keep leveling by clearing the zones in order until about lv 22. At this point, just complete pestilence zones until reaching the level cap.