Heavy repeater build...

[Gnorbert]

All,

I'm looking for a fun/good repeater focused ranged character build. I don't really want to debate the "usefulness" of such a character, just the different ideas for building one. Links to builds would be cool too. (Yes, I've looked at the one linked in SigTrent's list... not my cup of tea)

My goal is simply to have fun with this character and I don't have 32 point builds.

Fighter immediately springs to mind for feats, dex based with weapon finesse for when I need to pull out a couple blades. I see a bunch of Bards being used for repeaters, maybe a human bard for the extra feat and skill points plus adaptability and versatility.

Maybe a mix of the two... I'm not sure.

I won't be getting my hands on much in the way of high end weapons like WoP though I'll be on the lookout for a banisher and a paralyzer.

So any ideas on race and class combinations and why they would be good?

[Blind_Skwerl]

Fighter gets you full base attack and lots of feats, as well as good hp. Bard (my recommendation) gets you great party buffs, end game usefulness, and a lot more to do than just tab and run around. Had a repeater fighter as my first character. Fun until level 10 (cap back then). At that point, he wasn't very useful. A melee offered much more dps. Deleted. If I had balanced strength and dex, maybe he could have survived as a melee character. Either way, was just a little too vanilla for me.

My recommendation would be to go drow (which is a 32 pointer with stats bumped for charisma, int and dex, but cut for con) or human (extra feat goodness) pure bard with max charisma. End-game you are going to wish you had put every point into it. While leveling it would be useful to have rapid reload, but by the time you get into the higher levels, you'll probably want to visit fred and drop it in favor of something more caster oriented (metamagic or such). I'd go something like 8/16/12/10/8/20 on a drow. If at end-game you decide you don't like using repeaters on the character, you can easily make a quick adjustment and run as a pure casting bard. Repeater proficiency feats require base attack bonus of +1, so you have to wait until level 3 to train it.

[Gnorbert]

Thanks Skwerl, that mirrors pretty well to what I was playing with in the char planner. spell focus at level 1 for some potent CC until level 3 where I'd pick up repeaters and swap the focus for rapid reload. Now I started with slightly higher con and str as I've seen a lot of discussion about carrying capacity and the need for more HP. I could drop them down for more Cha but I think I want to round my guy a bit more. Maybe I'll drop them for Cha and try to get my hands on a couple tomes. Though I'm far too broke to buy them, my ranger is starting to get into territory where she might be able to pull some.

Further feats would include PA, precise shot, imp. precise shot and spell penetration.... dropping rapid reload for heighten maybe?

Well... I think I'll try this one out.


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.00
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

spak mando
Level 1 Chaotic Good Drow Male
(1 Bard)
Hit Points: 28
Spell Points: 110
BAB: 0
Fortitude: 2
Reflex: 5
Will: 1

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Stats Modified Stats
Abilities (Level 1) (Level 1)
Strength 10 10
Dexterity 16 16
Constitution 14 14
Intelligence 10 10
Wisdom 8 8
Charisma 18 18

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 1)
Balance 3 3
Bluff 4 4
Concentration 6 6
Diplomacy 8 8
Disable Device n/a n/a
Haggle 4 4
Heal -1 -1
Hide 3 3
Intimidate 4 4
Jump 3 3
Listen -1 1
Move Silently 3 3
Open Lock n/a n/a
Perform 8 8
Repair 0 0
Search 0 2
Spot 1 3
Swim 0 0
Tumble 4 4
Use Magic Device 8 8

Level 1 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Spell Focus: Enchantment




Of course... in order to get imp. precise shot I'll need to get lucky on a +3 dex tome for this one... cross that bridge when I get there.

[Blind_Skwerl]

Not bad for stats. Power attack, precise shot and improved precise shot? Really? Talk about a feat sinkhole! Power Attack? It doesn't work with ranged attacks. Improved critical: ranged would be better than PA for the build. But honestly, I'd just stick to raipid reload and repeater proficiency.

[Gnorbert]

sorry, not power attack... I meant point blank shot as a pre-req for precise shot.

I'm sure I'll play around with playing it from both angles, bowman with some spells or caster with a bow. See what I end up liking.

[Noctus]

You will be more welcome in groups (basically they are happy when you buff then up and dont really care further what you do else, as long as it is helpfull) if you roll up your repeater build asa Bard based repeater specialist.

On a Fighter people would require you to tank / bring the DPS / get personal in melee and become annoyed if you reveal to be a repeater build.


So much to the metagame.


Also bard songs do indeed raise the damage you can dish out with your repeater, higher than any weapn spec ever could.


I would roll up the build as a Bard 14 / Fighter 2.

Drow preferably, but Human is also fineif you dont have Drow unlocked.


I'd go something like 8/16/12/10/8/20 on a drow.

Tis is a good stat distribution.


Concentrate your feats on repeater combat.
- EWP: Heavy Repeater
- Point Blank Shot
- Rapid Shot
- Rapid Reload (both Rapid X stack partially to make if really worth having both)
- IC:Ranged

- Extend (for more efficient buffing of yourself and your group.)


I´d recommend going the Spellsinger route of PrE.

[Glitch]

How useful could a 18/2 Rogue/Fighter be as a heavy repeater/trapmaster?

(haven't played in 3 years, since level cap 10)

[Noctus]

Being competent with traps only requires 1 level of Rogue, a moderate INT, enough skillpoints to keep Search and Disable maxed, and Open Lock high. As well as moderately good trap-skill items.

Problem with your approach:
To get sneak attacks in ranged combat you have to be nearly as close as that you could as well just hit it in melee. And once you reach the level 16+ quest, you will encounter many devils who teleport around in combat, so they will get you into melee, if you like it or not.

[Anthios888]

I would really recommend a pure ranger, because you get so many of the great ranged feats for free, and the capstone (25% alacrity) surpasses anything else you could get on another class. You can use the repeater most of the time, and then swap to manyshot whenever it is available. This is a pretty fun and deadly combination as far as ranged builds go. Additionally, the free two weapon fighting feats, self-healing, self-buffing, evasion, and bow strength would all enhance the build's versatility.

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

I would really recommend a pure ranger, because you get so many of the great ranged feats for free, and the capstone (25% alacrity) surpasses anything else you could get on another class. You can use the repeater most of the time, and then swap to manyshot whenever it is available. This is a pretty fun and deadly combination as far as ranged builds go. Additionally, the free two weapon fighting feats, self-healing, self-buffing, evasion, and bow strength would all enhance the build's versatility.

Given that no other "Speed Boost" affects Repeaters, until someone can empirically demonstrate that the Ranger's Capstone (or the Fighter Capstone for that matter) affects Repeaters, I would strongly recommend you work off the assumption that it does NOT affect Repeaters.

I have a repeater build, and Fighter's Haste Boost does NOT affect Repeater Speed, nor does Haste. Only BAB, Rapid Shot, and Rapid Reload seem to affect Repeater speeds.


I would also STRONGLY caution anyone who is thinking about a Repeater build, you MUST MUST MUST invest in your Jump skill. There are STILL issues with ranged combat, especially with Repeaters, that will FORCE you to jump like a jackrabbit on crack. You will find that even with a straight and clear shot, you will get no dice rolls a LOT of the time. Jumping and shooting reduces this immensily. You also need to be aware that you will be working in reverse most of the time.


Suggestions for a Repeater Build:

Race: Drow

Stats: Max out Dex. It is the only stat that affects a Repeater. Don't forget Cha & UMD, as repeaters are had to come by, and UMD is big to not have to worry about RR items.

Feats: Rapid Shot & Rapid Reload are REQUIRED. Shot on the Run for Fighters. Focus on To-Hit, not +Damage, as Repeaters aren't about DPS as much as stat damaging and effects.

Weapons: Crippling is your friend!!! Wounding/Weakening/Puncturing/Enfeebling/Cursespewing/etc are all good. Banshing, Smiting are awesome on repeaters. Don't forget a good DPS repeater until you get GS... I picked up a +5 Flaming of Pure Good for next to nothing on the AH the other day. Transmuting of Pure Good is also KEY until you get Mineral II

WARNING: Building a Kensai III Repeater Build that also carries Toughness, SotR, Rapid Shot, and Rapid Reload will eat up every single feat from Level 1 to Level 18 (unless you are Human, then you have 1 feat free). Repeater Builds are VERY VERY VERY Feat Heavy!!!

[Geonis]

Transmuting of Pure Good is also KEY until you get Mineral II



Most of his advice is good, other than the above.

Ranged characters, do not waste time crafting a Min2, go Lightning2, as you can use the different metal type bolts.

My repeater build is a (mostly) Ranger that I added trap abilities into coupled with Halfling DMs.

I can post specifics if you'd like.

[Depravity]

Way off the beaten path is MrCow's Machine Gun Nun (http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=164488) cleric repeater build - similar to the bard build, but it replaces the bard songs with divine power and divine might. Not to mention the joys of making anything that feels like chasing you run through a blade barrier.

[Anthios888]

I have a friend who recently crafted a radiance II and pos/pos repeater on her ranged ranger, and immediately reported a difference upon hitting 20 Ranger and getting the capstone. The difference in kills has been noticeable, too.

Ranger Master of Archery
Prereqs: Level 20 Ranger
Cost: 2 Action Points
Benefit: The speed at which you can fire any ranged weapon is legendary. Gain a 25% competence bonus to ranged attack speed.

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

Most of his advice is good, other than the above.

Ranged characters, do not waste time crafting a Min2, go Lightning2, as you can use the different metal type bolts.

My repeater build is a (mostly) Ranger that I added trap abilities into coupled with Halfling DMs.

I can post specifics if you'd like.

Right... forgot about that. I just hate having to remember to load the Silver Arrows... but you are right, Lightning II or Radiance II are much better choices.

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

I have a friend who recently crafted a radiance II and pos/pos repeater on her ranged ranger, and immediately reported a difference upon hitting 20 Ranger and getting the capstone. The difference in kills has been noticeable, too.

Ranger Master of Archery
Prereqs: Level 20 Ranger
Cost: 2 Action Points
Benefit: The speed at which you can fire any ranged weapon is legendary. Gain a 25% competence bonus to ranged attack speed.

I hope you are correct... I would love to see some hard numbers.
Because, last I heard, Ranged Alacrity (like Black Dragonscale) was NOT working on Repeaters either.
Respec Enhancements... shoot 99 bolts and measure the time without the Enhnacement
Take the Capstone again, shoot 99 bolts and measure the time... give us some data to work with.

And report out what feats she has (RS/RR)

Dworkin

[Anthios888]

She tested with the capstone and got 99 shots in 1 minute. She is a pure level 20 ranger (BAB 20) with both rapid shot + reload

[Orratti]

My best repeater build is 16/4 Rog/ftr. Needed the fighter lvls to get shot on the run and the build can do massive damage while running tight circles around the enemies. With the holyburst of maiming heavy repeater I have its possible to do 234+ damage per 3 shot clip. Haven't looked at pure ranger build though.

[WolfSpirit]

If you really don't care what people will say about your build, a powerful and useful build would be something like:
-

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.10
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)
Heavy Repeat
Level 20 Lawful Good Human Male
(18 Fighter \ 2 Rogue)
Hit Points: 294
Spell Points: 0
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 14
Reflex: 15
Will: 5
Starting Ending Feat/Enhancement
Base Stats Base Stats Modified Stats
Abilities (Level 1) (Level 20) (Level 20)
Strength 10 10 10
Dexterity 18 23 23
Constitution 16 16 16
Intelligence 8 8 8
Wisdom 8 8 8
Charisma 8 8 8
Starting Ending Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 20) (Level 20)
Balance 8 10 10
Bluff -1 -1 -1
Concentration 3 3 3
Diplomacy -1 -1 -1
Disable Device n/a n/a n/a
Haggle -1 -1 -1
Heal -1 -1 -1
Hide 8 10 10
Intimidate -1 -1 -1
Jump 4 4 4
Listen -1 -1 -1
Move Silently 8 10 10
Open Lock 8 10 10
Perform n/a n/a n/a
Repair -1 -1 -1
Search -1 -1 -1
Spot 3 10 10
Swim 0 0 0
Tumble 8 10 10
Use Magic Device 3 22 22

Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Hide (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Move Silently (+4)
Skill: Open Lock (+4)
Skill: Spot (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+4)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Human Bonus) Rapid Reload
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Rapier
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortsword
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortbow
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Trapfinding

Level 2 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Repeating Heavy Crossbow
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Heavy Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Tower Shield Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Trip

Level 3 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons

Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)

Level 5 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Rapid Shot

Level 6 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Specialization: Ranged Weapons

Level 7 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Dodge

Level 8 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Spot (+7)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Evasion

Level 9 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons

Level 10 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Mobility

Level 11 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)

Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Shot on the Run

Level 13 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)

Level 14 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Ranged Weapons

Level 15 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Finesse

Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Precise Shot

Level 17 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)

Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Precise Shot
Feat: (Selected) Superior Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons

Level 19 (Fighter)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)

Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons


-
Some Backstab, UMD for more usefulness and Kensii 3 for SUPER heavy repeater stuffs! Feels like I'm missing a feat or something... Sup Weapon Spec? Not sure, didn't see it in Char Gen. Also, May want to squeeze in Weapon finesse for Melee, but with Point and all those enhancemets, you could just shoot whatever right in the Face!

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

If you really don't care what people will say about your build, a powerful and useful build would be something like:
-

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.10
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)
Heavy Repeat
Level 20 Lawful Good Human Male
(18 Fighter \ 2 Rogue)
Hit Points: 294
Spell Points: 0
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 14
Reflex: 15
Will: 5
Starting Ending Feat/Enhancement
Base Stats Base Stats Modified Stats
Abilities (Level 1) (Level 20) (Level 20)
Strength 10 10 10
Dexterity 18 23 23
Constitution 16 16 16
Intelligence 8 8 8
Wisdom 8 8 8
Charisma 8 8 8

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Human Bonus) Rapid Reload
Feat: (Selected) Toughness

Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Repeating Heavy Crossbow

Level 3 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons

Level 5 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Rapid Shot

Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Specialization: Ranged Weapons

Level 7 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Dodge

Level 8 (Rogue)
Feat: (Automatic) Evasion

Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons

Level 10 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Mobility

Level 12 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Shot on the Run

Level 14 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Ranged Weapons

Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Finesse

Level 16 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Precise Shot

Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Precise Shot
Feat: (Selected) Superior Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons

Level 20 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons

-
Some Backstab, UMD for more usefulness and Kensii 3 for SUPER heavy repeater stuffs! Feels like I'm missing a feat or something... Sup Weapon Spec? Not sure, didn't see it in Char Gen. Also, May want to squeeze in Weapon finesse for Melee, but with Point and all those enhancemets, you could just shoot whatever right in the Face!

Suggestions:
1) Drop Weapon Finesse & IC: Pierce
2) Add Superior Weapon Focus for Kensai III
3) Consider switching to Drow. 20 Starting Dex, +2 Racial Dex, Spell Resistance.
4) Change your feat order for the following:
--Take Rapid Shot first (larger increase to Repeater speed)
--Take Rapid Reload MUCH later
--Take Dodge/Mobility/PBS for SotR as quickly as you can. SotR is the single most important feat to get to on this build.


But overall a very good start... it can be a fun build!

[spifflove]

? drow not elf?

18 dex
12 con
18 wis

1)rapid reload
3)heavy repeater
6)point blank shot
9)weapon focus ranged
enhancement:arcane archer
12)precise shot
15)ic ranged
18)improved ps

m1)toughness
m2)weapon finesse

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

? drow not elf?

18 dex
12 con
18 wis

1)rapid reload
3)heavy repeater
6)point blank shot
9)weapon focus ranged
enhancement:arcane archer
12)precise shot
15)ic ranged
18)improved ps

m1)toughness
m2)weapon finesse

I assume the above is for Ranger 18 / Monk 2?

Ranger doesn't really add much to the build, as Arcane Archer can't summon Bolts. Unless the Ranger Capstone really does add to Repeater Speed (still waiting for confirmation), then IMHO, I think you are better off going Fighter 18 than Ranger 18 for Kensai and all the bonus feats. Remember, no stat (STR, DEX, etc) adds to Repeater Damage, so Weapon Spec, Greater Weapon Spec, and Kensai are some of the only adds to Repeater damage available. and Shot on the Run is a VERY important thing... maybe not so much at the much higher levels, but Level 4-12, it is critical.

Also, Why Monk 2? Yeah picking up Toughness is nice that way, BUT, it does not give you UMD. This build is not focused on AC, and really should not be. Damage Mitigation (DR, Resist, Blur) is good, and Evasion saves yer butt... but I think Fighter 18 / Rogue 2 is a much more well-rounded build... UNLESS the Ranger capstone applies... then Ranger 20 is the only way to go.

And why Elf over Drow?
Elf Ranged bonuses do not apply... they both get Racial Dex, so I say go for Drow, and use your Enhancement points to pump up your SR And Enchantment Resistance (trust me, you will have plenty of Enhancement Points to spend).

[Anthios888]

Why would you make a drow on this build? Why not halfling for the sneak damage, saves, hp, and to-hit? (Rad II works great for repeaters).

[Dworkin_of_Amber]

Why would you make a drow on this build? Why not halfling for the sneak damage, saves, hp, and to-hit? (Rad II works great for repeaters).

Halfling isn't a bad choice either. I prefer Drow for the SR and not having the 3/4 carry capacity. I have enough trouble with a my Drow having 10 base STR and carrying capacity.

Halfing does give a general +1 to hit, but I doubt you will get Sneak Attack damage all that much until MUCH higher levels. At lower levels, I can pull Aggro off **** near anyone else.

I prefer Drow for the Spell Resistance and the Elven Enchantment Resistance enhancements. This build isn't about AC, but it is about not failing Will Saves, which yes Halfling can help, but I like the extra layer of protection that SR gives. And you will have the open AP's to boost it.

But, as always, YMMV

[rimble]

I assume the above is for Ranger 18 / Monk 2?

Ranger doesn't really add much to the build, as Arcane Archer can't summon Bolts.

1) +1d6 Force damage + Ghost Touch on every shot, whether Heavy Crossbow or Bow.

1a) I don't think it's too far out there to expect some more fun Arcane Archer stuff, or other specific ranged stuff to appear for Rangers. It will always be kind of 'forced' if you go the Fighter way.

2) Being able to carry one stack of the 100% Returning Arcane Archer arrows means you don't have to carry many arrows around for when you Manyshot with a bow. I carry tons of bolts, but just one stack of 100% returning arrows (for Manyshootin').

3) Free TWF/Ranged Feats + FE Bonuses are more widely applicable than Weapon Specialization and Kensai bonuses.

Assuming you take WS and Kensai towards Heavy Repeater...that's alot of damage that goes away when you're forced to melee, or even just switch to a bow for Manyshot. Ranger gets his bonus damage from class features regardless of weapon, but of course limited to 5 subsets of enemies (which is good enough for now).

I don't think I'd go so far as to state one is clearly better than the other...but I prefer the Ranger way in this case.

My Heavy Repeater Ranger is only Level 6, but it's fun as hell shooting my +2 Acid HR of PG w/ Force Arrows w/ Flame Arrows...damage numbers all over the place.

I didn't even take the obvious Elf route. Went Human for the extra flexibility with that Feat (helps alot since you need WF: Ranged and Mental Toughness for AA...ugh...), and because the Human Versatility damage boost can be used with crossbows (whereas the Elf bow enhancements obviously can't).

[Darkrok]

I didn't even take the obvious Elf route. Went Human for the extra flexibility with that Feat (helps alot since you need WF: Ranged and Mental Toughness for AA...ugh...), and because the Human Versatility damage boost can be used with crossbows (whereas the Elf bow enhancements obviously can't).

Just wanted to mention that going Human doesn't help all that much as elves can skip Mental Toughness in favor of the 1 point enhancement Elven Arcanum I to qualify. Feat-wise it's a wash there so it's just a question of which race you prefer. I actually like humans better in general (love the extra skill points, con, and human versatility) but either one is perfectly viable and on equal footing when it comes to feats.

[MrCow]

Just wanted to mention that going Human doesn't help all that much as elves can skip Mental Toughness in favor of the 1 point enhancement Elven Arcanum I to qualify.

Elven Arcanum requires you to have a wizard level to obtain. For some of these builds that is not a desired thing to do.