help with a noob ranger

[kartos]

so i started a ranger and i want it it to be a ranged attacker using crossbows as i hate bows and i have a couple of questions

1)i started as an elf stats:
14
18
12
8
14
8

ill be adding all 5 levels of stats to dex+5 from enchantments means 28 dex end game with no equips and so

is it good for a ranged fighter who will be able to use TWF style if their is a need to do so? i've took wep finesse so ill be using repatiers or whatever is their name

2)what is the difference between light and havey cross bows and whats the difference between reg crossbows and the repettls(hope its written so) crossbows and what is more recommend?

3)is their a waay to get point blank shot later in game or that ive missed it by taking wep finesse?

4)what line is better arcane(and if so elven 1 or ranger 1) or sniper or the 1 that focuses on TWF?remember i want a ranged fighter who will be able to handle TWF pretty will

5)can u help me on choosing FE'S? i started with reptilians whats next?

6)what enchantments do u recommend?

7)does the arcane path conjurers only arrows no bolts?

thx in advance for every1 who helps

[Vahyor]

1. Ranged combat will do very poor DPS compared to standard melee builds. They can however be fun if you don't mind it taking longer to kill things.

2. A ranger's feats that make it suited for ranged combat only applies to bows. You are not going to want to use a crossbow (maybe a repeater for the lower levels would be ok, but you'll need a feat and you'll want to switch to bow at higher levels anyway.)

[kartos]

ok thanks but i have given up ranger as i hate bows and i have seen ppl say that crossbows wont be that good later on so ill just wont take ranger i thought about another build but its still experimental build

[uhgungawa]

Rangers are some of, if not the best TWFs in the game. Looks like you have a dex build, little less on the DPS but good AC. You don't need to range, and most don't (cept for 20 sec out of every 2 min). So make it and have fun.
Scrap the X-bows, and focus on the melee aspect of a ranger, one of the funnest builds out there

[Therigar]

If you want to shoot a lot and don't want to be a ranger you might try a repeating crossbow build. Pure fighter would be one way to go because with the many fighter feats you can get the exotic weapon proficiency needed for repeating crossbows. You will also have enough extra feats to pick up the whole two weapon fighting line.

Taken as a combination this could be very useful. Use the repeating crossbow whenever you need ranged combat and then switch to the two weapon fighting technique when the monsters get in close.

As a party member you will be useful because you can fight from both long and close distances. And, while there are not a lot of quests where you really need ranged weapons there are plenty where softening them up before you get into melee is worthwhile.

Crossbows, including repeating crossbows, have a bit better critical range than normal bows so they can be really fun if you can get banishing or disrupting ones. I'll let you in on a secret -- take a single level of wizard so that you can use flame arrow wands. These let you create magical flaming arrows (and crossbow bolts). You get 50 of them for each charge off the wand.

It will not be the most uber character but it will be fun to play and very effective if you get your stats right. I'd suggest a dwarf with STR 16 DEX 15 CON 18 and the rest of the stats left at their starting numbers. As you increase in levels put 4 of your stat increases into STR and 1 into CON (you get 5 total, 1 every 4 levels). Be sure to take the STR and CON enhancements that you will get. Don't worry about INT. Even though you'll take 1 level of wizard it isn't for spell casting.

Here's another hint. Take 1 level of paladin. That will let you use healing wands. At the end you will wind up with a fighter 18/paladin 1/wizard 1. If you don't want to be lawful good then take ranger instead of paladin. If you take ranger be sure to select evil outsiders as your favorite enemy.

Taking ranger has another advantage. If you come across good bows you will get your STR bonus to damage by being a ranger. This does not apply (or isn't supposed to apply) to crossbows or repeating crossbows. But, it is a sweet little bonus without actually having to be a ranger.

[Bosco]

I was messing around during beta and built a Heavy Repeater Kensei. The damage was surprisingly decent. I also went halfling since str doesn't matter and took the healing dragonmarks. Op may want to try that it was a really fun little mess around build. Probably not something I would play long term but entertainment value was strong on that little guy. Nice ac, ranged attack, fearsome armor, full heals, fighter haste boost, hell if you ever leveled that little guy to 20 you would get the 10% capstone.

Keys to a repeater build are, heavy or light repeater feat, rapid reload, then your weapon specializations in ranged pretty simple to build. Just max out your dex throw in some con maybe pop a few left overs into str and your done.

Big problem you may face when joining a group though is 99.99% of the regulars will be expecting you to be melee. So you may wish to make a disclaimer or just go anti-social style solo.

[Therigar]

I was messing around during beta and built a Heavy Repeater Kensei. The damage was surprisingly decent. I also went halfling since str doesn't matter and took the healing dragonmarks. Op may want to try that it was a really fun little mess around build. Probably not something I would play long term but entertainment value was strong on that little guy. Nice ac, ranged attack, fearsome armor, full heals, fighter haste boost, hell if you ever leveled that little guy to 20 you would get the 10% capstone.

Keys to a repeater build are, heavy or light repeater feat, rapid reload, then your weapon specializations in ranged pretty simple to build. Just max out your dex throw in some con maybe pop a few left overs into str and your done.

Big problem you may face when joining a group though is 99.99% of the regulars will be expecting you to be melee. So you may wish to make a disclaimer or just go anti-social style solo.

IMO the last two sentences say it all. People who play ranged-only characters are not welcome in most groups.

This is for good reason. The damage output from ranged combat is too low. The end game content requires the higher damage that comes from melee.

This is why I recommended that OP make a character that is able to melee as well as shoot. Using bows and repeaters is under-appreciated -- but you have to be able to make the switch to melee mode when the situation calls for it. A heavy DEX build does not do that very well. The reason is that, even in melee, the damage output is too low.

A character with a 15 DEX will increase that to 24 by using tomes and wearing a DEX item. They will not have a difficult time hitting during shooting. I often jump out of melee in Shroud and switch to a bow for the last few seconds before Harry takes his vacation is a whirlpool of swirling blades. My DEX is 24 and I'm currently L17.

Any character that is ranged only will find that they don't have much love coming their way. But, a character that can combine ranged with melee will be welcome in just about any group.

If a character starts with 16 STR and puts in fighter enhancements, 4 skill increases, tomes and STR item they will get to 32 STR. I wear Madstone boots which boosts STR even further. And, it is common in later levels to have a caster with the Rage spell. When these are active STR will boost to ~40. That is +15 points of damage on every hit, which will be almost every swing. By taking the TWF line that will apply to both hands -- a tremendous amount of extra damage every hit.

Because DDO, specifically, is melee focused and because groups will expect melee output it is a mistake to build a DEX focused character. The only exceptions are divine and arcane casters -- which can be DEX based under some very specific circumstances (and best left to experienced players).

For a new player they will be much better off building a character that is STR based and also capable of shooting than one that is DEX based but incapable of effective melee.

[kartos]

all the posts where really helpful but to say the truth i wanna try a wis or sorc that uses both range and magic i thought about starting with a halfling:
6
16
12
18
8
18(both charisma and int r 18 cuz i dont know what to choose yet when i choose it would be 1 of them)

ill take as a feat repeater light XBOW proficienty and then i dunno any suggestions?

as i cant take repeater with netheir classes ill take 19 sorc or wiz/ranger what do u think or is warior a better choice?

[Therigar]

In that case go with fighter as your splash and use the fighter bonus feat to pick up repeating heavy crossbow. Definitely choose halfling, elf or drow as your race. Halfling does give you a size bonus to AC but elf or drow is probably a better choice.

I would suggest wizard to you rather than sorcerer but there are advantages to both. It just seems with your posts that wizard will fit you better. It is a bit less powerful but a lot more flexible.

[kartos]

In that case go with fighter as your splash and use the fighter bonus feat to pick up repeating heavy crossbow. Definitely choose halfling, elf or drow as your race. Halfling does give you a size bonus to AC but elf or drow is probably a better choice.

I would suggest wizard to you rather than sorcerer but there are advantages to both. It just seems with your posts that wizard will fit you better. It is a bit less powerful but a lot more flexible.

i have crated a build i thought would be good(before reading ur post) what do u think about it? i guess ill change ranger to fighter


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.10
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

helto magic arrow
Level 20 Neutral Good Halfling Male
(1 Ranger \ 19 Sorcerer)
Hit Points: 186
Spell Points: 1964
BAB: 10\10\15\20
Fortitude: 11
Reflex: 13
Will: 11

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Stats Modified Stats
Abilities (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 6 6
Dexterity 16 18
Constitution 14 14
Intelligence 8 8
Wisdom 8 8
Charisma 18 26

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 20)
Balance 3 4
Bluff 4 8
Concentration 6 13
Diplomacy 6 10
Disable Device n/a n/a
Haggle 4 8
Heal 3 5
Hide 3 6
Intimidate 4 8
Jump -2 0
Listen -1 1
Move Silently 3 6
Open Lock n/a n/a
Perform n/a n/a
Repair -1 -1
Search -1 -1
Spot -1 -1
Swim -2 -2
Tumble 5 6
Use Magic Device 6 16

Level 1 (Ranger)
Skill: Concentration (+4)
Skill: Diplomacy (+2)
Skill: Heal (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Repeating Light Crossbow
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Reptillian
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Bow Strength
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Halfling Agility
Feat: (Automatic) Halfling Bravery
Feat: (Automatic) Halfling Keen Ears
Feat: (Automatic) Halfling Luck
Feat: (Automatic) Halfling Size Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Trip
Feat: (Automatic) Wild Empathy


Level 2 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Magical Training
Spell (1): Mage Armor
Spell (1): Magic Missle
Enhancement: Sorcerer Force Manipulation I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Energy of the Dragonblooded I


Level 3 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell
Spell (1): Burning Hands
Enhancement: Halfling Dexterity I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Improved Maximizing I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Charisma I


Level 4 (Sorcerer)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Spell (1): Charm Person


Level 5 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Spell (2): Cat's Grace
Enhancement: Sorcerer Lineage of Force I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Subtle Spellcasting I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Wand Mastery I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Wand Heightening I


Level 6 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Spell (2): Eagle's Spendor
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Force Manipulation II
Enhancement: Sorcerer Spell Penetration I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Energy of the Dragonblooded II


Level 7 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (3): Haste
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Sorcerer Charisma II


Level 8 (Sorcerer)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (2): Bull's Strength
Spell (3): Flame Arrow
Enhancement: Halfling Dexterity II
Enhancement: Sorcerer Force Manipulation III


Level 9 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Least Dragonmark of Healing
Spell (4): Force Missles
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use I
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use II


Level 10 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (2): Melf's Acid Arrow
Spell (3): Chain Missiles
Spell (4): Wall of Fire
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use III
Enhancement: Sorcerer Lineage of Force II


Level 11 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (5): Dominate Person
Enhancement: Sorcerer Force Manipulation IV


Level 12 (Sorcerer)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Lesser Dragonmark of Healing
Spell (3): Displacement
Spell (4): Stoneskin
Spell (5): Feeblemind


Level 13 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Spell (6): Mass Bear's Endurance
Enhancement: Sorcerer Charisma III


Level 14 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (4): Phantasmal Killer
Spell (6): Symbol of Persuasion
Spell (5): Protection From Elements
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use IV
Enhancement: Sorcerer Lineage of Deadly Force I


Level 15 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Spell (7): Waves of Exhaustion
Enhancement: Sorcerer Lineage of Force III
Enhancement: Sorcerer Lineage of Deadly Force II


Level 16 (Sorcerer)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (7): Finger of Death
Spell (5): Cloudkill
Spell (6): Tenser's Transformation
Enhancement: Sorcerer Energy of the Dragonblooded III


Level 17 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (8): Mass Charm Monster
Enhancement: Sorcerer Energy of the Dragonblooded IV


Level 18 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Heighten Spell
Spell (8): Greater Shout
Spell (7): Symbol of Stunning
Enhancement: Sorcerer Lineage of Deadly Force III


Level 19 (Sorcerer)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Spell (9): Summon Monster IX
Enhancement: Sorcerer Improved Maximizing II


Level 20 (Sorcerer)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Spell (8): Otto's Irresistable Dance
Spell (9): Wail of the Banshee
Enhancement: Sorcerer Improved Maximizing III

[Therigar]

UMD is not worth taking because you'll never use it with this build. Fighter at L1 instead of ranger is not a bad idea but you should know you won't get anywhere as many skill points. Stats distribution looks alright to me. You'll have to watch how much you carry with a 6 STR. It will be easy to be overburdened.

[Nyvn]

UMD is not worth taking because you'll never use it with this build. Fighter at L1 instead of ranger is not a bad idea but you should know you won't get anywhere as many skill points. Stats distribution looks alright to me. You'll have to watch how much you carry with a 6 STR. It will be easy to be overburdened.

So Heal and Rez aren't worth using?

[kartos]

thank you very much u really helped me building a chat that i hope it would be great thank u thank u!

[FluffyCalico]

UMD is not worth taking because you'll never use it with this build...

:eek::eek::eek:

[QuantumFX]

:eek::eek::eek:

Yes. Apparently he's never heard of the Flame Arrow spell.

But his Repeater Kensai build was a good idea.

[kartos]

Yes. Apparently he's never heard of the Flame Arrow spell.

But his Repeater Kensai build was a good idea.

actually i took flame arrow as a spell but umd is for healing scrolls

[Therigar]

So Heal and Rez aren't worth using?

Did you look at his build? He doesn't have enough UMD to get to the numbers needed for heal and rez.

What I posted is specific to his build question.

He started with ranger which has several skill points and 4 of them as cross class into UMD. He doesn't put any points into UMD after that (because he doesn't have the skill points).

So, for OP it is a waste of skill points.

Edit: I was running out of time when I posted. So, finishing up my thoughts.

OP will have UMD 16 if he sticks completely to his original build as posted here. What is the UMD of a heal or rez scroll? How does OP get there from their 16 UMD? Every stat increase brings them closer (1 point per 2 stat points) so +6 stat item and +4 tome gets them +5. New total is 21. They then need a +10 or better item just to come close.

It could be done but is it really worth the effort? I know that the common response is, "Yes." I happen to feel differently having played a character that needed the constant exchange of items in order to make UMD work. In my experience it is better to complete the encounter and then take bodies back to rez shrines.

[Nyvn]

Did you look at his build? He doesn't have enough UMD to get to the numbers needed for heal and rez.

What I posted is specific to his build question.

He started with ranger which has several skill points and 4 of them as cross class into UMD. He doesn't put any points into UMD after that (because he doesn't have the skill points).

So, for OP it is a waste of skill points.

Edit: I was running out of time when I posted. So, finishing up my thoughts.

OP will have UMD 16 if he sticks completely to his original build as posted here. What is the UMD of a heal or rez scroll? How does OP get there from their 16 UMD? Every stat increase brings them closer (1 point per 2 stat points) so +6 stat item and +4 tome gets them +5. New total is 21. They then need a +10 or better item just to come close.

It could be done but is it really worth the effort? I know that the common response is, "Yes." I happen to feel differently having played a character that needed the constant exchange of items in order to make UMD work. In my experience it is better to complete the encounter and then take bodies back to rez shrines.


I did indeed look at the build he posted, 1 Ranger 19 Sorc, with Max Charisma.

09 Ranks
14 38 Charisma
06 Exeptional
04 GH
02 Luck

35 Total


Not sure how you got 16? Are you looking at the build we're talking about?

[Therigar]

I did indeed look at the build he posted, 1 Ranger 19 Sorc, with Max Charisma.

09 Ranks
14 38 Charisma
06 Exeptional
04 GH
02 Luck

35 Total


Not sure how you got 16? Are you looking at the build we're talking about?

LOL

Lets see, I think I took the 16 from his build info but I could easily be wrong about that: "Use Magic Device 6 16" I think it reads. But, it probably includes the CHA bonus so no doubt your numbers are better.

Hate to count on 6 exceptional bonus to CHA but.... Notice that comes somewhere after L14 when you've run Shroud enough to make goggles or whatever. GH and luck are going to be from items for most sorcs, although I suppose a few carry the spell.

Notice I'm not doubting that OP can get enough UMD just that he will. And, since the context of my comment was in addition to suggesting he dump ranger for fighter that lowers UMD by 4 skill points.

No matter to me though. It is just that I found it not worth the effort to get the UMD to that level as I never had a need for it and it was a pain the one time I did to remember to equip (or unequip) the items I needed. That and farming shroud ingredients for the goggles. :(

[Nyvn]

The OP says he plans on getting and using UMD, who says he's not going to? Furthermore it's easy for Sorcs to get a very useful UMD since they have high charisma. I'm not sure how we go on a sorc build in the ranger forums though! For the shroud item Air/Air/Air it only needs 2 scales. Also I'm not sure what else you're to do on a maxed out character? Run raids for possible tomes and run shroud for ingreds. Also shroud is pretty decent exp for leveling up.