Want to splash lvl 14 Tempest Ranger

[Ingemar]

I'm playing a basic dwarf tempest ranger who is now level 14. All the splashes I've read about are for low level splashes. Is it too late to splash to get some improved abilities like using heavy armor? If so, what would be some good splashes and at what level?

[Visty]

first you dont want to use heavy armor as that will cancel your evasion
what you could do is aim for a ranger18/fighter2 or ranger18/fighter1/monk1 build, depending on your stats

that way you get why rangers go above lvl6 (tempest 3 at 18), 2 more feats, hasteboost and maybe your wisdom mod to your ac (if going the monk route)

or you could stay pure, theres nothing wrong about that

[Shishizaru]

I'm playing a basic dwarf tempest ranger who is now level 14. All the splashes I've read about are for low level splashes. Is it too late to splash to get some improved abilities like using heavy armor? If so, what would be some good splashes and at what level?

Rogue splashes (for trap skills) are level 1 splashes because of the extra skill points at creation. So if you were going looking to pick up Rogue skills, it's a bit late now. Your trap skills will be woefully behind someone who took Rogue at first level (as you missed out on the extra points AND 14 levels of points). This is why it's recommended that you plan out a multi-class before you build your character. If you're wanting to multi-class on impulse, it's often better just to stay pure.

That being said, you could multi-class into something like Fighter ok (i.e. timing matters less then rogue). The big question you need to answer, however, is: Why do you want to multiclass?

If you want a splash just for Heavy Armor, don't go for it. Your AC isn't likely to be all that great to begin with. The small boost you get from Heavy Armor is probably not going to push you into meaningful territory. Moreover, Evasion doesn't work in Heavy Armor.

[Ingemar]

I guess won't splash this toon, but I'm interested in trying to create a better toon.

I suppose I should start rogue, but which one, the one that evades or the one that finds traps. I'm leaning toward the trap monkey.

How do you roll? Do you get to choose the stat distribution? Do you get to pick and choose the feats? What would be a good stat distribution and splash plan for a dwarf str based tempest ranger?

I enjoy playing the toon I have now. I would like to see what it would be a bit more optimized.

[Babumbalaboo]

A good "splash plan" is to not splash at all, unless you have a particular goal in mind that absolutely cannot be accomplished whatsoever by staying pure. In other words, if you don't need to multiclass, don't do it. You're already as optimized as you can be. Multiclassing for the sake of multiclassing will only serve to reduce your level of optimization.

[Jasimine]

I guess won't splash this toon, but I'm interested in trying to create a better toon.

I suppose I should start rogue, but which one, the one that evades or the one that finds traps. I'm leaning toward the trap monkey.

How do you roll? Do you get to choose the stat distribution? Do you get to pick and choose the feats? What would be a good stat distribution and splash plan for a dwarf str based tempest ranger?

I enjoy playing the toon I have now. I would like to see what it would be a bit more optimized.

You seem to have some misconceptions about the rogue class that I would like to try and clear up for you a little.

1. All rogues have the potential to do traps. It is the only class in the game that can do traps infact. What "type" of rogue you are has nothing to do with this infact. All rogues can train their trapping skills.

2. While there are prestige lines for rogues that can increase their trapping skills, this line of enhancements is viewed as a waste as it adds not much that every other rogue can do with out it.

3. All rogues when they gain 2nd level gain evasion as a free feat. Upon reaching higher levels all rogues gain the option of selecting Improved Evasion as a bonus feat. I believe this first becomes available in the level 10 to 11 range of rogue levels.

4. It sounds like you were planning on using one of the preset paths from the character generation screen. One word.... DON'T.... They do not have the best of stat spreds, skill point selections, or feat selections. I advise you to first go to the rogue forum and take a read around there and study some of the builds to get an idea of just what a rogue can an cannot do.

5. When it comes to rogue splashes you should do the same as 4, only check nearly every forum as almost all classes can make use of a properly planned rogue splash. Do not do it on a whim, plan it out from level 1 to level 20.

[Ingemar]

I created a new rogue character. I'm just trying it out. I plan to train tempest ranger for the rest of the levels. It will be interesting to see how well I'll be able to do traps as I level up. I used a drow to do it, so my str is very low compared to my dwarf tempest. Guess I'll be sticking with rapiers with this guy.

[Lord_Legolas]

A good "splash plan" is to not splash at all, unless you have a particular goal in mind that absolutely cannot be accomplished whatsoever by staying pure. In other words, if you don't need to multiclass, don't do it. You're already as optimized as you can be. Multiclassing for the sake of multiclassing will only serve to reduce your level of optimization.

Also note that to multiclass effectively you need a plan and to stick to that plan!!! DDO is extremely unforgiving about multiclassing on a whim. You might want to look over this forum for some help/advice/& research ("Request a build get a build"):

http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=117232&highlight=Request+build

There are many subtle nuances that need to be looked - weighed - and considered and not to mention the fact you need to know most/all of them to get an effective multiclass build. Not to mention that DDO does follow closely 3.5, but IS NOT 3.5...

I see way too many people re-roll (delete and re-create or outright delete) their character because they didn't plan things out or have a plan and stick to it.

[tihocan]

The Tempest version I posted in this thread (http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=232660) has a splash of rogue, for UMD/sneak attack mostly (but could be adapted for traps skills too if you want).

[JOTMON]

I'm playing a basic dwarf tempest ranger who is now level 14. All the splashes I've read about are for low level splashes. Is it too late to splash to get some improved abilities like using heavy armor? If so, what would be some good splashes and at what level?

Multiclass builds usually benefit best when planned from the beginning.
Rogue splashes are typically selected at first level because of the skill point impact. Rogues get 8x(4+int bonus) and have access to a lot of skills, so out of the gate a rogue is off to a great start.
As a ranger you probably have invested into spot and possibly search.
Splashing rogue in later is more difficult since you will have no open lock, disable device, and likely little to no umd, so a lot to try to catch up on.

Ranger levelling strong points
2 2WF
6 Tempest I
9 Evasion
12 Tempst II / Barkskin+5 (30 pt resists at level 11)
15 4th Favored Enemy
18 Tempest III/Arcane Archer (slay living arrows)


Monk splash - If you have high dex/wis (unlikely, as dwarf more likely str build) for wis bonus to ac, a feat and toughness enhancement, requires wearing no armor.

Rogue splash for traps- don't bother
Rogue splash for UMD - workable
Fighter 1 - feat
Fighter 2 - another feat +1str
Fighter 6 - Kensai


In your case your stats are more likely the driving force behind which multicalss to go with (if at all)

Currently Ranger Capstone is meh for 2WF.
I would probably splash 1 fighter and 1 rogue take ranger to 18 dump all skill points into maxing UMD, Heal/Raise dead scrolls and those occasionally other usefull scrolls come in handy.

Or 2 fighter levels for feats and take toughness enhancements for more HP.

[Jasimine]

Multiclass builds usually benefit best when planned from the beginning.
Rogue splashes are typically selected at first level because of the skill point impact. Rogues get 8x(4+int bonus) and have access to a lot of skills, so out of the gate a rogue is off to a great start.
As a ranger you probably have invested into spot and possibly search.
Splashing rogue in later is more difficult since you will have no open lock, disable device, and likely little to no umd, so a lot to try to catch up on.

Ranger levelling strong points
2 2WF
6 Tempest I Improved Two Weapon Fighting and many shot as well
9 Evasion
12 Tempst II / Barkskin+5 (30 pt resists at level 11)
15 4th Favored Enemy
18 Tempest III/Arcane Archer (slay living arrows)


Monk splash - If you have high dex/wis (unlikely, as dwarf more likely str build) for wis bonus to ac, a feat and toughness enhancement, requires wearing no armor. Don't forget evasion at Monk 2. And no armor isn't a huge issue. If you are not going to get an effective AC just wear what ever has the best mods for you, and since dragon touched can be made to custom fit your needs, once you get lucky with the lotto system, there is no real draw back here for a ranger. Not like they would be in addy plat for DR anyways right?

Rogue splash for traps- don't bother Why not? A 1 level rogue splash at first level can let a ranger do traps just as well as a pure rogue, might be one or two quests (Elite Crucible/Epic VON) they can't get that a pure rogue or wizard with rogue splash can. Also you can get the first level of Haste Boost for added burst DPS
Rogue splash for UMD - workable Not just workable but the best use of a rogue splash into any build. With full ranks (23), a base cha of 8 (-1), a +6 cha item (+3), Golden Cartouche (+3), and a +6 cha Skills item (+6) you can get a 34 and thats with just easy to get items. Not quite 100% on heal scrolls, but good enough for topping off between fights and raise dead. Toss in a maxed ranger skill boost (+5) which is good for rogue skills too and you have no fail heal scrolls. Add in 7 finger gloves (+2 more) instead of the cartouche and a +2 cha tome (+1) and then even with out skill boost your up around 80% on heal scrolls.
Fighter 1 - feat Don't forget 1st level of Haste Boost here as well.
Fighter 2 - another feat +1str
Fighter 6 - Kensai


In your case your stats are more likely the driving force behind which multicalss to go with (if at all)

Currently Ranger Capstone is meh for 2WF. The capstone isn't meh for TWF, it's complete garbage. It only helps ranged combat, so many rangers don't even bother with it unless they are an arcane archer or like using bows even if a tempest ranger
I would probably splash 1 fighter and 1 rogue take ranger to 18 dump all skill points into maxing UMD, Heal/Raise dead scrolls and those occasionally other usefull scrolls come in handy.

Or 2 fighter levels for feats and take toughness enhancements for more HP.You get Fighter Toughness 1 at level 1, I don't believe you get the 2nd level of it at fighter level 2

A few comments of my own to give a different opinion and fill in a few missing points. All in purple