Angus Axethrower (Ranged Monster variant)

[unbongwah]

Darcmyst (http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=267922) expressed an interest in a throwing build and he's not the first. I think we all agree that thrown weapons are t3h suck when it comes to DPS. But I like a novel build challenge, so I thought I'd try to come up with something. And thus was born a girl called Angus - ANGUS AXETHROWER!


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.5.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Angus Axethrower
Level 20 Lawful Neutral Dwarf Female
(6 Fighter \ 2 Monk \ 12 Ranger)
Hit Points: 344
Spell Points: 115
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 20
Reflex: 16
Will: 8

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(28 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 18 24
Dexterity 14 16
Constitution 16 18
Intelligence 8 8
Wisdom 8 8
Charisma 6 6

Level 1 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Selected) Quick Draw


Level 2 (Ranger)


Level 3 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Dodge
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot


Level 4 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Mobility


Level 5 (Ranger)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Shot on the Run
Feat: (Selected) Spring Attack


Level 7 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Giant


Level 8 (Ranger)


Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Thrown Weapons


Level 10 (Ranger)


Level 11 (Ranger)


Level 12 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness


Level 13 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider


Level 14 (Ranger)


Level 15 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Brutal Throw


Level 16 (Ranger)


Level 17 (Fighter)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Thrown Weapons


Level 19 (Fighter)


Level 20 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Thrown Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Ranger Energy Resistence Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack I
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack II
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage I
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage II
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution I
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution II
Enhancement: Kensei Throwing Axe Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I
Enhancement: Ranger Item Defense I
Enhancement: Way of the Clever Monkey I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness III
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack II
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage II
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage III
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest II
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion I
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion II
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion III
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion IV
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II


Why ranger 12 rather than pure-ish fighter when Bow STR & Manyshot don't apply to thrown weapons and Kensai III would undoubtedly be higher DPS? Mostly to get Improved Precise Shot for free; otherwise it takes base DEX 19. But it also brings full TWF, 100% off-hand proc chance from Tempest II, ranger spells, etc.

Turned out better than I expected, frankly, for an inherently gimped build. Having both Spring Attack and Shot on the Run means she can run-n-gun-n-slash without penalty. I think she has all of the relevant thrown-weapon feats.

I still think one is better off saving a few feats and just sticking with longbows, but it does what it was supposed to do.

[Darcmyst]

Nice, thanks again.

[unbongwah]

You're welcome - it was a fun build to invent. :) I also came up with a 32-pt human variant: sacrifices DPS and 50 HPs for higher AC (+5 from CE +4 from WIS) and self-healing amp; so more of a survivability than DPS build.


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.5.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Angela Axethrower
Level 20 Lawful Neutral Human Female
(6 Fighter \ 2 Monk \ 12 Ranger)
Hit Points: 294
Spell Points: 178
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 18
Reflex: 16
Will: 12

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(32 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 16 24
Dexterity 14 16
Constitution 14 14
Intelligence 12 13
Wisdom 14 16
Charisma 8 8

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 14

Level 1 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Selected) Quick Draw
Feat: (Human Bonus) Toughness


Level 2 (Ranger)


Level 3 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Dodge
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot


Level 4 (Monk)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Mobility


Level 5 (Ranger)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Shot on the Run
Feat: (Selected) Spring Attack


Level 7 (Ranger)


Level 8 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Giant


Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Thrown Weapons


Level 10 (Ranger)


Level 11 (Ranger)


Level 12 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Selected) Brutal Throw


Level 13 (Ranger)


Level 14 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider


Level 15 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Combat Expertise


Level 16 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR


Level 17 (Fighter)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Thrown Weapons


Level 19 (Fighter)


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Thrown Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Ranger Energy Resistence Boost I
Enhancement: Ranger Energy Resistence Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Kensei Throwing Axe Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Wisdom I
Enhancement: Human Greater Adaptability Strength I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery II
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery III
Enhancement: Human Versatility I
Enhancement: Human Versatility II
Enhancement: Ranger Item Defense I
Enhancement: Ranger Item Defense II
Enhancement: Way of the Clever Monkey I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack II
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage II
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage III
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest II
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II

[Darcmyst]

Would you foresee any issues with +hit taking Brutal Throw so late? Maybe swap it and perhaps Toughness to lvl 9 and carry Keen weapons until pick up the Imp Crit feats later?

[unbongwah]

To be honest, I'm not sure Brutal Throw is necessary at all, or at least not until your STR is way higher than your DEX. She's near-max BAB, good DEX, +1 or +2 to-hit from dwarf enhs, and once she takes SotR she won't take any attack penalties to throwing AFAIK. At lvl 12, without buffs her STR will be 22 (18 + 3 lvl-ups + 1 ftr enh) whereas her DEX will be 16 (14 + 2 rgr enhs); not a big difference, esp. if we presume another +4 or +6 from items at that point.

I dunno, I guess try it and see if you think you need the extra +to-hit at lvl 9.

[Dark-Star]

Seems like some classes got Brutal Throw for free last update.

[valorik]

halflings have bonuses with throwing weapons, why not look into that?

[Darcmyst]

Link to further discussion, http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=267922

[unbongwah]

halflings have bonuses with throwing weapons, why not look into that?
That's an option too, of course. I was trying for max STR in my first build to get the most out of Brutal Throw, and that means no halflings need apply. :) I may experiment with a more traditional DEX-based halfling pure Kensai to see what I can come up with, since this is a novelty build to begin with.

[unbongwah]

As promised, here is the halfling pure Kensai thrower:


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.5.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Haley Hurler
Level 20 True Neutral Halfling Female
(20 Fighter)
Hit Points: 332
Spell Points: 0
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 15
Reflex: 12
Will: 6

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(32 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 16 24
Dexterity 18 20
Constitution 14 14
Intelligence 8 8
Wisdom 8 8
Charisma 8 8

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 11

Level 1 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Quick Draw
Feat: (Selected) Toughness


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Point Blank Shot


Level 3 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Shot


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Precise Shot


Level 5 (Fighter)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Thrown Weapons
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Thrown Weapons


Level 7 (Fighter)


Level 8 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Thrown Weapons


Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Two Weapon Fighting


Level 10 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Weapon Fighting


Level 11 (Fighter)


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Thrown Weapons
Feat: (Selected) Improved Precise Shot


Level 13 (Fighter)


Level 14 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Weapon Fighting


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Thrown Weapons


Level 17 (Fighter)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Brutal Throw
Feat: (Selected) Superior Weapon Focus: Thrown Weapons


Level 19 (Fighter)


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Power Attack
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Weapon Alacrity
Enhancement: Kensei Throwing Axe Mastery I
Enhancement: Kensei Throwing Axe Mastery II
Enhancement: Kensei Throwing Axe Mastery III
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy III
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei II
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei III
Enhancement: Fighter Throwing Axe Specialization I
Enhancement: Fighter Throwing Axe Specialization II
Enhancement: Halfling Dexterity I
Enhancement: Halfling Cunning I
Enhancement: Halfling Cunning II
Enhancement: Halfling Guile I
Enhancement: Halfling Guile II
Enhancement: Halfling Hero's Companion I
Enhancement: Halfling Thrown Weapon Attack I
Enhancement: Halfling Thrown Weapon Attack II
Enhancement: Halfling Thrown Weapon Damage I
Enhancement: Halfling Thrown Weapon Damage II
Enhancement: Halfling Thrown Weapon Damage III
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength III
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III




To be honest, I don't like how one-dimensional this build is, but this is as close to max throwing DPS as I can make it. Could also do monk 2 / fighter 18: gain a feat & Evasion, lose fighter capstone.

So, anyone wanna run this build and Angus through the DPS calculator?

[wolfy42]

Hey Unbong, saw your link on the other thread. Cool we had almost the same idea:)

2 monk levels works well, I liked the barbarian in my post mainly due to being H-orc. If it was another race I'd probably go with monk instead (also gives you shuriken usage which can be kinda nice...along with 2 more feats, better saves etc).

One thing though, you mention getting SoTR and not needing brutal through, but even early on brutal throw is probably going to give you more then +4 to hit (which is all SoTR gives you)...and it's in effect all the time.

It depends on the race somewhat of course but one of the advantages of 12 ranger is you can get by with even a 12 base dex (with +2 tome). This can lead to a pretty huge difference between your strength and dex scores later on.

Even early on as a H-orc it gets pretty crazy, especially starting with a 20 strength. With brutal throw you have no need for SoTR at all, and it's not a required feat so no real point to taking it. Honestly with such a high strength you wouldn't need Spring attack...but thats ok cause it lets you ignore OTWF basically instead.

I think I posted why Horc is pretty a pretty decent choice, you get just as much of a bonus to thrown weapons as dwarves or halflings but you also get the damage bonus to all other weapons as well. Dwarves at least get it with all axes (so it's a pretty good option with throwing axes and TWF with dwarven axes) but halflings get a hit on strength which drops the throwing weapon bonus to only +1 damage and is a penalty when using TWF.

I'd suggest human/h-elf, Dwarf or H-orc as the race for a thrower build. The synergy of Brutal throw with H-orcs huge strength though really works well, the bonus power attack damage and extra haste boosts etc are also very nice.

As far as monk vs barbarian. You don't need monk for evasion with 12 ranger levels (not that your reflex saves are going to be that great) but you could use a shuriken in a monk stance for a slight boost to damage or attack speed (if not hasted) and the bonus feats are kinda nice as well (not to mention monk strikes and the ability to use unarmed attacks for full strength bonus to both hands).

If you have past lives as monk....i'd probably totally go with monk for the higher H2H damage etc (up to +3). Otherwise I just like the extra power attack, faster base movement speed, slight natural DR (cuts glancing blows by about 1/3), extra hp, +1 con (works well with a 15 base con) and a bonus rage per rest (+6 strength if you take enhancements or +4 without).

Anyway nice to see someone already broke this down pretty much:)

[unbongwah]

One thing though, you mention getting SoTR and not needing brutal through, but even early on brutal throw is probably going to give you more then +4 to hit (which is all SoTR gives you)...and it's in effect all the time.
As you say, it all depends on race, base stats, items, etc. as to how big a difference between STR vs DEX. E.g., if you follow my first build, then at lvl 12 you'd have:

STR: base 18 + 3 lvl-ups + 1 ftr enh = 22
DEX: base 14 + 2 rgr enhs = 16

So with BT you'd have +3 to-hit; but with SotR you'd have effectively +4 while moving & throwing - kind of a wash, IMHO.

OTOH, with a HO who started STR 20 DEX 12 (and took +2 tomes to both), at lvl 12 you'd have:

STR: base 20 + 3 lvl-ups + 2 tome + 1 ftr enh + 2 HO enh = 27
DEX: base 12 + 2 tome + 2 rgr enh = 16

A somewhat bigger deal in this case.

Honestly with such a high strength you wouldn't need Spring attack...but thats ok cause it lets you ignore OTWF basically instead. SA is for Tempest pre-req. Part of why I added SotR is I figured I already had Dodge & Mobility anyway, so why not add SotR as well? It isn't necessary, but this is a somewhat gimpy flavor build anyway.

And BTW, the downside to DEX 12 + 2 tome on this (or any other Tempest) build is it would screw up your Dodge / Mobility / SA feat progression, since you need DEX 13 to take Dodge.

You don't need monk for evasion with 12 ranger levelsNo, but you kinda need the bonus feat; and getting Evasion by lvl 4 instead of lvl 9+ doesn't suck.

(not that your reflex saves are going to be that great)Why not? First build hits base Reflex 16: add +1 for +2 DEX tome, +3 from +6 DEX item, +4 from Greater Heroism, +2 luck bonus, +5 Resistance item (or +6 Superior Stability) and you're at 31 or 32 without too much effort.

[wolfy42]

As promised, here is the halfling pure Kensai thrower:


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.5.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Haley Hurler
Level 20 True Neutral Halfling Female
(20 Fighter)
Hit Points: 332
Spell Points: 0
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 15
Reflex: 12
Will: 6

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(32 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 16 24
Dexterity 18 20
Constitution 14 14
Intelligence 8 8
Wisdom 8 8
Charisma 8 8

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 11

Level 1 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Quick Draw
Feat: (Selected) Toughness


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Point Blank Shot


Level 3 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Shot


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Precise Shot


Level 5 (Fighter)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Thrown Weapons
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Thrown Weapons


Level 7 (Fighter)


Level 8 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Thrown Weapons


Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Two Weapon Fighting


Level 10 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Weapon Fighting


Level 11 (Fighter)


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Thrown Weapons
Feat: (Selected) Improved Precise Shot


Level 13 (Fighter)


Level 14 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Weapon Fighting


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Thrown Weapons


Level 17 (Fighter)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Brutal Throw
Feat: (Selected) Superior Weapon Focus: Thrown Weapons


Level 19 (Fighter)


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Power Attack
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Weapon Alacrity
Enhancement: Kensei Throwing Axe Mastery I
Enhancement: Kensei Throwing Axe Mastery II
Enhancement: Kensei Throwing Axe Mastery III
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy III
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei II
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei III
Enhancement: Fighter Throwing Axe Specialization I
Enhancement: Fighter Throwing Axe Specialization II
Enhancement: Halfling Dexterity I
Enhancement: Halfling Cunning I
Enhancement: Halfling Cunning II
Enhancement: Halfling Guile I
Enhancement: Halfling Guile II
Enhancement: Halfling Hero's Companion I
Enhancement: Halfling Thrown Weapon Attack I
Enhancement: Halfling Thrown Weapon Attack II
Enhancement: Halfling Thrown Weapon Damage I
Enhancement: Halfling Thrown Weapon Damage II
Enhancement: Halfling Thrown Weapon Damage III
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength III
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III




To be honest, I don't like how one-dimensional this build is, but this is as close to max throwing DPS as I can make it. Could also do monk 2 / fighter 18: gain a feat & Evasion, lose fighter capstone.

So, anyone wanna run this build and Angus through the DPS calculator?

Damage isn't actually better i'd say then the ranger/fighter/barbarian setup (or even the monk), at least not without factoring in sneak attack damage...but thats hard to do with thrown weapons and especially with improved precise shot to a large group heh.

Pure fighter gets +2 extra damage from greater weapon spec, +1 from Kensi 2, +2 from enhancements and a slightly bigger crit range. Halfling gives +2 damage to thrown weapons all.

Ranger gives +2 damage and +2 strength from rams might for +3 damage and allows you to ignore dex for GTWF/Improved precise shot. It adds +8 damage to 3 favored enemies with all weapons as well. Barbarian gives 1 rage with +2-3 (depending on H-orc enhancements taken) damage. Horc gives 2 extra damage from starting strength, 1 extra damage from racial strength bonus and another bonus damage if under 50% health.

So pure fighter nets a total of 7 extra damage with the halfling throwing enhancements and full spec in a thrown weapon over 6 levels of fighter only.

But having 12 ranger levels and 2 barbarian levels and going H-orc nets you 6 extra damage all the time between rams might and strength bonuses, another 1 damage whenever under 50% health and 8 more damage to favored enemies.

Of course the pure fighter could have a higher fighter haste boost....and the fighter capstone bonus which would increase DPS slightly....but vs favored enemies at least I'd say the ranger combo would still be in the lead. That is also not factoring in the use of rage once per rest which could add another 3 damage...and it doesn't factor in the MASSIVE advantage of the ranger build with TWF. In TWF you get 8 bonus damage per attack from power attack enhancements (3 from H-roc, 1 from barbarian), the 6 point strength advantage gives you 4 more damage per attack (6 when under 50% or 5 if the 2 strength gives you +1 offhand damage as well), tempest 2 increases over all damage by 10% (20% increase in number of offhand attacks to 100% not only increases over all damage but ensures all stunning blows etc are double hits) and while you might lose a tiny bit of attack speed, you get a significant boost to movement speed over a pure fighter...which is very nice for a build that wants to use ranged attacks.

Main advantage is versatility I'd say, but it's really not that much of a difference in thrown weapon DPS. In fact with only 1 kensi level and weapon specialization you can focus on a melee weapon type and still not loose that much of your thrown weapn damage (total loss is only 3 damage). That would bring you a bit further below the halfling thrower build but it would pump up your TWF damage and damage vs held/stunned enemies that much more.