Dwarf 14Rng/6Fight Tempest Kensei

[Oddkaos]

Hello. I'm trying to make a Dwarven Tempest Ranger that uses duel wield Dwarven Axes.
I thought multi-classing into Fighter for the Kensei PrE would be my best bet at higher damage.

Here's my attempt at it.


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 03.09.02
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Level 20 Lawful Good Dwarf Male
(6 Fighter \ 14 Ranger)
Hit Points: 284
Spell Points: 253
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 16
Reflex: 14
Will: 7

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(28 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 17 24
Dexterity 15 17
Constitution 12 14
Intelligence 8 8
Wisdom 13 13
Charisma 6 6

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 20)
Balance 4 17
Bluff -2 -1
Concentration 5 26
Diplomacy -2 -1
Disable Device n/a n/a
Haggle -2 -2
Heal 1 1
Hide 2 3
Intimidate -2 -1
Jump 7 13
Listen 1 1
Move Silently 2 3
Open Lock n/a n/a
Perform n/a n/a
Repair -1 -1
Search -1 10
Spot 5 20
Swim 3 7
Tumble 4 10
Use Magic Device n/a n/a

Level 1 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Selected) Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage I
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage I


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Dodge
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Dwarven Tactics I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I


Level 3 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Mobility
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I


Level 4 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Resistance I
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion I


Level 5 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Trip) I
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion II
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild I


Level 6 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Elemental
Feat: (Selected) Spring Attack
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense II
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage II


Level 7 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I


Level 8 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage II


Level 9 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I


Level 10 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution II
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild II


Level 11 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II


Level 12 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage III


Level 13 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense III
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 14 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Resistance II
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest II


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild III


Level 16 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II


Level 17 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack II


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I


Level 19 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Kensei Dwarven Waraxe Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Sunder) I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II


Level 20 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II




Please tell me what you think needs to be improved.

Thank you!

[grodon9999]

Though you can still get decent HP on a dorf with a starting 12 CON i highly do not recommend it.

you get TWF for free, don't waste a feat on it.

Extend spell is a waste.

This dorf ranger is sweet though I believe the OP LR'd out tthe monk level for a barb level.
http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=183452

Or just go with the Exploiter.

[unbongwah]

If you don't want a rogue-splashed ranger (such as my own Tempest trapmonkey) and you don't have monk, consider this build instead:


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.9.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Level 20 True Neutral Dwarf Female
(2 Fighter \ 18 Ranger)
Hit Points: 336
Spell Points: 230
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 18
Reflex: 14
Will: 5

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) Toughness


Level 2 (Ranger)


Level 3 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Mobility


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Spring Attack


Level 5 (Ranger)


Level 6 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting


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


Level 8 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack I
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage I
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution I
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage II
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 9 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons


Level 10 (Ranger)


Level 11 (Ranger)


Level 12 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 13 (Ranger)


Level 14 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack II
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness III
Enhancement: Racial Toughness IV
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack II
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage III
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest II


Level 15 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Quicken Spell


Level 16 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR


Level 17 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Construct


Level 18 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell


Level 19 (Ranger)


Level 20 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage IV
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest III
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion I
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion II
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion III
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion IV

[Oddkaos]

If you don't want a rogue-splashed ranger (such as my own Tempest trapmonkey) and you don't have monk, consider this build instead:


I do have access to Monk and the 32 point build, does Monk make any difference? Is Monk good to multi-class with for Tempests? Wouldn't Dwarven Axes put me off-center anyway? I don't know much about Monks.

Do you just take two levels of fighter for the bonus feats? Why wouldn't you take 4 more levels and get kensei? Is Tempest III more valuable than Kensei I?

[Roguish_Existence]

I do have access to Monk and the 32 point build, does Monk make any difference? Is Monk good to multi-class with for Tempests? Wouldn't Dwarven Axes put me off-center anyway? I don't know much about Monks.

Do you just take two levels of fighter for the bonus feats? Why wouldn't you take 4 more levels and get kensei? Is Tempest III more valuable than Kensei I?

To answer your questions..

Q.) Does Monk make any difference? Is Monk good to multi-class with for Tempests?
A.) Read http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=168687 Be prepared, it is extensive.

Q.) Wouldn't Dwarven Axes put me off-center anyway?
A.) Short answer, yes. That is why if you are going to take advantage of the Dwarven Axe and the racial enhancements, fighter is a good choice.

Q.) Do you just take two levels of fighter for the bonus feats?
A.) For the feats but also the hitpoints and enhancements.


I have an 18 RNG / 2 FTR, 32 Point Dwarf Tempest build that is similar to Unbongwah's. A few different choices in feats and enhancments due to personal preference but overall the same. They are a tough, can heal sufficiently, good in a group and solo. You will find little trouble in making it to the top. It is a time proven build.

[Oddkaos]

To answer your questions..
I have an 18 RNG / 2 FTR, 32 Point Dwarf Tempest build that is similar to Unbongwah's.

Do you put more into Wisdom? With 18 levels of Ranger wouldn't you want more SP? Plus don't you need 11 Wis to cast spells at lv4 Ranger? Because I don't think you can even equip Wise +3 equipment at lv4.

[Roguish_Existence]

Do you put more into Wisdom? With 18 levels of Ranger wouldn't you want more SP? Plus don't you need 11 Wis to cast spells at lv4 Ranger? Because I don't think you can even equip Wise +3 equipment at lv4.

Q.) Do you put more into Wisdom? Plus don't you need 11 Wis to cast spells at lv4 Ranger?
A.) I Started with 10 WIS and got a +1 WIS item which is easy to get before level 4. To save ability points initially some people just forgo using the level 4 spells until they can use a +2 WIS tome at level 7 and an item because they are not essential to have. You don't even get your weakest heal spell until level 8.

Q.) With 18 levels of Ranger wouldn't you want more SP?
A.) Not really. Your only given a few good buffs and a heal spell that you will use actively and those heal spells need enhancements and at least one feat to be truly effective. Some people take the energy enhancement line for more SP others think there is better ways to spend your points. I did, but its up to your play style and the gear you got on hand.

Hope this helps.

[unbongwah]

Is Monk good to multi-class with for Tempests? Wouldn't Dwarven Axes put me off-center anyway?
Yes and yes; but in this case the reasons for a monk splash would be extra feats (as with ftr), higher saves, and WIS bonus to AC so long as you aren't wearing armor or shield (being uncentered doesn't affect this), which is part of the Exploiter's secret to success. [Monk 2 also provides Evasion, but so does rgr 9, so that's redundant; I'm afraid two Evasions don't give Imp Evasion, more's the pity. ;)]

Do you just take two levels of fighter for the bonus feats? Why wouldn't you take 4 more levels and get kensei? Is Tempest III more valuable than Kensei I?I don't know if Tempest II / Kensai I or Tempest III is more DPS (though my guess is it's the former). But the trick to my build is to have some SP-regen-on-hit gear (Raiyum Torc, Con Opp GS item) combined with Maximize+Quicken+Devotion IV+heal amp gear+Ardor clickie so you can do some pretty respectable self-healing w/CSW. While that's still doable with rgr 14/ftr 6, your heals are a bit less potent that way and you miss out on the FE @ lvl 15. Plus the ftr 2 splash provides some benefit: two extra feats, Haste Boost I, +1 STR enh, +14 HPs (base difference + Toughness enh).

Because I don't think you can even equip Wise +3 equipment at lv4.
Min lvl on +3 stat items is lvl 5, IIRC, but you can also use Owl's WIS in the interim. I would only bump up WIS on a monk splash for the extra AC; the extra SPs from higher WIS are neglible and stat items aren't too hard to come by.

[Oddkaos]

But the trick to my build is to have some SP-regen-on-hit gear (Raiyum Torc, Con Opp GS item) combined with Maximize+Quicken+Devotion IV+heal amp gear+Ardor clickie so you can do some pretty respectable self-healing w/CSW. While that's still doable with rgr 14/ftr 6, your heals are a bit less potent that way and you miss out on the FE @ lvl 15. Plus the ftr 2 splash provides some benefit: two extra feats, Haste Boost I, +1 STR enh, +14 HPs (base difference + Toughness enh).
by.


On CSW (from Wiki)
"Description:

Positive energy heals an ally for 3d6+6 plus 1 per caster level (Maximum caster level 15.) hit points, or deals the same amount of damage to an Undead creature. (A Will save reduces this damage by half.)"

So it's increased up until level 15 and the spell is given to rangers at level 14 so by only taking 14 levels of ranger I would only miss out on +1. I could still take Devotion IV (Ranger level 11) if it's that important while retaining Kensei 1.

Is the plus 1 to CSW worth losing Kensei 1, the extra feats from more fighter levels, and Fighter Haste Boost II?

Here's a revised version of my build with Devotion IV and Mental Toughness which could be switched out if you think something else is worth more than 80 SP.

Please tell me what you think!

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 03.09.02
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Level 20 Lawful Good Dwarf Male
(6 Fighter \ 14 Ranger)
Hit Points: 324
Spell Points: 335
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 18
Reflex: 14
Will: 5

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(32 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 18 25
Dexterity 14 16
Constitution 16 18
Intelligence 8 8
Wisdom 8 8
Charisma 6 6

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 20)
Balance 4 17
Bluff -2 -1
Concentration 7 28
Diplomacy -2 -1
Disable Device n/a n/a
Haggle -2 -2
Heal -1 -1
Hide 2 3
Intimidate -2 -1
Jump 8 13
Listen -1 -1
Move Silently 2 3
Open Lock n/a n/a
Perform n/a n/a
Repair -1 -1
Search -1 10
Spot 3 18
Swim 4 7
Tumble 4 10
Use Magic Device n/a n/a

Level 1 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage I
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage I


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Mobility
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I


Level 3 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I


Level 4 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Resistance I
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion I


Level 5 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion II
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild I


Level 6 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Elemental
Feat: (Selected) Spring Attack
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage II


Level 7 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I


Level 8 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage II


Level 9 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I


Level 10 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution II
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild II


Level 11 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II


Level 12 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage III


Level 13 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion III
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 14 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Resistance II
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest II


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Mental Toughness
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild III


Level 16 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II


Level 17 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack II


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I


Level 19 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Kensei Dwarven Waraxe Mastery I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion IV


Level 20 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II

[Roguish_Existence]

We are just trying to provide you with what we hope is useful information which upon you can make your decisions. For example, the the differences in choice of PrE for the build you offered and the build(s) we responded with...

Fighter Kensai I: You are the unrivaled master of your chosen weapon. Your focus and training grant you a +1 bonus to Bluff, Concentration, Diplomacy, and Intimidate skills, Combat Feat DC's, saves against magic, and number of Action Boosts per day. If you possess a Ki bar, you gain 1 additional Ki on criticals and when meditating. You can select a single weapon type as your signature weapon.

The real benefit of taking this is spending the extra 1 enhancement point for...

Kensai Weapon Mastery I
Benefit (One handed, ranged, or thrown weapons): You gain an additional +1 bonus to hit and damage, and +2 to confirm criticals and critical damage (before multipliers) when using a <weapon>.

Although, this enhancement actually favors the THF feat...

Benefit (Two handed weapons): You gain an additional +1 bonus to hit, +2 to damage and to confirm criticals and +4 to critical damage (before multipliers), as well as improved glancing blows that have a chance of applying magical weapon effects when using a <weapon>.

Next is the reasoning behind taking...

Ranger Tempest III: Your skill with two weapons is unequaled. You have become a whirling tempest of steel and now gain one additional free attack in your attack chain when two-weapon fighting. In addition, you now gain a +4 shield bonus to armor class when two-weapon fighting, and your attack bonus penalty has been reduced by 1 additional point for each hand.

Overall, you are gaining a +4 bonus to AC, an additional attack with your main hand, and +3 to-hit with each hand for finishing this line. Hence 18 RNG and the 2 FTR for two additional feats + Fighter Toughness I, Fighter Haste Boost I (the difference between I&II is only 5%), and Fighter Critical Accuracy I (which is the same +2 to confirm criticals you get with Kensai Weapon Mastery I).

Regardless, you seem to know what it is you want so I will focus on helping you with the build at hand...

1) Your planner says 32 Point Build but your stats are actually still 28 Points, allocate the 4 points somwhere useful like CON, start that at 18 as well.

2) Skill point allocation is your choice but I would suggest...

Concentration: 4
Jump: 2 (Put 10 points total in this. Use the rest to catch up skills you lost from choosing so many levels of Fighter.)
Search: 4 (Good for finding them pesky hidden doors and traps, even if you cannot disarm them yourself.)
Spot: 4
*Balance: 2 (4 full points)
*Tumble: 1 (2 Full points is all it takes to use it permanently.)
*UMD: Normally here is where I would put my points instead of search because UMD is invaluable to most classes but your CHA is horrid and you have the limited ability to heal and buff yourself unlike many others.

3) Your level progression is off and therfore so is some of your feat progression.

You gain the TWF feat for free from Ranger level 2. Take fighter at levels 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 instead.
Take Dodge at 1.
Toughness and OTWF at 3.
Mobility and Spring Attack at 6. (Tempest Prereqs)
Improved Crit: Slashing at 9.
Power attack and Weapon Focus: Slashing at 12
Weapon Spec: Slashing at 15 (Mental toughness is not going to be overly useful, you have no worthy spells.)
Empower Healing and Stunning Blow at 18

I suggested empower healing because 50% EmpH + 40% RNG Devotion= Bigger heals for you and your friends for less SP than Maximize. Stunning Blow is a useful skill to have while in a party or solo and because your STR based, it should work fairly well. If you didn't want to take stunning blow, you could move Wep Spec: Slash to 18, keeping Mental Toughness at 15 and not taking the ranger energy enhancement line. Doing so you would still come out ahead in SP and would save 6 Enhancement points towards other things. The choice is all yours. Just realize that you are not even going to see Cure Serious Wounds until level 20 and you lost quite a bit in the skill points department because you had to take 4 extra levels of Fighter to get the benefit of your PrE.

I truly hope this all helps. I enjoy working on builds and helping/collaborating with others as much as I enjoy playing DDO.

[Oddkaos]

We are just trying to provide you with what we hope is useful information which upon you can make your decisions.


I'm sorry if I came across as if I was trying to say you were wrong. I was just asking questions, which in my experience, is the best way to get answers to something you are uninformed about.
By making the revised build I was just trying to show that I was willing to do the leg work.



For example, the the differences in choice of PrE for the build you offered and the build(s) we responded with...

Fighter Kensai I: You are the unrivaled master of your chosen weapon. Your focus and training grant you a +1 bonus to Bluff, Concentration, Diplomacy, and Intimidate skills, Combat Feat DC's, saves against magic, and number of Action Boosts per day. If you possess a Ki bar, you gain 1 additional Ki on criticals and when meditating. You can select a single weapon type as your signature weapon.

The real benefit of taking this is spending the extra 1 enhancement point for...

Kensai Weapon Mastery I
Benefit (One handed, ranged, or thrown weapons): You gain an additional +1 bonus to hit and damage, and +2 to confirm criticals and critical damage (before multipliers) when using a <weapon>.

Although, this enhancement actually favors the THF feat...

Benefit (Two handed weapons): You gain an additional +1 bonus to hit, +2 to damage and to confirm criticals and +4 to critical damage (before multipliers), as well as improved glancing blows that have a chance of applying magical weapon effects when using a <weapon>.

Next is the reasoning behind taking...

Ranger Tempest III: Your skill with two weapons is unequaled. You have become a whirling tempest of steel and now gain one additional free attack in your attack chain when two-weapon fighting. In addition, you now gain a +4 shield bonus to armor class when two-weapon fighting, and your attack bonus penalty has been reduced by 1 additional point for each hand.

Overall, you are gaining a +4 bonus to AC, an additional attack with your main hand, and +3 to-hit with each hand for finishing this line. Hence 18 RNG and the 2 FTR for two additional feats + Fighter Toughness I, Fighter Haste Boost I (the difference between I&II is only 5%), and Fighter Critical Accuracy I (which is the same +2 to confirm criticals you get with Kensai Weapon Mastery I).


My trepidation towards going for Tempest III is because Tempest III grants the least out of out of Tempest I and II in terms of double strike (5%) hence I thought Kensei I and the extra feats and haste boost would be greater.
If you believe that I should take it all the way to Tempest III then I have to trust your judgement because I have no doubt that you are more informed than I.

At any rate - Thank you to all those that have responded. I truly do appreciate it.

[Roguish_Existence]

I'm sorry if I came across as if I was trying to say you were wrong. I was just asking questions, which in my experience, is the best way to get answers to something you are uninformed about.
By making the revised build I was just trying to show that I was willing to do the leg work.



My trepidation towards going for Tempest III is because Tempest III grants the least out of out of Tempest I and II in terms of double strike (5%) hence I thought Kensei I and the extra feats and haste boost would be greater.
If you believe that I should take it all the way to Tempest III then I have to trust your judgement because I have no doubt that you are more informed than I.

At any rate - Thank you to all those that have responded. I truly do appreciate it.

I guess the long winded point I was trying to make is if you can live with not getting your best spell until level 20 then thats just fine. Let us just throw out the whole first half of my previous post and focus the second and most important part. Helping you create the character YOU want. Did you take note of my suggested changes in your character planner?

[NaturalHazard]

On CSW (from Wiki)
"Description:

Positive energy heals an ally for 3d6+6 plus 1 per caster level (Maximum caster level 15.) hit points, or deals the same amount of damage to an Undead creature. (A Will save reduces this damage by half.)"

So it's increased up until level 15 and the spell is given to rangers at level 14 so by only taking 14 levels of ranger I would only miss out on +1. I could still take Devotion IV (Ranger level 11) if it's that important while retaining Kensei 1.

Is the plus 1 to CSW worth losing Kensei 1, the extra feats from more fighter levels, and Fighter Haste Boost II?

Here's a revised version of my build with Devotion IV and Mental Toughness which could be switched out if you think something else is worth more than 80 SP.

Please tell me what you think!

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 03.09.02
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Level 20 Lawful Good Dwarf Male
(6 Fighter \ 14 Ranger)
Hit Points: 324
Spell Points: 335
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 18
Reflex: 14
Will: 5

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(32 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 18 25
Dexterity 14 16
Constitution 16 18
Intelligence 8 8
Wisdom 8 8
Charisma 6 6

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 20)
Balance 4 17
Bluff -2 -1
Concentration 7 28
Diplomacy -2 -1
Disable Device n/a n/a
Haggle -2 -2
Heal -1 -1
Hide 2 3
Intimidate -2 -1
Jump 8 13
Listen -1 -1
Move Silently 2 3
Open Lock n/a n/a
Perform n/a n/a
Repair -1 -1
Search -1 10
Spot 3 18
Swim 4 7
Tumble 4 10
Use Magic Device n/a n/a

Level 1 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage I
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage I


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Mobility
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I


Level 3 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I


Level 4 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Resistance I
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion I


Level 5 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion II
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild I


Level 6 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Elemental
Feat: (Selected) Spring Attack
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage II


Level 7 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I


Level 8 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage II


Level 9 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I


Level 10 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution II
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild II


Level 11 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II


Level 12 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage III


Level 13 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion III
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 14 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Resistance II
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest II


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Mental Toughness
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild III


Level 16 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II


Level 17 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack II


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I


Level 19 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Kensei Dwarven Waraxe Mastery I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion IV


Level 20 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II




I dont know you could fit in empower healing spell to stack with maximize or something like that instead of metal toughness?

You might want to farm a torc and craft a con-opt greensteel item for your sp needs. A feat seems pretty steep for 80 sp, also my suggestion might be over kill as well on the healing department. .

[Dirichlet]

The same split came up in this thread recently: http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=331432

Funnily enough the topic was concerning racial choice and Dwarf seemed to be the top contender. You might want to look through it for ideas; the 14/6 split is well justified within.

[stoerm]

How about ranger 12/fighter 8? Fighter 7 gives haste boost III and 8 gives another feat. Not sure if cure serious is better.

[Oddkaos]

Regardless, you seem to know what it is you want so I will focus on helping you with the build at hand...

1) Your planner says 32 Point Build but your stats are actually still 28 Points, allocate the 4 points somwhere useful like CON, start that at 18 as well.


I was stuck when I began in the character builder on where to put the last points and was supposed to come back to it.. I guess I didn't.



2) Skill point allocation is your choice but I would suggest...

Concentration: 4
Jump: 2 (Put 10 points total in this. Use the rest to catch up skills you lost from choosing so many levels of Fighter.)
Search: 4 (Good for finding them pesky hidden doors and traps, even if you cannot disarm them yourself.)
Spot: 4
*Balance: 2 (4 full points)
*Tumble: 1 (2 Full points is all it takes to use it permanently.)
*UMD: Normally here is where I would put my points instead of search because UMD is invaluable to most classes but your CHA is horrid and you have the limited ability to heal and buff yourself unlike many others.


Sounds good to me.



3) Your level progression is off and therfore so is some of your feat progression.

You gain the TWF feat for free from Ranger level 2. Take fighter at levels 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 instead.
Take Dodge at 1.
Toughness and OTWF at 3.
Mobility and Spring Attack at 6. (Tempest Prereqs)
Improved Crit: Slashing at 9.
Power attack and Weapon Focus: Slashing at 12
Weapon Spec: Slashing at 15 (Mental toughness is not going to be overly useful, you have no worthy spells.)
Empower Healing and Stunning Blow at 18

I suggested empower healing because 50% EmpH + 40% RNG Devotion= Bigger heals for you and your friends for less SP than Maximize. Stunning Blow is a useful skill to have while in a party or solo and because your STR based, it should work fairly well. If you didn't want to take stunning blow, you could move Wep Spec: Slash to 18, keeping Mental Toughness at 15 and not taking the ranger energy enhancement line. Doing so you would still come out ahead in SP and would save 6 Enhancement points towards other things. The choice is all yours. Just realize that you are not even going to see Cure Serious Wounds until level 20 and you lost quite a bit in the skill points department because you had to take 4 extra levels of Fighter to get the benefit of your PrE.

I truly hope this all helps. I enjoy working on builds and helping/collaborating with others as much as I enjoy playing DDO.

I just want to create a Dwarf Ranger that can put out the most dps with TWF and Dwarven Axes. If you think an 18/2 split will do that better than the 14/6 split then I really have no problem switching in fact I would prefer it.


How about ranger 12/fighter 8? Fighter 7 gives haste boost III and 8 gives another feat. Not sure if cure serious is better.

Well the Haste Boost III is only a 5% bonus for 3 AP, but if there is a vital feat that I need to include that I would otherwise miss without the extra feat, then I suppose we could talk about a 12/8 split.


I just want to say that I have no prior experience in PnP DnD and very little experience in character building in DDO so I really have to trust others' judgement. Please do note that if I ask a question about your suggestion I am NOT trying to disqualify your suggestion. I am just looking for verification I guess.