18 druid/2 ranger build. Opinions?

[Coyopa]

I was playing around with a caster druid on Lammania for a bit recently and thought adding in the ability to use a bow would be a nice addition, even though the bow damage wouldn't be as good as it would on a ranger or monkcher. Originally, my idea was to get the elf enhancement that lets you use dex for damage with bows, but after playing around with the build a little I realized the raw bow damage should not be the focus. So, I dropped that. Anyway, here's what I have come up with so far.


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 04.19.03
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Lysistra
Level 28 Neutral Good Elf Female
(2 Ranger \ 18 Druid \ 8 Epic)
Hit Points: 364
Spell Points: 1870
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 17
Reflex: 13
Will: 20

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(32 Point) (Level 1) (Level 28)
Strength 12 14
Dexterity 16 19
Constitution 14 16
Intelligence 10 12
Wisdom 16 28
Charisma 8 10

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 7
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 7

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 28)
Balance 3 12
Bluff -1 8
Concentration 6 34
Diplomacy -1 8
Disable Device n/a n/a
Haggle -1 8
Heal 7 40
Hide 3 12
Intimidate -1 8
Jump 5 21
Listen 3 19
Move Silently 3 12
Open Lock n/a n/a
Perform n/a n/a
Repair 0 9
Search 0 11
Spellcraft 2 32
Spot 7 42
Swim 1 10
Tumble n/a n/a
Use Magic Device 1 10

Level 1 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot


Level 2 (Druid)


Level 3 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Wolf


Level 4 (Druid)


Level 5 (Druid)


Level 6 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Precise Shot
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Bear


Level 7 (Druid)


Level 8 (Druid)


Level 9 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Spell
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Winter Wolf


Level 10 (Druid)


Level 11 (Ranger)


Level 12 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Manyshot


Level 13 (Druid)
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Dire Bear


Level 14 (Druid)


Level 15 (Druid)
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Fire Elemental
Feat: (Selected) Zen Archery


Level 16 (Druid)


Level 17 (Druid)


Level 18 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Enlarge Spell


Level 19 (Druid)
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Water Elemental


Level 20 (Druid)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Child of Nature (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Aerenal Weapon Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Arcanum (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Arcanum (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Elf - Arcane Archer (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Seasoned (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Time (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Tide (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Sunburst (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Storm of Vengeance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wand and Scroll Mastery (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wand and Scroll Mastery (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wand and Scroll Mastery (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Season's Greetings: Winter (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Season's Greetings: Winter (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Season's Greetings: Winter (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Beguile (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Beguile (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Beguile (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Produce Flame (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Produce Flame (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Produce Flame (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Creeping Cold (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Creeping Cold (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Creeping Cold (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wisdom (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Spring Resurgence (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Spring Resurgence (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Spring Resurgence (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Autumnal Susurrus (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Autumnal Susurrus (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Autumnal Susurrus (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Call Lightning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Call Lightning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Call Lightning (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wisdom (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Crown of Summer (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Word of Balance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Word of Balance (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Word of Balance (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Time and Tide (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Strength of the Solstice (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Arcane Archer (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Morphic Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Metalline Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Conjure Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Energy of the Wild (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Corrosive Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Frost Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Soul Magic (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Wisdom (Rank 1)


Level 21 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell


Level 22 (Epic)


Level 23 (Epic)


Level 24 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Mental Toughness


Level 25 (Epic)


Level 26 (Epic)
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Epic Spell Power: Cold


Level 27 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Mental Toughness


Level 28 (Epic)
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Mass Frog




The idea here being to be able to augment SLA use with actual spells, use the bow for pulling and some extra damage (and, notably, damage that is not dependent upon my spell points - just in case). I took Enlarge Spell so the SLA's can land from further away, enabling me to pull from longer distances in dungeons. I am not sure how much benefit Heighten might afford, which is why I have not included it in the build. I will be interested to see what people think of the build and how you feel it will perform at high levels. You don't have to be nice about the build, but just make sure you don't get yourself banned. :D

[unbongwah]

This is along the same lines of what I was thinking in this thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/437017-The-Stonehenge-(18-druid-2-monk)?p=5266248&viewfull=1#post5266248). The idea was a Shiradi caster / ranged hybrid: fire off your DoTs, switch to your bow w/Manyshot, switch back to spells while MS is on CD - rinse, repeat. Although if you're not going heavy into AA tree (or DMs), you might be better off w/human for the extra feat, heal amp, etc. and just take the first two tiers of rgr AA tree. The idea is to get some extra Shiradi procs & "free" DPS from Manyshot, not be a full-time archer.

Just messing with the builder:

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 04.20.02
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Level 20 Neutral Good Human Female
(2 Ranger \ 18 Druid)
Hit Points: 260
Spell Points: 1356
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 17
Reflex: 12
Will: 20

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(32 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 10 12
Dexterity 15 17
Constitution 14 16
Intelligence 8 10
Wisdom 18 29
Charisma 8 10

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 7
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 7

Level 1 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Spell
Feat: (Human Bonus) Maximize Spell


Level 2 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead


Level 3 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Quicken Spell
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Wolf


Level 4 (Druid)
Ability Raise: WIS


Level 5 (Druid)


Level 6 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Bear


Level 7 (Druid)


Level 8 (Druid)
Ability Raise: WIS


Level 9 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Manyshot


Level 10 (Druid)
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Winter Wolf


Level 11 (Druid)


Level 12 (Druid)
Ability Raise: WIS
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons


Level 13 (Druid)
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Dire Bear


Level 14 (Druid)


Level 15 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Heighten Spell
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Water Elemental


Level 16 (Druid)
Ability Raise: WIS


Level 17 (Druid)


Level 18 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Spell Focus: Evocation


Level 19 (Druid)
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Fire Elemental


Level 20 (Druid)
Ability Raise: WIS
Enhancement: Human - Human Versatility: Damage Boost (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Human - Human Adaptability: Wisdom (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Human - Improved Recovery (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Human - Sniper (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Seasoned (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Time (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Tide (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Sunburst (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Storm of Vengeance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wand and Scroll Mastery (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wand and Scroll Mastery (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wand and Scroll Mastery (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Season's Greetings: Winter (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Season's Greetings: Winter (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Season's Greetings: Winter (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Beguile (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Beguile (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Beguile (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Produce Flame (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Produce Flame (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Produce Flame (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Action Boost: Spellpower (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Action Boost: Spellpower (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Action Boost: Spellpower (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Creeping Cold (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Creeping Cold (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Creeping Cold (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wisdom (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Autumnal Susurrus (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Call Lightning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Call Lightning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Call Lightning (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wisdom (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Word of Balance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Word of Balance (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Word of Balance (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Time and Tide (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Strength of the Solstice (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Nature's Warrior (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Instinctive Fighting (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Instinctive Fighting (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Extra Wild Empathy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Extra Wild Empathy (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Extra Wild Empathy (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Shifting Rake (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Flight (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Flight (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Flight (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Vengeful Hunter (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Vengeful Hunter (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Vengeful Hunter (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Fatal Harrier (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Fatal Harrier (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Fatal Harrier (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Nature's Warrior (Drd) - Nature's Warrior Wisdom (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Arcane Archer (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Conjure Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Corrosive Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Far Shot (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Increased Empathy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Increased Empathy (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Increased Empathy (Rank 3)


I'd probably take Emp Heal at lvl 21; not sure what to do with the rest of the feats.

[Coyopa]

Yea, this is about what I was thinking. It's nice to see someone else thinking about the same thing. I like access to AA via elf because it enables me to pick up a couple of extra core abilities and also Rune Bow or whatever that gives some free spell points. The fact your build goes for IC: Ranged rather than Precise Shot as in mine is interesting to me. I had put Zen Archery in mine so I had better chances to hit, as well.

[Sokól]

I have a helf 17 druid 2 monk 1 ranger and the AA tree and druid have some nice synergies.

I would drop maximize and empower for precision and empower heal/more evocation...

[Coyopa]

I have a helf 17 druid 2 monk 1 ranger and the AA tree and druid have some nice synergies.

I would drop maximize and empower for precision and empower heal/more evocation...

Well, I opted for maximize and empower because the build is intended to primarily be a spellcaster. Also, precision is not that big a help for a build like this. 5% more to attack and 25% fortification by-pass is not going to be that helpful. Dropping maximize and empower, to me, is at odds with the suggestion of "more evocation". Also, I believe I put empower heal at level 21. I worked up a second version last night that is a little different from both builds posted in this thread that gets some additional positive spell power from Deepwood Sniper as well as the Mass Lesser Vigor ability. I will have to try it out on Lammania later today and see how much the MLV heals for with empower turned on. If I find the build better than "passable", even if it isn't outstanding, I will post it.

Also, I don't want to give up more than 2 levels of druid because I want the Storm of Vengeance SLA from the Season's Herald tree. So, that's a restriction on the splashing (for me). Testing on Lammania with an Epic Ring of Elemental Essence, full ranks in Spellcraft, and little else for gear, Storm of Vengeance SLA (max'd and empower'd) did about 180 acid damage on average (ignoring criticals) and the lightning portion (when not saved against) did about 650 damage (ignoring criticals).

[Sokól]

Well, I opted for maximize and empower because the build is intended to primarily be a spellcaster. Also, precision is not that big a help for a build like this. 5% more to attack and 25% fortification by-pass is not going to be that helpful. Dropping maximize and empower, to me, is at odds with the suggestion of "more evocation". Also, I believe I put empower heal at level 21. I worked up a second version last night that is a little different from both builds posted in this thread that gets some additional positive spell power from Deepwood Sniper as well as the Mass Lesser Vigor ability. I will have to try it out on Lammania later today and see how much the MLV heals for with empower turned on. If I find the build better than "passable", even if it isn't outstanding, I will post it.

Also, I don't want to give up more than 2 levels of druid because I want the Storm of Vengeance SLA from the Season's Herald tree. So, that's a restriction on the splashing (for me). Testing on Lammania with an Epic Ring of Elemental Essence, full ranks in Spellcraft, and little else for gear, Storm of Vengeance SLA (max'd and empower'd) did about 180 acid damage on average (ignoring criticals) and the lightning portion (when not saved against) did about 650 damage (ignoring criticals).

Well when you do ee you will start seeing grazed hits and many of the endgame bosses have high fort, I would at least swap it for empower but remember these are just suggestions :D

In your testing did you have enough ap´s for Storm of Vengeance SLA and slayer arrow in the AA tree?

[unbongwah]

In your testing did you have enough ap´s for Storm of Vengeance SLA and slayer arrow in the AA tree?
Just barely possible: SoV SLA is 31 APs, Slaying Arrow is 32 APs, unlocking AA racial tree is 14 APs, leaving you 3 APs to spare.

That said, if you're not a full-time AA but only use the bow w/Manyshot, Slaying Arrows isn't worth it, IMHO, as the 20-sec. CD means you can only use it once per MS. I'd rather have tier-5 Season's Herald like WoB SLA and Time & Tide (which should be WAI next week).

[Coyopa]

That said, if you're not a full-time AA but only use the bow w/Manyshot, Slaying Arrows isn't worth it, IMHO, as the 20-sec. CD means you can only use it once per MS. I'd rather have tier-5 Season's Herald like WoB SLA and Time & Tide (which should be WAI next week).

This is how I put my build together. I want the tier 5 enhancements from Season's Herald - particularly Word of Balance. So, I am unable to also choose Slayer Arrow. Furthermore, hitting with a bow should not be a problem for my build as I have planned to take Zen Archery, which allows me to use my wisdom bonus for attack rather than relying on my dexterity. This enables me to have a large spell point pool, as well.

[Coyopa]

OK. Here is the second build I put together. I like this one better. I got the first rank of Empathic Healing ability from DWS. With empower, empower heal, and maximize on, it still is not very good, but it does hit for 16 to 21 with crits as high as 33 at around 130 or so positive spell power. The only gear I had on the test build was Epic Ring of Elemental Essence, Belt of the Mroranon, and Unwavering Ardency. So, with additional positive spell power, I can probably get it around 30 a tick, which is 150 hp over 5 ticks (assuming no crits and no healing amp). The bow damage wasn't too bad, actually, and the crits were all right at between 110 and 130 or so, typically. I got the Metalline Arrows ability from the AA tree so I can get a good aligned bow and be able to bypass most DR. I would probably get the Elemental Longbow of Earth upgraded to tier 3 for this build so I can slot good in that and get the benefit of its procs, as well.


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 04.19.03
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Level 28 True Neutral Elf Male
(2 Ranger \ 18 Druid \ 8 Epic)
Hit Points: 364
Spell Points: 1947
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 17
Reflex: 13
Will: 19

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(32 Point) (Level 1) (Level 28)
Strength 12 14
Dexterity 16 18
Constitution 14 16
Intelligence 10 12
Wisdom 16 27
Charisma 8 10

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 7
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 7

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 28)
Balance 3 12
Bluff -1 8
Concentration 6 34
Diplomacy -1 10
Disable Device n/a n/a
Haggle -1 8
Heal 7 39
Hide 3 12
Intimidate -1 8
Jump 1 19
Listen 3 18
Move Silently 3 12
Open Lock n/a n/a
Perform n/a n/a
Repair 0 9
Search 0 11
Spellcraft 4 32
Spot 7 41
Swim 1 10
Tumble n/a n/a
Use Magic Device n/a n/a

Level 1 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot


Level 2 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead


Level 3 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Wolf


Level 4 (Druid)


Level 5 (Druid)


Level 6 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Spell
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Bear


Level 7 (Druid)


Level 8 (Druid)


Level 9 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Manyshot


Level 10 (Druid)
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Winter Wolf


Level 11 (Druid)


Level 12 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Enlarge Spell


Level 13 (Druid)
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Dire Bear


Level 14 (Druid)


Level 15 (Druid)
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Fire Elemental
Feat: (Selected) Zen Archery


Level 16 (Druid)


Level 17 (Druid)


Level 18 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell


Level 19 (Druid)
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Water Elemental


Level 20 (Druid)


Level 21 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Mental Toughness


Level 22 (Epic)


Level 23 (Epic)


Level 24 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Mental Toughness


Level 25 (Epic)


Level 26 (Epic)
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Epic Spell Power: Cold


Level 27 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Epic Mental Toughness


Level 28 (Epic)
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Mass Frog
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Child of Nature (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Aerenal Weapon Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Enchantment Lore (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Arcanum (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Arcanum (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Elf - Arcane Archer (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Seasoned (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Time (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Tide (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Sunburst (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Storm of Vengeance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Season's Greetings: Winter (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Season's Greetings: Winter (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Season's Greetings: Winter (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Beguile (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Beguile (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Beguile (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Produce Flame (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Produce Flame (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Produce Flame (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Creeping Cold (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Creeping Cold (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Creeping Cold (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wisdom (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Spring Resurgence (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Spring Resurgence (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Spring Resurgence (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Call Lightning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Call Lightning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Call Lightning (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wisdom (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Crown of Summer (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Word of Balance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Word of Balance (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Word of Balance (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Time and Tide (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Strength of the Solstice (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Far Shot (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Increased Empathy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Increased Empathy (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Versatile Empathy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Versatile Empathy (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Empathic Healing (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Empathic Healing (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Arcane Archer (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Morphic Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Metalline Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Conjure Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Energy of the Wild (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Corrosive Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Frost Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Elf) - Soul Magic (Rank 1)




I took Soul Magic because the only SLA I have that costs more than 10 sp is Storm of Vengeance. The rest cost 6 sp or less each. So, I can fire a bit, cast an SLA using temporary spell points from Soul Magic, then go back to firing and I never dip into my actual spell points unless I have to throw actual spells - but at least even if I am on echoes of power, I can get to 22 spell points easy, which is enough to still drop some healing on me with Rejuvenation Cocoon and I will quickly be able to add some spell damage back into the mix after healing myself.

Other twists I would go for on this character would be Dragon Heritage (White Dragon) for an extra 30 cold spell power and, if I can get the Fate Points for it, Secondary Spell Specialty (Acid) - both from Draconic. I would probably use Shiradi for the extra damage and (sometimes) stat damage from the procs, as well as the occasional paralyzation that makes them helpless.

[unbongwah]

I'm not convinced the MT feats are worth it; I'd rather invest in more ranged DPS (e.g., IC:Ranged, Precision, and/or Prec Shot) or higher DCs (e.g., Heighten and at least one SF:Evo for DC Twists). But I'd be curious to hear your thoughts if & when you make it to level cap with this build. :)

[Coyopa]

Actually, you are probably right about the Mental Toughness feats. This build is supposed to rely heavily on its SLAs. So, the MT feats probably should be swapped for IC: Ranged, Precise Shot, and SF: Evocation. I have a 25 druid (currently a wolf build) that I have been thinking about LR'ing into this build to try it out at level cap right away. I may do that later this coming week. I'll keep you posted.

[unbongwah]

Don't forget Heighten will boost your Call Lightning, Sunburst, and WoB SLAs free (Faerie Fire & Creeping Cold have no saves); it also adds +1 DC to Earthquake & FoD for +5 SPs. So even if I never use it for my other spells, it's worth it just for those, IMHO.

[Gnarkh]

I recently thought about the same concept (and in the end dumped it for my Stonehenge (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/437204-The-Stonehenge-(efficient-dragonmarked-caster)) build :) ). See this thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/437017-The-Stonehenge-(18-druid-2-monk)) for the old discussion of an archery based build which gave me some great feedback regarding the level split.

I also played a very similiar split for a while on a lesser reincarnation.

It rocks :)

I usually did something like this attack chain:

Freezing Spray -> Creeping Cold -> GCC -> Ice Storm (in ice elemental form obviously)

And unleashed the usual AA goodness. I TRed that toon very soon, but the single target damage seemed exceptional and I was easily able to grab (and hold) aggro from higher level, better EDed, way better geared toons. It was also a lot of fun to play, a ranged toon with great selfhealing and great damage really.

I did a 15 / 5 ranger split back then I think, because I was stuck on being human.

If I'd build a toon like that from scratch, I'd probably do something like elven 17 druid / X ranger / X monk (monk for zen archery, water stance and possibly evasion), with an emphasis on the (elven) AA tree and racials. Some people on the forum convinced me, that druid 18 just wasn't worth it for a 2 minute CD SLA, 1 caster level (on spells that don't cap earlier) and well, Spell Penetration (will be meh anyways).

Actually I'd probably splash even deeper and try to fit in master of forms and OC somehow, for x2 more critical multiplier, using a pinion with Improved Crit.

Which sort of eliminates any serious offense spellcasting besides DoTs due to feat stravation. CC is mostly out of the question then as well. Paralyzing Arrows with IPS and Shiradi did the trick for me, though. Caster CC will be lacking anyways without at least some investment in DC feats and/or twists.

When trying to make a toon with that concept again, I personally couldn't make a true hybrid work, it seemed to be lacking focus, so I had to either focus on ranged damage or spellcasting. Both seemed just not satisfying due to feats, stats and most importantly, enhancements being too tight.

I disagree on Slayer not being worth it on a build like this. Especially the Manyshot -> Slayer combo is exceptional burst damage and I'm quite sure it would outdamage any additional DPS gains by SLAs, some more spell crit, 1 more caster level by SH tier 5 etc. (my experiences with the SLAs here is, they are very nice during leveling, but lose a lot of oomph at higher levels. Your big hitter on a build like this will be the DoTs).

From my (brief) experiences playing this toon, I enjoyed a full AA tree setup (with full archer feats) for sustained damage as spell point useage was a big concern despite the AA enhancements providing some nice spell point efficiency.

While in theory you can wait for your temp SP to build up, you'll usually want to unleash you offense fast and furious, so I couldn't afford a lot of extra spellcasting at all. With a different split, your mileage may vary of course, but these are my thoughts and experiences at least. :)

I'm very curious as well, how your build plays at higher level.

[Coyopa]

Well, I am currently playing this build and it is now at 12th level. This is the character's progression so far:


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 04.19.03
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Level 12 True Neutral Elf Female
(2 Ranger \ 10 Druid)
Hit Points: 167
Spell Points: 660
BAB: 9\9\14
Fortitude: 13
Reflex: 10
Will: 13

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(32 Point) (Level 1) (Level 12)
Strength 12 14
Dexterity 16 18
Constitution 14 16
Intelligence 10 12
Wisdom 16 22
Charisma 8 10

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 7
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 7

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 12)
Balance 3 4
Bluff -1 0
Concentration 6 18
Diplomacy -1 0
Disable Device n/a n/a
Haggle -1 0
Heal 7 21
Hide 3 4
Intimidate -1 0
Jump 1 7
Listen 3 8
Move Silently 3 4
Open Lock n/a n/a
Perform n/a n/a
Repair 0 1
Search 0 3
Spellcraft 4 16
Spot 7 23
Swim 1 2
Tumble n/a n/a
Use Magic Device n/a n/a

Level 1 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot


Level 2 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead


Level 3 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Wolf


Level 4 (Druid)


Level 5 (Druid)


Level 6 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Spell
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Bear


Level 7 (Druid)


Level 8 (Druid)


Level 9 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Manyshot


Level 10 (Druid)
Feat: (Druid Wild Shape) Wild Shape: Winter Wolf


Level 11 (Druid)


Level 12 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Enlarge Spell
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Child of Nature (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Seasoned (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Time (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Tide (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Season's Greetings: Winter (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Season's Greetings: Winter (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Season's Greetings: Winter (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Beguile (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Beguile (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Beguile (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Produce Flame (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Produce Flame (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Produce Flame (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Creeping Cold (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Creeping Cold (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Creeping Cold (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wisdom (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Spring Resurgence (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Spring Resurgence (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Spring Resurgence (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Call Lightning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Call Lightning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Call Lightning (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Wax and Wane (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Crown of Summer (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Word of Balance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Word of Balance (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Season's Herald (Drd) - Word of Balance (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Arcane Archer (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Conjure Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Corrosive Arrows (Rank 1)




I did not spend all the action points available in the character planner because the character is only rank 57. So, she has no AP unspent right now. The SLA's with maximize and empower turned on are beastly. It has sucked not having aoe sla's, to be honest. The addition of Word of Balance and Enlarge Spell is amazing! At this point, she leads the kill count every time. If I can see the mob, I can kill it (or at least bring it to a small fraction of its total hitpoints) - and my clip plane is turned all the way up so I can see them from very far away.

Ran Church and the Cult last night, after having taken 12th level. Took Adran from full health to half health with Word of Balance, Creeping Cold, and Call Lightning - a total investment of 15 sp. The killing "blow" was another WoB that critted for over 800 hp. Got the Silver Longbow from the quest, thanks to a very nice arti who pulled it on the second run and didn't want it.

The bow damage actually has been better than I expected. Before getting the Silver Longbow, she'd been using +2 Starter Longbow until she got Giant's Roar somewhere around 8th level, iirc. Naturally, the Silver Longbow is a big upgrade. With Crown of Summer and Acid Arrows, the damage is really respectable for a character with so low an investment in ranger. I am probably going to have to re-think my planned AP spend and take more elf enhancements than I had planned. IC: Ranged is going to be pretty much required as far as I can see. I may consider dropping Zen Archery from the build, depending how well the character can hit with a bow when I get there. I had originally planned to take Empower Healing Spell at level 18. However, this has changed and I am going to take Heighten at level 15, putting the decision regarding Zen Archery off for an additional three levels.

I will say that balancing the archery against the druid spell abilities has been tough. I found that I used my bow to single pull enemies to me and, when they got in range, I would nuke them with one of the SLA's. This allows me to control the pulls a bit more than I might otherwise. Now that I have Enlarge, I can smack stuff from far enough away that their friends don't automatically figure out who killed their comrade.

@Gnarkh

I can understand the point about Storm of Vengeance SLA being a 2 minute cooldown. However, on my 25 druid (wolf) build, I don't end up using that spell very much because of the cost. If it isn't max'd, then it doesn't do very much damage. However, if it is max'd, then it is even more expensive than normal. It will be interesting to see what I think of it once I get it. Sadly, I won't be getting it until level 20. Also, I am not very keen to give up another level 9 spell by going only to 17 druid.

As far as the temporary spell points go, unless they have fixed it, it gives the full 10sp per hit - with extra sp beyond 10 disappearing as soon as you do something other than firing a bow. Also, I may try out getting the 5th tier AA stuff just to see how it plays.

EDIT: Also, I have Season's Greeting enhancement right now, but I think I have used it once. So, that will likely be dropped eventually and replaced with something else. I am waiting right now to see if I end up using it often or not. So far, definitely not. I also took Child of Nature with the idea being to slow down the enemies on their way to me. This actually works really well as it also slows their attacks. If I am surrounded, dropping one of those will help extend my life. It's also useful to help extend my pet's life when he is tanking for me. On the downside, when I am in a group it is much less useful because the enchantment is just as fragile as Web in that fireballs and the like take it out. So, that is a bit disappointing.

[Coyopa]

I got the character to level 20 today. Still very fun. Word of Balance is a bit trickier to use with the mobs having SR now. I have not yet gotten to use the SoV SLA, as I had to log off after leveling. Gear has been a bit tricksy and probably will remain so since the current character is just a test-bed and not intended to be kept. However, I do have some things laying around that are bta and have put them on the character already.

I picked the Primal Avatar destiny to start so I could twist in Rejuvenation Cocoon when I switch to Shiradi. Not sure I'll stay in Shiradi as the primary destiny. I can see some things from DI or Magister that would be useful, as well. Really looking forward to trying out different destinies to see how they work with the abilities this character has.

I changed the enhancements around a bit. I dropped the Snare SLA because it was hardly getting any use due to the fireballs my party members keep throwing. I dropped Autumnal Susurrus because I was not seeing much benefit from it. I also dropped Season's Greetings. I invested maximum points into all the SLA's and picked up Nature's Warden. The extra damage from that can actually critically hit, too - and that can make a big difference.

I also invested extra points into the elf tree and got the full Elven Weapon Training line, Grace, and full ranks of Arcanum. I did not take Skill because I just could not envision 3% doubleshot being statistically significant.

I took Heighten at level 15 and took Zen Archery at 18. I found Zen Archery to be quite helpful in resolving the number of grazing hits I was seeing.