Scavenging a ranger - Pre-u14 or so elf rgr12/ftr7/rog1 and +20 heart

[Aliekiller]

Basically I've a character from a while ago, a year or so before MotU came by. Needless to say, much of the game changed since then.

He was an elf ranger(and trapper) focused on, basically, doing heavy dps with dual-scimitars. Nowadays he shows age - Oversized two-weapon fighting for dual scimitars? Ha!

My 1st goal is getting him to become a decent, strong solo-ish character. For that, I believe AA might be the better option, with tempest being a bit underwhelming, with even more downtime than AA's manyshot!(2-3 15s buffs with 2 mins cd? eww!)

And then, go full Shiradi. Long as I can solo a few epics here and there, and contribute to PUGs, it's okay.

And in the end, if AA doesn't seduce me after all, I'll TR into a shiradi caster(With the leveled epic destiny!)

So, what does an elf AA needs nowadays in terms of feats and attributes?(I believe I can go full DEX with the elf tree)

I also love dipping just as the next person, but because of how LR works I'll only have access to fighter and rogue. I can see some use for those dips, but I'm not entirely sure on how deep to go instead of ranger.

Thus, any insight into the matter is appreciated. I also think trapmonkey skills is worthwhile for these goals, so... yeah. If it wouldn't hinder the overall performance, I guess.

[unbongwah]

And then, go full Shiradi. Long as I can solo a few epics here and there, and contribute to PUGs, it's okay.
The consensus seems to be that FotW is better than Shiradi for AA, particularly if you also melee. It's hard to go wrong with either, though. LD is also an interesting option.

For that, I believe AA might be the better option, with tempest being a bit underwhelming, with even more downtime than AA's manyshot!(2-3 15s buffs with 2 mins cd? eww!)
Fortunately, the Enhancement overhaul means PrEs are no longer mutually exclusive. You can easily make a rgr who spends, say, 32 APs in AA for Slaying Arrow and 21 APs in Tempest for 100% offhand procs, leaving 27 APs to spread as you see fit.

So, what does an elf AA needs nowadays in terms of feats and attributes?(I believe I can go full DEX with the elf tree)
That is an option thanks to Elven Grace, though in terms of DPS STR-based is still better in the long run. Plus going DEX-based means you have to spend at least 18 APs into elf tree to acquire elven Grace - and really you might as well spent 19 to acquire Skill as well - which limits your options for the other PrEs.

I also love dipping just as the next person, but because of how LR works I'll only have access to fighter and rogue.
Actually, if you took rog at lvl 1, you can get rid of it right off the bat, which should open you up to a different third class. Although if you want to keep UMD or trap skills, it makes sense to keep rog. Plus alignment restrictions still apply if you wanted to add, e.g., monk or pally.

Some ideas to consider:

rgr 18 / rog 1 / ftr 1 - aka the classic Tempest Trapmonkey (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/423116-Tempest-Trapmonkey-for-new-players)
rgr 15 / pal 4 / ftr 1 - aka NoYellowbar (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/430998-Noyellowbar-a-100-monk-free-U19-Build-(15Ranger-4Paladin-1Fighter)), you give up trap skills for Div Grace + Div Might. Need to be LG, ofc.
rgr 12 / ftr 8 - this works well if you want Tempest (100% offhand) + Keen Edge (+10% crit range); but you give up trap skills & lvl 4 rgr spells.

[Aliekiller]

Perhaps the tempest trapmonkey should be the better option, tough I'm more intent in using range. Still very easy to adapt, so thanks for the suggestion! Str-based still the way to go, even tough the elf and AA trees have no str boosts?

I've acquired over the lifespan of that character a decent selection of scimitars, so I believe using Valenar weapon specialization(Scimitars+Shortbows) wouldn't hurt too much instead of going Aerenal for longbows?

[Merlin-ator]

If you're just looking to TR, you could probably find an EN DA and farm it to 20 tokens. If you want to play epics, I have a second life AA trapping monkcher build I'm levelling, solid in theory and not too bad in practice. You will need +3 Dex and Wis tomes, Int and Con tomes are preferable. Do not deviate from levelling order, or you will FUBAR your feat progression. Aerenal Grace (Elf enhancement, Dex to damage for longbows) is a must for this build. Try to get as high Wis as you can, you should have at least 42. 21 base Dex is a must for Combat Archery. If you have more skill points, put them into Heal or Open Lock.

11 Ranger/6 Monk/3 Artificer

ARRRRRRRRMMMMMMRRRAA

(1 Arty, 8 Ranger, 6 Monk, 3 Ranger, 2 Arty)


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

Janonna
Level 28 Lawful Good Elf Female
(6 Monk \ 11 Ranger \ 3 Artificer \ 8 Epic)
Hit Points: 358
Spell Points: 465
BAB: 17\17\22\27\27
Fortitude: 16
Reflex: 19
Will: 20

Starting Ending
Abilities Base Stats Base Stats
(34 Point) (Level 1) (Level 28)
Strength 10 13
Dexterity 16 21
Constitution 14 17
Intelligence 8 11
Wisdom 18 27
Charisma 8 11

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Strength used at level 3
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 3
+1 Tome of Constitution used at level 3
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 3
+1 Tome of Wisdom used at level 3
+1 Tome of Charisma used at level 3
+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
+3 Tome of Strength used at level 11
+3 Tome of Dexterity used at level 11
+3 Tome of Constitution used at level 11
+3 Tome of Intelligence used at level 11
+3 Tome of Wisdom used at level 11
+3 Tome of Charisma used at level 11

Starting Ending
Base Skills Base Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 28)
Balance 3 6
Bluff -1 0
Concentration 6 26
Diplomacy -1 0
Disable Device 3 23
Haggle -1 0
Heal 4 9
Hide 3 6
Intimidate -1 0
Jump 0 1
Listen 4 9
Move Silently 3 6
Open Lock n/a 7
Perform n/a n/a
Repair -1 0
Search 3 23
Spellcraft -1 0
Spot 4 17
Swim 0 1
Tumble n/a 7
Use Magic Device n/a n/a

Level 1 (Artificer)
Skill: Concentration (+4)
Skill: Disable Device (+4)
Skill: Search (+4)
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Druid
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Artificer Construct Mastery
Feat: (Automatic) Artificer Knowledge: Scrolls
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Elven Keen Senses
Feat: (Automatic) Enchantment Save Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Great Crossbow
Feat: (Automatic) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Repeating Heavy Crossbow
Feat: (Automatic) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Repeating Light Crossbow
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Immunity to Sleep
Feat: (Automatic) Inscribe Artificer Scroll
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Magical Training
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Longbow
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Longsword
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Rapier
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortbow
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Rapid Reload
Feat: (Automatic) Revive Iron Defender
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Trapfinding
Feat: (Automatic) Unleash Iron Defender
Spell (1): Enchant Armor
Spell (1): Enchant Weapons


Level 2 (Ranger)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Reptillian
Feat: (Automatic) Bow Strength
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Trip
Feat: (Automatic) Wild Empathy


Level 3 (Ranger)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Feat: (Automatic) Rapid Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Two Weapon Fighting


Level 4 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
Feat: (Automatic) Diehard


Level 5 (Ranger)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Precise Shot
Spell (1): Camouflage
Spell (1): Jump
Spell (1): Longstrider
Spell (1): Merfolk's Blessing
Spell (1): Ram's Might
Spell (1): Resist Energy
Spell (1): Summon Nature's Ally I
Spell (1): Tumble


Level 6 (Ranger)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Selected) Power Critical
Feat: (Automatic) Archer's Focus
Feat: (Automatic) Improved Heroic Durability


Level 7 (Ranger)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Manyshot


Level 8 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+2)
Feat: (Automatic) Improved Wild Empathy


Level 9 (Ranger)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
Spell (2): Barkskin
Spell (2): Bear's Endurance
Spell (2): Camouflage, Mass
Spell (2): Cat's Grace
Spell (2): Cure Light Wounds
Spell (2): Hold Animal
Spell (2): Owl's Wisdom
Spell (2): Protection from Energy
Spell (2): Snare
Spell (2): Spike Growth
Spell (2): Summon Nature's Ally II


Level 10 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Zen Archery
Feat: (Automatic) AC Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Kama
Feat: (Automatic) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Shuriken
Feat: (Automatic) Finishing Moves
Feat: (Automatic) Flurry of Blows
Feat: (Automatic) The Way of Air
Feat: (Automatic) The Way of Fire
Feat: (Automatic) The Way of Earth
Feat: (Automatic) The Way of Water
Feat: (Automatic) Unarmed Strike


Level 11 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Precision
Feat: (Automatic) Evasion
Feat: (Automatic) Meditation


Level 12 (Monk)
Ability Raise: WIS
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Harmonious Balance: Fists of Light
Feat: (Automatic) Fast Movement
Feat: (Automatic) Finishing Moves: Path of Harmonious Balance (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Finishing Moves: Path of Inevitable Dominion (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Still Mind


Level 13 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Ki Strike: Magic
Feat: (Automatic) Slow Fall


Level 14 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Purity of Body


Level 15 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Master of Forms
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Ten Thousand Stars
Feat: (Automatic) Adept of Forms


Level 16 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: WIS
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)


Level 17 (Ranger)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider


Level 18 (Ranger)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Grandmaster of Forms
Feat: (Automatic) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Improved Precise Shot
Spell (3): Cure Moderate Wounds
Spell (3): Neutralize Poison
Spell (3): Remove Disease
Spell (3): Summon Nature's Ally III
Spell (3): Wild Instincts


Level 19 (Artificer)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Artificer Craft Mastery
Feat: (Automatic) Artificer Knowledge: Potions
Feat: (Automatic) Artificer Rune Arm Use
Spell (1): Ablative Armor


Level 20 (Artificer)
Ability Raise: WIS
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
Feat: (Automatic) Artificer Knowledge: Wands
Spell (2): Elemental Weapons


Level 21 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Combat Archery


Level 22 (Epic)


Level 23 (Epic)


Level 24 (Epic)
Ability Raise: WIS
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Great Wisdom


Level 25 (Epic)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Aerenal Weapon Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Enchantment Lore (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Enchantment Lore (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Elf - Aerenal Weapon Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Feywild Tap (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Aerenal Weapon Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Aerenal Grace (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Aerenal Weapon Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Arcane Archer (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Morphic Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Metalline Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Conjure Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Flaming Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Dispelling Shot (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Dispelling Shot (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Dispelling Shot (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Force Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Force Arrows (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Force Arrows (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Inferno Shot (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Inferno Shot (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Inferno Shot (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Frost Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Shattermantle Shot (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Shattermantle Shot (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Shattermantle Shot (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Terror Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Terror Arrows (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Terror Arrows (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Soul Magic (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Corrosive Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Wisdom (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Banishing Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Paralyzing Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Paralyzing Arrows (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Paralyzing Arrows (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Smiting Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Shock Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Wisdom (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Moonbow (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Arrow of Slaying (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Improved Elemental Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Runebow (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Far Shot (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Bastion of Purity (Rank 1)


Level 26 (Epic)
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Holy Strike


Level 27 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Blinding Speed


Level 28 (Epic)
Ability Raise: WIS
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Doubleshot





You could go 3 rogue instead of 3 arty, but you lose Magical Training (and therefore your infinite Inferno Shot, Shattermantle Shot, and Dispelling Shot) for a measly 2d6 SA damage in PBS range - Elemental Weapons gives +1d6 elemental in all ranges. Some might be convinced to drop 1 arty for 1 Ranger and get Aligned Arrows, but Aligned weapons are easy to find. If you need aligned+metalline, you can turn on your core AA Metalline arrows secondary toggle, which does not turn off the non-core stance. If you need aligned, metalline, and some damage type besides piercing (which to my knowledge does not exist), you can buy metal type arrows from the House Deneith favor vendor, use an aligned bow, and turn on your Morphic core AA toggle.