8 Ranger 8 Rogue 4 Arti Inquisitor Heroic TR build

[Swimms]

**UPDATED** 8/25/19

This is a build that I have run for a number of racial lives now and took to 30 for the release of Sharn to see how it handled in Epics. At this point I feel comfortable enough with the build to formalize a thread on it. As always I would welcome any feedback and criticism to help improve it in any way. Many of the basic concepts of the build were inspired by Slarden's 12 Arti/6 fighter/2 monk reaper build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/488109-12-Artificer-6-Fighter-2-Monk-Reaper-Build) and from Gabrael's Inquisitive thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/504706-Inquisitive-class-race-synergy-brainstorming). I also want to thank Xgya for their feedback and ideas as well as Maetrim for their character planner (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/487211-DDO-Character-Planner). I can't not think of a creative name for the build and for all I know it is not unique so here goes.

The basic idea of the build is the ability to take a tier 5 capstone in Inquisitive while simultaneously splashing classes to accelerate power in early heroics. Build constraints were Improved Precise Shot by level 12...period. Yes you could get more sneak attack damage by taking more rogue levels and dropping artificer but the focus of the build is to get as much power as possible as early as possible by utilizing the "free" ranged feats in Artificer and Ranger while making sure that you have enough base attack bonus by level 12 to take IPS. The only way to take IPS by level 12 is to go pure Ranger (level 11) or have 8 of your first 12 levels in full BAB classes (Barbarian, Ranger or Fighter). Of these, it is my opinion that Ranger offers the most synergies with the inquisitor universal tree (although fighter is a fine alternative if you need fighter lives). The build has tons of flexibility, it is feat rich, can fully trap at level 1, gets rune arms at level 2 for barrel breaking and being INT based, it gets a ton of skill points for making sure UMD and key trapping skills are kept viable. Given the high skill points and relatively high UMD, it is able to self scroll/wand heal effectively without a hireling in low reaper combined with the inherent defenses of the build (trap detection, evasion, insightful reflexes, etc) means that it is very survivable in solo low reaper. The build will work fine with any race although smaller races are preferred because of how they work with IPS. I am sure there will be plenty of people responding to this thread with "improvements" that involve delaying IPS until level 15. This is a fast heroic leveling build, one of the only downsides is the lack of AOE damage, ANYTHING that delays that damage spike is not worth it. IPS at 12 (or 11 if you don't care about traps and runearms)....period.

Gearing for the build is easy and straight forward, I would HIGHLY recommend acquiring a Ratcatcher which can be used from levels 8-20 with great effectiveness. In my racial runs I typically gold roll to level 4 and use a level 2 Keen/Vorpal/Festival Icy Burst light crossbow until level level 8 and then use a Ratcatcher slotted with a Ruby of Ghostbane until level 20. Other than that I use select slavers items at 8, Ravenloft gear at 10 and swap out Int/Con cannith crafted gear at level 15. I have not acquired the key Sharn sets but would probably swap for one of the sets and possibly the light crossbow in the mid teens. The build is VERY forgiving on gear and does not require excessive swapping every few levels. Basically get a Ratcatcher and the rest will take care of itself.

For enhancements my "must haves" were: Inquisitive=41, Harper=7 (Know the Angles and Strategic Combat 1 for Int to hit), Deep Wood Stalker 22 (Killer x2 and Sniper Shot), Mechanic 11 (core 3 for Int to Damage). Total is 81 points assuming the extra +1 universal tome from Sharn ultimate pack. The build kills so fast you are able to keep Thrill of the Hunt and Killer up 100% of the time which makes the 22 points in DWS worth it. At level 30 my standing doubleshot was 77 which became 92 with +15 from 2 ranks of killer without any boosts.

This build is not a starter build, as described it requires a significant investment in both past lives, racial enhancements and universal enhancements from the various expansion packs. If you had to give up anything, the best tree to take it from would be deep wood stalker while maintaining enough for Sniper Shot.

**UPDATED** 8/25/19


Character name: Neurik
Classes: 10 Epic, 9 Ranger, 7 Rogue, 4 Artificer
Race: Halfling· · · · · · ·Alignment: Neutral

· · ·Start Tome Final
Str:· · ·6· · 8 · ·19 · · ·HP:· · · · 803 · · ·AC:· · 65
Dex:· · 14· · 8 · ·28 · · ·PRR: · · · ·32
Con:· · 18· · 8 · ·32 · · ·MRR: · · · ·14 · · ·+Healing Amp:· · 30
Int:· · 18· · 8 · ·41 · · ·Dodge: · ·9/25 · · ·-Healing Amp:· · ·0
Wis:· · ·8· · 8 · ·22 · · ·Fort:· · · 15% · · ·Repair Amp:· · · ·0
Cha:· · ·8· · 8 · ·22 · · ·SR:· · · · · 0 · · ·BAB: · · · · · · 22
DR:
Immunities:

Heroic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Artificer(3)
Past Life: Barbarian(3)
Past Life: Bard(2)
Past Life: Cleric(3)
Past Life: Druid
Past Life: Favored Soul(3)
Past Life: Fighter
Past Life: Monk(3)
Past Life: Paladin(3)
Past Life: Ranger(3)
Past Life: Rogue(3)
Past Life: Sorcerer(3)
Past Life: Warlock
Past Life: Wizard(3)

Racial Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Aasimar(3)
Past Life: Dragonborn(3)
Past Life: Drow(3)
Past Life: Dwarf(3)
Past Life: Elf(3)
Past Life: Gnome(3)
Past Life: Half-Elf(3)
Past Life: Half-Orc(3)
Past Life: Halfling(3)
Past Life: Human(3)
Past Life: Tiefling
Past Life: Warforged(3)

Iconic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Aasimar Scourge(3)
Past Life: Bladeforged(3)
Past Life: Deep Gnome(3)
Past Life: Morninglord(3)
Past Life: Purple Dragon Knight(3)
Past Life: Shadar-Kai(3)

Epic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Arcane Sphere: Enchant Weapon(3)
Past Life: Arcane Sphere: Energy Criticals(3)
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Block Energy
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Brace(3)
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Power Over Life and Death(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Doublestrike(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Fortification(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Skill Mastery(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Colors of the Queen(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Doubleshot(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Fast Healing(3)


Class and Feat Selection
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level Class · · · · · ·Feats
1 · · Artificer(1)· · ·Standard: Point Blank Shot
2 · · Artificer(2)· · ·
3 · · Ranger(1) · · · ·Standard: Precision
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Favored Enemy: Favored enemy: Undead
4 · · Ranger(2) · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
5 · · Ranger(3) · · · ·
6 · · Ranger(4) · · · ·Standard: Completionist
7 · · Ranger(5) · · · ·Favored Enemy: Favored enemy: Evil Outsider
8 · · Ranger(6) · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
9 · · Ranger(7) · · · ·Standard: Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
10· · Ranger(8) · · · ·
11· · Ranger(9) · · · ·
12· · Artificer(3)· · ·Standard: Improved Precise Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
13· · Artificer(4)· · ·Artificer Bonus: Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
14· · Rogue(1)· · · · ·
15· · Rogue(2)· · · · ·Standard: Insightful Reflexes
16· · Rogue(3)· · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
17· · Rogue(4)· · · · ·
18· · Rogue(5)· · · · ·Standard: Power Critical
19· · Rogue(6)· · · · ·
20· · Rogue(7)· · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up

Granted Feats
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Slippery Mind
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Automatic Feats
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level Class · · · · · ·Feats
· 1 · Artificer(1)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Rapid Reload
· 2 · Artificer(2)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Rune Arm Use
· 3 · Ranger(1) · · · ·Bow Strength
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wild Empathy
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 4 · Ranger(2) · · · ·Rapid Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Two Weapon Fighting
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 5 · Ranger(3) · · · ·Diehard
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 6 · Ranger(4) · · · ·Precise Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 7 · Ranger(5) · · · ·Improved Heroic Durability
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 8 · Ranger(6) · · · ·Improved Two Weapon Fighting
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Manyshot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 9 · Ranger(7) · · · ·Improved Wild Empathy
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
10 · Ranger(8) · · · ·Wilderness Lore
11 · Ranger(9) · · · ·Evasion
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
12 · Artificer(3)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Knowledge: Wands
13 · Artificer(4)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Craft Mastery
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Knowledge: Scrolls
14 · Rogue(1)· · · · ·Sneak Attack
15 · Rogue(2)· · · · ·
16 · Rogue(3)· · · · ·Sneak Attack
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Trap Sense
17 · Rogue(4)· · · · ·Uncanny Dodge
18 · Rogue(5)· · · · ·Improved Heroic Durability
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Sneak Attack
19 · Rogue(6)· · · · ·Uncanny Dodge
20 · Rogue(7)· · · · ·Sneak Attack



Enhancements: 80 APs, Racial 13, Universal 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Halfling - Points spent: 8
1 Core ·(1) Luck I
2 Tier1 (1) Cunning
3 Tier1 (1) Cunning
4 Tier1 (1) Cunning
5 Tier1 (1) Bold
6 Tier2 (1) Guile I
7 Tier2 (2) Heroic Companion
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inquisitive - Points spent: 41
1 Core ·(1) Inquisitive
2 Tier1 (2) Dual Shooter
3 Tier1 (2) Law on your side
4 Core ·(1) Hit the Streets
5 Tier2 (2) Crossbow Adept
6 Tier2 (2) Improved Law
7 Core ·(1) Mind Like Iron
8 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
9 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
10 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
11 Tier3 (2) Ability Score I: Intelligence
12 Tier3 (2) Crossbow Adept II
13 Tier3 (2) First Things First: Ask Questions First
14 Tier4 (1) What Later?: Shoot Later
15 Tier4 (2) Crossbow Adept III
16 Tier4 (2) Greater Law
17 Tier2 (2) Observation
18 Tier3 (1) Improved Observation
19 Tier4 (2) Inquisition Style: Martial Inquisition
20 Tier4 (2) Ability Score II: Intelligence
21 Tier5 (1) Inquisitor's Path: Vigilante
22 Tier5 (1) Diplomatic Immunity
23 Tier5 (2) No Holds Barred
24 Core ·(1) True Seeing
25 Core ·(1) Undaunted
26 Tier5 (2) Arresting Assault
27 Core ·(1) Master Inquisitive
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deepwood Stalker - Points spent: 22
1 Core ·(1) Far Shot
2 Tier1 (1) Stealthy
3 Tier1 (1) Stealthy
4 Tier1 (1) Stealthy
5 Tier1 (1) Favored Defense
6 Core ·(1) Sneak Attack
7 Tier2 (2) Survivalist I
8 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
9 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
10 Core ·(1) Called Shot: Sniper Shot
11 Tier3 (2) Survivalist II
12 Tier3 (1) Thrill of the Hunt
13 Tier3 (1) Thrill of the Hunt
14 Tier3 (1) Thrill of the Hunt
15 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
16 Tier3 (1) Favored Hunter
17 Tier3 (1) Favored Hunter
18 Tier3 (1) Favored Hunter
19 Tier4 (1) Killer
20 Tier4 (1) Killer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harper Agent - Points spent: 7
1 Core ·(1) Agent of Good I
2 Tier1 (2) Strategic Combat I
3 Tier1 (2) Harper Enchantment
4 Tier2 (1) Know the Angles
5 Tier2 (1) Know the Angles
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mechanic - Points spent: 11
1 Core ·(1) Arbalester
2 Tier1 (2) Sharpshooter I
3 Tier1 (1) Awareness
4 Tier1 (1) Awareness
5 Core ·(1) Tanglefoot
6 Tier2 (2) Sharpshooter II
7 Tier1 (1) Awareness
8 Tier1 (1) Mechanics
9 Core ·(1) Targeting Sights
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Swimms]

Here is a video of the build as posted soling R1 Raven's Bane at level 12.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oJtjPPnrro&feature=youtu.be

[MagicalDad]

So in your build you don't get Rogue 6 until level 18 - how do you get INT to damage before then? Do you front-load 11 points into Harper for INT to dmg, then rebalance at 18?

[ValariusK]

I'm planning something pretty close---Rogue 12 ranger 4 arti 4. Int based, aasimar scourge (not the ideal race honestly but its where I'm at in my lives)
41 inquisitor (costs me 40 because of universal tome)
8 harper for KTA
11 mechanic
3 TA (fast movement absolute must)

That's 62 points absolutely nailed down.
Would really like---assassin 11 for assassin's trick, which IMO is one of the best group buffs in the game, also gives 2 SA dice
6 points in DWS (for 2 increases in SA/PB range, and 3 SA dice

That's 79, leaving one point left over.
For feats I have all the must haves plus dodge/mobility/shot on the run

Any thoughts? 12 rogue is making me eligible for improved sneak attack, adding 6d6 SA dice, 4 ranger is giving me rapid and precise shot, ram's might and giving me access to the level 3 core in dws, 4 arti is giving a bonus feat, 2nd level arti spells and +2 to scroll cast level, which is nice for heal scrolls.

[Swimms]

So in your build you don't get Rogue 6 until level 18 - how do you get INT to damage before then? Do you front-load 11 points into Harper for INT to dmg, then rebalance at 18?

That is exactly right, the first points go into harper to get int to hit and int to damage. Then it is "all in" with inquisitive, you start to put your first points into Deep Wood/Mechanic around level 14-15. Once I have enough points for T3 mechanic I respec harper to Strategic combat 1 (int to hit) then the rest of the points go into DWS up to killer which you don't get until 20 unfortunately.

[Swimms]

I'm planning something pretty close---Rogue 12 ranger 4 arti 4. Int based, aasimar scourge (not the ideal race honestly but its where I'm at in my lives)
41 inquisitor (costs me 40 because of universal tome)
8 harper for KTA
11 mechanic
3 TA (fast movement absolute must)

That's 62 points absolutely nailed down.
Would really like---assassin 11 for assassin's trick, which IMO is one of the best group buffs in the game, also gives 2 SA dice
6 points in DWS (for 2 increases in SA/PB range, and 3 SA dice

That's 79, leaving one point left over.
For feats I have all the must haves plus dodge/mobility/shot on the run

Any thoughts? 12 rogue is making me eligible for improved sneak attack, adding 6d6 SA dice, 4 ranger is giving me rapid and precise shot, ram's might and giving me access to the level 3 core in dws, 4 arti is giving a bonus feat, 2nd level arti spells and +2 to scroll cast level, which is nice for heal scrolls.

This will perform well for sure, my only issue is that you end up delaying IPS because of all the rogue/arti levels. IPS is such a HUGE DPS boost that it trumps any and all optimizations you might make in pretty much any enhancement tree. Getting it at level 12 vs level 15 just makes those levels fly by so much more quickly. Just watch the video and imagine having to do that one mob at a time....for 3 more levels.....pain.

[Komradkillingmachine]

Looks very good.

How would you adjust the split to make for heroic/iconic lives? I assume 6rog/2art/x class as bare minimum? Why do you need 4 levels of artie?

[Swimms]

Looks very good.

How would you adjust the split to make for heroic/iconic lives? I assume 6rog/2art/x class as bare minimum? Why do you need 4 levels of artie?

You don't "need" 4 arti but the reason I took 4 was for feats, rune arm (breakables) and traps at level 1. Arti at level 1 givens me free rapid reload and traps. Arti 2 gives rune arms, artii 4 taken at level 12 gives me free improved precise shot and frees up my standard level 12 feat to take insightful reflexes. If you wanted to run an iconic and get to start at 15 with IPS there are definitely more optimal splits to be had. For my purposes the only build constraints are 41 points in inquisitive and IPS by level 12. With those two things alone the build is sold for racial TR train. This also makes it ideal for that because it is not reliant on any one optimal race to be effective, you can run this split with any race and do just fine

By level 4 with this build you have most of the key ranged feats since you get free rapid shot with ranger 2 and free rapid reload with arti 1. Taking point blank shot at 1 and precision at 3 sets you up for a lot of low level power along with rune arm and full trapping.

[Swimms]

Made a minor change to take weapon focus ranged at 15 and then power critical at 18 over Dodge and Mobility.

[Swimms]

Currently running as a human and I ended up taking dragonmark of passage with the human bonus feat and with enough racial points it allows one to take dimension door at level 1!! Pretty neat.

[RydeaNikkna]

fwiw you can do this same level split but as a aasimar wisdom build, steal some points from mechanic and harper to build up falconry to wisdom to hit and damage.

I'm running this now sitting at 18 so I haven't figured out the final ap spent but 41inquisitive, 11dws, 12falconry is a good start.

Arty 4 gets you endless fusilade pretty early, then respec to inquisitive no holds barred after 12 keeping the runearm recharge and extra action boost. Ratcatcher is great, I use Nightshade shooter at 15 (the con damage is enough to stun monsters) but swap back to Ratcatcher when there is heavy dr.

[Swimms]

fwiw you can do this same level split but as a aasimar wisdom build, steal some points from mechanic and harper to build up falconry to wisdom to hit and damage.

I'm running this now sitting at 18 so I haven't figured out the final ap spent but 41inquisitive, 11dws, 12falconry is a good start.

Arty 4 gets you endless fusilade pretty early, then respec to inquisitive no holds barred after 12 keeping the runearm recharge and extra action boost. Ratcatcher is great, I use Nightshade shooter at 15 (the con damage is enough to stun monsters) but swap back to Ratcatcher when there is heavy dr.

I had not thought about trying to take the 4 arti early. I usually gold roll to level 4 and the 2 arti/2 ranger split gives me most key ranged feats plus reaper points to start with but I like this idea. I would need to play around with a character planner to see where the feats land. I still need 3x aasimar so this is definitely something to consider.

[Swimms]

Playing around with some options on the build to make it wisdom based with falconry for my Aasimar lives, feedback welcomed.


Character name: 8 Ranger 8 Rogue 4 Arti Falconry Wisdom based
Classes: 10 Epic, 8 Ranger, 8 Rogue, 4 Artificer
Race: Aasimar · · · · · · ·Alignment: Neutral

· · ·Start Tome Final
Str:· · ·9· · 8 · ·20 · · ·HP:· · · · 747 · · ·AC:· · 64
Dex:· · 14· · 8 · ·26 · · ·PRR: · · · ·44
Con:· · 17· · 8 · ·28 · · ·MRR: · · · ·17 · · ·+Healing Amp:· · 65
Int:· · ·8· · 8 · ·20 · · ·Dodge: · 16/25 · · ·-Healing Amp:· · ·0
Wis:· · 20· · 8 · ·42 · · ·Fort:· · · 15% · · ·Repair Amp:· · · ·0
Cha:· · ·8· · 8 · ·19 · · ·SR:· · · · · 0 · · ·BAB: · · · · · · 22
DR:
Immunities: Blindness

Heroic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Artificer(3)
Past Life: Barbarian(3)
Past Life: Bard(2)
Past Life: Cleric(3)
Past Life: Druid
Past Life: Favored Soul(3)
Past Life: Fighter
Past Life: Monk(3)
Past Life: Paladin(3)
Past Life: Ranger(3)
Past Life: Rogue(3)
Past Life: Sorcerer(3)
Past Life: Warlock
Past Life: Wizard(3)

Racial Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Drow(3)
Past Life: Dwarf(3)
Past Life: Elf(3)
Past Life: Gnome(3)
Past Life: Half-Elf(3)
Past Life: Half-Orc(3)
Past Life: Halfling(3)
Past Life: Human(3)

Iconic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Aasimar Scourge(3)
Past Life: Bladeforged(3)
Past Life: Deep Gnome(3)
Past Life: Morninglord(3)
Past Life: Purple Dragon Knight(3)
Past Life: Shadar-Kai(3)

Epic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Arcane Sphere: Enchant Weapon(3)
Past Life: Arcane Sphere: Energy Criticals(3)
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Block Energy(3)
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Brace(3)
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Power Over Life and Death(2)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Doublestrike(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Fortification(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Skill Mastery(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Colors of the Queen(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Doubleshot(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Fast Healing




Class and Feat Selection
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level Class · · · · · ·Feats
1 · · Artificer(1)· · ·Standard: Point Blank Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Aasimar Bond: Aasimar: Protector Bond
2 · · Artificer(2)· · ·
3 · · Ranger(1) · · · ·Standard: Precision
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Favored Enemy: Favored enemy: Undead
4 · · Ranger(2) · · · ·Wisdom: +1 Level up
5 · · Ranger(3) · · · ·
6 · · Ranger(4) · · · ·Standard: Completionist
7 · · Ranger(5) · · · ·Favored Enemy: Favored enemy: Construct
8 · · Ranger(6) · · · ·Wisdom: +1 Level up
9 · · Ranger(7) · · · ·Standard: Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
10· · Ranger(8) · · · ·
11· · Artificer(3)· · ·
12· · Artificer(4)· · ·Standard: Dodge
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Bonus: Improved Precise Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wisdom: +1 Level up
13· · Rogue(1)· · · · ·
14· · Rogue(2)· · · · ·
15· · Rogue(3)· · · · ·Standard: Mobility
16· · Rogue(4)· · · · ·Wisdom: +1 Level up
17· · Rogue(5)· · · · ·
18· · Rogue(6)· · · · ·Standard: Shot on the Run
19· · Rogue(7)· · · · ·
20· · Rogue(8)· · · · ·Wisdom: +1 Level up


Granted Feats
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Improved Uncanny Dodge
Slippery Mind
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Automatic Feats
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level Class · · · · · ·Feats
· 1 · Artificer(1)· · ·Aasimar Racial Traits

· · · · · · · · · · · ·Rapid Reload

· 2 · Artificer(2)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Rune Arm Use
· 3 · Ranger(1) · · · ·Bow Strength

· 4 · Ranger(2) · · · ·Rapid Shot

· 6 · Ranger(4) · · · ·Precise Shot


14 · Rogue(2)· · · · ·Evasion


Enhancements: 80 APs, Racial 10, Universal 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aasimar - Points spent: 9
1 Core ·(1) Stronger Bonds I
2 Core ·(2) Ability I: +1 Wisdom
3 Tier1 (2) Improved Recovery I
4 Tier1 (1) Fight the Wicked I
5 Tier2 (1) Fight the Wicked II
6 Tier1 (1) True Resilience: Protector
7 Tier2 (1) Divine Purpose: Divine Purpose: Protector
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Falconry - Points spent: 28
1 Core ·(1) Summon Falcon: Summon Falcon
2 Tier1 (1) Rugged
3 Tier1 (1) Rugged
4 Tier1 (1) Rugged
5 Tier1 (1) Out in Nature
6 Tier1 (1) Out in Nature
7 Core ·(2) Ability I: Wisdom
8 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Sprint
9 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Sprint
10 Core ·(1) Well Rounded I
11 Tier2 (2) Killer Instinct I
12 Tier3 (2) Killer Instinct II
13 Tier3 (2) Conditioning
14 Tier1 (1) Out in Nature
15 Tier1 (1) Practiced Accuracy
16 Tier1 (1) Practiced Accuracy
17 Tier4 (1) Deadly Instinct
18 Tier4 (1) Deadly Instinct
19 Tier4 (1) Deadly Instinct
20 Tier4 (1) No Mercy
21 Tier4 (1) No Mercy
22 Tier4 (1) Coordinated Strikes: Shoot and Destroy
23 Tier4 (1) Expose Weakness
24 Tier4 (1) No Mercy
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inquisitive - Points spent: 41
1 Core ·(1) Inquisitive
2 Tier1 (2) Dual Shooter
3 Tier1 (2) Law on your side
4 Core ·(1) Hit the Streets
5 Tier2 (2) Crossbow Adept
6 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
7 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
8 Tier2 (2) Improved Law
9 Tier3 (2) Ability Score I: Wisdom
10 Tier3 (2) First Things First: Ask Questions First
11 Tier3 (2) Crossbow Adept II
12 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
13 Core ·(1) Mind Like Iron
14 Core ·(1) True Seeing
15 Tier4 (2) Crossbow Adept III
16 Tier4 (1) What Later?: Shoot Later
17 Tier4 (2) Greater Law
18 Tier4 (2) Ability Score II: Wisdom
19 Tier4 (2) Inquisition Style: Martial Inquisition
20 Tier5 (1) Diplomatic Immunity
21 Tier5 (1) Inquisitor's Path: Vigilante
22 Tier5 (1) Improved Uncanny Dodge
23 Tier5 (2) Arresting Assault
24 Tier5 (2) No Holds Barred
25 Core ·(1) Undaunted
26 Tier2 (2) Observation
27 Core ·(1) Master Inquisitive
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deepwood Stalker - Points spent: 11
1 Core ·(1) Far Shot
2 Tier1 (1) Favored Defense
3 Tier1 (1) Favored Defense
4 Tier1 (1) Favored Defense
5 Tier1 (1) Increased Empathy
6 Core ·(1) Sneak Attack
7 Tier2 (2) Survivalist I
8 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
9 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
10 Core ·(1) Called Shot: Sniper Shot
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[C-Dog]

No Evasion until 14... I'd think the delay of some Ranger feats by 1 level would be worth getting that earlier? No? :confused:

[Swimms]

No Evasion until 14... I'd think the delay of some Ranger feats by 1 level would be worth getting that earlier? No? :confused:

What would you give up to get evasion earlier? you would have to take arti levels after 12 in order to hit the BAB for IPS at 12. That means you give up the free and extra arti feats until very late and you give up a rune arm with exploding cannon shot for beakables. If it means pushing IPS to level 15 then it is definitely not worth it in my opinion either. Yes evasion is a nice luxury but it is not necessary, the build easily solos r3 as is and it would be painful to level 12-15 without IPS.

[C-Dog]

...in order to hit the BAB for IPS at 12...
Ah, that pesky BAB - yeah, I can see that. Tough choice imo, but the correct one (if maybe not as easy as for you).

[Swimms]

Ah, that pesky BAB - yeah, I can see that. Tough choice imo, but the correct one (if maybe not as easy as for you).

I just don't notice a big difference with or without evasion quite honestly but I do notice the lack of kill speed not having an AOE attack. Also get the arti spell conjure bolts vs using enhancement points in the inquisitive tree

[Nevilian]

Never played an inquisitive build before and saw this and rolled a shadar kai iconic one up and it is the ( ) best thing ever.

I crafted a seeker / deadly heavy crossbow and then an hour later was two pips into 16....this build mows things down, it's so smooth and fun.

Thanks for posting this.

[Swimms]

Never played an inquisitive build before and saw this and rolled a shadar kai iconic one up and it is the ( ) best thing ever.

I crafted a seeker / deadly heavy crossbow and then an hour later was two pips into 16....this build mows things down, it's so smooth and fun.

Thanks for posting this.

Thanks, glad you are enjoying it. I have used it for just about all of my racials so there is a lot of flexibility. It's more or less a Swiss army knife in terms of utility with top end dps. It is super helpful to fit search into a cannith crafted helmet for example so you can auto detect traps. Saves a ton of time not having to search for traps.

Right now I am running the wisdom based version I posted and I definitely prefer the Int based one until level 15 or so when you can get tier 5 inquisitive and into the upper tiers of falconry. For late heroics wisdom based with falconry is nice but trash in low reaper usually dies before the bird has a chance to attack.

[Nevilian]

I can see how the wis version would be tough to level until you get the to damage etc... in later levels.

luckily I did my aasamir racials already but for the rest this is going to be my go to and it's working great for iconics too.

Mind if I ask what type of crossbow you prefer?

[Swimms]

I can see how the wis version would be tough to level until you get the to damage etc... in later levels.

luckily I did my aasamir racials already but for the rest this is going to be my go to and it's working great for iconics too.

Mind if I ask what type of crossbow you prefer?

I use a vorpal keen icy burst at level 2, at level 5 I use a diplomancer slotted with ghostbane, at level 8 I use ratcatcher slotted with ghostbane until level 15 when I switch to Nightshade Shooter and Syranian with the occasional use of ratchater to 20.

[Xgya]

Looks very good.

How would you adjust the split to make for heroic/iconic lives? I assume 6rog/2art/x class as bare minimum? Why do you need 4 levels of artie?


Arti 4 gives 3 BaB, Ranger 8 gives another 8, for a total of 11 at level 12.
You could go arti 2/ranger 10 to get the same BaB (that's my own take on the build simply because it unlocks Evasion at 11 instead of 14)
My fastest TR to date was an arti 2/ranger 17/Barbarian 1, starting off with an early Barbarian level for the extra run speed, which is much more valuable to a ranged build that can use that speed to kite.

As for the iconic build, I'd probably go a lot, LOT more into Rogue, because Iconics starting at level 15 means getting IPS at level 15 is much less of a hassle.

----------------------------------------
Thank you for the credit Swimms!

[Swimms]

Arti 4 gives 3 BaB, Ranger 8 gives another 8, for a total of 11 at level 12.
You could go arti 2/ranger 10 to get the same BaB (that's my own take on the build simply because it unlocks Evasion at 11 instead of 14)
My fastest TR to date was an arti 2/ranger 17/Barbarian 1, starting off with an early Barbarian level for the extra run speed, which is much more valuable to a ranged build that can use that speed to kite.

As for the iconic build, I'd probably go a lot, LOT more into Rogue, because Iconics starting at level 15 means getting IPS at level 15 is much less of a hassle.

----------------------------------------
Thank you for the credit Swimms!

I agree with Xgya on this, if you are starting out at 15 vs level 1 it opens up opportunities for a more favorable class splits since you do not have the same BAB constraints and I would absolutely have more rogue levels if I was rolling an iconic.

[Tlorrd]

Nice build and nice video.

Could you break down your doubleshot please? Thanks.

[mikarddo]

I am having good fun with a 8 ftr + 3 barb split for the first 11 levels. No trapping or evasion but IPS at 11 and barb run speed + Blood Tribute + Sprint Boost (1 rank) come in very handy early on. I can recommend trying this split. I plan to add rogue levels after these 11 for evasion, trapping and the ap free sneak attack.

I use Heavy Repeaters early and swap that feat to something else later when I start using the Ratcatcher.

[Swimms]

I am having good fun with a 8 ftr + 3 barb split for the first 11 levels. No trapping or evasion but IPS at 11 and barb run speed + Blood Tribute + Sprint Boost (1 rank) come in very handy early on. I can recommend trying this split. I plan to add rogue levels after these 11 for evasion, trapping and the ap free sneak attack.

I use Heavy Repeaters early and swap that feat to something else later when I start using the Ratcatcher.

I bet it works well with the extra fighter feats and early IPS, all my enhancements up until mid teens are in either Harper or Inquisitive so sadly, classes do not really even matter for this build, just feats and IPS ASAP.

I am on my final 3 racial lives and have been going with an extra level of ranger (level 11) to get evasion earlier and still take IPS at 12, thanks again to Xgya for this idea.

N

[Swimms]

Nice build and nice video.

Could you break down your doubleshot please? Thanks.

thank you, I am currently sitting at level 13, once I don my sharn gear tomorrow I will let you know where it stands, I do not change anything out from 15-18 (cap). I recall it is in the 40-50% range in high heroics but will let you know for sure.

[Swimms]

Nice build and nice video.

Could you break down your double shot please? Thanks.

From levels 10-14 with Ravenloft Silent Avenger I had standing double shot of 35.16% as follows:

9% Double shot 3x primal past life
5% Martial Inquisition
10% no holds barred
4% enhancement (shadow's footstep)
5% artifact-silent avenger

Not sure where the rest is coming from

Changing to Wallwatch set at level 15 bumped standing double shot to 41.31%

[Swimms]

Making some minor tweaks based on feedback in the thread, Xyga mentioned taking another Ranger level at level 11 instead of artificer, since this is the 9th Ranger level it gives evasion at level 11 vs the old second Rogue level at 14 and I believe it is worth doing. Now the build will be 9 Ranger, 4 Arti, 7 Rogue. Posting updates below and updating first page. With the recent reaper changes I believe makes even more sense than before. I am on my last race (tiefling) for racial completionist and wanted to run them as fire sorc but since I solo a lot the lack of lost souls might make that more problematic. This build really does not need to shrine ever so it is unaffected but the lost soul nerf.



Character name: Neurik
Classes: 10 Epic, 9 Ranger, 7 Rogue, 4 Artificer
Race: Halfling· · · · · · ·Alignment: Neutral

· · ·Start Tome Final
Str:· · ·6· · 8 · ·19 · · ·HP:· · · · 803 · · ·AC:· · 65
Dex:· · 14· · 8 · ·28 · · ·PRR: · · · ·32
Con:· · 18· · 8 · ·32 · · ·MRR: · · · ·14 · · ·+Healing Amp:· · 30
Int:· · 18· · 8 · ·41 · · ·Dodge: · ·9/25 · · ·-Healing Amp:· · ·0
Wis:· · ·8· · 8 · ·22 · · ·Fort:· · · 15% · · ·Repair Amp:· · · ·0
Cha:· · ·8· · 8 · ·22 · · ·SR:· · · · · 0 · · ·BAB: · · · · · · 22
DR:
Immunities:

Heroic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Artificer(3)
Past Life: Barbarian(3)
Past Life: Bard(2)
Past Life: Cleric(3)
Past Life: Druid
Past Life: Favored Soul(3)
Past Life: Fighter
Past Life: Monk(3)
Past Life: Paladin(3)
Past Life: Ranger(3)
Past Life: Rogue(3)
Past Life: Sorcerer(3)
Past Life: Warlock
Past Life: Wizard(3)

Racial Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Aasimar(3)
Past Life: Dragonborn(3)
Past Life: Drow(3)
Past Life: Dwarf(3)
Past Life: Elf(3)
Past Life: Gnome(3)
Past Life: Half-Elf(3)
Past Life: Half-Orc(3)
Past Life: Halfling(3)
Past Life: Human(3)
Past Life: Tiefling
Past Life: Warforged(3)

Iconic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Aasimar Scourge(3)
Past Life: Bladeforged(3)
Past Life: Deep Gnome(3)
Past Life: Morninglord(3)
Past Life: Purple Dragon Knight(3)
Past Life: Shadar-Kai(3)

Epic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Arcane Sphere: Enchant Weapon(3)
Past Life: Arcane Sphere: Energy Criticals(3)
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Block Energy
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Brace(3)
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Power Over Life and Death(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Doublestrike(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Fortification(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Skill Mastery(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Colors of the Queen(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Doubleshot(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Fast Healing(3)


Class and Feat Selection
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level Class · · · · · ·Feats
1 · · Artificer(1)· · ·Standard: Point Blank Shot
2 · · Artificer(2)· · ·
3 · · Ranger(1) · · · ·Standard: Precision
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Favored Enemy: Favored enemy: Undead
4 · · Ranger(2) · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
5 · · Ranger(3) · · · ·
6 · · Ranger(4) · · · ·Standard: Completionist
7 · · Ranger(5) · · · ·Favored Enemy: Favored enemy: Evil Outsider
8 · · Ranger(6) · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
9 · · Ranger(7) · · · ·Standard: Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
10· · Ranger(8) · · · ·
11· · Ranger(9) · · · ·
12· · Artificer(3)· · ·Standard: Improved Precise Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
13· · Artificer(4)· · ·Artificer Bonus: Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
14· · Rogue(1)· · · · ·
15· · Rogue(2)· · · · ·Standard: Insightful Reflexes
16· · Rogue(3)· · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
17· · Rogue(4)· · · · ·
18· · Rogue(5)· · · · ·Standard: Power Critical
19· · Rogue(6)· · · · ·
20· · Rogue(7)· · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up

Granted Feats
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Slippery Mind
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Automatic Feats
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level Class · · · · · ·Feats
· 1 · Artificer(1)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Rapid Reload
· 2 · Artificer(2)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Rune Arm Use
· 3 · Ranger(1) · · · ·Bow Strength
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wild Empathy
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 4 · Ranger(2) · · · ·Rapid Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Two Weapon Fighting
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 5 · Ranger(3) · · · ·Diehard
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 6 · Ranger(4) · · · ·Precise Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 7 · Ranger(5) · · · ·Improved Heroic Durability
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 8 · Ranger(6) · · · ·Improved Two Weapon Fighting
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Manyshot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 9 · Ranger(7) · · · ·Improved Wild Empathy
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
10 · Ranger(8) · · · ·Wilderness Lore
11 · Ranger(9) · · · ·Evasion
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
12 · Artificer(3)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Knowledge: Wands
13 · Artificer(4)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Craft Mastery
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Knowledge: Scrolls
14 · Rogue(1)· · · · ·Sneak Attack
15 · Rogue(2)· · · · ·
16 · Rogue(3)· · · · ·Sneak Attack
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Trap Sense
17 · Rogue(4)· · · · ·Uncanny Dodge
18 · Rogue(5)· · · · ·Improved Heroic Durability
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Sneak Attack
19 · Rogue(6)· · · · ·Uncanny Dodge
20 · Rogue(7)· · · · ·Sneak Attack



Enhancements: 80 APs, Racial 13, Universal 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Halfling - Points spent: 8
1 Core ·(1) Luck I
2 Tier1 (1) Cunning
3 Tier1 (1) Cunning
4 Tier1 (1) Cunning
5 Tier1 (1) Bold
6 Tier2 (1) Guile I
7 Tier2 (2) Heroic Companion
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inquisitive - Points spent: 41
1 Core ·(1) Inquisitive
2 Tier1 (2) Dual Shooter
3 Tier1 (2) Law on your side
4 Core ·(1) Hit the Streets
5 Tier2 (2) Crossbow Adept
6 Tier2 (2) Improved Law
7 Core ·(1) Mind Like Iron
8 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
9 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
10 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
11 Tier3 (2) Ability Score I: Intelligence
12 Tier3 (2) Crossbow Adept II
13 Tier3 (2) First Things First: Ask Questions First
14 Tier4 (1) What Later?: Shoot Later
15 Tier4 (2) Crossbow Adept III
16 Tier4 (2) Greater Law
17 Tier2 (2) Observation
18 Tier3 (1) Improved Observation
19 Tier4 (2) Inquisition Style: Martial Inquisition
20 Tier4 (2) Ability Score II: Intelligence
21 Tier5 (1) Inquisitor's Path: Vigilante
22 Tier5 (1) Diplomatic Immunity
23 Tier5 (2) No Holds Barred
24 Core ·(1) True Seeing
25 Core ·(1) Undaunted
26 Tier5 (2) Arresting Assault
27 Core ·(1) Master Inquisitive
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deepwood Stalker - Points spent: 22
1 Core ·(1) Far Shot
2 Tier1 (1) Stealthy
3 Tier1 (1) Stealthy
4 Tier1 (1) Stealthy
5 Tier1 (1) Favored Defense
6 Core ·(1) Sneak Attack
7 Tier2 (2) Survivalist I
8 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
9 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
10 Core ·(1) Called Shot: Sniper Shot
11 Tier3 (2) Survivalist II
12 Tier3 (1) Thrill of the Hunt
13 Tier3 (1) Thrill of the Hunt
14 Tier3 (1) Thrill of the Hunt
15 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
16 Tier3 (1) Favored Hunter
17 Tier3 (1) Favored Hunter
18 Tier3 (1) Favored Hunter
19 Tier4 (1) Killer
20 Tier4 (1) Killer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harper Agent - Points spent: 7
1 Core ·(1) Agent of Good I
2 Tier1 (2) Strategic Combat I
3 Tier1 (2) Harper Enchantment
4 Tier2 (1) Know the Angles
5 Tier2 (1) Know the Angles
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mechanic - Points spent: 11
1 Core ·(1) Arbalester
2 Tier1 (2) Sharpshooter I
3 Tier1 (1) Awareness
4 Tier1 (1) Awareness
5 Core ·(1) Tanglefoot
6 Tier2 (2) Sharpshooter II
7 Tier1 (1) Awareness
8 Tier1 (1) Mechanics
9 Core ·(1) Targeting Sights
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[izikiel99]

what about dumping 3pts in vkf for favored enemy undead and take favored human from 1st ranger favored enemy feat? can always drop the points in VKF later if needed.

[LavidDynch]

The main reason why pew-pews isn`t super uber in heroics is that they get IPS (https://ddowiki.com/page/IPS) at a very late stage. This build seems to lack that feat. :eek:

What you want for heroics is to stack your BAB early on, the sooner you can get IPS the better; so for a pure heroic build too many arti and rogue levels are more or less awful and to not mention redundant.

[Swimms]

The main reason why pew-pews isn`t super uber in heroics is that they get IPS (https://ddowiki.com/page/IPS) at a very late stage. This build seems to lack that feat. :eek:

What you want for heroics is to stack your BAB early on, the sooner you can get IPS the better; so for a pure heroic build too many arti and rogue levels are more or less awful and to not mention redundant.

This build gets IPS at 12, the only way to get it earlier is to go pure ranger (11) and in that case you miss out on all the trap bonuses and rune arms for breakables. Unsure why you say it is missing IPS?

[Erudain]

So many different flavours of buiilds, I've seen the videos, and it's impressive.

But a quick question, if you had to compare the Aasimar build (WIS to hit and damage from Falconry) with your previous (or current) builds, does a WIS-based inquisitor add up something to damage or resistance?

Thanks for sharing.

[Swimms]

So many different flavours of buiilds, I've seen the videos, and it's impressive.

But a quick question, if you had to compare the Aasimar build (WIS to hit and damage from Falconry) with your previous (or current) builds, does a WIS-based inquisitor add up something to damage or resistance?

Thanks for sharing.

Both builds more or less end up in a similar spot in terms of damage. When I played the Wis version found that stuff tended to die before many of the falconry attack animations occured. If I had to do my racials again I would probably build them all int based even on races with inherent wisdom bonuses. To me the extra skill points tips the balance.

[Erudain]

Both builds more or less end up in a similar spot in terms of damage. When I played the Wis version found that stuff tended to die before many of the falconry attack animations occured. If I had to do my racials again I would probably build them all int based even on races with inherent wisdom bonuses. To me the extra skill points tips the balance.

Excellent, good to know. Thank you very much for sharing this piece of information.

[Stoner81]

In terms of gear for Slavers what do you use? I'm in the process of farming up mats to gear up for this build in order to start on the Racial TR train (though I may have to eTR first and get more Doubleshot first). Also are the Ravenloft sets required or "just nice to have"?

TIA.

Stoner81.

[Swimms]

In terms of gear for Slavers what do you use? I'm in the process of farming up mats to gear up for this build in order to start on the Racial TR train (though I may have to eTR first and get more Doubleshot first). Also are the Ravenloft sets required or "just nice to have"?

TIA.

Stoner81.

I actually did not use any slavers gear when I did my racials. My main gear breakpoints were level 4 (diplomancer slotted with ghostbane ruby, indomitable wrappings, duelist leathers and/or Deneith heavy chain, cloak of the mimic and cannith crafted items for int and con), then ratcatcher at level 8, ravenloft geat/sets at level 10 and sharn gear/sets at level 15 all the way to 20. For me I hate having to swap gear every few levels so I tried to stick to a few key breakpoints. I would keep the main set bonuses such as Silent Avenger until 15 and then swap to Wallwatch. At 15 I would also make sure I had weapon sets for Nightshade Shooter and Syranian cross bows in addition to ratcatcher and I made sure to keep a rune-arm with explosive cannon shot for breakables. The rest of my gear was usually a cannith crafted piece to keep my int and con viable and that was it.

Ravenloft for me was a must have, you can get by without it for sure but it is such a huge QOL boost at that level that it would be hard for me to play without it now.

[Stoner81]

I actually did not use any slavers gear when I did my racials. My main gear breakpoints were level 4 (diplomancer slotted with ghostbane ruby, indomitable wrappings, duelist leathers and/or Deneith heavy chain, cloak of the mimic and cannith crafted items for int and con), then ratcatcher at level 8, ravenloft geat/sets at level 10 and sharn gear/sets at level 15 all the way to 20. For me I hate having to swap gear every few levels so I tried to stick to a few key breakpoints. I would keep the main set bonuses such as Silent Avenger until 15 and then swap to Wallwatch. At 15 I would also make sure I had weapon sets for Nightshade Shooter and Syranian cross bows in addition to ratcatcher and I made sure to keep a rune-arm with explosive cannon shot for breakables. The rest of my gear was usually a cannith crafted piece to keep my int and con viable and that was it.

Ravenloft for me was a must have, you can get by without it for sure but it is such a huge QOL boost at that level that it would be hard for me to play without it now.

OK thanks, looks like I need to get in to Ravenloft then and get farming :cool:

Stoner81.

[nikos1313]

i know my question strays from your thread but i really like your ideas here, so i wanted to ask you this:

im interested in finding a base build plan to complete my completionist journey, using inquisitive.
i know that i cannot have IPS at lvl 12 through all of those lifes i think, so no matter if i grab IPS at 12 or at 15, what would be a decent base build?

something like

2arty, 6 ranger, 12 whatever
or 6 rogue, 6 ranger, 8 whatever

or maybe drop runearm for evasion so i could go to

2rogue, 6 ranger, 12 whatever
6rogue. 6 ranger, 8 whatever

i think if i start as 2 arty/7 ranger that would get me to BAB 8 at lvl 9, correct? (for IC ranged purposes)
so that would mean that i could grab IPS at lvl 12-13-14, dependin the third class i pick, correct?
i dont have much time to check wiki and do the maths by the time i write this, sorry!
thnx for your time!

[Swimms]

i know my question strays from your thread but i really like your ideas here, so i wanted to ask you this:

im interested in finding a base build plan to complete my completionist journey, using inquisitive.
i know that i cannot have IPS at lvl 12 through all of those lifes i think, so no matter if i grab IPS at 12 or at 15, what would be a decent base build?

something like

2arty, 6 ranger, 12 whatever
or 6 rogue, 6 ranger, 8 whatever

or maybe drop runearm for evasion so i could go to

2rogue, 6 ranger, 12 whatever
6rogue. 6 ranger, 8 whatever

i think if i start as 2 arty/7 ranger that would get me to BAB 8 at lvl 9, correct? (for IC ranged purposes)
so that would mean that i could grab IPS at lvl 12-13-14, dependin the third class i pick, correct?
i dont have much time to check wiki and do the maths by the time i write this, sorry!
thnx for your time!


6 Ranger is really strong and as you mentioned gives full BAB so that is good base to start with. You could also do 9 Ranger (evasion), 2 Arti (Trapping and rune arms), 9X for a handful of lives(tie would go to Barb, Bard, Cleric, Fighter, and Paladin over Ranger) https://ddowiki.com/page/Past_Life_Feats#Free_feats.

You are correct on the 2 Arty/7 Ranger BAB (8 BAB by level 9).

In general I think you are going to have to choose between arti and having rune arm available and rogue and getting evasion early on some lives. If you are going to have to give up one or the other, I would probably lean toward giving up the arti levels and do either 8 Ftr/2Rog/10X or 8 Ranger/2 Rog/10X. This would still mean IPS at level 15 on some lives (Sorc and Wiz) but the rest you should be able to get IPS by 12 with that split. I would recommend breaking down the feats and if you can get everything you need with 8 Ranger I would go with that over Fighter, if not then go 8 fighter as your "base class". Either one will be fine paired with inquisitive.

[nikos1313]

thanks mate, appreciated!

[Swimms]

thanks mate, appreciated!

Sure thing!! As I thought more about the split options I think for a base split I would go 9 Ranger (9 BAB, Evasion and free feats), 1 Arti (trapping and free rapid reload), 10X. This gives you basically everything except rune arm use which is nice from a quality of life standpoint but not a deal breaker. You could also take 1 level of Rog at level 1 instead of Arti if you did not need the extra feat and wanted more skill points which would still give you trapmaking.

[C-Dog]

Arti 1 also gets you a dog for lever pulling, self-rescue, etc etc.


...for a base split I would go 9 Ranger..., 1 Arti..., 10X.
For players new to TR'ing, you could also go Rgr 9, Arti(or Rog)* 2, X 9, so long as X is one of the 5 Dominant Classes** over Ranger.

o https://ddowiki.com/page/Past_Life_Feats#Dominant_class

(* Only reason to go Rog 2 is get Evasion earlier than Ranger 9)

(** i.e. 9/2/9 would work only for Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Fighter, Paladin)

[Swimms]

6 Ranger is really strong and as you mentioned gives full BAB so that is good base to start with. You could also do 9 Ranger (evasion), 2 Arti (Trapping and rune arms), 9X for a handful of lives(tie would go to Barb, Bard, Cleric, Fighter, and Paladin over Ranger) https://ddowiki.com/page/Past_Life_Feats#Free_feats.

You are correct on the 2 Arty/7 Ranger BAB (8 BAB by level 9).

In general I think you are going to have to choose between arti and having rune arm available and rogue and getting evasion early on some lives. If you are going to have to give up one or the other, I would probably lean toward giving up the arti levels and do either 8 Ftr/2Rog/10X or 8 Ranger/2 Rog/10X. This would still mean IPS at level 15 on some lives (Sorc and Wiz) but the rest you should be able to get IPS by 12 with that split. I would recommend breaking down the feats and if you can get everything you need with 8 Ranger I would go with that over Fighter, if not then go 8 fighter as your "base class". Either one will be fine paired with inquisitive.


Arti 1 also gets you a dog for lever pulling, self-rescue, etc etc.


For players new to TR'ing, you could also go Rgr 9, Arti(or Rog)* 2, X 9, so long as X is one of the 5 Dominant Classes** over Ranger.

o https://ddowiki.com/page/Past_Life_Feats#Dominant_class

(* Only reason to go Rog 2 is get Evasion earlier than Ranger 9)

(** i.e. 9/2/9 would work only for Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Fighter, Paladin)

completely agree

[C-Dog]

completely agree
Yeah, you covered that earlier - I have a habit of spelling it out for new(er) players.
o7

[polymath]

**UPDATED** 8/25/19

This is a build that I have run for a number of racial lives now and took to 30 for the release of Sharn to see how it handled in Epics. At this point I feel comfortable enough with the build to formalize a thread on it. As always I would welcome any feedback and criticism to help improve it in any way. Many of the basic concepts of the build were inspired by Slarden's 12 Arti/6 fighter/2 monk reaper build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/488109-12-Artificer-6-Fighter-2-Monk-Reaper-Build) and from Gabrael's Inquisitive thread (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/504706-Inquisitive-class-race-synergy-brainstorming). I also want to thank Xgya for their feedback and ideas as well as Maetrim for their character planner (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/487211-DDO-Character-Planner). I can't not think of a creative name for the build and for all I know it is not unique so here goes.

The basic idea of the build is the ability to take a tier 5 capstone in Inquisitive while simultaneously splashing classes to accelerate power in early heroics. Build constraints were Improved Precise Shot by level 12...period. Yes you could get more sneak attack damage by taking more rogue levels and dropping artificer but the focus of the build is to get as much power as possible as early as possible by utilizing the "free" ranged feats in Artificer and Ranger while making sure that you have enough base attack bonus by level 12 to take IPS. The only way to take IPS by level 12 is to go pure Ranger (level 11) or have 8 of your first 12 levels in full BAB classes (Barbarian, Ranger or Fighter). Of these, it is my opinion that Ranger offers the most synergies with the inquisitor universal tree (although fighter is a fine alternative if you need fighter lives). The build has tons of flexibility, it is feat rich, can fully trap at level 1, gets rune arms at level 2 for barrel breaking and being INT based, it gets a ton of skill points for making sure UMD and key trapping skills are kept viable. Given the high skill points and relatively high UMD, it is able to self scroll/wand heal effectively without a hireling in low reaper combined with the inherent defenses of the build (trap detection, evasion, insightful reflexes, etc) means that it is very survivable in solo low reaper. The build will work fine with any race although smaller races are preferred because of how they work with IPS. I am sure there will be plenty of people responding to this thread with "improvements" that involve delaying IPS until level 15. This is a fast heroic leveling build, one of the only downsides is the lack of AOE damage, ANYTHING that delays that damage spike is not worth it. IPS at 12 (or 11 if you don't care about traps and runearms)....period.

Gearing for the build is easy and straight forward, I would HIGHLY recommend acquiring a Ratcatcher which can be used from levels 8-20 with great effectiveness. In my racial runs I typically gold roll to level 4 and use a level 2 Keen/Vorpal/Festival Icy Burst light crossbow until level level 8 and then use a Ratcatcher slotted with a Ruby of Ghostbane until level 20. Other than that I use select slavers items at 8, Ravenloft gear at 10 and swap out Int/Con cannith crafted gear at level 15. I have not acquired the key Sharn sets but would probably swap for one of the sets and possibly the light crossbow in the mid teens. The build is VERY forgiving on gear and does not require excessive swapping every few levels. Basically get a Ratcatcher and the rest will take care of itself.

For enhancements my "must haves" were: Inquisitive=41, Harper=7 (Know the Angles and Strategic Combat 1 for Int to hit), Deep Wood Stalker 22 (Killer x2 and Sniper Shot), Mechanic 11 (core 3 for Int to Damage). Total is 81 points assuming the extra +1 universal tome from Sharn ultimate pack. The build kills so fast you are able to keep Thrill of the Hunt and Killer up 100% of the time which makes the 22 points in DWS worth it. At level 30 my standing doubleshot was 77 which became 92 with +15 from 2 ranks of killer without any boosts.

This build is not a starter build, as described it requires a significant investment in both past lives, racial enhancements and universal enhancements from the various expansion packs. If you had to give up anything, the best tree to take it from would be deep wood stalker while maintaining enough for Sniper Shot.

**UPDATED** 8/25/19


Character name: Neurik
Classes: 10 Epic, 9 Ranger, 7 Rogue, 4 Artificer
Race: Halfling· · · · · · ·Alignment: Neutral

· · ·Start Tome Final
Str:· · ·6· · 8 · ·19 · · ·HP:· · · · 803 · · ·AC:· · 65
Dex:· · 14· · 8 · ·28 · · ·PRR: · · · ·32
Con:· · 18· · 8 · ·32 · · ·MRR: · · · ·14 · · ·+Healing Amp:· · 30
Int:· · 18· · 8 · ·41 · · ·Dodge: · ·9/25 · · ·-Healing Amp:· · ·0
Wis:· · ·8· · 8 · ·22 · · ·Fort:· · · 15% · · ·Repair Amp:· · · ·0
Cha:· · ·8· · 8 · ·22 · · ·SR:· · · · · 0 · · ·BAB: · · · · · · 22
DR:
Immunities:

Heroic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Artificer(3)
Past Life: Barbarian(3)
Past Life: Bard(2)
Past Life: Cleric(3)
Past Life: Druid
Past Life: Favored Soul(3)
Past Life: Fighter
Past Life: Monk(3)
Past Life: Paladin(3)
Past Life: Ranger(3)
Past Life: Rogue(3)
Past Life: Sorcerer(3)
Past Life: Warlock
Past Life: Wizard(3)

Racial Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Aasimar(3)
Past Life: Dragonborn(3)
Past Life: Drow(3)
Past Life: Dwarf(3)
Past Life: Elf(3)
Past Life: Gnome(3)
Past Life: Half-Elf(3)
Past Life: Half-Orc(3)
Past Life: Halfling(3)
Past Life: Human(3)
Past Life: Tiefling
Past Life: Warforged(3)

Iconic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Aasimar Scourge(3)
Past Life: Bladeforged(3)
Past Life: Deep Gnome(3)
Past Life: Morninglord(3)
Past Life: Purple Dragon Knight(3)
Past Life: Shadar-Kai(3)

Epic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Arcane Sphere: Enchant Weapon(3)
Past Life: Arcane Sphere: Energy Criticals(3)
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Block Energy
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Brace(3)
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Power Over Life and Death(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Doublestrike(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Fortification(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Skill Mastery(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Colors of the Queen(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Doubleshot(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Fast Healing(3)


Class and Feat Selection
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level Class · · · · · ·Feats
1 · · Artificer(1)· · ·Standard: Point Blank Shot
2 · · Artificer(2)· · ·
3 · · Ranger(1) · · · ·Standard: Precision
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Favored Enemy: Favored enemy: Undead
4 · · Ranger(2) · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
5 · · Ranger(3) · · · ·
6 · · Ranger(4) · · · ·Standard: Completionist
7 · · Ranger(5) · · · ·Favored Enemy: Favored enemy: Evil Outsider
8 · · Ranger(6) · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
9 · · Ranger(7) · · · ·Standard: Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
10· · Ranger(8) · · · ·
11· · Ranger(9) · · · ·
12· · Artificer(3)· · ·Standard: Improved Precise Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
13· · Artificer(4)· · ·Artificer Bonus: Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
14· · Rogue(1)· · · · ·
15· · Rogue(2)· · · · ·Standard: Insightful Reflexes
16· · Rogue(3)· · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
17· · Rogue(4)· · · · ·
18· · Rogue(5)· · · · ·Standard: Power Critical
19· · Rogue(6)· · · · ·
20· · Rogue(7)· · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up

Granted Feats
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Slippery Mind
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Automatic Feats
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level Class · · · · · ·Feats
· 1 · Artificer(1)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Rapid Reload
· 2 · Artificer(2)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Rune Arm Use
· 3 · Ranger(1) · · · ·Bow Strength
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wild Empathy
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 4 · Ranger(2) · · · ·Rapid Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Two Weapon Fighting
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 5 · Ranger(3) · · · ·Diehard
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 6 · Ranger(4) · · · ·Precise Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 7 · Ranger(5) · · · ·Improved Heroic Durability
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 8 · Ranger(6) · · · ·Improved Two Weapon Fighting
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Manyshot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 9 · Ranger(7) · · · ·Improved Wild Empathy
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
10 · Ranger(8) · · · ·Wilderness Lore
11 · Ranger(9) · · · ·Evasion
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
12 · Artificer(3)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Knowledge: Wands
13 · Artificer(4)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Craft Mastery
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Knowledge: Scrolls
14 · Rogue(1)· · · · ·Sneak Attack
15 · Rogue(2)· · · · ·
16 · Rogue(3)· · · · ·Sneak Attack
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Trap Sense
17 · Rogue(4)· · · · ·Uncanny Dodge
18 · Rogue(5)· · · · ·Improved Heroic Durability
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Sneak Attack
19 · Rogue(6)· · · · ·Uncanny Dodge
20 · Rogue(7)· · · · ·Sneak Attack



Enhancements: 80 APs, Racial 13, Universal 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Halfling - Points spent: 8
1 Core ·(1) Luck I
2 Tier1 (1) Cunning
3 Tier1 (1) Cunning
4 Tier1 (1) Cunning
5 Tier1 (1) Bold
6 Tier2 (1) Guile I
7 Tier2 (2) Heroic Companion
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inquisitive - Points spent: 41
1 Core ·(1) Inquisitive
2 Tier1 (2) Dual Shooter
3 Tier1 (2) Law on your side
4 Core ·(1) Hit the Streets
5 Tier2 (2) Crossbow Adept
6 Tier2 (2) Improved Law
7 Core ·(1) Mind Like Iron
8 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
9 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
10 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
11 Tier3 (2) Ability Score I: Intelligence
12 Tier3 (2) Crossbow Adept II
13 Tier3 (2) First Things First: Ask Questions First
14 Tier4 (1) What Later?: Shoot Later
15 Tier4 (2) Crossbow Adept III
16 Tier4 (2) Greater Law
17 Tier2 (2) Observation
18 Tier3 (1) Improved Observation
19 Tier4 (2) Inquisition Style: Martial Inquisition
20 Tier4 (2) Ability Score II: Intelligence
21 Tier5 (1) Inquisitor's Path: Vigilante
22 Tier5 (1) Diplomatic Immunity
23 Tier5 (2) No Holds Barred
24 Core ·(1) True Seeing
25 Core ·(1) Undaunted
26 Tier5 (2) Arresting Assault
27 Core ·(1) Master Inquisitive
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deepwood Stalker - Points spent: 22
1 Core ·(1) Far Shot
2 Tier1 (1) Stealthy
3 Tier1 (1) Stealthy
4 Tier1 (1) Stealthy
5 Tier1 (1) Favored Defense
6 Core ·(1) Sneak Attack
7 Tier2 (2) Survivalist I
8 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
9 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
10 Core ·(1) Called Shot: Sniper Shot
11 Tier3 (2) Survivalist II
12 Tier3 (1) Thrill of the Hunt
13 Tier3 (1) Thrill of the Hunt
14 Tier3 (1) Thrill of the Hunt
15 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
16 Tier3 (1) Favored Hunter
17 Tier3 (1) Favored Hunter
18 Tier3 (1) Favored Hunter
19 Tier4 (1) Killer
20 Tier4 (1) Killer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harper Agent - Points spent: 7
1 Core ·(1) Agent of Good I
2 Tier1 (2) Strategic Combat I
3 Tier1 (2) Harper Enchantment
4 Tier2 (1) Know the Angles
5 Tier2 (1) Know the Angles
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mechanic - Points spent: 11
1 Core ·(1) Arbalester
2 Tier1 (2) Sharpshooter I
3 Tier1 (1) Awareness
4 Tier1 (1) Awareness
5 Core ·(1) Tanglefoot
6 Tier2 (2) Sharpshooter II
7 Tier1 (1) Awareness
8 Tier1 (1) Mechanics
9 Core ·(1) Targeting Sights
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Can you use ranged power boost with NHB or do they share a cooldown?

[Swimms]

Can you use ranged power boost with NHB or do they share a cooldown?

They are both considered "action boosts" and thus share the same cool down.

[polymath]

They are both considered "action boosts" and thus share the same cool down.

Bummer

[flotterjohnny]

Sure thing!! As I thought more about the split options I think for a base split I would go 9 Ranger (9 BAB, Evasion and free feats), 1 Arti (trapping and free rapid reload), 10X. This gives you basically everything except rune arm use which is nice from a quality of life standpoint but not a deal breaker. You could also take 1 level of Rog at level 1 instead of Arti if you did not need the extra feat and wanted more skill points which would still give you trapmaking.

Dont forget that runearms (arty lvl 2) gives u one more option for combining sets (Adherent of the Mists (ravenloft) and wallwatch (sharn) is my favorite, gets u easy to 30 without great item changing)

Greetz, FJ

[Stoner81]

What is the actual level split for this now? Is it 9 Ranger, 7 Rogue and 4 Arti? Lots of info all over the place so it's a little hard to work out what's currently working as it were :)

Do you think I will be able to use this for Aasimar lives? Take Ranger at level 1 then take the 2 Arti and carry on with the normal(ish) progression? I need a build for Aasimar lives and Tiefling Scourge lives, then I can finally start on Racials with a few epics chucked in for good measure (until Alchemist comes along).

TIA.

Stoner81.

[Swimms]

What is the actual level split for this now? Is it 9 Ranger, 7 Rogue and 4 Arti? Lots of info all over the place so it's a little hard to work out what's currently working as it were :)

Do you think I will be able to use this for Aasimar lives? Take Ranger at level 1 then take the 2 Arti and carry on with the normal(ish) progression? I need a build for Aasimar lives and Tiefling Scourge lives, then I can finally start on Racials with a few epics chucked in for good measure (until Alchemist comes along).

TIA.

Stoner81.

You are correct, current split is 9 Ranger, 7 Rogue, 4 Arti. The build works fine for iconic lives but since you start at 15 to begin with there is less concern about BAB issues so I would probably stop at 6 Ranger (enough for sniper shot) and take more Rogue levels since now you just need the BAB for IPS at 15 vs 12. Edited out my mistake on scoundrel, if you are looking for a template for iconic lives with inquisitive, check out this thread. As it stands only scourge (ranger) and shadar Kai (rogue) will work without changing things up a bit.

https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/509281-Iconic-Inquisitor-For-use-with-any-iconic-race-heroic-primary-class?p=6259358#post6259358

[Stoner81]

both Scourge and Scoundrel iconics since both default level 1 classes are part of the build.

Scoundrel starts with Bard though?

Stoner81.

[Swimms]

Scoundrel starts with Bard though?

Stoner81.

You are right and I am brain dead. Here is the layout I used for scoundrel lives.


https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/509281-Iconic-Inquisitor-For-use-with-any-iconic-race-heroic-primary-class?p=6259358#post6259358

[Stoner81]

Cheers for that :) TR'd in to this tonight and so far the damage is just insane! I don't have most of the Sharn stuff so non of the juicy Silent Avenger or Wallwatch stuff yet but still pretty darn good!

Stoner81.

[Swimms]

Cheers for that :) TR'd in to this tonight and so far the damage is just insane! I don't have most of the Sharn stuff so non of the juicy Silent Avenger or Wallwatch stuff yet but still pretty darn good!

Stoner81.

very nice, let me know how it goes!!

[Stoner81]

What do you do for ammo? I am going through bolts like they are out of fashion! Do you just use the Arti spell or do you use Flame Arrow scrolls? I am currently using Flame Arrow (Bolt) since it's 1D6 fire damage extra but they only stack to 500 not 1,000 like the Arti conjured ones do.

Stoner81.

[Swimms]

What do you do for ammo? I am going through bolts like they are out of fashion! Do you just use the Arti spell or do you use Flame Arrow scrolls? I am currently using Flame Arrow (Bolt) since it's 1D6 fire damage extra but they only stack to 500 not 1,000 like the Arti conjured ones do.

Stoner81.

I use Arti spell, usually conjure about 6,000 before I start playing and then go from there. Also you can use the T1 conjure bolts from the inquisitive tree but I prefer to save the enhancement points for more useful stuff.

[Stoner81]

I use Arti spell, usually conjure about 6,000 before I start playing and then go from there. Also you can use the T1 conjure bolts from the inquisitive tree but I prefer to save the enhancement points for more useful stuff.

Ah OK cool, I thought as much since I couldn't see Fletching anywhere which I normally try and pick up.

Stoner81.

[psykopeta]

Ah OK cool, I thought as much since I couldn't see Fletching anywhere which I normally try and pick up.

Stoner81.

with an inquis even with fetching 25k bolts fly in less than a game session, i wonder why

[Stoner81]

Made it to 30 now with not the best gear at all and still done pretty decent DPS. Trying to get the gloves to drop for the Wallwatch set is proving to be a right PITA! Once I get that though then the set should see me right through to 30 where I TR of some sort.

Stoner81.

[Stoner81]

Looking at double dipping to get Alchemist lives done so I am thinking 9 Ranger, 1 Arty (bolts) and 10 Alchemist running on Aasimar for 2 of them and the last I'm not sure since I need Tiefling still but that would be 4 classes so can't do that :(

Stoner81.

[Swimms]

Looking at double dipping to get Alchemist lives done so I am thinking 9 Ranger, 1 Arty (bolts) and 10 Alchemist running on Aasimar for 2 of them and the last I'm not sure since I need Tiefling still but that would be 4 classes so can't do that :(

Stoner81.

I haven't thought about how I would run an Alchemist split with the build. Once I finish this last EPL I plan to try out a pure ranged alchemist running T5 Vile Chemist and inquisitive secondary tree and see how the poison/law combined damage does along with the ranged nerfs. Do let me know how it works out if you run that split, I would probably try to work in 2 arti for rune arm use but I have not worked out the BAB requirements yet.

[Stoner81]

So far I am level 18 with 9 Ranger, 1 Arty and the rest as Alchemist. I do feel a little on gimp side but I suspect that is down to the nerfs and last life I spent quite a bit of time at cap so it could be that too. Other than that it's not too bad overall, I do miss the runearm imbues but meh. 1 Arty is literally just for Conjure Bolts and the dog is nice for certain quests. IPS comes in at 15 though due to BAB requirements but not a big deal since it starts there anywhere on a Aasimar. I will probably just do 3 lives like this since I find 15-30 faster than 1-20.

Stoner81.

[C-Dog]

Why not something like 11 ranger 7rogue 2 arti? Cant see why the 4 arti is more useful that full bab from ranger.
B/c there is a synergy if you have both NHB and EF (Tier 4 Arti). It's all thought out, trust the OP. :cool:

[flute136]

B/c there is a synergy if you have both NHB and EF (Tier 4 Arti). It's all thought out, trust the OP. :cool:

10 ranged power. But if doing 1-20 only wouldnt earlier IPS be pretty good?

[Swimms]

10 ranged power. But if doing 1-20 only wouldnt earlier IPS be pretty good?

The only way to get IPS earlier with the build is to take your first 11 levels as Ranger (since the build gets IPS at 12). That would mean giving up rune arms (early barrel breaking), trapping (faster exp), evasion until 9, and some free ranged feats from Arti to get IPS one level sooner. As strong as IPS is, the trade-off is not worth it in my opinion (even more so post nerf). For better or worse the ranged adjustments have rendered this build a shadow of its former self. There are now much better options for fast heroic levelling than this build.

[C-Dog]

Why not something like 11 ranger 7rogue 2 arti? Cant see why the 4 arti is more useful that full bab from ranger.
10 ranged power. But if doing 1-20 only wouldnt earlier IPS be pretty good?
Yeah, IPS requires BAB 11, so if you're adding in even 1 level of Trapper in there, not sure how you're getting it earlier. And - if you're TR'ing - adding in Rog at the end is not very helpful.

If you want to go pure Ranger for Level 11 IPS, then do that. But (and especially since the slight nerf), delaying 1 level has always been seen by most as worth the upside from multi-classing.

[Jagze]

The only way to get IPS earlier with the build is to take your first 11 levels as Ranger (since the build gets IPS at 12). That would mean giving up rune arms (early barrel breaking), trapping (faster exp), evasion until 9, and some free ranged feats from Arti to get IPS one level sooner. As strong as IPS is, the trade-off is not worth it in my opinion (even more so post nerf). For better or worse the ranged adjustments have rendered this build a shadow of its former self. There are now much better options for fast heroic levelling than this build.

So are you going to tweak this build to reflect the changes or are you doing something different?
I only ask due to still being a learner newb and have been using this build only.

Gensu Swiftbow
15 Xbow Sniper :)
1st lifer

[Swimms]

So are you going to tweak this build to reflect the changes or are you doing something different?
I only ask due to still being a learner newb and have been using this build only.

Gensu Swiftbow
15 Xbow Sniper :)
1st lifer

There is not really anything to tweak post changes, the build will still work fine as far as inquisitives goes. The main issue is that with the changes to ranged combat and nerfs to inquisitive, the build got knee capped. Single target damage will still be very good if you can stand still with archers focus and are good about toggling between it and IPS.

[Stoner81]

I'm not far off from starting on my racial lives and will be using this build even after all the nerfs...

I have had a blast running this or variations on this for like the last 6 or so lives and it's been hella fun! I just need to really farm up a few more items here and there I think and I'm pretty much set to get going.

With that said does anybody have any thoughts on the order for getting racial lives? I was thinking of Dwarf and Warforged first to get the CON bonus since every build needs hit points but beyond that I'm not sure.

Gear wise I have every version of Diplomancer there is plus of course Ratty. Beyond that I have the Wallwatch set waiting for me when I reach level 15, I have couple of Green Steel Displacement clickies, upgraded Quiver of Alacrity and of course full trapping sets at all level splits. I really can't be bothered farming Slavers since I will probably just Cannith Craft everything else I need and so far not been in to Ravenloft so not sure what I'm missing there but I will probably pick stuff up over the next few lives from there.

Stoner81.

[Mindos]

With that said does anybody have any thoughts on the order for getting racial lives? I was thinking of Dwarf and Warforged first to get the CON bonus since every build needs hit points but beyond that I'm not sure.

Stoner81.

I went with Half-Elf the first 3 racial lives, just for the Arti-dilly for crossbow proficency if skipping Artificer levels and use of conjure bolts scrolls right away. Or fighter dilly for martial weapon proficency. Good point about going for CON first. I went next into Gnome and then Drow racial past lives for the +1 intelligence and the gnomes bonus to umd.

https://ddowiki.com/page/Dilettante_feats
https://ddowiki.com/page/Racial_Past_Life_Feats

[Swimms]

I'm not far off from starting on my racial lives and will be using this build even after all the nerfs...

I have had a blast running this or variations on this for like the last 6 or so lives and it's been hella fun! I just need to really farm up a few more items here and there I think and I'm pretty much set to get going.

With that said does anybody have any thoughts on the order for getting racial lives? I was thinking of Dwarf and Warforged first to get the CON bonus since every build needs hit points but beyond that I'm not sure.

Gear wise I have every version of Diplomancer there is plus of course Ratty. Beyond that I have the Wallwatch set waiting for me when I reach level 15, I have couple of Green Steel Displacement clickies, upgraded Quiver of Alacrity and of course full trapping sets at all level splits. I really can't be bothered farming Slavers since I will probably just Cannith Craft everything else I need and so far not been in to Ravenloft so not sure what I'm missing there but I will probably pick stuff up over the next few lives from there.

Stoner81.

Other than the Sharn set and the weapons you mentioned (I swapped to nightshade shooter and syranian at 15) it sounds like you are good to go. Maybe a Con/Insightful con item at 10 and 15 that is either cannith crafted or just items from one of the newer packs and that is about it. I like to minimize my gear swaps as much as possible. As for racial order, I just went alphabetical because it was easy and didn't require any thought or planning.

[Stoner81]

I went with Half-Elf the first 3 racial lives, just for the Arti-dilly for crossbow proficency if skipping Artificer levels and use of conjure bolts scrolls right away. Or fighter dilly for martial weapon proficency. Good point about going for CON first. I went next into Gnome and then Drow racial past lives for the +1 intelligence and the gnomes bonus to umd.

https://ddowiki.com/page/Dilettante_feats
https://ddowiki.com/page/Racial_Past_Life_Feats

I will be following the build as it stands now so will have Arti at level 1. As for race I will probably just go with alphabetical as Swimms mentioned since I have triple heroic and iconic lives so I have UMD bonuses already though the extra INT for to-hit and damage would be nice but I can't see it mattering that much.


Other than the Sharn set and the weapons you mentioned (I swapped to nightshade shooter and syranian at 15) it sounds like you are good to go. Maybe a Con/Insightful con item at 10 and 15 that is either cannith crafted or just items from one of the newer packs and that is about it. I like to minimize my gear swaps as much as possible. As for racial order, I just went alphabetical because it was easy and didn't require any thought or planning.

I tried Nightshade Shooter and I found it a DPS loss (could well be wrong) since I wasn't scoring criticals anywhere near as much as what one does with Ratty. I could probably do with running Threnal and Delera's again so I can make another GotM augment since I currently use a belt for it and have one crafted for level 15 which I don't want to decon if I can help it but if I have to then I will. I am also trying to get the heroic belt from Kind of a Big Deal, a 3x Shield clicky is stupid useful for Reapers and those pesky Magic Missiles plus saves me going through wands like they are out of fashion.

Level split wise I'm thinking get a full(ish) set of kit for level 4, level 7/8, level 10. Once I hit 15 I have a bunch of stuff already made since Iconic lives and they see me through to late epics etc so really it's only really early heroics I'm bothered about.

I'll probably slot Diplomancer with Ghostbane augment which takes care of all of the early wraiths etc and probably won't run Reapers until level 5. Once I hit 9 I'll then switch to Ratty since I have the Cloak of Invisibility from Tempest Spine which has Ghostly on it so that can deal with wraiths etc.

1-5 I will run with a repeater and Cannith Craft it or something like that depending on what I can find on the AH.

I think that will cover everything pretty much and if it doesn't then meh xD

As for racial order, going in alphabetical order sounds pretty nice and clean and easy enough to keep track of so I might do that too.

Stoner81.

[Swimms]

I tried Nightshade Shooter and I found it a DPS loss (could well be wrong) since I wasn't scoring criticals anywhere near as much as what one does with Ratty. I could probably do with running Threnal and Delera's again so I can make another GotM augment since I currently use a belt for it and have one crafted for level 15 which I don't want to decon if I can help it but if I have to then I will. I am also trying to get the heroic belt from Kind of a Big Deal, a 3x Shield clicky is stupid useful for Reapers and those pesky Magic Missiles plus saves me going through wands like they are out of fashion.




I am not sure, back when I ran this build I always used NS shooter vs fleshies because of the vorpal and the nightshade poison for locking up the occasional mob or three. It was probably not as much raw DPS but it was nice to have the vorpal and the poison.

[DoctorOfLiterature]

I am trying this out on my second life and first TR. Newbie still. What order do you take the enhancement trees? And what spells would you recommend? For abilities do I focus on spell craft, Con, spot, search, disable, open and UMD?


Making some minor tweaks based on feedback in the thread, Xyga mentioned taking another Ranger level at level 11 instead of artificer, since this is the 9th Ranger level it gives evasion at level 11 vs the old second Rogue level at 14 and I believe it is worth doing. Now the build will be 9 Ranger, 4 Arti, 7 Rogue. Posting updates below and updating first page. With the recent reaper changes I believe makes even more sense than before. I am on my last race (tiefling) for racial completionist and wanted to run them as fire sorc but since I solo a lot the lack of lost souls might make that more problematic. This build really does not need to shrine ever so it is unaffected but the lost soul nerf.



Character name: Neurik
Classes: 10 Epic, 9 Ranger, 7 Rogue, 4 Artificer
Race: Halfling· · · · · · ·Alignment: Neutral

· · ·Start Tome Final
Str:· · ·6· · 8 · ·19 · · ·HP:· · · · 803 · · ·AC:· · 65
Dex:· · 14· · 8 · ·28 · · ·PRR: · · · ·32
Con:· · 18· · 8 · ·32 · · ·MRR: · · · ·14 · · ·+Healing Amp:· · 30
Int:· · 18· · 8 · ·41 · · ·Dodge: · ·9/25 · · ·-Healing Amp:· · ·0
Wis:· · ·8· · 8 · ·22 · · ·Fort:· · · 15% · · ·Repair Amp:· · · ·0
Cha:· · ·8· · 8 · ·22 · · ·SR:· · · · · 0 · · ·BAB: · · · · · · 22
DR:
Immunities:

Heroic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Artificer(3)
Past Life: Barbarian(3)
Past Life: Bard(2)
Past Life: Cleric(3)
Past Life: Druid
Past Life: Favored Soul(3)
Past Life: Fighter
Past Life: Monk(3)
Past Life: Paladin(3)
Past Life: Ranger(3)
Past Life: Rogue(3)
Past Life: Sorcerer(3)
Past Life: Warlock
Past Life: Wizard(3)

Racial Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Aasimar(3)
Past Life: Dragonborn(3)
Past Life: Drow(3)
Past Life: Dwarf(3)
Past Life: Elf(3)
Past Life: Gnome(3)
Past Life: Half-Elf(3)
Past Life: Half-Orc(3)
Past Life: Halfling(3)
Past Life: Human(3)
Past Life: Tiefling
Past Life: Warforged(3)

Iconic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Aasimar Scourge(3)
Past Life: Bladeforged(3)
Past Life: Deep Gnome(3)
Past Life: Morninglord(3)
Past Life: Purple Dragon Knight(3)
Past Life: Shadar-Kai(3)

Epic Past Lives
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Life: Arcane Sphere: Enchant Weapon(3)
Past Life: Arcane Sphere: Energy Criticals(3)
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Block Energy
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Brace(3)
Past Life: Divine Sphere: Power Over Life and Death(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Doublestrike(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Fortification(3)
Past Life: Martial Sphere: Skill Mastery(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Colors of the Queen(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Doubleshot(3)
Past Life: Primal Sphere: Fast Healing(3)


Class and Feat Selection
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level Class · · · · · ·Feats
1 · · Artificer(1)· · ·Standard: Point Blank Shot
2 · · Artificer(2)· · ·
3 · · Ranger(1) · · · ·Standard: Precision
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Favored Enemy: Favored enemy: Undead
4 · · Ranger(2) · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
5 · · Ranger(3) · · · ·
6 · · Ranger(4) · · · ·Standard: Completionist
7 · · Ranger(5) · · · ·Favored Enemy: Favored enemy: Evil Outsider
8 · · Ranger(6) · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
9 · · Ranger(7) · · · ·Standard: Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
10· · Ranger(8) · · · ·
11· · Ranger(9) · · · ·
12· · Artificer(3)· · ·Standard: Improved Precise Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
13· · Artificer(4)· · ·Artificer Bonus: Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
14· · Rogue(1)· · · · ·
15· · Rogue(2)· · · · ·Standard: Insightful Reflexes
16· · Rogue(3)· · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up
17· · Rogue(4)· · · · ·
18· · Rogue(5)· · · · ·Standard: Power Critical
19· · Rogue(6)· · · · ·
20· · Rogue(7)· · · · ·Intelligence: +1 Level up

Granted Feats
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Slippery Mind
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Automatic Feats
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level Class · · · · · ·Feats
· 1 · Artificer(1)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Rapid Reload
· 2 · Artificer(2)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Rune Arm Use
· 3 · Ranger(1) · · · ·Bow Strength
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wild Empathy
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 4 · Ranger(2) · · · ·Rapid Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Two Weapon Fighting
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 5 · Ranger(3) · · · ·Diehard
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 6 · Ranger(4) · · · ·Precise Shot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 7 · Ranger(5) · · · ·Improved Heroic Durability
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 8 · Ranger(6) · · · ·Improved Two Weapon Fighting
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Manyshot
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
· 9 · Ranger(7) · · · ·Improved Wild Empathy
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
10 · Ranger(8) · · · ·Wilderness Lore
11 · Ranger(9) · · · ·Evasion
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Wilderness Lore
12 · Artificer(3)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Knowledge: Wands
13 · Artificer(4)· · ·Arcane Lore
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Craft Mastery
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Artificer Knowledge: Scrolls
14 · Rogue(1)· · · · ·Sneak Attack
15 · Rogue(2)· · · · ·
16 · Rogue(3)· · · · ·Sneak Attack
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Trap Sense
17 · Rogue(4)· · · · ·Uncanny Dodge
18 · Rogue(5)· · · · ·Improved Heroic Durability
· · · · · · · · · · · ·Sneak Attack
19 · Rogue(6)· · · · ·Uncanny Dodge
20 · Rogue(7)· · · · ·Sneak Attack



Enhancements: 80 APs, Racial 13, Universal 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Halfling - Points spent: 8
1 Core ·(1) Luck I
2 Tier1 (1) Cunning
3 Tier1 (1) Cunning
4 Tier1 (1) Cunning
5 Tier1 (1) Bold
6 Tier2 (1) Guile I
7 Tier2 (2) Heroic Companion
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inquisitive - Points spent: 41
1 Core ·(1) Inquisitive
2 Tier1 (2) Dual Shooter
3 Tier1 (2) Law on your side
4 Core ·(1) Hit the Streets
5 Tier2 (2) Crossbow Adept
6 Tier2 (2) Improved Law
7 Core ·(1) Mind Like Iron
8 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
9 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
10 Tier2 (1) Wand and Scroll Mastery
11 Tier3 (2) Ability Score I: Intelligence
12 Tier3 (2) Crossbow Adept II
13 Tier3 (2) First Things First: Ask Questions First
14 Tier4 (1) What Later?: Shoot Later
15 Tier4 (2) Crossbow Adept III
16 Tier4 (2) Greater Law
17 Tier2 (2) Observation
18 Tier3 (1) Improved Observation
19 Tier4 (2) Inquisition Style: Martial Inquisition
20 Tier4 (2) Ability Score II: Intelligence
21 Tier5 (1) Inquisitor's Path: Vigilante
22 Tier5 (1) Diplomatic Immunity
23 Tier5 (2) No Holds Barred
24 Core ·(1) True Seeing
25 Core ·(1) Undaunted
26 Tier5 (2) Arresting Assault
27 Core ·(1) Master Inquisitive
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deepwood Stalker - Points spent: 22
1 Core ·(1) Far Shot
2 Tier1 (1) Stealthy
3 Tier1 (1) Stealthy
4 Tier1 (1) Stealthy
5 Tier1 (1) Favored Defense
6 Core ·(1) Sneak Attack
7 Tier2 (2) Survivalist I
8 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
9 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
10 Core ·(1) Called Shot: Sniper Shot
11 Tier3 (2) Survivalist II
12 Tier3 (1) Thrill of the Hunt
13 Tier3 (1) Thrill of the Hunt
14 Tier3 (1) Thrill of the Hunt
15 Tier2 (1) Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power Boost
16 Tier3 (1) Favored Hunter
17 Tier3 (1) Favored Hunter
18 Tier3 (1) Favored Hunter
19 Tier4 (1) Killer
20 Tier4 (1) Killer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harper Agent - Points spent: 7
1 Core ·(1) Agent of Good I
2 Tier1 (2) Strategic Combat I
3 Tier1 (2) Harper Enchantment
4 Tier2 (1) Know the Angles
5 Tier2 (1) Know the Angles
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mechanic - Points spent: 11
1 Core ·(1) Arbalester
2 Tier1 (2) Sharpshooter I
3 Tier1 (1) Awareness
4 Tier1 (1) Awareness
5 Core ·(1) Tanglefoot
6 Tier2 (2) Sharpshooter II
7 Tier1 (1) Awareness
8 Tier1 (1) Mechanics
9 Core ·(1) Targeting Sights
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



I use a vorpal keen icy burst at level 2, at level 5 I use a diplomancer slotted with ghostbane, at level 8 I use ratcatcher slotted with ghostbane until level 15 when I switch to Nightshade Shooter and Syranian with the occasional use of ratchater to 20.

[Stoner81]

I am trying this out on my second life and first TR. Newbie still. What order do you take the enhancement trees? And what spells would you recommend? For abilities do I focus on spell craft, Con, spot, search, disable, open and UMD?

Focus on Harper tree first to get INT for to-hit and damage then put all your points in to Inquisitive. I don't use the Mechanic core for INT to damage since you have to take a bunch of stuff that's not great at all.

Skills you want to keep your trapping ones up and UMD. I put points in to Heal since it helps in epics with Cocoon and Renewal. Depending on what tomes you have for your main stats you should be able to max out on most of the skills you want. I only put about 5 points in to Jump since the Ranger spell and Epic Skills covers the rest.

Here are the skills that I use (all are maxed unless stated otherwise):

Jump (5 ranks max).
Tumble (1 full rank only).
UMD.
Haggle.
Balance.
Heal.
Diplomacy.
Search.
Spot.
Disable Device.
Open Lock.
Concentration.

Spells you want from Ranger is Jump and that's about it, all the others are pretty useless. Arti spells you want Conjure Bolts, Elemental Weapons etc.

Stoner81.

[C-Dog]

Focus on Harper tree first to get INT for to-hit and damage then put all your points in to Inquisitive. I don't use the Mechanic core for INT to damage since you have to take a bunch of stuff that's not great at all.
Right - if you were a pure(ish) Rogue/Mech, then you're going to Tier 5 anyway, and in that case you take your first 11 pts in Harper to get Int-to-Damage, then when you hit Level 6 you respec to use Mech Core 6 for a cheaper version and save the diff.

But if you're not going to high-tier Mech, then (mostly?*) ignore it and put those low-tier points into higher tiers in other trees. A lot of Mech stuff only really helps GXB's, and regular x-bows can find more love elsewhere, esp since you're now talking high-tier.


(* The cores add +5 meters each to PBS & SA range, which is nice. And the Tier 2 +6 Skill Boost can be very helpful, especially to new(er) players who do not have their trapping gear yet, but also for any Haggling and misc. low-DC social checks. Ymmv.)


Jump (5 ranks max)
Mmmm - if you're going to 30, and especially if you're going to linger/park at 30, sure, no reason for overkill, 100%.

However, if you're just going to 20, some players find value in getting to Jump Total 40 asap, or at least sooner than Ranger 9. And, of course, if your's is going to be a fast Sneak build, there's the -20 while Sneaking that you have to account for, so you're aiming at a Jump Total 60.