Improving Older Toons That Have "Class Choice" Issues...

[HumanJHawkins]

Hi all,

I have a couple of high level characters that I'm not going to reroll. But they have some issues from earlier leveling decisions that I am hoping the new level limit can help. My most gimped toon is a level 14 straight drow Fighter (from before I could 32 pt.). She has very low HP and is spec'd for kopesh and shield. (Maxed out the slashing feats including improved crit). Is it likely that taking 2 levels of something other than fighter would be better for 15 and 16?

Her highest stat is STR, at 30... (Dex is not bad... forget exactly, but maybe 24? Con is around 12 <eeek>). Should I maybe take 2 levels of ranger to get Bow STR and turn her into a support archer? Or, would 2 levels of Barbarian do anything for DPS, etc? Would 2 levels of pally be enough to give her really good resists?

Basically, I am wondering if 2 levels of anything added to a straight fighter would be enough to get anything worthwhile.

[Kalanth]

2 levels of Barbarian would be +4 HP and rage. Ranger you would loose -4 HP but gain TWF and Rapid Shot. If your charisma is good enough, 2 Paladin levels can be worth the investment (good as in correctable with a high enough item or actually in the positive.) Paladin and Ranger also add Wand Usage, and Paladin 2 carries that emergency health button (Lay on Hands). When you hit 15 you will get another feet, and you can always take (or stack another) toughness in there to boost the HP. I did this on my Rogue 13 / Barbarian 3. But in the long run, without having planned for it from the beginning the benefits are nominal.

[sigtrent]

I have a lot of low HP characters and it mostly ammounts to just needing to be carefull about how much agro you pull.

Depending on yoru stats you might be able to reconfigure some feats to get more milage out of the toon.

Two ranger levels can be good. Even basic TWF can really boost your damage output by holding certain weapons in your off hand. My kopesh wielder has two ranger levels and uses an off hand +10 seeker item I got off the brokers which really cranks up my DPS due to the +30 crit damage on the kopesh and pretty much auto confirming any crits I roll. I can crit as hard with the kopesh as I can with a two hander that way (I also have 30 str without rage pots or the like).

If you have the int for Combat Expertice or have it already you could go for improved trip. I find it very usefull, as is stunning blow. For single feat picks they can have a big play impact and help defend you while you are fighting.

The only characters I think are unplayable in DDO are casters without the stats needed to cast thier spells and you almost never see that. The right gear and the right tactics can make almost any build a good party member.

[GeneralDiomedes]

Low hp? Take 2 rogue levels for UMD so you can scroll displacement and wand stoneskin. And get your hands on some 100&#37; fort. Looks like you have enough DEX for evasion which will also cut down on dmg.

[Club'in]

Excellent suggestions all around. I think I like the UMD burst rogue levels the best. You'll gain the wand whipping that the paladin/ranger levels would give you. And if you have the money, displacement scrolls would open up a whole new ball game for ya. I'm not a big advocate for 2 levels of ranger only. I think 6, 8, 9, and 11 are the sweet spots for ranger levels. 2 paladin does sound intriguing. But I'll second G.D.'s idea.

Run the orchard for tapestries if you haven't already, and get that helm that gives you toughness and heavy fort.

[IgorUnchained]

I like the two Paladin Levels. They wont take from your Fighter build, but will give the ability to use wands, have auras, and your saves will be better. I think 4 pally levels would have been better, but 2 should be ok also.

Two levels of Rogue wont get you much beyond the UMD (which does sound ok). The Evasion feat you get at lvl 2 Rogue only applies if you wear light armor...which I doubt you do.

The 2 Levels of Barbarian has promise, but I need to be able to use wands....just a personal thing.