The Rookie Cop: FvS First Life Inqui Build

[droid327]

Playing around with possibilities for a self-sufficient first-life friendly character that can deal big ranged damage and has good self-heals/buffs/defense, and also for a WIS based Inqui that isnt stuck in Falconry (which is the big bottleneck on Cleric Inqui builds). This is what I came up with - please shoot holes in it :) I'm sure there's something critical I'm neglecting...

Note: No details on Inqui, need to update my planner or something. 41 points, usual stuff, only noticeable requirement is Divine Inquisition to get Xbows as Favored Weapons.

Advantages: full self heals, including some Beacon for enhanced heals. Useful buffs like DW, FoM, Divine Power, Death Pact. Ranged Smite for auto heal+vuln. WIS based with a few good CCs (Soundburst, GComm). Full Inqui for ranged DPS with Wis-to-hit and dmg. Evasion. Viable with 28 points, no tomes, though of course more ability points means better DCs and DPS.

Flexibility: Can switch race (just lose 2 points of WIS from Aasi) for RPLs or if you dont have Aasi. Could also build CHA instead of WIS just as easily if you prefer that itemization. Could drop Rogue for something else (2 Barb for run speed, 2 Pal for saves, 2 Arti for Runearms, etc.) if you wanted to go heavy armor tank instead of Evasion.

Disadvantages: Low skill points. Needs Inqui unlock, so not totally F2P. Needs FvS obviously, so not new-player friendly. No Trance for extra DPS.

Build plan is to get Divine Inquisition as soon as possible. Either run Silver Flame longbow till then (so you get WIS to dmg and still make use of your Ranged feats) or just run DXB the whole way and eat the lack of stat-to-dmg early on, probably with Olladra or Aureon.

16/2/2 Favored Soul/Fighter/Rogue
Lawful Good Aasimar


Level Order

1. Favored Soul . .6. Favored Soul . 11. Favored Soul . 16. Favored Soul
2. Favored Soul . .7. Favored Soul . 12. Fighter . . . .17. Favored Soul
3. Rogue . . . . . 8. Favored Soul. .13. Favored Soul. .18. Favored Soul
4. Rogue . . . . . 9. Favored Soul. .14. Favored Soul. .19. Favored Soul
5. Favored Soul . 10. Favored Soul . 15. Fighter . . . .20. Favored Soul


Stats
. . . . . . . .28pt . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . --------
Strength. . . . 10. . . .4: DEX
Dexterity . . . 16. . . .8: DEX
Constitution. . 14. . . 12: DEX
Intelligence. . .8. . . 16: WIS
Wisdom. . . . . 18. . . 20: WIS
Charisma. . . . .8. . . 24: WIS
. . . . . . . . . . . . 28: WIS

Skills
. . . . .Fv Fv Rg Rg Fv Fv Fv Fv Fv Fv Fv Fi Fv Fv Fi Fv Fv Fv Fv Fv
. . . . . 1. 2. 3 .4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
Heal. . . 4. 1. 1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. ½ .1 .1 .½. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 22
Jump. . . . . . 4 .3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Balance . . . . . .2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Tumble. . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
. . . . . 4. 1. 7 .7. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1


Feats

.1. . . . : Point Blank Shot
.3. . . . : Rapid Reload
.6. . . . : Rapid Shot
.9. . . . : Precise Shot
12. . . . : Precision
12 Fighter: Improved Critical: Ranged
15. . . . : Quicken Spell
15 Fighter: Improved Precise Shot
18. . . . : Empower Healing Spell
21 Epic . :
24 Epic . :
26 Destiny:
27 Epic . :
28 Destiny:
29 Destiny:
30 Epic . :
30 Legend :


Spells

Cure Light Wounds (1), Command (1), Nightshield (2), Protection from Evil (5)
Cure Moderate Wounds (6), Soundburst (7), Hold Person (9), Lesser Restoration (11)
Cure Serious Wounds (8), Remove Blindness (9), Remove Curse (11), Remove Disease (14)
Cure Critical Wounds (10), Death Ward (11), Freedom of Movement (14), Divine Power (17)
Greater Command (13), Spell Resistance (14), Break Enchantment (17), Divine Punishment (19)
Heal (16), Cometfall (17), Undeath to Death (19)
Greater Restoration (18), Resurrection (19)
Death Pact (20)

Enhancements (80 AP)

Inquisitive (41 AP)
War Soul (26 AP) Smite Foe: Ranged, Resilience of Battle, Sanctuary, Blur Toughness III, Righteous Weapons
Smite Weakness, Wall of Steel III, Righteous Weapons
Radiant Flourish: Ranged III, Righteous Weapons
Ameliorating Strike, Holy Striker: Doubleshot III
Beacon of Hope (13 AP) Pleasant Disposition, Beacon of Grace, Shining Light Good Hope I, Divine Durability III
Close Wounds III, Divine Durability III

[droid327]

Update: got a chance to play around with this on Lama this weekend, stress-test it in real-game situations. I can confirm its viable at-level R1 solo first life. Just with Sharn/RL loot and a Cleric hire, I was easily clearing Heroic R1 quests at various level bands up through 20.

Didnt test it out specifically in Epic since this is meant as a first-life build, but based on my other Inqui build testing I dont see any reason why you couldn't take it up to at-level EE solo once you had proper Destiny support.

[unbongwah]

Seems a pity to give up Leap of faith here.

[C-Dog]

Not take Rogue @ Level 1?

Why throw away a lot of nice little boosts that will be good for the life of the toon, including Open Lock through 90+% of (Heroic) quests? I see no downside here.:confused:

Skills
. . . . .Rg Fv Fv Rg Fv Fv Fv Fv Fv Fv Fv Fi Fv Fv Fi Fv Fv Fv Fv Fv
. . . . . 1 .2 .3 .4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
Heal. . . 2 .1 .1 .3. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. ½ .1 .1 .½. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 22
Jump. . . 4 . . . .1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Open Lo . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Bluff . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Balance . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Haggle. . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Swim. . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Tumble. . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
. . . . .28 .1 .1 .7. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1

(@ level 4, you could dump Heal by 1-3 points for +2 in Jump, Balance, and/or any other Rogue skill(s) you might prefer. ymmv.)

[Cordovan]

I so love the name of this build for the concept. :)

[droid327]

Seems a pity to give up Leap of faith here.

Even staying pure you wouldn't get it till lvl 17...didn't see the utility of that for a first life heroic char, not compared to extra feats early on. If you wanted to promote your cop to lieutenant, then you could look at dropping to fighter 1 for epics - I leave such adjustments as an exercise for the player, like I said the template is not highly rigid.


Not take Rogue @ Level 1?

Why throw away a lot of nice little boosts that will be good for the life of the toon, including Open Lock through 90+% of (Heroic) quests? I see no downside here.:confused:

(@ level 4, you could dump Heal by 1-3 points for +2 in Jump, Balance, and/or any other Rogue skill(s) you might prefer. ymmv.)

(edit: realized you werent talking about trapping, just Open Locks)

This is a good idea if you want to add lockpicking, yeah. You're thinking of getting all your skillpoints through gear - definitely a possibility, if you're comfortable with gear acquisition. Another one of those "if you're ready for that, you already know how to do it" kinda things :)

Also it means losing your favored weapon bonuses but that's probably also negligible at level 1-2


I so love the name of this build for the concept. :)

Branding is everything!

Turn down the color saturation on your gpu software and pretend it's DDO Noir...

OMG now I want a campaign set in the Astral Plane where you're investigating a murder with a noir style DM narrative..."everyone's got their demons, even here in the City of Angels"

[Hobgoblin]

i object to the name!!!


you dont put rookies on investigating!

you put detectives!



get it right!



:)


https://i.redd.it/jof78lmfbuox.png

[jskinner937]

Although I like your theme and concept....I think ranged should equal more DPS. I think you need to either grab 3 or 6 rogue to capitalize on the DPS. Anything now a days that is ranged can equate to success in R1-R3, inquisitive just makes it easier. But this build is going to lack when in epics or at least take forever to kill even normal mobs when it runs out of action boost. This would be sort of my suggestion, with my own personal preferences, however there is opportunity for Fury or Dreadnaught as alternatives to what I mention.

Needle Soul
12/6/2 Favored Soul/Rogue/Fighter
Lawful Neutral Aasimar


Level Order

1. Rogue 6. Favored Soul 11. Favored Soul 16. Favored Soul
2. Favored Soul 7. Rogue 12. Fighter 17. Rogue
3. Favored Soul 8. Favored Soul 13. Favored Soul 18. Rogue
4. Favored Soul 9. Favored Soul 14. Favored Soul 19. Rogue
5. Favored Soul 10. Favored Soul 15. Fighter 20. Rogue


Stats
28pt 32pt 34pt 36pt Tome Level Up
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- --------
Strength 8 8 8 8 +8 4: WIS
Dexterity 14 14 14 14 +8 8: WIS
Constitution 14 15 15 16 +8 12: WIS
Intelligence 14 15 16 16 +8 16: WIS
Wisdom 18 18 18 18 +8 20: WIS
Charisma 8 8 8 8 +8 24: WIS
28: WIS

Skills
Rg Fv Fv Fv Fv Fv Rg Fv Fv Fv Fv Fi Fv Fv Fi Fv Rg Rg Rg Rg
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Heal 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 23
Disable 4 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 23
Open Lo 4 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1½ ½ 2 1 1 1 23
Search 4 3 7 7 1 1 23
Diplo 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 23
Balance 4 1 4 4 13
UMD 4 3 3 10
Jump 4 1 1 1 1 1 9
Spot 4 4
Hide 4 4
Perform 1 1
Move Si 1 1
Tumble 1 1
------------------------------------------------------------
40 5 5 5 5 5 12 6 6 6 6 4 6 6 7 7 13 13 13 13
Max 40 5 5 5 5 5 12 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 13 13 13 13


Feats

1 : Point Blank Shot
3 : Rapid Reload
6 : Rapid Shot
9 : Precise Shot
12 : Precision
12 Fighter: Improved Critical: Ranged
15 : Quicken Spell
15 Fighter: Improved Precise Shot
18 : Empower Healing Spell
21 Epic : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic : Combat Archery
26 Destiny: Holy Strike
27 Epic : Watchful Eye
28 Destiny: Doubleshot
29 Destiny: Mass Frog
30 Epic : Burst of Glacial Wrath
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea

1 Aasimar: Bond of the Protector

3 FavSoul: Knowledge of Battle
9 FavSoul: Stout of Heart

6 FavSoul: Energy Absorption: Fire
13 FavSoul: Energy Absorption: Acid

2 Deity : Follower of: Sovereign Host
8 Deity : Unyielding Sovereignty


Spells

Nightshield (2), Obscuring Mist (2), Divine Favor (3), Cause Fear (4)
Find Traps (5), Resist Energy (6), Soundburst (9), Remove Paralysis (11)
Magic Circle Against Evil (8), Prayer (9), Remove Curse (11), Cure Serious Wounds (14)
Freedom of Movement (10), Death Ward (11), Panacea (14)
Greater Command (13), True Seeing (14)
Heal (16)

Enhancements (41 of 80+12 AP)

War Soul (26 AP) Smite Foe: Ranged, Resilience of Battle, Sanctuary Divine Will III, Righteous Weapons, Awareness III
Righteous Weapons
Magic Backlash III, Radiant Flourish: Ranged III, Righteous Weapons
Righteous Weapons, Holy Striker: Doubleshot III
Mechanic (15 AP) Arbalester, Tanglefoot, Targeting Sights Sharpshooter, Mechanics III, Awareness I
Sharpshooter, Wand and Scroll Mastery II
Sharpshooter

Destiny (28 of 24 AP) (Errors)

Shadowdancer Acrobatic III, Technician I
Lithe III, Skill Mastery
Cloak of Shadows, Shrouding Shot III, Meld into Darkness III, Grim Precision III
(none)
Shadow Manipulation, Executioner's Shot III, Sealed Soul
Consume
Twists of Fate (31 fate points) Endless Faith (Tier 1 Exalted)
Soundburst (Tier 2 Exalted)
Energy Sheath: Fire (Tier 1 Draconic)
Extra Action Boost (Tier 1 Dreadnought)
Otto's Whistler (Tier 3 Shiradi)

[Bunker]

Instead of rogue, replace with 2 levels of artificer. Still able to trap.

Skip evasion for higher mrr/prr.

Rune arm equipped possible.

Extra more action boosts if you decide to change up the enhancements. The option is there if you want.

16fvs 2arti 2ftr

I like the concept in the OP.

[droid327]

But this build is going to lack when in epics

Well its not necessarily meant for Epics so that's OK :)

I dont see where you're getting a whole lot more DPS out of it though? 6 rogue gives you +2 sneak die and a few extra +1s from Mechanic. What did you take the Mechanic cores for, just +10m sneak attack range?

You dont take Divine Power at L4, definitely swap out Panacea for that too. You also take True Seeing which...Inqui core...

You also spent 41 AP outside of Inqui...are you giving up Inqui capstone? Even with the +1 Universal Tome you're still 1 short

I dont know if I'd want to give up the extra healing (CCW, Close Wounds SLA) and utility for the extra Rogue stuff, but I think this would work just as well if you wanted to work in more sneak die.

[droid327]

Instead of rogue, replace with 2 levels of artificer. Still able to trap.

Skip evasion for higher mrr/prr.

Rune arm equipped possible.

Extra more action boosts if you decide to change up the enhancements. The option is there if you want.

16fvs 2arti 2ftr

I like the concept in the OP.

Definitely doable, like I mentioned - those 2 levels could go a lot of different ways depending what you preferred for playstyle. Barb is really tempting too for the runspeed, in a Heroic blitz life, if you dont care about trapping. Just not Monk because there's no way around uncentering, unfortunately...an Ocean Stance WIS Inqui would be pretty awesome :)

[jskinner937]

Well its not necessarily meant for Epics so that's OK :)

I dont see where you're getting a whole lot more DPS out of it though? 6 rogue gives you +2 sneak die and a few extra +1s from Mechanic. What did you take the Mechanic cores for, just +10m sneak attack range?

You dont take Divine Power at L4, definitely swap out Panacea for that too. You also take True Seeing which...Inqui core...

You also spent 41 AP outside of Inqui...are you giving up Inqui capstone? Even with the +1 Universal Tome you're still 1 short

I dont know if I'd want to give up the extra healing (CCW, Close Wounds SLA) and utility for the extra Rogue stuff, but I think this would work just as well if you wanted to work in more sneak die.

Planner does not have inquisitive in there yet. Yeah would need to drop the one point I put in awareness to get 41 left to spend. And yes it’s all about SA Die for rogue levels. You actually gain 6d6 SA and +3 to hit and +5 dmg (before RP). Combine that with another 3d6 from SD. This adds up and if focus more on hide (which I am) and taker ethereal it’s even more SA dmg. I like the addy damage over base damage in reaper because it doesnt scale down the same as base dmg. And on inquisitive it’s not difficult to create SA opportunities and especially combined with Shadowdancer. I just think the only spell you need is Heal (Empowered) if you gear right and you have backup of cure critical and serious if need.

[Bunker]

Definitely doable, like I mentioned - those 2 levels could go a lot of different ways depending what you preferred for playstyle. Barb is really tempting too for the runspeed, in a Heroic blitz life, if you dont care about trapping. Just not Monk because there's no way around uncentering, unfortunately...an Ocean Stance WIS Inqui would be pretty awesome :)

Yeah. I think artificer fits the bill perfectly because what is a police officer without a police dog.

[jskinner937]

Planner does not have inquisitive in there yet. Yeah would need to drop the one point I put in awareness to get 41 left to spend. And yes it’s all about SA Die for rogue levels. You actually gain 6d6 SA and +3 to hit and +5 dmg (before RP). Combine that with another 3d6 from SD. This adds up and if focus more on hide (which I am) and taker ethereal it’s even more SA dmg. I like the addy damage over base damage in reaper because it doesnt scale down the same as base dmg. And on inquisitive it’s not difficult to create SA opportunities and especially combined with Shadowdancer. I just think the only spell you need is Heal (Empowered) if you gear right and you have backup of cure critical and serious if need.


I just updated my planner since inquisitive is now in there. At any rate here is what I am currently running with doing a morninglord life. Sort of close, but less focus on fvs trees and more focus on rogue trees. Also I went full trapping and open locks and INT to hit and dmg instead of worrying about an extra stat. An I agree you could look at artificer instead of rogue but then you will have to invest in harper tree as well.

Needle Soul
12/6/2 Favored Soul/Rogue/Fighter
Lawful Neutral Morninglord


Level Order

1. Rogue 6. Favored Soul 11. Favored Soul 16. Favored Soul
2. Favored Soul 7. Rogue 12. Fighter 17. Rogue
3. Favored Soul 8. Favored Soul 13. Favored Soul 18. Rogue
4. Favored Soul 9. Favored Soul 14. Favored Soul 19. Rogue
5. Favored Soul 10. Favored Soul 15. Fighter 20. Rogue


Stats
28pt 32pt 34pt 36pt Tome Level Up
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- --------
Strength 8 8 8 8 +8 4: INT
Dexterity 14 14 15 16 +8 8: INT
Constitution 12 14 14 14 +8 12: INT
Intelligence 20 20 20 20 +8 16: INT
Wisdom 8 8 8 8 +8 20: INT
Charisma 8 8 8 8 +8 24: INT
28: INT

Skills
Rg Fv Fv Fv Fv Fv Rg Fv Fv Fv Fv Fi Fv Fv Fi Fv Rg Rg Rg Rg
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
------------------------------------------------------------
Disable 4 1½ 4 1 1½ 1 1 ½ 1½ 4 1 1 1 23
Open Lo 4 2½ 1½ 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 23
Search 4 6 1 1½ 1½ 1 5 1 1 1 23
Spot 4 5 14 23
Diplo 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 23
Hide 4 14 4 1 23
Concent 1 5 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 19
Heal 5 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 19
Jump 4 1 1 1 1 1 6 3 1 19
UMD 4 4 7 2 17
Balance 4 1½ 4 ½ 3 13
Listen 4 4
Bluff 4 4
Move Si 4 4
Tumble 2 2
Perform 1 1
------------------------------------------------------------
52 8 8 9 7 9 15 10 10 10 10 8 11 11 11 12 18 18 18 19
Max 52 8 8 9 9 9 15 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 18 18 18 19


Feats

1 : Point Blank Shot
3 : Rapid Reload
6 : Rapid Shot
9 : Precise Shot
12 : Precision
12 Fighter: Improved Critical: Ranged
15 : Quicken Spell
15 Fighter: Improved Precise Shot
18 : Empower Healing Spell
21 Epic : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic : Combat Archery
26 Destiny: Holy Strike
27 Epic : Watchful Eye
28 Destiny: Doubleshot
29 Destiny: Harbinger of Chaos
30 Epic : Burst of Glacial Wrath
30 Legend : Scion of: Ethereal Plane

3 FavSoul: Knowledge of Battle
9 FavSoul: Stout of Heart

6 FavSoul: Energy Absorption: Fire
13 FavSoul: Energy Absorption: Acid

2 Deity : Follower of: Amaunator
8 Deity : Amaunator's Flames


Spells

Nightshield (2), Obscuring Mist (2), Divine Favor (3), Cause Fear (4)
Find Traps (5), Resist Energy (6), Soundburst (9), Remove Paralysis (11)
Magic Circle Against Evil (8), Prayer (9), Remove Curse (11), Cure Serious Wounds (14)
Freedom of Movement (10), Death Ward (11), Divine Power (14)
Greater Command (13), Stalwart Pact (14)
Heal (16)

Enhancements (81+14 of 80+14 AP) Errors

Inquisitive (41 AP) Inquisitive, Hit the Streets, Mind Like Iron, True Seeing, Undaunted, Master Inquisitive Dual Shooter, Conjure Bolts I, Law on your Side
Crossbow Adept, Observation, Improved Law
Crossbow Adept, Ask Questions First, Improved Observation, Wisdom
Crossbow Adept, Shoot Later, Divine Inquisition, Greater Law, Wisdom
No Holds Barred, Arresting Assault, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Jaded, Diplomatic Immunity
War Soul (26 AP) Smite Foe: Ranged, Resilience of Battle, Sanctuary Divine Will III, Righteous Weapons, Awareness III
Righteous Weapons
Magic Backlash III, Radiant Flourish: Ranged III, Righteous Weapons
Righteous Weapons, Holy Striker: Doubleshot III
Mechanic (14 AP) Arbalester, Tanglefoot, Targeting Sights Sharpshooter, Mechanics II
Sharpshooter, Wand and Scroll Mastery III
Sharpshooter
Morninglord (14 AP) Elven Accuracy, Sun Elf Intelligence, Elven Accuracy II, Sun Elf Intelligence II, Elven Accuracy III Rejuvenation of Dawn II, Keen Senses III
Leveling Guide Morninglord: Elven Accuracy, Sun Elf Intelligence, Elven Accuracy II, Sun Elf Intelligence II Rejuvenation of Dawn II, Keen Senses III Mechanic: Arbalester

Destiny (24 AP)

Shadowdancer Acrobatic III, Technician I
Lithe III, Skill Mastery
Cloak of Shadows, Shrouding Shot III, Meld into Darkness III, Grim Precision III
(none)
Shadow Manipulation, Executioner's Shot I
Consume
Twists of Fate (35 fate points) Energy Burst: Electricity (Tier 4 Draconic)
Otto's Whistler (Tier 3 Shiradi)
Pin (Tier 2 Shiradi)
Extra Action Boost (Tier 1 Dreadnought)
Rejuvenation Cocoon (Tier 1 Primal)

[droid327]

Ok I see the thinking behind that...but now I just wonder why still go fvs? You gave up wis to dmg - feels like you might've gone past the tipping point where you might as well just go full rogue

Or if you still want to keep the healing and divine flavor, go cleric instead of fvs. You get a domain then (prob luck for disp sla) and better spells plus still have war priest, and don't need to burn a heart on your morninglord either