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[unbongwah]

I'm thinking of playing Drow, as they are one of my favorite races in D&D. Are there any good classes for Drow? I was wondering if a Drow ranged Artificer would be viable, but I'm open for other ideas

Ranged Artificer or Mechanic are good options (with or without Inquisitive), since both require INT & DEX bonuses.

https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthrea...arper-Mechanic
https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthrea...Tinkers-amp-Up!

My Bladesingers thread uses drow too. I posted a DEX Swashbuckler not long ago; it's intended for Vistani Knife Fighter but will work for any Swashbuckling weapon with Weapon Finesse. And they're also fine for warlocks or sorcerers.

[SpartanKiller13]

I'm thinking of playing Drow, as they are one of my favorite races in D&D. Are there any good classes for Drow? I was wondering if a Drow ranged Artificer would be viable, but I'm open for other ideas

Drow give bonuses to Dex, Int, and Cha. Any builds that use any of those as a main stat would benefit from Drow over (say) Human, although the Con penalty hurts for frontlining.

Drow ranged Artificer is just fine, and Unbongwah has some great links in his comment

Generally races don't lock you into classes, and most aren't very class-restrictive past ability scores (having a Cha penalty sucks as a Cha-based caster).

You getting the right build is more about what you want to play like Sorcerer or Wizard both benefit from an increased casting stat, or Bard can use Cha (and sometimes Dex), or Rogue can use Dex and Int. Even Paladin has an argument (for TWF builds) although I'd argue there's better races for Paladin in the current meta.

[REMOVE_MEATBAG]

I looked at the Pale Trapper Ek build, what would be the enhancements to have, as I'm not sure if they are posted in the actual build.

[xHarien]

Requesting 28 points build, first life, warlock/sorcerer no premium race, interested in going to level 20 (no epic destiny) maybe R1. ANy kind soul that can guide me?

[SpartanKiller13]

I looked at the Pale Trapper Ek build, what would be the enhancements to have, as I'm not sure if they are posted in the actual build.

Like 2/3 Pale Master 1/3 Eldritch Knight?

Pale Master you generally want to go either Wraith Form (if you are in Medium armor especially w/Dreadkeeper) or Lich Form (if you are in cloth/light). Grab as much Int as you can (via enhancements, race, and later stuff like Harper), Cores whenever you can (10% Incorporeality, +2 Necromancy DC's, +2 Enchant DC's = best 3 IMO, but 15 MRR is pretty strong early), and SLA's whenever you can as well (they're really great damage for next-to-nothing, especially with freely applied Metamagic via right-click on the hotbar icon). Past that, I go for Negative Amp, Unholy Avatar, and Ascendant Shroud + Necro DC's + Necrotic Blast from T5.

Eldritch Knight you want Cores, Mage Armor+Shield (for PRR/MM immunity), Mystic Wards, Action Boost:Spellpower (use before casting Auras), and Arcane Barrier.

------

If you're having trouble with trapping, consider a few points into Mechanic; 8 AP will get you +2 Search/Spot/Disable Device/Open Lock, and +6 Skill Boost (if Human, just use that one instead IMO).

[SpartanKiller13]

Requesting 28 points build, first life, warlock/sorcerer no premium race, interested in going to level 20 (no epic destiny) maybe R1. ANy kind soul that can guide me?

Are you looking for a solo build, or partying? Do you use hirelings?

If solo, Warlock is a bit more sustainable (has Temp HP options and lots of UMD).

Here's Zehnpai's Acid Warlock guide that's way better than anything I can write There's definitely newer gear etc you can use, but frankly little else has changed. Comments have some great stuff as well.

Sorc has quite a bit more damage, but they're significantly squishier. Glass Cannon definitely applies. Since you don't have any premium races (Warforged allowing self-healing) you're mostly stuck with hirelings or UMD; otherwise Halfling has Dragonmark of Healing which helps a bunch for moments like if your hireling dies. Here's Strimtom's Fire Sorc guide. It's built around Tiefling, but you don't need that as long as you bring some options for fire-immune mobs.

[unbongwah]

I looked at the Pale Trapper Ek build, what would be the enhancements to have, as I'm not sure if they are posted in the actual build.

Front-load Harper to get INT to damage (Strategic Combat) ASAP. Then you need to decide whether to focus on Pale Master for undead form or Eldritch Knight for your melee DPS bonuses. Typically I rely on Cure potions or hirelings until I get to wizard 7 (Death Aura + NEB) then switch to undead forms: either wraith+Ghost in the Wind for the 20% Incorporealty or vampire+Inflict Weariness for the melee attack effects.

So something like:

• levels 1-3: Harper (12 APs)
• levels 4-7: if you wish to wear light armor at this point, put 4 APs into drow for Arcane Fluidity. Then put APs into Eldritch Knight.
• level 8 (rog 1 / wiz 7): redo Enhancements to 12 Harper / 6 Pale Master / 11 EK (3rd core gives -15% ASF replacing Arcane Fluidity)
• levels 9+: put 5 more APs into PM for Undead Augmentation I. Then keep leveling EK until you have your tier-5 enhancements.
• level 15-ish: by this point you should have 12 Harper / 11 PM / 37 EK
• Level 20: final AP split will be something like 12 Harper / 23 PM / 40+ EK.

[Moonchicken]

Okay then with those limitations in mind, I was thinking something like this:

Bardcher (U46)
12/6/2 Bard/Ranger/Rogue
True Neutral Human


Level Order

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


Stats
               28pt     32pt     34pt     36pt     Level Up
               ----     ----     ----     ----     --------
Strength         8        8        8        8       4: DEX
Dexterity       16       18       18       18       8: DEX
Constitution    14       14       15       16      12: DEX
Intelligence    16       16       16       16      16: DEX
Wisdom           8        8        8        8      20: DEX
Charisma        10        8        8        8      24: DEX
                                                   28: DEX

Skills
         Rg Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Rg
          1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
         ------------------------------------------------------------
Perform   2                    8  2  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
Concent   2  3  1  1  1  1  1  1        1  1  1  3  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
Spellcr   2     1     1     1  1  6     2     2     2     2     2  1  23
Disable   4  1  1  1  1  1  1           2  2  2  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
Search    4  1  1  1  1  1  1        3  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
UMD       4        1  1  2  1        1              2  2  2  2  2  3  23
Open Lo   4  1                    1  1     1     1     1     1     1  12
Heal         2  2  3  1  1  1                                         10
Spot      4     2  1  1  1  1                                         10
Balance   4                                                            4
Jump      4                                                            4
Swim      4                                                            4
Tumble    4                                                            4
         ------------------------------------------------------------
         48 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12


Feats

 1        : Point Blank Shot
 1 Human  : Dodge
 3        : Mobility
 6        : Shot on the Run
 9        : Precision
12        : Improved Critical: Ranged
15        : Improved Precise Shot
18        : Quicken Spell OR Empower Healing Spell
21 Epic   : Improved Bardic Music OR Inspire Excellence
24 Epic   : Overwhelming Critical
26 Destiny: Holy Strike OR Pierce Damage Reduction: Silver
27 Epic   : Combat Archery OR Epic Damage Reduction
28 Destiny: Doubleshot
29 Destiny: Deific Warding OR Harbinger of Chaos
30 Epic   : Watchful Eye OR Epic Reflexes
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Ethereal Plane

 2 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Undead
 6 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Construct OR Evil Outsider


Enhancements (80 AP)

Deepwood Stalker (38 AP)
Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Sniper Shot
Favored Defense I, Stealthy III
Survivalist, Improved Weapon Finesse, Melee/Range Power Boost III
Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III, Favored Hunter III, Aimed Shot
Survivalist, Killer III, Merciful Shot
Extra Favored Enemy: Giant, Heavy Draw, Strikes Like Lightning, Improved Archer's Focus

Spellsinger (25 AP)
Spellsinger, Music of the Sewers, Music of the Dead, Music of the Makers
Studies: Magical III, Lingering Songs III
Sharp Note III, Flicker III, Wand and Scroll Mastery III
Spell Song Trance
Sustaining Song, Song of Arcane Might

Arcane Archer (14 AP)
Arcane Archer, Morphic Arrows, Metalline Arrows
Conjure Arrows, Corrosive Arrows
Force Arrows I, Elemental Damage
Soul Magic, Elemental Damage

Human (3 AP)
Damage Boost
Improved Recovery

Leveling Guide
Hum0 Damage Boost; (Bank 3 AP)
AA0 Arcane Archer; AA1 Conjure Arrows; DS0 Far Shot; DS1 Stealthy I, II, III
DS1 Favored Defense I; DS2 Improved Weapon Finesse; DS2 Melee/Range Power Boost I, II
DS2 Melee/Range Power Boost III; DS0 Sneak Attack; DS2 Survivalist
DS3 Survivalist; DS3 Favored Hunter I, II
DS3 Favored Hunter III; DS3 Thrill of the Hunt I, II, III
DS0 Sniper Shot; DS4 Killer I, II, III
AA1 Corrosive Arrows; AA2 Elemental Damage
AA0 Morphic Arrows; AA2 Force Arrows I; AA0 Metalline Arrows
DS4 Survivalist; DS4 Merciful Shot
DS3 Aimed Shot; (Bank 2 AP)
DS5 Heavy Draw; DS5 Strikes Like Lightning; DS5 Improved Archer's Focus
DS5 Extra Favored Enemy: Giant; AA3 Elemental Damage
Spl0 Spellsinger; Spl1 Studies: Magical I, II, III
AA3 Soul Magic; Spl1 Lingering Songs I, II, III
Spl2 Wand and Scroll Mastery I, II, III
Spl3 Spell Song Trance; Spl0 Music of the Sewers; Spl0 Music of the Dead; Spl2 Sharp Note I
Spl2 Sharp Note II, III; Spl2 Flicker I, II
Spl2 Flicker III; Spl4 Sustaining Song; Spl0 Music of the Makers
Spl4 Song of Arcane Might; Hum1 Improved Recovery

Basically you level like a typical ranged ranger, until you confound people by multiclassing into bard instead of sticking with ranger like a sensible archer. Shot on the Run adds 10% ranged Alacrity to bows, but the 3-feat tax makes it expensive. I was a little indecisive about skills; couldn't decide if it was better to focus on Open Lock, Heal, or Spot, so I spread points between all three.

Aasimar could just do a straight conversion, but I had something slightly different in mind. Why not build on Aasimar's WIS bonus for Healing Hands + Paralyzing Arrows, amped up by Spellsinger's Enchantment bonuses? After all, a bardcher can't out-DPS a pure ranger, much less a good Inquisitive; so why not focus on CCing mobs plus bard support?

Aasimar Bardcher (U46)
12/6/2 Bard/Ranger/Rogue
True Neutral OR Chaotic Good Aasimar


Level Order

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


Stats
               32pt     34pt     36pt     Tome     Level Up
               ----     ----     ----     ----     --------
Strength         8        8        8                4: DEX
Dexterity       16       16       16                8: DEX
Constitution    14       14       14               12: DEX
Intelligence    16       16       16       +2      16: DEX
Wisdom          16       17       18               20: DEX
Charisma         8        8        8               24: DEX
                                                   28: DEX

Skills
         Rg Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Bd Rg
          1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
         ------------------------------------------------------------
Perform   2                    8  2  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
Concent   2  3  1  1  1  1  1  1        1  1  1  3  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
Spellcr   2     1     1     1  1  6     2     2     2     2     2  1  23
Disable   4  1  1  1  1  1  1           2  2  2  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
Search    4  1  1  1  1  1  1        3  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
UMD       4        1  1  2  1        1              2  2  2  2  2  3  23
Open Lo   4  1                    1  1     1     1     1     1     1  12
Heal         2  2  3  1  1  1                                         10
Spot      4     2  1  1  1  1                                         10
Jump      4                                                            4
Swim      4                                                            4
Tumble    4                                                            4
         ------------------------------------------------------------
         44 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12


Feats

 1        : Point Blank Shot
 3        : Precision
 6        : Extend Spell OR Quicken Spell
 9        : Empower Healing Spell
12        : Improved Critical: Ranged
15        : Improved Precise Shot
18        : Spell Focus: Enchantment
21 Epic   : Improved Bardic Music OR Inspire Excellence
24 Epic   : Overwhelming Critical
26 Destiny: Holy Strike OR Pierce Damage Reduction: Silver
27 Epic   : Combat Archery OR Epic Damage Reduction
28 Destiny: Doubleshot
29 Destiny: Deific Warding OR Harbinger of Chaos
30 Epic   : Watchful Eye OR Epic Reflexes
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea OR Ethereal Plane

 1 Aasimar: Bond of the Protector

 2 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Undead
 6 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Construct OR Evil Outsider


Enhancements (80 AP)

Deepwood Stalker (36 AP)
Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Sniper Shot
Favored Defense I, Stealthy III
Survivalist, Improved Weapon Finesse, Melee/Range Power Boost III
Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III, Favored Hunter III, Aimed Shot
Survivalist, Killer III, Merciful Shot
Heavy Draw, Strikes Like Lightning, Improved Archer's Focus

Arcane Archer (26 AP)
Arcane Archer, Morphic Arrows, Metalline Arrows
Conjure Arrows, Corrosive Arrows
Force Arrows II, Elemental Damage
Terror Arrows, Soul Magic, Elemental Damage, Dexterity
Banishing Arrows, Paralyzing Arrows, Smiting Arrows, Elemental Damage

Spellsinger (11 AP)
Spellsinger, Music of the Sewers, Music of the Dead
Studies: Magical III, Lingering Songs III
Marigold Crown: Yellow

Aasimar (7 AP)
Stronger Bonds, Wisdom, Stronger Bonds II, Wisdom, Stronger Bonds III

Leveling Guide
(Bank 4 AP)
AA0 Arcane Archer; AA1 Conjure Arrows; DS0 Far Shot; DS1 Stealthy I, II, III; DS1 Favored Defense I
DS2 Improved Weapon Finesse; DS2 Melee/Range Power Boost I, II, III
DS0 Sneak Attack; AA1 Corrosive Arrows; AA0 Morphic Arrows
AA2 Elemental Damage; DS3 Aimed Shot
DS2 Survivalist; DS3 Survivalist
DS0 Sniper Shot; DS3 Thrill of the Hunt I, II, III
DS4 Killer I, II, III; DS3 Favored Hunter I
DS3 Favored Hunter II, III; DS4 Survivalist
DS4 Merciful Shot; AA2 Force Arrows I
AA3 Terror Arrows; AA3 Elemental Damage
DS5 Improved Archer's Focus; DS5 Strikes Like Lightning
DS5 Heavy Draw; AA0 Metalline Arrows; Spl0 Spellsinger
Spl1 Studies: Magical I, II, III; AA3 Soul Magic
AA2 Force Arrows II; AA3 Dexterity
AA4 Paralyzing Arrows; AA4 Elemental Damage
AA4 Banishing Arrows; AA4 Smiting Arrows; Spl1 Lingering Songs I; Spl0 Music of the Sewers
Spl2 Marigold Crown: Yellow; Spl1 Lingering Songs II, III
Spl0 Music of the Dead; Aas0 Stronger Bonds; Aas0 Wisdom
Aas0 Stronger Bonds II; Aas0 Wisdom; Aas0 Stronger Bonds III

Of course, one could argue I've spent too many APs on archery and not enough on bard-ery. Basically there's enough APs for one tier-5, one tier-4, and one tier-3 trees. So it's a question of figuring out your priorities and planning your APs accordingly. You could also do tier-5 Spellsinger (Vigor, Capering) / tier-4 AA (Paralyzing Arrow) / tier-3 DWS (Sniper Shot).

Can this be adapted for SWF or TWF?

[scooter4]

wanted to try a monk/wizard iconic hero combo for my fifth life. i was thinking more monk than wizard as i prefer close range combat than long range. im open to anything if it works better though.
i was thinking to maybe use the wizard lvls to be able to buff myself.

tomes:
str +2
dex +1
con +3
int +2
wis +2
cha none

melee power +2

past lives:
bladeforged
bard
fighter x2
paladin
soon to be monk

epic past lives:
doublestrike

[Rudaro]

New Build
15/5 Artificer/Bard
Gnome


Level Order

1. Artificer. . . .6. Bard. . . . . .11. Artificer . . .16. Artificer
2. Bard. . . . . . 7. Artificer . . .12. Artificer . . .17. Artificer
3. Artificer. . . .8. Bard. . . . . .13. Artificer . . .18. Artificer
4. Bard. . . . . . 9. Artificer . . .14. Artificer . . .19. Artificer
5. Artificer. . . 10. Bard. . . . . .15. Artificer . . .20. Artificer


Stats
. . . . . . . .32pt . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . --------
Strength. . . . 10. . . .4: INT
Dexterity . . . 14. . . .8: INT
Constitution. . 14. . . 12: INT
Intelligence. . 20. . . 16: INT
Wisdom. . . . . .8. . . 20: INT
Charisma. . . . .8. . . 24: INT
. . . . . . . . . . . . 28: INT

Skills
. . . . . A. B .A .B. A. B .A .B. A. B .A .A .A .A .A .A .A .A .A .A
. . . . . 1. 2 .3 .4. 5. 6 .7 .8. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
Concent . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
Spellcr . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
Disable . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
Open Lo . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
Search. . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
Spot. . . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
UMD . . . 4. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1. 1. 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
Repair. . 4. . . . . . . . . . . .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. 16
Perform . . . . . . . . . . . .1. . .1. . .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1½ 1½ 1 .12
Balance . 2. . .1 . . 1. . .1 . . 1. . .1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Tumble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .½ .½ . . . . . .1
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
. . . . .36 11. 9 11. 9 11. 9 12 10 12 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11


Feats

.1. . . . : Single Weapon Fighting
.3. . . . : Precision
.6. . . . : Quicken Spell
.7 Arti . : Construct Essence
.9. . . . : Improved Single Weapon Fighting
12. . . . : Weapon Focus: Bludgeoning
13 Arti . : Improved Critical: Bludgeoning
15. . . . : Power Critical
17 Arti . : Improved Construct Essence
18. . . . : Greater Single Weapon Fighting
21 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic . : Master of: Artifice
26 Destiny: Perfect Single Weapon Fighting
27 Epic . : Construct Exemplar
28 Destiny: Tactician
29 Destiny: Dire Charge
30 Epic . : Watchful Eye
30 Legend : Scion of: Mechanus


Spells

Artificer
Inflict Light Damage (1), Repair Light Damage (1), Conjure Bolts (1), Enchant Weapons (1), Enchant Armor (3), Static Shock (16)
Inflict Moderate Damage (5), Repair Moderate Damage (5), Protection from Energy (5), Byeshk Weapons (7), Elemental Weapons (13), Lightning Sphere (18)
Inflict Serious Damage (11), Repair Serious Damage (11), Adamantine Weapons (11), Mass Repair Light Damage (12), Mass Inflict Light Damage (16), Blast Rod (20)
Inflict Critical Damage (14), Repair Critical Damage (14), Thundering Armor (14), Protection from Elements (15), Lightning Motes (19)
Align Weapons (17), Silver Weapons (18)
Reconstruct (20)
Bard
Focusing Chant (2), Expeditious Retreat (4), Feather Fall (6), Merfolk's Blessing (10)
Rage (8), Blur (8), Heroism (10)

Enhancements (80 AP)

Battle Engineer (40 AP)
Battle Engineer, Infused Weapons, Infused Armor, Infused Weapons II
Hammer and Morningstar Training, Field Scrapper III, Thaumaturgical Conduits III, Item Defense III
Hammer and Morningstar Training, Caustic Strike III
Hammer and Morningstar Training, Shatter Defenses III, Intelligence
Hammer and Morningstar Training, Haste Boost, Agility Engine III, Intelligence
Reconstructed Arms, Thunder-Shock: Melee, Unlock Potential, Tactical Mobility
Swashbuckler (28 AP)
Confidence, Swashbuckling
Blow By Blow: Melee III, Tavern Shanties III
Deflect Arrows, Fast Movement
Elegant Footwork, Cannoneer, Resonant Arms III, Two Steps Ahead
Music Box, Battering Barrage II
Harper Agent (10 AP)
Agent of Good I, Ability Score: Intelligence
Harper Enchantment, Strategic Combat
Know the Angles III
Gnome (2 AP)
Gnomish Perserverance
Gnomish Weapon Training
Leveling Guide
Hrp0 Agent of Good I; Hrp1 Strategic Combat; Gno0 Gnomish Perserverance
BE0 Battle Engineer; BE1 Hammer and Morningstar Training; BE1 Thaumaturgical Conduits I
BE1 Thaumaturgical Conduits II, III; BE2 Hammer and Morningstar Training
BE2 Caustic Strike I, II, III; BE1 Field Scrapper I
BE0 Infused Weapons; BE1 Field Scrapper II; BE3 Hammer and Morningstar Training
BE3 Shatter Defenses I, II, III; BE1 Field Scrapper III
BE4 Hammer and Morningstar Training; BE4 Haste Boost; BE4 Agility Engine I
BE4 Agility Engine II, III; BE3 Intelligence
BE4 Intelligence; BE1 Item Defense I, II
BE1 Item Defense III; Swa0 Confidence; Swa1 Blow By Blow: Melee I, II
BE0 Infused Armor; Swa1 Blow By Blow: Melee III; Swa1 Tavern Shanties I; Swa0 Swashbuckling
Swa2 Fast Movement; Swa2 Deflect Arrows
BE5 Reconstructed Arms; BE5 Thunder-Shock: Melee; BE5 Unlock Potential; Swa3 Cannoneer
BE5 Tactical Mobility; Swa3 Two Steps Ahead
Swa3 Elegant Footwork; Swa1 Tavern Shanties II, III
Swa3 Resonant Arms I, II
Swa4 Music Box; BE0 Infused Weapons II; Swa3 Resonant Arms III
Swa4 Battering Barrage I, II
Gno1 Gnomish Weapon Training; Hrp1 Harper Enchantment; Hrp2 Know the Angles I
Hrp2 Know the Angles II, III; Hrp0 Ability Score: Intelligence

Destiny (24 AP)

Shadowdancer
Technician II, Intelligence
Escape Notice, Skill Mastery, Intelligence
Grim Precision III, Intelligence
Pierce the Gloom, Intelligence
Sealed Soul, Intelligence
Intelligence

This was an idea for an arti/bard build but I still am very new to this building character thing is. The idea is a Swashbuckling Rune Arm user who is a trapper for a duo to level up in hardcore but I feel very squishy but my partner is more tanky. Mostly looking for suggestions or maybe a revamp? Is this even a good idea or on the right track?

[SpartanKiller13]

wanted to try a monk/wizard iconic hero combo for my fifth life. i was thinking more monk than wizard as i prefer close range combat than long range. im open to anything if it works better though.
i was thinking to maybe use the wizard lvls to be able to buff myself.

tomes:
str +2
dex +1

FWIW, Deep Gnome Wizard does melee just fine even as a pure (or multiclass for various reasons). Still, won't get you a Monk PL so we'll aim for that instead

A Monk/Wizard won't have a ton of Spellblade damage, so you'll be relying more on base damages etc. You could go Handwraps, but frankly I'd recommend a Stick build (ideally dipping Rogue 1 for 15% AS). THF received some great buffs recently and it's very strong.

If you're just after the 15-30 run, a Deep Gnome melee build always makes me think about Color Spray. Requires you to be Int-based via Harper, but other than that it's like 1-2 gearpieces (Reflective Bloodstone if you have RL but not Sharn, or Cannith Crafted Goggles) to get all you need for soloing like HR1 and ~EH content. Color Spray is disgustingly effective, having three separate save-or-get-screwed effects in a cone for all of 2 SP. Wizard 3+ means you can Heighten it for free, giving +6 DC's. That said, most Monk stuff is Wis-based (usually via Falconry); personally I know Color Spray to be super-effective, but I've seen some good stuff out of Monks especially now that you can use a special attack on 3 enemies via THF.

I'd highly recommend you roll up a testing toon; Deep Gnome Int-maxed with Wizard 3+, grab Heighten as well as like Spell Focus:Illusion, shared bank in a Int item and like a Reflective Bloodstone and test out Color Spray a little bit. If you like it as much as I do (I've built a few lives entirely around it) then consider Int-based. If you think it's trash, go Wis-based via Falconry.

As far as sustain goes, your best options are A) going undead via Pale Master, and using Undead Shrouds; or B) using Monk healing, and supporting it with potions/hirelings/UMD/whatever. Undead Healing is insanely good for pure Wizards, but for a multiclass it's a lot weaker (and locks you into Wizard 7+). Monk route works great in a party (most of it is AoE stuff) and comes with some nice curatives etc. Not sure how well Monk healing works when undead, but if you stack some Healamp it might be viable allowing you to grab a bit of both

Ok, so here goes; 12/7/1 Monk/Wizard/Rogue Deep Gnome Int-based stick build:



Ability-wise: start 12 Dex (to hit 13 with Precision), 15 Str (to hit ITHF), 12-14 Con, and then max Int + levelups.

Enhancements (in about this order):

• 14 Harper (Strategic Combat 1&2, KtA, +1 Int)
• 8 Deep Gnome (Core Int, Color Spray x3)
• 4 Thief-Acrobat (Thief Acrobatics x3)
• ~38 Henshin Mystic (Cores, Quick Strike, +2 Int, Way of the Crane, Fists of Iron, Embrace the Void, T5 goodies)

After that you could go Ninja Spy for Core 3 or Pale Master for Wraith Form + undead healing; probably pick up a few points into Shintao for the nice cores (and Iron Skin maybe).

Make sure you right-click the Color Spray icon on your hotbar and set all metamagics to "always on" for it Gear Int & Illusion Focus and it'll land really well, and then you're just beating helpless mobs and fighting bosses :P

Buff up with like Heroism, Displacement, Blur, Jump, and Haste and go ham walk up, Color Spray, and start using all your Monk buttons. I'd go Path of Harmonious Balance so you can do Fists of Light stuff, but YMMV. Fists of Iron is just a generally solid DPS option, but healing in an AoE is pretty great otherwise.

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If you're looking for a more traditional build, just say so and we can get you a more Monk-y Monk build (probably Wis-based via Falconry). But if you're going Deep Gnome why not go for it?

[SpartanKiller13]

15/5 Artificer/Bard
Gnome

Enhancements (80 AP)

Battle Engineer (40 AP)
Swashbuckler (28 AP)
Harper Agent (10 AP)
Gnome (2 AP)

Shadowdancer

1. Technician II, Intelligence
2. Escape Notice, Skill Mastery, Intelligence
3. Grim Precision III, Intelligence
4. Pierce the Gloom, Intelligence
5. Sealed Soul, Intelligence
6. Intelligence

This was an idea for an arti/bard build but I still am very new to this building character thing is. The idea is a Swashbuckling Rune Arm user who is a trapper for a duo to level up in hardcore but I feel very squishy but my partner is more tanky. Mostly looking for suggestions or maybe a revamp? Is this even a good idea or on the right track?

Is this a build that you're using on Hardcore? Are you level 20 already or? Are you trying this on a main server in prep for HC?

If you're an Int-max Gnome, try out Color Spray! It's super easy to get solid DC's and it's very strong. One Illusion Focus item or so and you're good to go. Includes 3 separate save-or-get-screwed effects (the blind works on most cc-immune enemies like spiders as well) so it's pretty reliable even without no-fail DC's. CC'ed enemies don't kill ya If you can spare a feat for Heighten it helps a lot (gives 1-8 DC bonus, which is pretty great); Spell Focus:Illusion will also allow you to twist Magister's DC bonus if you have a 2nd feat.

In terms of just adding survivability, maybe try Renegade Mastermaker? Construct Essence would allow T4 RMM to Reconstruct yourself, and there's some other nice CC/tanking options as well.

In Shadowdancer, you definitely should be running Meld into Darkness. It's a 15s clicky of 99% immunity to melee/ranged DPS, available every 2 minutes.

[scooter4]

FWIW, Deep Gnome Wizard does melee just fine even as a pure (or multiclass for various reasons). Still, won't get you a Monk PL so we'll aim for that instead

A Monk/Wizard won't have a ton of Spellblade damage, so you'll be relying more on base damages etc. You could go Handwraps, but frankly I'd recommend a Stick build (ideally dipping Rogue 1 for 15% AS). THF received some great buffs recently and it's very strong.

If you're just after the 15-30 run, a Deep Gnome melee build always makes me think about Color Spray. Requires you to be Int-based via Harper, but other than that it's like 1-2 gearpieces (Reflective Bloodstone if you have RL but not Sharn, or Cannith Crafted Goggles) to get all you need for soloing like HR1 and ~EH content. Color Spray is disgustingly effective, having three separate save-or-get-screwed effects in a cone for all of 2 SP. Wizard 3+ means you can Heighten it for free, giving +6 DC's. That said, most Monk stuff is Wis-based (usually via Falconry); personally I know Color Spray to be super-effective, but I've seen some good stuff out of Monks especially now that you can use a special attack on 3 enemies via THF.

I'd highly recommend you roll up a testing toon; Deep Gnome Int-maxed with Wizard 3+, grab Heighten as well as like Spell Focus:Illusion, shared bank in a Int item and like a Reflective Bloodstone and test out Color Spray a little bit. If you like it as much as I do (I've built a few lives entirely around it) then consider Int-based. If you think it's trash, go Wis-based via Falconry.

As far as sustain goes, your best options are A) going undead via Pale Master, and using Undead Shrouds; or B) using Monk healing, and supporting it with potions/hirelings/UMD/whatever. Undead Healing is insanely good for pure Wizards, but for a multiclass it's a lot weaker (and locks you into Wizard 7+). Monk route works great in a party (most of it is AoE stuff) and comes with some nice curatives etc. Not sure how well Monk healing works when undead, but if you stack some Healamp it might be viable allowing you to grab a bit of both

Ok, so here goes; 12/7/1 Monk/Wizard/Rogue Deep Gnome Int-based stick build:



Ability-wise: start 12 Dex (to hit 13 with Precision), 15 Str (to hit ITHF), 12-14 Con, and then max Int + levelups.

Enhancements (in about this order):

• 14 Harper (Strategic Combat 1&2, KtA, +1 Int)
• 8 Deep Gnome (Core Int, Color Spray x3)
• 4 Thief-Acrobat (Thief Acrobatics x3)
• ~38 Henshin Mystic (Cores, Quick Strike, +2 Int, Way of the Crane, Fists of Iron, Embrace the Void, T5 goodies)

After that you could go Ninja Spy for Core 3 or Pale Master for Wraith Form + undead healing; probably pick up a few points into Shintao for the nice cores (and Iron Skin maybe).

Make sure you right-click the Color Spray icon on your hotbar and set all metamagics to "always on" for it Gear Int & Illusion Focus and it'll land really well, and then you're just beating helpless mobs and fighting bosses :P

Buff up with like Heroism, Displacement, Blur, Jump, and Haste and go ham walk up, Color Spray, and start using all your Monk buttons. I'd go Path of Harmonious Balance so you can do Fists of Light stuff, but YMMV. Fists of Iron is just a generally solid DPS option, but healing in an AoE is pretty great otherwise.

-----

If you're looking for a more traditional build, just say so and we can get you a more Monk-y Monk build (probably Wis-based via Falconry). But if you're going Deep Gnome why not go for it?

so i would be using quarterstaffs and handwraps? i see the ITHF which i assume is improved two handed fighting and then the PTWF is perfect two weapon fighting? also wouldnt i want to take improved critical bludgeoning instead of slashing as quarterstaffs and handwraps are bludgeon?

[SpartanKiller13]

so i would be using quarterstaffs and handwraps? i see the ITHF which i assume is improved two handed fighting and then the PTWF is perfect two weapon fighting? also wouldnt i want to take improved critical bludgeoning instead of slashing as quarterstaffs and handwraps are bludgeon?

Just quarterstaffs; for handwraps you'd want a Shintao build; with quarterstaffs you get the 15% attack speed via Rogue's Thief-Acrobat, and benefits from Henshin Mystic, Swords to Plowshares, and can apply Monk attacks to 2-3 enemies per swing. THF = Two-Handed Fighting, and the whole line for it is the THF feats. PTWF is Perfect Two-Weapon Fighting yes, and it's taken for the 5% Doublestrike (which applies to all styles).

Yeah, you'd want IC:B instead of Slashing; most builds I've done are slashing, and I copy-pasted.

[unbongwah]

This was an idea for an arti/bard build but I still am very new to this building character thing is. The idea is a Swashbuckling Rune Arm user who is a trapper for a duo to level up in hardcore but I feel very squishy but my partner is more tanky. Mostly looking for suggestions or maybe a revamp? Is this even a good idea or on the right track?

As much as I like Swashbucklers, this seems like an odd choice particularly for hardcore which is all about not dying first.

The synergies between Swashbuckler and Battle Engineer are not that great. Yes, you can use light hammers which have bonuses in SB, BE, and gnome trees so it might sound like a winner. Except the crit bonuses don't stack. Once you switch on Swashbuckling and take Improved Crit, that's as good as it gets for light hammers. And neither tree is as powerful as the better melee DPS trees like Frenzied Berserker; so combining two mediocre trees does not a great DPS build make. And there's only four named options for light hammers, one of which is an endgame raid item and one is only available from the Anniversary Party. So you're pigeon-holing yourself into a single not-great weapon option for some static bonuses.

I feel like pure Artificer is a more practical choice, focused on BE and Renegade Mastermaker. Build either around Curative Admixture SLAs or Construct Essence feats + Repair/Recon SLA. Depending on which is easier for healing your partner. [As a barbarian, they'll have a ton of heal amp, so IMO Admixtures make more sense than relying on RMM Converter + Recon SLA.] Color Spray SLA is a must-have on any INT gnome build IMO.

[Moonchicken]

As much as I like Swashbucklers, this seems like an odd choice particularly for hardcore which is all about not dying first.

The synergies between Swashbuckler and Battle Engineer are not that great. Yes, you can use light hammers which have bonuses in SB, BE, and gnome trees so it might sound like a winner. Except the crit bonuses don't stack. Once you switch on Swashbuckling and take Improved Crit, that's as good as it gets for light hammers. And neither tree is as powerful as the better melee DPS trees like Frenzied Berserker; so combining two mediocre trees does not a great DPS build make. And there's only four named options for light hammers, one of which is an endgame raid item and one is only available from the Anniversary Party. So you're pigeon-holing yourself into a single not-great weapon option for some static bonuses.

I feel like pure Artificer is a more practical choice, focused on BE and Renegade Mastermaker. Build either around Curative Admixture SLAs or Construct Essence feats + Repair/Recon SLA. Depending on which is easier for healing your partner. Color Spray SLA is a must-have on any INT gnome build IMO.

Have a TWF/SWF Bard/ranger/rogue build?

[unbongwah]

Have a TWF/SWF Bard/ranger/rogue build?

Not a modern one, no. There's some synergies if you want a dagger thrower build using Vistani Knife Fighter+Swashbuckler+Deepwood Stalker. But TWF bards are consigned to flavor builds like my Vistani Skald.

[SpartanKiller13]

Have a TWF/SWF Bard/ranger/rogue build?

I had a SWF Bard/Fighter/Rogue VKF build a few years back, is probably adaptable :P

I'm not sure what you'd be getting out of Ranger (or why it's there, frankly) but you could probably do alright swapping it in the place of Fighter. Gonna be a bit of a niche build though lol. If you're interested I can work it out for you, but finding what you're after will help a lot

[JohnnyArkham]

I specifically came here because I'm not the sort who enjoys working out all the tweaks and optimizations, but I AM the sort who enjoys a good blueprint to a successful build.

I'm mostly going to be running with a fellow who is (at the moment) planning on being a pure Barbarian. We'll be starting at 1st level.
I'd like to be able to make up the difference to some degree; locks, healing, traps, etc.
I have access to all of the VIP races/classes as well as Artificer, Favored Soul, and Drow.
For reference, I generally enjoy a playstyle that stays out of the chaos of melee (caster, ranged, etc.)

Any help is so greatly appreciated.

Options?

[unbongwah]

I'm not sure what you'd be getting out of Ranger (or why it's there, frankly) but you could probably do alright swapping it in the place of Fighter.

Exposing Strike, extra doublestrike from Killer+Strikes Like Lightning, +10 MP. It's an okay alternative to fighter for Swashbucklers, but only if you're not taking advantage of the synergies with handaxes or light picks from Kensei. Like maybe you wanted a F2P sickle build with Swords to Plowshares. Or you want to swashbuckle with a scimitar: you need Tempest level 3 core to make it a light weapon, but then you need crit bonuses too.

You can make melee bard / ranger work, it's just a very niche build.

I'd like to be able to make up the difference to some degree; locks, healing, traps, etc.
I have access to all of the VIP races/classes as well as Artificer, Favored Soul, and Drow.
For reference, I generally enjoy a playstyle that stays out of the chaos of melee (caster, ranged, etc.)

Pure Artificer still makes a solid support toon particularly if you want a duo healer who is not just a battlecleric. Renegade Mastermaker for Curative Admixture SLAs, Battle Engineer and/or Inquisitive for ranged DPS - or Arcanotechnican for caster DPS - other Arty spells for buffs and added CC like Tactical Detonation. Your friend focuses on hitting things and using temp HPs to stay alive; you take care of everything else.

Alchemist / Inquisitive is also a strong combo; add a rogue or Artificer splash for trap skills.