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  1. #1

    Default Arcane Ranger (A build by request)

    From Sigtrent's Build Request Thread

    Build Name: Strongbow Mage
    Author: Sigfried Trent
    Requester: Terlan
    Last Updated: 06/30/10

    Key Words [Arcane Archer, Wizard]

    Objectives
    The request was for a ranger 2, wizard X that was much like an arcane archer. Mind you arcane archer didn’t exist at the time. Now that it does its certainly a bit easier to do. Feats are always an issue with arcane archers so you have to focus the casting side somewhat. I chose to focus on damage casting since multi class inherently hurts control casting. The original was 28pts and I decided to stick with that for the update. Since its 28 I didn’t spec any tomes.

    Design
    Elf is a given since we are building a wizard. Ranger 2 is a good start for arcane archer and since we will have bow strength I gave the build a decent strength score. Wisdom and dex are next and as much con as you can muster. From there I chose to focus most on dexterity since base attack bonus is low, you need all the accuracy you can muster. The final fighter level is there to pick up Improved Precise shot, something a pure wizard arcane archer can’t get.

    On the ranged side you get a full cadre of ranged bow feats which gives you a lot of tools to work with. Ranged DPS is not phenomenal due to the compromised BAB and modest strength. But it is “decent” as you are adding strong damage effects and you can buff up your combat abilities decently. For solo play this will greatly extend your mana letting you save spells for emergencies rather than them being your bread and butter. You do need to keep in mind you need a reserve to make arcane archer work.

    On the casting side I went with a damage focus, primarily in acid/lightning, but with a minor in firewall and scorching ray. Max/Empower is coupled with Quicken and Expand. Quicken is great for solo play or throwing firewalls while being kited around and it helps minimize casting time when you want to be firing the bow. Expand lets you get spells out to a range closer to that of the bow and I think is a good thematic fit for the build.

    There is also a nice stealth element to the build and when solo if you can avoid instead of kill it will pay dividends in mana conservation.

    Code:
    Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.34
    DDO Character Planner Home Page
    
    Level 20 True Neutral Elf Male
    (1 Fighter \ 2 Ranger \ 17 Wizard) 
    Hit Points: 134
    Spell Points: 1203 
    BAB: 11\11\16\21
    Fortitude: 11
    Reflex: 15
    Will: 9
    
                      Starting          Feat/Enhancement
    Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
    (28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
    Strength             14                    14
    Dexterity            16                    24
    Constitution         12                    12
    Intelligence         16                    18
    Wisdom                8                     8
    Charisma              8                     8
    
                      Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                     Base Skills         Modified Skills
    Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
    Balance               5                    17
    Bluff                -1                    -1
    Concentration         5                    23
    Diplomacy            -1                    -1
    Disable Device        n/a                   n/a
    Haggle               -1                    -1
    Heal                 -1                    -1
    Hide                  7                    19
    Intimidate           -1                    -1
    Jump                  6                    13
    Listen                3                     6
    Move Silently         7                    20
    Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
    Perform              n/a                   n/a
    Repair                3                     4
    Search                3                     6
    Spot                  3                     7
    Swim                  6                     7
    Tumble                5                    17
    Use Magic Device     n/a                   n/a
    
    Level 1 (Ranger)
    Skill: Balance (+2)
    Skill: Concentration (+4)
    Skill: Hide (+4)
    Skill: Jump (+4)
    Skill: Listen (+4)
    Skill: Move Silently (+4)
    Skill: Spot (+4)
    Skill: Swim (+4)
    Skill: Tumble (+2)
    Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
    Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
    Enhancement: Ranger Energy Resistence Boost I
    Enhancement: Ranger Sprint Boost I
    Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage I
    
    
    Level 2 (Ranger)
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Hide (+1)
    Skill: Jump (+1)
    Skill: Listen (+1)
    Skill: Move Silently (+1)
    Skill: Spot (+1)
    Skill: Swim (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I
    
    
    Level 3 (Wizard)
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Jump (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Extend Spell
    Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
    Enhancement: Elven Arcanum I
    Enhancement: Elven Dexterity I
    Enhancement: Wizard Energy Manipulation I
    Enhancement: Wizard Elemental Manipulation I
    Enhancement: Wizard Energy of the Scholar I
    
    
    Level 4 (Wizard)
    Ability Raise: DEX
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Jump (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Enhancement: Elven Ranged Attack I
    Enhancement: Wizard Intelligence I
    
    
    Level 5 (Wizard)
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Jump (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Energy I
    Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Elements I
    Enhancement: Wizard Wand Mastery I
    
    
    Level 6 (Wizard)
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Jump (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Feat: (Selected) Empower Spell
    Enhancement: Wizard Energy Manipulation II
    Enhancement: Wizard Elemental Manipulation II
    
    
    Level 7 (Wizard)
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Jump (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Quicken Spell
    Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage II
    
    
    Level 8 (Wizard)
    Ability Raise: DEX
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Spot (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Deadly Energy I
    Enhancement: Wizard Intelligence II
    
    
    Level 9 (Wizard)
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Move Silently (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell
    Enhancement: Wizard Energy Manipulation III
    
    
    Level 10 (Wizard)
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Hide (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Arrows
    Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer I
    
    
    Level 11 (Wizard)
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Move Silently (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Acid Arrows
    Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +2 Arrows
    Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Energy II
    
    
    Level 12 (Wizard)
    Ability Raise: DEX
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Hide (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Feat: (Selected) Manyshot
    Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Mental Toughness
    Enhancement: Wizard Energy Manipulation IV
    
    
    Level 13 (Wizard)
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Move Silently (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Enhancement: Elven Dexterity II
    
    
    Level 14 (Wizard)
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Hide (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Explosive Arrows
    Enhancement: Wizard Improved Maximizing I
    Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +3 Arrows
    
    
    Level 15 (Wizard)
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Hide (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
    Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Elements II
    Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Deadly Energy II
    
    
    Level 16 (Wizard)
    Ability Raise: DEX
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Move Silently (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Deadly Elements I
    Enhancement: Wizard Elemental Manipulation III
    
    
    Level 17 (Wizard)
    Skill: Balance (+0.5)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Move Silently (+1)
    Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
    Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Enlarge Spell
    Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Burst Arrows
    Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Terror Arrows
    Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +4 Arrows
    
    
    Level 18 (Wizard)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Hide (+1)
    Skill: Move Silently (+1)
    Feat: (Selected) Precise Shot
    Enhancement: Wizard Improved Empowering I
    Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Energy III
    
    
    Level 19 (Wizard)
    Skill: Concentration (+1)
    Skill: Hide (+1)
    Skill: Move Silently (+1)
    Enhancement: Wizard Energy of the Scholar II
    
    
    Level 20 (Fighter)
    Ability Raise: DEX
    Skill: Hide (+1)
    Skill: Jump (+1)
    Skill: Move Silently (+1)
    Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Precise Shot
    Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
    Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Slaying Arrows
    Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +5 Arrows
    Enhancement: Wizard Lineage of Deadly Energy III
    Play
    Playing this build is not easy. You are squishy! You do not want to get pounded on as you won’t last too long. Keep any and all spell defenses up whenever there is danger of pulling agro, and keep in mind both your bows and spells are quite good at pulling agro. Displacement is a key spell for you and stoneskin is not far behind. Kiting may seem like a good answer but only if you are using tensers or the like. Your bab makes attacks pretty low, running around makes your attack score worse.

    Stock up on divine power clickies. These are key for getting the most from many shot and since they last just a bit longer the short duration isn’t a problem. Hit the DP and then hit the many shot, and then fire away!

    Variations
    For 32pts I’d take starting dex to 18. You could go with an INT focus instead and move to more control casting but I think damage casting is the better direction for this type of build. Spell penetration becomes a bear late in the game.
    Last edited by sigtrent; 06-30-2010 at 12:19 PM.
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  2. #2
    Community Member spifflove's Avatar
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    I would go 18 dex and 20 intelligence.

    You are making these builds faster than I can read them. Maybe spend time with your wife?

  3. #3

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by spifflove View Post
    I would go 18 dex and 20 intelligence.

    You are making these builds faster than I can read them. Maybe spend time with your wife?
    Or more time at the office doing real work to be more specific

    Of course to get those stats you need to be a drow instead of elf, and it leaves you 2 pts left over meaning you are both weak(low damage) and frail(low hp). While 20 int is inarguably great, I think 18 dex is actualy overkill. You just don't need that extra +1 all that much. If it were drow I'd probably keep the buys but you would have 16 dex 18 int 10 cha. Normaly I might shift points from Str but I think if you take the ranger instead of fighter its nice to take more advantage of Bow Str.
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  4. #4
    Community Member spifflove's Avatar
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    18 dex and 18 intel then. Why not take advantage of the cheaper dex buy. You will have plenty of dps at the moment you need it.

  5. #5
    Community Member Mordoth1's Avatar
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    I like this build but don't have Drow, was wondering if it could be modified for WF?

  6. #6
    Community Member bobbryan2's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mordoth1 View Post
    I like this build but don't have Drow, was wondering if it could be modified for WF?
    An arcane archer that isn't a ranger can only be elf.

  7. #7
    Community Member Mordoth1's Avatar
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    I just like the ranger/wizard multi-class and would like to see it modified for WF. Not that good at planning out the enhancements, etc.

  8. #8
    Founder Lifespawn's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mordoth1 View Post
    I just like the ranger/wizard multi-class and would like to see it modified for WF. Not that good at planning out the enhancements, etc.
    what he's saying is you can't modify it to be an arcane archer as a wf only enough ranger levels OR being an elf allows you to be an arcane archer.

    Enhancments are no problem if you just want a ranged wf take 2 lvls of ranger and be done with it.
    Quote Originally Posted by MadFloyd View Post
    Fernando has yet to even suggest a nerf of anything.
    Oh and by the way (referring to your sig), we aren't nerfing the Torc.

  9. #9
    Community Member krud's Avatar
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    the OP's build isn't an arcane archer from the enhancements, it's "arcane" in name only due to the wizard levels. He doesn't have the prereqs for the arcane archer enhancement (WF:ranged is missing). However, if you are going ranged caster, why not go elf? you get the better dex plus the bow enhancements. You'll need all the help you can get to hit things, unless you got endless divine power clickies. btw - Manyshot requires BAB6, which he won't have at level9. He'll have to wait till 15 to get it.

    It's very close to my original 28pt build Neato (1rgr/15wiz). I had a lot of fun with him. Not an uber caster, but competent and very versatile. Paralyzers, cursespewers, disruptors, etc are all fun to play with when looking for something to do other than simply casting.
    Ghallanda: Neatoelf15wiz/1rgr, Neetoelf17wiz, NeatoManhuman13rog/6pal/1mnk, NeatoHombrehuman12ftr/6pal/2rog, Kneetoedwarf17clr, Kneedoughdrow18clr/2mnk

    Minimize expectations and you'll never be disappointed

  10. #10
    Community Member spifflove's Avatar
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    Default Ok here is an arcane archer

    I thought I would update this build for Sig in his absence and make it a true arcane archer build:

    Elf

    Ranger 2/Wizard 18

    S: 12
    D: 16 +1 tome +2 elf +1 ranger
    C: 12
    I: 18 + level ups
    W: 08
    Ch: 08

    Feats

    Feats
    1: Point blank shot
    r1: Favored Enemy Undead [Swap out later for Evil Outsider]
    w1; Maximize
    3: wf ranged
    6: precision
    w5: Extend
    9: precise shot
    w10: Heighten
    12: Multi shot
    15: ic ranged
    w15: optional
    18: improved precise shot. (cannot get until level 20, then use a dragon shard to swap feat in)

    Skillz
    full Concentration
    Full Spot
    Full Move Silently
    Full Hide
    Half UMD
    Other skillz at creation

    BAB:
    20 tensors
    4 - 18 dex
    3 - +6 dex item
    2 - tensors bonus
    2- elf bonus
    2- Rage spell
    5- +5 Arrows
    4- Greate Hero

    +42
    Last edited by spifflove; 06-29-2009 at 04:57 PM.

  11. #11
    Community Member 96th_Malice's Avatar
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    Sounds cool enough

    As I have 9 Ranged Rangers and am working on a 10th right now.

    "she" is 2nd lvl Ranger and I am looking maybe into a bit of a different X class than some of my others

    However ... the biggest disadvantage to this wizzy cross class I can see is the BAB

    To be clear ... Manyshot is based off of Base Attack bonus . NOT lvl !

    Under 10 BAB - 2 Arrows
    11-15 - BAB - 3 Arrows
    16 BAB - 4 Arrows


    Trust me ... when all you have is Ranged Rangers ... loosing just one arrow on a manyhot can be crucial.

    I have a 2 Ranger / 14 Bard thats awesome to play and a build thats gonna be ?? Ranger and ?? Rogue ( undecided where to split the class yet ) However. The toon is currently sitting at 3/3

    BUT !

    Taking just one lvl of rogue or bard or any non fighter type will mess with your BAB when multiclassing

    SO

    Just a point .... Manyshot is NOT based on lvl !!

    For the record the build does sound very cool ! I am just sure I wouldnt put the bow away and take advantage of the arcane part of the toon .. and I'd end up dying !! LOTS !!

    Later all

  12. #12
    Community Member spifflove's Avatar
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    Tensor's anyone?

    I would reroll that bard and go 2/2/16 if thinking of rogue levels (for skill points)

    Rogue
    bard
    bard
    bard
    ranger
    bard
    bard
    bard
    ranger
    bard
    bard
    bard
    rogue
    bard
    bard
    bard
    bard

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