Interested in playing a drow, need help choosing a class

[Emperor_Septim]

Hey all,
I'm new to Stormreach and still learning my way around. I've decided that I want to play a drow, but I'm lost as to what class I want to play. I'd like to be able to handle explorer zones and quests on solo/normal by myself. But at the same time I'd also like to be welcome and at least semi-useful in groups all the way up to the raids ( at least the easier ones). I'd like to have an alignment of Chaotic Neutral, which kind of rules out paladins. I also have an innate dislike for multi classing, but I am willing to take 1-2 levels of a class then switch to another for the rest of my levels ( so I can play it off RP wise as a switch in my life's calling) if need be.
I don't want to be incredibly squishy or have to spam multiple clickies for every encounter.

Right now I'm thinking either

A TWF ranger
A TWF fighter
A 1fighter/15 cleric Battle priest ( leaning towards this one, but I hate splitting my stats all over the place)
A Rogue ( though I've heard terrible things of their combat ability)
A caster priest

Any advice or pointers would be appreacited.

[~Jules921]

The classes I use for my drow:

Bard - with higher starting points for int/dex/cha - its a natural for this class
Rogue/Ranger multi-class - again higher starting points for int/dex/cha make this a good choice.
Sorc or Wizzy - the only way to get a natural 20 stat without a tome at creation is going drow

As far as being squishy - ever heard of the rogue assassin?? You will have to boost up str and con as you take hits in those areas, but its a good tradeoff.

Jules

[sirgog]

I'd suggest Sorcerer.

You'll be able to solo (carefully) at low level as long as you take Charm Person as a first-level spell (I'd take it when you are first level). Just recruit extra help when you need it.

I'd suggest the following build at first level:

Str 8
Dex 8 +2 racial = 10
Con 16 -2 racial = 14
Int 8 +2 racial = 10
Wis 8
Cha 18 +2 racial = 20

Skill points: Max out both Concentration (good at all levels) and Use Magic Device (this will seem a waste at first, but will become worth the effort at high levels)


Spellswise, I'd take Charm Person and Niac's Cold Ray at level 1. At level 2, pick another damage-dealing spell (Burning Hands is mediocre, as is Magic Missile - nothing really stands out). Later, consider Hypnotism, Scorching Ray, and Resist Elements.

[Emperor_Septim]

The classes I use for my drow:

Bard - with higher starting points for int/dex/cha - its a natural for this class
Rogue/Ranger multi-class - again higher starting points for int/dex/cha make this a good choice.
Sorc or Wizzy - the only way to get a natural 20 stat without a tome at creation is going drow

As far as being squishy - ever heard of the rogue assassin?? You will have to boost up str and con as you take hits in those areas, but its a good tradeoff.

Jules

I'm not much of a musician or a storyteller so I'd be very disinclined to play a bard.

I know drow make great wizards but my brother is a wizard and I dont want to copy him. Their also a tad to squishy, and I'd like to smack things upside the head at least occasionally.


Please tell me more about rogue assassins and rogue/rangers. What they do in combat, how they compare to other classes etc.


Thanks

[Naso24]

" I'd like to be able to handle explorer zones and quests on solo/normal by myself"

That is a tough act. The best class for self reliance is a caster, unless you want to take things really slow and use a lot of resources on potions.

If you want to do some fighting, I suggest ranged combat (heavy repeater) on a wizard or sorcerer.

A fun solo build could be 1 rogue - 15 wizard.

Suggested stats:

STR 8 (0 pts)
DEX 15 (5 pts)
CON 14 (10 pts)
WIS 8 (0 pts)
INT 19 (13 pts)
CHR 10 (0 pts)

Another excellent build is a 12 Ranger - 2 Monk - 2 Fighter

There is no roleplay reason for this build if you think in the classic definition of classes, but the role you will play is a highly survivable, high AC, high save, strong, decent HP, multi purpose fighter. If you think of drow as highly agile intelligent finesse tactical builds, this will work. You are just taking what we refer to as "classes" to get the appropriate abilites. Start off as a ranger, train as a monk to gain insights into unarmored combat, then continue your ranger path. Finish things out as a fighter, where you decide to focus on your raw fighting ability. This will make an excellent tempest ranger build.

STR 10 (2 pts)
DEX 18 (10 pts) <-- all points here at level up, take weapon finesse as a feat
CON 14 (8 pts)
WIS 14 (6 pts)
INT 12 (2 pts) <-- will allow combat expertise with +1 int tome
CHR 10 (0 pts)

[Mithran]

My recommendation is Charisma-based, so Bard, Sorcerer or Paladin.

My latest Paladin build:

http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=161207

Evasion, GTWF

[DaggomaticDwarf]

Id go a battle Bard warchanter duel weild the sucker. awesome just pure awesome

[Aranticus]

Hey all,
I'm new to Stormreach and still learning my way around. I've decided that I want to play a drow, but I'm lost as to what class I want to play. I'd like to be able to handle explorer zones and quests on solo/normal by myself. But at the same time I'd also like to be welcome and at least semi-useful in groups all the way up to the raids ( at least the easier ones). I'd like to have an alignment of Chaotic Neutral, which kind of rules out paladins. I also have an innate dislike for multi classing, but I am willing to take 1-2 levels of a class then switch to another for the rest of my levels ( so I can play it off RP wise as a switch in my life's calling) if need be.
I don't want to be incredibly squishy or have to spam multiple clickies for every encounter.

Right now I'm thinking either

A TWF ranger

not a bad idea but you might need to aim for a high AC type as your low con can be detrimental

A TWF fighter

see prev

A 1fighter/15 cleric Battle priest ( leaning towards this one, but I hate splitting my stats all over the place)

you will want to augment your melee styles with lots of cc spells due to low con

A Rogue ( though I've heard terrible things of their combat ability)

whoever tell you a rog has low combat ability knows NOTHING about a rog. learn to manage your agro and you will be fine, go for agro reduction enhancements too

A caster priest

the low hp could work against you but if you can kill them faster than they hit you, you should be fine

Any advice or pointers would be appreacited.

see red

[Aranticus]

" I'd like to be able to handle explorer zones and quests on solo/normal by myself"

That is a tough act. The best class for self reliance is a caster, unless you want to take things really slow and use a lot of resources on potions.

If you want to do some fighting, I suggest ranged combat (heavy repeater) on a wizard or sorcerer.

A fun solo build could be 1 rogue - 15 wizard.

Suggested stats:

STR 8 (0 pts)
DEX 15 (5 pts)
CON 14 (10 pts)
WIS 8 (0 pts)
INT 19 (13 pts)
CHR 10 (0 pts)

Another excellent build is a 12 Ranger - 2 Monk - 2 Fighter

There is no roleplay reason for this build if you think in the classic definition of classes, but the role you will play is a highly survivable, high AC, high save, strong, decent HP, multi purpose fighter. If you think of drow as highly agile intelligent finesse tactical builds, this will work. You are just taking what we refer to as "classes" to get the appropriate abilites. Start off as a ranger, train as a monk to gain insights into unarmored combat, then continue your ranger path. Finish things out as a fighter, where you decide to focus on your raw fighting ability. This will make an excellent tempest ranger build.

STR 10 (2 pts)
DEX 18 (10 pts) <-- all points here at level up, take weapon finesse as a feat
CON 14 (8 pts)
WIS 14 (6 pts)
INT 12 (2 pts) <-- will allow combat expertise with +1 int tome
CHR 10 (0 pts)

the fighter levels are quite redundant for your 2nd build

8 str for a caster is a no no, so is 10 str for a melee build. low str = easily disabled by str penalty spells. for a caster = easily encumbered. for a melee = low damage rating

[Joemama]

14 rogue 2 barb? put as many skill points as you can into umd for wands and heal scrolls, the rest you put into disable and open lock and search
stats: (starting)
str14+6item+2tome=22
dex 18 +6 item+4 from lvl+2 tome=30
con 12 +6 item = 18
wis 8
int 14+6item=20
char 10+6 item=16

pretty good at soloing as im playing one right now

[Talon_Moonshadow]

I'm a fan of Rgrs.

But Rogs are very good.....just not good solo IMO.
You need someone to take the agro off you (willingly or otherwise ) so you can get in those awesome SAs!

[Red_Knight]

I'd suggest Sorcerer.
Spellswise, I'd take Charm Person and Niac's Cold Ray at level 1. At level 2, pick another damage-dealing spell (Burning Hands is mediocre, as is Magic Missile - nothing really stands out). Later, consider Hypnotism, Scorching Ray, and Resist Elements.

I have to disagree with some of this. At level one, I'd avoid niacs as your only 'damage' spell. Most things will save, and save frequently. Especially kobolds. In fact, the only thing so far that hasn't saved half the time vs it low levels are trogs. If an enemy makes the reflex save, niac's is a wasted use of SP since they avoid the damage. ray spells are also easy to miss with until you've gotten practice.

Magic Missile however is a decent starter spell, and get gets fairly powerful as you level. It's not a main damage spell after level 2, but it's still good. At level ten your doing 5d4+5 damage to a target, no miss chance. It's also dang good vs slimes/oozes, and almost required for STK. I'd also consider Hypnotism before charm person at level one. As for scorching ray, get it as soon as you can.

For my sorc I took magic missile and mage armor at level one, and burning hands at level 2. While BH is only so-so later on, it's still useful enough. For soloing against kobolds having an early aoe damage spell is also handy. I will recommend taking niac's though. It is a nice spell, just not one to rely on for early levels.

[Mithran]

For best results, play a class whose primary attribute is one of the following:

Dexterity - Ranger, Rogue, dexterity-based melee
Intelligence - Wizards
Charisma - Sorceress, Bard, Paladin (the last is not exclusively Charisma-based, but the bonus is nice)

My youngest roll:

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.00
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Anguirel 
Level 16 Lawful Good Drow Female
(14 Paladin \ 2 Rogue) 
Hit Points: 282
Spell Points: 145 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 19
Reflex: 20
Will: 12

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Stats         Base Stats         Modified Stats
Abilities        (Level 1)          (Level 16)           (Level 16)
Strength             16                 20                   20
Dexterity            15                 17                   20
Constitution         12                 14                   14
Intelligence         11                 12                   12
Wisdom                9                 10                   10
Charisma             15                 16                   18

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 1
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 1
+1 Tome of Wisdom used at level 1
+1 Tome of Charisma used at level 1
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 16

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills        Base Skills        Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 16)          (Level 16)
Balance               7                  9                   10
Bluff                 7                  8                    8
Concentration         1                  2                    2
Diplomacy             7                  8                    8
Disable Device        n/a               n/a                   n/a
Haggle                3                  4                    4
Heal                  0                  0                    0
Hide                  3                  5                    5
Intimidate            7                 23                   23
Jump                  7                  9                    9
Listen                0                  0                    2
Move Silently         3                  5                    5
Open Lock             n/a               n/a                   n/a
Perform               n/a               n/a                   n/a
Repair                1                  1                    1
Search                1                  1                    3
Spot                  4                  4                    6
Swim                  3                  5                    5
Tumble                7                  9                    9
Use Magic Device      7                 23                   26

Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Bluff (+4)
Skill: Diplomacy (+4)
Skill: Intimidate (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Spot (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+4)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Selected) Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Drow Spell Resistance
Feat: (Automatic) Elven Keen Senses
Feat: (Automatic) Enchantment Save Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Shuriken
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Immunity to Sleep
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Rapier
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortsword
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortbow
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Spell Save Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Trapfinding
Feat: (Automatic) Trip


Level 2 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Aura of Good
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Heavy Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Smite Evil
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder


Level 3 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1.5)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Automatic) Divine Grace
Feat: (Automatic) Lay on Hands


Level 4 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1.5)
Feat: (Automatic) Aura of Courage
Feat: (Automatic) Divine Health
Feat: (Automatic) Fear Immunity


Level 5 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1.5)
Feat: (Automatic) Turn Undead


Level 6 (Paladin)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1.5)
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Use Magic Device


Level 7 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1.5)
Feat: (Automatic) Remove Disease


Level 8 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1.5)


Level 9 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1.5)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Weapon Fighting


Level 10 (Paladin)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1.5)


Level 11 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1.5)


Level 12 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1.5)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons


Level 13 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1.5)


Level 14 (Paladin)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1.5)


Level 15 (Paladin)
Skill: Intimidate (+1.5)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting


Level 16 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+4)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+5)
Feat: (Automatic) Evasion
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Drow Melee Attack I
Enhancement: Improved Drow Spell Resistence I
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity I
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity II
Enhancement: Follower of Vulkoor
Enhancement: Paladin Bulwark of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Bulwark of Good II
Enhancement: Paladin Resistance of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Resistance of Good II
Enhancement: Paladin Resistance of Good III
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Righteousness I
Enhancement: Paladin Exalted Smite I
Enhancement: Paladin Exalted Smite II
Enhancement: Paladin Exalted Smite III
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Lay on Hands I
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Lay on Hands II
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil I
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil II
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil III
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil IV
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Rogue Balance I
Enhancement: Paladin Charisma I
Enhancement: Paladin Charisma II
Enhancement: Rogue Dexterity I
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness I
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness II
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness III
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness IV

To be sure, the roll does rely on a +2 Dexterity Tome at creation (the second, Constitution, is for Favor), but it's worth waiting for.

[Maelkith]

As an experiment, I tried a Drow pally/sorc and a Drow pally/wiz. 3 levels of pally for the benefits and immunities (e.g., 2 LOH, Smite Evil, Immunity to Fear and Disease) then run the rest of the way with the caster. Each has TWF and Weapon Finesse and a level of arcane fluidity to cast from light armor. Now, I know that these are not the most potent/impressive builds, but I have more *fun* playing hem than any other build I've done. And to me, its all about having fun!

[Entwhistle]

I've had a good time playing my Drow Wizard/Rogue. I've done solo with him more than half the time and I usually get through the quest fine. Being able to sneak up, cast Charm Person and hide again quickly can clear a room fairly easily. Rogue skills are handy to have for solo work and one level at start is enough Rogue to run on for a long while.

[unionyes]

I like Drow for making Sorcerers or Rogues. It is helpful to consider Drows to be like a 32 point build that has the extra points allocated already.

Sorcerers are somewhat squishy at low levels (and at high levels but by that time they can kill fast so it isn't much of an issue), but by end game they are capable of soloing most of the game.

My Drow sorc is currently level 14 (20K from 15) and I spent most of yesterday, on and off, solo running the Vale for slayers and rares. My Barbarian 13 has a really hard time doing that without backup.

[JakLee7]

barb
dual weild rapiers for mass crits
check out the barb forums for specifics, but your low con is offset some by rage & dual wielding can be fun with nasty rapiers.