TWF UMD Tempest, V2.0

[Yuhjn]

Ok so I think I've come to rest on this build now. I"m currently building it, up to level 4 atm.

Thoughts?

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TWF UMD Tempest
Level 16 True Neutral Dwarf Male
(2 Fighter \ 1 Rogue \ 13 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 200
Spell Points: 108 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 13
Reflex: 13
Will: 3
              Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 16)
Strength             16                    20
Dexterity            16                    16
Constitution         14                    14
Intelligence         11                    12
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma             11                    11
Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 1
 
              Starting          Feat/Enhancement
             Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 16)
Balance               7                    16.5
Bluff                 0                     0
Concentration         2                     2
Diplomacy             4                    15
Disable Device        n/a                   n/a
Haggle                4                     4
Heal                 -1                    -1
Hide                  3                     3
Intimidate            4                    17
Jump                  7                     9
Listen               -1                    -1
Move Silently         3                     3
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                1                     1
Search                1                     3
Spot                 -1                    -1
Swim                  7                     9
Tumble                7                     7
Use Magic Device      4                    20

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge
Level 2 (Ranger)
Level 3 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Mobility
Level 4 (Ranger)
Level 5 (Ranger)
Level 6 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Spring Attack
Level 7 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I
Level 8 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting
Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Level 10 (Ranger)
Level 11 (Ranger)
Level 12 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Level 13 (Ranger)
Level 14 (Ranger)
Level 15 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Use Magic Device
Level 16 (Ranger)

From here I would like Force of Personality, Combat Expertise, and Whirlwind attack. Not sure if the last 4 levels will be ranger or fighter. Have to wait until level 20 cap comes in early '09 and then decide.

[boldarblood]

Couple of changes I would have made to the build personally.

I would have gone NG or N, with 20+ umd can then use Axiomatic, Anarchic, True Law, True Chaos, Holy, Pure Good, etc.

Also I might have changed the stats around a bit. I probably would have put less into Dex and Cha, more into Con.

Other than that, should be good build.

[Yuhjn]

Couple of changes I would have made to the build personally.

I would have gone NG or N, with 20+ umd can then use Axiomatic, Anarchic, True Law, True Chaos, Holy, Pure Good, etc.

Also I might have changed the stats around a bit. I probably would have put less into Dex and Cha, more into Con.

Other than that, should be good build.

I actually went neutral on the actual build, I need to edit this one to show neutral as well.

As far as dex, Superior Two Weapon Fighting is going to require a 19 dex, and you'll might need as much as 18 Ranger to get it for free (no dex requirement). So that means I need to be able to hit 19 dex which is 16 + 3 tome, that way if I cant get STWF from Ranger levels that I can buy it with a feat .

Should be about 400 HP maxed out so I'm not too worried about the con, although more would be better. I just dont have anywhere to get the points from.

[Verlock]

id try and get pa if it was me

[Yuhjn]

id try and get pa if it was me

I've looked at the damage distribution charts and power attack for 1 handed gives lower overall damage in nearly all cases, except when the AC of the mob is incredibly low.

I think players like it because it makes their damage numbers bigger.

Finally, to-hit is going to be low on this build since it's not a raged up barbarian with a zillion strength. As a result the damage distribution charts look even worse for power attack on this build.

Power attack is really only good for 2 handed.

[Hadrian]

I've looked at the damage distribution charts and power attack for 1 handed gives lower overall damage in nearly all cases, except when the AC of the mob is incredibly low.

I think players like it because it makes their damage numbers bigger.

Finally, to-hit is going to be low on this build since it's not a raged up barbarian with a zillion strength. As a result the damage distribution charts look even worse for power attack on this build.

Power attack is really only good for 2 handed.

Consider what the damage curve might look like if you have a breastplate of destruction on. Also, what might it look like in a raid where you're going to have bard buffs and maybe someone else destructing for you?

[Yuhjn]

Consider what the damage curve might look like if you have a breastplate of destruction on. Also, what might it look like in a raid where you're going to have bard buffs and maybe someone else destructing for you?

Well, having power attack on a low to-hit TWF build just doesnt seem to make a lot of sense, but I'm trying to keep an open mind.

I'll say this, if at level 16 I'm hitting everything in sight, I would consider trading out improved crit pierce for power attack. I'm just skeptical that power attack is going to actually increase your DPS. More likely it gives bigger numbers and that creates an illusion that you're actually doing more damage.

I'm certainly open to trying it out once I'm capped out.

[Yuhjn]

I've dropped the crit-pierce and added power attack.

After playing for awhile at level 12 it's clear to me my to-hit is easily high enough to use power attack against most mobs I'm fighting (gianthold normal and similar).

[Aerendil]

^^ Yep. The beauty of PA is that if you end up struggling to hit something, you just turn it off. No big deal.
Best of both worlds - turn it on for trash mobs, and then turn it off for ultra-high-AC mobs.

If you can somehow swing it, however, it's best to have both PA *and* imp-crit: pierce if you can.
The difference will be noticeable, especially with Tempest haste + Haste + Fighter 20sec haste enhancement.