Halfling Tempest Monk w/Dragonmarks

[Dungnmaster001]

OK, this is my first real attempt at planning a build out. Normally I don't think too far ahead about specifics, instead just having a vague goal for what I'll want at the end.

This is also my first attempt at multiclassing (nothing against it, just all my earlier characters were all single classed).

The goals I had in mind for this character (in no particular order)

1. Halfling with all 3 ranks of Dragonmark
2. GTWF
3. Tempest
4. Decent AC
5. Wind Stance

Here's what I came up with. It's probably not the best build, but I would like some honest feedback anyway.
edit: forgot to mention: I have no tomes and all my characters are currently broke (less than 10k between them).

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 2.96
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 16 Lawful Good Halfling Male
(10 Monk \ 6 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 195
Spell Points: 105 
BAB: 13\13\18\23
Fortitude: 15
Reflex: 20
Will: 14

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 16)
Strength             14                    14
Dexterity            16                    24
Constitution         14                    14
Intelligence          8                     8
Wisdom               16                    19
Charisma              8                     8

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 16)
Balance               5                    17
Bluff                -1                    -1
Concentration         6                    24
Diplomacy            -1                    -1
Disable Device       n/a                   n/a
Haggle               -1                    -1
Heal                  3                     4
Hide                  3                     9
Intimidate           -1                    -1
Jump                  6                    23
Listen                3                     6
Move Silently         3                     9
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform              n/a                   n/a
Repair               -1                    -1
Search               -1                    -1
Spot                  7                    16
Swim                  2                     2
Tumble                5                    13
Use Magic Device     n/a                   n/a

Level 1 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Selected) Least Dragonmark of Healing


Level 2 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Weapon Finesse


Level 3 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Dodge
Feat: (Selected) Mobility


Level 4 (Ranger)


Level 5 (Ranger)


Level 6 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Spring Attack


Level 7 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Giant


Level 8 (Ranger)


Level 9 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Lesser Dragonmark of Healing


Level 10 (Monk)


Level 11 (Monk)


Level 12 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Dragonmark of Healing
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Power Attack


Level 13 (Monk)


Level 14 (Monk)


Level 15 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting


Level 16 (Monk)
Enhancement: Ranger Sprint Boost I
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark I
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark II
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark III
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark IV
Enhancement: Halfling Dexterity I
Enhancement: Halfling Dexterity II
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortiose I
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortiose II
Enhancement: Way of the Patient Tortiose III
Enhancement: Monk Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Monk Improved Recovery II
Enhancement: Fists of Light
Enhancement: Adept of Wind
Enhancement: Disciple of Breezes
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage II
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion I
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion II
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom I
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom II
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom III

[Dungnmaster001]

Hmm 50+ views and no reply. Either the build is perfect (which I doubt), or no one has an opinion (equally doubtful). Oh well. If anyone's interested I've started leveling this build. I am fairly casual in my gaming so it'll be awhile before I get high enough to have a real feel for the build, but I'll post here with my progress reports.

So far (level 2) it's a little low on dps due to low strength and not having 2 weapon fighting yet (comes in at level 4 with the 2nd level of ranger)

[nbhs275]

It doesnt matter how quickly you are attacking, you damage is going to be a pitance if your using unarmed or kamas. May be smarter to stay clear of tempest and go pure monk, considering the advantages at higher levels compared to ten.

[Aerendil]

I have nearly the exact same build hovering around level 10 now (3 Monk, then 6 Ranger, will finish off with Monk levels for 10/6 split).

The only difference is that my starting strength is 2 points lower than yours, but my dexterity is higher. And one of my main complaints is his strength.
My little halfling hits fast. Very fast, actually, as I tend to use Wind stance as well.
But his damage isn't overly impressive.

Against trash mobs, he does just fine, easily keeping himself topped up using Fights of Light.
But against anything with DR, or against casters that I need to kill ASAP, he's in trouble.

Very fun build, though, and aside from those limitations he's quite soloable.

[Garth_of_Sarlona]

you should bear in mind that Eladrin has said that tempest should not function with handwraps so in order to get the 'full' benefit from this build (i.e. tempest stacking with wind stance) you will probably be wielding kamas. Although you didn't state your weapon of choice I'm assuming you knew this already and that is why you didn't pick the stunning fist feat?

Garth

[Dungnmaster001]

you should bear in mind that Eladrin has said that tempest should not function with handwraps so in order to get the 'full' benefit from this build (i.e. tempest stacking with wind stance) you will probably be wielding kamas. Although you didn't state your weapon of choice I'm assuming you knew this already and that is why you didn't pick the stunning fist feat?

Garth

Hmm actually I hadn't heard that. I was intending to use unarmed mostly, though I do have a few kamas available also. I'll probably keep the build and stick with kamas. Sucks that unarmed works with 2wf but not tempest. Do you by chance have a link to where this was mentioned? I try to keep up to date with the dev tracker posts but it's possible I may have missed it.

[rimble]

Even most Strength Monks don't start above a 16 Strength, it's too expensive. A 14 Strength is the Halfling equivalent, and because of the +1 ToHit it's really only -1 Damage (and -1 on Combat Feat DCs). What I'm getting at, is you can start with a 14 Strength and still go Strength based TWFing on a Halfling:

Str 14 (+4 Levels, +6 Item, +2 Ram's Might, +2 Tome = 28)
Dex 16 (+4 Enhancement, +6 Item, +2 Tome = 28)
Con 14 (+6 Item = 20)
Int 8
Wis 16 (+3 Enhancement, +6 Item, +1 Tome = 26)
Cha 8

This will also synergize better with your Ram's Might. Using Unarmed, TWF Strength based versus TWF Finesse based is nearly identical on the charts I've run (pure Monk though), wasn't even taking into account the advantage Strength has against DR, didn't do the comparison using Kamas.

One Of Eladrin's Posts: http://forums.ddo.com/showpost.php?p...6&postcount=94

[maddmatt70]

power attack vs. stunning fist and combat expertise and improved crit(weapon type depends how you play build). I think these are all better feats for you then power attack. It depends how you play your build which feat you select.

I can't remember where the post was and don't play a monk, but I recall a change this mod was two weapon fighting feats worked for monks including unarmed combat.

[Tarackian]

dude....they are everywhere.....ran with 2 of them in the last week. just look around and ask questions in game.....

[Garth_of_Sarlona]

Hmm actually I hadn't heard that. I was intending to use unarmed mostly, though I do have a few kamas available also. I'll probably keep the build and stick with kamas. Sucks that unarmed works with 2wf but not tempest. Do you by chance have a link to where this was mentioned? I try to keep up to date with the dev tracker posts but it's possible I may have missed it.

Here you go:

Feats and abilities that are tied to two weapon fighting (such as two weapon defense or Tempest) will not work with handwraps.

Good luck on the build.

Don't underestimate handwraps... the reason why people aren't complaining about monk much any more is that they're not really too gimped now they get gtwf bonuses... but sssshhh don't let the secret out!!!

Garth

[jscott457]

OK here is a crazy idea...Throw in a level of wizard!

mainly to get the free meta magic and go maximize. Double the power of your healing marks is a huge step up in healing. You spent 3 feats getting the marks...double the power is pretty nice.

You also get nice level 1 spells (no more shield clickies, mage armor if you want a bracer slot for something besides black widow, etc.) and a wide range of wand access.

Costs you a BAB though...

JS

[Dungnmaster001]

OK here is a crazy idea...Throw in a level of wizard!

mainly to get the free meta magic and go maximize. Double the power of your healing marks is a huge step up in healing. You spent 3 feats getting the marks...double the power is pretty nice.

You also get nice level 1 spells (no more shield clickies, mage armor if you want a bracer slot for something besides black widow, etc.) and a wide range of wand access.

Costs you a BAB though...

JS

It's not a bad idea, and in fact I had considered it already. I don't really lose anything major in the long run so it's possible I could work the level of wizzie in somewhere. Taking it early would be nice, but it delays Tempest and ITWF if I take it before finishing the ranger levels. I'll think about it some more.

[Lifespawn]

just fyi maximize doesn't work on the greater mark empowered healing does tho

[Riekan]

Also, if you take the wizard level any earlier than 16, you don't qualify for GTWF at 15.