Holy Ballistae Bomber build...

[Strumpoo]

Well, I am screwing around trying to reroll my Great Xbow user. I built him as a novelty and he is fun to play.

Have a bunch of good Great Xbows to use, including a WOP, so he actually does ok.

Problem is I didn't plan him very well orginally. Trying to re-roll him to make him put out a little more damage.

Was thinking about making him a fighter/barb/rogue for the crit rage (get that great xbow critting on a 13!). But then I started thinking about monks and pallies with the extra feats and ZEAL (along with stacking fighter haste boost)! And the barb build was running into feat problems.

Let me know what you think, I know this guy isn't the most uber character out there, just building him for fun, but want him to be the best "eye shooter out-er" I can make him using the Great Xbow.

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

Level 16 Lawful Good Drow Male
(2 Fighter \ 12 Paladin \ 2 Monk) 
Hit Points: 272
Spell Points: 155 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 25
Reflex: 23
Will: 15

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Stats          Modified Stats
Abilities        (Level 1)             (Level 16)
Strength              8                    10
Dexterity            18                    26
Constitution         14                    16
Intelligence         12                    12
Wisdom                8                    10
Charisma             16                    18

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 1
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 1
+1 Tome of Wisdom used at level 6
+1 Tome of Strength used at level 16

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 16)
Balance               6                    14
Bluff                 3                     4
Concentration         3                     3
Diplomacy             3                    25
Disable Device        n/a                   n/a
Haggle                3                     4
Heal                 -1                     0
Hide                  5                     8
Intimidate            3                     4
Jump                  3                    10
Listen               -1                     2
Move Silently         5                     8
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                1                     1
Search                1                     3
Spot                 -1                     2
Swim                 -1                     0
Tumble                6                     9
Use Magic Device      5                    13

Level 1 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Dodge
Feat: (Selected) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Great Crossbow


Level 2 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Mobility


Level 3 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Toughness


Level 4 (Paladin)


Level 5 (Paladin)


Level 6 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Reload


Level 7 (Paladin)


Level 8 (Paladin)


Level 9 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons


Level 10 (Paladin)


Level 11 (Paladin)


Level 12 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Shot on the Run


Level 13 (Paladin)


Level 14 (Paladin)


Level 15 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell


Level 16 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Rapid Shot
Enhancement: Paladin Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Paladin Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity I
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity II
Enhancement: Elven Enchantment Resistance I
Enhancement: Elven Enchantment Resistance II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I
Enhancement: Paladin Bulwark of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Bulwark of Good II
Enhancement: Paladin Bulwark of Good III
Enhancement: Paladin Resistance of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Resistance of Good II
Enhancement: Paladin Resistance of Good III
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Lay on Hands I
Enhancement: Paladin Diplomacy I
Enhancement: Paladin Diplomacy II
Enhancement: Paladin Energy of the Templar I
Enhancement: Paladin Energy of the Templar II
Enhancement: Paladin Charisma I
Enhancement: Paladin Charisma II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Monk Wisdom I
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness I
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness II
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness III
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Turning I
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Turning II
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Turning III

I figure when all is said and done he should have good saves and decent attributes for what I am trying to do with him.


Looking at final stats of:

16 STR
32 DEX
12 INT
22 CON
16 WIS
24 CHA

Should put my unbuffed saves at:

28
29
23

Hitpoints should be around 320-350 once I am done with the racial enhancements equipment not in the builder. I kept 8 action points available for extra HP or something else I may need.

Probably shoot for a final build of 2 fighter/16 pally/ 2 monk..

Maxxing out diplo to get aggro off me when I crit with the ballistae..

UMD should be around 20-22 to use any weapon I need.

[RigorAdar]

To bad your not on Sarlona i've got an unbound GS Great Crossbow i'd sell for cheap. Never do anything complex in game late at night or intoxicated

[Strumpoo]

Yeah, too bad man! That would be sweet since eventually I think I will build a nice oozy Xbow for him!

[MrCow]

Zeal is a 4th level paladin spell (aka, obtained at level 14) so this current build would have to wait until the level cap went up in Module 9 to use it.

It may not be on the enhancements you chose (or in the chracter planner), but are you contemplating using Divine Might? I find it nice on my divine crossbow user as its one of the few ways you can boost crossbow damage.

[Strumpoo]

Yeah, definitely using Divine Might. I kept AP's aside just for that purpose (and for the toughness.)


I think I could get rid of the toughness feat and pick up precise shot, then just use the toughness off the minos legens helm for the racial and class toughness enhancements.

Yeah, It will stink to have to wait until cap to use Zeal, but buy the time I get done leveling this guy the cap will hopefully get raised anyway. hehe.



The other build I was thinking of was a 2 fighter/12 barb/ 2 rogue. The extra crit range is VERY tempting on this build, especially since I can't use the pallies improved crit range "enhancements" on a ranged build, at least I don't think so..



Think the pally/monk or the barb/rogue build would work better?


I really want to make him of the "superior race" aka Forged, but just can't seem to get it to work very well.

[Talon_Moonshadow]

The Great Crossbows two big advantages are Crit range and cheap Uber ones for sale by non-users.

Capitilise on both IMO.

Banishers, Smiters, Puncterers....etc. And any feat/enhancement to get the most crits as possible.

And if it's convienant for you build, remmeber Flame Arrow wands can make crossbow bolts as well.

[Strumpoo]

So Talon you are saying that the Barb build would be better suited for this? The 13-20 crit range is very tempting!


I have all the Xbows I need already, WOP, WOE, bansihing, disruption, etc.. (besides greensteel), so I have the equipment just trying to get the build right.

[Talon_Moonshadow]

So Talon you are saying that the Barb build would be better suited for this? The 13-20 crit range is very tempting!


I have all the Xbows I need already, WOP, WOE, bansihing, disruption, etc.. (besides greensteel), so I have the equipment just trying to get the build right.

I think so. My guy is a Ftr12 right now.
But a Brb with Crit rage would be nice IMO.

[Strumpoo]

Well, if I did the Barb build this is how I would probably go.

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

Level 16 Neutral Good Warforged Male
(2 Fighter \ 12 Barbarian \ 2 Rogue) 
Hit Points: 292
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 17
Reflex: 14
Will: 2

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 16)
Strength              8                    10
Dexterity            18                    24
Constitution         16                    22
Intelligence         12                    12
Wisdom                6                     6
Charisma             12                    12

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Strength used at level 1
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 1
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 1

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 16)
Balance               5                    15
Bluff                 1                     1
Concentration         4                     6
Diplomacy             3                    20
Disable Device        n/a                   n/a
Haggle                1                     1
Heal                 -2                    -2
Hide                  4                     7
Intimidate            1                     1
Jump                 -1                    17
Listen               -2                    -2
Move Silently         4                     7
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                1                     1
Search                1                     1
Spot                 -2                    -2
Swim                 -1                     0
Tumble                5                     8
Use Magic Device      3                    20

Level 1 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Dodge
Feat: (Selected) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Great Crossbow


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Point Blank Shot


Level 3 (Barbarian)
Feat: (Selected) Mobility


Level 4 (Barbarian)


Level 5 (Barbarian)


Level 6 (Barbarian)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Reload


Level 7 (Barbarian)


Level 8 (Barbarian)


Level 9 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons


Level 10 (Barbarian)


Level 11 (Barbarian)


Level 12 (Barbarian)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Shot


Level 13 (Barbarian)


Level 14 (Barbarian)


Level 15 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Shot on the Run


Level 16 (Barbarian)
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Rogue Skill Boost I
Enhancement: Barbarian Sprint Boost I
Enhancement: Barbarian Critical Rage I
Enhancement: Barbarian Improved Damage Reduction I
Enhancement: Barbarian Improved Damage Reduction II
Enhancement: Barbarian Extend Rage I
Enhancement: Barbarian Extend Rage II
Enhancement: Barbarian Extend Rage III
Enhancement: Barbarian Extend Rage IV
Enhancement: Barbarian Extra Rage I
Enhancement: Barbarian Extra Rage II
Enhancement: Barbarian Extra Rage III
Enhancement: Barbarian Hardy Rage I
Enhancement: Barbarian Hardy Rage II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy I
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training I
Enhancement: Barbarian Constitution I
Enhancement: Barbarian Constitution II
Enhancement: Rogue Dexterity I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Warforged Constitution I
Enhancement: Warforged Constitution II
Enhancement: Warforged Construct Thinking I
Enhancement: Warforged Construct Thinking II
Enhancement: Warforged Healer's Friend I

Would have final stats of

16
30
28
12
6
8


Hitpoints should be around 500 when raged, after Minos legens and toughness enhancements.

saves would be (no equipment and no rage) :

20
17
7

save with equipment: (+5 resist)

25
22
12
___
+4 gtr hero
___
29
26
16

then once I got to level 14 barb I would get indomitable will for an extra +4 to help the will save a little more.

Let me know if you see anything that could be improved on??

[Strumpoo]

After going over and over this build, I think I may have discovered the best way to build him.

I think the key will be to utilize the new Kensai enhancements for fighters. This will allow me to get all the feats I need as well as boosting damage and crit range on the weapon, without depending on rage (so I can use UMD if I have to).

Shooting for 18/2 at level 20.

Let me know what you think.

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

Level 16 Lawful Good Warforged Male
(14 Fighter \ 2 Rogue) 
Hit Points: 300
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 14
Reflex: 15
Will: 2

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 16)
Strength              8                    10
Dexterity            18                    26
Constitution         16                    20
Intelligence         12                    12
Wisdom                6                     6
Charisma             12                    12

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Strength used at level 1
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 1
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 1
+3 Tome of Dexterity used at level 16

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 16)
Balance               6                    11
Bluff                 1                     1
Concentration         4                     5
Diplomacy             1                    19
Disable Device        n/a                   n/a
Haggle                1                     1
Heal                 -2                    -2
Hide                  5                     8
Intimidate            1                     1
Jump                  3                     8
Listen               -2                    -2
Move Silently         5                     8
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                1                     1
Search                1                     1
Spot                 -2                    -2
Swim                 -1                     0
Tumble                6                     9
Use Magic Device      3                    17.5

Level 1 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Dodge
Feat: (Selected) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Great Crossbow


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Mobility


Level 3 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Reload


Level 4 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Point Blank Shot


Level 5 (Rogue)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Shot on the Run


Level 7 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Rapid Shot


Level 8 (Fighter)


Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
Feat: (Selected) Toughness


Level 10 (Rogue)


Level 11 (Fighter)


Level 12 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Precise Shot
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons


Level 13 (Fighter)


Level 14 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Specialization: Ranged Weapons


Level 16 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost IV
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Rogue Skill Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy III
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy IV
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy I
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training I
Enhancement: Rogue Dexterity I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III
Enhancement: Warforged Constitution I
Enhancement: Warforged Constitution II
Enhancement: Warforged Construct Thinking I
Enhancement: Warforged Construct Thinking II
Enhancement: Warforged Construct Thinking III
Enhancement: Warforged Healer's Friend I

Looking at final stats of:

16 Str
26 Dex (24 if I can't get a +3 tome)
20 Con
12 Int
12 Wis
18 Cha

Used (+6 stat items for dex, con, str, wis, and cha)


Hitpoints around

350-380 or so.

Final unbuffed saves (lvl 16) would be:

24 Fort (14 base +3 stat item +5 resist +2 kensai)
25 Reflex (15 base +3 stat item +5 resist +2 kensai)
15 Will (2 base +3 stat item +5 resist +2 kensai +3 Wf'd enhancements)

Lvl 16 Diplo would be:

19 base +3 stat item +6 shroud item +2 kensai +15 item = 45

Lvl 16 UMD would be:

17.5 +3 stat + 6 shroud +2 item, +2 boost = 30.50

Minimum Damage with non greensteel Great Xbow would be:

2D8 + 3 (bolts) + 1 (kensai 1) +1 (kensai II), + 2 fighter weapon focus, +2 fighter greater weapon focus

Crits would be:

2D8 +3, 3 (bolts) + 1 (kensai 1) +1 (kensai II), + 2 fighter weapon focus, +2 fighter greater weapon focus, +2 (kensai I), +2 (Kensai II) x2

Confirm crits would be boosted by +12!! (+8 fighter enhancements +4 Kensai)

The base to hit bonus would be something like:

+34 unbuffed. (15 bab, 11 dex, +3 bolts, +2 kensai I and II, +3 weapon focus)

+39 boosted (7 action boosts a day)

I think that is it. Don't know if I missed any damage in there??

Comments or criticisms welcome.

I think the loss of 1 on the crit range (from not going barb) would be more than made up for on the extra damage from Kensai and the weapon focus skills since those take effect on every hit?? Plus that effect is constant, not rage based so it wouldn't wear off and wouldn't affect UMD use.