Spectress "Behind the Bunk"

[Shyver]

Spectress
"Behind the Bunk"

I. Story - The wizard's curtain. The reason. The fun.
II. Leveling - Road from Character Generation to Cap.
III. Player Reactions - Unguilded Ranger LFG
IV. The Build - Stats/Skills/Gear/Cost....
V. Graveyard

Stop in the Phoenix Tavern. Grab a dirty kobold pint and let me tell you a story........

Since he can't post anymore

[Shyver]

I.
The Wizard's Curtain

For this Ranger to work, I had to create a curtain masking not only who I was but what my capabilities were in game. It was important to have the players of Thelanis to not only think of me as a new player to the server but at times think of me as a new player all together. To do this, I created a story of how I came from the server of Khyber. I had a few friends that I played with but with their absence from the game, I decided to try out Thelanis to see if I liked it. Now I never did go into that much detail but if asked questions, that was the story I stuck to. As I gained levels, it was obvious to some players that I had knowledge of the game, and by time I was capped, some players new that I was a seasoned DDO player. No longer was I known as a new player but just as a new player to Thelanis.

When you play a game for a long time, and you feel like you have accomplished most, if not all, of what the game has to offer, you have to come up with different entertainments. I wanted to keep it simple and play 1 character only. I stuck to typing only. I used a few comman phrases when I joined groups and left groups.

Joining groups: Hello everyone *waves
Leaving groups: Thx everyone, good run/quest. grats on loot *waves

I would make some of the same jokes and keep to my normal humor without divulging who I was. At no time was I going to join a guild. The reason for this was to enjoy the game from a different view. A view that I didn't play much when I was on any of my other characters. Like many players know, once you create a name that people can recognize, they will stick to how they feel for said player. Everyone on Tharashk new me as Bunker, and then on Thelanis as Bunk. I would play my cleric Kardinal and every so often, a few players didn't know who I was but once they found out, I would just hear comments like: "oh, its bunk, that is why" or "go figure, it is bunk." Playing from behind the curtain opened up much more in player interaction all over Stormreach.

Spectress was a blast to play. My ranger's abilities were comprised of an idea I had for months from chatting with a few friends in Stormreach. Finally one day just decided to roll her up. Never being guilded brought many challenges both in quests and during the interaction of other players. It was amazing how much just being a ranger at times was a challenge when trying to join groups. Ultimately, it was a ton of fun.

more

[Shyver]

II.
Road From Zero to Cap

During the leveling of Spectress, I used what ever weapon/gear I couled get my hands on till I was lvl 10. At that point, I had gear waitng for me in the bank. I also had some gear that I sacraficed to the AH in order to start the process of buying LOW and selling HIGH. From the time it took me to level up to 16, I turned 400k of investment at the AH into just over 6mil PP in gear and cash minus the cost of supplies. I have always been back and forth on whether the AH was good/bad for DDO. It does however help speed the process of leveling a character if you learn how to use the AH to your advantage.

1-4:
Right away I went straight into the Harbor. Soloing Stealthy Repo. n/h/e and bang, level 2. This build started with a strength of 11 and I did not get weapon finesse till level 3 so let me tell you, it was no easy task to get there quick at first. I used stealth in the proper quests rather then meleeing my way thru. For skill progression, it was vital to "nom nom nom" a +2 Intelligence Tome at level 1. As for the rest of the stats, I just left them as they were. I stayed in the Harbor and Korthos Island only for the first 4 levels. There was no reason to go anywhere else. Plenty of quests, plenty of XP.

Grouping: I might have grouped 6 times during the first 4 levels. I had chances to get into a group of 3s/4s to run Baudry's on elite so that was a must. I know I ran Waterworks in a group and a few Durks runs for muckbanes. It was important to respect each group as a group so during the early leveling process, I didn't zerg ahead unless it was specified by the group leader. For the most part, I stuck to each leaders' choices in all the groups I joined from 1st level to Cap.

5-9:
Stk, Tangleroot, Gwylans, Deleras, House K, Von 1-4, Sorrowdusk, ect..... I would try my best to stick close to the proper level quest. Most quests I only ran 3 times, n/h/e, and then move on. There is no reason to farm each quest completely dry anymore. There are plenty of mid-ranged quests to go through giving a good variety. I think I even joined a run or 2 of Tempest Spine. That quest alone was great practice in following the leader and playing as part of the team.

Grouping: If you want to level quickly, grouping is somewhat mandatory. This group of levels was actually the toughest of all to get groups for. The main reason for the dfficulty was that Spectress was unguilded. It was then decided that I would create the Guild: Tranquil Twilight. I even had a 2 or 3 line story in my bio to go along with the guild name. Even though this guild was not recognized by anyone, it still made grouping an easier task.

This time was where I started to experience the friendly guilds and the "not" so friendly guilds. I would try my best to keep neutral in any group arguements, including whether I enjoyed the group or not. I kept that to myself not allowing any group or player to feel the need to jot Spectress down on a "list". Most of the time I would run one or two quests with the group and then move on unless it was specified that they were going to do multiple quests. I tried to spread myself around as much as possible giving all of Thelanis a taste of Spectress. Again keeping to the plan of going at the pace of each group leader.

10-12:
Von 1-6, Dragon Raid, Gianthold, Desert, and more Gianthold..... With exception to the Crucible (my favorite GH quest), I only ran these quests until I did them on elite. Receiving so much xp in the Gianthold and Desert, there is no reason to run these quests till you see the xp capper. Of course I did und up rerunning the desert quests for flagging reasons but only for flagging.

Grouping: For an unknown, this is where grouping can prove difficult. I started to create groups a bit more then joining them. This was my first taste of what being unguilded trying to fill a group was like. A constant uphill battle which due to my impatients at times made me an even stronger solo player.

By level 10 I was very self-sufficient so all my groups were first come first join. With exception to a few times, maybe 3 or 4, it would not matter whether we had a cleric, caster, or none. I remember a group of 11-13s I had an lfm up for Crucible. We ran elite with all melee. We finally had a cleric join and fill the last spot but by that time we were at the final battle so he just popped in to get credit. Keeping to being an all around neutral player, there would be times that we would not have a cleric in the group, and I would run into those players that just didn't have even 1 cure potion to their name. No worries, heal them and move on. I never had the need to call them out on how lame it was to not be self-sufficent. There was never any harm in just healing them. It wasn't like I would be stuck with the same players for every quest the entire day.

It was important that when these players were unsure of our ability, I would support them in saying that we would not only be OK, but it will be FUN and Challenging. Simple phrases typed in party chat surprisingly can make even the most unsure player perform just that much better. Players that had the stigma of "needing a cleric" for every quest would surprise themselves when succeeding without one. I encouraged challenges like this for myself and others in hopes creating the foresight of possible success in future quests.

13-16:
Vale, Raid, Vale, rinse&repeat....... If you want to level up quick, having unlimited reasources is a key ingredient. At level 13, having PP and items makes everything easier. Aside from a select few quests and raids, solo or grouping didn't matter. I would make constant runs in the Vale for quick loot in the chests while waiting to join the right group.

Ransacking Coal. Chamber, Vale Exploerer, Rainbow in the Dark, Invaders and Inferno each week was my normal course of questing. Once flagged for the Shroud, I would run parts 1-4, 5-8 times and then follow up with a completion. Shards were the #1 reason for sacking the Shroud. I had plenty of ingredients or items to trade for ingredients so the lack of Shards slowed my crafting process.

Grouping: Around level 14 is where I no longer needed the assistance of my Guild name: Tranquil Twilight. By this time, Spectress was makng a nice name around Stormreach and many of the guilds were starting to take notice of this "unguilded" ranger. Once I dropped the guild name, this was the start of occasional offers to join guilds on Thelanis. I would always listen to the offer and never decline. Instead it was important to let them know I would consider the offer to join. This was another way of staying neutral with the players I grouped with. Players would continue to respect my ranger abilities and gameplay but would not be turned off by declining the offer to join them.

By time Spectress reached level 16, there was never a point to making a group to get a quest done. Getting into Raid groups however was a slow start at times with multiple rejections until I was recognized more. I would run the Shroud 4-5 times in a row and on the 6th time would get rejected by group leaders. I had a few early reactions to being declined but given time, there was no need to send tells asking to join, no need to complain. I knew that this would happen and was not shocked in the least.

Raid Loot:
Can I roll on the item? At times I would want to ask that question but already knowing the answer, there was no point in addressing the subject. I was please to put up all the items I did not use for roll and in time learned that what comes around goes around. I ran all the raids as close to the 3 day timers as possible. During a DQ Raid, I had a chance to roll on the Belt and of course lost. Another ranger won the roll and proceeded to send me a tell saying that he was rolling for me. He then passed the Belt under my name, I double checked to make sure that it was ok, and then looted without thinking twice. Anyone who shows generocity such as this deserves some in return and so I kept to that code by not just sending that player an item or money or ect. ect. ect. In turn I continued to carry the torch passing along the generocity in future Raids. I do remember being frustrated on more then a few occasions in the Shroud when I was unable to get a Shard, for they were passed to guildies and friends first. Just like all other Raid loot needed for Spectress, I waited as patiently and soon enough, acquired all the Shards I needed. One shroud run sticks out the most where I needed 5 Shards from the first chest and 3 players did not need the ones they pulled. All 3 were passed to me which I was more then happy to loot. All good things come to those who wait. That too proved to be true.

Players That Helped: There were many players that stood out during the leveling experience. A few guilds also stood out. No need to mention them. Like I said before, there are good and bad players out there and none of that has anything to do with their ability. All and all, the road to 16 was long and enjoyable.

Notable Quest Accomplishments:
Here is a few quests I did once I was capped. All quests were done without re-entry. Some quests took a few tries. Nothing special, no bragging. Just an idea of what Spectress could do solo:

3 Reaver Refuge flagging quests (normal)
Coal Chamber, Rainbow in the Dark, Ritual, Sleeping Dust, all under 60 minutes each (elite)
Running with the Devils (normal)
Tempest Spine (elite)
Desert Flagging including DQ1 (normal)
DQ Raid (hard)
Invaders (elite)
Von 1-4 (elite)
Inferno (sacked this quest every week also)
Vale Looting

again

[Shyver]

III.
Player Reaction/Interaction

Play-Style:
At low and mid levels, it was important to create a good reputation while grouping on Thelanis. My play style was based on a simple set of rules.

1. Allow the leader of the group to set the pace. (you wait I wait, you zerg I zerg)
2. Always address the group when joining and when leaving.
3. Stay out of any and all arguements.
4. Assist in strategy and answering game knowledge questions when asked.
5. Defense 1st, Offense 2nd.

It is near impossible to avoid players that are not fun. The players that would argue, complain, ect. ect. ect. Instead of getting involved in pointless conversation with these players, I would finish quests, thank everyone, and leave group with a *wave.

At higher levels, I would follow the basic rules I had set for myself, but now I was leading groups and I had my own style. Each group would be different based on the quest, and the players. If I was leading a group, making a judgement call on the type of players in the group was important. I would gladly help players reach quest entrances and depending on the group, would stick together from start to finish. There would even be times that one player would go AFK for long periods and I would join the others in waiting for said player.

Other times I would already start a quest and put up an LFM for players to join an "in progress" run. I would not go back for them, nor would I assist them in finding the quest. Like following other group leaders, I expected players to understand my groups. The key important part of this process was to make sure it was understood once they joined or I would explain it in the LFM. Always sticking to the "no hard feelings" it is all for fun additude and making sure to communicate with the other members of the party were 2 key points in my groups. This did not always work but one players style is never best for everyone. That too is the fun of MMORPGs.

Party Chat:
When playing DDO and not using voice chat, it changes the game experience in a few different ways. The tempo of the game changes. The communication between other players is altered. A players knowledge is perceived differently.

Tempo: Playing without a mic will affect the way you play your character. You learn early on to either trust everyone you group with or be more self-sufficent. Just becasue you are grouped with good players does not mean they can read your mind. If you are in battle and need a buff, or need a heal, it is possible that the other members of the group will notice what you need, but not always. Stopping in the middle of a fight to type something is possilbe, but not recommended. If I ever needed a heal, curse removal, haste, ect...., I found it quicker and handier to supply those spells myself. There would be times when a cleric would pop a heal on me right after I used a scroll on myself, but better safe then sorry. If the choice between typing or handling the situation myself, I would just handle it. In the overall sceme of things, it made me a stronger player.

Communication: When communicating with a group, especially in a Raid situation, many players ignore party chat. I'm sure we have all been in groups where a player has said "oh, i'm sorry, I just saw the party chat", and it was minutes later from when it was typed. At times it could have been frustrating when ignored, but the important thing to remember is that I was communicating, and if the message was not received, it was not of my error. Party chat is there for a reason, and not using a mic never changed my ability to help in completing any quest in the game. If there is a discussion within the group, there are also times where no matter how you type in party chat, it is difficult to get your point across properly. Remember that other players cannot read the tone of your texted and so when making jokes, it would be a challenge.

Player Knowledge: Well since this ranger does not use a mic, and becuase she is unguilded, she must not be correct. This additude was very common throughout the game experience with Spectress. Even more prevelant once I was capped. Continuing to keep with playing a neutral stand, I would keep out of most discussions unless someone was asking a question and receiving the incorrect answers. Some players when explained that they were incorrect would turn to this defense: "How would you know, you aren't in a guild." They would continue to talk over anything that was typed in party chat figuring that if they flood the group with their chatter, that would make their incorrect knowledge correct.

The ability to be heard in a Raid was even more difficult at times, but I allowed my playing to be noticed without broadcast and sooner or later would be asked suggestions. This was also a great opportunity to let other players in the group make suggestions and participate. Certain roles in raids that could be filled by Spectress, I would sit back and let other players take part in. If the leader of a group asked if someone could do this or that, by time I could type a reply, there was already 2 other players that spoke up. So no harm done, it is all for fun, let them have the spot light. I knew I could fill many roles, but did not have the urge to do so as much as when I used voice chat.

Through the Eyes of Spectress:
Plane of Night: Very capable group with a knowledgable leader. The plans is to have 3 sets of 2 player teams run the bases. First player grabs the aggro while the second player works the pillar down. First group goes comprised of a cleric and monk. The monk decides that he will stop at the first pillar instead of following the cleric to the third and work each pillar down to 5%. Sure, he has done this before he boasts, so of course that means he will be just fine. Obviously this leads to his death, and panic. The best part is that the cleric revives the monk, and he continues to work down the second pillar. By time he get to the third, the other 2 groups are sent out. Now it was nice of the monk to prep all 3 pillars, but as he was prepping the third pillar, he ended up bringing it to zero before the players at 2nd base where there. So each group had to prep their pillar anyways since they all reset. A great show of skill by the monk. We applauded him. This was probably my favorite Dragon experience.

Flaging Ritual: I did a Ritual run for flagging on normal. Like most of my LFMs at level 16, it was noted: "in progress". During the first named Gnoll at the beginning, I had a player join. By time I reached the bridge, the group had filled with 1 Fighter, 1 Wizard and 3 Clerics. I explained to the group that I was invisible and sneaking by most Mobs so beware. I reached the ritual room where the spawns pour out of the portal and this is where the fun begins.

The other 5 members of the party catch up to me when I am about 1/2 way through all the mobs at the portal. Quickly I am to discover that they too just ran by the gnolls to catch up. I'm thinking no big deal, there were a few gnolls that followed but with 3 clerics, I'm sure their bladebarriers handle most of them. No sooner am I to see a tidal wave of gnolls flood the ritual room. And then *Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding!!!!! All 5 members of the group fall within a 10 seconds and start to complain. I clear the room enough to be safe and raise one cleric and soon the rest of the party is up again. I can't help but say "Thanks for bringing all the gnolls, that was fun. *wink" The fighter then replies by saying, "Thanks for leaving them for us." Complaint then came with the same force as the gnolls brought once discovered that I was unguilded. I'm not in a guild, therefore I must not know what I was doing.

Joining Groups: Creating a reputaion was key to joining groups. There are so many guilds/players out there that talk about how they will take any player for their Shroud runs. When it comes time to creating a group, the screening process still prevails. Many group leaders will ask the rest of the group if they, know this player, or know that player. They will take a gander at the Guild Tag and use that as a guide in the decision making process.

Early on I had a chat with one group leader on why I was ignored. I never minded being declined but leaving me in limbo is just annoying. I attempted to join a Shroud group that had only 5 players at that time. I am sitting there for a few minutes without being accepted or declined so I grabbed the attention of the leader. I was not level 16 yet and figured that was the only thing that was delaying my chance to join.

Spectress: "I know I'm not lvl 16 yet, but I have already done 6 shrouds on this toon, if that helps."
Leader: "I'll see how the rest of the group fills out....You not even 16 yet..."
Spectress: "I know, I just got done doing the shroud, just didn't complete."
Leader: "perceived group strength is a recruiting tactic...I already have one 15 in the group... If I start adding lots of low level chars then no one will want to join."
Spectress: "recruiting tactic? that is a good one. "
Leader: "I minored in Psychology "
Spectress: "I didn't know that course was available in Stormreach."
Leader: "that would be in real life."

Now seriously, how is having Psychology classes have anything to do with playing a MMORPG. That was one of the funniest conversation/excuses I had when attempting to join groups throughout this experience. Having university teachings must make you a better judge of DDO character. I must have missed that sub-course in College. Never the less, I was declined cause the group was full.

From then on, I decided to join groups and leave it at that. No tells, no persuading, nothing. If they declined me, I would just wait for the next LFM. Being an unguilded ranger proved challenging at times and being accepted in groups was probably the toughest constant uphill battle. Soon after, players started to recognize Spectress all over Thelanis and joining groups was less difficult. I attribute the change in player response to the rep. I built up. Not so much the reputaion of being a strong player but also a player that didn't make waves. I had only 1 or 2 discussions with players regarding being declined, the above story being one of them. It took time but was soon enough was accepted in the community.

Calling Out the Bluff:
One of the favorite past times of many players is to talk about their gear and the loot they have pulled from chests. When only typing in party chat, it is much easier to listen to the other players since you are never talking over them. This also makes catching a bluff much easier. It is one thing to boast till your throut goes dry about what you have pulled froma chest. For some players, that is part of the game and their enjoyment. I would happily tell other players what I used or what I pulled from chests if they asked. My favorite stories thoguh were the ones where the player went from reality to fantasy.

During a Rainbow in the Dark run, this group had a few AFKs and the leader wanted to jump out for spell points at the shrine. Ok, no biggy, but of course with the sigular use of the "lightwand", the rest of the group has plenty of time to hang out and chat waiting on the other players. It is a good fun group so the time passed rather quickly. At one point, a Socerer carries on about all the +2 Tomes he has pulled from various quests and boasts to the other party members of the (3) +2 Tomes he has looted from the Vale Chest.........Vale Chests????? Hmmmmm, this does not see accurate. When it comes to looting chests in DDO, it is a game of chance when a player pulls a particular item from a chest. Now I have never pulled a +2 tome or even seen anyone else pull a +2 tome from a chest out in the Vale explorer area. Is it possible that I am just one very unlucky players? It is possible.........But extremely unlikely. I don't know anyone in all of Stormreach that has ever pulled a +2 tome in the Vale explorer area, let alone 3. Did we ever have a +1 loot weekend when the Vale was out?

So it is time to "call out the bluff". I mean, we are all having fun, laughing, enjoying the game, what harm could there be in calling someone out. Let me tell you that being an unguilded player with an opinion is dynomite with a short fuse. Players will do everything they can in attempt to support the claim they have stated. They are so certain that their story telling, negotiating, bull-******** will work on the unguilded that long after the quest is over, they will continue to send tells to me. Now keep in mind that they won't carry on the conversation in party chat, cause they know sooner or later, someone else in the group will realize the bluff and join in extension of Pinnochio's nose.

If anyone at all new that Spectress was Bunk, that conversation would have ended quickly. The player would have just came out and said that they could have been mistaken. Having an unknown unguilded player as an audience, every Stormreach entertainer will perform their best sets in hopes of a good show.

some more

[Shyver]

IV.
The Build

This Ranger was created with the intent of mainly solo questing. Spectress also could fill the "ranger" roll in groups with a few tweaked abilities such as healing, buffing, scouting, and of course the running of stones to the shrine. The recipe was as followed : Defense 1st, Offense 2nd.

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

Spectress 
Level 16 Lawful Neutral Elf Female
(1 Monk \ 1 Rogue \ 14 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 178
Spell Points: 237 
BAB: 14\14\19\24
Fortitude: 13
Reflex: 23
Will: 10

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 16)
Strength             11                    14
Dexterity            18                    30
Constitution         11                    14
Intelligence         12                    14
Wisdom               15                    18
Charisma             10                    12

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

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 16)
Balance               8                    27
Bluff                 0                     1
Concentration         0                     2
Diplomacy             4                    18
Disable Device        n/a                   n/a
Haggle                0                     1
Heal                  2                     4
Hide                  8                    28
Intimidate            0                     1
Jump                  4                     7
Listen                2                     6
Move Silently         8                    28
Open Lock             8                    14
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                2                     2
Search                2                     4
Spot                  6                    23
Swim                  0                     2
Tumble                8                    14
Use Magic Device      4                    23

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge


Level 2 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider


Level 3 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Finesse


Level 4 (Ranger)


Level 5 (Ranger)


Level 6 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Aberration
Feat: (Selected) Mobility


Level 7 (Ranger)


Level 8 (Ranger)


Level 9 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Spring Attack


Level 10 (Ranger)


Level 11 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Giant


Level 12 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons


Level 13 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Combat Expertise


Level 14 (Ranger)


Level 15 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Use Magic Device


Level 16 (Ranger)
Enhancement: Ranger Extra Action Boost I
Enhancement: Ranger Extra Action Boost II
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Ranger Skill Boost I
Enhancement: Ranger Skill Boost II
Enhancement: Ranger Skill Boost III
Enhancement: Ranger Skill Boost IV
Enhancement: Ranger Sprint Boost I
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity I
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity II
Enhancement: Elf Melee Attack I
Enhancement: Elf Melee Attack II
Enhancement: Elf Melee Damage I
Enhancement: Elf Melee Damage II
Enhancement: Disciple of Breezes
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack II
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Defense I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Defense II
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I
Enhancement: Rogue Faster Sneaking I
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity III

Finished Stats:
Str 18 (20 Rams)
Dex 36 (38/39 gs weapon)
Con 18
Int 14
Wis 24 (26 gs weapon)
Cha 12

Hit Points:
285 (210 base, +45 gs, +30 gfl)

Spell Points:
606 (145 base, +161 wis, +300 gs)

Saves:
Beholder/Selfbuff
Fort: 28/32 (13 base, +4 con, +5 resist, +3 gs, +1 ritual, +2 hogf, +4 gh)
Reflex: 34/38 (13 base, +13 dex, +5 resist, +1 ritual, +2 hogf, +4 gh)
Will: 24/28 (6 base, +7 wis, +5 resist, +3 gs, +1 ritual, +2 hogf, +4 gh)

Armor Class:
10 Base
+13 Dexterity (36)
+7 Wisdom (24)
+5 Protection (mineral helm)
+4 Icey (armor)
+8 Armor (bracers)
+3 Chattering (ring)
+1 Dodge (feat)
+1 Ritual (armor)
+2 Tempest (enhancement)
+4 Insight (gs weapon)
+5 C/E (feat)
59 unbuffed
63 unbuffed w/greensteel weapon

+5 Barkskin (spell)
+4 Shield (lvl 10 wand)
+1 Haste (gs clickie)
69 buffed
73 buffed w/greensteel weapon

+5 pally aura
+4 bard song
+2 recitation
Total AC: 84 (86 vs. FE)

Note: I rarely wore the Icy Raiments and constatnly switched weapons so I normally quested with an Armor Class in the mid 60s.

Notable Skills:
Balance: 38/42/57 (base 17, +13 dex, +6 gs, +2 hogf, +4 gh, +15 ring)
Hide/MS: 39/43 (base 18, +13 dex, +6 gs, +2 hogf, +4 gh)
Open Locks: 56 (base 4, +13 dex, +6 gs, +2 hogf, +4 gh, +15 ring, +7 tools, +5 boost)
Diplomacy: 40 (base 17, +1 cha, +6 gs, +2 hogf, +4 gh, +10 stalemate)
Use Magic Device: 38/43 (base 19, +1 cha, +3 feat, +6 gs, +2 hogf, +4 gh, +3 item, +5 boost)

Spectress Gear:
Helm: Mineral II lesser regen, +3 exceptional fort, +5 protection, heavy fort, 2xstoneskin/rest, cleansed
Trinket: Head of Good Fortune +ritual resistance
Necklace: Silver Talisman / Golden Cartouche
Goggles: Smoke II +45 hp, +6 dex skill, 2xdisplace/rest, 20% perma concealment, cleansed
Cloak: Air II 300 sp, +6 cha skills, 3xhaste/rest, air guard
Bracers: +8 armor
Gloves: Concordant Opp. disease/blind immune, +6 wis, +10 haggle/diplo, +3 exceptional will, cleansed
Ring 1: Tumbleweed
Ring 2: Chattering / Int +6 / +15 balance / +15 OL
Belt: Lion-headed Belt Buckle
Boots: Boots of the Innocent

Armor:
Icy Raiment +ritual ac
Dragontouched - GFL/Salt Guard/Sundering Ooze Guard +ritual ac
Dragontouched - GFL/True Seeing/Destruction +ritual ac
Dragontouched - Fearsome/True Seeing/Crippling +ritual ac

Weapons:
2x Vacuum Rapier (neg/air/neg)
2x Incineration Rapier (3x fire)
2x Crushing Wave Rapier (3x water)
+4 Holy Silver Rapier of Pure Good / +5 Transmuting Rapier of Pure Good
2x +1 Banashing Rapier of Pure Good
+1/+2 Holy Burst Rapier of Puncturing
+3 Bodyfeeder Rapier of Puncturing / +5 Crippling Rapier of Puncturing
+1 Keen Rapier of Smiting / +1 Keen Shortsword of Smiting
2x +3 Vorpal Kama
+1 Paralyzing Rapier of Enfeebling / +1 Cursespewing Rapier of Enfeebling
2x Adoryn's Malice
2x +1 Wounding Rapier of Everbright
2x +1 True Law Rapier of Disruption
+2 Holy Shortbow of GEOB
+1 W/P Longbow
Greater Disruption Longbow (3x pos)
+1 Shocking Burst Shortbow of GCB
+2 W/E Shortbow

Notes:
My AC would change throughout gameplay based on each situation. I wore the Icy's pretty rarely. I usually wore one of the DT armors that had GFL on it. I'm sure most of you will think that 280-310 HP is a bit low, but with:
Concordant Opposition
Air Guard
Disease/Blind/Fear Immunity
StoneSkin
Displacement
Haste
20% Perma Concealment
Sundering Ooze Guard
60-70 AC
Ranger Spells
........I found the HP to be perfect for my style of game play.

The gear listed above I used pretty much all the time. Switching out the necklace and 1 ring slot occasionally. Everything else stayed where it was at. As for weapons, I used All Rapiers All The Time. I did also have 2 vorpal kamas in the BP for certain quest moments, but usually just dual Rapiers. You will notice that I did not have Power Attack and my Strength was never above 20. Some might say that the build and gear does not do the job when it comes to the subject of DPS. Too low of Strength, ect. ect. ect. IMHO, this build held her own in dps/offense, and there were plenty of players on Thelanis that I grouped with that would agree.

build

[Shyver]

V.
Graveyard

I recently closed my account for the final time. No longer will be playing DDO. As part of the process, all characters including Spectress were deleted before the final days of my monthly service. I also posted Spectress's Build under the Ranger Forum on DDO.COM. I guess this build was appreciated by a few readers because it appeared in the Stormreach Chronicle this past week.

I would like to /salute to everyone in advance for the fun questing and being a part of the Spectress Experience. This whole process from Character Creation to Cap was an enjoyable fresh fun perspective into the DDO experience. See you all in future MMORPGs.

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