Skip level 12 (10)

[Thailand_Dan]

hi, I'm running a 2 rogue / 9 ranger right now. I'm 30K XP from level 12, and it is a bit of a grind. Occasionally, I get a GH group which always gives nice XP. I think finding a group at level 12 will be even more difficult (and result in less XP), so I have considered banking level 12 until I hit level 13.

My question: Is there anything spectacular at level 12 (level 10 ranger) that would make me want to take the level?

All gear is eligible at odd levels. Not sure what weapons I really want with the added level (already have paralyzers, smiters, distruptors, banishers, etc., at level 10). I have no vorpals in the bank at level 12.

Once I hit level 13, I should be able to hit the Vale, as well as run reaver in GH every few days for XP and loot. The only advantage of taking the level I can think of is being able to get into the vale. But I think I would be a bit gimpy in the vale as a level 2R/10R.

Thoughts?

[uhgungawa]

there is no reason to not level unless you're in a static group. your XP is based on the highest lvl person in th group, so unless you make sure you don't group with people high level than you it not worth it

[sephiroth1084]

Actually, weapons and armor are available at new even levels, while clothing and accessories are available at odd levels.

Also, you shouldn't be having too much trouble finding groups for GH (and maybe the desert) at 12. Certainly no more than at 11. I'd imagine that there'd be more 9-12 groups running GH than 8-11. And you fall in the solid 11-14 range for GH also.

[Lithic]

leveling to 12 will allow you to join groups of lvl 12-16s (though you get a -50% penalty). This opens up a TON more groups for you. Even with the powerleveling penalty, you can make better headway with a group of 12-16s than you can sitting at lvl 11.

[Thailand_Dan]

OK, thats makes sense, the grouping thing. not many 8-11 groups. Just dealing with the mid-level blues, and trying to get through it. Just get me to the Vale, baby.

Regarding the odd/even, yeah, I was referring to gear (meaning non-weapons) being odd, so nothing new at level 12. For armor, I already have +5 mith chain shirt, so nothing spectacular to improve upon, other then a "lesser kicker". And for weapons, I have the main arsenal I need at level 10. And unless I pull something or shop the AH, I really don't have any new weapons available at the moment to use when I hit level 12.

Thanks for the comments.

[Feylina]

have you ran the orchard and the desert yet? explorers / rares i mean. there's a hefty chunk of xp in the orchard and the desert is a nice little boost for a change too.

if you're bored run some old desert quests to flag up for dq. wiz king is a snap now with disruptors falling from heaven like nuttin. offering of blood could net you a nice pair of spectral gloves and chain of flames is a righteous pain in the arse but quick what with easy mode uber weapons.

or titan flag for a bit of xp and a change most of those are lvl 10 quests

some other quests out there that aren't bad xp and worth doing for a definate change.

-tempest spine elite is in your level range
-bam (black anvil mines), relic of sovereign past
-made to order

to name a few.

[Lithic]

I really don't have any new weapons available at the moment to use when I hit level 12.

Thanks for the comments.

Shroud weapons are min lvl 12 arent they? You can easily do the shroud at lvl 12 with some guildmates.

[Aranticus]

i start running my toons in vale and for shroud when i hit 12. set up 12-15 vale groups and you will see how many people will join

[Angelus_dead]

My question: Is there anything spectacular at level 12 (level 10 ranger) that would make me want to take the level?

If you use TWF, then it's important to minimize the time you spend with BAB 10+ but not the GTWF feat.

You see, the TWF design in DDO is rather broken, and dual-wielding actually reduces your DPS if you have BAB 5 and no ITWF, or BAB 10 and no GTWF. Once you hit BAB 10, you'll want to advance to gain GTWF as fast as possible. For you, GTWF is ranger 11, or total level 13...

[Thailand_Dan]

Great incites guys. Much appreciated. This is my first melee toon i am bringing to cap so I am lost a little on the particulars. OK, I should be able to grind out another 30K in a day or two, and I'll start looking at Vale groups. Desert is doable, but I use a lot of wands between battles (when soloing). My favorite combo is a paralyzer in one hand and a holy/pure good in the other (or sparkstriker if mob is immune to H/PG). Although I have a gird, the undead section is still quite difficult at the moment. That should improve in a level or two. I hope so anyway, because I know the desert backwards and forwards from soloing my sorcerers as I was bringing them up to cap.

Anyone know an easy way to get melee toons past the air ele in the gnoll area, as you cross the bridge? (For soling, as I know the easy answer is: Bring a caster with PK, FoD.

I've been running a lot of sorrowdusk slayers during off hours. It's cake and easy on resource consumption.

Thanks again for the tips guys.

[Logicman69]

Lvl 12 allows access to the Vale. I just ran my guildmate through a quick explorer/slayer/rare loop and he walked away with over 12k in one run. I know we missed a bunch of rares and explorers too. If you have banishers, the Vale is a breeze