Advice on my ranger drow build

[RS-Makk]

Hi all

I need some advice.. I am gettting close to a 'crossroads' with my build.

My build is a drow ranger - level 5 character right now. I splashed rogue at level 1, and monk at level 4 (I got myself some Black Widow Bracers that I have the ingredients to get another 1 AC from if I figure out how to use the Stone of Change, and an item that increased Wisdom + 1, as well as a +1 tome for Wisdom, so even at a low level I am getting better AC out of the monk level than if I didnt have it).

My stats are sitting at (bought tomes from DDO store)

STR 17 (15 base, +1 tome, +1 level)
DEX 19 (15 base, +1 tome, +2 enhancements, + 1 item)
CON 14 (12 base, +1 tome, +1 item)
INT 14 (13 base, + 1 tome)
WIS 16 (14 base, + 1 tome, + 1 item)
CHA 10 (10 base)

So my big question is - should I continue to put level up points into strength and go for a STR based build, or should I switch it up and load up DEX, pick up Finesse, and go for a DEX based build?

If I go DEX based, is CE still worth taking at some point?

[Goldeneye]

Finesse vs STR for you essentilly comes down to AC vs. Damage, and ability to use more then just light weapons. Personally, all my builds are STR based, but its whatever flavor you want.

btw, what is your con?

[RS-Makk]

Ah - I knew I forgot something (editing up top). Con is 14 (12 base, +1 tome, +1 item)

[Averla]

In the end - because you went Drow:

STR BASED:
STR 15 becomes 32 (+3 Tome +5 LevelUps + 6 Item + 1 Exceptional +2 Rams Might)
DEX 15 becomes 30 (+3 Tome +5 Enhancements + 6 Item + 1 Exceptional)

DEX BASED:
STR 15 becomes 27 (+3 Tome + 6 Item + 1 Exceptional +2 Rams Might)
DEX 15 becomes 35 (+3 Tome +5 LevelUps +5 Enhancements + 6 Item + 1 Exceptional)


Ignoring the odd vs even stats (don't factor that into your decision - seriously), you are comparing a boost to AC and dexterity based ToHit vs a boost to DMG.

IMO, because your 32 STR will be quite fine for ToHit at end game, unless you really need the AC, go with the damage, go with STR.

As a side note, the other advantage to going STR is that you save a feat (finesse), and you are more effective with a broader list of weapons.

.