Arcane Kensai

[Jay203]

Actually, if he is to drop anything, drop that second toughness feat. 1 feat for 20 HP when you will have over 400. Why oh why.

22

[Bunker]

22

hehehe

You know what I mean. Of course not to deter the OP from doing anything his way. There are a lot of players that take toughness multiple times. I could see doing so if the enhancements were counted each time with the feat, but for only 20 (err 22 :P) hp, there is always something better to take as a feat.

[AylinIsAwesome]

Oh my, lots of replies. Thanks all.

Is Mental Toughness just for the AA? If so I thought Bard Energy of the Music or whatever satisfied that requirement and it could save you a feat. Although you may want to save the AP...just tossing it out there. Good luck and report back!

Yes, Mental Toughness is pretty much just for AA. I'm not sure if I'll use any arrows yet besides Slaying once I get them (might switch between Slaying and Terror, depends...we'll see). Also having mana for Focusing chant seems to be a good idea (I've not yet been in epic quests myself, but I hear every +1 to attack helps in there. Also UMD).

Correct. Even though as mostly fighter, having all those feats. Dont' bother using 1 for mental toughness. Gain access to Arcane Archer via enhancements. You might think that you will run out of much needed sp for AA. Items will more then cover you on that. I would suggest not taking MT.

Also, why 2 bard?

Perhaps you're right about mana usage. If that's the case, I can always switch it out.

2 Bard is for two things: 1. More mana (we'll see if it's needed though) 2. The second level helps me even out UMD, so I can have it maxed at level 20.

I would drop dodge and mobility and pick up THF and ITHF for when you use the falchion, +1 AC (+5 when tumbling) really are not going to make a big difference on your defense.

I actually did drop Dodge and Mobility in the second version, for Skill Focus: UMD and Mental Toughness.

Actually, if he is to drop anything, drop that second toughness feat. 1 feat for 20 HP when you will have over 400. Why oh why.

Mostly I couldn't think of anything else to put there, so I was like, "what the hell, another Toughness!".

(Also I'm still a girl. )

22

It's all about those last 2 HP. They really make the difference, tehe.

hehehe

You know what I mean. Of course not to deter the OP from doing anything his way. There are a lot of players that take toughness multiple times. I could see doing so if the enhancements were counted each time with the feat, but for only 20 (err 22 :P) hp, there is always something better to take as a feat.

Would you suggest THF? Perhaps along with dropping Mental Toughness for ITHF?

The only reason I'm hesitant to do that though is I'm a little afraid that even with all the feats and enhancements specced towards ranged, I may find the falchion easier to use/better. :-\

Though I never did take the last version up past 6... (Got too busy to play for a bit, then found out what the new AA would be so I decided to reroll). So I don't know if ranged gets better with all the feats/enhancements, or worse with extra mob HP.


Also... A bit of a random question, I was browsing the Ranger forums the other day and saw a post for about a year ago stating that Ranger 20 (for Arcane Archer) was stronger than Kensai 3/Arcane Archer... Is it still the case, and if so, why?


Thanks!

[Bunker]

Would you suggest THF? Perhaps along with dropping Mental Toughness for ITHF?

The only reason I'm hesitant to do that though is I'm a little afraid that even with all the feats and enhancements specced towards ranged, I may find the falchion easier to use/better. :-\

Thanks!

I have a lvl 20 Kensei/AA, and I felt it was important to do something more then ranged attack. So for me, I chose to concentrate on Intimidate Skill as a secondary ability. Usually for those moments in Hound, or VoD, or anywhere else that a S/B intim is needed.

Perhaps there is something else you want to pursue with this build aside from ranged dps. Could be melee? Click on "Bunked" in my sig, that is my Ken/AA build, if you want to take a look.

[AylinIsAwesome]

I have a lvl 20 Kensei/AA, and I felt it was important to do something more then ranged attack. So for me, I chose to concentrate on Intimidate Skill as a secondary ability. Usually for those moments in Hound, or VoD, or anywhere else that a S/B intim is needed.

Perhaps there is something else you want to pursue with this build aside from ranged dps. Could be melee? Click on "Bunked" in my sig, that is my Ken/AA build, if you want to take a look.

That looks like a VERY nice build.


I didn't see is answered in that thread, so I'll ask here: are you able to tank bosses effectively in raids and epic quests? I'd very much like to know!

[Bunker]

That looks like a VERY nice build.


I didn't see is answered in that thread, so I'll ask here: are you able to tank bosses effectively in raids and epic quests? I'd very much like to know!

In raids I have no problem. I still have not crafted a GS item, and missing a few pieces of raid loot on Bunked. But currently can self buff my intimidate to 62.

As for epic content. I have been soooooo busy with my double TR wizard that I have not run epic content that much. I do know that my first attack with my AA/Kensei is right around +45 when buffed. Add on the ability to lower a mobs AC and I am just like all other melee when it comes to hitting an epic monster.

Of course there is still a difference between melee and ranged combat but as for fighting monsters in epic content, I do not foresee any issue.

[Ashiel_Dragmire]

As far as playing this, not so sure since I'm not too keen on using archery except to pull mobs, hit them from safe spots, or pass the time.

I would, however, love to see this in action. Fighting beside this could prove interesting, especially if its as good as that one Arcane Archer who kept schooling me in the Phoenix Tavern.

If you're ever on Cannith look me up, I'd like to see what this thing could do. Maybe seeing it will change my mind.

[Zub0]

Ranger 1/Bard 1/Fighter 18 is the build I found most optimal when creating an Arcane Archer Kensai.

I agree that mobility isn't very usable on it's own, but unfortunately it is required if you wish to grab Shot on the Run.

While Bard 2 helps on the umd skill it also removes a feat which to me means dropping either Improved critical or toughness or both the least and the lesser dragonmark of shadow.

[AylinIsAwesome]

If you're ever on Cannith look me up, I'd like to see what this thing could do. Maybe seeing it will change my mind.

I am on Cannith, though I haven't been working on my Arcane Archer for a while (instead I've been leveling my Paladin and Favoured Soul).

Mostly I just play it when I'm in the mood to solo though, use Archery to pull mobs, melee when Manyshot is off timer.

The final build I went with is here though: http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=230365

[lutherl]

My Kensai AA is proving to be fun again. Just hit AA/Kensai both (through some respeccing of Enhancements) last night and tromped through a dungeon just to see what was what.

I started levelling with Fighter, then Cleric, then Wizard (free Mental Toughness feat). He's now F6/C1/W1. Levels 6-8 were rough, to be honest.

I'm still last-minute debating on whether to take Longbow as my Kensai weapon or Long Sword. I mostly solo, though sometimes I have a (much) lower level cleric along when they can get online to play. I haven't chosen my Signature Weapon yet. My initial intent was to choose Longbow as my SW, but now I'm thinking Long Sword.

[SpaceJew]

Looking at my character sheet, I notice that Mental Toughness seems to be required in addition to the energy enhancement you get from either bard/sorc/etc. At least that's how I read it, if I'm wrong I need to reincarnate.

Additionally, I've had issues with my Kensai/AA not being able to purchase Imbue Force Burst arrows dispite having the prereq's. Don't know if it's just my character, or if it stems from an error in the Elven Arcane Archer. Just beware.


As far as ranged being weaker, I will concede that as a point. However, at level 20 a Kensai/AA can do upwards of 600+ points of damage on a nat 20. It can also crit from 16-20 with a silver bow for up to 120+ damage on the build I'm running now. I definately concede that Multishot is needed to close the gap, and it doesn't seem to last long enough for boss fights. It's no barbarian, no. Just food for thought.

[Visty]

My Kensai AA is proving to be fun again. Just hit AA/Kensai both (through some respeccing of Enhancements) last night and tromped through a dungeon just to see what was what.

I started levelling with Fighter, then Cleric, then Wizard (free Mental Toughness feat). He's now F6/C1/W1. Levels 6-8 were rough, to be honest.

I'm still last-minute debating on whether to take Longbow as my Kensai weapon or Long Sword. I mostly solo, though sometimes I have a (much) lower level cleric along when they can get online to play. I haven't chosen my Signature Weapon yet. My initial intent was to choose Longbow as my SW, but now I'm thinking Long Sword.

why waste a feat on mental toughness? take extend instead and just take the first sp enhancement from wizard

[sirdanile]

My build suggestion for a kensai AA? 18 fighter/1 bard/1 barbarian - that 10% run speed is HUUUGE for kiting, it's the difference between that rat gnawing your butt off or the troll connecting with it's last swing. Yes this does mean you have to use a couple feats to pick up bow str but it's not really that difficult for a fighter to have feats.

Also I support mental toughness, you need 50 mana to cast slayer arrow and you don't really get that much mana considering you could load grease which slows things down even if they save, make sure your first level is bard due to both skills and mana!

[SpaceJew]

Actually, I really like that Barbarian suggestion. I might end up taking my last level in Barb on mine. Never played a barb myself, but 10% extra run speed would be nice.

[Maldavenous]

18 Fighter/1 Rogue/1 Wizard

Gets you Intim and UMD as class skills with Rogue instead of Bard.

You also get 3.5 sneak attack damage per shot for having 1 Rogue.

Wizard means you get a class feat (metamagic or mental toughness).

18 Fighter is Kensai III.

[AylinIsAwesome]

Been a while since I checked my thread.

My build suggestion for a kensai AA? 18 fighter/1 bard/1 barbarian - that 10% run speed is HUUUGE for kiting, it's the difference between that rat gnawing your butt off or the troll connecting with it's last swing. Yes this does mean you have to use a couple feats to pick up bow str but it's not really that difficult for a fighter to have feats.

Also I support mental toughness, you need 50 mana to cast slayer arrow and you don't really get that much mana considering you could load grease which slows things down even if they save, make sure your first level is bard due to both skills and mana!

I made my concordant opposition item my SP item, so I have +300 SP from that (total ~400).

More than enough since it sometimes gives me some back.


Also I disagree with kiting in principle...it makes the rest of your group very, very mad at you.

18 Fighter/1 Rogue/1 Wizard

Gets you Intim and UMD as class skills with Rogue instead of Bard.

You also get 3.5 sneak attack damage per shot for having 1 Rogue.

Wizard means you get a class feat (metamagic or mental toughness).

18 Fighter is Kensai III.

Ranger gives you Favoured Enemy, which is +3 damage on every hit to that type of mob, which still applies against Fort.

That's one of the reasons I chose Ranger for mine in the end. (The other was that I really needed the extra feat.)