Revisiting paths: Builds for new players

[Cowbringer]

I just wanted to know if the Tempest Ranger build is actually very good and useful or is it for like, beginners then I create my own or search for a more advanced one?

I'm not such a beginner at DnD, but am a little in DDO. So I'd be glad to have a hand to help me with my questions.

[karl_k0ch]

I just wanted to know if the Tempest Ranger build is actually very good and useful or is it for like, beginners then I create my own or search for a more advanced one?

I'm not such a beginner at DnD, but am a little in DDO. So I'd be glad to have a hand to help me with my questions.

It's a fine new player friendly build.

The 20th level of ranger does not add too much for melee focused rangers, nor does the 19th, so you have lots of options for the 2 other levels. Rogue is a natural choice since it unlocks Trap skills and most notably UMD, where Rangers get a huge amount of skill points, and even have mutual class skills with rogues (Spot, Search). The build in here does not take the trap skills, and the Wis is higher than it would be for an 'advanced' build.

A second Rogue level is not needed since Evasion is granted to a lvl 9 ranger anyway.
This leaves room for another class to splash. Fighter is a solid choice for the extra feat and the HP, but so is Monk.

Other variants of a 18/1/1 build can be found here and here. The latter link is a pretty popular build, but it requires Monk class, 32pt characters and also tomes to work optimally.

But if you are not satisfied with these, there is nothing wrong with making your own build and posting it for discussion.

[tihocan]

I just wanted to know if the Tempest Ranger build is actually very good and useful or is it for like, beginners then I create my own or search for a more advanced one?

I'm not such a beginner at DnD, but am a little in DDO. So I'd be glad to have a hand to help me with my questions.

It's not a throw-away build if that's your question. The goal of this thread is precisely to provide builds that new players can level from 1 to 20 and keep. They are usually not fully optimized like a vet could build them (taking full advantage of tomes, 32 to 36 pt builds, gear they already have, etc.) but they are meant to remain good builds at cap.

[Lerl]

I have rolled/reincarnated several of these builds. I have much more fun and the alts aren't as squishy as my originals. I would like to say thank you for taking the time to create the builds. For me, the difference between the first alts and these builds is night and day. I have pretty much soloed Tangleroot on the Dark Blade build (Elf). Wow.

[tihocan]

This is the character generator output for the Flame of Justice build (Human 28 pt version). Thanks to Alektronic for sending it to me!

Note: the +1 Cha tome is to qualify for Divine Might III. It should be easy enough to afford at L14, but you can also wait until later if you are still broke.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Flame of Justice
Level 20 Lawful Good Human Male
(20 Paladin) 
Hit Points: 322
Spell Points: 275 
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 21
Reflex: 12
Will: 13

                  Starting            Ending          
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats        
(28 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)        
Strength             16                 20            
Dexterity             8                  8            
Constitution         14                 14            
Intelligence          8                  8            
Wisdom               10                 10            
Charisma             16                 18            

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Charisma used at level 14

                  Starting            Ending          
                 Base Skills        Base Skills       
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 20)        
Balance               0                 10            
Bluff                 3                  4            
Concentration         2                  2            
Diplomacy             3                  4            
Disable Device       n/a               n/a            
Haggle                3                  4            
Heal                  0                  0            
Hide                 -1                 -1            
Intimidate            3                  4            
Jump                  3                  5            
Listen                0                  0            
Move Silently        -1                 -1            
Open Lock            n/a               n/a            
Perform               n/a               n/a           
Repair               -1                 -1            
Search               -1                 -1            
Spot                  0                  0            
Swim                  3                  5            
Tumble                0                  0            
Use Magic Device      5                 15            

Level 1 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Human Bonus) Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Follower of the Sovereign Host
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil I
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness I


Level 2 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Paladin Charisma I


Level 3 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Paladin Courage of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Resistance of Good I
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Lay on Hands I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I


Level 4 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil II
Enhancement: Paladin Energy of the Templar I


Level 5 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Strength I
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Sacrifice I
Enhancement: Paladin Toughness II


Level 6 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell
Enhancement: Paladin Knight of the Chalice I


Level 7 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Enhancement: Paladin Exalted Smite I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Might I


Level 8 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Enhancement: Paladin Devotion I
Enhancement: Paladin Devotion II


Level 9 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Paladin Redemption I


Level 10 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Enhancement: Paladin Exalted Smite II
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil III


Level 11 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Enhancement: Paladin Courage of Good II
Enhancement: Paladin Energy of the Templar II


Level 12 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Paladin Knight of the Chalice II


Level 13 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Enhancement: Paladin Item Defense I
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Righteousness I
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Sacrifice II
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Might II


Level 14 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Smite Evil IV


Level 15 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Human Versatility I
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Might III


Level 16 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Enhancement: Paladin Resistance of Good II
Enhancement: Paladin Extra Lay on Hands II


Level 17 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Enhancement: Unyielding Sovereignty


Level 18 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Use Magic Device
Enhancement: Paladin Knight of the Chalice III


Level 19 (Paladin)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+0.5)
Enhancement: Paladin Divine Sacrifice III


Level 20 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+1)
Enhancement: Paladin Weapons of Good
Enhancement: Paladin Exalted Smite III

[FlyingTurtle]

OMG this awesome thread was moved off the noob forum. I call shenanigans.

[tihocan]

OMG this awesome thread was moved off the noob forum. I call shenanigans.

My first reaction is that it's indeed a bad idea, because new players won't easily find it anymore.
I'll ask Tolero to look into it.

[Irinis]

Agreed this should definitely be more readily visible to new players. At least your guide got a sticky though. Mine's lost on page 3 of the "specialist" forums despite people linking it in their sigs, asking for it to be stickied, etc. We see the same questions over and over, gets frustrating.

[Lerl]

As there are going to be several new PrE's coming in the next update, do you have any plans to update your current builds? Is it on your to-do list?

[tihocan]

As there are going to be several new PrE's coming in the next update, do you have any plans to update your current builds? Is it on your to-do list?

Yes.
Sadly, my to-do list is still growing faster than I manage to shrink it, but maybe after I cap this character (and before I start another TR) progress will be more significant

[Lerl]

Thanks. I really like your builds, and am also really looking forward to your take on the upcoming PrE's. It is great to have alts that are fun to play.

[tihocan]

This is the character generator output for the Font of Healing Cleric build (Human 28 pt version). Thanks to Alektronic for sending it to me!

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Font of Healing
Level 20 True Neutral Human Male
(20 Cleric) 
Hit Points: 284
Spell Points: 1592 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 14
Reflex: 5
Will: 20

                  Starting            Ending          
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats        
(28 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)        
Strength             10                 10            
Dexterity             8                  8            
Constitution         14                 14            
Intelligence          8                  8            
Wisdom               18                 23            
Charisma             12                 12            

                  Starting            Ending          
                 Base Skills        Base Skills       
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 20)        
Balance               0                  9            
Bluff                 1                  1            
Concentration         6                 25            
Diplomacy             1                  1            
Disable Device       n/a               n/a            
Haggle                1                  1            
Heal                  4                  9            
Hide                 -1                 -1            
Intimidate            1                  1            
Jump                  0                  0            
Listen                4                  8            
Move Silently        -1                 -1            
Open Lock            n/a               n/a            
Perform               n/a               n/a           
Repair               -1                 -1            
Search               -1                 -1            
Spot                  4                  8            
Swim                  0                  0            
Tumble                0                  0            
Use Magic Device      n/a               n/a           

Level 1 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Feat: (Human Bonus) Mental Toughness
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Follower of the Sovereign Host
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic I
Enhancement: Cleric Divine Vitality I


Level 2 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Improved Heal I
Enhancement: Cleric Energy of the Zealot I
Enhancement: Cleric Extra Turning I
Enhancement: Cleric Wand and Scroll Mastery I


Level 3 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Life I
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom I


Level 4 (Cleric)
Ability Raise: WIS
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic II


Level 5 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Improved Heal II
Enhancement: Cleric Energy of the Zealot II
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Turning I


Level 6 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell
Enhancement: Cleric Radiant Servant I


Level 7 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Empower Healing I
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Life II


Level 8 (Cleric)
Ability Raise: WIS
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Incredible Life I
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic III


Level 9 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Quicken Spell
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Cleric Wand and Scroll Mastery II


Level 10 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Wisdom I
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Spell Penetration I


Level 11 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Unyielding Sovereignty


Level 12 (Cleric)
Ability Raise: WIS
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell
Enhancement: Cleric Radiant Servant II
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Incredible Life II


Level 13 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom II


Level 14 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic IV


Level 15 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Spell Penetration
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Life III


Level 16 (Cleric)
Ability Raise: WIS
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Incredible Life III
Enhancement: Cleric Divine Vitality II


Level 17 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Spell Penetration II


Level 18 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Spell Penetration
Enhancement: Cleric Wand and Scroll Mastery III


Level 19 (Cleric)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Enhancement: Cleric Divine Vitality III


Level 20 (Cleric)
Ability Raise: WIS
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Enhancement: Cleric Divine Intervention
Enhancement: Cleric Wand and Scroll Mastery IV

[lowfuel1]

Tempest (L18 Ranger/L1 Rogue/L1 Fighter)

Concept: High damage dealer with decent survivability and self-sufficiency, focused on dual wielding weapons, but able to pull out a bow when needed.
Original path's flaws: Some weapon feats are messed up (e.g. Elves are given Improved Crit: Slash and Weapon Focus: Pierce, Humans are given Khopesh proficiency but Improved Critial and Weapon Focus in Piercing weapons).
Main fixes: Revised combat feats, also splashed Rogue and Figther for UMD and an extra feat.

Multi-class progression <- click for more info: Create your character as Rogue, then take levels 2 to 5 as Ranger, level 6 as Fighter, and 7 to 20 as Ranger.
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral, Chaotic Good, Neutral, Neutral Good, Lawful Neutral, Lawful Good

Stats and Race (28/32 pt):
........Drow.....Dwarf......Elf.....Halfling...Human...Warforged.
.Str.....16......16/17.....16/17.....15/16.....16/17.....16/17...
.Dex.....16........14........16........16........14........14....
.Con.....14........18........14........14........16........17....
.Int.....10........8.........8.........8.........8.........8.....
.Wis.....10......10/11.....10/11.......11......10/11.....10/11...
.Cha.....10........6.........8........8/9........8.........6.....

Ability increase every 4 levels: All in Str.

Skills (except Human and Drow): At L1, max out Balance, UMD, Concentration, Spot, Tumble, Jump, Open Locks. On next levels max out UMD, Open Locks and Spot (make Open Locks absorb the skill points lost by the Fighter level, so that eventually Open Locks should be -2 compared to the max score you could reach).
Skills (Human and Drow): Same, but at L1 you can dump extra points into Haggle, and on next levels spend your extra skill point into Balance (except at the Fighter level and the three levels after, where you should use this skill point to catch up on UMD, Open Locks and Spot to max them out).

Feats (by level), except Human: Toughness (1), Favored Enemy: Undead (2), Dodge (3), Mobility (6), Spring Attack (6), Favored Enemy: Construct (7), Improved Crit: Slash (9), Power Attack (12), Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider (12), Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Khopesh (15), Favored Enemy: Elemental (17), Oversized Two-Weapon Fighting (18)
Feats (by level), Human: Dodge (1), Toughness (1), Favored Enemy: Undead (2), Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Khopesh (3), Mobility (6), Spring Attack (6), Favored Enemy: Construct (7), Improved Crit: Slash (9), Power Attack (12), Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider (12), Oversized Two-Weapon Fighting (15), Favored Enemy: Elemental (17), Skill Focus: UMD (18)

For more information about picking enhancements please read this post.
Enhancements (Fighter): Attack Boost I (except on Human), Toughness I
Enhancements (Ranger): Devotion II, Dexterity II, Energy Resistance Boost I, Favored Attack I, Favored Damage II, Favored Resistance I, Skill Boost III (except on Human), Sprint Boost I, Tempest III
Enhancements (Rogue): Haste Boost I, Sneak Attack Training I
Enhancements (Drow): Enchantment Resistance I, Racial Toughness II
Enhancements (Dwarf): Constitution I, Racial Toughness II, Spell Defense II
Enhancements (Elf): Enchantment Resistance I, Racial Toughness II, Ranged Attack I, Ranged Damage I
Enhancements (Halfling): Cunning I, Guile II, Hero's Companion III, Luck (Fortitude) I, Luck (Reflex) II, Luck (Will) I, Racial Toughness II
Enhancements (Human): Adaptability Strength I, Improved Recovery I, Racial Toughness II, Versatility III
Enhancements (Warforged): Constitution I, Construct Thinking I, Hardiness I, Healer's Friend II, Racial Toughness II

Soloability by level:
No hireling..: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
With hireling: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Tips:
- You may start dual-wielding weapons at L3. Before you obtain Khopesh proficiency (i.e. before L3 for Human and before L15 for others), your ideal main-hand weapon will be a scimitar (or a Dwarven Axe on a Dwarf if you invest on the axe enhancements - remember to get rid of them once you start using Khopeshes). In the off-hand, start by using a light weapon (ideally a kukri, or possibly a race-favored weapon if you pick enhancements for it). Once you see you are almost never missing anymore (or once you take the Oversized Two-Weapon Fighting feat), switch to a weapon similar to your main hand for better damage output (ultimately, you should be dual-wielding Khopeshes).
- Good khopeshes can be difficult to find (this is a reason why except on the Human version, the proficiency feat is taken rather late). But once you reach L15 you can start looking into crafting to make your own.
- Remember that you need a Wis of at least (10 + spell level) to cast a spell. You can use items, enhancements, tomes and the Owl's Wisdom spell to meet this requirement.
- You may start casting spells at L5, but will receive very few base spell points to do so. Use items giving bonus spell points ('of Power', 'of Wizardry') and increase your Wis (for bonus spell points) so as to get a larger spell point pool. You can also temporarily pick the Energy of the Wild Ranger enhancement to boost your spell points at early levels.
- Once you get Evasion at L11, make sure you are using light (or no) armor as otherwise Evasion will not work.
- This build has the potential to reach useful UMD, but it will take a while (and some gear) before it really makes a difference.
- Rangers get archery feats for free. Even without being a bow specialist, starting at L8 you will be able to deal meaningful damage from range while Manyshot is active (drag it somewhere on a hotbar!).
- Remember you can open locks, so carry thieves tools and try to get your hands on an item boosting this skill.
- You may start using healing wands at L2, even if you are not able to cast any spell yet.

Variants:
- It is possible to go Dex-based instead of Str-based, in which case dual-wielding rapiers would be your best weapon choice. It requires Weapon Finesse (taken at L3, so that a non Human would delay Toughness to L15, taking Dodge at L1), and gives better AC/reflex saves/ranged to-hit, at the cost of reduced damage output.
- With slight modifications, this build can be able to handle traps as well. Increase Int to 14 (12 on a human), so as to be able to max out Disable Device, Search, Open Locks, UMD and Spot (give up a few points in Open Locks to compensate for the loss of skill points on the Fighter level). 32 pt build, Drow and/or going Dex-based will make this easier to achieve. On a Human, you may want to keep the Ranger Skill Boost, in order to avoid running out of boosts when facing difficult traps.
- Instead of going for traps, +4 to Int (obtained by 32 pt build or by taking down Con/Wis slightly) can let you max out the Hide and Move Silently skills, if you enjoy sneaking (which can mostly be useful in solo play).
- The so-called "exploiter" build consists in replacing the Fighter level with a Monk level, the goal being to reach higher AC. For such a build it makes most sense to be Dex-based, and ideally to add Combat Expertise in order to be able to reach really high AC. Wisdom should be increased to at least 14, at the expense of Str, and Int should also be boosted so you can qualify for the 13 Int requirement for Combat Expertise (access to 32 pt build and Int tome will help with that). Also, remember than Monk requires being Lawful.
- Even if you do not care about AC, replacing Fighter with Monk can be a reasonable choice: you gain +2 Reflex and Will saves, at the cost of 1 BAB and 10 HPs.
- Races who get bonuses with specific weapons through enhancements (Dwarf, Elf and Drow) may use these weapons instead of Khopeshes without incurring too much of a DPS loss. Khopesh may then be replaced by Skill Focus: UMD, or one may choose to go for either a pure Ranger or a Ranger 19/Rogue 1 build instead (both are also very good options). Remember to swap feats for Slashing weapons by similar feats for Piercing weapons when using Rapiers.
- If you already have good Khopeshes to use at L12 on a non Human, feel free to swap Power Attack and Khopesh proficiency.
- Other potentially useful Favored Enemies include Aberration (useful from mid to high level), Giant (low-mid to high level), and Goblinoid (low to mid level). In the current state of the game, the most important Favored Enemy to get in the long term is Evil Outsider.

Color code: best to worst = green, yellow, orange, red

ok, so I am running this build and just leveled up to ranger 2 (1 rogue/2 ranger) and received the two weapon feat. Because I am using a 32 point build, I have a starting dex of 14 with an enchantment bonus of 1 giving 15 dex (also usually have airship buff of 1 more for total of 16) and the feat description shows a red warning which I think means I do not get the benefit of the feat. The warning says minimum Dex of 15 is required. In the build I don't see anything about increasing the Dex to 15, is this a flaw in the build?

Also, it appears that the build does not allow enough Wisdom to cast ranger spells later, is this intentional?

[Ikeas]

Rangers do not need to have DEX 15+ to have the two weapon fighting feat chain, also, a WIS of 10 is enough, because most of the ranger's spells don't need a high DC to resist (if any), and WIS 14, the maximum you will need to cast ranger spells, is easy to achieve with magic items.

[lowfuel1]

Rangers do not need to have DEX 15+ to have the two weapon fighting feat chain, also, a WIS of 10 is enough, because most of the ranger's spells don't need a high DC to resist (if any), and WIS 14, the maximum you will need to cast ranger spells, is easy to achieve with magic items.

so why have in red that it requires Dex 15 (especially since I have a Dex 15 with a magic item)?

[Brennie]

so why have in red that it requires Dex 15 (especially since I have a Dex 15 with a magic item)?

In order to take the Two Weapon Fighting feat as an actual feat (Rather than a class ability, like for Rangers) you MUST have 15 *base* Dex. However, as a class ability, Rangers get TWF, ITWF and GTWF for free, regardless of their current dex. the reason it is in red is because the feat itself is exactly the same, and the red line is meant to warn people trying to acquire the feat that they may not meet the dexterity requirements.

Long story short - Any feats you gain from as a class feature have no stat requirements. The same holds true for the free Ranged feats Rangers get. EDIT: Also, rangers cannot lose access to their Two Weapon Fighting or Archery feats due to their stats or even armor worn. Medium or Heavy armor still restricts Evasion, though.

Side note: Only base stats can be used to qualify for feats. Base stats include starting stats, level up points, and tomes only. Enhancements, items, spells, stances, abilities and other reversible/temporary stat increases do not help you qualify for feats.

[lowfuel1]

In order to take the Two Weapon Fighting feat as an actual feat (Rather than a class ability, like for Rangers) you MUST have 15 *base* Dex. However, as a class ability, Rangers get TWF, ITWF and GTWF for free, regardless of their current dex. the reason it is in red is because the feat itself is exactly the same, and the red line is meant to warn people trying to acquire the feat that they may not meet the dexterity requirements.

Long story short - Any feats you gain from as a class feature have no stat requirements. The same holds true for the free Ranged feats Rangers get. EDIT: Also, rangers cannot lose access to their Two Weapon Fighting or Archery feats due to their stats or even armor worn. Medium or Heavy armor still restricts Evasion, though.

Side note: Only base stats can be used to qualify for feats. Base stats include starting stats, level up points, and tomes only. Enhancements, items, spells, stances, abilities and other reversible/temporary stat increases do not help you qualify for feats.

Thanks, after thinking about it some more I figured something like this would be the answer. Everything about the build seems very well thought out and planned so I knew something like that either did not effect the build or had changed after the build was designed.

[tihocan]

Others answered your feat question appropriately (thanks guys), I'll just point out to the answer for the Wis, which is in the "Tips" section of the build:

- Remember that you need a Wis of at least (10 + spell level) to cast a spell. You can use items, enhancements, tomes and the Owl's Wisdom spell to meet this requirement.

[tihocan]

This is the character generator output for the Savage of the Wild Barbarian build (Dwarf 28 pt version). Thanks to Alektronic for sending it to me!

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Savage of the Wild
Level 20 Neutral Good Dwarf Male
(20 Barbarian) 
Hit Points: 340
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 16
Reflex: 6
Will: 6

                  Starting            Ending          
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats        
(28 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)        
Strength             18                 23            
Dexterity            10                 10            
Constitution         17                 17            
Intelligence          8                  8            
Wisdom               10                 10            
Charisma              6                  6            

                  Starting            Ending          
                 Base Skills        Base Skills       
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 20)        
Balance               2                 11            
Bluff                -2                 -2            
Concentration         3                  4            
Diplomacy            -2                 -2            
Disable Device       n/a               n/a            
Haggle               -2                 -2            
Heal                  0                  0            
Hide                  0                  0            
Intimidate            2                 21            
Jump                  6                 29            
Listen                0                  0            
Move Silently         0                  0            
Open Lock             n/a               n/a           
Perform              n/a               n/a            
Repair               -1                 -1            
Search               -1                 -1            
Spot                  0                  0            
Swim                  4                  7            
Tumble                1                  1            
Use Magic Device     n/a               n/a            

Level 1 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Intimidate (+4)
Skill: Jump (+2)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Barbarian Damage Boost I
Enhancement: Barbarian Sprint Boost I
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage I


Level 2 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Barbarian Extend Rage I
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense I
Enhancement: Dwarven Tactics I


Level 3 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Barbarian Improved Damage Reduction I
Enhancement: Barbarian Power Attack I
Enhancement: Barbarian Power Rage I


Level 4 (Barbarian)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution I
Enhancement: Barbarian Constitution I


Level 5 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Barbarian Damage Boost II
Enhancement: Barbarian Extend Rage II


Level 6 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Cleave
Enhancement: Barbarian Frenzied Berserker I


Level 7 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Barbarian Power Attack II
Enhancement: Barbarian Power Rage II


Level 8 (Barbarian)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Barbarian Extra Rage I
Enhancement: Barbarian Hardy Rage I
Enhancement: Barbarian Hardy Rage II


Level 9 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack I
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense II


Level 10 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Barbarian Extend Rage III
Enhancement: Barbarian Item Defense I


Level 11 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Barbarian Damage Boost III
Enhancement: Barbarian Improved Trap Sense I


Level 12 (Barbarian)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Barbarian Frenzied Berserker II
Enhancement: Barbarian Improved Trap Sense II


Level 13 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Barbarian Power Rage III


Level 14 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Barbarian Extra Rage II
Enhancement: Barbarian Power Attack III


Level 15 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack II


Level 16 (Barbarian)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage II


Level 17 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Barbarian Damage Boost IV


Level 18 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Stunning Blow
Enhancement: Barbarian Frenzied Berserker III


Level 19 (Barbarian)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Barbarian Power Rage IV


Level 20 (Barbarian)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Intimidate (+1)
Skill: Jump (+2)
Enhancement: Barbarian Might
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense III
Enhancement: Improved Intimidate I

[tihocan]

This is the character generator output for the Vanguard Warrior Fighter build (Dwarf 28 pt version). Thanks to Alektronic for sending it to me!

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Vanguard Warrior
Level 20 Neutral Good Dwarf Male
(20 Fighter) 
Hit Points: 382
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 17
Reflex: 9
Will: 9

                  Starting            Ending          
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats        
(28 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)        
Strength             18                 23            
Dexterity            10                 10            
Constitution         17                 17            
Intelligence          8                  8            
Wisdom               10                 10            
Charisma              6                  6            

                  Starting            Ending          
                 Base Skills        Base Skills       
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 20)        
Balance               1                 10            
Bluff                -2                 -2            
Concentration         3                  4            
Diplomacy            -2                 -2            
Disable Device       n/a               n/a            
Haggle               -2                 -2            
Heal                  0                  0            
Hide                  0                  0            
Intimidate           -2                 -2            
Jump                  4                  8            
Listen                0                  0            
Move Silently         0                  0            
Open Lock             n/a               n/a           
Perform              n/a               n/a            
Repair               -1                 -1            
Search               -1                 -1            
Spot                  0                  0            
Swim                  4                  7            
Tumble                1                  1            
Use Magic Device     n/a               n/a            

Level 1 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 2 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage I
Enhancement: Dwarven Tactics I


Level 3 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II


Level 5 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II


Level 6 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Handed Fighting
Feat: (Selected) Stunning Blow
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I


Level 7 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Enhancement: Kensei Greataxe Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Stunning Blow) I
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Stunning Blow) II


Level 8 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense II
Enhancement: Fighter Greataxe Specialization I


Level 9 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Iron Will
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage II


Level 10 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II


Level 11 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost III


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Handed Fighting
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense III
Enhancement: Kensei Greataxe Mastery II
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei II


Level 13 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II


Level 14 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Cleave
Enhancement: Racial Toughness III


Level 15 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Feat: (Selected) Lightning Reflexes
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Superior Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy III
Enhancement: Fighter Greataxe Specialization II


Level 17 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost III


Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Great Cleave
Feat: (Selected) Luck of Heroes
Enhancement: Kensei Greataxe Mastery III
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei III


Level 19 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Enhancement: Fighter Extra Action Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost IV
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Quick Draw
Enhancement: Fighter Weapon Alacrity
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack I