18/2 Tempest/Trap Drow Rapier TWF that anyone can build

[DethTrip]

*Edited* 4/27/10 at 10:17 est. to swap favored enemies around.

My f2p friend (has drow unlocked [400 favor]) wanted a strong TWF that is excellent at traps as well. After a lot of work I came up with this build.

Wisdom is dumped early but later a +6 wisdom item will give you 14 which will let you cast the highest Ranger spells. UMD is maxed every level. You will be able to use healing wands which help a lot. Also, a +1 str tome added will give an even 22 strength at lvl20. I like this build. Let me know what you all think. Thanks.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.34
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Drow Rapier 18/2 Rng/Rog TWF
Level 20 Lawful Good Drow Male
(2 Rogue \ 18 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 258
Spell Points: 238 
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 13
Reflex: 17
Will: 5

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             16                    21
Dexterity            14                    16
Constitution         14                    14
Intelligence         14                    14
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma             10                    10

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               6                    10
Bluff                 0                     0
Concentration         2                     2
Diplomacy             0                     0
Disable Device        6                    26
Haggle                3                     3
Heal                 -1                    -1
Hide                  6                     7
Intimidate            0                     0
Jump                  7                    11
Listen               -1                     1
Move Silently         6                     7
Open Lock             6                    27
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                2                     2
Search                6                    30
Spot                  3                    29
Swim                  3                     5
Tumble                3                     4
Use Magic Device      4                    23

Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Disable Device (+4)
Skill: Haggle (+3)
Skill: Hide (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Move Silently (+4)
Skill: Open Lock (+4)
Skill: Search (+4)
Skill: Spot (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training I
Enhancement: Rogue Disable Device I
Enhancement: Rogue Search I
Enhancement: Rogue Improved Trap Sense I


Level 2 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Enhancement: Improved Spell Resistance I
Enhancement: Elven Keen Eyes I
Enhancement: Rogue Open Lock I
Enhancement: Ranger Spot I


Level 3 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge
Enhancement: Elven Perception I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I


Level 4 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+3)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Jump (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Swamp Lore I
Enhancement: Ranger Desert Lore I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Defense I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Resistance I


Level 5 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Drow Melee Attack I
Enhancement: Drow Melee Damage I


Level 6 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Mobility
Enhancement: Ranger Tundra Lore I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild I


Level 7 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Elemental
Enhancement: Improved Spell Resistance II
Enhancement: Elven Enchantment Resistance I


Level 8 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Drow Melee Damage II


Level 9 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Spring Attack
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I


Level 10 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Improved Spell Resistance III
Enhancement: Elven Enchantment Resistance II


Level 11 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II


Level 12 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Giant
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons
Enhancement: Elven Keen Eyes II
Enhancement: Ranger Spot II


Level 13 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Drow Melee Attack II


Level 14 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Elven Perception II
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest II


Level 15 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Improved Spell Resistance IV


Level 16 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Elven Enchantment Resistance III


Level 17 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
Enhancement: Ranger Desert Lore II
Enhancement: Ranger Desert Lore III


Level 18 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Ranger Tundra Lore II
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild II


Level 19 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild III


Level 20 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest III
Enhancement: Ranger Spot III

[canacorn]

the second rogue level does very very little for this build. i would consider a monk or fighter level for the extra feat instead.

[Yaga_Nub]

It's just me but spending the extra points to get Con 14 isn't worth it. Spend those 4 build points to get your Wis to 12. IMHO Wis in not a dump stat to Rangers at least not enough to leave it at 8. Take the toughness feat and the Racial toughness enhancements and you'll do fine on HP.

On another note, don't take the second level of Rogue until much later. Rangers and rogues share enough skills that you shouldn't spend more than 1 skill point on UMD per level and then around level 12, when UMD starts to actually be useful, you can take your second level of rogue and max UMD (for your level) then.

[DethTrip]

the second rogue level does very very little for this build. i would consider a monk or fighter level for the extra feat instead.

It adds +3 to UMD +3 balance and +2 jump. All useful skills without a loss of tempest III. Plus you get evasion at an earlier level to help with being a trap monkey. The person running this build views trap ability as #1.

It's just me but spending the extra points to get Con 14 isn't worth it. Spend those 4 build points to get your Wis to 12. IMHO Wis in not a dump stat to Rangers at least not enough to leave it at 8. Take the toughness feat and the Racial toughness enhancements and you'll do fine on HP.

On another note, don't take the second level of Rogue until much later. Rangers and rogues share enough skills that you shouldn't spend more than 1 skill point on UMD per level and then around level 12, when UMD starts to actually be useful, you can take your second level of rogue and max UMD (for your level) then.

I like the extra constitution better because hp are low as it is. I did add the toughness feat and racial toughness as well. This build is intended to do melee. With a +3 wisdom item you can cast lower lvl ranger spells. As you level and get higher spells, then you get a higher wisdom item. A +2 tome could be used as well as early as lvl7 which would be lvl5 ranger. Taking the rogue earlier gives evasion earlier which helps with being a trap monkey which is first priority of the player wanting to play this. Thanks for your input though.

[ArichValtrahn]

I like the extra constitution better because hp are low as it is.

Absolutely go with the CON. HPs are rough for a Ranger and this guy is supposed to be in melee range, so he needs the health.

[Yaga_Nub]

Absolutely go with the CON. HPs are rough for a Ranger and this guy is supposed to be in melee range, so he needs the health.

Bah I have a 10 CON character that is a similar build and you either learn how to UMD Heal scrolls or make sure to have a competent healer in the group. Rangers can really relieve some burden on the other casters by having enough mana to pass out resists, barkskin, jump, and FoM to the whole party.

[ArichValtrahn]

Bah I have a 10 CON character that is a similar build and you either learn how to UMD Heal scrolls or make sure to have a competent healer in the group. Rangers can really relieve some burden on the other casters by having enough mana to pass out resists, barkskin, jump, and FoM to the whole party.

Interesting. I cant say I have ever had time to UMD heal scrolls while meleeing in Shroud, VOD, etc.

[unbongwah]

I agree that a monk or fighter splash would get you more in the long run than rogue 2, but I understand the siren call of getting Evasion early all too well. :-) Your friend could always do an LR +1 after he hits ranger 9 so he could swap that rogue level for something else.

I might be tempted to go with lower CON to get higher DEX & INT, since it seems a shame not to get at least one of your drow stats past 14. And I would swap FE Reptilian & Monstrous for, say, Giant and Elemental. But overall it looks like a solid Tempest trapmonkey to me.

[DethTrip]

I agree that a monk or fighter splash would get you more in the long run than rogue 2, but I understand the siren call of getting Evasion early all too well. :-) Your friend could always do an LR +1 after he hits ranger 9 so he could swap that rogue level for something else.

I might be tempted to go with lower CON to get higher DEX & INT, since it seems a shame not to get at least one of your drow stats past 14. And I would swap FE Reptilian & Monstrous for, say, Giant and Elemental. But overall it looks like a solid Tempest trapmonkey to me.

Ya, he doesn't have the monk option and with all the class granted twf feats from ranger. I feel the necessary feats are all there. Giant and Elemental are a good idea. I was thinking at low lvls it is nice to do extra to kobalds but later in the game giant and ele would be much better. I will update that.

[Yaga_Nub]

Interesting. I cant say I have ever had time to UMD heal scrolls while meleeing in Shroud, VOD, etc.

Just have to be quick. When you like to solo, it's a skill you have to pick up quickly at all levels. Sure it cuts the DPS by a fraction but being alive gives more DPS overall than being dead.

[ArichValtrahn]

being alive gives more DPS overall than being dead.

Thats the same reasoning Id give for taking more CON. And it doesnt cut your DPS. And with +SP items you can still buff everyone.

But to each their own.

[EazyWeazy]

I did something very similar for a friend that didn't have 32 point unlocked yet. I essentially adapted the Exploiter ranger build 18/1/1 Ranger/Rogue/Monk to be a Rapier wielding Drow.

I don't have the build specs here right now, but will try to find them when I get home. You take Rogue at level 1, Ranger 2-11, Monk at 12, then Ranger 13-20 is how the progression went, IIRC.

The good news here is you can wait until level 12 to take monk which means you have that long to unlock the class.

I would strongly suggest the monk splash and not making Wis the dump stat. The benefits here greatly overshadow the 2nd level of Rogue. You end up with less lock picking with this build, but UMD, search, and DD are all maxed. He did end up with a +2 INT tome and is now putting that extra skill point into open lock.

[Yaga_Nub]

One other thing, just remind your friend that rapiers are more expensive on the AH so he'll definitely want to save PP when he can. The drow melee enhancements work for shortswords as well so he shouldn't hesitate to use good ones until he can find a rapier to replace the SS.

[Yaga_Nub]

Thats the same reasoning Id give for taking more CON. And it doesnt cut your DPS. And with +SP items you can still buff everyone.

But to each their own.

That +2 Con at level 20 is only 20 more HP and that's just not worth 4 build points. If this was a TR character and you have the build points to burn ok, but if it's a new character it's not worth it. If you're really worried about HP make sure to get yourself a Minos, a HP GS item and a GFL item.

[Mangloid]

Here's a build using the 18 ranger 1 rogue 1 fighter. It has 12 con instead of your 14 but comes with in 6 hp of your final build. Taking those build points i upped wisdom to allow for a newer player not having tomes or great items yet and thus not NEEDing to use a tome or wear an item to cast their spells. I also pumped cha a little for tiny umph for UMD. I also went the dex finesse route intead of str. I think with Drow there's better synergy by going dex. You'll achieve a much higher to hit and it helps take advantage of the ranger and drow enhancements available.

I know you wanted Evasion earlier for your friend but it causes him to have to wait for the nice tempest dps increase. Also at lower levels there's almost always a way around traps or a way to get to the box wthout having to run through the trap. This one will give you evasion for Gianthold and when you really do need the evasion. Taking the 1 fighter level allows for the build to take weapon finesse (needed since this is a dex build) at an early level. Without it I think a newer person would become very frustrated with missing mobs all the time. this build also has very comparable benchmarks to your final skill points, but I feel allows for much better DPS and utilizes some self healing boots rangers get.

It's not optimal, but it's solid build for someone who is FTP and doesn't have access to monk. You could also drop cha down to 10 and up wisdom to 14. Doing this would allow your friend to only have to use a +1 wood to swap out fighter for monk (if he ever decides to buy the class). If he does this he won't loose out on much UMD, would get better saves, better AC and still have the extra feat the fighter gets.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.34
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 Lawful Good Drow Male
(1 Fighter \ 1 Rogue \ 18 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 252
Spell Points: 272 
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 14
Reflex: 21
Will: 7

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             14                    14
Dexterity            16                    26
Constitution         12                    12
Intelligence         14                    14
Wisdom               12                    12
Charisma             12                    12

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               7                    14
Bluff                 1                     1
Concentration         1                     1
Diplomacy             1                     1
Disable Device        6                    26
Haggle                1                     1
Heal                  1                     1
Hide                  7                    12
Intimidate            1                     1
Jump                  6                    11
Listen                1                     3
Move Silently         7                    12
Open Lock             7                    24
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                2                     2
Search                6                    28
Spot                  5                    26
Swim                  2                     2
Tumble                7                    12
Use Magic Device      5                    27

Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Disable Device (+4)
Skill: Hide (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Move Silently (+4)
Skill: Open Lock (+4)
Skill: Search (+4)
Skill: Spot (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+4)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Drow Melee Damage I
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training I


Level 2 (Fighter)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Finesse


Level 3 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Selected) Mobility
Enhancement: Ranger Skill Boost I
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage I
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion I


Level 4 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Sprint Boost I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Defense I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I


Level 5 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Rogue Improved Trap Sense I


Level 6 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Spring Attack
Enhancement: Ranger Skill Boost II
Enhancement: Rogue Disable Device I
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion II
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild I


Level 7 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Elemental


Level 8 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity II
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II


Level 9 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 10 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Skill Boost III


Level 11 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+2)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Drow Melee Damage II


Level 12 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+2)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons
Enhancement: Ranger Skill Boost IV


Level 13 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 14 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest II
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity III


Level 15 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage II
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage III


Level 16 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage IV


Level 17 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Construct
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Defense II


Level 18 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Use Magic Device
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Defense III
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion III


Level 19 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 20 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest III
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion IV
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild II