Drow Ninja Assassin Build (Please Review)

[Ashiel_Dragmire]

Is this build viable/workable?

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.5.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 Lawful Neutral Drow Male
(7 Monk \ 13 Rogue) 
Hit Points: 258
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 14\14\19\24
Fortitude: 11
Reflex: 19
Will: 12

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             14                    16
Dexterity            16                    23
Constitution         12                    14
Intelligence         14                    16
Wisdom               14                    16
Charisma             10                    12

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 7
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 7

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               7                    29
Bluff                 0                     5
Concentration         2.5                  12
Diplomacy             0                     1
Disable Device        6                    26
Haggle                0                     3
Heal                  2                     3
Hide                  7                    35
Intimidate            0                     1
Jump                  6                    11
Listen                2                     5
Move Silently         7                    35
Open Lock             7                    29
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                2                     3
Search                6                    28
Spot                  6                    28
Swim                  2                     3
Tumble                4                     9
Use Magic Device      4                    24

Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Concentration (+1.5)
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 (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge


Level 2 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+0.5)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 3 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Finesse


Level 4 (Monk)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Toughness
Enhancement: Rogue Damage Boost I
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Drow Melee Attack I
Enhancement: Drow Melee Damage I
Enhancement: Way of the Clever Monkey I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy I
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training I
Enhancement: Rogue Hide I
Enhancement: Monk Jump I
Enhancement: Rogue Move Silently I
Enhancement: Monk Tumble I


Level 5 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Inevitable Dominion: Fists of Darkness
Enhancement: Monk Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Rogue Faster Sneaking I


Level 6 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Piercing Weapons
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Monk Jump II
Enhancement: Monk Tumble II


Level 7 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Enhancement: Static Charge


Level 8 (Monk)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Concentration (+3)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Power Attack
Enhancement: Way of the Clever Monkey II
Enhancement: Monk Ninja Spy I


Level 9 (Rogue)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+5)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Drow Melee Damage II


Level 10 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+3)
Enhancement: Rogue Damage Boost II
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost II


Level 11 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+5)
Enhancement: Rogue Subtle Backstabbing I
Enhancement: Rogue Hide II
Enhancement: Rogue Move Silently II


Level 12 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Disable Device (+2)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+2)
Skill: Spot (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons
Enhancement: Rogue Assassin I


Level 13 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+3)
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost III


Level 14 (Monk)
Skill: Balance (+7)
Enhancement: Monk Improved Recovery II


Level 15 (Rogue)
Skill: Disable Device (+2)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+2)
Skill: Spot (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy II
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training II


Level 16 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Rogue Subtle Backstabbing II
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training III


Level 17 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Improved Evasion
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy III


Level 18 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost IV


Level 19 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Rogue Subtle Backstabbing III
Enhancement: Rogue Assassin II


Level 20 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Crippling Strike
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training IV

I'd just like to know if you all think it's a workable build. It has all the required trapmonkey skills, and hopefully good DPS and survivability. I'd like to have some more HP, but the person I'm making this for is a drow fanboy and this might replace his Assassin Fighter if he likes it enough.

Anyway, all critiques, reviews, etc., are welcome and appreciated.

[Delacroix21]

Since it appears you are using shortswords I would rather go 13 rogue/7monk. The extra rogue feat for crippling strike is very nice, as it essentially is (vs trash mobs) +1 to your AC and -1 to damage you take per hit.

[Ashiel_Dragmire]

Since it appears you are using shortswords I would rather go 13 rogue/7monk. The extra rogue feat for crippling strike is very nice, as it essentially is (vs trash mobs) +1 to your AC and -1 to damage you take per hit.

Thanks for the advice. Anything else I should look into?

[Kale_Hagan]

Start crafting a Rad II shortsword. You won't get the Assassin III vorpal strike, but having one of those is gonna put your toon into the stratosphere for damage.

[sephiroth1084]

More Str and Con, less Int and Dex (starting 16 Dex should be enough). Pick up Power Attack somewhere. Drop Skill Boost II and III for something more relevant.

Honestly, if you have 32 pts. available, halfling is probably a much better fit for this type of character.

If you're using shortswords, you won't be able to use Stunning FIST anyway, so drop it, and Improved Trip is never going to work with your poor Str, so you can drop that as well.

[defen]

Start with at least 14 con, especially if you're using wind stance. Drop int to base to free up those points, drop listen (completely redundant when you have spot), drop tumble (largely useless) except for one point, and skip a few ranks in Open Locks or Jump until level 7 if you actually have a +2 tome to eat. Drop to 12 and eat a tome if you're really intent on picking up combat expertise.

Stunning fist and improved trip are a complete waste. You will never have a decent DC on either with a monk splash and low strength. Take extra an extra toughness or skill focus:UMD or such.

Also, you may want to have anywhere from 11-13 strength depending on tome availability. The character will be gimped against a lot of content without power attack.

[Slayer918]

If your going to be using shortswords then stunning fist is a wasted feat (A: it only works with unarmed, B: Your DC is based off your monk level/2 + your wisdom modifier so your DC will be very low).

Improved Trip I also don't think will be very effective for this build with your low strength.

What would be better feats though I'm not sure.

13/7 is definately a better split.

[sephiroth1084]

Stats I'd recommend:
Drow
Str 14
Dex 16
Con 12
Int 12 or 14
Wis 15 or 14
Cha 10 or 12

Halfling (28 pts)
Str 12
Dex 16
Con 14
Int 12
Wis 14
Cha 8 (12 if 32 pt build for better UMD)

[Ashiel_Dragmire]

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.5.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 Lawful Neutral Drow Male
(7 Monk \ 13 Rogue) 
Hit Points: 258
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 14\14\19\24
Fortitude: 11
Reflex: 19
Will: 12

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             14                    16
Dexterity            16                    23
Constitution         12                    14
Intelligence         14                    16
Wisdom               14                    16
Charisma             10                    12

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 7
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 7

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               7                    29
Bluff                 0                     5
Concentration         2.5                  12
Diplomacy             0                     1
Disable Device        6                    26
Haggle                0                     3
Heal                  2                     3
Hide                  7                    35
Intimidate            0                     1
Jump                  6                    11
Listen                2                     5
Move Silently         7                    35
Open Lock             7                    29
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                2                     3
Search                6                    28
Spot                  6                    28
Swim                  2                     3
Tumble                4                     9
Use Magic Device      4                    24

Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Concentration (+1.5)
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 (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge


Level 2 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+0.5)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 3 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Finesse


Level 4 (Monk)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Toughness
Enhancement: Rogue Damage Boost I
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Drow Melee Attack I
Enhancement: Drow Melee Damage I
Enhancement: Way of the Clever Monkey I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy I
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training I
Enhancement: Rogue Hide I
Enhancement: Monk Jump I
Enhancement: Rogue Move Silently I
Enhancement: Monk Tumble I


Level 5 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Inevitable Dominion: Fists of Darkness
Enhancement: Monk Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Rogue Faster Sneaking I


Level 6 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Piercing Weapons
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Monk Jump II
Enhancement: Monk Tumble II


Level 7 (Monk)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Enhancement: Static Charge


Level 8 (Monk)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Concentration (+3)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Power Attack
Enhancement: Way of the Clever Monkey II
Enhancement: Monk Ninja Spy I


Level 9 (Rogue)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+5)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Drow Melee Damage II


Level 10 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+3)
Enhancement: Rogue Damage Boost II
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost II


Level 11 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+5)
Enhancement: Rogue Subtle Backstabbing I
Enhancement: Rogue Hide II
Enhancement: Rogue Move Silently II


Level 12 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Disable Device (+2)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+2)
Skill: Spot (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons
Enhancement: Rogue Assassin I


Level 13 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+3)
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost III


Level 14 (Monk)
Skill: Balance (+7)
Enhancement: Monk Improved Recovery II


Level 15 (Rogue)
Skill: Disable Device (+2)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+2)
Skill: Spot (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy II
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training II


Level 16 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Rogue Subtle Backstabbing II
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training III


Level 17 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Improved Evasion
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy III


Level 18 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost IV


Level 19 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Rogue Subtle Backstabbing III
Enhancement: Rogue Assassin II


Level 20 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+2)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Crippling Strike
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training IV

Alright, I reworked the build. It's now a Rogue 13/Monk 7. The useless feats are now gone, replaced with what are hopefully more advantageous feats (especially Power Attack). Comments/Critiques on this one are, as always, appreciated.

[sephiroth1084]

Looks a lot better, though you may want to consider replacing Weapon Focus with something else. Skill Focus: UMD is a good choice, as may be a second Toughness (though that feels like kind of a waste). Not sure what else to recommend over WF, just that the feat is pretty mediocre.

[defen]

With a base con of 12, an extra toughness is not a bad idea at all.

[GhoulsTouch]

Honestly, if you have 32 pts. available, halfling is probably a much better fit for this type of character.

I don't agree you have to spend alot of AP for the same kind of damage you would get from Drow's favored shortsword and then it would be added only towards sneak attacks. It costs less to gain in Intelligence, Dex, and Charisma.

[Brennie]

I don't agree you have to spend alot of AP for the same kind of damage you would get from Drow's favored shortsword and then it would be added only towards sneak attacks. It costs less to gain in Intelligence, Dex, and Charisma.

For 12 AP you get +2 to hit and +2 to damage with shortswords/rapiers on a drow.

for 12 AP you get +3 to hit and +6 damage with any weapon while sneak attacking, on a halfling (With the potential to spend 12 more AP for +1 to hit and +2 more damage... though how anyone could afford that i have no idea...)

I don't see how the two options are remotely comparable, especially if the monk/rogue ever wants to bust out some kamas or handwraps.

[sephiroth1084]

With a base con of 12, an extra toughness is not a bad idea at all.

True. I'm just generally against taking Toughness multiple times, as there is almost always a more interesting option, but in this case...maybe.

I don't agree you have to spend alot of AP for the same kind of damage you would get from Drow's favored shortsword and then it would be added only towards sneak attacks. It costs less to gain in Intelligence, Dex, and Charisma.

Uh...no. It costs the same in Dex, you don't need that much Int or Cha, so you aren't saving much, and taking a hit to Con is rough.

As for the AP:
12 AP on a drow buys you +2 attack and +2 damage.
12 AP on a halfling buys you +3 attack and +6 damage while sneak attacking. Then you have the option of spending another 8 (not 12) AP for a further +1 attack and +2 damage for a +4/+8 total. All of that looks a lot better than what the drow gets.

Oh, and the halfling is already +1 attack, +1 AC and +1 saves up over the drow from your racial bonuses, not to mention better sneaking ability as well. Putting the halfling at a potential +3 attack and +6 damage over the drow.

[khaldan]

Oh, and the halfling is already +1 attack, +1 AC and +1 saves up over the drow from your racial bonuses, not to mention better sneaking ability as well. Putting the halfling at a potential +3 attack and +6 damage over the drow.

Minor point here: the halfling -2 str would mean that you're only +5 damage up. Halflings still win easily though.

[sephiroth1084]

Minor point here: the halfling -2 str would mean that you're only +5 damage up. Halflings still win easily though.

True.

[honkuimushi]

I would also space out your monk levels a little more. I know you want to get centered short swords as quickly as possible, but the biggest increase will be from the stances, and the benefit will get more noticable with increased levels a higher tiers. Doing something like Rogue, Monk, Rogue or Rogue, Monk, Monk, Rogue will allow you to use your Monk skill points for Concentration and your Rogue skills for trap stuff, stealth and UMD.

That will give you a lot more skill points, enough to get your Concentration to a usable level and maybe even enough to max Diplomacy, since much of your damage wil be based on Sneak Attack.

[Nyvn]

Drow enhancements are added to critical hits; so it's another pointish of damage. The enhancements also work vs non sneak attackable enemies. Undead, constructs, elementals, ect.

Of course Halfling is still superior, but Drow is a bit stronger than people make out.

[Ashiel_Dragmire]

I would also space out your monk levels a little more. I know you want to get centered short swords as quickly as possible, but the biggest increase will be from the stances, and the benefit will get more noticable with increased levels a higher tiers. Doing something like Rogue, Monk, Rogue or Rogue, Monk, Monk, Rogue will allow you to use your Monk skill points for Concentration and your Rogue skills for trap stuff, stealth and UMD.

That will give you a lot more skill points, enough to get your Concentration to a usable level and maybe even enough to max Diplomacy, since much of your damage wil be based on Sneak Attack.

I may look into this. Thank you all for the replies, they've all been quite beneficial.

[sephiroth1084]

It should also be noted, to harp on the drow vs. halfling bit some more, that, if you're tight on AP, a halfling can get +2 attack, +4 damage for 6 AP vs. the +2/+2 for 12 the drow get.