Tempest Trapmonkey for new players (28-pt human & dwarf)

[soulbakna]

Dwarf version is pretty much the same, just slightly different base stats and drops khopesh feat - uses dwarven axes instead.

Advantages over human: higher CON & HPs, racial enhs to axes, bonuses to saves vs. spells
Disadvantages: loses Versatility, Adaptability (-1 STR), and Imp Recovery; 1 less feat delays OTWF and loses khopesh

Thanks for the help Unbongwah, it is largely thank to your post I was able to help finalize my own Dwarf Version, I was planning on doing something like "The Exploiter" but didn't want to monk and could not afford khopesh's, that combined with well the great appealed of a Dwarf sold it to me

Not sure if its as good as yours as I change a few things, 32pt built, tomes, didn't take spot but stealth.

One change I am not sure of is that I decided to take Oversized Two Weapon Fighting (OTWF) much much earlier as I have read complaints about missing a lot and this is meant to make it more effective early levels. Not to sure how this will compare with getting Spring Attack later/earlier though.

Opinions anyone?

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.9.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Dwarf Ranger
Level 20 Lawful Good Dwarf Male
(1 Fighter \ 1 Rogue \ 18 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 342
Spell Points: 230 
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 18
Reflex: 17
Will: 6

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats         Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)           (Level 20)
Strength             17                 24                   24
Dexterity            14                 16                   18
Constitution         16                 18                   20
Intelligence         14                 16                   16
Wisdom                9                 10                   10
Charisma              6                  7                    7

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Strength used at level 3
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 3
+1 Tome of Constitution used at level 3
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 3
+1 Tome of Wisdom used at level 3
+1 Tome of Charisma used at level 3
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 8

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills        Base Skills        Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 20)          (Level 20)
Balance               6                  8                   12
Bluff                -2                 -2                   -2
Concentration         3                  5                    5
Diplomacy            -2                 -2                   -2
Disable Device        6                 26                   26
Haggle               -2                 -2                   -2
Heal                 -1                  0                    0
Hide                  6                 21                   21
Intimidate           -2                 -2                   -2
Jump                  7                 13                   13
Listen               -1                  0                    0
Move Silently         6                 21                   21
Open Lock             6                 27                   27
Perform              n/a               n/a                   n/a
Repair                2                  3                    3
Search                6                 26                   28
Spot                  3                  4                    4
Swim                  3                  7                    7
Tumble                6                  8                    8
Use Magic Device      2                 21                   21

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
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Dwarven Stability
Feat: (Automatic) Dwarven Stonecutting
Feat: (Automatic) Giant Evasion
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Rapier
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortsword
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortbow
Feat: (Automatic) Orc and Goblin Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Poison Save Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Spell Save Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Trapfinding
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage I


Level 2 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Automatic) Bow Strength
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Dwarven Waraxe
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Trip
Feat: (Automatic) Wild Empathy
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage I


Level 3 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Automatic) Rapid Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution I
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Defense I
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Heavy Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Tower Shield Proficiency
Enhancement: Ranger Skill Boost I
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 5 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Diehard
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I


Level 6 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Mobility
Spell (1): Camouflage
Spell (1): Jump
Spell (1): Longstrider
Spell (1): Merfolk's Blessing
Spell (1): Ram's Might
Spell (1): Resist Energy
Spell (1): Summon Nature's Ally I
Spell (1): Tumble
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion II


Level 7 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Giant
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage II


Level 8 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Manyshot
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution II


Level 9 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Spring Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Improved Wild Empathy
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I


Level 10 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (2): Barkskin
Spell (2): Bear's Endurance
Spell (2): Cat's Grace
Spell (2): Cure Light Wounds
Spell (2): Hold Animal
Spell (2): Mass Camouflage
Spell (2): Owl's Wisdom
Spell (2): Protection From Energy
Spell (2): Snare
Spell (2): Spike Growth
Spell (2): Summon Nature's Ally II
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack II


Level 11 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Evasion
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage II


Level 12 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II


Level 13 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Improved Precise Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Precise Shot
Spell (3): Cure Moderate Wounds
Spell (3): Neutralize Poison
Spell (3): Remove Disease
Spell (3): Summon Nature's Ally III
Spell (3): Wild Instincts
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage III


Level 14 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest II


Level 15 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Racial Toughness III
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack II


Level 16 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (4): Cure Serious Wounds
Spell (4): Freedom of Movement
Spell (4): Mass Longstrider
Spell (4): Summon Nature's Ally IV
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage IV


Level 17 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Elemental
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Defense II


Level 18 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Combat Expertise
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Defense III
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion III


Level 19 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 20 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense III
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Resistance I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Resistance II
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest III

[Gremmlynn]

Thanks for the help Unbongwah, it is largely thank to your post I was able to help finalize my own Dwarf Version, I was planning on doing something like "The Exploiter" but didn't want to monk and could not afford khopesh's, that combined with well the great appealed of a Dwarf sold it to me

Not sure if its as good as yours as I change a few things, 32pt built, tomes, didn't take spot but stealth.

One change I am not sure of is that I decided to take Oversized Two Weapon Fighting (OTWF) much much earlier as I have read complaints about missing a lot and this is meant to make it more effective early levels. Not to sure how this will compare with getting Spring Attack later/earlier though.

Opinions anyone?

I don't understand the concept of taking OTWF early when a light off hand weapon takes care of the hit problem with little loss to DPS due to not procing many off hand attacks pre-tempest I anyway (personally, I use a two handed weapon until then, if not until GTWF at ranger 11).

[unbongwah]

A few comments:

• I would probably start 18 / 14 / 16 / 12 / 8 / 6 and drop skill pts from Open Lock.
• OTWF is less important than Spring Atk & IC Slash to this build; I would delay it until lvl 12. As Gremmlynn said, either use a light offhand weapon (or switch to 2H weapon) if you're having trouble hitting until then.
• Combat Expertise is of negligible use; by the time you get it, it's pretty tough to have good AC without either a monk splash or a traditional S&B ftr / pally tank. I've tried but it just never seems to work out.

[soulbakna]

A few comments:

• I would probably start 18 / 14 / 16 / 12 / 8 / 6 and drop skill pts from Open Lock.
• OTWF is less important than Spring Atk & IC Slash to this build; I would delay it until lvl 12. As Gremmlynn said, either use a light offhand weapon (or switch to 2H weapon) if you're having trouble hitting until then.
• Combat Expertise is of negligible use; by the time you get it, it's pretty tough to have good AC without either a monk splash or a traditional S&B ftr / pally tank. I've tried but it just never seems to work out.

If I start with 18 / 14 / 16 / 12 / 8 / 6 it seemed a waste as Ide end up with 27 str instead of 26 unless i got a +3 Str Tome. Not sure why you reccomend dropping Open lock, do I not need it to be as High? or do you think it is not needed at all?

I took Combat Expertise as a throw away pretty much, wasnt to sure what I would get instead. Didnt understand why some of the builds took Maximise, would have though maybe WFSW (Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons) or Luck Of Heroes or Mental Toughness or TWB (Two Weapon Bocking) would have been a better idea.

How about Feats:
1-Toughness
3-Dodge
4-Mobility
6-Spring Attack
9-IC Slashing
12-OTWF
15-Power Attack
18-??

[zex95966]

If I start with 18 / 14 / 16 / 12 / 8 / 6 it seemed a waste as Ide end up with 27 str instead of 26 unless i got a +3 Str Tome. Not sure why you reccomend dropping Open lock, do I not need it to be as High? or do you think it is not needed at all?

I took Combat Expertise as a throw away pretty much, wasnt to sure what I would get instead. Didnt understand why some of the builds took Maximise, would have though maybe WFSW (Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons) or Luck Of Heroes or Mental Toughness or TWB (Two Weapon Bocking) would have been a better idea.

How about Feats:
1-Toughness
3-Dodge
4-Mobility
6-Spring Attack
9-IC Slashing
12-OTWF
15-Power Attack
18-??

you can get by with open lock at 4 through the entire game and unlock almost everything. If you fail just try again until you succeed.

as per the feats, I'd personally take power attack at 12, lightning reflexes at 15 and OTWF at 18, that's if your a dwarf or elf.
(I value light reflexes over OTWF)
otherwise I'd drop oversized (or light reflexes) and replace it with khopesh.
you could also add another toughness.

[soulbakna]

you can get by with open lock at 4 through the entire game and unlock almost everything. If you fail just try again until you succeed.

as per the feats, I'd personally take power attack at 12, lightning reflexes at 15 and OTWF at 18, that's if your a dwarf or elf.
(I value light reflexes over OTWF)
otherwise I'd drop oversized (or light reflexes) and replace it with khopesh.
you could also add another toughness.

From What I understand Khopesh would not benefit from all the dwarf Axe Enhancements so it would likely work better with a Axe on a Dwarf then any similar Khopesh.

Unless I Respec anyway and skip the axe enhancements.

Also it didnt occur to me before now but if I take the High STR build above Ide have to use a +2 Wis tome at level 7 to get the 10 Wis needed to cast spells, vs getting away with a +1. Tome at level 3+.

Hmm Didnt know you only needed open Lock at 4 and could just keep re-trying till you roll the proverbial 20. Ive done some elites though and have found Devices can blow up if you fail sometimes, is that possible for locks on Elite? If not then I can clearly see ya dont need Open Locks past 4.

If not what level would you need open locks at for Upper level elite?.

[FlyingTurtle]

Didnt understand why some of the builds took Maximise,
18-??

For emergency healing. CSW hits for 180+ fully amped with maximize.

Personally I've found that "emergency healing" in any situation for rangers is pretty poor with a dumped Concentration score, since you'll fail that cast about half the time and just turn into a soulstone. You need to disengage and kite before you can cast, but by the time you've achieved that, then it's not quite as emergency anymore and it makes more sense to try to be more mana efficient. But that's up to playstyle.

Some builds take Skill focus: UMD. I swapped maximized to SF:UMD and it's done wonders for getting a no-swap UMD of 39: on a first character you'll want a pair of Lit IIs and a HP item before you get your charisma skills GS item and that takes a loooooooong time.

[unbongwah]

If I start with 18 / 14 / 16 / 12 / 8 / 6 it seemed a waste as Ide end up with 27 str instead of 26 unless i got a +3 Str Tome.

There are enough ways of evening out one's STR - e.g., +3 tome, +7 item, etc. - that if you have the build pts for it, you might as well max it out.

Not sure why you reccomend dropping Open lock, do I not need it to be as High?

Max ranks in OL is nice but not necessary: partly because lock DCs are generally lower than trap DCs; partly because you can keep retrying a lock until you either succeed, give up, or run out of thieves tools (i.e., you will never break a lock the way you would a trap). I maxed it out on my original builds, but with decent gear, 10-12 ranks in OL should suffice; with great gear, just 4 ranks will do.

I took Combat Expertise as a throw away pretty much, wasnt to sure what I would get instead. Didnt understand why some of the builds took Maximise

The idea is Maximise + Devotion IV lets you toss off decent CSWs in an emergency. It's not a must-have, but it can help out, esp. if you have some SP-regen-on-hit gear. The only problem is without Quicken or max Concentration, you're likely to get interrupted mid-cast if you get hit.

If you really don't care about that extra feat, consider the barb splash instead, which gets you +10% run speed, a single use of Rage, and +1 PA enh.

[soulbakna]

Alright will be making the below.

Droped OL but picked it up again near end as had extra skill points, could invest into Intimidate instead I guess but as it is it will just make unlocking easier.

Ive played mainly WF so not really sure if I should maybe dabble into swim instead as ive never had the chance to need it before as no fear of drowning on WF.

Upped the STR in the end because as you all convinced me I didnt need the extra skill points. If I dont end up getting a +2 Int Tome at 7 I can just drop the extra OL skills.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.9.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Dwarf Ranger
Level 20 Lawful Good Dwarf Male
(1 Fighter \ 1 Rogue \ 18 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 342
Spell Points: 230 
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 18
Reflex: 17
Will: 6

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             18                    26
Dexterity            14                    18
Constitution         16                    20
Intelligence         12                    14
Wisdom                8                    10
Charisma              6                     6

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Strength used at level 3
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 3
+1 Tome of Constitution used at level 3
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 8
+3 Tome of Strength used at level 20

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               6                    12
Bluff                -2                    -2
Concentration         3                     5
Diplomacy            -2                    -2
Disable Device        5                    25
Haggle               -2                    -2
Heal                 -1                     0
Hide                  6                    22
Intimidate           -2                    -2
Jump                  8                    12
Listen               -1                     0
Move Silently         6                    24
Open Lock             6                    16
Perform              n/a                   n/a
Repair                1                     2
Search                5                    28
Spot                 -1                     0
Swim                  4                     8
Tumble                6                     8
Use Magic Device      2                    21

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: Tumble (+4)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage I


Level 2 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage I


Level 3 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution I
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Defense I
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Mobility
Enhancement: Ranger Skill Boost I
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 5 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1.5)
Skill: Search (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I


Level 6 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Spring Attack
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion II


Level 7 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Giant
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Damage II


Level 8 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Search (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Dwarven Constitution II


Level 9 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest I


Level 10 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Dwarven Axe Attack II


Level 11 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage II


Level 12 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
Feat: (Selected) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II


Level 13 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage III


Level 14 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest II


Level 15 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Racial Toughness III
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack II


Level 16 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage IV


Level 17 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Elemental
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Defense II


Level 18 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Defense III
Enhancement: Ranger Devotion III


Level 19 (Ranger)
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 20 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Disable Device (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Open Lock (+0.5)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Enhancement: Dwarven Spell Defense III
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Resistance I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Resistance II
Enhancement: Ranger Tempest III

[guero]

unbongwah - Just a note of thanks for this and other builds for newbies. The majority of guides I find out there are for players who have been in the game longer (understandably so). I appreciate the fact that someone is still looking out for us new folks!

Thank you.

[BOgre]

@unbongwah: I have a question: Any thoughts on where this build would TR to? The basic question is where does a ranger's PL feat find a home in a new life, and the followup question would be, what kind of build could make use of the gear I've collected. I've got a few good bows including Silver Longbow, looking to add Unwavering whatchamacallit from ADQ soonish, got the Abishai set, and a decent arsenal of khop's... So, another Ranger? AA maybe? Thoughts?

[EllisDee37]

I'm personally planning on TRing directly into the same build again, adding the extra 6 points into strength for base 18. With that in mind I took the opportunity to add frost to a pair of +3 khopeshes and icy burst to a pair of +5 khopeshes during the risia ice games. (I modified the build slightly to start wielding khopeshes on level 4, pushing Tempest I back to level 12.)

I think you're missing out on some quality Human enhancements that could really help this build, since running quests at-level on elite sometimes leaves me unable to spot or search the traps, much less disable them.

When I originally posted this I wasn't aware of the Ranger spell that gives a stacking +10 to spot. Once I got that spell I respecced out the human spot enhancement points but left the search and disable device ones. I also tossed in the single Open Lock skill enhancement to help with the high DC locks scattered throughout the game.

[BOgre]

I considered going trapmonkey again briefly, but I think I'd rather opt for variety instead. The closest I'd stay is AA, and since I'm really liking his ranged abilities now, and with ImpPointBlank getting love, it's becoming even more attractive. No idea if I can build an AA with viable TWF to make use of my khops though, haven't started to look into it yet. Anything else seems like a waste of a TR really. In fact I may just leave him be at cap, and use him for Epic grinds and such. Re-think the Past lives for an alt maybe.

[unbongwah]

@unbongwah: I have a question: Any thoughts on where this build would TR to?

To be honest, no, I hadn't really thought about TRing this build. Sounds like you're leaning towards an AA, though - maybe something like Helves Angel? You'd have to adapt it a bit since you won't have a pally past life; and I don't know if you have half-elves or monks unlocked. Fortunately it's pretty easy to adapt it to elf instead of HE or take a rogue splash instead of monk. I can give it a shot if you like if you tell me what parameters I have to work with (i.e., available races & classes, gear, tomes, desired skills, etc.).

[EllisDee37]

Based on u11 content, you might consider switching the level 17 favored enemy from elemental to construct.

[EpiKagEMO]

well as a dwarf, might as well spec in d-axes. soo much cheaper than khopeshes, freebie proficientcy, and can afford oversized twf, dwarf bonus, switch to g-axes. there are much more benefits going human with khopeshes than dwarves.

[EllisDee37]

Just want to say again how much fun I'm having with this build, currently at cap and only 1 ToD ring away from completely finishing his base gear. Stiull have to slot toughness in his epic spyglass and once I get the ToD ring then I'll need to slot +2 excp con, and then will be well and truly done with his gear. No epics or anything; he's good enough to get by as-is. (Will end up with 522 hp.)

Here's a link.

I went skill focus:umd for the last feat. With all the healing amp he's rocking (including +20% from dt armor) his 8pt and 12pt heals land for 64 and 94, which is plenty good enough. The only issue is that he fails a lot of concentration checks, so I'm thinking next life I'll probably take enough skill points off of open lock to max out concentration and call it good enough. Skill focus:umd is too good to pass up for quicken.

[unbongwah]

I've added a rgr 18 / rogue 2 version to the first post to take advantage of rogue Wand & Scroll Mastery I; +30% to Cure wands & Heals scrolls is pretty sweet. Also tweaked the skill pts a bit: maxed Concentration, added some more Balance, but had to give up some Spot & Open Lock to get it. Drawback is losing some HPs and either the extra feat from ftr or the +10% run speed from barb. Oh well, can't have everything in life...

[Kenni]

Hi to all,

playing DDO now for about 4 weeks and its a lot of fun. Played NWN Online-Module years ago and quite good in building a toon, if it comes to DnD rules. I orientated myself on your build, due to the fact after reading the wiki and some posts in here, that there are some more or less changes to the DnD rules. Now i decided to take VIP and be able to take other splashes. On my first attempt to understand the build, i struggled about the extreme low Will saves. But not knowing the Game mechanics, i trusted it might maybe not that important in the Game. Now i am level 10 and tired of getting feared and dancing . So i used the DDO Planner to create a toon for a greater wooden heart. Now i have some questions, if my build will work properly:

1. If we have a low Will-save toon, why Ranger favored resistance is no option in that build ??? I play on my level with a +4 Will save crafted item. Does the resistance stack with it ??? Normally it should, cause its a favored resist and not a general one.
2. I´m thinking to splash a monk or cleric level for better will saves. Does cleric splash have any advantages to use wands and scrolls ??? And how does that look like in fact ???

Before i post the build to check up completely by the community, these are my major problems, cause i dont know exactely, if my thoughts are right.

Any help will be great,

Thx

Kenni

[unbongwah]

Hi Kenni, from one ex-NWNer to another, welcome to DDO.

Now i am level 10 and tired of getting feared and dancing

An immunity to fear item such as Reaver's Ring takes care of the former. A Spell Resistance item is still useful at that level, IMHO. When you hit rgr lvl 14, you can self-buff with Freedom of Movement to protect against Hold spells.

And don't forget sometimes the best defense is a good (ranged) offense. Even as a Tempest, Silver Longbow + Manyshot can make short work of evil casters from a safe distance.

1. If we have a low Will-save toon, why Ranger favored resistance is no option in that build ???

That's certainly an option. Rangers tend to have plenty of APs to spare, so you could drop, say, Devotion to max our FE Resistance instead.

I play on my level with a +4 Will save crafted item. Does the resistance stack with it ??? Normally it should, cause its a favored resist and not a general one.

Yes, in general, bonuses from class or racial Enhancements will stack with bonuses from items. Furthermore, class & racial Enhancements generally stack too; e.g., dwarven Spell Defense and rgr FE Resistance.

2. I´m thinking to splash a monk or cleric level for better will saves. Does cleric splash have any advantages to use wands and scrolls ???

If you have monk, take a look at the Exploiter, which is the classic monk-splashed rgr build. I wouldn't do a cleric splash; you have UMD and I can't think of any good cleric wands you don't already have access to as a rgr.

You may also want to look at some more heavily-multiclassed ranger builds. Tempest III is not as great as it used to be (though hopefully it will be improved when Turbine finishes revising Enhancements), so if you can stand to give up lvl 4 spells and your fourth FE, you might get more out of adding more rogue or ftr / monk levels instead.