AK-404 (An-arcane Kensai 18Fig-1Rng-1Brd)

[go21134]

AK-404 (An-arcane Kensai 18Fig-1Rng-1Brd)
NAY! ... its not chaotic, nor do I promote anarchy.

Just a fun build I have been trying to perfect, as many others, which utilizes the abilities of the Elven(half-elven even)-racial Prestige Class (PrE) with the class based ones. I personally was hoping to post something unique and different, but as it seems we all think alike to some extent, and have similiar make-ups to our builds, either leaning towards the pure 20 Ranger, or 18-2, 18-1-1, or even the 12-6-2 multi-class split, or even with similar aims for a ranged-based user with versions of Ranger/Barbarian/Rogue/Fighter/Monk and even spell-caster variants of characters (no love for the Paladin it seems).

Originally, I was hoping to make a build to become immune to the spell Power Word Stun (''PWS'') in a PvP setting, but also for the survivability/self-sufficient but an especially helpful addition to DPS (Damage per Second) with bursting, as well as general stat-damage/crowd control when in action. The build was never about about the pride from being the greatest DPS and doing ''godly'' damage; supporting the tanks or the main DPS, enough that I could take a aggression (''aggro'') if needed, or even stand with them and decimate foes as we journey towards the horizon should be the main focus of any party member who has the ability to wield a weapon and skills to use it.

Ino other words, I had these goals while creating the AK-404:
- at bare minimum to have at least enough to block PWS, roughly 380-450 standing hit points
- enough Strength to be effective in melee (even though the build would most likely stand as a one-trick pony) as a switch-out when needed, as well as to do sufficient damage when using the bow.
- enough Dexterity to hit a good majority of the time, as well as fit the requirements for Improved Precise Shot
- incorporate fighter Haste Boosts
- incorporate the full Kensai III PrE line
- incorporate the full Arcane Archer (elf) PrE line

My harbinger to the project I am posting was another Arcane Kensai Archer, a classic 18-1-1 Fighter/Ranger/Wizard build, in which I kept modifying the order of feats to take, enhancements that would be useful, and the reasons why certain classes speak out for certain players (and to the lesser extent, builds). And even before that, I attempted an Arcane, Arcane Archer. Through creating and playing these creations, I got into discussions over what it means to be a Ranger vs. Archer, as well as to critique my own reasons for playing these classes, even any class/build in general, refining/expanding my views on them. For this build, I could see somewhat why people would choose a good portion of the classes to multi-into or even to go pure for the whole 20 levels.

But without further delay, here it is:
<Do note this is a 28 point build. With 32 or even a TR, you could add them where needed, rather to Strength or Constitution if possible.>

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.0
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 True Neutral Elf Male
(18 Fighter \ 1 Ranger \ 1 Bard) 
Hit Points: 404
Spell Points: 90 
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 14
Reflex: 15
Will: 7

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             15                    20
Dexterity            18                    20
Constitution         12                    12
Intelligence         12                    12
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma              8                     8

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               8                     9
Bluff                -1                     2
Concentration         1                     4
Diplomacy            -1                     2
Disable Device        n/a                   n/a
Haggle                3                     3
Heal                 -1                    -1
Hide                  4                     5
Intimidate           -1                     2
Jump                  6                    28
Listen                3                     5
Move Silently         4                     5
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform               3                     3
Repair                1                     1
Search                1                     3
Spot                 -1                     1
Swim                  2                     5
Tumble                8                    11
Use Magic Device      3                    22

Level 1 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Enhancement: Bard Energy of the Music I


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Precise Shot
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Item Defense I


Level 3 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Shot
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song I
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity I


Level 4 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I


Level 5 (Fighter)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II


Level 7 (Fighter)


Level 8 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Manyshot
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Arrows
Enhancement: Kensei Longbow Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer I


Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost III


Level 10 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost III


Level 11 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Acid Arrows
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy III
Enhancement: Fighter Longbow Specialization I
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +2 Arrows


Level 12 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Precise Shot
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost IV


Level 13 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost IV


Level 14 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Ranged Weapons


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Explosive Arrows
Enhancement: Kensei Longbow Mastery II
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei II
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +3 Arrows
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III


Level 16 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Extra Action Boost I


Level 17 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Burst Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Terror Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +4 Arrows


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Superior Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Fighter Extra Action Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Longbow Specialization II


Level 19 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness IV


Level 20 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Power Attack
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Slaying Arrows
Enhancement: Kensei Longbow Mastery III
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei III
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +5 Arrows

The amount of action points placed into increase the hit points to 404 (Fighter Toughness IV and Racial Toughness II) ended up costing a lot more than I thought it would, roughly 13 Action points (''AP''). I also found that as the Extra action boosts does help, the Kensai PrE already has a good many boosts additions that are at their disposal, which would add another 6 AP to the costly points to debate. The newer version, the AK-394 would drop Fighter Toughness IV(+4), and grab Elf Dexterity II (-4). Dropping both Attack Boost IV and the Extra Fighter Action Boosts I & II, (+4)(+2)(+4) I would then be able to get both Fighter Strength II and III (-4)(-6).

Another would be the toughness feats ... I must have been mad the day I made this, for there are 6 toughness. It is a very radical move, and any suggestion to use them for combat feats (such as those to increase melee abilities) would be appreciated.

Feel free to comment on what I have typed or planned, but please keep conversations clean. I do not mind admittance that I have error, and that there are flaws ... but I will continue these flaws and errors until I get them corrected. If you could, add your beliefs. Otherwise, here's AK-404, ready to spray out some arrows.

Another Archer post ... my 2 cp.

[go21134]

Some questions did arise after making my precursor and this build. For one, why these classes? I remember reading another thread regarding why certain players add certain styles (link pending). Here is what I deducted.

- Ranger: What can go wrong here? All of the bow-specs, as well as free two-weapon fighting feats. Even if you go Arcane Archer for 20 levels of Ranger, you will have more than enough ability to pull out your other weapons of choice and slash/smack/whack/bop/kick/stomp/touch ... your enemies after bursting. Not to include Favored Enemies, evasion, a good number of skill points, and free feats, the class pretty much gives the user a perfect template to learn what they want and need for Archery.
As a sub-class, it varies on the level progression. Some use them simply for the feats (Bow strength, up to many shots, and some even up to greater two weapon fighting). Others could use it as a way to pool skill points into lacking skills, such as Use Magic Device (UMD) or Balance. To lesser extent, their favored enemy could also add to one's damage.

- Fighter (Kensai II/III): The extra +1 critical range to the bow, as well as the feats that add to a Bow's output and attack abilities. Power-surge and the large amount of feats fighter's get also allows for customization and specialization towards set goals.
As sub-classes, they would most likely be used for additional feats.

- Barbarian (Friezed Berserker II/III): I personally have never played a Barbarian outside of the L5 range, though their damage output while raged was noticeable. From the DDO Wiki article, it seems its because of the critical damage multiplier addition, as well as the bonus to strength. With the addition of the increased running speed, haste boosts, hit dice (1d12 I believe), they might very well be amongst the strongest and heavy hitters with the bow.
As sub-classes, they would most likely be used for their raging ability, and the extra running speed.

- Caster (Bard/Cleric): I have only seen a few of these, and with the character generator attempted to generate one as well. My assumption would be that they would be able to retain their class preferance (a Cleric who would still function as a healer, a bard who could still buff and manipulate environments) while adding a combat ability to the repertoir. I haven't really seen many pure arcanes, most likely due to their low Base Attack Bonus (BAB), but after attempting one with many shots included, my satisfaction with its design and play was ill-pleased.
As Sub-class, caster's tend to be more for the spell point requirements needed to become an Arcane Archer. Wizards (due to their extra feat) would be able to get Mental Toughness to fufill the requirements for Arcane Archer, and free up the action point. They could have also taken it as a way to add more spell points to their pool to draw from.

- Rogues/Bards: As sub-classes Skill points for sure, though I haven't seen many versions where they added class feats (such as Disabling Device) with their archers. The sneak attack bonus may also have an impact on their damage, though mostly I have seen bards/rogues as multi-classes for their UMD class-skill. Usually its just one level, so I wouldn't count on evasion, though I may be wrong. There is this one time I met an Kensai/Arcane Archer/Assassin (I think) however, but aside from that one time experience, I can't say more.

- Monk/Cleric: I have only heard about Zen-Archery. If anyone could enlighten why someone would, please post

[go21134]

--- Links of Interest ---
20110202 0512
Kensai Arcane Archer: A thread by Karl_K0ch. Some good questions and discussions there.
Arcane Archer: or how an eternally ranged player sees the PrE: A must read for all those who want or even are Archers/Rangers/Repeaters. Lots of insight, and many kudos to Pweslela.
Helve's Angel: A Burst DPS Build (12ftr/6Rgr/2monk): A growing build that combines the effectiveness of Arcane Archery with melee abilities to create a beast of its own kind. I would recommend you check it out when you can.
---


(More links added on request. Hoping they can serve as a reference point to any Arcane Archer-builder.)

[unbongwah]

You may also want to check out sigtrent's Bowmaster thread for his (and my) take on 28-pt Kensai III AAs.