Wuji bow monk (An U9 monk AA)

[etelan]

Keywords: Ninja spy, Acrobat, Arcane Archer, Ranger Dilettante, Bow of Sinew, Rahl's Might, Greater Earth Stance III

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.2
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Level 20 Lawful Neutral Half-Elf Male
(12 Monk \ 7 Rogue \ 1 Wizard) 
Hit Points: 244
Spell Points: 245 
BAB: 14\14\19\24
Fortitude: 13
Reflex: 19
Will: 14

                  Starting          
Abilities        Base Stats         
(32 Point)       (Level 1)          
Strength             16             
Dexterity            16             
Constitution         14             
Intelligence         10             
Wisdom               12             
Charisma              8             

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 1
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 1
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 1
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 1
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 1

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Half-Elf Dilettante) Half-Elf Dilettante: Ranger
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot


Level 2 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Toughness


Level 3 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Shot
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Zen Archery


Level 4 (Monk)
Ability Raise: DEX
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Inevitable Dominion: Fists of Darkness


Level 5 (Monk)


Level 6 (Monk)


Level 7 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Power Attack


Level 8 (Monk)
Ability Raise: DEX


Level 9 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Precise Shot


Level 10 (Monk)


Level 11 (Monk)


Level 12 (Monk)
Ability Raise: DEX
Feat: (Selected) Manyshot


Level 13 (Monk)


Level 14 (Wizard)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Mental Toughness


Level 15 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons


Level 16 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: DEX


Level 17 (Rogue)


Level 18 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons


Level 19 (Rogue)


Level 20 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: STR

Benefits:
-x5 crit weapons on a 19-20 in ranged AND melee with U9 earth stance
-Nearly complete ranged feat line
-Evasion with high reflex save
-Monk speed bonus for bow kiting
-Rogue haste boost III

Alternative builds:
-Ranger levels instead of rogue allow for more ranged feats and better BAB. Also, possible to skip over the caster level this way allowing for another 2 level splash such as fighter. Going this path gives up sneak attack, melee dps, and rogue skills.

Ranger/Rogue with Acrobat traded for IPS & bow str
Ranger/Fighter with handwraps/ToD

Alternative build notes:
Ranged DPS - All builds are very good. The two ranger builds have bow str and favored enemy for a minor bonus to base damage. The build with wizard is missing IPS which is useful for kiting in some quests.
Melee DPS - Arguably the weakest here is probably the ranger/rogue split, but with PA and a two handed 19-20/X5 it's still very usable
Hitpoints - High = Ranger/Fighter @266, Low = Rogue/Wizard @244
Reflex - High = Ranger/Rogue @24, Low = Ranger/Fighter @17
BAB - High = Ranger/Fighter @20, Low = Rogue/Wizard @17 *** (Regardless, Madstone boots is a must)
Skills - Ranger/Fighter is the only build which doesn't have umd/trap skills

[Thrudh]

Alternatives:
-Ranger levels instead of rogue allow for more ranged feats and better BAB. Also, possible to skip over the wizard this way allowing for another 2 level splash such as fighter. Going this path gives up sneak attack, melee dps, and rogue skills.

Do this... You need full Bow Strength, and Improved Precise Shot... Do the two fighter route for the extra feats, and you'll still get a minimal Haste Boost. Consider Half-Elf Dilettente: Rogue instead to get most of your sneak attack back.

I have a 10/6/2 Monk/Ranger/fighter, and I'm going to build a new 12/6/2 one (TRing a paladin I never play anymore, but who has lots of gear). The first character was a test, and with no raid gear (but decent twink gear), and no U9 Earth stance, he did very well. Loads of fun to play, and I never even got to Slaying arrows.

I can't wait to build him again with all the gear and the new Earth Stance. (Just 2 more Shrouds, and one more ToD, and I'll be ready to TR the paladin)

[Xenus_Paradox]

Do this... You need full Bow Strength, and Improved Precise Shot... Do the two fighter route for the extra feats, and you'll still get a minimal Haste Boost. Consider Half-Elf Dilettente: Rogue instead to get most of your sneak attack back.

This. Rogue Dilettante gets you 3d6 for 0 Rogue levels vs. 4d6 for 7. Sneak dice don't get crit multipliers, so the hit to your damage will be minor, while you pick up a lot more with full Str mod to bows.

[unbongwah]

+2 tomes cannot be taken until lvl 7; fortunately the only feat this effects is Zen Archery, which will have to be pushed back. Or dump-stat INT to start WIS 14.

But I agree with Thrudh: unless you really want rogue skills, monk 12 / rgr 6 / ftr 2 w/rogue dilly is a better combo; way more feats (no need to neglect melee so much), higher base DPS (full Bow STR rather than the HE dilly version), almost as much SA. You should even be able to fit in Imp Prec Shot if you can figure out how to hit DEX 19 without gimping something else.

[etelan]

Do this... You need full Bow Strength, and Improved Precise Shot... Do the two fighter route for the extra feats, and you'll still get a minimal Haste Boost. Consider Half-Elf Dilettente: Rogue instead to get most of your sneak attack back.

Agree:
Yeah, that's definitely a good alternative. I think I'll post that version here as well. IPS is an excellent feat for this build.

Disagree:
I don't think I agree that it needs full bow strength as it will be difficult to get the strength score much higher than the maximum ranger dilettante level. Also, the rogue dilettante does not give back most of the sneak damage. The sneak attack training enhancements is 9 damage which is almost another 3d6.

Also, this sacrifices a good 10+ points of damage per swing when using Rahl's.

[etelan]

+2 tomes cannot be taken until lvl 7; fortunately the only feat this effects is Zen Archery, which will have to be pushed back. Or dump-stat INT to start WIS 14.

It only needs the 1 point from the tome to take zen archery which still works at that level. Hence, the starting wisdom of 12.

[Thrudh]

Also you need to fit in the TWF chain... Easy to do with 6 levels of ranger (since you get TWF and ITWF and Manyshot and Bow Strength, and Rapid shot) for free...

12/6/2 Monk/ranger/fighter is the way to go..

Don't be ranged all the time... Use manyshot as much as you can, but be ready and able to melee with handwraps as well.

[etelan]

This. Rogue Dilettante gets you 3d6 for 0 Rogue levels vs. 4d6 for 7. Sneak dice don't get crit multipliers, so the hit to your damage will be minor, while you pick up a lot more with full Str mod to bows.

Rogue is 4d6 + 9 or 12.5 more sneak attack damage per attack. To pick up a lot more with full str mod to bows I would have to make a build with a lot more strength. Losing acrobat is a significant blow as well.

[etelan]

Also you need to fit in the TWF chain... Easy to do with 6 levels of ranger (since you get TWF and ITWF and Manyshot and Bow Strength, and Rapid shot) for free...

12/6/2 Monk/ranger/fighter is the way to go..

Don't be ranged all the time... Use manyshot as much as you can, but be ready and able to melee with handwraps as well.

Why do you need TWF. This is a rahl's might build. X5 crit, strength and dex to damage. Agreed that you have to be able to melee. 300 base damage on a 19 or 20 is a reasonable target. Improved destruction to make up for a mediocre strength.

[unbongwah]

Also, this sacrifices a good 10+ points of damage per swing when using Rahl's.

Did not notice at first you planned to use Rahl's Might. You do realize you can't use Touch of Death with anything but handwraps, which is like the best part of being a lvl 9+ dark monk, right?

[etelan]

Did not notice at first you planned to use Rahl's Might. You do realize you can't use Touch of Death with anything but handwraps, which is like the best part of being a lvl 9+ dark monk, right?

Yup. The higher base damage and X5 crits should easily make up for it and is more beneficial against non-living targets. ToD is more beneficial against elementals, but I will leave that to the monk/ranger build with feats to spare.

[etelan]

Here is the ranger. Uses handwraps, ToD, possibly fire stance for melee?

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.1
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Level 20 Lawful Neutral Half-Elf Male
(2 Fighter \ 12 Monk \ 6 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 266
Spell Points: 160 
BAB: 17\17\22\27\27
Fortitude: 19
Reflex: 17
Will: 12

                  Starting          
Abilities        Base Stats         
(32 Point)       (Level 1)          
Strength             16             
Dexterity            16             
Constitution         14             
Intelligence         10             
Wisdom               12             
Charisma              8             

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 1
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 1
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 1
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 1
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 1

Level 1 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Half-Elf Dilettante) Half-Elf Dilettante: Rogue
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot


Level 2 (Ranger)


Level 3 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons


Level 4 (Ranger)


Level 5 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider


Level 6 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Mental Toughness


Level 7 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Zen Archery


Level 8 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Power Attack


Level 9 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Inevitable Dominion: Fists of Darkness
Feat: (Selected) Precise Shot


Level 10 (Monk)


Level 11 (Monk)


Level 12 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Stunning Fist


Level 13 (Monk)


Level 14 (Monk)


Level 15 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting


Level 16 (Monk)


Level 17 (Monk)


Level 18 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness


Level 19 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Precise Shot


Level 20 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Bludgeoning Weapons

[etelan]

This is a little different. Part rogue/ranger. Must be at least ranger4 for AA and the bonus feats are enough to get IPS. Rogue4 gives haste boost II, sneak attack training II. This build is designed for Rahl's w/o ToD and loses the acrobat bonuses in Melee, but is perhaps a marginally better archer.

*Traded out Dilettante at 7 when +2 cha tome kicks in. Paladin is for the higher reflex saves. Cleric is an another good option and makes rogue skill a little easier by dropping UMD.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.1
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Level 20 Lawful Good Half-Elf Male
(12 Monk \ 4 Rogue \ 4 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 254
Spell Points: 123 
BAB: 16\16\21\26\26
Fortitude: 17
Reflex: 21
Will: 12

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Half-Elf Dilettante) Half-Elf Dilettante: Paladin
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot


Level 2 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider


Level 3 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons


Level 4 (Ranger)


Level 5 (Ranger)


Level 6 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Mental Toughness
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Power Attack


Level 7 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Zen Archery


Level 8 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Inevitable Dominion: Fists of Darkness


Level 9 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Manyshot


Level 10 (Monk)


Level 11 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Toughness


Level 12 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Precise Shot


Level 13 (Monk)


Level 14 (Monk)


Level 15 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons


Level 16 (Monk)


Level 17 (Monk)


Level 18 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Precise Shot


Level 19 (Rogue)


Level 20 (Rogue)

[etelan]

Okay, it's really hard to pass up the passive ranger past life here, but there is a way to get IPS and Acrobat for those that want to work a little bit harder.

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

Level 20 Lawful Neutral Half-Elf Male
(1 Fighter \ 12 Monk \ 7 Rogue) 
Hit Points: 250
Spell Points: 125 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 15
Reflex: 17
Will: 11

                  Starting          
Abilities        Base Stats         
(34 Point)       (Level 1)          
Strength             16             
Dexterity            17             
Constitution         14             
Intelligence         10             
Wisdom               11             
Charisma              8             

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 1
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 1
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 1
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 1
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 1

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Half-Elf Dilettante) Half-Elf Dilettante: Ranger
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Sorcerer
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot


Level 2 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Power Attack


Level 3 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Toughness
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons


Level 4 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Inevitable Dominion: Fists of Darkness


Level 5 (Monk)


Level 6 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Past Life: Arcane Prodigy


Level 7 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Zen Archery


Level 8 (Monk)


Level 9 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Shot


Level 10 (Monk)


Level 11 (Monk)


Level 12 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Manyshot


Level 13 (Monk)


Level 14 (Rogue)


Level 15 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Precise Shot


Level 16 (Rogue)


Level 17 (Rogue)


Level 18 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons


Level 19 (Rogue)


Level 20 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Precise Shot

[slimkj]

-Nearly complete ranged feat line
[...]
-Monk speed bonus for bow kiting

Are you running this at the moment? Couple of notes from having played with a similar (12 lvls of Monk AA) build since the update;

Did I read it wrong or are you missing Imp Prec Shot? It's a shame to lose that.

I know the 12 monk levels provide a speed boost but running in earth stance the -7% loss is noticeable in solo pew-pew play - you can no longer easily backpedal and outrun what you're kiting most of the time.

[etelan]

Did I read it wrong or are you missing Imp Prec Shot? It's a shame to lose that.

I know the 12 monk levels provide a speed boost but running in earth stance the -7% loss is noticeable in solo pew-pew play - you can no longer easily backpedal and outrun what you're kiting most of the time.

IPS is a shame. I posted 3 build variations that all have it though. The monk speed bonus should be 20% which will outweigh earth stance although I have not tested it myself.

[etelan]

I believe all the most interesting options have been posted now. Any favorites? The Ranger/Rogue split is growing on me I think. Does Nat Gann grant dex bonus to damage twice for an Acrobat?

[dimster28]

i have question about this.

release note said this "Mountain Stance III and IV now also increase the critical multiplier of monk weapons (and unarmed combat) by 1 on rolled of a natural 19 or 20."

does that mean, a lv 19 monk/1 wiz in earth stance 4 will have crit of x6 on 19 or 20?

[slimkj]

IPS is a shame. I posted 3 build variations that all have it though. The monk speed bonus should be 20% which will outweigh earth stance although I have not tested it myself.

Oh you're still faster than a plain Ranger, of course. I just wanted to let you know, if you weren't playing it already, that the 7% penalty is noticeable. As you can't get Earth III til 12th level and it's not worth running in that stance prior to that, you'll see a virtual run speed progression as you level that looks llike;

+5%/+5%/+5%/-2%

as you drop from a potential 20% back down to 13%, slower than you were from lvls 9 to 11. Still, at least you'll not really notice 5% of the loss if you switch Earth III on immediately at 12th

[etelan]

i have question about this.

does that mean, a lv 19 monk/1 wiz in earth stance 4 will have crit of x6 on 19 or 20?

Where is the extra +1 multiplier for x6? If the question is does earth 4 add +2 the answer is no.