Have Bow, Will Heal - 19 Cleric / 1 Wiz

[Luckness]

This is NOT a min-max build. The first priority here is to be useful when running quests normal / hard / elite on the way to 20 in a way fun for a particular person (my girlfriend). The second priority is to be able to transform this character into a reasonably efficient Radiant Servant II build should she decide to min-max a bit more once she is at level 20, through only feat and enhancement swaps.

Goals:

- Buff and heal parties as a divine caster (19 cleric levels permits this)
- Reach moderate HP goals with 14 base constitution
- Let the player have fun as an archer when the healing load is light (cost: Elf race, 2 points in Dex, Wizard splash)
- Let the player respec to pure caster at level 20 (without much disadvantage over a more orthodox build)

Resources:

- Human/Halfling/Dwarf/Elf/Drow/WF (no Horc/Helf)
- No Monk, no FVS
- 32 point builds
- +1 and +2 tomes

The wizard splash was chosen for the extra feat at the lowest cost to the caster cleric (in terms of both spell points and overcoming spell resistances with offensive spells, thanks to Elven Arcanum I).

The only gear this build really needs while leveling is a Silver Longbow and some superior ardor clickies, along with the usual suspects of supplies for any character.

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

Cleric Archer
Level 20 True Neutral Elf Female
(19 Cleric \ 1 Wizard) 
Hit Points: 258
Spell Points: 1469 
BAB: 14\14\19\24
Fortitude: 13
Reflex: 7
Will: 21

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength              8                     8
Dexterity            12                    13
Constitution         14                    14
Intelligence          8                     8
Wisdom               18                    26
Charisma             12                    14

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 2

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

Level 1 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage I
Enhancement: Follower of the Silver Flame


Level 2 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic I
Enhancement: Cleric Energy of the Zealot I
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom I


Level 3 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Shot
Enhancement: Cleric Divine Healing I
Enhancement: Cleric Wand and Scroll Mastery I


Level 4 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Attack I
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic II


Level 5 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Cleric Extra Turning I


Level 6 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom II


Level 7 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic III


Level 8 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage II


Level 9 (Wizard)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Extend Spell
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcanum I
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer I


Level 10 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Attack II


Level 11 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Acid Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +2 Arrows


Level 12 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic IV


Level 13 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom III


Level 14 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Explosive Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +3 Arrows


Level 15 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Zen Archery
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Life I
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Incredible Life I
Enhancement: Cleric Energy of the Zealot II


Level 16 (Cleric)


Level 17 (Cleric)


Level 18 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell
Enhancement: Cleric Radiant Servant I
Enhancement: Cleric Radiant Servant II
Enhancement: Improved Heal I
Enhancement: Improved Heal II
Enhancement: Cleric Charisma I
Enhancement: Cleric Charisma II
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Turning I


Level 19 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Burst Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Terror Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +4 Arrows


Level 20 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Slaying Arrows
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Empower Healing I
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +5 Arrows
Enhancement: Improved Concentration I

And here is what she'd look like with her feat and enhancement respec.

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

Cleric Caster
Level 20 True Neutral Elf Female
(19 Cleric \ 1 Wizard) 
Hit Points: 258
Spell Points: 1449 
BAB: 14\14\19\24
Fortitude: 13
Reflex: 7
Will: 21

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength              8                     8
Dexterity            12                    13
Constitution         14                    14
Intelligence          8                     8
Wisdom               18                    26
Charisma             12                    12

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 2

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               1                     1
Bluff                 1                     1
Concentration         6                    25
Diplomacy             1                     1
Disable Device       n/a                   n/a
Haggle                1                     1
Heal                  4                    10
Hide                  1                     1
Intimidate            1                     1
Jump                 -1                    -1
Listen                4                    10
Move Silently         1                     1
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair               -1                    -1
Search               -1                     1
Spot                  4                    10
Swim                 -1                    -1
Tumble                n/a                   n/a
Use Magic Device      n/a                   n/a

Level 1 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness


Level 2 (Cleric)


Level 3 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell


Level 4 (Cleric)


Level 5 (Cleric)


Level 6 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell


Level 7 (Cleric)


Level 8 (Cleric)


Level 9 (Wizard)
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Quicken Spell


Level 10 (Cleric)


Level 11 (Cleric)


Level 12 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Spell Penetration


Level 13 (Cleric)


Level 14 (Cleric)


Level 15 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Spell


Level 16 (Cleric)


Level 17 (Cleric)


Level 18 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Spell Penetration


Level 19 (Cleric)


Level 20 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Cleric Radiant Servant I
Enhancement: Cleric Radiant Servant II
Enhancement: Elven Arcanum I
Enhancement: Elven Enchantment Resistance I
Enhancement: Unyielding Sovereignty
Enhancement: Follower of the Sovereign Host
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Empower Healing I
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Empower Healing II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Improved Heal I
Enhancement: Improved Heal II
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Life I
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Life II
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Incredible Life I
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Incredible Life II
Enhancement: Cleric Smiting I
Enhancement: Cleric Smiting II
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic I
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic II
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic III
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic IV
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Spell Penetration I
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Spell Penetration II
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Spell Penetration III
Enhancement: Cleric Energy of the Zealot I
Enhancement: Cleric Energy of the Zealot II
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom I
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom II
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom III
Enhancement: Cleric Divine Vitality I
Enhancement: Cleric Extra Turning I
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Turning I
Enhancement: Cleric Wand and Scroll Mastery I
Enhancement: Cleric Wand and Scroll Mastery II
Enhancement: Cleric Wand and Scroll Mastery III

Keeping in mind the goal of having a Race / Class / ability point selection that offers the flexibility to play an archer with heals or a full divine caster... I'm looking forward to the criticism and feedback.

You'll notice that I don't take Bow Strength on this build. Already feat starved, it'd take a significant investment of ability points into strength to make this worth taking. With a base 8 str, it'd give 2-3 more damage on the bow with just modest buffs (Rage, +6 item). Obviously a different kind of build could take that route, but this one doesn't, instead preferring to get its modest damage from the imbued arrows, effects on the bow, enhancements, and crits (17-20, x3 with a Silver Longbow). Several cleric buffs and enhancements, and ultimately the Zen Archery feat, ensure that the hits land.

Attack Bonuses at Level 15

BAB 10
+3 conjured ammo
+10 Zen Archery (24 Wisdom + 6 Wisdom item)
+1 Point Blank Shot
+1 Weapon Focus: Ranged
+1 Korthos competence goggles
+2 Anger's wrath set
+3 Divine Favor
+1 Bless
+2 Elven racial enhancement
+1 Follower of the Silver Flame
=====
35 attack bonus minimum

+5 if using Divine power
+1 if using Heroism potion
=====
41 attack bonus minimum

+2 roll = 43 or higher rolls on attack

This should be enough to land most hits (and confirm most crits) in at-level content. The damage will obviously not be amazing, but the steady stream of numbers (not just misses) is enough to keep it fun. Before this point, the Elven Dexterity enhancements could be taken for a temporary benefit before acquiring Zen Archery.

At max level, the Silver Longbow could be replaced with a model with other effects. The free slayer ammo could help speed up some trash kills when rolling 20's. The Imp Critical feat could be respec'd into something more useful to a cleric as a half-way house into playing full caster. The damage line of bow enhancements could be dropped as having outlived their usefulness. The only things that would matter would be attack bonus and rate of fire, letting the effects and the ammo take their toll on the targets. With group buffs and Zen Archery it should be no problem hitting.

Well that's about all I've put into this plan at the moment, I'm sure we'll have to adjust it to get closer to what we want.

[Kinerd]

You can't use a +1 tome until level 3, so you can't get Rapid Shot then. Have you considered a 2 ranger splash instead? You'd get Bow Strength and Rapid Shot for free, a Favored Enemy, and Sprint Boost, plus if you're taking Zen Archery you could tank Dex in favor of Str. The downside is you'd be 1 lower on SP and would need to grab Mental Toughness for AA.

Also, I would not worry about Extend Spell. I have Extend on my pure cleric and only use it for Prayer and Recitation, and on a build that's tight for feats that's not a great reason. This cancels out the slot you lose from Wizard. You have a free slot from not taking Rapid Shot which you could use for Spell Penetration, and now you're back where you started on SP and you have Bow Strength.

[Luckness]

You can't use a +1 tome until level 3, so you can't get Rapid Shot then.

This is half-true. Indeed, you can't use a +1 tome until level 3. So you have to take a "dummy feat" at level 3 and then talk to Fred to have it changed out. At level 3 and 4, this is quite inexpensive to do. I lied to the character generator for the sake of simplicity.

Have you considered a 2 ranger splash instead? You'd get Bow Strength and Rapid Shot for free, a Favored Enemy, and Sprint Boost, plus if you're taking Zen Archery you could tank Dex in favor of Str. The downside is you'd be 1 lower on SP and would need to grab Mental Toughness for AA.

Also, I would not worry about Extend Spell. I have Extend on my pure cleric and only use it for Prayer and Recitation, and on a build that's tight for feats that's not a great reason. This cancels out the slot you lose from Wizard. You have a free slot from not taking Rapid Shot which you could use for Spell Penetration, and now you're back where you started on SP and you have Bow Strength.

Your note about dropping Extend Spell is a great one. I think I'll do it! This allows me to put Empower Healing as my free metamagic feat and allows her to take the Radiant prestige enhancements a LOT earlier, which will make a big difference to her viability as a healer. It also frees up a feat slot somewhere in there.

I've thought about Ranger and Fighter splashes. Basically, I don't want them because I don't want to optimize the core of the build (ability scores, class levels, or race) around what will be in any event a sub-optimal DPS style. I want to gain the flavor of archery at the least expense to what is a rather humdrum cleric when fitted with the feats and enhancements just for cleric-ness. Taking the levels basically "locks in" the character to do melee or ranged dps, short of taking an expensive resurrection wood.

Bow Strength, however, could be fit into the build now, and I think robbing CHA a bit to feed STR (along with gear and buffs...) could have some interesting results... maybe.

[AtomicMew]

I know you said no FvS, but consider grinding out the favor and TR-ing into one. You'd get better DPS due to AoV and you'd also be able to free up an extra feat by dropping empower heal, which is not required on a FvS. All the while, you'd get better saves, similar if not better healing capabilities and of course, wings. Overall, it's a better option.

Take a look at this divine AA guide to get some ideas: http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=285430

That said, you need to know that no matter what, a divine AA is basically a flavor build. Even ignoring any discussions about AAs in general, the fact is, a divine AA simply has too many feat requirements and not enough feats, which leads to either diluted casting ability or diluted bow ability.

Take for example the 18 FvS/1 wizard/1 fighter build from the above-mentioned thread. Focusing in on bow DPS, your feats would be:

toughness
half elf dilettante: ranger
point blank shot
rapid shot
manyshot
weapon focus: ranged
improved critical: ranged
Precise Shot
Improved Precise Shot
Quicken

Which leaves zero feats for casting. Considering that empower and maximize alone would contribute more DPS via blade barrier and divine punishment compared to the eight feats you took for bow DPS, it's obvious you can't completely focus in on bow DPS. You need to drop at least one feat for maximize, preferably two for empower as well. And the only feats you can even consider dropping are precise shot/IPS.

Doing so, you've lost one of the best perks about being an AA, and it seems clear at that point, you may as well have dumped bow DPS altogether and picked up two more FvS levels for capstone, DR and spell points, which, IMO is clearly better.

However, if you really are dead set on doing a divine AA, here is my suggestion:

Half Elf
18 FvS/1 Fighter/1 Wizard

Stats (borrowed from linked thread)

Str: 24 (14 base + 2 tome + 6 item + 2 rage potion)
Dex: 32 (16 base + 5 levels + 2 tome + 6 item + 3 enhancements)
Con: 24 (16 base + 2 tome + 6 item)
Int: 12 (10 base + 2 tome)
Wis: 8
Cha: 20 (12 base + 2 tome + 6 item)

Feats:

toughness

half elf dilettante: ranger
point blank shot
rapid shot
manyshot
weapon focus: ranged
improved critical: ranged

Quicken
Maximize
Empower

[Luckness]

Yeah, it's a flavor build. Made for someone who really likes ranged combat... with the idea that they could use that fighting style (gimped even if fully maxed.. hence why it -isn't- fully maxed) by being a fully capable party healer while leveling. Most content doesn't even really need a healer who's healing all the time, mostly relying on one for the maybe 1 or 2 intense fights and saving money on pots and scrolls, and while the cleric would do more dps with some metamagic feats, the party's success would usually not hinge on it.

When the style outlived its novelty on that character, it'd be fully capable of filling a divine slot in any group, sacrificing nothing that anyone will notice (unlike, say, builds that go 17 cleric with some vestigial levels of fighter or ranger). While a melee battlecleric could easily do a lot more DPS, it's not the amount of DPS that is the primary concern here, more finding good ways of letting someone range without "wasting the slot." The LFM begs for Cleric / FvS regularly and nobody minds as long as nobody dies. Fighting from ranged is usually a fairly good idea for a cleric anyway, and the arrows will usually not create as much aggro as a Maximized / Empowered blade barrier!

This is why the transition into a non-bow build at level cap is a planned part of the build - level one style, switch into a more viable one at or near cap. Just for the fun/flavor of it.

[Luckness]

I was poking around on the forums more and found two other people thinking along similar lines. Here is someone who wants to go 18 Cleric / 1 Ranger / 1 Fighter.

http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=326565
"Will this work? Bored of my healbot"

And here is Ubongwah's "Radiant Archer" set of builds, based on the half-elf ranger dilly.

http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=308361

Since I last posted, I've been thinking more, and for a while I was thinking I should pump up CHA for divine might. However, this is not really a good idea for a caster build, and while playing as a hybrid archer/caster, it would be difficult to use burst to heal while also using Divine Might.

Speaking of burst, it is affected by Maximize, and the previous build didn't take Maximize. Blade Barrier is also affected by Maximize, and having a Max'd blade barrier would make it possible to solo much more effectively. Waiting for an LFM is not always desired.

The solution I came up with is this - dump all stats but WIS and CON. This lets me delay the Toughness feat to level 18, due to the substantial HP the cleric is getting from a 16 base CON. This makes the feat order flow much more smoothly. At level 12 the build can have Imp Critical: Ranged, Maximize, and the Arcane Archer and Radiant Servant prestige enhancements. Not to mention, Zen Archery has been moved up to level 3, making the attack bonus solid throughout the leveling curve. Popping down a blade barrier and plinking with arrows is starting to sound like real fun!

The feat layout ends up looking like this:

Toughness
3 Metamagics - Empower Healing, Maximize, Quicken
4 Archery - Point Blank Shot, Zen Archery, Weapon Focus: Ranged, Improved Critical: Ranged

As already mentioned, when the damage from the bow just doesn't cut it anymore, Imp Critical: Ranged can be droppped in order to take another Metamagic.

Given the possibility to take up to four metamagic feats as well as Toughness, it's starting to look like a more viable build at level 20, even without further feat swaps. A "weakening of [damage effect X]" longbow and some slayer arrows (not enfeebling, since the critical threat range on longbows is so low) would contribute offensively, without giving up too much divine spellcasting ability. You could eventually free up some action points by removing Elven Ranged Damage I and II also.

Here is the character planner.

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

Havebow Will Heal
Level 20 True Neutral Elf Female
(19 Cleric \ 1 Wizard) 
Hit Points: 298
Spell Points: 1527 
BAB: 14\14\19\24
Fortitude: 15
Reflex: 6
Will: 22

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength              8                    10
Dexterity            10                    10
Constitution         16                    18
Intelligence          8                     8
Wisdom               18                    28
Charisma              8                    12

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution 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               0                     0
Bluff                -1                     1
Concentration         7                    27
Diplomacy            -1                     1
Disable Device       n/a                   n/a
Haggle               -1                     1
Heal                  4                    11
Hide                  0                     0
Intimidate           -1                     1
Jump                 -1                     0
Listen                4                    11
Move Silently         0                     0
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform              n/a                    n/a
Repair               -1                    -1
Search               -1                     1
Spot                  4                    11
Swim                 -1                     0
Tumble                n/a                   n/a
Use Magic Device     n/a                    n/a

Level 1 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot


Level 2 (Cleric)


Level 3 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Zen Archery


Level 4 (Cleric)


Level 5 (Cleric)


Level 6 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons


Level 7 (Cleric)


Level 8 (Cleric)


Level 9 (Wizard)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Maximize Spell


Level 10 (Cleric)


Level 11 (Cleric)


Level 12 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons


Level 13 (Cleric)


Level 14 (Cleric)


Level 15 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Quicken Spell


Level 16 (Cleric)


Level 17 (Cleric)


Level 18 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness


Level 19 (Cleric)


Level 20 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Acid Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Explosive Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Burst Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Slaying Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Terror Arrows
Enhancement: Cleric Radiant Servant I
Enhancement: Cleric Radiant Servant II
Enhancement: Elven Arcanum I
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Attack I
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Attack II
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage I
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage II
Enhancement: Follower of the Silver Flame
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +2 Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +3 Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +4 Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +5 Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer I
Enhancement: Improved Heal I
Enhancement: Improved Heal II
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Life I
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Incredible Life I
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic I
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic II
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic III
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic IV
Enhancement: Cleric Energy of the Zealot I
Enhancement: Cleric Energy of the Zealot II
Enhancement: Cleric Energy of the Zealot III
Enhancement: Cleric Charisma I
Enhancement: Cleric Charisma II
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom I
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom II
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom III
Enhancement: Cleric Divine Vitality I
Enhancement: Cleric Extra Turning I
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Turning I
Enhancement: Cleric Wand and Scroll Mastery I

Or, borrowing Tihocan's layout...

Alignment: True Neutral
Race: Elf

Base Stats
Str: 8
Dex: 10
Con: 16
Int: 8
Wis: 18
Cha: 8

Ability increase every 4 levels: All in Wis.

Skills: Max out Concentration.

Take levels 1 to 8 as a cleric (get Arcane Archer). Take level 9 as a wizard (get Radiant Servant I). Take levels 10 to 20 as a cleric.

Feats (by level): Point Blank Shot (1), Zen Archery (3), Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons (6), Empower Healing (9), Maximize (Wizard Bonus Feat), Improved Critical: Range (12), Quicken (15), Toughness (18)

Enhancements: Elven Arcanum I, Divine Vitality I, Energy of the Zealot II, Extra Turning I, Follower of the Silver Flame, Heal II, Improved Turning I, Life Magic IV, Prayer of Incredible Life I, Prayer of Life I, Radiant Servant II, Wand and Scroll Mastery I, Wisdom III, Charisma II, Racial Toughness II, Elven Ranged Attack II, and all arcane archer enhancements.

The remaining points can be spent to increase bow damage (Elven Ranged Damage II), healing ability, or offensive casting ability, as the situation and desired style of play demand.

[Kareena]

Back when I was a noob; my 1st two lives that were actually viable were as a ranged cleric. The 1st life I did an elven 18/2 cleric/ranger split- and it was decent. I remember enjoying it. The 2nd life I did 18/2 Cleric/monk half-elf and loooooved it.

I took zen archery(1monk feat) and my to-hit was out of this world. I did decent damage and to this day still love evasion heh. Had to be my favorite "healer" build.


Please make sure to take empowered healing b/f lvl 6 so you can use the burst/aura at appropriate levels. It really does make a world of difference- if for some reason you chose not to; make sure to carry the restoration spell- neg levels are a B****.

Feats in order I'd advise (without monk )
1 PBS
3 WF: Ranged
6 Empower healing (get RS 1)
7 Maximize (wizard lvl)
9 Zen Archery
12 Improved Crit
15 Toughness
18 Quicken (You really only need this for shroud and end game raids)


if you were able to get monk; b/c monk splash is AWESOME:
1 PBS & Toughness (Monk)
3 WF: Ranged
6 Empower healing
7 Zen Archery (Monk)
9 Mental Toughness (Now can take AA)
12 Improved Crit
15 Maximize
18 Quicken (You really only need this for shroud and end game raids)

Mental toughness also helps make up for some of the SP you lose when splashing other classes in btw


Now I'm sadly into the min/maxxing for the most part and very melee oriented... but for a 1st toon that is learning the game- the above is a fun character- that usually had no trouble getting into parties.

[AtomicMew]

Toughness
3 Metamagics - Empower Healing, Maximize, Quicken
4 Archery - Point Blank Shot, Zen Archery, Weapon Focus: Ranged, Improved Critical: Ranged

Missing many shot, toughness, missing bow strength. To be brutally honest, your damage will simply be too gimpy to be even worth using. See the above FvS build I posted. If you really wanted to make it work on a cleric, add in an additional level of fighter so you can fit in empower heal.

As already mentioned, when the damage from the bow just doesn't cut it anymore, Imp Critical: Ranged can be droppped in order to take another Metamagic.

At that point, you might as well use a +1 lesser heart so you can hit 20 cleric for capstone, and dump the other three then useless feats.

[Luckness]

It's not missing toughness - it's right there in what you quoted.

The DPS is indeed gimpy, and planning for the ability to change out the archery feats (at later level) is a design goal. Doing some gimpy DPS is there to make the leveling more entertaining. Doing it on a healer is so as to be able to group and have something to contribute. (And because playing healbot can be boring, adding flavor is a welcome thing!)

Capstone? I think I'd rather have the extra metamagic feat. Losing the archery feats later on is certainly a good idea... hence why it's part of my first post here. (Losing the archery altogether is a good idea too, but "what fun is that!?" is the reason I don't in this build.)

It's okay if you don't like the concept. I don't even really like it either, and I doubt any more than 1 person would ever really roll this up... the person it is designed for.

Kareena: thanks for your input, the 2 levels of monk are welcome on a cleric build, but as stated, no Favored soul or monk are available on this account.

[Luckness]

Please make sure to take empowered healing b/f lvl 6 so you can use the burst/aura at appropriate levels. It really does make a world of difference- if for some reason you chose not to; make sure to carry the restoration spell- neg levels are a B****.

Thanks for this. I've decided to juggle the feats around again so as to take Radiant Servant at 6th level.

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

Havebow Will Heal
Level 20 True Neutral Elf Female
(19 Cleric \ 1 Wizard) 
Hit Points: 278
Spell Points: 1497 
BAB: 14\14\19\24
Fortitude: 14
Reflex: 7
Will: 22

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             10                    12
Dexterity            12                    13
Constitution         14                    16
Intelligence          8                    10
Wisdom               18                    28
Charisma             10                    14

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 3
+2 Tome of Strength 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               1                     7
Bluff                 0                     2
Concentration         6                    26
Diplomacy             0                     2
Disable Device       n/a                    n/a
Haggle                0                     2
Heal                  4                    12
Hide                  1                     1
Intimidate            0                     2
Jump                  0                     1
Listen                4                    11
Move Silently         1                     1
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair               -1                     0
Search               -1                     2
Spot                  4                    11
Swim                  0                     1
Tumble                n/a                   n/a
Use Magic Device      n/a                   n/a

Level 1 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot


Level 2 (Cleric)


Level 3 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Zen Archery


Level 4 (Cleric)


Level 5 (Cleric)


Level 6 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell
Enhancement: Cleric Radiant Servant I
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Attack I
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage I
Enhancement: Follower of the Silver Flame
Enhancement: Improved Heal I
Enhancement: Improved Heal II
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic I
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic II
Enhancement: Cleric Energy of the Zealot I
Enhancement: Cleric Energy of the Zealot II
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom I
Enhancement: Cleric Divine Vitality I
Enhancement: Cleric Extra Turning I
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Turning I
Enhancement: Cleric Wand and Scroll Mastery I


Level 7 (Cleric)


Level 8 (Cleric)


Level 9 (Wizard)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Maximize Spell
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcanum I
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage II
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer I
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Life I
Enhancement: Cleric Prayer of Incredible Life I


Level 10 (Cleric)


Level 11 (Cleric)


Level 12 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Shot


Level 13 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Acid Arrows
Enhancement: Cleric Radiant Servant II
Enhancement: Cleric Improved Empower Healing I
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +2 Arrows
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic III
Enhancement: Cleric Charisma I
Enhancement: Cleric Charisma II


Level 14 (Cleric)


Level 15 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Quicken Spell


Level 16 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Explosive Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +3 Arrows
Enhancement: Cleric Life Magic IV
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom II


Level 17 (Cleric)


Level 18 (Cleric)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Burst Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Terror Arrows
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +4 Arrows


Level 19 (Cleric)


Level 20 (Cleric)
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Slaying Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Attack II
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +5 Arrows
Enhancement: Cleric Wisdom III

There's 1 unspent enhancement point here. At or before level 20 the character would be ready to drop at least some of the archery feats/enhancements, with an eye to dropping them all eventually.

The splash of wizard is good regardless of what direction you go with this elf. There is some loss of damage on some spells due to the loss of a cleric level. There is also one less DC for those that have a save. But the resistances are the same and the build has 20 more spellpoints, thanks to Elven Arcanum I. While you could get the extra feat anyway and some other benefits by going human or some HP and mana by going dwarf... some people like elves and archery. :P

Edit: I took out Imp Crit: Ranged and put in Empower Magic at level 12, for better Blade Barriers, bigger healing bursts, and less costly feat re-specs. (With the cost of the shards, it looks like each feat is 120 TP... can get one from Lockania and one from Argonessen reputation.)

[Kareena]

For what you are trying to do; I think your build looks very nice. And I hope your GF has much fun playing her.

I did always realize my dps was gimpy; but it was Fun. And gives you something to do when heals aren't needed as much as well as keeping you mainly out of combat. Just make sure melee's have aggro 1st so you don't tick people off by kiting stuff b/f they can get to it.

If she gets around to making Greensteel; a good 1st (cheaper) one to make is a triple Earth- Earthgrab w/ slaying arrows ruled. heh Also something nice to pick up for GH through Vale would be a paralyzing longbow. (lvl 10ish - lvl 12 probably cheaper)


Much luck to you

[Kareena]

Edit: I took out Imp Crit: Ranged and put in Empower Magic at level 12, for better Blade Barriers, bigger healing bursts, and less costly feat re-specs. (With the cost of the shards, it looks like each feat is 120 TP... can get one from Lockania and one from Argonessen reputation.)

Hmm; you have maximize- I dont really see empower as necessary imo. Also after playing an AA through 19 lvls are you sure you'll want to respec at all? I know you'll have to go into "healbot" role during several parts of raids; but I'd still see myself helping on harry while the other healer is primary healer; helping with trash and helping in someway if out of mana. Do you really think suddenly you'll/she'll be satisfied switching to a mace at endgame?

IMO I'd keep Imp Crit: Ranged and keep this build as is for end game. People are so desperate for healers- as long as you/she heals well you wont have any trouble getting into raids.

Edit: also shards are significantly cheaper on the AH since they became available as Argo favor- shouldn't have to buy any with TP>

[Luckness]

That's a good point. I could hound the auction house or get one on an alt.

I'm glad to hear that someone else not only "gets it" for this kind of build but also has done it and enjoyed it.

Maximize and Empower stack for offensive spells. Maximize, Empower, and Empower Healing (as I understand it) all stack for the burst healing spell-like ability from Radiant Servant I. Seems solid to me, even though the Imp Crit: Ranged is the largest dps increase for the archery part available to this build (especially while using a Silver Longbow). I guess we'll make that call when she reaches level 12 and has had a level in which to play with Blade Barrier.

The archery feats might well stay in at level 20. I'm sure she can decide when she gets there.

Thank you for the suggestions on worthwhile bows. Some bows with nice effects would certainly go a long way towards keeping the archery useful.

[Hephaistor]

The healing bowman.. nice idea. Please tell us how it works when you did a few levels.

[Mister_Peace]

Edit: I took out Imp Crit: Ranged and put in Empower Magic at level 12, for better Blade Barriers, bigger healing bursts, and less costly feat re-specs. (With the cost of the shards, it looks like each feat is 120 TP... can get one from Lockania and one from Argonessen reputation.)

I was all set to correct this, and pulled up DDO wiki to review the names associated with the various sizes of Siberys dragonshards.

"As of Update 9, a Regular, Exceptional or Flawless Siberys Dragonshard can be chosen as a reward for achieving 75 favor with the Agents of Argonnessen."

That's news to me.

[Luckness]

I've decided to roll up a pure bard Warchanter to level with her cleric. The bard's songs and buffs will definitely help push the bow dps up from meager to middling.

I didn't really realize until now that her toon will be able to use any arcane OR divine scroll or wand, with no UMD check. Just made me think "How cool is that?!" and the applications for short-manning. The 1 level of wizard is looking even more respectable to my mind.

The only decision left is Human or Horc... for the bard! I'm thinking Half-orc will let me dish out the DPS a bit better, which is what our duo really needs, so I'll go with that.

[unbongwah]

See my Bardcher thread for bard-based AA builds.

[PNellesen]

Looks like a fun build - would there be any benefit in dropping CON to 14 and putting a couple more points in STR? 8 STR just gives me shivers - my Elf Ranger started with 14 CON and has 460+ HP at level 20 (with the usual gear) which should be plenty for a Cleric.

[nat_1]

A divine AA has been rattling around in my head for a while now and I plan on TR'ing into one. I think the tightest build is the Radiant Archer.

I like the monk 2/wiz 1.
-Manyshot. Without this I don't see a point to ranged.
-Empower and Quicken. I think you can make a living healing on those two alone.
-Maximise. For BB since this build pumps wis.
-Potentially useful non-Epic AC.
-Evasion if you're into that sort of thing.
-Convenient dilly Bow Strength.

If you're going to respec feats individually would you consider LR'ing instead? If you would, once you're in you might as well go +3 and get what you can out of the ranged aspect. Also, if good things happen in the whispered ranged pass this might be something to hang on to.

Look at what ungbongwah has put out. I don't think anyone has done a more thorough job of keeping the healing viable while retaining the truly useful aspects of AA.