Master Assassin: an int based build

[Mellkor]

Do you find Shadow Manipulation really that useful? I'm having huge doubts putting a point into there when I can get 100% dodge. Your thoughts?

It almost never fails, even on epic elite. It also SEEMS to work better on some difficult to assassinate mobs than assassinate does, despite having the same DC (supposedly).

I often use it when there is a crowd of mobs. I hit one of em with shadow manipulation, then assassinate the rest 2 at a time while they fight each other.

I also use it as a fire-and-forget assassinate! Its awesome! I highly recommend this.

Consume is also working a lot better, however it is still buggy as all hell. It works REALLY well on some things and seems to always fail on others, even on mobs that shadow manipulation works on all the time.

[Nodoze]

Hit lev 15.

I will edit the OP soon and put the feats I took in the proper order.
...

I got a really nice lev 16 named light repeater out of one of the eveningstar flagging quests (not sure which one), it uses your int bonus for to hit. Really nice for this build along with use of flame bolts.

Thanks for keeping the thread current!

I think the xbow you referenced that used Int to hit that is good for Arties & this build is:

http://ddowiki.com/page/Doublecross_Bow

[Mellkor]

Updated the OP to reflect the order of feats taken as I leveled up my second life on this build. I also updated some of the text and incorporated some comments from this thread into the OP.

I do not expect this to change much until U17 and/or the enhancement changes.

I am still experimenting with end-game equipment, so that MAY change. (will probably go red dragon robe, use only a 3-piece abashai set instead of the 5-piece, Bracers of the Twisting Shade epic elite version, con +8 necklace of +6 natural armour, switch current greensteel necklace item to cloak slot) and maybe some different TOD rings. That set up is very impressive as it adds +15 seeker! as well as other goodies, at the cost of being able to swap robes. I am still on the fence on it all tho. I really like the versatility of being able to use situationaly useful robes. I may also go with the epic dragon belt (it has most of the same stuff as the red dragon robes) at the cost of my CHA skills greensteel item (I can almost live without this at end-game), and retain use of robes.

[Mellkor]

Thanks for keeping the thread current!

I think the xbow you referenced that used Int to hit that is good for Arties & this build is:

http://ddowiki.com/page/Doublecross_Bow

Yeah thats the one. It is great at lev 16. I am not sure it will be great in epic levels, but for now I still laugh when watching a mob get whacked hard by a volley and then falls asleep. Its a hoot.

[hi_sa1nt]

The new update is laid out in a much cleaner outline. Thank you.

I too am enjoying this build quite a lot... though it's a pain in my arse trying to get a full five piece abishai set. But I am working on it.

[hi_sa1nt]

Finally was able to get the scroll for the charged gauntlets. Haven't had time to use them yet, but I will this weekend. But the Epic Goggles of Time Sensing are sweet, and since I'm not level 25 yet, I'm also using the Epic Utility Vest for the OL and DD. I started the game late August, so I lack some of the Treasure Cove gear, which I'll get next year. But overall, I'm loving this build.

The +8 int ring seems to be one of the hardest pieces to get, in my opinion, but I will continue to look for it.

May I suggest for the other finger the Seal of Dun'Robar with stunning? Right now I have +10% Slicing one, so I'll try for the other version when I get to that point.

What's your opinion of the Epic Elite version of Whisperchain? It seems pretty decent, though I do have the Greater Stability Robes of Destruction, I can't use them till 25.

Overall, even though my gear varies a bit from yours... due to lack of parts, I'm still loving this build.

[Mellkor]

Finally was able to get the scroll for the charged gauntlets. Haven't had time to use them yet, but I will this weekend. But the Epic Goggles of Time Sensing are sweet, and since I'm not level 25 yet, I'm also using the Epic Utility Vest for the OL and DD. I started the game late August, so I lack some of the Treasure Cove gear, which I'll get next year. But overall, I'm loving this build.

The +8 int ring seems to be one of the hardest pieces to get, in my opinion, but I will continue to look for it.

May I suggest for the other finger the Seal of Dun'Robar with stunning? Right now I have +10% Slicing one, so I'll try for the other version when I get to that point.

What's your opinion of the Epic Elite version of Whisperchain? It seems pretty decent, though I do have the Greater Stability Robes of Destruction, I can't use them till 25.

Overall, even though my gear varies a bit from yours... due to lack of parts, I'm still loving this build.

Congrats on the scroll. Now for the fun part....slotting them!

The ring is OK, but the stunning on it only helps if you have the stun feat.
Whisperchain is a no go for me, it severely limits your max Dodge %. I cant live with anything less than max dodge (25%).

[hi_sa1nt]

What server do you play on? And I didn't know about the stunning feat.

Side note: had to trade 2 raid timer bypasses for that bloody scroll.

And I'm slowly but surely slotting the epic gear, though they might vary from yours depending on my need and order I get them in, but the end results will be the same.

I only have the seal for the cloak... that's one of the harder items to epic out.

[voodoogroves]

I'd honestly avoid slotting anything in the short term, except maybe a +1 INT on one of your eMGs. With the changes coming next udpate, I'd save up on the tokens.

[hi_sa1nt]

Awe yes, I forgot about that. Thanks for the reminder.

Also, since I don't have any CitW weapons yet... **** thing wont cough any of them up, I switch between an EMG and Epic Phiarlan Spy Dagger or Epic Garos' Malice. This is while I wait till my second EMG shard pops up so I can make my second one.

[voodoogroves]

Awe yes, I forgot about that. Thanks for the reminder.

Also, since I don't have any CitW weapons yet... **** thing wont cough any of them up, I switch between an EMG and Epic Phiarlan Spy Dagger or Epic Garos' Malice. This is while I wait till my second EMG shard pops up so I can make my second one.

You may be better off w/ a clerics of a sunblade instead of Garos Malice. Work on those commendations - I got myself a baby Greater Good / Radiance one that is pretty fun.

[hi_sa1nt]

Star of Day? Never thought of that.

The Sun Blade is a level 6 item. I don't know if that was a miss type.

[hi_sa1nt]

Awe. Well, I traded in 15 cleric commendations for the Star of Day... and I got:

Brilliance
Fiery Detonation
Holy Burst

[voodoogroves]

Awe. Well, I traded in 15 cleric commendations for the Star of Day... and I got:

Brilliance
Fiery Detonation
Holy Burst

The Star of Day is, in fact, a Sun Blade (just all grown up). So is Celestia, only it is even better. Check out the description of each three.

[Mellkor]

I'd honestly avoid slotting anything in the short term, except maybe a +1 INT on one of your eMGs. With the changes coming next udpate, I'd save up on the tokens.

I second this. Of course they would change the whole system SHORTLY AFTER finally having finished slotting the whole 5-piece abashai set. Curse my luck!

[Falvicar27]

Hey all,

I have tried out a dex rogue and while I do like my rogue I know later on i'll regret not being able to SA things as hard as I really can and with that said I decided to try out Mellkors build here.

However, this is my first life and I haven't been playing DDO very long. I do have access to most adventure packs as I bought them awhile go when points were on sale and I do have access to the 32 point build. Lastly, I can invest in tomes as well for the build.

With all that said.. Can anyone take a look at this before I really start investing in my character?

Thanks!

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 03.14.02
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Dyborne D'vinn
Level 20 Neutral Good Half-Elf Male
(20 Rogue) 
Hit Points: 242
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 9
Reflex: 21
Will: 7

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats         Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)           (Level 20)
Strength             14                 18                   18
Dexterity            14                 21                   22
Constitution         12                 16                   16
Intelligence         18                 24                   28
Wisdom                8                 12                   12
Charisma              8                 12                   12

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 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
+3 Tome of Strength used at level 11
+3 Tome of Dexterity used at level 11
+3 Tome of Constitution used at level 11
+3 Tome of Intelligence used at level 11
+3 Tome of Wisdom used at level 11
+3 Tome of Charisma used at level 11
+4 Tome of Strength used at level 17
+4 Tome of Dexterity used at level 17
+4 Tome of Constitution used at level 17
+4 Tome of Intelligence used at level 17
+4 Tome of Wisdom used at level 17
+4 Tome of Charisma used at level 17

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills        Base Skills        Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 20)          (Level 20)
Balance               6                 29                   30
Bluff                 3                 24                   25
Concentration         1                  3                    4
Diplomacy             3                 24                   25
Disable Device        8                 32                   35
Haggle               -1                 24                   25
Heal                 -1                  1                    2
Hide                  6                 29                   30
Intimidate           -1                  1                    2
Jump                  6                 12                   13
Listen               -1                  3                    4
Move Silently         6                 29                   30
Open Lock             6                 29                   30
Perform              n/a                n/a                   n/a
Repair                4                  9                   10
Search                8                 32                   36
Spot                  3                 24                   25
Swim                  2                 20                   21
Tumble                6                 22                   23
Use Magic Device      3                 24                   25

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Half-Elf Dilettante) Half-Elf Dilettante: Artificer
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Human Versatility I
Enhancement: Rogue Faster Sneaking I
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training I
Enhancement: Improved Search I


Level 2 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Rogue Damage Boost I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy I


Level 3 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Insightful Reflexes
Enhancement: Elven Perception I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Improved Disable Device I
Enhancement: Rogue Wand and Scroll Mastery I


Level 4 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: DEX
Enhancement: Human Versatility II
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training II


Level 5 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Intelligence I
Enhancement: Rogue Faster Sneaking II


Level 6 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery II


Level 7 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy II


Level 8 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: DEX
Enhancement: Human Versatility III


Level 9 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Precision
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training III


Level 10 (Rogue)
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Improved Evasion
Enhancement: Human Versatility IV
Enhancement: Half-Elf Artificer Intelligence I


Level 11 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Rogue Faster Sneaking III


Level 12 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: DEX
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy III
Enhancement: Rogue Wand and Scroll Mastery II


Level 13 (Rogue)
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Skill Mastery
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training IV


Level 14 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Rogue Dexterity I


Level 15 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy IV


Level 16 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: INT
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Opportunist
Enhancement: Rogue Faster Sneaking IV


Level 17 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Rogue Wrack Construct I
Enhancement: Rogue Wand and Scroll Mastery III


Level 18 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost III


Level 19 (Rogue)
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Slippery Mind
Enhancement: Rogue Haste Boost IV


Level 20 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: INT
Enhancement: Rogue Deadly Shadow
Enhancement: Improved Disable Device II
Enhancement: Improved Search II

[domandi]

As a first lifer, I would drop int to 16, and use those points to raise dex to 18 and con to 14. this way with the +4 tomes, you only need 1 lvl up in dex for improved sneak attack, and you can just put the rest into int. In fact that way you end up with the same stats with a higher con for good measure.

Everything else looks pretty standard for this type of build.

[Falvicar27]

As a first lifer, I would drop int to 16, and use those points to raise dex to 18 and con to 14. this way with the +4 tomes, you only need 1 lvl up in dex for improved sneak attack, and you can just put the rest into int. In fact that way you end up with the same stats with a higher con for good measure.

Everything else looks pretty standard for this type of build.

Hmm, that seems like a good idea. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Mellkor]

As a first lifer I would suggest (also) dropping int to 16 and putting the extras into con and str. Domandi's suggestion is also ok if you want to focus on dex to damage weapons, otherwise I would suggest forgetting about improved sneak attack and make str your secondary stat for reasons already discussed in detail in this thread. Have fun!

[rabrams99]

I have decided to roll this build, thanks a bunch for the extensive detail and everyone's questions. I do have a couple, My current rogue was an old 13R,6ranger,1 monk or something from way back in the day.

I plan on TRing 2 times to get the 36 build now that I have these expensive stones of change. I also have several +5 LR thingys so I am able to change my current rogue to another class that may be helpful. I just came back after 1.5 years and I do not recall why I bought all those plus 5's.

Are there past live passives that go better with this type of build?

The fighter gets +1 to att (the tactics dont seem to have much use in this build) (my old rogue would have trouble hitting sometimes unless sneak attacking)

The rouge gets +1 damage to sneak att

Pala 5% heal amp

The monk gets +1 damage always (so i would think this is better than rogue)

the arty gets +1 int skills and umd (is this necessary?)

Unless I have something wrong above, what is your opinion on the best past life if you had a choice? Feel free to add one I ommitted.