archer dps?

[FalexiaSutter]

Hello hello.

Okay so I am tossing melee-archer builds around (surprise, surprise, haven't seen this before).

What I was wondering was this:

How does dps compare for ranged damage for these two types:

12 ranger, 7 rogue, 1 fighter, with AA, and the assassin enhancement (5d6 sneak damage)...

VS

6 ranger, 14 fighter, with kensei 2 and AA?

Or even...

6 ranger, 6 fighter, 8 rogue, with AA, kensei 1 AND Assassin... Is this one even viable?

When I look at the builds I can't tell what does more damage lol...

ALSO: I am free-to-play and don't have artificer yet

[thealightykuku]

What race?

If you aren't going elf then you won't be getting the full AA line... so first things first. If you're looking for a ranged DPS who uses a bow then you need to be an elf. Imbue slayer arrows are the bees' knees.

Improved precise shot is also a must. So if you aren't taking 11 lvls of ranger then you need to plan on using 3 feats for point blank shot (pre-req), precise shot (pre-req) to get to improved precise shot.

I personally like the 12 fighter/6 ranger/ 2 rogue for Kensai II, AA & evasion. Plus 12 levels of fighter gives you fighter haste boost IV (which does stack with haste & both work to upgrade your many-shot to insane many-shot)

[JasonJi72]

EPIC FAIL!!!

None of the builds listed above have 6 levels of monk. 10k Stars and Manyshot are just too good right now not to consider using with an Archer.

My current Archer is a Half Elf (Cleric Dilly for heal, raise, GREATER RESTORATION, etc...) with 12 Fighter, 6 Monk, 2 Artificer. You can use wizard instead of Arty, but I would suggest 2 levels for the wand/scroll bonus. My Stunning Fist is very high, and I have G2WF, IPS, yadda yadda.

The greatest advantage that Stars provides is that you will no longer hold Manyshot... ever. With 16 base Wis, +2 Tome, 4 level ups, gear, etc, you will shoot 2 or 3 arrows per shot while Stars is active. 30 second duration with a 1 min cooldown (30 sec off timer) on a seperate timer than Manyshot. You do the math.

Seriously, take 6 monk with a high wisdom or make an Artificer if you want a high dps ranged build.

[FalexiaSutter]

EPIC FAIL!!!

True enough. Unfortunately as I said I am free-to-play. I just have the basic races and classes atm. Well except for drow, but I figure I will go elf anyways. Thanks anyways though.

Thanks for the advice thealmighty.

[Fishcatch22]

What race?

If you aren't going elf then you won't be getting the full AA line... so first things first. If you're looking for a ranged DPS who uses a bow then you need to be an elf. Imbue slayer arrows are the bees' knees.

Improved precise shot is also a must. So if you aren't taking 11 lvls of ranger then you need to plan on using 3 feats for point blank shot (pre-req), precise shot (pre-req) to get to improved precise shot.

I personally like the 12 fighter/6 ranger/ 2 rogue for Kensai II, AA & evasion. Plus 12 levels of fighter gives you fighter haste boost IV (which does stack with haste & both work to upgrade your many-shot to insane many-shot)

Just want to mention he is wrong... you can be a half-elf too, and get access to AA. In fact, many consider Half-elves better due to the lack of Con penalty, though elves do have more Dex and racial bow enhancements. Half-elves are 1500 TP and butt-ugly, though.

[ShadowFlash]

EPIC FAIL!!!

Epic Fail yourself

Melee ***DPS*** + AA =/= monkcher

AA only DPS +monk stunning utility and charging = monkcher

Getting mighty tired of the predictable poor responses to anything other than a 10k AA build these days. ENTIRELY different playstyles. Some people don't want to play like a monk just to call themselves an archer. Some people want to maximize melee DPS while supplementing with Burst AA DPS. Some people don't have the extreme gear to boost WIS into the realm neccessary (needed for 10k) to make up for the decreased STR and attack speed of using the bow so much + subpar melee DPS.

While the monkcher is a nice build, it is in no way shape or form the only viable AA. It is the flavor of the month. It provides a different playstyle. EVERY thread concerning AA's has snarky "fail" comments...statements such as "won't make an AA build that dosen't have at least 6 levels of monk" and so on...

It's not like these comments are raising awareness of the 10k builds...they're literally everywhere. Why feel the need to instantly discredit any other AA build with offensive comments, or blanket untrue statements.

Epic Fail indeed

ShadowFlash

[Mubjon]

What race?

If you aren't going elf then you won't be getting the full AA line... so first things first. If you're looking for a ranged DPS who uses a bow then you need to be an elf. Imbue slayer arrows are the bees' knees.

Improved precise shot is also a must. So if you aren't taking 11 lvls of ranger then you need to plan on using 3 feats for point blank shot (pre-req), precise shot (pre-req) to get to improved precise shot.

I personally like the 12 fighter/6 ranger/ 2 rogue for Kensai II, AA & evasion. Plus 12 levels of fighter gives you fighter haste boost IV (which does stack with haste & both work to upgrade your many-shot to insane many-shot)

Elf or Helf can get full access to the AA line without being ranger. Just get it a few levels later than a ranger. Heck Felf 17 cleric/2 ranger/1 wizard makes a nice AA too.

12 fighter/6 ranger/2 rogue could be a nice AA with decent melee as well to back it up while many shot is off timer.

[wax_on_wax_off]

Epic Fail yourself

Melee ***DPS*** + AA =/= monkcher

AA only DPS +monk stunning utility and charging = monkcher

Getting mighty tired of the predictable poor responses to anything other than a 10k AA build these days. ENTIRELY different playstyles. Some people don't want to play like a monk just to call themselves an archer. Some people want to maximize melee DPS while supplementing with Burst AA DPS. Some people don't have the extreme gear to boost WIS into the realm neccessary (needed for 10k) to make up for the decreased STR and attack speed of using the bow so much + subpar melee DPS.

While the monkcher is a nice build, it is in no way shape or form the only viable AA. It is the flavor of the month. It provides a different playstyle. EVERY thread concerning AA's has snarky "fail" comments...statements such as "won't make an AA build that dosen't have at least 6 levels of monk" and so on...

It's not like these comments are raising awareness of the 10k builds...they're literally everywhere. Why feel the need to instantly discredit any other AA build with offensive comments, or blanket untrue statements.

Epic Fail indeed

ShadowFlash

The whole premise of the discussion is that if someone wants to play an archer they presumably don't want to only use a bow 20 seconds out of every 2 minutes which is the only option for a non-10k stars AA build if you want to be viable in most cases (IPS can throw that off of course against large groups of course but you need to be hitting at least 3 mobs/shot).

Archer: primary bow user: 10k stars build ONLY.
Melee DPS+a bit of bow: Any other AA build (Helves Angel would be my suggestion).

[JasonJi72]

Hey, sorry to those who took offense to the 'epic fail' comment. I was trying to be funny, not insulting, and the only reason I suggested it was because it hadn't been suggested. No, monchers are not the only way to go, but they are fun to play. I can boost my strength to about 40, and still do significant melee dps btw. But anyhoo, sorry about inciting anger in any way, it was not my intention. I was only trying to suggest a build that fit his criteria that had not been listed.

Now I know you said you want to focus on dps, but let me just point out that one of the funnest characters I play is a 16 Bard, 2 Ranger, 2Rogue virtuoso arcane archer trapper build. It may not be top end dps, but it really feels like the 'pure' adventurer type, and can CC epics on a first life. Melee and ranged damage is enough to still draw aggro off the tank, so it can't be that bad. Bring a ton of divine power scrolls though lol.

An archer version of the 'exploiter' build is good too.

One thing I am considering for getting ranger past lives is going pure ranger melee/archery. That way I would get slaying arrows at level 18. I think a halfling with dragonmarks might be fun, but I haven't been able to find a way to fit all the feats in yet.

Please please please, if you play an archer, remember that there is a time to put the bow down.

Again, I appologize for upsetting anyone by posting here. There seemed to be a lot of anger in the responses following my post. Sorry about that.

[ShadowFlash]

The whole premise of the discussion is that if someone wants to play an archer they presumably don't want to only use a bow 20 seconds out of every 2 minutes which is the only option for a non-10k stars AA build if you want to be viable in most cases (IPS can throw that off of course against large groups of course but you need to be hitting at least 3 mobs/shot).

Archer: primary bow user: 10k stars build ONLY.
Melee DPS+a bit of bow: Any other AA build (Helves Angel would be my suggestion).

Sound Familiar...oh wait...

Epic Fail yourself

Melee ***DPS*** + AA =/= monkcher

AA only DPS +monk stunning utility and charging = monkcher

Then we have the Op....

Hello hello.

Okay so I am tossing melee-archer builds around...

Making a Helves build a very nice suggestion...

I'm not disputing the viability of a monkcher build...I'm disputing the "epic fail" kind of comments involving any AA build not including 10k...it's simply poor form...Starting a critique with EPIC FAIL!!!! is NOT a discussion..period.

A "discussion" would involve an explanation...not just "it's just that good"...spamming every AA thread with "have you considered a 10k build" is not offensive, but often contrary to the original intent of the OP's. A discussion in this case would have pointed out the fundamental weakness of monkcher builds...and that is melee DPS and the "cycling" required to remain optimal, which often does not coincide with a more efficient melee-based strategy not to mention a completely different playstle between the 2 main types of AA's now-a-days

I'll group them by generalistic "builds". This does not mean ONLY these 2 builds, it is simply a reference to the playstyle

Helves: Fighter/Ranger STR based, Excellent melee, Excellent ranged Burst DPS...melee weapon of choice..easy management...party friendly (no kiting)...nice gearing progression...

Monkcher: Monk WIS based, poor melee (upgraded to mid when optimally geared)..Excellent sustained ranged DPS..Stunning Fist...Handwrap only...constant micromanagement (ki cycles)...questionable party interaction (kiting)...difficult gearing progression (VERY WIS dependant...i.e. 10k only really shines with exceptional gear)

I would call a 10k build more advanced then a traditional helves style...see discussion

ShadowFlash

[ShadowFlash]

Hey, sorry to those who took offense to the 'epic fail' comment. I was trying to be funny, not insulting, and the only reason I suggested it was because it hadn't been suggested. No, monchers are not the only way to go, but they are fun to play. I can boost my strength to about 40, and still do significant melee dps btw. But anyhoo, sorry about inciting anger in any way, it was not my intention. I was only trying to suggest a build that fit his criteria that had not been listed.

Now I know you said you want to focus on dps, but let me just point out that one of the funnest characters I play is a 16 Bard, 2 Ranger, 2Rogue virtuoso arcane archer trapper build. It may not be top end dps, but it really feels like the 'pure' adventurer type, and can CC epics on a first life. Melee and ranged damage is enough to still draw aggro off the tank, so it can't be that bad. Bring a ton of divine power scrolls though lol.

An archer version of the 'exploiter' build is good too.

One thing I am considering for getting ranger past lives is going pure ranger melee/archery. That way I would get slaying arrows at level 18. I think a halfling with dragonmarks might be fun, but I haven't been able to find a way to fit all the feats in yet.

Please please please, if you play an archer, remember that there is a time to put the bow down.

Again, I appologize for upsetting anyone by posting here. There seemed to be a lot of anger in the responses following my post. Sorry about that.

Sorry my anger wasn't directly aimed at you, or rather completely because of you...the epic fail was just the comment that broke the camel's back...no harm no foul...excellent 2nd post and much more constructive Thank you. Funny, my wife's favorite is a decidedly not-full-****** DPS AA too...an 11ranger/8bard/1rogue trapping,hajeplacing,fascinating utility machine...different stroke for different folks...hence my "monkcher-or-nothing" angst.

ShadowFlash

[JasonJi72]

Sorry my anger wasn't directly aimed at you, or rather completely because of you...the epic fail was just the comment that broke the camel's back...no harm no foul...excellent 2nd post and much more constructive Thank you. Funny, my wife's favorite is a decidedly not-full-****** DPS AA too...an 11ranger/8bard/1rogue trapping,hajeplacing,fascinating utility machine...different stroke for different folks...hence my "monkcher-or-nothing" angst.

ShadowFlash

No worries. I really was just trying to be funny with 'epic fail' comment.

More advice for the OP:

The Challenges offer some very nice gear for what you have in mind. Make as many characters as you can, and collect all the daily challenge tokens; that should be enough to get the gear you need.

The Frozen Tunic really is a must have for a melee archer, and the earth bow is as good as a Lit II bow and way easier to get.

Run the Church and the Cult until you either pull a Silver Bow or cannot stand the quest any longer. The Silver Bow is the best bow you can get f2p before you can get the level 20 Longbow of Earth Elements from the challenges.

The Kopesh from the challenges is also very nice.

Buy a Banishing, Paralyzing, and Smiting Longbow from the AH. Just do it. (Had to throw the Nike add in there... *looks in his mailbox for a dividend*)

[Therigar]

I am currently playing an elf wizard with a splash of 2 ranger. I started out as a 2 rogue splash for the typical wizard/rogue build but I found that I could not squeeze in all of the feats I really wanted to go arcane archer. And, I really wasn't worth anything at all as a melee rogue. That meant I had to be a really capable wizard.

The problem with that was this: I was running out of spell points so fast that I had to either bankroll mnemonic potions with plat or with Turbine Points. Both are a fast way to the poor house. And, the TP option was a fast way in real money.

So, I changed the character. Now I almost never need to drink a mnemonic potion and the added feats from the 2 ranger lets me get almost everything I wanted for an arcane archer. I spend most of my time with single shots and drop a manyshot only when things look really bad.

Part of it is my fault. I didn't really plan well for the arcane life and did not craft a concordant opposition item. I didn't farm for items to boost or renew spell points. So, I can't offer my character up to get beaten on in hopes of regenerating my blue bar.

What I did do was craft a lightning strike bow, which I use almost to the exclusion of all others. I do have other bows in the bank, but they seldom get any use.

My point with this is that even characters who don't rely on manyshot can still function as arcane archers. A player whose goal is to build a melee/AA dps character can certainly get there with some planning.

One method is to go with a mostly STR and CON ranger. This is because almost all of the key AA feats come for free as do all the TWF feats even without the normal DEX prereqs. A splash of 6 ranger along with a 14 start DEX gets all the AA feats except improved precise shot and also is enough for GTWF if a player eats a +3 tome. Taking 12 fighter gives enough extra feats to cover missing AA feats like point blank shot, precise shot or weapon focus: ranged. Just make sure to go elf or half-elf for the full AA line and don't choose the ranger AA line.

That still leaves 2 levels for something else -- probably monk or rogue for evasion.

DPS is directly dependent on STR. All other things being equal (and they never are) more STR means more DPS. Going with a mostly STR and CON build and deep ranger splash means highest practical STR and CON translating to most HP and DPS practical for the build.

Lastly, I think that technically going 18 fighter with Kensai III might actually get the most DPS due to the increased threat range that you could get with bow as the preferred weapon. But, this would be a waste since you'll mostly melee and only range when appropriate. The 12 fighter levels and Kensai II are enough and your weapon should be whatever you're taking as your melee weapon. (Khopesh I'd hope if you go with a STR/CON 6 ranger splash.)

Single shots with a good/great bow are still worth while, manyshot as appropriate, melee as required. It is still a good approach to the game.

[FalexiaSutter]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Look forward to trying out some of your suggestions.

[ShadowFlash]

Excellent advice from Therigar...One tip I might suggest out though...

....The 12 fighter levels and Kensai II are enough and your weapon should be whatever you're taking as your melee weapon. (Khopesh I'd hope if you go with a STR/CON 6 ranger splash.)

I agree 100% with this....but...koepeshes are expensive...If you decide to go elf-based AND can afford the racial enhancments (which are NOT cheap, but I awlways seem to have room for)..going with rapiers or scimitars are very acceptable and save you the profeciency feat.

This and the DEX line and Creation DEX boost is why I prefer elves over half-elves. I'm definately in the minority on this one, but having a racial +2atk + an extra +2 DEX line, means going STR and CON makes things alot easier maintaining a good ranged to-hit while leveling. Saving a feat, and going with a racial melee weapon on top of all the ranged goodness lines is a nice plus.

ShadowFlash

[thealightykuku]

Just want to mention he is wrong... you can be a half-elf too, and get access to AA. In fact, many consider Half-elves better due to the lack of Con penalty, though elves do have more Dex and racial bow enhancements. Half-elves are 1500 TP and butt-ugly, though.

Just want to mention I was not wrong. I said Elves get AA enhancement line. I did NOT mention Half-elf becuz he said he was F2P. I also did NOT mention Monk as a splash Becuz he said he was F2P. I posted a build that doesn't require any purchased classes or races.

I'll also say I agree with Shadowflash that Khopesh are expensive and hard to find on the AH because everyone loves em to death. Yes, their DPS is slightly higher then a scimitar/rapier on a non-elf toon, but the elves enhancement line for scimitars/rapiers probably makes the scimitars/rapiers the better weapon choice for this build. This build will have a lot of feats, but a lot of feats are required to be able to melee and range well so using one to get a weapon you don't need isnt a great idea. You can find just about any scimitar/rapier you want on the AH for cheap.

[FalexiaSutter]

So Therigar, you would definitely use the kensei enhancements on the melee weapon then eh?
Why did you only suggest 14 dex? I was thinking I would want dex and str to be fairly even. How much dex would I need to hit consistently anyways?

[Kawai]

So Therigar, you would definitely use the kensei enhancements on the melee weapon then eh?
Why did you only suggest 14 dex? I was thinking I would want dex and str to be fairly even. How much dex would I need to hit consistently anyways?

30 is good. 32 is better. But for endgame/Epic i suggest 34/36.
The Elven Kensai II is a wonderful all around class.
-Tarelyn :Achillesia, Thelanis

[Therigar]

So Therigar, you would definitely use the kensei enhancements on the melee weapon then eh?
Why did you only suggest 14 dex? I was thinking I would want dex and str to be fairly even. How much dex would I need to hit consistently anyways?

I make the suggestion because the amount of time spent ranged is small compared to the amount of time spent in melee. The bow will get less use than whatever weapon is selected for melee. In my mind that means not emphasizing the bow but emphasizing whatever melee weapon is selected.

IMO 14 DEX is enough presuming that a +3 tome will eventually be applied to DEX. That gets DEX to 17 for GTWF. Enhancements from 6 ranger and elf are another 4 DEX taking DEX to 21. A DEX item gains another 6 for 27 total. Talking end-game gear it is pretty easy to get 1 exceptional bonus on pretty much any stat. An epic Ring of the Buccaneer from Crystal Cove is especially easy to come by for a 7 DEX bonus. That puts DEX at 28. Ship buff to 30, use a +5 bow or +5 enhanced arrows and you are looking at +15 to hit. Combined with nearly full BAB and elf ranged enhancements that is enough to get the ranged job done. At least that is my take on it.

FWIW, I can see the point others are making regarding scimitars or rapiers. The game does offer some easy to farm examples of both. I prefer the Turbulent Epee as it is a "boss beater" that bypasses both metal and alignment DR. I still think khopesh is the best choice and worth farming, crafting or the zillion Shroud runs needed to construct.

A 12 fighter is going to have 7 feats to go with the 7 every character gets. Most of the key ranged and melee feats will come free with the 6 ranger levels leaving IC:ranged, IC: melee weapon of choice, GTWF, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot and Weapon Focus: ranged as the only "must have" feats. So 6 feats that are "needed" out of 14 available. That still leaves plenty of space for Weapon Specialization: ranged, Weapon Focus & Specialization: melee weapon, Greater Focus & Specialization: ranged and melee. That eats up 7 more feats leaving 1 available.

Assuming 2 monk for evasion and saves boost that is 2 feats used 1 on Toughness. So 2 feats to burn as you see fit. Probably 1 of those is Power Attack which can be taken as a monk feat. It leaves 1 feat for whatever.

There are some who feel AA must take Improved Precise Shot. To do that means a higher starting DEX of 16 and, IMO, that is too much cost in initial build points. Others feel you really need Stunning Blow. That's a reasonable point of view. Some might say grab an extra Toughness for 22 more HP.

Me, I like khopesh. But, I realize that there are different points of view and there is merit to each of them. Like I said earlier in this reply, I'd go rapiers with the Turbulent Epee if I passed on khopesh.

And, if I did that I'd probably go Superior Weapon Focus: ranged for another minor boost to my ranged attacks.

I hope that explains my thinking on this a bit more clearly.

[thealightykuku]

I make the suggestion because the amount of time spent ranged is small compared to the amount of time spent in melee. The bow will get less use than whatever weapon is selected for melee. In my mind that means not emphasizing the bow but emphasizing whatever melee weapon is selected.

IMO 14 DEX is enough presuming that a +3 tome will eventually be applied to DEX. That gets DEX to 17 for GTWF. Enhancements from 6 ranger and elf are another 4 DEX taking DEX to 21. A DEX item gains another 6 for 27 total. Talking end-game gear it is pretty easy to get 1 exceptional bonus on pretty much any stat. An epic Ring of the Buccaneer from Crystal Cove is especially easy to come by for a 7 DEX bonus. That puts DEX at 28. Ship buff to 30, use a +5 bow or +5 enhanced arrows and you are looking at +15 to hit. Combined with nearly full BAB and elf ranged enhancements that is enough to get the ranged job done. At least that is my take on it.

FWIW, I can see the point others are making regarding scimitars or rapiers. The game does offer some easy to farm examples of both. I prefer the Turbulent Epee as it is a "boss beater" that bypasses both metal and alignment DR. I still think khopesh is the best choice and worth farming, crafting or the zillion Shroud runs needed to construct.

A 12 fighter is going to have 7 feats to go with the 7 every character gets. Most of the key ranged and melee feats will come free with the 6 ranger levels leaving IC:ranged, IC: melee weapon of choice, GTWF, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot and Weapon Focus: ranged as the only "must have" feats. So 6 feats that are "needed" out of 14 available. That still leaves plenty of space for Weapon Specialization: ranged, Weapon Focus & Specialization: melee weapon, Greater Focus & Specialization: ranged and melee. That eats up 7 more feats leaving 1 available.

Assuming 2 monk for evasion and saves boost that is 2 feats used 1 on Toughness. So 2 feats to burn as you see fit. Probably 1 of those is Power Attack which can be taken as a monk feat. It leaves 1 feat for whatever.

There are some who feel AA must take Improved Precise Shot. To do that means a higher starting DEX of 16 and, IMO, that is too much cost in initial build points. Others feel you really need Stunning Blow. That's a reasonable point of view. Some might say grab an extra Toughness for 22 more HP.

Me, I like khopesh. But, I realize that there are different points of view and there is merit to each of them. Like I said earlier in this reply, I'd go rapiers with the Turbulent Epee if I passed on khopesh.

And, if I did that I'd probably go Superior Weapon Focus: ranged for another minor boost to my ranged attacks.

I hope that explains my thinking on this a bit more clearly.

He doesn't have Monk class. F2P build. Using Rogue for evasion. Fighter Kensai I & II are going to require a Weapon Focus & Weapon Specialization for Kensai I and Greater Specialization for kensai II. If he wants to take advantage of the fighter weapon specialization & Kensai weapon soecialization in enhancement lines then he'll need those 3 feats for the bow and slashing/piercing (khopesh/rapier respectively).

With 12/6/2 fighter/ranger/rogue he will get 7 fighter feats and 7 level feats. He will have to use a feat on mental toughness as a pre-req for AA. He will need Weapon focus, weapon spec & grtr weap spec for ranged weapons to qualify for Kensai II. Those are the 4 minimum feats to meet pre-req for Prestige Classes.

5. toughness
6. point blank shot
7. precise shot
8. improved precise shot (It is my opinion that any toon with manyshot and AA should have this feat)
9. Imp Crit. ranged
10. Impr. Crit slash/pierce
11. Grtr Two Weap Fighting

Leaving the other 3 Feats for Weap Focus, Weapon Specialization & Grtr Weapon Spec. for slash/pierce. I guess Therigar and I disagree mainly on which is more useful Khopesh or Improved Precise Shot. Although if I wasnt planning on taking Improved precise shot I certainly wouldnt bother taking precise shot. I'd use the slot for power attack or another toughness, but even with just the 1 toughness this build will easily break the 500HP mark @ lvl 20

This build does good damage as melee, but at level 20 with AA you get Imbue Slayer arrows. IME the slayer arrows will do 5000-7000 dmg during a 20 second many-shot just from the slayer "vorpal" ability. That's 5000-7000 damage on top of the damage you'd do w/o the slayer arrows. And thats if you're focused on 1 target (say... a raid boss). If you're killing mobs and are shooting "through" a crowd you will roll more natural 20's just becuz there's more targets and the "slayer" damage will be higher.

Superior weapon focus is only available with 16 levels of fighter and isnt an option for this build.

Despite getting 14 feats this build is still "feat tight". Figure out what you want your guy to be able to do, and use a build planner and lay out your feats in advance because there are a lot of pre-req feats for the prestige classes and some of the feats have pre-req feats, and not all feats can be taken whenever you want to take them. This is a good build, but its also a build that is easy to screw up if you dont plan in advance (and no one likes to have to visit Fred).