Tempest Trapmonkey for new players

[unbongwah]

Because my first impulse is always, "If at all possible, make a DEX-based Dragonmarked elf," I made a DEX-based Dragonmarked elf Tempest.

Shadow Tempest
18/1/1 Ranger/Fighter/Rogue
True Neutral Elf


Level Order

1. Rogue           6. Ranger         11. Ranger         16. Ranger
2. Ranger          7. Ranger         12. Ranger         17. Ranger
3. Ranger          8. Ranger         13. Ranger         18. Ranger
4. Ranger          9. Fighter        14. Ranger         19. Ranger
5. Ranger         10. Ranger         15. Ranger         20. Ranger


Stats
               28pt     32pt     Level Up
               ----     ----     --------
Strength         8        8       4: DEX
Dexterity       20       20       8: DEX
Constitution    12       14      12: DEX
Intelligence    14       14      16: DEX
Wisdom           8        8      20: DEX
Charisma         8        8      24: DEX
                                 28: DEX

Skills
         Rg Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Fi Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn
          1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
         ------------------------------------------------------------
Concent      2  2  2     2     2        2  2  2     2     2     2  1  23
Disable   4  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
Search    4  1  1  1  1  1  1  1     2  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
Spot      4  1  1  1  1  1  1  1     2  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
UMD       4  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
Open Lo   4           1     1                    1     1     1         9
Balance   4                                                            4
Jump      4                                                            4
Move Si   4                                                            4
Swim      4                                                            4
Tumble    4                                                            4
Heal                                                               1   1
         ------------------------------------------------------------
         40  8  8  8  8  8  8  8  4  8  8  8  8  8  8  8  8  8  8  8


Feats

 1        : Least Dragonmark: Shadow
 2 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Undead
 3        : Precision
 6        : Extend Spell
 6 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Giant
 9        : Improved Critical: Slashing
 9 Fighter: Improved Critical: Ranged
12        : Point Blank Shot
12 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
15        : Empower Healing Spell
17 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Construct
18        : Quicken Spell
21 Epic   : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic   : Combat Archery
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
27 Epic   : Blinding Speed
28 Destiny: First Blood


Enhancements (80 AP)

Elf (12 AP)

Elven Accuracy, Elven Dexterity, Elven Accuracy II

Phiarlan Dragonmark Focus III, Keen Senses I
Lesser Dragonmark of Shadow
Greater Dragonmark of Shadow

Tempest (42 AP)

Shield of Whirling Steel, Tempest, Graceful Death, Deflect Arrows, Whirlwind

Improved Reaction II, Whirling Blades
Improved Parry III, Whirling Blades, Haste Boost III
Storm Dancer, Critical Mastery I, Whirling Blades
Storm Tempest, Elaborate Parry III, The Growing Storm III, Whirling Blades
Dual Perfection, Cuts: A Thousand Cuts III, Whirling Blades, Dance of Death III

Deepwood Stalker (26 AP)

Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Exposing Strike, Advanced Sneak Attack

Stealthy III, Tendon Cut III
Survivalist, Improved Weapon Finesse
Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III, Favored Hunter III
Survivalist, Killer III

I specced for scimitars + longbows, just because it's been a while since I've done that combo and I've got a bunch of scimmies banked away. I plan to rely on DEX-to-dmg from DWS and Tempest, rather than Elven Grace, so I skipped Aerenal / Valenar enhs entirely. Crit specs will be 13-20/x3 for scimitars and 17-20/x3 for longbows with enhs + Imp Crit feats.

EDIT: added Enhancements.

[EllisDee37]

With the new data files ready to go (albeit with some formatting issues I'll need to address), I put together a first pass at the new enhancement loadout for this build. There's just a bit of pruning to do, as I ended up spending 106 AP. Gah!

[Basura_Grande]

. . . as I ended up spending 106 AP. Gah!

If you ain't cheating you ain't trying.

[azrael4h]

Because my first impulse is always, "If at all possible, make a DEX-based Dragonmarked elf," I made a DEX-based Dragonmarked elf Tempest.

Shadow Tempest
18/1/1 Ranger/Fighter/Rogue
True Neutral Elf


Level Order

1. Rogue           6. Ranger         11. Ranger         16. Ranger
2. Ranger          7. Ranger         12. Ranger         17. Ranger
3. Ranger          8. Ranger         13. Ranger         18. Ranger
4. Ranger          9. Fighter        14. Ranger         19. Ranger
5. Ranger         10. Ranger         15. Ranger         20. Ranger


Stats
               28pt     32pt     Level Up
               ----     ----     --------
Strength         8        8       4: DEX
Dexterity       20       20       8: DEX
Constitution    12       14      12: DEX
Intelligence    14       14      16: DEX
Wisdom           8        8      20: DEX
Charisma         8        8      24: DEX
                                 28: DEX

Skills
         Rg Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Fi Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn Rn
          1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
         ------------------------------------------------------------
Concent      2  2  2     2     2        2  2  2     2     2     2  1  23
Disable   4  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
Search    4  1  1  1  1  1  1  1     2  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
Spot      4  1  1  1  1  1  1  1     2  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
UMD       4  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  23
Open Lo   4           1     1                    1     1     1         9
Balance   4                                                            4
Jump      4                                                            4
Move Si   4                                                            4
Swim      4                                                            4
Tumble    4                                                            4
Heal                                                               1   1
         ------------------------------------------------------------
         40  8  8  8  8  8  8  8  4  8  8  8  8  8  8  8  8  8  8  8


Feats

 1        : Least Dragonmark: Shadow
 2 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Undead
 3        : Precision
 6        : Extend Spell
 6 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Giant
 9        : Improved Critical: Slashing
 9 Fighter: Improved Critical: Ranged
12        : Point Blank Shot
12 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
15        : Empower Healing Spell
17 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Construct
18        : Quicken Spell
21 Epic   : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic   : Combat Archery
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
27 Epic   : Blinding Speed
28 Destiny: First Blood


Enhancements (80 AP)

Elf (12 AP)

Elven Accuracy, Elven Dexterity, Elven Accuracy II

Phiarlan Dragonmark Focus III, Keen Senses I
Lesser Dragonmark of Shadow
Greater Dragonmark of Shadow

Tempest (42 AP)

Shield of Whirling Steel, Tempest, Graceful Death, Deflect Arrows, Whirlwind

Improved Reaction II, Whirling Blades
Improved Parry III, Whirling Blades, Haste Boost III
Storm Dancer, Critical Mastery I, Whirling Blades
Storm Tempest, Elaborate Parry III, The Growing Storm III, Whirling Blades
Dual Perfection, Cuts: A Thousand Cuts III, Whirling Blades, Dance of Death III

Deepwood Stalker (26 AP)

Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Exposing Strike, Advanced Sneak Attack

Stealthy III, Tendon Cut III
Survivalist, Improved Weapon Finesse
Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III, Favored Hunter III
Survivalist, Killer III

I specced for scimitars + longbows, just because it's been a while since I've done that combo and I've got a bunch of scimmies banked away. I plan to rely on DEX-to-dmg from DWS and Tempest, rather than Elven Grace, so I skipped Aerenal / Valenar enhs entirely. Crit specs will be 13-20/x3 for scimitars and 17-20/x3 for longbows with enhs + Imp Crit feats.

EDIT: added Enhancements.

One thing I'd ask with this is: is +1 to to-hit, damage, reflex, and AC worth 6 build points? For my planned classic Exploiter, my main differences from yours are those 6 points going into STR to protect against being enfeebled (which can be a killer) or drained, and the fact that I'm going with an unused alt and TRing, thus getting a 34 point build (putting the extra 2 points into WIS, because I have no where else for them).

I'm also debating a level of arty instead of rogue, for a leverpuller, since it'll be a primarily solo character, and having a leverpuller will be handy. Then again, I can also spend a few plat on a hireling, so not a big deal, except in Xorian Cipher and the one Necro 1 where you need 4 to stand on the platforms. Even there, the TP gained from favor will pay for a gold seal soulstone or two.

[EllisDee37]

Looking for feedback on the leveling guide, I'm wondering what goals to aim for. Specifically, what level do you think would be best to target for:

+1 crit range from DWS (21 AP)
+1 crit multiplier from Tempest (21 AP)
Tier 5 Tempest (11+ more AP)

For example, at level 12, having spent 48 AP, what would you want? You can't have both +1 crit multiplier and tier 5 tempest abilities at the same time, since that costs a minimum of 52+ AP.

[Eth]

Looking for feedback on the leveling guide, I'm wondering what goals to aim for. Specifically, what level do you think would be best to target for:

+1 crit range from DWS (21 AP)
+1 crit multiplier from Tempest (21 AP)
Tier 5 Tempest (11+ more AP)

For example, at level 12, having spent 48 AP, what would you want? You can't have both +1 crit multiplier and tier 5 tempest abilities at the same time, since that costs a minimum of 52+ AP.

Personal preference, but I'd go for Tier 5s in tempest as soon as possible.
I just played a 14/6 paladin build through heroics, so I actually didn't have any crit. enhancements until level 20 and I can't say I missed them really.

[Requiro]

Looking for feedback on the leveling guide, I'm wondering what goals to aim for. Specifically, what level do you think would be best to target for:

+1 crit range from DWS (21 AP)
+1 crit multiplier from Tempest (21 AP)
Tier 5 Tempest (11+ more AP)

For example, at level 12, having spent 48 AP, what would you want? You can't have both +1 crit multiplier and tier 5 tempest abilities at the same time, since that costs a minimum of 52+ AP.

Purely depend of your play style.
If you prefer Clicky boost, then T5 and +1 multiplier in Tempest.
If you prefer more static attack, then +1 Multiplier and threat.

You can also put 11 points to DWS for Core 6 - Exposing Strike. Then Rest in Tempest. You can get only some of the T5 abilities, but Exposing Strike have only 6 second cooldown, and it's very, very good ability. Of course on level 13 you can get full DPS T5 abilities (without Improved Evasion).

[unbongwah]

For example, at level 12, having spent 48 AP, what would you want? You can't have both +1 crit multiplier and tier 5 tempest abilities at the same time, since that costs a minimum of 52+ AP.

Are you asking for char lvl 12 or rgr lvl 12? Because unless you've changed leveling order, you won't have rgr lvl 12 (and access to crit bonuses) until char lvl 14 (rgr 12 / rog 1 / ftr 1).

For char lvl 12 (48 APs), I think my priorities would be T5 Tempest (34 APs), DWS Called Shot (11 APs), human Dmg Boost + heal amp (3 APs). For rgr lvl 12 (56 APs), I'd rejigger things: 21 APs DWS, 1 AP human.

Really, though, I don't think there's a "wrong" answer here, as DWS and Tempest are now stuffed with more goodies than one can afford to take. So it's all a question of which abilities you like best.

[unbongwah]

Sorry, missed your post earlier:

One thing I'd ask with this is: is +1 to to-hit, damage, reflex, and AC worth 6 build points? For my planned classic Exploiter, my main differences from yours are those 6 points going into STR to protect against being enfeebled (which can be a killer) or drained, and the fact that I'm going with an unused alt and TRing, thus getting a 34 point build (putting the extra 2 points into WIS, because I have no where else for them).

That's fine - there's plenty of flexibility with one's stat pts here - although Enfeeblement is easily negated with Lesser Restoration potions and level-draining is blocked with Death Ward (except vs beholders unless you've got spell absorption). If you have Harper, you might want to consider boosting INT instead and picking up Know the Angles.

I'm also debating a level of arty instead of rogue, for a leverpuller, since it'll be a primarily solo character, and having a leverpuller will be handy.

This build is meant to be newbie-friendly, hence F2P races & classes only, but arty works just as well as rogue.

[Kaezin]

Looking for feedback on the leveling guide, I'm wondering what goals to aim for. Specifically, what level do you think would be best to target for:

+1 crit range from DWS (21 AP)
+1 crit multiplier from Tempest (21 AP)
Tier 5 Tempest (11+ more AP)

For example, at level 12, having spent 48 AP, what would you want? You can't have both +1 crit multiplier and tier 5 tempest abilities at the same time, since that costs a minimum of 52+ AP.

Is the Action Boost from tier 2 DWS worth picking up given that this is a trapper? If so then it seems like it might be most natural to grab that and the other DWS goodies before filling in T5 Tempest. If you follow the cleave path then you already have AoE, and sometimes it's awkward to get Dance of Death to properly hit adjacent targets (compared to cleave).

[EllisDee37]

Is the Action Boost from tier 2 DWS worth picking up given that this is a trapper? If so then it seems like it might be most natural to grab that and the other DWS goodies before filling in T5 Tempest. If you follow the cleave path then you already have AoE, and sometimes it's awkward to get Dance of Death to properly hit adjacent targets (compared to cleave).

+1 crit range from DWS just became a whole lot less important to race to. Still worth getting at some point, for sure, but if I had to wait until 20 to take it, no problem. +1 multiplier from Tempest is still full of win, though. As for skill boost, it's better to take that that from the human tree.

My tempest trapmonkey is currently running his third life in a weekly static group, and he just took level 16 this week. I had reset all his trees to focus on the new dps enhancements from tempest and deepwood stalker, dropping most of the human stuff except DDoor. The dps increase was quite noticeable.

However, even when the arcanes gave me greater heroism, I was unable to locate trap boxes in Gianthold. That tells me that spending AP on trapping in the human and/or mechanic trees is definitely the way to go while leveling. So now I'm thinking the priority should be an even mix of human/mechanic and tempest trees, then add in deepwood stalker in the mid-to-late teens. Then at 20 reset all trees and spend most of your points in tempest and deepwood.

Now that I have a clear idea how I want the leveling guide to go I'm hoping to get it updated in the near future.

EDIT: My guy handled the crucible swim with ease, which was nice.

[Kaezin]

+1 crit range from DWS just became a whole lot less important to race to. Still worth getting at some point, for sure, but if I had to wait until 20 to take it, no problem. +1 multiplier from Tempest is still full of win, though. As for skill boost, it's better to take that that from the human tree.

Makes sense, I forgot about the recent IC nerf. +1 multi (and thus prioritizing tempest) definitely makes more sense now.

Once you're higher level and filling out the DWS tree, would you change the human skill boost to damage boost and use the DWS skill boost, instead? T1/T2 DWS seem rather lackluster other than Survivalist, and DWS skill boost is +6 instead of +4. Sorry if I'm jumping the gun and should wait for the updated guide.

[EllisDee37]

Once you're higher level and filling out the DWS tree, would you change the human skill boost to damage boost and use the DWS skill boost, instead? T1/T2 DWS seem rather lackluster other than Survivalist, and DWS skill boost is +6 instead of +4.

Well, it's +6 for 3 AP compared to +4 for 1 AP, but it's definitely worth considering. There are actually five boosts I'd like to have when all is said and done: Sprint (Tempest), Haste (Kensei), Damage (Human), Saves (Human), Skills (Human or DWS). Taking three boosts from the human tree would require taking Human Greater Adaptability, which generally speaking we don't really need, so that makes the third human boost essentially cost 3 AP for a second tier boost and +1 constitution. (Figure con is the best choice, right?) At that point, we could save 1 AP by going with DWS and only taking it to two ranks, or spend the same 3 AP on the full boat +6 skills.


As far as the DWS enhancements, there's some good stuff in there even if we don't take an action boost:

Cores: 4 AP for +1 crit range
Tier 1: 5 AP for Increased Empathy III and Versatile Empathy II
Tier 2: 2 AP for Survivalist
Tier 3: 8 AP for Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III and Favored Hunter III
Tier 4: 5 AP for Survivalist, Killer III

That's 24 AP total I'd like to spend before considering the other trees. The problem, however, is that the above breakdown doesn't satisfy "points in tree" prereqs for tier 3 or tier 4.

Tossing in Skill Boost II satisfies both, while kicking us up to 26 AP total. So yeah, if it ends up being 26 AP into DWS, I agree that Skill Boost is the best way to get there.

[unbongwah]

However, even when the arcanes gave me greater heroism, I was unable to locate trap boxes in Gianthold. That tells me that spending AP on trapping in the human and/or mechanic trees is definitely the way to go while leveling. So now I'm thinking the priority should be an even mix of human/mechanic and tempest trees, then add in deepwood stalker in the mid-to-late teens. Then at 20 reset all trees and spend most of your points in tempest and deepwood.

This is obviously not newbie-friendly, but what do you think of going INT-based instead and investing in Harper?

• Downsides: lose DPS benefits from STR-only bonuses like Ram's Might & Primal Scream; need to spend at least 12 APs into Harper and this is already an AP-constrained build; also need (or at least really ought) to take Insightful Reflexes
• Upsides: stat consolidation - INT becomes your to-hit, dmg, and Reflex stat; extra dmg from Know the Angles; more skill pts & better trap skills

If you take arty instead of rog, you can also use repeaters early on and gain a metal doggie for lever-pulling or standing on pads.

[EllisDee37]

It's certainly a good option, though as stated it's not newbie friendly.

[Grailhawk]

Well, it's +6 for 3 AP compared to +4 for 1 AP, but it's definitely worth considering. There are actually five boosts I'd like to have when all is said and done: Sprint (Tempest), Haste (Kensei), Damage (Human), Saves (Human), Skills (Human or DWS). Taking three boosts from the human tree would require taking Human Greater Adaptability, which generally speaking we don't really need, so that makes the third human boost essentially cost 3 AP for a second tier boost and +1 constitution. (Figure con is the best choice, right?) At that point, we could save 1 AP by going with DWS and only taking it to two ranks, or spend the same 3 AP on the full boat +6 skills.


As far as the DWS enhancements, there's some good stuff in there even if we don't take an action boost:

Cores: 4 AP for +1 crit range
Tier 1: 5 AP for Increased Empathy III and Versatile Empathy II
Tier 2: 2 AP for Survivalist
Tier 3: 8 AP for Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III and Favored Hunter III
Tier 4: 5 AP for Survivalist, Killer III

That's 24 AP total I'd like to spend before considering the other trees. The problem, however, is that the above breakdown doesn't satisfy "points in tree" prereqs for tier 3 or tier 4.

Tossing in Skill Boost II satisfies both, while kicking us up to 26 AP total. So yeah, if it ends up being 26 AP into DWS, I agree that Skill Boost is the best way to get there.

My Stalker AP spend is as follows for what its worth

Cores: 04 AP: Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Called Shot, Advanced Sneak Attack
Tier 1: 08 AP: Stealthy III (+1d6 Sneak Attack), Increased Empathy III and Versatile Empathy II
Tier 2: 02 AP: Survivalist
Tier 3: 07 AP: Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt II and Favored Hunter III
Tier 4: 03 AP: Killer III
Total: 24 AP

I could fit Survivalist III but then I would need to give up Human Improved Recovery which I think is better.

[EllisDee37]

I could fit Survivalist III but then I would need to give up Human Improved Recovery which I think is better.

Yeah, I foresee exactly that kind of tough choice in my near future when I sit down to update the enhancements on this build.

Good thought on the sneak die. I don't know if I'm convinced that one sneak die is worth 3 AP, but if I'm just trying to satisfy "points in tree" prereqs then that's a great thing to remember.

[Grailhawk]

This is obviously not newbie-friendly, but what do you think of going INT-based instead and investing in Harper?

• Downsides: lose DPS benefits from STR-only bonuses like Ram's Might & Primal Scream; need to spend at least 12 APs into Harper and this is already an AP-constrained build; also need (or at least really ought) to take Insightful Reflexes
• Upsides: stat consolidation - INT becomes your to-hit, dmg, and Reflex stat; extra dmg from Know the Angles; more skill pts & better trap skills

If you take arty instead of rog, you can also use repeaters early on and gain a metal doggie for lever-pulling or standing on pads.

I feel its really AP tight (can be done though cause this is an 18/1/1)
24 AP Stalker (Its too hard to give up Killer and Advanced Sneak Attack IMO)
12 AP Harper (You need 12 min for INT to damage)
44 AP Tempest (Assumming All Tier 5's and Core 18)

Nothing left for Racial guess you can give up a Rank of DoD, Evasive Dance, and Cuts to get 3 AP for Human

That's not as bad as i though it would be, actually.

[EllisDee37]

What do you think of this loadout for level 20? It involved some tough cuts...

Enhancements (80 AP)

Tempest (41 AP)

• Shield of Whirling Steel, Tempest, Graceful Death, Deflect Arrows, Whirlwind
  
  1. Improved Reaction III, Whirling Blades
  2. Improved Parry III, Whirling Blades, Sprint Boost I
  3. Storm Dancer, Whirling Blades, Strength
  4. Storm Tempest, The Growing Storm III, Whirling Blades, Strength
  5. Dual Perfection, A Thousand Cuts III, Whirling Blades, Dance of Death III

Deepwood Stalker (26 AP)

• Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Exposing Strike, Advanced Sneak Attack
  
  1. Increased Empathy III, Versatile Empathy II
  2. Survivalist, Skill Boost II
  3. Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III, Favored Hunter III
  4. Survivalist, Killer III

Human (9 AP)

• Damage Boost, Strength, Saves Boost
  
  1. Dragonmark Focus: Orien I, Improved Recovery
  2. Lesser Dragonmark: Dimension Door

Kensei (4 AP)

• Kensei Focus: Archery
  
  1. Haste Boost III

[Grailhawk]

What do you think of this loadout for level 20? It involved some tough cuts...

Enhancements (80 AP)

Tempest (41 AP)

• Shield of Whirling Steel, Tempest, Graceful Death, Deflect Arrows, Whirlwind
  
  1. Improved Reaction III, Whirling Blades
  2. Improved Parry III, Whirling Blades, Sprint Boost I
  3. Storm Dancer, Whirling Blades, Strength
  4. Storm Tempest, The Growing Storm III, Whirling Blades, Strength
  5. Dual Perfection, A Thousand Cuts III, Whirling Blades, Dance of Death III

Deepwood Stalker (26 AP)

• Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Exposing Strike, Advanced Sneak Attack
  
  1. Increased Empathy III, Versatile Empathy II
  2. Survivalist, Skill Boost II
  3. Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III, Favored Hunter III
  4. Survivalist, Killer III

Human (9 AP)

• Damage Boost, Strength, Saves Boost
  
  1. Dragonmark Focus: Orien I, Improved Recovery
  2. Lesser Dragonmark: Dimension Door

Kensei (4 AP)

• Kensei Focus: Archery
  
  1. Haste Boost III

IMO Know the Angles > Dimension Door
8 AP in to Harper for KtA
1 AP in Human for Damage boost
I get why you went for Ddoor but for a new player lets at least suggest to them when they go into a raid to swap to this config if they have Harper available.

I also have a hard time giving up Evasive Dance. I have 60 MRR on my Ranger that's ~40% reduction factor in 50% from Evasive Dance and you get 70% (1- 0.5*0.6 = 0.7) reduction in spell damage that's hard for me to pass up. No clue where you turn to get the points for that though, guess you can give up Sprint boost for Tempest Haste Boost and Storm Dancer/Tempest maybe so you can take points out of Kensei. But I think Evasive Dance vs what you have is six of one, half a dozen of the other.