Tempest Trapmonkey for new players

[EvilGremlin]

So, i'm using you guide to build the Tempest Trap-monkey, and found that Strategic Combat I and II only use you Intelligence Modifier and not you base Intelligence. So, you could put less into Intelligence, and more into Strength. You want the biggest Inelegance Modifier anyway to get the Hit and Atk bonus.

Unless it has been specifically noted otherwise, you can just assume that everything always uses a statistic's modifier, not the statistic itself. You shouldn't gain more damage from pumping Strength than Intelligence with a Strategic Combat character. If you do there is something else going on, possibly a bug.

[Pinky515]

Unless it has been specifically noted otherwise, you can just assume that everything always uses a statistic's modifier, not the statistic itself. You shouldn't gain more damage from pumping Strength than Intelligence with a Strategic Combat character. If you do there is something else going on, possibly a bug.

Going to find out, Going to reincarnate, change intelligence from 18 to 14 and bring strength back up from 8 to 16. Then dump into that. Strategic combat only uses the modifier, IE the +3 from my hat, nothing from base. So yes I would get a benefit from boosting the strength at lvl 1.

[unbongwah]

Going to find out, Going to reincarnate, change intelligence from 18 to 14 and bring strength back up from 8 to 16. Then dump into that. Strategic combat only uses the modifier, IE the +3 from my hat, nothing from base. So yes I would get a benefit from boosting the strength at lvl 1.

At that point, you've gone back to being a STR build with Know the Angles boosting your dmg. In which case you can just ignore my build and go back to use Ellis's original.

[Pinky515]

At that point, you've gone back to being a STR build with Know the Angles boosting your dmg. In which case you can just ignore my build and go back to use Ellis's original.

Well, sort of, I am going to combine both builds into one and try to get her stronger while using Harper Agent to boost Hit/Dmg from Intel Modifiers.

[unbongwah]

Well, sort of, I am going to combine both builds into one and try to get her stronger while using Harper Agent to boost Hit/Dmg from Intel Modifiers.

I think you are misunderstanding how Harper works (or I'm misunderstanding your posts), because Strategic Combat replaces STR with INT for to-hit (tier-1) and damage (tier-3); it doesn't add your INT on top of your STR. Know the Angles also provides a dmg bonus based on 1/2 INT mod, but this is separate from what's being used as your base to-hit & dmg stat. I.e., you can use KtA regardless of whether you're using STR, INT, or DEX as your dmg stat.

[arpendragon]

It's viable with PDK race?

[Speo]

I just started reincarnating an elf Ranger/rogue 3/1 in order to implement the build in this thread and realized that back when I first rolled this character I did not take rogue at first level. The bad news is I'm committed to this chassis because I slapped a greater tome of learning on it way back when (poor impulse control). The good news is that I happen to have a +20 lesser heart of wood sitting in the bank on this guy so if I'm totally screwed I can fix it. So, how big a problem is this? Will I be able to resucitate my trapping skills in future levels? Any input is much appreciated, I'm on a mac and don't really do the whole wine thing so I don't have access to an up to date character builder. I'm not a power player or total min/maxer but I do mostly solo so if I'm not able to tackle most traps and locks I'll be a little sad.

Well...I just finished reincarnating and it looks like the damage isn't too bad. I guess I'm just gonna run with it.

[Stoner81]

Not taking Rogue at level 1 means you will be behind for a while until you can spend points in Disable, Search and Open Lock to bring them to their max, depending on what trapping gear you have you might struggle with some traps and stuff here and there but I don't think it will be a huge problem it's just not optimal. Rogues get a lot of skill points at level 1 and every level thereafter.

Stoner81.

[Speo]

Thanks for the quick response. I will press on.

[EllisDee37]

Skimp on Open Lock to make up any shortfall.

[nacidocoqui]

Been reading through the various posts, decided to give it a go for a DEX-based Drow w/ Rapiers. Points were adjusted to favor DEX but not have a negative STR modifier, not be lacking in Skill Points, and be able to cast Ranger spells unaided. First level in Rogue for the necessary skills, 2-4 in Ranger for TWF, Weapon Finesse, and Tempest, another lvl in Rogue for the early Evasion and enough skill points for an end-result of 23 in all the requisite Trapmonkey skills, then Ranger the rest of the way. Considering the last time I logged on to play DDO George W. Bush was still President of these United States, I welcome any and all comments, corrections, suggestions, you name it! Thanks in advance!

Drow Tempest Trapmonkey
18/2 Ranger/Rogue
True Neutral Drow


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. Ranger . . . . 14. Ranger . . . . 19. Ranger
5. Rogue . . . . .10. Ranger. . . . .15. Ranger. . . . .20. Ranger


Stats
. . . . . . . .28pt . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . --------
Strength. . . . 12. . . .4: DEX
Dexterity . . . 16. . . .8: DEX
Constitution. . 12. . . 12: DEX
Intelligence. . 16. . . 16: DEX
Wisdom. . . . . 14. . . 20: DEX
Charisma. . . . 10. . . 24: DEX
. . . . . . . . . . . . 28: DEX

Skills
. . . . .Rg Rn Rn Rn Rg Rn Rn Rn Rn 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 .3 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Disable . 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. 2 .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. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Spot. . . 4 .1 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 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
Jump. . . 4 . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Balance . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Haggle. . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Swim. . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Heal. . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Tumble. . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
. . . . .44 .9 .9 .9 11 .9 .9 .9 .9 .9 .9 .9 .9 .9 .9 .9 .9 .9 .9 .9


Feats

.1. . . . : Dodge
.2 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Undead
.3. . . . : Weapon Finesse
.6. . . . : Precision
.7 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Construct
.9. . . . : Improved Critical: Piercing
12. . . . : Empower Healing Spell
12 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Giant
15. . . . : Mobility
17 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
18. . . . : Two Weapon Defense
21 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic . : Quicken Spell
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
27 Epic . : Epic Reflexes
28 Destiny: Toughness
29 Destiny: Deific Warding
30 Epic . : Epic Damage Reduction
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea


Spells

Ranger

1. Resist Energy, Ram's Might, Jump, Merfolk's Blessing
2. Cure Light Wounds, Protection from Energy, Barkskin
3. Cure Moderate Wounds, Wild Instincts
4. Freedom of Movement, Cure Serious Wounds

Enhancements (80 AP)

Tempest (42 AP)

• Shield of Whirling Steel, Tempest, Graceful Death, Deflect Arrows, Whirlwind
  
  1. Item Defense I, Improved Reaction III, Whirling Blades
  2. Improved Parry III, Whirling Blades, Sprint Boost I
  3. Storm Dancer, Whirling Blades, Dexterity
  4. Storm Tempest, The Growing Storm III, Whirling Blades, Dexterity
  5. 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
  
  1. Increased Empathy II, Versatile Empathy II
  2. Survivalist, Improved Weapon Finesse, Skill Boost II
  3. Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III, Favored Hunter I, Dexterity
  4. Survivalist, Killer III

Drow (12 AP)

• Spell Resistance, Dexterity
  
  1. Keen Senses III
  2. Nothing Is Hidden III

Leveling Guide

1. (Bank 4 AP)
2. Tem0 Shield of Whirling Steel; Tem1 Item Defense I; Tem1 Whirling Blades; Tem1 Improved Reaction I; (Bank 3 AP)
3. DS0 Far Shot; DS1 Increased Empathy I, II; DS1 Versatile Empathy I, II; DS2 Improved Weapon Finesse; (Bank 1 AP)
4. Tem0 Tempest; Dro0 Spell Resistance; Dro0 Dexterity; Dro1 Keen Senses I
5. Dro1 Keen Senses II, III; Dro2 Nothing Is Hidden I
6. Dro2 Nothing Is Hidden II, III
7. Tem2 Sprint Boost I; Tem2 Whirling Blades; Tem2 Improved Parry I
8. Tem3 Dexterity; Tem3 Storm Dancer
9. Tem3 Whirling Blades; Tem1 Improved Reaction II, III
10. Tem2 Improved Parry II, III; Tem4 Storm Tempest
11. Tem4 The Growing Storm I, II, III; Tem0 Graceful Death
12. Tem4 Dexterity; Tem4 Whirling Blades
13. Tem5 Dance of Death I, II, III; (Bank 1 AP)
14. Tem0 Deflect Arrows; Tem5 Whirling Blades; Tem5 Dual Perfection
15. Tem5 Cuts: A Thousand Cuts I, II, III; DS0 Sneak Attack
16. DS2 Skill Boost I, II; DS2 Survivalist
17. DS3 Dexterity; DS3 Survivalist
18. DS0 Exposing Strike; DS3 Thrill of the Hunt I, II, III
19. DS3 Favored Hunter I; DS4 Killer I, II, III
20. Tem0 Whirlwind; DS0 Advanced Sneak Attack; DS4 Survivalist

Destiny (24 AP)

Fury of the Wild

1. Tunnel Vision III, Primal Scream III
2. Acute Instincts III, Damage Reduction III
3. (none)
4. Gird Against Demons I, Sense Weakness III, Overwhelming Force III
5. Fury Eternal
6. Unbridled Fury

Twists of Fate (19 fate points)

1. Symetric Strikes (Tier 4 Primal)
2. Rejuvenation Cocoon (Tier 1 Primal)
3. Brace for Impact (Tier 1 Sentinel)
4. Extra Action Boost (Tier 1 Dreadnought)

[EllisDee37]

I've updated everything on the first page: The build itself, the "General Use" guide, the gear, and the three racial variations. (Elf dex-based scimitar, Dwarf str-based dwarven axes, and Drow int-based rapiers.)

The gear now reflects what my actual guy on live uses. As for the build changes, it was just one feat (Mobility replaces TWD for all variations that didn't already have Mobility) and a minor change in twists: All builds add Lithe as a twist for the +6 MDB, and the non-human variants replace Brace for Impact with Unearthly Reactions.

[jambajuicey]

I've updated everything on the first page: The build itself, the "General Use" guide, the gear, and the three racial variations. (Elf dex-based scimitar, Dwarf str-based dwarven axes, and Drow int-based rapiers.)

The gear now reflects what my actual guy on live uses. As for the build changes, it was just one feat (Mobility replaces TWD for all variations that didn't already have Mobility) and a minor change in twists: All builds add Lithe as a twist for the +6 MDB, and the non-human variants replace Brace for Impact with Unearthly Reactions.

Do you see any problem with running PDK (following drow variant) and swap the rog/ftr levels (I understand I'd have to re-work skills)

[EllisDee37]

Do you see any problem with running PDK (following drow variant) and swap the rog/ftr levels (I understand I'd have to re-work skills)

The only issue I see is with skills, and if you can make it work you should be fine.

As a PDK I would take the rogue level at 2 instead of 4 to unlock the trapping skills asap. Then I would sacrifice heal, open lock, and/or spot to fit in the important stuff: search, disable, umd.

[jambajuicey]

The only issue I see is with skills, and if you can make it work you should be fine.

As a PDK I would take the rogue level at 2 instead of 4 to unlock the trapping skills asap. Then I would sacrifice heal, open lock, and/or spot to fit in the important stuff: search, disable, umd.

I've been playing with the generator way too much to get the skills fleshed - was thinking it might be better to hold a tome pushed me up another skill point, ranger levels let me flush out search/spot easy and with the high INT there are plenty of points for cross class - I'll try to flush it out and post for critique

[jambajuicey]

I've been playing with the generator way too much to get the skills fleshed - was thinking it might be better to hold a tome pushed me up another skill point, ranger levels let me flush out search/spot easy and with the high INT there are plenty of points for cross class - I'll try to flush it out and post for critique

Hoping for a critique - For some reason I've been unable to select 'Combat Archery' at lvl 24 even though I should meet the level and dex requirement

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 4.31.203
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 30 Lawful Good Purple Dragon Knight Male
(1 Fighter \ 1 Rogue \ 18 Ranger \ 10 Epic) 
Hit Points: 460
Spell Points: 374 
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 20
Reflex: 26
Will: 10

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(36 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 30)
Strength             12                    19
Dexterity            14                    21
Constitution         14                    21
Intelligence         18                    32
Wisdom                8                    15
Charisma             12                    19


                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 30)
Balance               0                    22
Bluff                 0                    16
Concentration         2                    40
Diplomacy             0                    16
Disable Device        n/a                  47
Haggle                0                    16
Heal                  2                    37
Hide                  0                    17
Intimidate            0                    16
Jump                  4                    39
Listen                0                    15
Move Silently         0                    17
Open Lock             n/a                  40
Perform               n/a                  n/a
Repair                1                    24
Search                3                    47
Spellcraft            0                    23
Spot                  2                    37
Swim                  2                    39
Tumble                1                    18
Use Magic Device      3                    40

Level 1 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Khopesh
Feat: (Selected) Insightful Reflexes
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Artificer
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Barbarian
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Bard
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Cleric
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Druid
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Favored Soul
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Fighter
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Monk
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Paladin
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Paladin
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Paladin
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Ranger
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Rogue
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Rogue
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Sorcerer
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Warlock
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Warlock
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Wizard
Feat: (Human Bonus) Point Blank Shot


Level 2 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead


Level 3 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Completionist


Level 4 (Ranger)


Level 5 (Ranger)


Level 6 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge


Level 7 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Construct


Level 8 (Ranger)


Level 9 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons


Level 10 (Ranger)


Level 11 (Ranger)


Level 12 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Orc
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons


Level 13 (Ranger)


Level 14 (Ranger)


Level 15 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell


Level 16 (Ranger)


Level 17 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider


Level 18 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Precision


Level 19 (Ranger)


Level 20 (Ranger)


Level 21 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Overwhelming Critical


Level 22 (Epic)


Level 23 (Epic)


Level 24 (Epic)


Level 25 (Epic)


Level 26 (Epic)
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Primal Sphere: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting


Level 27 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Epic Damage Reduction


Level 28 (Epic)
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Primal Sphere: Doubleshot


Level 29 (Epic)
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Divine Sphere: Deific Warding


Level 30 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Multiple Spheres: Embodiment of Order
Feat: (Legendary) Scion of Limbo

[unbongwah]

For some reason I've been unable to select 'Combat Archery' at lvl 24 even though I should meet the level and dex requirement

I'm inferring you took +7 Supreme tome; the +7 doesn't apply until lvl 27, so you can't take CA before then.

[jambajuicey]

I'm inferring you took +7 Supreme tome; the +7 doesn't apply until lvl 27, so you can't take CA before then.

gah - tyvm - moved points from cha to dex (or is that just silly talk?)

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(36 Point) (Level 1) (Level 30)
Strength 12 19
Dexterity 16 23
Constitution 14 21
Intelligence 18 32
Wisdom 8 15
Charisma 8 15

[Tyrantico]

So now that Tempest Haste Boost and Human Damage Boost are on the same cooldown, any thoughts on rearranging the enhancements? I took one point into Human Skills Boost and am dorking around with Kensai Focus right now, but I'm not terribly thrilled with how it feels. (Then... I'm only level 11 right now, and pretty terrible at this theorycrafting thing to boot.)

[Folund]

Hello i'm interessed by this build but i would like to know if i can play it with an arbalest repeater, i dont really like this attack malus :/