Theorybuild - The Shadow Stalker

[Arlathen]

Theorybuild - The Shadow Stalker

Overview
Having moved on from my Avenging Angel build, I recently found myself staring at the proposed U20 changes in disbelief over the changes to items with Life Stealing.

Unfortunately for me, I'd started work since U19 on a new Staff build, primarily working around a 15 Monk/4 Rogue/1 Fighter that would utilise both Dreampiercer and Quivering Palm to tear through some EE trash. That's now been hosed, so time to TR and move on

The Shadow Stalker
Instead, I've once again gone back to my roots with the Ranger class and decided to fix up a build that could happily solo content at all difficulties through Heroic levelling and then happily grind away at EH content.

Without getting noticed!

Yes, Stealth Gameplay certainly seems to be on the rise again with the improvements made in U19, so I wanted a build that could really amp up those skills, provide me with a good balance of Offense, Defense, Self-Sufficiency and Stealth.

Main Goals
- Solid TWF Potential
- Solid Ranged Capability
- Good Defensive Capability
- Strong Self-Healing Potential
- High Stealth Skills
- Full Trapsmithing!

Core Build
Elf
- Yes, Elf!
- Choice of Strength or Dex as Weapon Damage / Focus
- Elven Skill
- Rapier & Longbow Enhancements
- Dragonmarks of Shadow

Ranger 15
- Full TWF Feat Line
- Full Ranged Feat Line
- Evasion
- Light Armour Proficiency & PRR
- High BAB, Reflex and Fort Saves
- Access to both CSW and FoM Spells
- Tempest / Deepwood Sniper Enhancements

Rogue 3
- 2D6 Sneak Attack Base
- 24 Skills points
- Full UMD, Stealth and Trapskills
- Assassin Enhancements

Fighter2
- Bonus Feats
- Kensai Enhancements

Choice: Dex or Strength, ShadowDancer or Fury of the Wild!

Fury of the Wild Destiny
- No-DC Crowd Control through Overwhelming Focus
- Large DPS Increaes to baseline TWF damage
- FuryShot (TM)

ShadowDancer
- Executioner Strike Dex based DC Insta-Kill
- 6D6 Sneak Damage
- More Stealth Skills!
- Shadow Form, 25% Incorp and bonus Move Silently

Notes: Choose your Damage stat and thus choose your Destiny accordingly.

If you fancy stronger Stealth gameplay (+20 Move Silently from Shadow Form!) and more Sneak Damage/Mitigation, then go Dex & ShadowDancer.

If you want to keep FuryShot, No-DC Crowd Control and a Brutish amount of HP, then go for Strength and Fury of the Wild.

My own build focuses on Strength and Fury of the Wild from here.

Character Build
Base Attributes
- 34pt Elf, 1 Monk Past Life
Str: 16 Base, 48 with Gear/Tomes/Ship/Self Buffs
Dex: 16 Base, 32 with Gear/Tomes/Ship/Self Buffs
Con: 14 Base, 34 with Gear/Tomes/Ship/Self Buffs
Int: 14 Base, 18 with Gear/Tomes/Ship/Self Buffs
Wis: 08 Base, 22 with Gear/Tomes/Ship/Self Buffs
Cha: 10 Base, 22 with Gear/Tomes/Ship/Self Buffs

Heroic Feats
Free: TWF, ITWF, GTWF
Free: Bow Strength, Rapid Shot, Precise Shot, Many Shot, Improved Precise Shot
7 Standard, 2 Fighter Bonus Feats
- Power Attack, Cleave, Great Cleave
- Least DM of Shadow, Dodge, Quicken, Empower Heal
- IC: Pierce, IC: Ranged

Note: Take IC: Pierce on a Fighter level, then swap it to Precision stance when you have a dual set of Balizarde's as the weapon has Keen built in.

Epic Feats
- Overwhelming Critical, Extend, Blinding Speed*
- Perfect TWF, Doubleshot

If you alter your gear setup to include 15% Melee Alacrity and use Pinion, then this can be swapped out for Epic Damage Reduction instead.

Enhancements
Elf - 19AP Spent
C Elven Accuracy 1
1 Areneal Weapon Training 1, Phiarlan Dragonmark Focus 3, Keen Senses 1
2 Areneal Weapon Training 1, Lesser Dragonmark of Shadow
3 Areneal Weapon Training 1, Greater Dragonmark of Shadow
4 Areneal Weapon Training 1, Elven Skill

Ranger - Tempest - 28AP Spent
C Shield of Whirling Steel, Tempest, Graceful Death, Deflect Arrows
1 Whirling Blades 1, Improved Reaction 3
2 Whirling Blades 1, Improved Dodge 3, Improved Parry 3, Haste Boost 3
3 Whirling Blades 1

Rogue - Assassin - 11AP Spent
C Knife in the Darkness
1 Sneak Attack Training 1, Stealthy 2
2 Sneak Attack Training 1, Venomed Blades 2

Ranger - Deepwood Sniper - 11AP Spent
C Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Exposing Strike
1 Stealthy 3, Improved Empathy 2

Fighter - Kensai - 10AP Spent
C Kensai Focus: Light Blades
1 Haste Boost 3, Extra Action Boost 3

Fury of the Wild
1 Primal Scream 3, Tunnel Vision 3, Fast Healing 1, Strength 1
2 Acute Senses 3, Strength 1
3 None
4 Sense Weakness 3, Overwhelming Force 3
5 Fury Eternal
6 Unbridled Fury

Destiny Twists
1 Haste Boost - LD Tier 3
2 Brace for Impact - US Tier 1
3 Rejuvenation Cocoon - PA Tier 1

That little lot should give you 24 Haste Boosts per rest to use.... and another 9 if you change Brace for Impact for Extra Action Boost from LD.

Offensive Potential - Dual Balizarde Rapiers, Pinion
Two Weapon Fighting, Ranged Combat
- 100% Mainhand, 100% Offhand
- 22 BAB Base Speed
- 15% Melee Alacrity, 20% Ranged Alacrity - Blinding Speed/Pinion
- 8x Tempest Haste Boosts
- 8x Kensai Haste Boosts
- 8x Legendary Dreadnought Haste Boosts

Potential Doublestrike
- 5% Perfect TWF
- 3% Elven Skill
- 3% Black Dragon Armour
- 6% Rapid Strikes Item
= 17% Doublestrike

Sneak Attack Potential
- 2D6 Rogue 3 Base
- +3D6 Deepwood Sniper
- +2D6 Assassin
- +13 Seal of Avithoul
= 7D6+13 Sneak Attack

Note: You get auto Bluff for 4s every 6s with Exposing Strike, and then with Improved Deception Procs I think you'll be able to land Sneak Damage 80-90% of the time, even solo.

[Arlathen]

Defensive Potential

Saves
Ft/Rf/Wl
Ft/Rf/Wl
09/09/05 Ranger 15
01/03/01 Rogue 3
03/00/00 Fighter 2
04/04/04 Epic Levels
12/11/06 Con/Dex/Wis
10/10/10 Resistance Item / Aug
04/04/04 Insight
00/03/00 Tempest: Improved Reactions
02/02/02 Good Luck
01/01/01 Resistance Ritual
04/04/04 Greater Heroism
= 50/51/37 Saves + Evasion + Freedom of Movement

HP
030 Base HP
336 Con Bonus
120 Ranger 15
018 Rogue 3
020 Fighter 2
010 Draconic Favour
040 Enhancement HP ITem
080 Epic Levels
100 Fury of the Wild Bonus
= 754 HP

PRR
013 Light Armour / 22 BAB
010 Tempest: Improved Parry
015 Planar Conflux - Prowess Set
016 Blue Augment
= 54 PRR, or 27% Damage Reduction

Dodge
03% Dodge Feat
03% Tempest: Improved Dodge
03% Elven Skill
08% Item: Enhancement
= 17% Dodge

Concealment / Incorporeal
50% Concealment - 4x Greater DM of Shadow Displacement, each lasting 4:00 Minutes
10% Incorporeal - Treads of Falling Shadow

Positive Spell Power
023 Heal Skill Ranks
008 Epic Skill Ranks
004 Heal Skill Tome
030 Deepwood Sniper: Innates
008 Deepwood Sniper: Improved Empathy
006 Wisdom Bonus to Heal Skill
134 Devotion Augment
024 Implement Bonus
075 Empower Heal Meta-Magic
= 312 Devotion Spell Power

Avg Self-Healing
CLW: 10.5 Avg, 43 Avg with SP, 56HP with HA
CMW: 21.0 Avg, 87 Avg with SP, 112HP with HA
CSW: 31.5 Avg, 130 Avg with SP, 169HP with HA
RjC: 17.5 Avg, 72 Per Tick with SP, 94HP with HA

Stealth Potential
023 Base Skills
008 Epic Skills
004 Tome
011 Dexterity
020 Item: Competence Bonus
003 Enh: DWS Stealthy
002 Enh: Assassin Stealthy
002 Item: Good Luck
005 Item: Enh - Ghostly on Treads
006 Item: Exc - GS HP Item
004 Morale: Greater Heroism
= 88 Sub-Total for Hide & Move Silently

020 Dragonmark: Invisibility
010 Spell: Circ - Camoflage
010 Spell: Circ - Mass Camoflage
= 128 Hide Possible

07 Pass without Trace
= 95 Move Silently Possible

Spell List
1 Rams Might
1 Camouflage / Resist Energy
1 Pass without Trace / Jump

2 Cure Light Wounds
2 Mass Camouflage / Barkskin

3 Cure Moderate Wounds
3 Wild Instincts

4 Cure Serious Wounds
4 Freedom of Movement

Alternatives are if your not interested in Stealth skills, but for me there a given.

[Arlathen]

Gear

Armour - Flawless Black Dragonhide Armour - Heavy Fortification
Helm - Flawless Black Dragon Helm - Exc Str +1, PRR +16
Bracers - Standard Loot, ???? of Seeker +10
Belt - Girdle of Giant Strength - Str +8, Con +8, Enhancement HP +40
Gloves - PDK Gloves
Necklace - Deadly +10, Resistance +10
Boots - Epic Treads of Falling Shadow
Goggles - Intricate Field Optics, Wisdom +8, Search +15, Good Luck +2
Trinket - Planar Focus of Prowess, Ins Str +3, +4 Damage, +15 PRR
Ring 1 - Seal of Avithoul, Ins Wis +2
Ring 2 - EE Ring of Shadows
Cloak - Adamantine Cloak of the Wolf
Weapon 1 - Balizarde, 2D6 Acid Damage
Weapon 2 - Balizarde, 134 Devotion
Weapon 3 - Pinion, 134 Devotion

Very much a Work in Progress. Suggestions welcome.

[unbongwah]

I've been contemplating the exact same lvl split on an elf for largely the reasons you are. Though my first attempt was a DEX-based gimp, `cuz that's just how I roll.

[Xyfiel]

I have been leveling a build very similar to this in many ways but different at the same time. I wanted to get it to epics and give it a test before posting it.

Human, 14Ranger/5Paladin/1Artificer
70 str 48 cha as main stats
75 fort, 74 reflex, 75 will - hoping to take epic fort at 30 along with already having epic reflexes and freedom I won't worry about saves.
fury with cocoon, brace, and extra boost(8 human damage/skill, tempest haste, Koc damage)
~70 heal, 300+ positive
90+ search, spot, hide, move silently
80+ open
50+ umd without skills items and 17 ranks
just shy of 200% healing amp
freedom of movement, censure outsiders, and energy drain immunity
16% dodge, 57 prr, ring of shadows and displacement clickies
~950 hps, 900 sps(before buffs)
I use force of personality, elusive target, epic reflexes, and point blank shot compared to dragonmark, extend, quicken, blinding speed, and doubleshot.
Enhancements are 17 Human(skill mastery + amp), 35 KoC, 22 Tempest, 6 AA
I really like the 2 second deflect arrows, works on ranged traps and giant boulders.

I was thinking of naming mine the Silver Flame Stalker. I am still working the details because there are so many options. For example removing fop and skill mastery for dimension door mark. Another is the difference in taking prr and str in fury and tempest. I think you can drop 1 str from fury and take 4 prr with the 2 points. Drop improved parry from 3 to 2 and take tempest str. You still get 1 str and 4 prr but the prr is no longer limited to only twf.

As you can see our goals were the same and thank you for posting the build.

[Arlathen]

I've been contemplating the exact same lvl split on an elf for largely the reasons you are. Though my first attempt was a DEX-based gimp, `cuz that's just how I roll.

Interestingly, I don't see why a Dex build couldn't excel here really. The only trade off is the +5 Str from Primal Scream and +2 Strength from Rams Might, but you'd counter-act this some by putting more build points from Strength into Dex at creation time.

I think it will be interesting to finish up the build as posted then swap over to a Dex based Shadow Dancer, and see how it compares. For me, really, the golden nugget is in Exposing Strike & Improved Deception, so another 6D6 Sneak Damage from Shadow Dancer really opens up the Damage potential.

[Arlathen]

I have been leveling a build very similar to this in many ways but different at the same time. I wanted to get it to epics and give it a test before posting it.

As did I, but my character has been slowed down over the last 4 weeks as I've been putting some effort into my main Multi-TR character.

Human, 14Ranger/5Paladin/1Artificer
70 str 48 cha as main stats.

Now that's quite impressive. 48 Charisma is, what, a +19 Strength Bonus with DM, so I can see where your getting to 70 Strength. The 48 Charisma breakdown I would love to see though!

75 fort, 74 reflex, 75 will - hoping to take epic fort at 30 along with already having epic reflexes and freedom I won't worry about saves..

Very Impressive saves.

Fury with cocoon, brace, and extra boost(8 human damage/skill, tempest haste, Koc damage)
~70 heal, 300+ positive
90+ search, spot, hide, move silently
80+ open
50+ umd without skills items and 17 ranks
just shy of 200% healing amp
freedom of movement, censure outsiders, and energy drain immunity
16% dodge, 57 prr, ring of shadows and displacement clickies
~950 hps, 900 sps(before buffs).

Very nicely rounded.

I use force of personality, elusive target, epic reflexes, and point blank shot compared to dragonmark, extend, quicken, blinding speed, and doubleshot.
Enhancements are 17 Human(skill mastery + amp), 35 KoC, 22 Tempest, 6 AA
I really like the 2 second deflect arrows, works on ranged traps and giant boulders..

Hmm, I've been meaning to experiment with Deflect Arrows more, but never seem to have the AP to do so as I find so much low hanging fruit to play with in Tempest/DWS/AA. Not to mention Assassin & Kensai. Interesting to see it works with traps and Giant thrown Boulders.

I was thinking of naming mine the Silver Flame Stalker. I am still working the details because there are so many options. For example removing fop and skill mastery for dimension door mark. Another is the difference in taking prr and str in fury and tempest. I think you can drop 1 str from fury and take 4 prr with the 2 points. Drop improved parry from 3 to 2 and take tempest str. You still get 1 str and 4 prr but the prr is no longer limited to only twf..

Hmm, interesting point on the PRR/Str. Will look into it.

As you can see our goals were the same and thank you for posting the build.

Your welcome

[Xyfiel]

Now that's quite impressive. 48 Charisma is, what, a +19 Strength Bonus with DM, so I can see where your getting to 70 Strength. The 48 Charisma breakdown I would love to see though!

Here is cha, str, and saves.

Human 16str/10dex/15con/14int/8wis/16cha
Charisma
16 base
5 tome
4 level ups(+2 saves, umd vs +1 to hit and +1 main hand damage)
2 Koc
1 Human
10 stolen necklace
1 globe
3 insight intricate field optics
2 ship
2 yugo
46(+18)

Strength
16 base
1 Human
1 Fury
5 tome
5 primal scream
3 level ups
18 charisma
10 ring
1 globe
2 rams
2 ship
2 yugo
4 tenser scrolls(I don't use them for en/eh much)
70

Saves:
1 alchemical
4 morale
2 brace for impact
1 aura
18 charisma
4 epic levels
10 resist
4 insight Balizarde(lose during ranged or other weapons)
2 good luck
1 sacred(ship)
47 base
0/0/2 Artificer
4/1/1 Paladin
9/9/4 Ranger
18/13/18 stats(force of personality)
0/3/0 Tempest
0/0/3 Tunnel Vision
0/2/0 Epic reflexes
-4/0/-4 yugo str/cha potions
74/75/71
+2 vs undead, +4 vs poison, +1 vs enchantments, +6 vs traps

It has changed so much in the last 2 months I evidently missed an update or two when changing items and enhancements around. Still meets goal of 70+.

[unbongwah]

Interestingly, I don't see why a Dex build couldn't excel here really. The only trade off is the +5 Str from Primal Scream and +2 Strength from Rams Might, but you'd counter-act this some by putting more build points from Strength into Dex at creation time.

Well, I say "gimp" affectionately; I have a soft spot for DEX builds. Basically I was trying to come up with some interesting F2P builds to spam the forums with.

Rough outline:

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 04.19.03
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 28 True Neutral Elf Female
(2 Fighter \ 3 Rogue \ 15 Ranger \ 8 Epic) 
Hit Points: 334
Spell Points: 185 
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 15
Reflex: 19
Will: 5

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 28)
Strength             12                    13
Dexterity            18                    25
Constitution         14                    14
Intelligence         12                    12
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma              8                     8

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Strength used at level 11

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Least Dragonmark of Shadow


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


Level 3 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot


Level 4 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: DEX


Level 5 (Ranger)


Level 6 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Giant


Level 7 (Ranger)


Level 8 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: DEX


Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Piercing Weapons
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons


Level 10 (Ranger)


Level 11 (Ranger)


Level 12 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: DEX
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 13 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider


Level 14 (Ranger)


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Cleave
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Great Cleave


Level 16 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: DEX


Level 17 (Ranger)


Level 18 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell


Level 19 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Elf


Level 20 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: DEX
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Phiarlan Dragonmark Focus (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Phiarlan Dragonmark Focus (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Elf - Phiarlan Dragonmark Focus (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Elf - Keen Senses (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Aerenal Weapon Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Lesser Dragonmark of Shadow (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Aerenal Weapon Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Greater Dragonmark of Shadow (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Aerenal Weapon Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Aerenal Grace (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Aerenal Weapon Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Skill (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Shield of Whirling Steel (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Tempest (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Graceful Death (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Deflect Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Improved Reaction (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Improved Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Whirling Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Improved Parry (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Improved Parry (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Improved Parry (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Whirling Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Critical Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Critical Accuracy (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Critical Accuracy (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Whirling Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Critical Damage (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Critical Damage (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Critical Damage (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Elaborate Parry (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Elaborate Parry (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Elaborate Parry (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Whirling Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Evasive Dance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Evasive Dance (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Tempest (Rgr) - Evasive Dance (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Focus: Light Blades (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Arcane Archer (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Morphic Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Metalline Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Conjure Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Energy of the Wild (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Energy of the Wild (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Energy of the Wild (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Force Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Force Arrows (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Force Arrows (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Soul Magic (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Far Shot (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Sneak Attack (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Increased Empathy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Increased Empathy (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Increased Empathy (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Versatile Empathy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Assassin (Rog) - Knife in the Darkness (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Assassin (Rog) - Sneak Attack Training (Rank 1)


Level 21 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Combat Archery


Level 22 (Epic)


Level 23 (Epic)


Level 24 (Epic)
Ability Raise: DEX
Feat: (Selected) Quicken Spell


Level 25 (Epic)


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


Level 27 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Blinding Speed


Level 28 (Epic)
Ability Raise: DEX
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Elusive Target

Primarily a melee-focused Tempest, but with good ranged DPS and some self-healing, esp. once Rejuv Cocoon is Twisted in. Had planned on FotW to start, but can also go SD.

Mulling the AP spread: I wanted Evasive Dance for Imp Evasion, but IMHO the Tempest tree is fairly weak as a whole, unfortunately.

[Cloista]

Posted a Human version of the exact same split in EllisDee's updated Tempest Trapmonkey thread, it's going to be the LR +20 version of both my Ranger mutt (Human) and my wife's Fighter (Elf). Took Tempest up to Evasive Dance and both will be strength builds.

[Xyfiel]

You are missing some things from your positive sp. Deepwood cores, good luck, and acute instincts I think.

What is your spell layout?

[Arkadios]

For spells, I'd guess;

Level 1:
Rams Might
Resist Energy
Jump

Level 2:
Barkskin
Cure Light Wounds

Level 3:
Cure Moderate Wounds
Wild Instincts (could be remove poison/disease if you really want but I use pots for those)

Level 4:
Freedom of Movement
Cure Serious Wounds

[unbongwah]

Cure Light Wounds

I prefer Prot. from Energy, at least once you have CMW. Ideally Evasion keeps you safe from elemental dmg, ofc, particularly if you pick up Evasive Dance; but even at half-dmg some spells hit for a lot more than 30 pts. And other spells have no Reflex save (e.g., Scorching Ray, Melf Acid, Burning Blood).

(could be remove poison/disease if you really want but I use pots for those)

I use wands: cheaper in the long run and lets me use them on others. But I agree there's not much point in slotting the spell; and +10 Spot from Wild Instincts is nice on a trapper.

[Stoner81]

<snip>
I use wands: cheaper in the long run and lets me use them on others.

If you buy pots from the general vendors and not the guild vendors you can use the pots on others too and it saves having to equip it, just target and hit the pot job done , yes wands are cheaper but it's not exactly hard to make plat in the game now is it :P

Stoner81.

[Arlathen]

Thanks for comments, I've made some minor updates around the Positive SP, the calculated incoming Healing with Heal Amp as well (PDK Gloves) and also the proposed spell list.

Spell list is geared towards me wanting to play it sneaky - secondary utility spells listed after.

[Leclaire1]

Thanks for posting this Arla. I'm a big fan of elf and think it is highly underrated as well, and I've done something similar to this on my main, albeit with the classic 12 Fighter/6 Ranger/2 Rogue split. Nonetheless, I've pondered going back to a ranger-based build for more self-healing in a future life. I use Fury as my main destiny as well (though sdancer is fun for incorp if nothing else), but switched from Str to Dex with my free LR and found it to be an incredible improvement in survivability with tons of DPS with the only weapons I care about. A couple of other things to consider besides Dex build, which I think maximizes an Elf's potential. Yeah, Overwhelming's popular, but with Bali, Pinion, and Fury you're doing great DPS anyway.

1) Whirlwind Attack Line- Since they've finally fixed this feat, I've found it to be incredibly useful. While there are a lot of prereqs they contribute fantastically to your dodge and maximizing your dex bonus to armor class and skills. Its nice to be able to take on whole mobs as a twf tempest

2) Top tier Tempest stuff- One Cut and Dance of Death especially are nicer than I at first though. Sure, the cooldown on one cut could be shorter, but I still get to get my 100% doublestrike quite frequently. Dance of Death, on the other hand, is truly fantastic. The cooldown is only a minute and you can take on whole mobs every new encounter. It works especially well when used in conjunction with Whirlwind to pull mobs to you, laugh as they miss due to high ac, 20% blur or 55% displacement(from dmark), 10% incorp from ghostly, and 23% dodge; then kill them very quickly.

Just some thoughts for a fellow non-gimped elven ranger enthusiast.

[Eth]

Ranger Haste Boost and LD Haste Boost share the same counter, so don't take both.
I have a similar build and can tell you your sneak attack does indeed work almost all the time with improved deception/exposing strike, even solo.