The Meteor Shower: 12Monk/5Wizard/3Rogue Shuriken Insanity

[Caprice]

Shadow Star and the Snowstar that Xiadias mentioned in the post you quoted are it for named shuriken until the level 12. At that point you can use Green Steel or Alchemical (ML12) but those you would need to have raided for on a higher level character. The next named one is The Morning Star, available at level 14, and after that it's ML16 for Cormyrian Spelltouched Shuriken from Eveningstar Challenges.

Personally I liked the Snowstar better than the Shadow Star, but it probably is only a moderate improvement.

Cannith Crafting might help filling in the gaps, but it takes a bit of investment to get to good skill levels in it.

[-Zyxas-]

Shadow Star and the Snowstar that Xiadias mentioned in the post you quoted are it for named shuriken until the level 12. At that point you can use Green Steel or Alchemical (ML12) but those you would need to have raided for on a higher level character. The next named one is The Morning Star, available at level 14, and after that it's ML16 for Cormyrian Spelltouched Shuriken from Eveningstar Challenges.

Personally I liked the Snowstar better than the Shadow Star, but it probably is only a moderate improvement.

Cannith Crafting might help filling in the gaps, but it takes a bit of investment to get to good skill levels in it.

Snowstar's proc damage is lower than Shadow Star's advantage in main-number damage. Last I used Shadow Star, its Keen was glitched to be x4, making the crit profile of Shadow Star better than Snowstar (EDIT: especially if you have Master Thrower, and don't yet have IC:Thrown). Snowstar was enough worse that it was noticeable in kill speeds. The deception is also nice if you have sneak attack damage (you do for this build, and most thrower builds), since that is hard to come by in low levels.

I don't think they've fixed the x4 keen yet, and they may not figure out how to for a while. If you like shurikens, it's your best bet except maybe on enemies weak to cold. If anyone has news on the keen bug, it would probably be useful to add here.

Morning Star is more complicated to compare because of fire weaknesses/resistances and its procs, but keep in mind that Shadow Star's deception basically gets you the opportunity to get 3d6+ sneak damage at the same level. Morning Star is almost definitely better on undead, especially incorps. Grouping slightly lessens the value of Shadow Star, and Seeker probably increases the value of shadow star.

Again, it might be best to not throw at first if you (not quoted person, but the person who asked first) don't feel it's effective.

[Caprice]

I did not notice the Keen glitch when I used Shadow Star. Maybe that was broken since I stopped using it. Based on the published stats the Snowstar should come out ahead. The main-damage number on Shadow Star is higher by 2.75 (average 1.5[2d3] = 6, 1.5[1d4] = 3.25), but Snowstar has an additional 2 enhancement bonus (+2 Shadow vs +4 Snow) and the cold damage should average to 3.5 per hit. 2.75 < (2 + 3.5). Shadow Star does more damage with ranged special attacks because of the higher [W] but we don't really get any of those.

But since it is bugged, that throws all the math out the window. Yay?

[Makkuroi]

Thanks for all the insights in this thread, I think i will try this build on my next monk life. Currently im running 12 monk 6 ranger 2 arti elf, shuriken focused with manyshot as option. Ill miss sniper shot, slaying arrows, paralyzing arrows and elemental arrows, but ill stay a trapper, keep abundant step (very important for me for favor runs, having those 2) and get some new wiz stuff to play around with. I might

One of the good ideas I found in this thread was using stay frosty instead of prism. Since on ranged, the double rainbow damage isnt affected by spellpower, the difference in proc damage isnt too big, and the slow effect and the now-free 6 AP really help the build.

I also only this life started to switch around between IPS and archers focus, which doesnt work with manyshot but works very well with shuriken if you arent kiting (raid bosses, quest bosses who dont deal too much damage). That extra 30% damage helps a lot.

btw there is a trick to get the on-crit part of the tier5 elemental arrows to work with paralyzing arrows on throwers: activate elemental arrows with bow in hand, swap back to shuriken, activate paralyzing arrows. Swap to bow, paralyzing arrows become active, elemental arrows become inactive, but the crit portion of elemental arrows remains. Swap back to shuriken, go shoot at stuff.

[Xiadais]

Thanks for all the insights in this thread, I think i will try this build on my next monk life. Currently im running 12 monk 6 ranger 2 arti elf, shuriken focused with manyshot as option. Ill miss sniper shot, slaying arrows, paralyzing arrows and elemental arrows, but ill stay a trapper, keep abundant step (very important for me for favor runs, having those 2) and get some new wiz stuff to play around with. I might

One of the good ideas I found in this thread was using stay frosty instead of prism. Since on ranged, the double rainbow damage isnt affected by spellpower, the difference in proc damage isnt too big, and the slow effect and the now-free 6 AP really help the build.

I also only this life started to switch around between IPS and archers focus, which doesnt work with manyshot but works very well with shuriken if you arent kiting (raid bosses, quest bosses who dont deal too much damage). That extra 30% damage helps a lot.

btw there is a trick to get the on-crit part of the tier5 elemental arrows to work with paralyzing arrows on throwers: activate elemental arrows with bow in hand, swap back to shuriken, activate paralyzing arrows. Swap to bow, paralyzing arrows become active, elemental arrows become inactive, but the crit portion of elemental arrows remains. Swap back to shuriken, go shoot at stuff.

Losing Sniper Shot and Slayer Arrow and improved Elemental Arrows is a large price to pay.

Your 12monk/6ranger/2arti will have more skill points than a 12monk/5wiz/3rogue. Wizard gives hardly anything for skills. Apparently people make it work for skills with this build. I haven't tried, went the 9rogue/6monk/5wiz route.

Stay Frosty is only 2.205 average damage per shuriken. I haven't used Prism without spells, but I don't know how it could be anywhere near that low of damage. I do know, however, that the crippling is VERY useful, and allows you to feel more relaxed as you kite, take breaks with your fingers, etc, instead of needing to continuously run in order to not get hit.

Switching between IPS and Archer's Focus is awesome. Do it.

It isn't immediately obvious to me how trapping helps you with favor runs; do you care to enlighten me? For the most part I just blast through traps without caring, due to absurd Reflex and no-fail-on-1. Abundant Step is very nice.

Improved Shock Arrows on shurikens is very nice for bosses (and meat-sack trash). Do you get much mileage out of paralyzing?

[Makkuroi]

Losing Sniper Shot and Slayer Arrow and improved Elemental Arrows is a large price to pay.

Your 12monk/6ranger/2arti will have more skill points than a 12monk/5wiz/3rogue. Wizard gives hardly anything for skills. Apparently people make it work for skills with this build. I haven't tried, went the 9rogue/6monk/5wiz route.

Stay Frosty is only 2.205 average damage per shuriken. I haven't used Prism without spells, but I don't know how it could be anywhere near that low of damage. I do know, however, that the crippling is VERY useful, and allows you to feel more relaxed as you kite, take breaks with your fingers, etc, instead of needing to continuously run in order to not get hit.

Switching between IPS and Archer's Focus is awesome. Do it.

It isn't immediately obvious to me how trapping helps you with favor runs; do you care to enlighten me? For the most part I just blast through traps without caring, due to absurd Reflex and no-fail-on-1. Abundant Step is very nice.

Improved Shock Arrows on shurikens is very nice for bosses (and meat-sack trash). Do you get much mileage out of paralyzing?

Of course prism is more damage, but 6 AP means 3 dex which do a lot for the build. Its not just the cost difference (which is only 4) but also the fact that stay frosty is in tier 0 where you dont have interesting alternatives besides dex. Currently im running shadowdancer for the martial karma, though, executioners shot is fun when it goes off but very unreliable.

trapping for favor runs: also includes secret doors and open lock, its just very convenient to have. I do most of the favor at level and it helps getting through quests if you cant find a party. Also makes you popular in VoN5 and Haunted Halls.

mileage out of paralyzing: Im ETRing a lot atm, running mostly EH, and it works on a lot of trash in the lower level saga stuff and its a prereq for slaying arrows anyway.

[Xiadais]

trapping for favor runs: <snip> I do most of the favor at level <snip>

I wouldn't consider that a favor run, then, but yes, trapping at level is nice for XP.

[Tuffgar]

Currently level 23 with this build.

As someone who generally only plays heroic content, I can't really recommend this build for leveling. Now that I'm in epic levels with it, I can see how it's meant to work. I can see the potential. But for heroic content I was almost 100% dex/staff build.

This isn't a criticism of the build, just a clarification. People who are trying this build from scratch should be aware that it doesn't really start to work until late in the heroic levels.

[Xiadais]

Currently level 23 with this build.

As someone who generally only plays heroic content, I can't really recommend this build for leveling. Now that I'm in epic levels with it, I can see how it's meant to work. I can see the potential. But for heroic content I was almost 100% dex/staff build.

This isn't a criticism of the build, just a clarification. People who are trying this build from scratch should be aware that it doesn't really start to work until late in the heroic levels.

A big part of that (not suggesting the only part; there are plenty of other things too) is obtaining IPS late. That's a common theme with ranged builds, though, and without IPS there is zero AoE. Melees often get cleaves at levels 3 and 6.

[Tuffgar]

A big part of that (not suggesting the only part; there are plenty of other things too) is obtaining IPS late. That's a common theme with ranged builds, though, and without IPS there is zero AoE. Melees often get cleaves at levels 3 and 6.

Completely agree. The other parts I would say is due the gear, enhancements, and EDs to be able to effectively DPS effectively don't all become available until near lvl 20, and not fully until deep into shiradi. On top of that is the extremely limited choices available for shuriken.

All in all it's a powerful build, but definitely one you want to go in fully prepared for.

[Nodoze]

Completely agree. The other parts I would say is due the gear, enhancements, and EDs to be able to effectively DPS effectively don't all become available until near lvl 20, and not fully until deep into shiradi. On top of that is the extremely limited choices available for shuriken.

All in all it's a powerful build, but definitely one you want to go in fully prepared for.

I mainly have been using this for Epic Reincarnates (eRs) and it is great for going 20->28 (especially if you have your EDs maxed out) and can grind good karma in either the Martial sphere from Shadow Dancer or the Primal sphere via Shiradi. Not sure how great the others spheres are as those are my focus right now but it seems like Divine Crusader is at least good for the Shuricannon so may be good for this build in the Divine Sphere (no idea on the Arcane spheres).

[Tilomere]

As someone who generally only plays heroic content, I can't really recommend this build for leveling. Now that I'm in epic levels with it, I can see how it's meant to work.

You might want to try Critzilla for leveling. It may not have the theoretical max dps at 28 but it is smooth sailing.

[Xiadais]

I mainly have been using this for Epic Reincarnates (eRs) and it is great for going 20->28 (especially if you have your EDs maxed out) and can grind good karma in either the Martial sphere from Shadow Dancer or the Primal sphere via Shiradi. Not sure how great the others spheres are as those are my focus right now but it seems like Divine Crusader is at least good for the Shuricannon so may be good for this build in the Divine Sphere (no idea on the Arcane spheres).

Fatesinger isn't too hideously horrible for Arcane. It gets decent proc damage, and proc damage is big for shurikens. I don't like Divine Crusader. I just don't. It's not necessarily horrible, it's just that I don't personally like it.

[Nodoze]

Fatesinger isn't too hideously horrible for Arcane. It gets decent proc damage, and proc damage is big for shurikens. I don't like Divine Crusader. I just don't. It's not necessarily horrible, it's just that I don't personally like it.

Thanks for the insight on the Arcane tree as I likely will grind it at some point. Understandable not liking Divine Crusader as there are EDs that I also just don't like but regardless it likely is the best option for this build if you are having to grind Divine Karma. Personally I haven't tried it on my shuriken throwers yet but it looks like some shuriken throwers see it as the highest DPS and prefer it as a main ED and not just a grinding option.

[unbongwah]

I don't like Divine Crusader. I just don't. It's not necessarily horrible, it's just that I don't personally like it.

I do like DC, but it's a melee+caster-centric ED. I'm presuming Celestial Champion works with thrown weapons (it does say all weapons) and I would hope the dmg bonus from Crusade does too. Dunno what else is worthwhile to a pure thrower, though.

[Nodoze]

I do like DC, but it's a melee+caster-centric ED. I'm presuming Celestial Champion works with thrown weapons (it does say all weapons) and I would hope the dmg bonus from Crusade does too. Dunno what else is worthwhile to a pure thrower, though.

I haven't tried it on a thrower but I do know that DC is the recommended max DPS variant on the Shiradi Shuricannon thread:

Full DPS Variant:
- start with 12 CON and 16 WIS
- take Precision instead of Combat Expertise (level 18)
- take Greater Dexterity (or Completionist or Combat Archery) for Bulwark of Defense (level 21)
- take Holy Strikes (or Pierce Damage Reduction (metal) or any other ED feat) for Epic Mage Armor (level 26)
- as Epic Destiny Choose Divine Crusader (6x WIS, Bane of Undeath, Purge the Wicked, Consecration (1x), Sacred Ground, Blessed Blades, Heavenly Presence, Celestial Champion)
- twist Whirling Wrists

[neednick]

Hi firstly thanks for the great shuricanon build and it has given me a basis to play around and make a build that i think will suit my style. Secondly please have a look and tell me what you think of the changes in this build.

1) instead of dodge at lvl 3, i took shuriken expertise, so that at level 6 i can least dragon mark and use healing for this character. i dont see the extra dodge as a huge difference if i can heal myself.
2) i started with dex on 18 and not 20 so that i could raise con by 2 and int by 2. This allows enough skill points to get all of my thieving skills that are needed up to maximum including a high move silents which i will mix with invis to sneak attack lots of stuff.
3) was able to fit the 4th sneak attack die in on the halfling tree
4) instead of quicken or mental toughness i took maximise spell so that i can use it on my healing dragonmark

i think this will be a stronger build as it has the self healing built in, and would love to get your feedback on it though i do have 2% less chance of throwing an extra star from the initial stats, but i have taken quite a few dex boosts from the APs. luckily this build is not very AP heavy so there tend to be quite a few left over for that purpose.

Level 20 Lawful Neutral Halfling Male
(12 Monk / 3 Rogue / 5 Wizard)
Hit Points: 284
Spell Points: 326

BAB: 13/13/18/23
Fortitude: 19
Reflex: 27
Will: 22

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(36 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 6 11
Dexterity 18 33
Constitution 16 21
Intelligence 14 19
Wisdom 16 21
Charisma 8 13

Tomes Used +6 supreme so i will get all the increases

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 20)
Balance 8 18
Bluff -1 5
Concentration 3 5
Diplomacy -1 4
Disable Device 6 30
Haggle 3 9
Heal 5 12
Hide 4 15
Intimidate -1 4
Jump 2 9
Listen 3 7
Move Silently 8 29
Open Lock 8 15
Perform n/a n/a
Repair 2 7
Search 6 30
Spellcraft 2 4
Spot 7 28
Swim -2 0
Tumble n/a n/a
Use Magic Device 3 27

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Artificer x3, Barbarian,Bard x 2,Favored Soul,Fighter,Paladin,Rogue,Sorcerer,Wizard
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot

Level 2 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Shuriken Expertise

Level 3 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Precision
Feat: (Selected) Quick Draw

Level 4 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Harmonious Balance: Fists of Light

Level 5 (Monk)

Level 6 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Least Dragonmark of Healing

Level 7 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Ten Thousand Stars

Level 8 (Wizard)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Extend Spell

Level 9 (Wizard)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Shot

Level 10 (Wizard)

Level 11 (Wizard)

Level 12 (Wizard)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Maximise Spell
Feat: (Selected) Precise Shot

Level 13 (Rogue)

Level 14 (Rogue)

Level 15 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Thrown Weapons

Level 16 (Monk)

Level 17 (Monk)

Level 18 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Precise Shot

Level 19 (Monk)

Level 20 (Monk)
Enhancement: Halfling - Halfling Luck (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Halfling Luck (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Halfling Luck (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Jorasco Dragonmark Focus (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Jorasco Dragonmark Focus (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Halfling - Jorasco Dragonmark Focus (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Halfling - Cunning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Lesser Dragonmark of Healing (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Break Out The Leeches (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Guile (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Greater Dragonmark of Healing (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Skillful Thrower (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Guile (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Master Thrower (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Halfling - Guile (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Eldritch Strike (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Spellsword: Acid (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Mage Armor (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Mage Armor (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Mage Armor (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Toughness (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Toughness (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Toughness (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Item Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Item Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Item Defense (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Shield (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Shield (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Improved Shield (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Arcane Barrier (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Arcane Barrier (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Arcane Barrier (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Elemental Resistance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Elemental Resistance (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Elemental Resistance (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Critical Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Critical Accuracy (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Critical Accuracy (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Critical Damage (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Critical Damage (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Critical Damage (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Eldritch Knight (Wiz) - Tenser's Transformation (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Staff Control (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Charming (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Charming (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Charming (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Faster Sneaking (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Faster Sneaking (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Faster Sneaking (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Haste Boost (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Haste Boost (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Haste Boost (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Shadow Dodge (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Shadow Dodge (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Shadow Dodge (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Ninja Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Ninja Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Sneak Attack Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Acrobatic (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Acrobatic (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Acrobatic (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Bastion of Purity (Rank 1)

[Drakkal]

A friend whom I forgot who pm'd me the build for this toon. I lost the page url to make that build. Can someone post it so I can do that one and get rogue out of the way onto completionist. Thanks

[JJMC895610]

A friend whom I forgot who pm'd me the build for this toon. I lost the page url to make that build. Can someone post it so I can do that one and get rogue out of the way onto completionist. Thanks

This one?

[Charoen]

OP, what methods do you use to generate ki to maintain 10k off cooldown? I'm on a first life 32 point build, and from reading descriptions it looks like I need to sneak btwn fights (ap into faster sneaking?), try and ap into a natural ki regen enhancement, obtain items late game for natural regen, or just meditate to start, and swap to some handwraps for a quick 20, then back over to my star/ pop 10k? What method or combination of methods makes for the least amount of hassle with the most uptime/availability for 10k? Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions.