The Hozoin-Kyuu - A Pally Staff & Bow Build

[unbongwah]

"Hozoin-Kyuu" is a portmanteau of my own concoction: a combination of Hozoin-ryuu and Kyuujutsu, referring to the Japanese martial arts for spear and bow, respectively. While planning for my next TR, I came up with this build to claim both SDK and pally PL feats. While it is a 36-pt SDK with quite a few tomes, it can actually be adapted quite easily to any race, since it uses no P2P classes and the only stat requirements are DEX 17 for Manyshot and STR 17 for ITHF/GTHF.

EDIT: build updated 1/14/16

Hozoin-Kyuu
15/3/2 Paladin/Ranger/Rogue
Lawful Good Shadar-kai


Level Order

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


Stats
               36pt     Tome     Level Up
               ----     ----     --------
Strength        17       +5       4: STR
Dexterity       15       +2       8: STR
Constitution    14       +3      12: STR
Intelligence    10       +4      16: STR
Wisdom           8       +2      20: STR
Charisma        14       +2      24: STR
                                 28: STR

Skills
         Rg Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Rn Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Rn Rg Pa Pa Pa Rn
          1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
         ------------------------------------------------------------
Spot      4                    7                    7  1           4  23
Intim     4                 3     3  3  1  1  1  1        2  2  1  1  23
UMD       4  1  1  1  1  1                       1     9  1  1  1  1  23
Heal                                    2  2  2     1           1      8
Disable   4                                                            4
Open Lo   4                                                            4
Search    4                                                            4
Jump      4                                                            4
Tumble    4                                                            4
         ------------------------------------------------------------
         32  2  2  2  2  2  3  7  3  3  3  3  3  3  8 10  4  4  4  8


Feats

 1        : Power Attack
 2 Deity  : Follower of: Amaunator
 3        : Two Handed Fighting
 6        : Point Blank Shot
 7 Deity  : Amaunator's Brilliance
 8 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Undead
 9        : Improved Two Handed Fighting
12        : Improved Critical: Bludgeoning
15        : Manyshot
18        : Greater Two Handed Fighting
21 Epic   : Empower Healing Spell
24 Epic   : Overwhelming Critical
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Handed Fighting
27 Epic   : Cleave (needed to unlock Momentum Swing)
28 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting OR Doubleshot
29 Destiny: Dire Charge
30 Epic   : Improved Critical: Ranged OR Stunning Blow
30 Legend : Scion of: Arborea


Enhancements (80 AP)

Knight of the Chalice (36 AP)

Slayer of Evil, Courage of Heaven, Slayer of Evil II, Improved Courage of Heaven
Extra Turning II, Extra Smite II
Divine Might III, Exalted Cleave III
Divine Sacrifice I, Vigor of Life, Exalted Smite I, Strength
Censure Demons, Passion I, Vigor of Life, Empowered Smite
Censure Outsiders, Avenging Cleave III, Sealed Life

Thief-Acrobat (14 AP)

Staff Control
Thief Acrobatics III, Charming I
Quick Strike III, Haste Boost III

Arcane Archer (12 AP)

Arcane Archer, Morphic Arrows
Conjure Arrows, Corrosive Arrows
Force Arrows I, Elemental Damage
Elemental Damage

Sacred Defender (8 AP)

Holy Bastion, Sacred Defense
Extra Lay On Hands III, Durable Defense III

Deepwood Stalker (6 AP)

Far Shot, Sneak Attack
Stealthy III, Tendon Cut I

Harper Agent (3 AP)

Agent of Good I
Harper Enchantment

Shadar-kai (1 AP)

Shadar-kai Grit


Destiny (24 AP)

Legendary Dreadnought

Legendary Tactics III, Extra Action Boost III
Momentum Swing III, Imp. Power Attack
Lay Waste, Critical Damage II
Lightning Mace
Advancing Blows, Devastating Critical
Master's Blitz, Pulverizer

Twists of Fate (35 fate points)

Sense Weakness (Tier 4 Fury)
Endless Lay On Hands (Tier 3 Sentinel)
Grim Precision (Tier 3 Shadowdancer)
Rejuvenation Cocoon (Tier 1 Primal)

The class split is pal 15 / rgr 3 / rog 2: pal 15 is for two lvl 4 spell slots (Zeal & Holy Sword), of course, plus LoHs and various PrE perks; rog 2 is for the Acrobat bonuses, namely +15% atk speed, Quick Strike, and Haste Boost; and rgr 3 for the free feats and anything from AA or DWS I decide to take (in particular, I wanted to option of Morphic Arrows).
Compared to a pure pally, essentially this build trades the extra melee DPS from KotC capstone for the ranged burst DPS of Manyshot+Bow STR+IC:Ranged. Gameplay is about what you expect: shoot things using Manyshot; rest of the time, smack things with a stick - or spear in my case. I have a heroic SOS, so I intend to use that for lvls 15-20; then switch to a Stout Oak at lvl 20; before finally switching to my fully upgraded Sireth at lvl 23 (which is when I swap IC:Slash for Blunt). I don't have a Pinion yet on this char, but I do have an upgraded Unwavering Ardency, so that will be my primary longbow until I have better.

Skills: max UMD, Intim, and Spot (mostly on rgr lvls). Leftover pts spread between Balance, OL, etc.

EDs: Plan was either DC or LD for DPS, US for max-survivability / semi-tanking. FotW is still a good one for melee+ranged builds; but it doesn't play nice with defensive stance, so I'd have to drop it.

Precision vs Power Atk: Precision is better vs high-Fortification mobs and also boosts ranged DPS. PA is +10 dmg w/2H weapons, +0.5[W] if I take Imp PA, and a pre-req for Cleave, which is still a pre-req for Momentum Swing. [I've already unlocked Momentum Swing, so I shouldn't need the Cleave feat anymore, but other players might.] Also Precision doesn't play nice with Rage effects, inc. FotW, whereas PA doesn't have that trouble. Basically I feel PA provides an universal bonus to melee DPS and fits better LD & FotW; OTOH, I may consider swapping to Precision if I make DC my primary ED.

EDIT: original build archived.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 04.23.01
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 28 Lawful Good Shadar-Kai Female
(15 Paladin \ 2 Rogue \ 3 Ranger \ 8 Epic) 
Hit Points: 400
Spell Points: 209 
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 19
Reflex: 19
Will: 10

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(36 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 28)
Strength             17                    29
Dexterity            15                    18
Constitution         14                    17
Intelligence         10                    12
Wisdom                8                    10
Charisma             14                    16

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Strength used at level 2
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 2
+1 Tome of Constitution used at level 2
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 2
+1 Tome of Wisdom used at level 2
+1 Tome of Charisma used at level 2
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 6
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 6
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 6
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 6
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 6
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 6
+3 Tome of Strength used at level 10
+3 Tome of Constitution used at level 10
+4 Tome of Strength used at level 14
+5 Tome of Strength used at level 18

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 28)
Balance               5                    18
Bluff                 2                    12
Concentration         2                    11
Diplomacy             2                    12
Disable Device        4                    13
Haggle                2                    12
Heal                 -1                     8
Hide                  2                    12
Intimidate            6                    35
Jump                  3                    20
Listen               -1                     8
Move Silently         6                    16
Open Lock             6                    16
Perform               n/a                  n/a
Repair                0                     9
Search                4                    13
Spellcraft            0                     9
Spot                  3                    31
Swim                  3                    17
Tumble                3                    16
Use Magic Device      6                    34

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Barbarian
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Fighter
Feat: (Selected) Two Handed Fighting


Level 2 (Paladin)


Level 3 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 4 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR


Level 5 (Paladin)


Level 6 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot


Level 7 (Paladin)


Level 8 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead


Level 9 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Bludgeoning Weapons


Level 10 (Paladin)


Level 11 (Paladin)


Level 12 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Handed Fighting


Level 13 (Paladin)


Level 14 (Paladin)


Level 15 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Manyshot


Level 16 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR


Level 17 (Paladin)


Level 18 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Handed Fighting


Level 19 (Ranger)


Level 20 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: STR
Enhancement: Shadar-Kai - Shadar-Kai Grit (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shadar-Kai - Shadar-Kai Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shadar-Kai - Shadow Phase (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shadar-Kai - Ghostly Essence (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shadar-Kai - Ghostly Essence (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Shadar-Kai - Ghostly Essence (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Slayer of Evil I (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Courage of Heaven (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Slayer of Evil II (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Improved Courage of Heaven (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Smite (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Smite (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Cleave (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Cleave (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Cleave (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Improved Restoration (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Improved Restoration (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Improved Restoration (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Sacrifice (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Vigor of Life (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Smite (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Censure Demons (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Vigor of Life (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Empowered Smite (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Censure Outsiders (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Avenging Cleave (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Avenging Cleave (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Avenging Cleave (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Sealed Life (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Holy Bastion (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Sacred Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Extra Lay on Hands (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Extra Lay on Hands (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Extra Lay on Hands (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Durable Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Durable Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Durable Defense (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Resilient Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Resilient Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Tenacious Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Tenacious Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Tenacious Defense (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Staff Control (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Thief Acrobatics (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Thief Acrobatics (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Thief Acrobatics (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Charming (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Quick Strike (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Quick Strike (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Quick Strike (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: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Arcane Archer (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Morphic Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Conjure Arrows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Corrosive Arrows (Rank 1)


Level 21 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell


Level 22 (Epic)


Level 23 (Epic)


Level 24 (Epic)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Overwhelming Critical


Level 25 (Epic)


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


Level 27 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons


Level 28 (Epic)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Perfect Two Handed Fighting

EDIT: 28-pt human build for the F2P crowd. Req's +2 DEX tome for Manyshot. I used the extra feat to pick up THF chain for more melee DPS. On the fence about Enhancements.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 04.23.01
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 28 Lawful Good Human Female
(15 Paladin \ 3 Rogue \ 2 Ranger \ 8 Epic) 
Hit Points: 388
Spell Points: 185 
BAB: 19\19\24\29\29
Fortitude: 20
Reflex: 18
Will: 9

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 28)
Strength             15                    24
Dexterity            15                    17
Constitution         14                    16
Intelligence          8                     8
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma             14                    16

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 8
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 20
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 20
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 20

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Feat: (Human Bonus) Two Handed Fighting


Level 2 (Paladin)
Feat: (Deity) Follower of the Sovereign Host


Level 3 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 4 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR


Level 5 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead


Level 6 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell


Level 7 (Paladin)


Level 8 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR


Level 9 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Manyshot


Level 10 (Paladin)


Level 11 (Paladin)


Level 12 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Bludgeoning Weapons


Level 13 (Paladin)


Level 14 (Paladin)


Level 15 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Handed Fighting


Level 16 (Paladin)
Ability Raise: STR


Level 17 (Paladin)


Level 18 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Handed Fighting


Level 19 (Paladin)


Level 20 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: STR
Enhancement: Human - Human Versatility: Damage Boost (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Human - Improved Recovery (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Slayer of Evil I (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Courage of Heaven (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Slayer of Evil II (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Improved Courage of Heaven (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Turning (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Extra Smite (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Might (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Cleave (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Cleave (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Cleave (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Action Boost: Melee/Ranged Power (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Divine Sacrifice (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Vigor of Life (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Exalted Smite (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Vigor of Life (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Empowered Smite (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Vigor of Life (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Avenging Cleave (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Avenging Cleave (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Avenging Cleave (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Knight of the Chalice (Pal) - Sealed Life (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Holy Bastion (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Sacred Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Extra Lay on Hands (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Extra Lay on Hands (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Extra Lay on Hands (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Durable Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Durable Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Durable Defense (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Resilient Defense (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Resilient Defense (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Sacred Defender (Pal) - Resilient Defense (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Staff Control (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Staff Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Thief Acrobatics (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Thief Acrobatics (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Thief Acrobatics (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Quick Strike (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Quick Strike (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Quick Strike (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: Arcane Archer (Rgr) - Arcane Archer (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: Deepwood Stalker (Rgr) - Far Shot (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: Overwhelming Critical


Level 22 (Epic)


Level 23 (Epic)


Level 24 (Epic)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons


Level 25 (Epic)


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


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


Level 28 (Epic)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting

Pal 15 / rog 4 / rgr 1 is also an option: you lose a feat since you need to take Rapid Shot, as well as access to T2/T3 rgr enhs; but can add No Mercy from Acrobat for +30% dmg vs helpless mobs. I'd consider adding Stunning Blow too, except I'm not sure if I can get DCs high enough with just Div Might.

[HatsuharuZ]

A ranged paladin? Nice~

I hope it works out. I've done shadar-kai (rogue/monk stick build), but I haven't tried most of the other active racial abilities except for the chain line.

[Caprice]

What's the selling point of Shadow Dodge on a STR-based build? IMO 3% Dodge and +6 (bugged*) DEX isn't worth giving up being immune to critical hits. I suppose that the corresponding (bugged) +3 to Reflex saves is nice, but being 1-shot by a(n un)lucky hit isn't. I agree that Rogue 3 adds more than Ranger 3 or Paladin 16 would, but that's because the other choices add almost nothing (Diehard or an extra level 2 spell slot) so even the fairly anemic extra +1d6 Sneak Attack, slightly better Saves, and extra skill points of Rogue 3 are preferable. What am I missing about Shadow Dodge?

* I realize that no dev has stated that this isn't WAI, but considering that it does not match the text and no other enhancement stacks like Shadow Dodge does I can't imagine that it is.

P.S. Does this mean I can pike this life, other than dealing with traps?

[Caprice]

I am also curious about your intended armor choice. Are you mainly aiming to take advantage of Heavy's PRR & MRR or Light's Evasion? I've been leaning towards heavy armor use as the default on my own current staffadin but having the flexibility is nice.

[Caprice]

For anyone who wants to tackle this as a F2P 28-pt build without tomes, here are a few thoughts:

• Human STR 14 DEX 16 CON 14 INT 8 WIS 8 CHA 14. You will need to put your level 12 attribute point into DEX to raise it to 17 (or get a +1 DEX tome) to take Manyshot at 15. The bonus feat could go to the Dragonmark of Passage (early movement buff, and later Dimension Door), picking up both Power Attack and Precision, or you could drop Dodge & Quicken and fit in the full THF line.
• Drow STR 14 DEX 17 CON 13 INT 10 WIS 8 CHA 16. All levelups in STR per the OP.
• Dwarf STR 14 DEX 16 CON 16 INT 8 WIS 8 CHA 12. Note per Human.
• Elf STR 14 DEX 17 CON 13 INT 8 WIS 8 CHA 14. All levelups in STR per the OP.
• Halfling STR 13 DEX 17 CON 14 INT 8 WIS 8 CHA 14. All levelups in STR per the OP.

You could drop points from CHA but it is such a strong stat for Paladins that I prefer to keep it high. Note that all of these require a +WIS item or buff (Owl's Wisdom) to cast spells. As Unbongwah suggests, I would not try to squeeze in trap skills. Paladin's low base skillpoints makes that a challenge and you have to gut your other attributes terribly to make it work. For 32-pts I would probably just increase STR (or maybe even out CON where applicable first).

I think I would recommend the Human version because it is the most forgiving, but the Drow one is quite nice too and none of them are awful.

[depositbox]

Assuming your build is going heavy armor then. I personally like the 15/3mnk/2rge split better, in robes for more dps.

[Caprice]

Assuming your build is going heavy armor then. I personally like the 15/3mnk/2rge split better, in robes for more dps.

Where is the greater DPS coming from? Are you using the 2 extra feats to fit in the THF feat chain? Strikes are nice at lower levels but don't scale well, and the Rogue staff tree is better for staff DPS than the Monk one is. Rogue 2 gives a +15% stacking attack speed bonus with staves ("Thief Acrobatics") that Henshin doesn't get, and the Thief Acrobat PrE has better cooldown on "Quick Strike" than Henshin Mystic has for both more damage from the special attack itself plus better uptime on its +25% doublestrike buff (Rogues get 83% uptime rather than Monk's 50%).

[depositbox]

Where is the greater DPS coming from? Are you using the 2 extra feats to fit in the THF feat chain? Strikes are nice at lower levels but don't scale well, and the Rogue staff tree is better for staff DPS than the Monk one is. Rogue 2 gives a +15% stacking attack speed bonus with staves ("Thief Acrobatics") that Henshin doesn't get, and the Thief Acrobat PrE has better cooldown on "Quick Strike" than Henshin Mystic has for both more damage from the special attack itself plus better uptime on its +25% doublestrike buff (Rogues get 83% uptime rather than Monk's 50%).

THF, dance of flowers, earth stance crits or wind stance doublestrike. Iron Fist is fine even in ee. The split is using 2 rogue/rge and not ranger.

[Caprice]

THF, dance of flowers, earth stance crits or wind stance doublestrike. Iron Fist is fine even in ee. The split is using 2 rogue/rge and not ranger.

Thanks for the clarification. I read it as a typo. Your suggestion is better melee DPS, but are you still able to fit in Manyshot? I think that is a big part of Unbongwah's premise here. Ranger 2 saves the build 3 feats by giving Rapid Shot (Manyshot prerequisite) and Bow Strength (large contributor to ranged DPS), and getting Bow Strength directly saves you from needing to take WF:Ranged feat too (a Bow Strength prerequisite). A Monk would probably want Zen Archery too to stay Centered. Diverting 4 feats into Ranged feats to make up for dropping Ranger plus taking the 3 THFs doesn't seem to fit in.

[unbongwah]

What's the selling point of Shadow Dodge on a STR-based build? IMO 3% Dodge and +6 (bugged*) DEX isn't worth giving up being immune to critical hits. I suppose that the corresponding (bugged) +3 to Reflex saves is nice, but being 1-shot by a(n un)lucky hit isn't.

I intend to Twist Brace for Impact, which is +40% fortification. I'll have 100%+ base fortification, +4-8% from Sacred D., and possibly Exceptional Fortification if I can figure out where to slot it. Basically I expect to have at least 120% Fortification even w/Shadow Dodge on, 150% without.

Ofc, BF would make canceling the Fort debuff even easier, but we've already determined I don't want a BF PL on this toon.

I agree that Rogue 3 adds more than Ranger 3 or Paladin 16 would, but that's because the other choices add almost nothing (Diehard or an extra level 2 spell slot) so even the fairly anemic extra +1d6 Sneak Attack, slightly better Saves, and extra skill points of Rogue 3 are preferable.

Main incentive to rgr 3 is core enhs; Morphic Arrows would be nice, but I wasn't planning on it.

Are you mainly aiming to take advantage of Heavy's PRR & MRR or Light's Evasion? I've been leaning towards heavy armor use as the default on my own current staffadin but having the flexibility is nice.

Probably light: I'm picking up enough PRR from Sacred D. + gear (I hope) and should have the Reflex saves to keep Evasion useful. Though on this toon that would mean moar loot farming since all her epic armors are heavy. Good thing I know that's your favorite part of the game!

THF, dance of flowers, earth stance crits or wind stance doublestrike. Iron Fist is fine even in ee. The split is using 2 rogue/rge and not ranger.

Switching from rgr to monk splash means giving up free Bow STR, which means you need to spend two feats on Bow STR+WF:Ranged, as well as Rapid Shot. Plus you need Zen Archery if you wish to stay centered. Even if you go human instead of SDK on pal 15 / monk 3 / rog 2, that's 8 human + 2 monk + 3 epic feats = 13 total. Power Atk, THF x3, Adept & Master of Forms (presuming Earth stance), IC:Blunt, PBS, WF:R, Bow STR, Rapid Shot, MS, IC:Ranged, Zen Archery, Overwhelming Crit = 15 feats w/out any metamagics, so something has to give.

Bottom line: I chose to sacrifice melee DPS for burst ranged DPS; you did not.

[Elibolas]

I'm inspired to give a try. Going with the melee 15Pal, 3 Rogue, 2 Monk version. I have Completionist, so I bumped INT and backloaded the rogue levels (except the first) to get a fully realized trap monkey as well. With Monk Levels, it seemed best to take them at 11 (so I could take Adept at 12) and 15 (so I had Evasion before adventuring). Of course, Completionist meant something else had to give, so I couldn't fit in GTHF. I think it's gonna be fun! Thanks,

Elibolas

[Caprice]

I too really like that Paladin 15 / Monk 3 / Rogue 2 melee-focused setup and I am am seriously thinking of revamping my own staffadin into it, but I will get to see the Hozoin-Kyuu in action long before I have to decide so I may change my mind.

[unbongwah]

Updated first post with 28-pt human build for the F2P Crowd.

[Alternative]

nice, gotta link to Kyuujutsu everytime someone says only rangers should use bows (well)

[Doutrinador]

Updated first post with 28-pt human build for the F2P Crowd.

The cores of Knight of the Chalice works with bows? And the holy sword spell?

[unbongwah]

The cores of Knight of the Chalice works with bows? And the holy sword spell?

Yes and yes.

[Doutrinador]

Yes and yes.

nice, doing the sestra (14 pally 6 monk elf) then next life.

[unbongwah]

First build updated with what I'm currently using for my SDK life. I went rgr 3 / rog 2 instead of rog 3 / rgr 2; decided I wanted Morphic Arrows more than Shadow Dodge. I also went with the THF chain for the extra Melee Power & glancing blows. Finally, I've decided to ditch Evasion and wear hvy armor; this gets me extra PRR/MRR as well as access to the Gtr Defensive Stance bonuses (+20% HPs).

I've hit lvl 20 but haven't yet farmed up a Stout Oak (should've done that before TRing, oh well...), so I'm still using my (heroic) SOS as my primary melee DPS weapon.

[Blackheartox]

I had a slightly different build, 15 palie 4 ranger 1 rogue, instead on qstirke used killer, but i also took some other stuff from ranger that made it very nice dps.
Growing storm is so op on staff builds.
Considerd to try a 14 palie 5 ranger 1 rogue for a while and check how dod +staff works.

[unbongwah]

I had a slightly different build, 15 palie 4 ranger 1 rogue, instead on qstirke used killer, but i also took some other stuff from ranger that made it very nice dps.

Quick Strike is +25% doublestrike for 10 out of 12 secs, which is +20.83% avg doublestrike; while Killer is +20% doublestrike when maxed out. So QS is slightly higher overall DPS and doesn't depend on your killcount. But Growing Storm is kinda ridiculous on any build that can take it.

Growing storm is so op on staff builds.
Considerd to try a 14 palie 5 ranger 1 rogue for a while and check how dod +staff works.

Let us know how it goes!