The Tempest Ranger, by Illuminati

[Cambo]

Tawnie has no problem hitting anything in the game WHILE MOVING with no Spring Attack WITHOUT Precision on. Take SA if you feel that you will benefit from it based on your playstyle. I dont believe the feats are worth it. OFC, I also dont believe in Dodge or TWD... to each his own.

Listen blows and is almost useless.

I believe 12 starting STR is optimal for this build. Unless you run light on gear and never pull full/halfplates or banded mail, you may find yourself hurting after a few chests. Tawnie started with 10, and 14 wasnt cutting it.

Great Feedback Thanks I will review SA, TWD Dodge and precision.

[Allasar]

I've been thinking about trying a ranger build, but looking more at soloability and utility with a solid base in Rogue skills (much like the build on my main, Elassar, who's 6 Pal/ 4 Ftr/ 2 Rog, but with more focus on skills):

Drow 7 Ranger/3 Pal/2 Rogue

Rationale:
2 levels of Rogue gives evasion (in heavy armor for the moment, in light if they nerf it later - nbd to me), plus sneak attack, trapfinding and open locks

3 levels Pally gives AC bonus, Smite, Save bonus (Divine Grace), Immunity to Fear (Aura of Courage), Lay on Hands and Heavy Armor Proficiency.

7 levels of Ranger gives 2 favored enemies, Many- and Rapidshot as well as TWF and Improved TWF if I found the right gear.


Build below:

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 1.50
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 12 Lawful Good Drow Female
(3 Paladin \ 2 Rogue \ 7 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 118
Spell Points: 7 
BAB: 11\11\16\21
Fortitude: 13
Reflex: 18
Will: 7

                  Starting            Ending          
                 Base Stats         Base Stats        
Abilities        (Level 1)          (Level 12)        
Strength             16                 18            
Dexterity            13                 14            
Constitution         10                 10            
Intelligence         14                 14            
Wisdom                9                  9            
Charisma             16                 16            

                   Ending           
                 Base Skills        
Skills           (Level 12)         
Balance               9             
Bluff                 3             
Concentration         0             
Diplomacy             3             
Disable Device       17             
Haggle               10             
Heal                  0             
Hide                  6             
Intimidate            3             
Jump                  9             
Listen               -1             
Move Silently         6             
Open Lock            17             
Perform              n/a            
Repair                2             
Search               17             
Spot                  4             
Swim                  4             
Tumble                8             
Use Magic Device     18             

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge

Level 2 (Paladin)

Level 3 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons

Level 4 (Rogue)

Level 5 (Paladin)

Level 6 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack

Level 7 (Ranger)

Level 8 (Ranger)

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

Level 10 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider

Level 11 (Ranger)

Level 12 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement:Bulwark of Good I
Enhancement:Elven Dexterity II
Enhancement:Ranger's Dexterity II
Enhancement:Ranger's Action Boost III

I could easily take Khopesh instead of weapon focus: ranged to maximize DPS - although I am also thinking of going down the blunt path rather than slashing (take the favored enemy enhancements) and really go to town on skellies )

Given the upcoming changes to enhancements I figured to try a build that wasn't totally dependent on action boosts or stat enhancements and that could succeed with typical end-game gear. The only thing that I think this build lacks is Divine Favor, which another level of Pally would provide. Given that we should have a level cap increase coming sometime in the next few months, I think I can live with that.

Would love to hear suggestions or comments.

[Illuminati]

Although the TS Ranger isnt hurt by a complete revamp of enhancements, I would wait to see about multiclass builds. In PNP, your skill ranks are determined by your class levels (meaning, you could never have a 15 DD Rank with only 2x levels of rogue).

I would wait and see what Turbine implements.

Also, Precise Shot and Improved Precise shot are too good to pass up IMO. If you are going to be a melee mostly Ranger try a Dwarf. They have +6 Save (2 inherant and 4 from Enhancement) the boost to Con and the exotic 1d10 x 3 weapon built in. They also have +4 AC vs. Giants and can be quite nasty.

Anyway, I am waiting for the time being to see what Turbine does. They wouldnt' nerf Stat enhancements without a nerf to mobs so no worries on those.

I've been thinking about trying a ranger build, but looking more at soloability and utility with a solid base in Rogue skills (much like the build on my main, Elassar, who's 6 Pal/ 4 Ftr/ 2 Rog, but with more focus on skills):

Drow 7 Ranger/3 Pal/2 Rogue

Rationale:
2 levels of Rogue gives evasion (in heavy armor for the moment, in light if they nerf it later - nbd to me), plus sneak attack, trapfinding and open locks

3 levels Pally gives AC bonus, Smite, Save bonus (Divine Grace), Immunity to Fear (Aura of Courage), Lay on Hands and Heavy Armor Proficiency.

7 levels of Ranger gives 2 favored enemies, Many- and Rapidshot as well as TWF and Improved TWF if I found the right gear.


Build below:

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 1.50
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 12 Lawful Good Drow Female
(3 Paladin \ 2 Rogue \ 7 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 118
Spell Points: 7 
BAB: 11\11\16\21
Fortitude: 13
Reflex: 18
Will: 7

                  Starting            Ending          
                 Base Stats         Base Stats        
Abilities        (Level 1)          (Level 12)        
Strength             16                 18            
Dexterity            13                 14            
Constitution         10                 10            
Intelligence         14                 14            
Wisdom                9                  9            
Charisma             16                 16            

                   Ending           
                 Base Skills        
Skills           (Level 12)         
Balance               9             
Bluff                 3             
Concentration         0             
Diplomacy             3             
Disable Device       17             
Haggle               10             
Heal                  0             
Hide                  6             
Intimidate            3             
Jump                  9             
Listen               -1             
Move Silently         6             
Open Lock            17             
Perform              n/a            
Repair                2             
Search               17             
Spot                  4             
Swim                  4             
Tumble                8             
Use Magic Device     18             

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Dodge

Level 2 (Paladin)

Level 3 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons

Level 4 (Rogue)

Level 5 (Paladin)

Level 6 (Paladin)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack

Level 7 (Ranger)

Level 8 (Ranger)

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

Level 10 (Ranger)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider

Level 11 (Ranger)

Level 12 (Ranger)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement:Bulwark of Good I
Enhancement:Elven Dexterity II
Enhancement:Ranger's Dexterity II
Enhancement:Ranger's Action Boost III

I could easily take Khopesh instead of weapon focus: ranged to maximize DPS - although I am also thinking of going down the blunt path rather than slashing (take the favored enemy enhancements) and really go to town on skellies )

Given the upcoming changes to enhancements I figured to try a build that wasn't totally dependent on action boosts or stat enhancements and that could succeed with typical end-game gear. The only thing that I think this build lacks is Divine Favor, which another level of Pally would provide. Given that we should have a level cap increase coming sometime in the next few months, I think I can live with that.

Would love to hear suggestions or comments.

[MysticRhythms]

Although the TS Ranger isnt hurt by a complete revamp of enhancements, I would wait to see about multiclass builds. In PNP, your skill ranks are determined by your class levels (meaning, you could never have a 15 DD Rank with only 2x levels of rogue).

That's not true of D&D 3.5. Once you have a skill on any of your class lists, you can obtain full ranks in it even in the PnP version. What limits multiclass rogues in PnP is the lack of enhancements and easily avilable items to force trap DC's into the 50s.

In PnP play, I believe the hardest magical trap DC for disable is around 34.

One of the large benefits of staying pure Rogue in PnP is the access to Skill Mastery at the high levels. That means that you could normally take 10 on a Disable Device check whereas a hybrid couldn't.

Anyway ... I digress ...

[Illuminati]

I guess we all wait and see the Turbine Icing on a crappy cake or a Sour drink before an awesome dinner.

Either way I think we will all be ok with the new Enh system. I just wish they would get the darn compendium fixed so people dont plan on +4 str, etc. when its not in game.

That's not true of D&D 3.5. Once you have a skill on any of your class lists, you can obtain full ranks in it even in the PnP version. What limits multiclass rogues in PnP is the lack of enhancements and easily avilable items to force trap DC's into the 50s.

In PnP play, I believe the hardest magical trap DC for disable is around 34.

One of the large benefits of staying pure Rogue in PnP is the access to Skill Mastery at the high levels. That means that you could normally take 10 on a Disable Device check whereas a hybrid couldn't.

Anyway ... I digress ...

[Riekan]

Illuminati,
Is the posting on the front page the current version of the build? If not, could you please update?

Thanks.

[Illuminati]

Illuminati,
Is the posting on the front page the current version of the build? If not, could you please update?

Thanks.

Sorry about that. I do have an update but I am going to wait until the Enhancement revamp comes out so I dont have to redo it twice.

Will keep you posted. Thanks,

[pezius]

imo illuminati, the event horizon build you posted awhile back is the improved build over the tempest build. It's a shame that didnt get more attention. My ranger is a build based off the same ideas as the event horizon build and i am quite impressed with his abilities. Event horizon seems to be the extreme end game build while the tempest build seem to be more a jack of all trades. I'm surprised u dont advocate your event horizon build more.

Sorry about that. I do have an update but I am going to wait until the Enhancement revamp comes out so I dont have to redo it twice.

Will keep you posted. Thanks,

[Illuminati]

imo illuminati, the event horizon build you posted awhile back is the improved build over the tempest build. It's a shame that didnt get more attention. My ranger is a build based off the same ideas as the event horizon build and i am quite impressed with his abilities. Event horizon seems to be the extreme end game build while the tempest build seem to be more a jack of all trades. I'm surprised u dont advocate your event horizon build more.

Actually pure elf is the way I am going with the post mod 3 stuff. The only issue I have atm is Elven Melee Attack II. AC's are so low now on most mobs I think I may focus it more on DPS.

I still have some numbers to crunch but I am waiting for the Enh changes to kick in.

Thanks though. That build is surely the best Ranger (ranged/melee) I have seen so far.

[MysticRhythms]

Where is this post of the "event horizon" version? I tried serachign for it and came up with nothing.

Inquiring Rangers want to know ...

[maloriq]

Yeah, where is this event horizon build?

[Osharan_Tregarth]

Where is this post of the "event horizon" version? I tried serachign for it and came up with nothing.

Inquiring Rangers want to know ...

Here you go....

HERE

[Riekan]

Has anyone looked at the new enhancements on Risia?

[Therigar]

I am actually very concerned about some of the reported changes. Not sure what effect they will have on Rangers, but for my Fighter (which I built along the Tempest model) it will have a huge impact.

Therigar

[Illuminati]

The new enhancements system make this Ranger rock so much more. The only issue I have atm before I update is whether to go drow or elf?

Drow get +2 attack and dmg with a Rapier and SS.

Elves get to take 4 extra stat pts (from Int/Cha) and put them into Strength or Con.

Pure Elf:

17 Base (13 pts)
18 Dex (10 Pts)
12 Con (6 Pts)
8 Int
11 Wis (3 Pts)
8 Cha

Drow
16 Str (8 Pts)
18 Dex (10 Pts)
12 Con (6 Pts)
10 Int
12 Wis (4 Pts)
10 Cha

I like the drow for the 'forced' extra 14 skill pts, and the SS bonus to attack/damage. The Spell Resistance is nice as well.

Anyway as soon as we get a more final version Ill post a new version. I think also that Favored may be Undead, Evil Outsiders and Giants (debateable).

Undead and Evil Outsiders are a must. Elves are coming off the list because they have much lower AC now (39 compared to 46 when i first made the Tempest Ranger) and they have low con.

Giants are debateable because they are not difficult but they are prominent and hit hard.

[Illuminati]

If Drow:
Drow: Melee Damage
Drow Melee Damage I
Drow Melee Damage II
Stat: Dexterity
Ranger Dexterity I
Ranger Dexterity II
Ranger Dexterity III
Drow: Spell Resistance
Improved Spell Resistance I
Improved Spell Resistance II
Improved Spell Resistance III
Spell Damage Amplification: Positive
Ranger Devotion I
Ranger Devotion II
Elf: Dexterity
(Drow) Elven Dexterity I
(Drow) Elven Dexterity II
Ranger: Favored Enemy: Damage
Ranger Favored Damage I
Ranger Favored Damage II
Drow: Melee Attack
Drow Melee Attack I
Drow Melee Attack II
Elf: Enchantment Resistance
(Drow) Elven Enchantment Resistance I
(Drow) Elven Enchantment Resistance II

[Sillk]

If Drow:
Drow: Melee Damage
Drow Melee Damage I
Drow Melee Damage II
Stat: Dexterity
Ranger Dexterity I
Ranger Dexterity II
Ranger Dexterity III
Drow: Spell Resistance
Improved Spell Resistance I
Improved Spell Resistance II
Improved Spell Resistance III
Spell Damage Amplification: Positive
Ranger Devotion I
Ranger Devotion II
Elf: Dexterity
(Drow) Elven Dexterity I
(Drow) Elven Dexterity II
Ranger: Favored Enemy: Damage
Ranger Favored Damage I
Ranger Favored Damage II
Drow: Melee Attack
Drow Melee Attack I
Drow Melee Attack II
Elf: Enchantment Resistance
(Drow) Elven Enchantment Resistance I
(Drow) Elven Enchantment Resistance II

Illuminati - Does this mean you have decided on Drow (noting the exclusion of any Elf Enhancement Progression?

[RioRussell]

Don't know if anyone has seen the Risia feedback (yes, i know, it's only a test server) but it seems that they are altering the DR system so that you have to bypass a creature's DR and inflict one point of damage for any wounding or puncturing effects to apply. I do think that brings it somewhat more in line with the essence of the game, but it will make me sad when I can no longer kill Reavers, Elementals, and Flensers without doing a single point of damage

It also makes my adamantine puncturing rapier skyrocket in value

[Rokurgepta]

Don't know if anyone has seen the Risia feedback (yes, i know, it's only a test server) but it seems that they are altering the DR system so that you have to bypass a creature's DR and inflict one point of damage for any wounding or puncturing effects to apply. I do think that brings it somewhat more in line with the essence of the game, but it will make me sad when I can no longer kill Reavers, Elementals, and Flensers without doing a single point of damage

It also makes my adamantine puncturing rapier skyrocket in value

Adamantine doesnt get through those MOBS DR.

[GlassCannon]

I see y'all talkin' numbers 'n such, but all I see is a bunch of folks trying to min/max the monsters again...

As fer the character bein' made fer a specific quest or series... I dun' beleive in that sorta thing. Make 'em good for anythin' and everythin'.