Quote Originally Posted by CThruTheEgo View Post
Looking for ways to improve the build's survivability, I decided to drop evasive dance, elaborate parry, and 1 rank each of improved reaction and improved dodge. That freed up 8 AP which I spent on survivalist 3, improved parry, and improved defense. Improved evasion isn't really needed and so far I haven't missed it. Elaborate parry is a great "oh ****" button, but I find I don't need it as much with better defenses. So 1% miss chance is a reasonable loss for a net gain of 30 hp, 18 PRR, 3 MRR, and deflect arrows every 2 seconds instead of 6.

I've also considered dropping some combination of dodge, mobility, and spring attack for some combination of two weapon defense, toughness, and epic toughness. Losing spring attack results in a net loss of another 1% total miss chance. Losing mobility results in a net loss of 3% total miss chance from the current 48%. Losing dodge results in a net loss of 5% total miss chance from the current 48%. Two weapon defense would add another 1% damage mitigation. Currently, I'm thinking it is worth it to trade spring attack for two weapon defense. I'm not sure where I stand regarding dodge/mobility vs toughness/epic toughness. It's basically 4% miss chance vs 80 hp. Losing dodge also means dropping improved reaction and improved dodge, thus freeing up another 2 AP. I'd probably spend those on human improved recovery for another 20 heal amp. Alternatively, I could drop mobility/spring attack for toughness/epic toughness, trading 3% miss chance for 80 hp.

I'd be interested to know what others think of these options, or any other suggestions.
I like Dodge and Mobility since Mobility allows higher dodge cap. Toughness and Epic Toughness gives you the added cushion of HP (together with survivalist III) that means you should not have to make sacrifices for added HP in gear related/other bonuses (of course I am referring to first life builds - no epic reincarnation - as others seem to forget that first lifers struggle with hp). Also survivalist III gives you PRR as well. I did not take added dodge values in Tempest, but went for 10 PRR instead since I know I will get hit. I also took two weapon defense for extra 5 PRR (I found it worthwhile for me). If I have to choose between PRR and dodge - I will generally choose more PRR - at least to hit around ~150 or so. blocking arrows every 2 seconds is completely worthwhile and you will never regret it.

I made a different choice of feats based on my personal play style as I chose Precision over PA, Empower Heal without quicken and took Dodge, Mobility, Toughness (Epic Toughness), two weapon defense, and improved crit slash for base 7 feats.