Tempest Trapmonkey with Arti-Splash & Repeater?

[Spacey2000]

Hi - i'm on the brink to reincarnate my ranger the second time. I played 2 lifes with him as ranger (both tempest trapmonkeys 18 Rgr / 1 Rog /1 Fgt)
Help on my build for the third (and final) life would be appreciated. I like these 3 Builds: EllisDee37: Tempest Trapmonkey ; CThruTheEgo: The Divine Cuisinart; unbongwah: Revisiting the Elven ranger

Here are my specifications:
- 3rd Life 36Pt. build +5 tomes to all stats
- 2 ranger past lifes (+4 ranged damage)
- Moderate gear - mostly non-raid (Casual Player)
- I'm going to play Epic-Hard most of the times, a few Epic-Elite when in Groups, very seldom raids (I'm not used to it and we are 4 casual players in a group, only playing 1-3 times a week)

Goals ( in descending order):
1. Melee DPS (i have a lot of Kopeshes for lvl2 to 28) (i'll be the second Melee Damage Dealer in our Group, seconding the paladin)
2. Trap Skills ( i have decent gear for search, disable & lockpicking for lvl 1-28 e.g. EE Skullduggery Kit) (i will be the trapper in the group)
3. Ranged Alternative (i have bows for Lvl 1-28 (e.g. Pinion) and if needed repeater x-bows and runearms for lvl 3-28
4. Surviveability (When soloing or for the tough fights)

I really liked playing the tempest trapmonkey build from EllisDee's, but my 2nd life ranger now has has become a "glass cannon", dying from mobs to often. So reincarnating, getting rid of cleave & great cleave and dragonmark of passage and staying 18 /1 /1 Rgr Rog Fgt was my first idea, but then i took a look at the other builds here in the forum. I think my backup ranged damage output also dropped a lot after update 28.1 (just a feeling).

So I'm playing around with 3 Builds:
18 Rgr / 1 Rog / 1 Fgt - Classic Trapmonkey Updated with dodge & mobility and perhaps spring attack
18 Rgr / 1 Arti / 1 Fgt - Trapmonkey with arti Splash an repeaters as backup weapon
15 Rgr / 4 Arti / 1 Barb - Trapmonkey with deeper Arti Splash and Barbarian (repeaters with runearms as backup and barb Rage + 10% movement speed)

A few Questions:

Is Lvl 18 Ranger so much better than Lvl 15 Ranger in a build? (only the lvl 18 whirlwind is the difference for me - is it worth 3 levels more ?)

Would an Arti splash give me more ranged damage output than Rogue splash (1st: melee weapon kopesh, 2nd ranged backup for pew pew: repeating x-bow, for short time manyshot with bow)?
Is Arti worth considering?

Pros for an Arti Splash (compared to an Rogue splash):
- Repeating X-Bow - more & faster constant damage than bow and all necessary feats thanks to Arti & Ranger
- a few Arti Spells Lvl 1 or 2 (e.g. Echant Weapon)
- same trapping & UMD skill possibilites as a rogue
- 1 or 4lvl Iron Defender (Useable as door opener, trap starter or when soloing for quests that need more than 1 hireling to use something)
- More Spellpoints (50 sp 1 Arti - 125 sp 4 Arti)
- more will save - less reflex save - but will is more needed on these builds - reflex is good already
- 4 Arti Lvls bonus feat mitigating the feat loss from Fighter to Barbarian
- 4 Arti Lvls Trapmaking (never used it though) - dont think it's important

Cons for an Arti Splash (compared to an Rogue splash):
- Loose 1d6 Sneak Attack Damage

Thats why 1 -4 Lvls Arti seem a good choice for me?

In the next 2 posts i will post my 2 Test-Builds - suggestions are welcome (even if you say drop the idea).

[Spacey2000]

Tempest Trapmonkey with Arti Splash
18/1/1 Ranger/Fighter/Artificer
Chaotic Good Human


Level Order

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


Stats
. . . . . . . .36pt . . Tome . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . ---- . . --------
Strength. . . . 18. . . .+5. . . .4: STR
Dexterity . . . 14. . . .+5. . . .8: STR
Constitution. . 15. . . .+5. . . 12: STR
Intelligence. . 14. . . .+5. . . 16: STR
Wisdom. . . . . .8. . . .+5. . . 20: STR
Charisma. . . . .8. . . .+5. . . 24: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28: STR

Skills
. . . . . A .R .R .F. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R
. . . . . 1 .2 .3 .4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
Concent . 4 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Disable . 4 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Open Lo . 4 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Search. . 4 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 2. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Spot. . . 4 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 2. . .2 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .23
UMD . . . 4 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Swim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. .6
Jump. . . . . . . .1. . . . . . . . . . . .1 .1 .1 . . . . . . . . . . 4
Haggle. . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Tumble. . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
. . . . .28 .9 .9 .5. 9. 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
. . . . .28 .9 .9 .5. 9. 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11


Feats

.1. . . . : Power Attack
.1 Human. : Point Blank Shot
.2 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Undead
.3. . . . : Dodge
.4 Fighter: Exotic Weapon: Khopesh
.6. . . . : Mobility
.7 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Construct
.9. . . . : Improved Critical: Slashing
12. . . . : Improved Critical: Ranged
12 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Giant
15. . . . : Empower Healing Spell
17 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
18. . . . : Precision
21 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic . : Spring Attack
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
27 Epic . : Epic Damage Reduction
28 Destiny: Elusive Target


Spells

Ranger

1. Ram's Might, Resist Energy, Jump, Merfolk's Blessing
2. Protection from Energy, Barkskin, Mass Camouflage
3. Wild Instincts, Neutralize Poison
4. Cure Serious Wounds, Freedom of Movement

Artificer

1. Conjure Bolts, Enchant Weapons

Enhancements (80 AP)

Human (6 AP)

• Damage Boost, Strength, Skills Boost
  
  1. Improved Recovery

Tempest (38 AP)

• Shield of Whirling Steel, Tempest, Graceful Death, Deflect Arrows, Whirlwind
  
  1. Improved Defense III, Whirling Blades
  2. Improved Parry III, Whirling Blades, Haste Boost III
  3. Storm Dancer, Critical Mastery III, Whirling Blades, Strength
  4. Storm Tempest, Whirling Blades
  5. Dual Perfection, Whirling Blades, Dance of Death III

Deepwood Stalker (22 AP)

• Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Exposing Strike
  
  1. Favored Defense III, Stealthy III, Increased Empathy I
  2. Survivalist
  3. Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III, Favored Hunter III
  4. Survivalist

Harper Agent (14 AP)

• Agent of Good I
  
  1. Harper Enchantment, Traveler's Toughness II
  2. Versatile Adept III, Know the Angles III
  3. Versatile Adept III

[Spacey2000]

Tempest Arti-Monkey
15/4/1 Ranger/Artificer/Barbarian
Neutral Good Human


Level Order

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


Stats
. . . . . . . .36pt . . Tome . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . ---- . . --------
Strength. . . . 18. . . .+5. . . .4: STR
Dexterity . . . 14. . . .+5. . . .8: STR
Constitution. . 15. . . .+5. . . 12: STR
Intelligence. . 14. . . .+5. . . 16: STR
Wisdom. . . . . .8. . . .+5. . . 20: STR
Charisma. . . . .8. . . .+5. . . 24: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28: STR

Skills
. . . . . A .R .R .B. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. A .A. A
. . . . . 1 .2 .3 .4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
Concent . 4 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1 .1. 1 .23
Disable . 4 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1 .1. 1 .23
Open Lo . 4 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1 .1. 1 .23
Search. . 4 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1 .1. 1 .23
Spot. . . 4 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 2. 1. . .2 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1. 1 .1. 23
UMD . . . 4 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1 .1. 1 .23
Haggle. . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3. 3 .3. 11
Swim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. 2. 2. . . . . . 6
Jump. . . . . . . .1. . . . . .1 . . . . . 1. 1. 1. . . . . . . . . . .5
Tumble. . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
. . . . .28 .9 .9 .7. 9. 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 .9. 9 .9


Feats

.1. . . . : Power Attack
.1 Human. : Dodge
.2 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Undead
.3. . . . : Exotic Weapon: Khopesh
.6. . . . : Mobility
.7 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Construct
.9. . . . : Improved Critical: Slashing
12. . . . : Improved Critical: Ranged
12 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Giant
15. . . . : Empower Healing Spell
17 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
18. . . . : Precision
20 Arti . : Point Blank Shot
21 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic . : Spring Attack
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
27 Epic . : Epic Damage Reduction
28 Destiny: Elusive Target


Spells

Ranger

1. Ram's Might, Resist Energy, Jump
2. Protection from Energy, Barkskin
3. Wild Instincts, Neutralize Poison
4. Cure Serious Wounds, Freedom of Movement

Artificer

1. Conjure Bolts, Enchant Weapons, Ablative Armor
2. Elemental Weapons, Byeshk Weapons

Enhancements (76 of 80 AP)

Human (6 AP)

• Damage Boost, Strength, Skills Boost
  
  1. Improved Recovery

Tempest (37 AP)

• Shield of Whirling Steel, Tempest, Graceful Death, Deflect Arrows
  
  1. Improved Defense III, Whirling Blades
  2. Improved Parry III, Whirling Blades, Haste Boost III
  3. Storm Dancer, Critical Mastery III, Whirling Blades, Strength
  4. Storm Tempest, Whirling Blades
  5. Dual Perfection, Whirling Blades, Dance of Death III

Deepwood Stalker (22 AP)

• Far Shot, Sneak Attack, Exposing Strike
  
  1. Favored Defense III, Stealthy III, Increased Empathy I
  2. Survivalist
  3. Survivalist, Thrill of the Hunt III, Favored Hunter III
  4. Survivalist

Harper Agent (11 AP)

• Agent of Good I
  
  1. Harper Enchantment, Traveler's Toughness II
  2. Versatile Adept III, Know the Angles III

4 Ap's to play around with ....

Destiny

Twists of Fate (1 fate points)

1. Rejuvenation Cocoon (Tier 1 Primal)

2 twists to play around with ... suggestions? (all Lvl 1-3 are possible)

[Spacey2000]

The Enhancement's:
I didnt take Evasive Dance III because i dont like Elaborate Parry III (never used that one) and its 6 AP's - Do you think i should take Evasive Dance III?

The Feats:
- I didn't take: Quicken Spell- i really never needed it, but i didn't play in Epic Elite much. Or is it a "Must-have" Feat?
- Lvl 27 feat: blinding speed or epic damage reduction ? (35% running + 10% barbarian fast movement - hrhrhr) - Or better be on the safe side with damage reduction?
- Precision or Power Attack - or both?
- Pont blank Shot needed?

Or another option?
15 Rgr / 3 Arti / 2 Fighter -means 2 feats more - Toughness & Quicken Spell for example ( i can switch these in exchange fighter feats like Weapon Proficiency Kopesh)

Questions over questions - thx for all your help in advance

[Grailhawk]

A few Questions:

Is Lvl 18 Ranger so much better than Lvl 15 Ranger in a build? (only the lvl 18 whirlwind is the difference for me - is it worth 3 levels more ?)

Would an Arti splash give me more ranged damage output than Rogue splash (1st: melee weapon kopesh, 2nd ranged backup for pew pew: repeating x-bow, for short time manyshot with bow)?
Is Arti worth considering?

18/1/1 gives up a lot by loosing capstone, it can be justified with the statement "I want to get traps" but it is a sizlable DPS/Defensive loss for added XP.

Giving up 18 core now that the last 10% Off hand proc has been moved there is not something I would ever recommend. Can you do it yes but you shouldn't.

Access to repeaters with out having to spend a feat on them is going to be more ranged DPS then 1d6 with a bow (I think) IMO nothing wrong with Art instead of Rogue on a 18/1/1

I wouldn't do the 15/4/1 not in now that the tempest core 18 is so much better then before.

[EllisDee37]

My first instinct is that if you're doing an Artie splash, go at least 2 artie to get rune arm use.

[Grailhawk]

The Enhancement's:
I didnt take Evasive Dance III because i dont like Elaborate Parry III (never used that one) and its 6 AP's - Do you think i should take Evasive Dance III?

The Feats:
- I didn't take: Quicken Spell- i really never needed it, but i didn't play in Epic Elite much. Or is it a "Must-have" Feat?
- Lvl 27 feat: blinding speed or epic damage reduction ? (35% running + 10% barbarian fast movement - hrhrhr) - Or better be on the safe side with damage reduction?
- Precision or Power Attack - or both?
- Pont blank Shot needed?

Or another option?
15 Rgr / 3 Arti / 2 Fighter -means 2 feats more - Toughness & Quicken Spell for example ( i can switch these in exchange fighter feats like Weapon Proficiency Kopesh)

Questions over questions - thx for all your help in advance

I would never not take Quicken Spell. I cant understand any one who plays a game where "I really never needed it" make sense to me so we would be playing very differently.

Blinding Speed is a noob trap, a Heroic Elite Jorgundal's Collar, Epic Hard or Elite Jorgundal's Collar, and Epic Boots of the Innocent (there are other options if you want different gear but this is how i do it) are how a melee toon should be covering haste. Epic Damage Reduction or the Reflex save boost with no fail on a one are the way to go.

Its better if you can have both Power Attack and Precision if you can only fit one I would take Precision.

You don't exactly need Point blank shot but its not a bad feat to have.

Ranger is not feat starved multi-classing for feats is a mistake.

[Grailhawk]

My first instinct is that if you're doing an Artie splash, go at least 2 artie to get rune arm use.

On a tempest?

How does that work?

[EllisDee37]

On a tempest?

How does that work?

The OP seems to want to use repeaters.

[Grailhawk]

The OP seems to want to use repeaters.

My understanding is that repeaters is his third string. TWF > Bow with Manyshot > Repeaters.

You think runarmes added enough to warrant a class level for them when he will use it at most a 1/3 of the time? Its probably less I would think he can melee for a good 80-90% Manyshot will cover another 5-10% and only about 5-10% would he need to bust out the repeater, no?

[Spacey2000]

Thank you both for your answers - you helped me getting a step further

Quicken Spell: i use it very often on my Wizard / Caster-Warlock / Cleric toons and i agree - there it's a "must have". With the Ranger it would only be for the healing spells and i understand that it is critical in a fight to heal real fast. With my Paladin toon it's great - Lay on hands and its perfect - Instant no fail healing amidst a bunch of enemies. But with Cure Serious on my Ranger i only achieve 150 - 250 Healing and thats not much on lvl 28 quests and higher. For example: The undead enemy in the night revel quests on lvl 33 did 150-200 Damage to my ranger with only one hit, and a quickend Cure Serious was gone as fast as i casted it, so i had to change tactics. Thats what i ment with: i seldom use it. When i really needed the quickend Cure Serious it was not enough healing and for the other occasions it was enough to get to a safe distance and cast it (no Quicken needed) But on the other hand my experience in high level quests (28 eh and higher) is very limited. So i will try to fit it in (thats why i was asking )

Bow or Repeater use: i want ranged ability as a backup possibility, when melee is of no use (For example: to deal with alot of enemy archers on pillars or unreachable places on many quests). I have no favor for bow or repeater, i want to use what is best for this scenario. My thought: Bow with manyshot still viable for short time of use (e.g. soften Bosses with ranged Manyshot then switch to melee). For longer useage a bow without manyshot isn't very effective (as long as i'm no AA) and a repeater would be a better Choice. That was the whole idea behind Ranger Arti Tempest. But question is it worth loosing 1d6 Sneak attack from rogue for that.

2 Arti Levels for runearm: When using repeaters, the runearm would add to the damage output for ranged combat (Artis can use Repeaters and Runearms together like two weapon fighting style) e.g. runearms add 2d6 acid damage on lvl13 or 2d10 force damage on lvl28

So when i summarize all your input, my goals could be: 18 Ranger 2 Arti. Fit in Quicken spell and choose another Feat to loose for not taking a fighter level.
As Grailhawk said: "You think runarmes added enough to warrant a class level for them when he will use it at most a 1/3 of the time? Its probably less I would think he can melee for a good 80-90% Manyshot will cover another 5-10% and only about 5-10% would he need to bust out the repeater, no? "
Thats exactly my dilemma - is it worth?

Any other suggestions? - and thx again for the help

[unbongwah]

Bow or Repeater use: i want ranged ability as a backup possibility, when melee is of no use (For example: to deal with alot of enemy archers on pillars or unreachable places on many quests). I have no favor for bow or repeater, i want to use what is best for this scenario. My thought: Bow with manyshot still viable for short time of use (e.g. soften Bosses with ranged Manyshot then switch to melee). For longer useage a bow without manyshot isn't very effective (as long as i'm no AA) and a repeater would be a better Choice. That was the whole idea behind Ranger Arti Tempest. But question is it worth loosing 1d6 Sneak attack from rogue for that.

How often do you expect to need to use ranged DPS for more than 20 seconds that it would be valuable to switch to repeaters, bearing in mind (A) you can only get INT-to-dmg with repeaters by taking T3 Strategic Combat on this build and (B) you've invested no special effort into repeater DPS, apart from a few generic ranged DPS feats?

Seems to me you're spreading yourself too thin by trying to have good melee DPS and two different ranged DPS options.

[Spacey2000]

Seems to me you're spreading yourself too thin by trying to have good melee DPS and two different ranged DPS options.

Might be a good point - perhaps i give the 18 1 1 with Arti a try (without runearms) and if i'm not satisfied i use my lesser heart of wood to respecc to 18 1 1 Rog /Ftr or pure 20 ranger - but still thinking about the 18 2 option .......

Does this build sound any better?

Arti-Tempest
18/2 Ranger/Artificer
Neutral Good Human


Level Order

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


Stats
. . . . . . . .36pt . . Tome . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . ---- . . --------
Strength. . . . 18. . . .+5. . . .4: STR
Dexterity . . . 14. . . .+5. . . .8: STR
Constitution. . 15. . . .+5. . . 12: STR
Intelligence. . 14. . . .+5. . . 16: STR
Wisdom. . . . . .8. . . .+5. . . 20: STR
Charisma. . . . .8. . . .+5. . . 24: STR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28: STR

Skills
. . . . . A .R .R .A. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R
. . . . . 1 .2 .3 .4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
Concent . 4 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Disable . 4 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Open Lo . 4 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Search. . 4 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Spot. . . 4 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
UMD . . . 4 .1 .1 .1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Heal. . . . . . . . . . . . 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 20
Haggle. . 2 . . . .1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Tumble. . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
. . . . .28 .9 .9 .7. 9. 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11


Feats

.1. . . . : Power Attack
.1 Human. : Dodge
.2 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Undead
.3. . . . : Exotic Weapon: Khopesh
.6. . . . : Mobility
.7 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Construct
.9. . . . : Improved Critical: Slashing
12. . . . : Improved Critical: Ranged
12 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Giant
15. . . . : Empower Healing Spell
17 Ranger : Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
18. . . . : Precision
21 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic . : Quicken Spell
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
27 Epic . : Epic Damage Reduction
28 Destiny: Elusive Target

Skills: Jump is not needed (min. 15 Strength Bonus + Jump spell), Swim might be an alternativ (but i hate Crucible -and else ...), at least Heal boosts my Cure Spells and i'm near full skill points (20 of 23). Balance would only be 10 Skill-Points
Enhancements: Like in my other posts: Tempest Main, DWS Second, Human & Harper the rest -

Is Improved evasion (evasive Dance) really useful for 6 AP ?

[CrackedIce]

Is Improved evasion (evasive Dance) really useful for 6 AP ?

Depends.

If you want to dump your reflex save, than yes.

If you are building towards a reliable reflex save, then it depends.
If your reflex save is saving majority of the time, then is that 6 points worthwhile for you to spend elsewhere? I could ask it another way, how important is it for you to chop off 50% of the damage some of the time - would taking full damage result in your death? If not, as in, you could re-heal and get right back into the thick of things, then those 6 pts could better be spent elsewhere.

[Grailhawk]

Quicken Spell: i use it very often on my Wizard / Caster-Warlock / Cleric toons and i agree - there it's a "must have". With the Ranger it would only be for the healing spells and i understand that it is critical in a fight to heal real fast. With my Paladin toon it's great - Lay on hands and its perfect - Instant no fail healing amidst a bunch of enemies. But with Cure Serious on my Ranger i only achieve 150 - 250 Healing and thats not much on lvl 28 quests and higher. For example: The undead enemy in the night revel quests on lvl 33 did 150-200 Damage to my ranger with only one hit, and a quickend Cure Serious was gone as fast as i casted it, so i had to change tactics. Thats what i ment with: i seldom use it. When i really needed the quickend Cure Serious it was not enough healing and for the other occasions it was enough to get to a safe distance and cast it (no Quicken needed) But on the other hand my experience in high level quests (28 eh and higher) is very limited. So i will try to fit it in (thats why i was asking )

If that is all the healing you are getting from Ranger CSW you are doing something wrong. at ~250 Devotion, and 175 Healing amp I get CSW for over 500 health at level 24

Stalker gives out easy to get devotion add in an item and you will be set. Put on a pair of +60 hamp gloves and the +45 Hamp clock you will see a huge improvement in healing.

Not I use maximize not empower healing so are results might be different but you will see better then 150-250.