18 Ranger/1 Rog/1 ???

[RebeccaRegal]

Have a character that I am looking at being a trap based ranged character. They have Rogue to start with, either because they are an old character or are going to be SDK. That means that I have 1 other level that I can throw around to a class. I am trying to figure out what to do.
This is going to be 2 characters, 1 is an old level 5 that I have while the other will be an SDK. The old level 5 is going to go with maxxing out the the Elemental Arrows line and is only 32 points, while the SDK will be going after the Paralyzing arrow DC.
Was thinking maybe Artificer to grab some of my rogue skills as class skills again, as well as pick up the proficiency in Repeaters, and also get Spellcraft. I am not sold on that by any means though.
Thanks for thoughts.

[Grailhawk]

IMO Ranger is fine with skills Spots on its list as is and it gets enough that with minor int investment (read don't dump it) you have more then enough skill points for trap skills + UMD. I see artificer more as a replacement for Rogue on this build then as replacement for the free level.

IMO Fighter is probably the best choice but other options are Barbarian (run speed), Monk (AC if you are in robes and a feat), Wizard (Feat). I wouldn't bother with trying for Divine Might because it makes the class MAD (multiple attribute depended) but that's not a horrible option either so Cleric or FVS.

May find reading through this thread beneficial if you haven't already.

[New-RS-God]

The Toxic Rain build I found, is pretty good. The Wizard level is mostly for the Spell Points.

[RebeccaRegal]

One reason I was looking at Artificer for at least one of them was because she has been a mechanic in a previous life and has Repeaters built up. I know that there are things that do work and do not work with Repeaters in the Ranger tree, but seemed somewhat valuable to be able to switch between the two at times.
Still uncertain.
Will take a look at the Toxic Rain, and have read through the other thread.
I have considered those classes too. Barbarian seems tempting for the move and Fighter for the feat, or Wizard for the feat and Spellcraft.
Thanks for the thoughts!

[unbongwah]

One reason I was looking at Artificer for at least one of them was because she has been a mechanic in a previous life and has Repeaters built up. I know that there are things that do work and do not work with Repeaters in the Ranger tree, but seemed somewhat valuable to be able to switch between the two at times.

This only makes sense if you plan to make an INT-based ranged toon w/Harper, IMO: use bows w/Manyshot, repeaters the rest of the time. In which case I would lean rgr 18 / arty 2 for Runearms rather than 18/1/1 split (at least on non-Iconic life).

As for what rgr abilities work with xbows:

• DWS: AFAIK, all of the Doubleshot & Favored Enemy bonuses as well as ranged atks like Sniper Shot work with xbows. Heavy Draw and Imp Weapon Finesse don't, though.
• AA: the special atks like Inferno Shot & Slaying Arrow work with xbows and appear to be WAI. Primary imbues can be applied to bolts; this was confirmed as a bug, but it's been around a long time, so who knows when it will be fixed? Secondary imbues only apply to arrows.