my attempt at an Elven Mechanic/Kensei

[kage1822]

so, this is my attempt at a F2P Elvish Mechanic/Kensei Trapmonkey. I'm still pretty new to DDO, and even newer at making my own builds, so please be gentle...lol

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 4.37.105
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Zheira 
Level 20 Chaotic Neutral Elf Female
(3 Fighter \ 17 Rogue) 
Hit Points: 212
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 10
Reflex: 19
Will: 7

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength              8                     8
Dexterity            18                    26
Constitution         14                    14
Intelligence         14                    14
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma             10                    12

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               4                    19
Bluff                 0                     1
Concentration         0                     2
Diplomacy             0                     1
Disable Device        4                    25
Haggle                4                    17
Heal                  0                    -1
Hide                  4                    31
Intimidate            0                     1
Jump                  0                     5
Listen                6                    11
Move Silently         4                    31
Open Lock             4                    30
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                0                     2
Search                6                    33
Spellcraft            0                     2
Spot                  6                    30
Swim                  0                     5
Tumble                n/a                  17
Use Magic Device      4                    27

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Arbalester (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Sharpshooter (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Awareness (Rank 1)


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Precision
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Focus: Crossbows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Weapon Specialization: Crossbows (Rank 1)


Level 3 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Precise Shot
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Keen Senses (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Keen Senses (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Awareness (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Awareness (Rank 3)


Level 4 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Conditioning (Rank 1)


Level 5 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Sharpshooter (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Wand and Scroll Mastery (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Wand and Scroll Mastery (Rank 2)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Reload
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Spiritual Bond (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Conditioning (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Conditioning (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Critical Mastery (Rank 1)


Level 7 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Elf - Keen Senses (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Dexterity (Rank 1)


Level 8 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Sharpshooter (Rank 1)


Level 9 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Shot
Enhancement: Elf - Nothing is Hidden (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Use Magical Device (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Use Magical Device (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Use Magical Device (Rank 3)


Level 10 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Elf - Nothing is Hidden (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Elf - Nothing is Hidden (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Dexterity (Rank 1)


Level 11 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Tanglefoot (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Targeting Sights (Rank 1)


Level 12 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Skill Boost (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Sharpshooter (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Fletching (Rank 1)


Level 13 (Rogue)
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Improved Evasion
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Leg Shot (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Dexterity (Rank 1)


Level 14 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Wracking Shot (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Wracking Shot (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Fletching (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Fletching (Rank 3)


Level 15 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Power Critical
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Sharpshooter (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Sniper (Rank 1)


Level 16 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Improved Detection (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Rapid Fire (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Mechanical Reloader (Rank 1)


Level 17 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Rapid Fire (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Rapid Fire (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Weapon Specialization: Crossbows (Rank 1)


Level 18 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Iron Will
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Critical Mastery (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Critical Mastery (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Shattering Shot (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Shattering Shot (Rank 2)


Level 19 (Rogue)
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Slippery Mind
Enhancement: Elf - Enchantment Lore (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Enchantment Lore (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Elf - Enchantment Lore (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Shattering Shot (Rank 3)


Level 20 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Lacerating Shots (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Lacerating Shots (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Lacerating Shots (Rank 3)

As a side note:

I am a long time Tabletop D&D player, and have always hated the True Neutral Alignment. All my rogues have been one of two alignments, those being Chaotic Good or Chaotic Neutral

[unbongwah]

Giving up crit multiplier bonuses like Expert Builder (lvl 18 Mechanic enhancement) is...unwise. Which is why most Mechanic builds have at least 18 rogue levels. Also crossbow damage is based on INT not DEX.

There are several Mechanic builds in the Build Repository.

[kage1822]

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 4.37.105
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 Lawful Good Elf Male
(2 Fighter \ 18 Rogue) 
Hit Points: 208
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 11
Reflex: 16
Will: 7

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength              8                     8
Dexterity            18                    20
Constitution         14                    14
Intelligence         14                    19
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma             10                    12

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               4                    25
Bluff                 0                     1
Concentration         0                     2
Diplomacy             0                     1
Disable Device        4                    30
Haggle                4                    16
Heal                  0                    -1
Hide                  4                    28
Intimidate            0                     1
Jump                  0                     3
Listen                2                     7
Move Silently         4                    28
Open Lock             4                    31
Perform               n/a                   n/a
Repair                0                     7
Search                6                    35
Spellcraft            0                     4
Spot                  6                    30
Swim                  0                     3
Tumble                4                    27
Use Magic Device      4                    27

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Arbalester (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Sharpshooter (Rank 1)


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Precision
Enhancement: Elf - Keen Senses (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Focus: Crossbows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Weapon Specialization: Crossbows (Rank 1)


Level 3 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Precise Shot
Enhancement: Elf - Keen Senses (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Awareness (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Awareness (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Awareness (Rank 3)


Level 4 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Elf - Keen Senses (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Mechanics (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Exotic Weapon Mastery (Rank 1)


Level 5 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Mechanics (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Mechanics (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Sharpshooter (Rank 1)


Level 6 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Reload
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Tanglefoot (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Lacerating Shots (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Lacerating Shots (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Lacerating Shots (Rank 3)


Level 7 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Kensei Weapon Specialization: Crossbows (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Conditioning (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Conditioning (Rank 2)


Level 8 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Sharpshooter (Rank 1)


Level 9 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Rapid Shot
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Wand and Scroll Mastery (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Wand and Scroll Mastery (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Wand and Scroll Mastery (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Conditioning (Rank 3)


Level 10 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Elf - Nothing is Hidden (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Use Magical Device (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Use Magical Device (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Use Magical Device (Rank 3)


Level 11 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Elf - Nothing is Hidden (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Elf - Nothing is Hidden (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Intelligence (Rank 1)


Level 12 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Improved Evasion
Enhancement: Elf - Enchantment Lore (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Enchantment Lore (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Sharpshooter (Rank 1)


Level 13 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Elf - Enchantment Lore (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Fletching (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Intelligence (Rank 1)


Level 14 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Fletching (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Fletching (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Leg Shot (Rank 1)


Level 15 (Rogue)
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Defensive Roll
Feat: (Selected) Power Critical
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Sharpshooter (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Sniper (Rank 1)


Level 16 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Targeting Sights (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Improved Detection (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Skill Boost (Rank 1)


Level 17 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Rapid Fire (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Rapid Fire (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Mechanical Reloader (Rank 1)


Level 18 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Iron Will
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Slippery Mind
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Skill Boost (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Rapid Fire (Rank 3)


Level 19 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Wracking Shot (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Wracking Shot (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Wracking Shot (Rank 3)


Level 20 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Expert Builder (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Mechanic (Rog) - Skill Boost (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Kensei (Ftr) - Haste Boost (Rank 2)

[C-Dog]

Giving up crit multiplier bonuses like Expert Builder (lvl 18 Mechanic enhancement) is...unwise.

@ all - Unbongwah is one of the several build-gurus on the forums - if his comment alone fails to convince you, allow me to expand... that I can do...


It's been demonstrated by the number crunchers that the best crossbow DPS is a pure Rog mech, followed closely by any 18/2* Mech build. The only real downside in multi-classing here is for TR'ing, that a multi-classed Rogue won't get Core 18 Mech at Level 18, while you're banking Level 20. Cuz a pure Rogue really won't live at 20 long enough to enjoy the Core 20 enhancement. If you're going on to 30, the arguments for losing out on Core 20 Mech become weaker.

(* Those other 2 could be anything, and it's all a matter of personal taste - Wiz 1 for early Invisibility, Barbarian for faster kiting, Fighter for more Feats, Pali for saves - it's all gravy on the meat, which is Mech 18. And always remembering that if you do dip, you won't get Mech 18 until Level 20.)


Lots of alternative builds have been tried w/ Mech 12(+) - Kensai (Ftr 6) is the best, but it falls short. Ranger mostly gives some spells, needless free Feats and some bells and whistles - nice, but again, less DPS overall. Other builds add their own bells and whistles for personal taste - and no arguing personal taste.

Bottom line, the diff between Kensai Core 6 Strike With No Thought +1 to multiplier vs. the Mech Core 18 Expert Builder +2 to multiplier is huge.

The difference is that big. YYYUUUGE.


The ONLY possible justification for taking Kensai 6 would be to get a (smaller) crit bonus significantly earlier than Rog 18, so that (you hope!) it will make those mid-levels so much faster that you won't miss the DPS at end-game. But this argument doesn't work for a 1st life who may go on to Epic play, only if you plan to TR immediately at 20 - and then, it is what it is, sacrificing the best end-game power for some decent mid-game power.


This is DDO, not any tabletop D&D you've ever played - here, enhancements are at least as important as Feats.

[unbongwah]

If I was gonna splash anything onto a F2P Mechanic, it would be a barbarian splash for the extra +10% runspeed which stacks with Acrobat Fast Movement. Rogue 19 / barb 1 has +29% base runspeed making it one of the zippiest toons in DDO. That's more useful than a couple extra feats you don't really need (WF:Ranged or Iron Will). Rog 18 / barb 2 could take Sprint Boost + extra action boost from tier-2 Frenzied Berkserker tree, although that's a bit expensive AP-wise, IMO.

Also have a look at Jiirix's thread, which takes advantage of halfing Dragonmark + cleric splash for better self-healing.

[kage1822]

If I was gonna splash anything onto a F2P Mechanic, it would be a barbarian splash for the extra +10% runspeed which stacks with Acrobat Fast Movement. Rogue 19 / barb 1 has +29% base runspeed making it one of the zippiest toons in DDO. That's more useful than a couple extra feats you don't really need (WF:Ranged or Iron Will). Rog 18 / barb 2 could take Sprint Boost + extra action boost from tier-2 Frenzied Berkserker tree, although that's a bit expensive AP-wise, IMO.

Also have a look at Jiirix's thread, which takes advantage of halfing Dragonmark + cleric splash for better self-healing.

I actually did look at this, but not for me... well not for what I was going for, I'd maybe consider it for a melee focused rogue, but not for my great XBow specialist. This is why I went with 2 lvls of fighter, as it gave me the free feet for Great XBow, and the Kensei tree, even just 2 levels gave the specialization. There were in my eyes anyways, some feats that were very necassary, and without the 2 lvls of fighter wouldn't be able to pull off otherwise. Also, my WILL Save is my worst, which is why I opted for Iron Will and Slippery Mind. I had to retool my attributes, as I didn't realize that XBow dmg was fed from INT over DEX, need the higher INT anyways to help with Disable Device. Also needed to feed CHA to help with UMD.

Speaking of UMD... my rogue can use pretty much any 1st lvl scrol or wand with anywhere from 30% to 50% success, except for one particular scroll that I got on a drop has a 0% success chance, and that blew my mind especially for a 1st level scroll... that scroll is scroll of conjure bolts.

[erethizon]

@ all - Unbongwah is one of the several build-gurus on the forums - if his comment alone fails to convince you, allow me to expand... that I can do...


It's been demonstrated by the number crunchers that the best crossbow DPS is a pure Rog mech, followed closely by any 18/2* Mech build. The only real downside in multi-classing here is for TR'ing, that a multi-classed Rogue won't get Core 18 Mech at Level 18, while you're banking Level 20. Cuz a pure Rogue really won't live at 20 long enough to enjoy the Core 20 enhancement. If you're going on to 30, the arguments for losing out on Core 20 Mech become weaker.

(* Those other 2 could be anything, and it's all a matter of personal taste - Wiz 1 for early Invisibility, Barbarian for faster kiting, Fighter for more Feats, Pali for saves - it's all gravy on the meat, which is Mech 18. And always remembering that if you do dip, you won't get Mech 18 until Level 20.)


Lots of alternative builds have been tried w/ Mech 12(+) - Kensai (Ftr 6) is the best, but it falls short. Ranger mostly gives some spells, needless free Feats and some bells and whistles - nice, but again, less DPS overall. Other builds add their own bells and whistles for personal taste - and no arguing personal taste.

Bottom line, the diff between Kensai Core 6 Strike With No Thought +1 to multiplier vs. the Mech Core 18 Expert Builder +2 to multiplier is huge.

The difference is that big. YYYUUUGE.


The ONLY possible justification for taking Kensai 6 would be to get a (smaller) crit bonus significantly earlier than Rog 18, so that (you hope!) it will make those mid-levels so much faster that you won't miss the DPS at end-game. But this argument doesn't work for a 1st life who may go on to Epic play, only if you plan to TR immediately at 20 - and then, it is what it is, sacrificing the best end-game power for some decent mid-game power.


This is DDO, not any tabletop D&D you've ever played - here, enhancements are at least as important as Feats.

How does the endless endless fusillade build measure up for DPS. It's 10 rogue/6 fighter/4 arti but has 15 uses of endless fusillade per rest so you can keep it going pretty much all the time. Does 18 levels of rogue make up for that?

[unbongwah]

I actually did look at this, but not for me... well not for what I was going for, I'd maybe consider it for a melee focused rogue, but not for my great XBow specialist.

If anything, I would say high run speed is even more important to ranged toons than melee. You spend a lot of time kiting and flanking enemies to line up Improved Precise Shot (which btw is a must-have feat for a ranged toon).

This is why I went with 2 lvls of fighter, as it gave me the free feet for Great XBow, and the Kensei tree, even just 2 levels gave the specialization. There were in my eyes anyways, some feats that were very necassary, and without the 2 lvls of fighter wouldn't be able to pull off otherwise.

WF:Ranged and Power Critical are weaksauce DPS feats. Dropping both isn't much of a loss.

Also, my WILL Save is my worst, which is why I opted for Iron Will and Slippery Mind.

Will saves are definitely a weak spot of rogues, but you're going to need a lot more than these two feats to make a meaningful difference. In particular, notice the wording of Slippery Mind: "You gain a second saving throw versus enchantments." But Enchantment spells are only a subset of Will-based saves.

As a rogue, rather than spending feats on boosting Will saves, you're usually better off investing in gear or buffs for protection. E.g, Protection from Evil counters Command; Freedom of Movement protects against Hold spells. If you have access to Tangleroot Gorge, Flesh Render Guards is practically a must-have for any toon which can't cast Death Ward, IMO.

Speaking of UMD... my rogue can use pretty much any 1st lvl scrol or wand with anywhere from 30% to 50% success, except for one particular scroll that I got on a drop has a 0% success chance, and that blew my mind especially for a 1st level scroll... that scroll is scroll of conjure bolts.

http://ddowiki.com/page/Use_Magic_Device#Benchmarks

Artificer scrolls have much higher UMD requirements than same-level scrolls from other caster classes. So one advantage to splashing Artificer early on a Mechanic is getting the Conjure Bolts spell.

How does the endless endless fusillade build measure up for DPS. It's 10 rogue/6 fighter/4 arti but has 15 uses of endless fusillade per rest so you can keep it going pretty much all the time. Does 18 levels of rogue make up for that?

It's a different build philosophy and gameplay style. The rogue 18+ Mechanic is relying on lots of ranged sneak attacks in addition to the crit bonus from Expert Builder. The rog 10 / ftr 6 / arty 4 is relying on the high rate of fire from Endless Fusillade - plus static damage bonuses from Kensei + Battle Engineer - to make up for the lower sneak attacks. This gets even better in epics if you run in Legendary Dreadnought, which reduces the cooldown on action boosts from 30 to 20 seconds; which means you can spam Fusillade almost continuously until you run out of charges.

EDIT: if you want to use tier-5 Battle Engineer, I would also consider arty 6 / ftr 6 / rog 8 split; you lose Opportunist (or Improved Evasion) while gaining +10% run speed, +1 crit range, and +20 Ranged Power from T5 BE.