[RFP] Rogue/Ranger/Fighter

[Maelphyn Maurpeg]

RFP = Request For Proposals. I do too much work for state contracts. :)

I want to recreate, ever-so-vaguely, one of my favorite PnP characters from childhood. I would like him to be a Neutral Good Human with a mix of Rogue, Ranger, and Fighter levels that are both viable and interesting. I've read several builds on the DDO forums (mostly variations on Tempest/Kensai builds) but they all seem to be overplayed. Is there a playstyle for this combination of classes that is NOT all about TWF Khopshes? I'd like to see what you guys think.

For goodness sakes - you know I need the help. Left to my own devices I'd end up with an Acrobat / Deepwood Sniper / Stalwart Defender.

[Aexicas]

Well, a couple base questions:

Archery or TWF?
Race?
Damage or Utility/Moderate Damage?

I'll whip you up one or two, depending.

[Maelphyn Maurpeg]

Archery/Human/Utility sounds good. I'll probably end up doing a lot of solo play, which to me says "versatility", but I'm sure there's a case for maximizing damage output when you don't have teammates.

I like TWF, but I've kind of played that game with Colichemarde. I mean, when necessary, I'll need to drop down to melee, but I'd like to try something different.

[Aexicas]

Alright, Archery, Hm.

Well, coming from experience from my barb ranger (she's only 15ish, right now, granted), the best way for extra damage, these days (and, by extention, extra utility) is to go Arcane Archer.

That said, can I provide Half-Elf as an alternative?

A few builds I can say:

18/1/1 Fighter/Rogue/Wizard (or sorcerer)
18/1/1 Ranger/Fighter/Rogue (Human works here)
12/6/2 Fighter/Ranger/Rogue

Various combos inbetween work as well.

Another interesting one is an elven/half elven wizard main for that, but, there are relatively obvious problems with that.

The thing is, archery, being that it's damage is appallingly low, at the moment, needs pretty much every buff it can get (enhancments from elf/half-elf help.). Deepwoods Sniper, atm, is kind of a joke too, unfortunately, especially with no 2nd tier, and the fact that you can only have either AA or DS.

I suppose I have to ask, what do you really want from this build? Useful ranged damage will really come from the kensai longbow user, and when you solo, that, of course, makes all the difference.

A while ago, though, I think I remember seeing Thorzian post up an assassin build for an AA; that might be something to look at for soloing, too.

[Maelphyn Maurpeg]

I think what I really want is a new PnP group, and this character is just a sad attempt to reclaim long-lost glories and the rattle of real dice. I know ranged combat it essentially useless - given an hour to think about it, I'm surprised I even wasted the time to respond "archery".

This is a stupid idea. Thanks for trying, though.

[moorewr]

There's potential for the 18f/1/1 kensei arcane archer as a Half-Elf. Serious, serious burst damage (and who says you can't TWF melee 100 seconds out of every two minutes?), and a bit better CON than the Elf version, although I might recommend counting on a +2 store tome to be at 19 base DEX in time for IPS when it becomes available.

[Shyv]

I think what I really want is a new PnP group, and this character is just a sad attempt to reclaim long-lost glories and the rattle of real dice. I know ranged combat it essentially useless - given an hour to think about it, I'm surprised I even wasted the time to respond "archery".

This is a stupid idea. Thanks for trying, though.

Where is the +1 rep button on this website? :p I hear you on this feeling. I've felt this way for awhile and recently was invited to a 3rd edition gaming group that I met at school. Unfortunately I'm a little (read: 11+ years) older than the rest of the guys in this group. I'm afraid my days of staying up to 3 am, eating cold pizza, and drinking mountain dew are behind me. Where is the professional, married, with kids, 30+ gaming groups at? :D Oh yeah, they are playing DDO..... :cool:

[Aexicas]

Heh, Shyv, I'm not 30+, and I even hear ya on that. Most those that aren't on DDO seem to play PbP (play by post) pnp.

I'd offer to run one here for ya guys, but, I know it's just not the same.

Gencon, HouseT PnP session, who's up for it? =p

[moorewr]

Where is the +1 rep button on this website? :p I hear you on this feeling. I've felt this way for awhile and recently was invited to a 3rd edition gaming group that I met at school. Unfortunately I'm a little (read: 11+ years) older than the rest of the guys in this group. I'm afraid my days of staying up to 3 am, eating cold pizza, and drinking mountain dew are behind me. Where is the professional, married, with kids, 30+ gaming groups at? :D Oh yeah, they are playing DDO..... :cool:

Yeah, a good chunk of my old college-days RPG group plays DDO with me now. Case in point. :cool:

[Maelphyn Maurpeg]

You know what, I take it back! I'm making this one, and he's gonna be a Ranger 7 Tempest / Rogue 7 Assassin / Fighter 6 Bastard Sword Kensai. Monstrous STR, imp. crit., and now with dual glancing blows.

Screw optimization.

[awaits the standard response: "Flavor builds are fine, but don't be surprised if nobody will group with you in end-game."]

[Shyv]

You know what, I take it back! I'm making this one, and he's gonna be a Ranger 7 Tempest / Rogue 7 Assassin / Fighter 6 Bastard Sword Kensai. Monstrous STR, imp. crit., and now with dual glancing blows.

Screw optimization.

[awaits the standard response: "Flavor builds are fine, but don't be surprised if nobody will group with you in end-game."]

Pretty sure they coded it that you can't dual wield and get the glancing blows too. Have to have a shield equiped or an empty off hand. Could be wrong, but I think they coded it that way.

[Halifex]

I think you only get glancing blows on bast sword if you are NOT dual weilding them, but I could be wrong. But, that aside, the build still looks cool.

[Jundak]

Hal's right: You don't get glancing blows with Bastard Swords while TWF. Single weapon styles only, I'm afraid.