Character build contests

[mining]

Character Build Contest #1:

Objectives:

1) Usable in high end PVM and PVP.
2) Low book usage - I'm talking "Oh, and if you get a str book, throw it on, it'll make it better and be worth it" or "If you have a dex book, you can shuffle blinding at 36 and ESF discipline at 24"
3) Lower ECL is better, but I'm not going to stifle creativity and Azerbloods, hehe
4) More factions is better, doesn't super matter, though.
5) More important than the last few points: Levelable. If I see Dragonshape builds that get dragon at 40, they will get slapped.
6) Reasonable to gear. If it gets sub-40s in saves with pre-30 + IA gear, there needs to be a good reason why. Weapon choice matters - if you choose dagger, explain why you're undisarmable, and stat out with a +6, not a LLoth dagger .

Prize: As of yet undecided.

[Bargeld]

Do we just post the build and level progression?

[mining]

Do we just post the build and level progression?

Level pattern, skills, some calculations (at least figures, possibly full on details for buff heavy builds) and some sort of brief strategy deal. Imagine you're writing it up for someone who doesn't know how to use the build/class to much effect.

[Midterm]

Are we assuming that the said person leveling build knows how to do some of the more advance tactics? i.e. cornersneaking, counterspelling, instant HIPS, kiting, mob adding/luring, etc. that an experienced action server player would generally know?

[mining]

Are we assuming that the said person leveling build knows how to do some of the more advance tactics? i.e. cornersneaking, counterspelling, instant HIPS, kiting, mob adding/luring, etc. that an experienced action server player would generally know?

Comes under player experience, not build. Build can be as advanced tactics as it needs to be.

[Bargeld]

Not a min/max or super crazy build... no books, although a +4 wis and +4 con can net you 160 more hp by shuffling things around. Should be easy to play. Will do well through the entire level progression. Is a lot of fun with the right voiceset

Barbarian(17), Cleric(23), Half-Ogre
STR: 20
DEX: 6
CON: 18 (22)
WIS: 13 (19)
INT: 12
CHA: 6

Hitpoints: ~900 + 40 toughness + a few from barb rage = 1k maybe
AB Cap: 28 bab + 3 feats + 11 str = 42 + 20 buff cap = 62
AB Self: 42 from above + 2 div power + 3 div favor + 3 ava + 6 weapon = 54
AC (w/ 30+ average gear): 54 - 60
Melee DR: (Armor or Shield) 20 + EDR 9 + Barb DR 3 = 32

Saving Throws - Base (Fortitude/Will/Reflex): 33/25/17 (w/reflex feat & luck of heros)
Gear gets you another +1 all saves or +2 will, and at least +4 from crafted ammie, boots,belt. Also figure +6 will and +6 fort from wis and con.
Saving Throws - Modified (Fortitude/Will/Reflex): 44/36/22
Saving Throw bonuses: Spells(SC): +8, Traps: +4

1 Bb 01: Barbarian(1): Luck of Heros or something
2 Cl 02: Cleric(1): Domain Healing, Domain Travel
3 Cl 03: Cleric(2): Weapon Focus: Warhammer
4 Cl 04: Cleric(3): WIS+1, (WIS=14)
5 Bb 05: Barbarian(2): {Uncanny Dodge I}
6 Bb 06: Barbarian(3): Toughness or Lightning Reflexes
7 Bb 07: Barbarian(4)
8 Bb 08: Barbarian(5): WIS+1, (WIS=15)
9 Bb 09: Barbarian(6): Improved Critical: Warhammer
10 Cl 10: Cleric(4)
11 Cl 11: Cleric(5)
12 Cl 12: Cleric(6): CON+1, Extend Spell, (CON=19)
13 Cl 13: Cleric(7)
14 Bb 14: Barbarian(7)
15 Bb 15: Barbarian(8): Blind Fight
16 Bb 16: Barbarian(9): CON+1, (CON=20)
17 Bb 17: Barbarian(10)
18 Cl 18: Cleric(8): Quicken Spell
19 Bb 19: Barbarian(11)
20 Bb 20: Barbarian(12): CON+1, (CON=21)
21 Bb 21: Barbarian(13): Epic Weapon Focus: Warhammer
22 Bb 22: Barbarian(14)
23 Bb 23: Barbarian(15)
24 Bb 24: Barbarian(16): WIS+1, Epic Damage Reduction I, (WIS=16)
25 Cl 25: Cleric(9)
26 Cl 26: Cleric(10)
27 Cl 27: Cleric(11): Epic Damage Reduction II
28 Cl 28: Cleric(12): WIS+1, (WIS=17)
29 Cl 29: Cleric(13)
30 Cl 30: Cleric(14): Epic Damage Reduction III
31 Cl 31: Cleric(15)
32 Cl 32: Cleric(16): WIS+1, (WIS=18)
33 Cl 33: Cleric(17): Epic Skill Focus: Discipline
34 Cl 34: Cleric(18)
35 Cl 35: Cleric(19)
36 Cl 36: Cleric(20): WIS+1, Automatic Quicken Spell I, (WIS=19)
37 Cl 37: Cleric(21)
38 Cl 38: Cleric(22)
39 Cl 39: Cleric(23): Automatic Quicken Spell II, Automatic Quicken Spell III
40 Bb 40: Barbarian(17): CON+1, (CON=22)

Skills, base + feats:
Concentration 42(48), Discipline 43(58), Spellcraft 42(44), Tumble 20(18)
+ gear and stuff

Bb 01: Discipline(4), Tumble(2), Save(12),
Cl 02: Concentration(5), Spellcraft(5), Save(5),
Cl 03: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1), Save(4),
Cl 04: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(5),
Bb 05: Discipline(4), Tumble(1), Save(4),
Bb 06: Discipline(1), Save(8),
Bb 07: Discipline(1), Tumble(1), Save(10),
Bb 08: Discipline(1), Save(14),
Bb 09: Discipline(1), Tumble(1), Save(16),
Cl 10: Concentration(6), Spellcraft(6), Save(7),
Cl 11: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1), Save(6),
Cl 12: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(7),
Cl 13: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1), Save(6),
Bb 14: Discipline(5), Save(6),
Bb 15: Discipline(1), Tumble(1), Save(8),
Bb 16: Discipline(1), Save(12),
Bb 17: Discipline(1), Tumble(1), Save(14),
Cl 18: Concentration(5), Spellcraft(5), Save(7),
Bb 19: Discipline(2), Tumble(1), Save(8),
Bb 20: Discipline(1), Save(12),
Bb 21: Discipline(1), Tumble(1), Save(14),
Bb 22: Discipline(1), Save(18),
Bb 23: Discipline(1), Tumble(1), Save(20),
Bb 24: Discipline(1), Save(24),
Cl 25: Concentration(7), Spellcraft(7), Tumble(1), Save(11),
Cl 26: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(12),
Cl 27: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1), Save(11),
Cl 28: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(12),
Cl 29: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1), Save(11),
Cl 30: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(12),
Cl 31: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1), Save(11),
Cl 32: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(12),
Cl 33: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1), Save(11),
Cl 34: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(12),
Cl 35: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1), Save(11),
Cl 36: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(12),
Cl 37: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1), Save(11),
Cl 38: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(12),
Cl 39: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(13),
Bb 40: Discipline(16), Save(2),

Pros:
EDR 3 + Barb DR 3 + heal domain + autoquick + 1k hp = tank
Stand in the midst of battle and try to tank as much as possible... BE the target
Mass heals + standing in the middle of battle, using the above strategy, makes you the hit of every party
Warhammer crits hurt... 130, maybe more?

Cons:
Not crit immune
no conceal... beg everyone for it
dispellable
no AQ through most of the levels, although the feats and stat progression could be swapped around to do it earlier
base reflex save is horrid, luckily will have fom for some help
base will save kinda wimpy too, fear saves will suck
Hope Crusher, +6 warhammer, can be a hard item to get

*Disclaimer: The skills may be off; I've noticed issues in how CBC calculates skillpoints sometimes. Using an int book at some point just destroys all hope of you ever knowing how many skill points you will total. Saves might be off too... deal with it.

[Rufio]

Haha, man, this is like the first time I have seen anyone do a multiclassed barbarian


Anyways, this is mine.

Pretty simple really, an elf pure bard.

I really like this as a first build for a new player because it will always be useful for epic runs, doesn't need anyone to buff it, gives a player a Master Artisan crafter from the very beginning, gives a new player a counter to hipsers, and doesn't have blatant weaknesses. You can cover a lot of your bases at once so you don't have to build as many utility builds later. The build here uses a rapier, but a mace or dagger will work too if you have good ones on hand.

If you don't mind using a high ecl race, drow will improve the build quite a bit. It makes it much easier to make the stat requirements so you can start with more dex and int so you can max concentration, umd, and spellcraft. A dex book will obviously improve the build, but if you have a charisma book and int book, you can adjust starting stats to min-max dex some more. A con book will help the low hp and fortitude save too.

Pros:
ECL 0.
No books needed.
Respectable AB and AC for a 0 book, ecl 0 build.
Easily self-buffs.
Can attain Master Artisan in tailoring.
Pure bard/curse song means you are an asset to any epic party.
Armor and Shield damage reduction.
Has a basic damage shield.
Useful against hipsers.
Basic healing spells for pvp.

Cons:
Good hp for an elf bard, but still low for a melee build.
4 attacks per round maximum.
Low damage, though +2d4 sonic and +8 physical from bard buffs help.
Low fortitude.
Can't carry a lot.

Bard(40), Elf

STR: 8
DEX: 17 (32)
CON: 12
WIS: 8
INT: 14
CHA: 16

Elf: (Hardiness vs. Enchantments, Keen Sense, Low-light Vision, Skill Affinity: Listen, Skill Affinity: Search, Skill Affinity: Spot, Sleeplessness)
01: Bard(1): Curse Song
02: Bard(2)
03: Bard(3): Weapon Finesse
04: Bard(4): DEX+1, (DEX=18)
05: Bard(5)
06: Bard(6): Extend Spell
07: Bard(7)
08: Bard(8): DEX+1, (DEX=19)
09: Bard(9): Weapon Focus: Rapier
10: Bard(10)
11: Bard(11)
12: Bard(12): DEX+1, Improved Critical: Rapier, (DEX=20)
13: Bard(13)
14: Bard(14)
15: Bard(15): Toughness
16: Bard(16): DEX+1, (DEX=21)
17: Bard(17)
18: Bard(18): Blind Fight
19: Bard(19)
20: Bard(20): DEX+1, (DEX=22)
21: Bard(21): Armor Skin
22: Bard(22)
23: Bard(23): Lasting Inspiration
24: Bard(24): DEX+1, Epic Fortitude, (DEX=23)
25: Bard(25)
26: Bard(26): Epic Will
27: Bard(27): Epic Weapon Focus: Rapier
28: Bard(28): DEX+1, (DEX=24)
29: Bard(29): Epic Skill Focus: Discipline
30: Bard(30): Epic Skill Focus: Listen
31: Bard(31)
32: Bard(32): DEX+1, Great Dexterity I, (DEX=26)
33: Bard(33): Great Dexterity II, (DEX=27)
34: Bard(34)
35: Bard(35): Great Dexterity III, (DEX=28)
36: Bard(36): DEX+1, Great Dexterity IV, (DEX=30)
37: Bard(37)
38: Bard(38): Great Dexterity V, (DEX=31)
39: Bard(39): Blinding Speed (or Epic Prowess)
40: Bard(40): DEX+1, (DEX=32)

Hitpoints: 320
Skillpoints: 258
Saving Throws (Fortitude/Will/Reflex): 21/25/33
Saving Throw bonuses: Spells: +6, Mind Effects: +2
BAB: 25
AB (max, naked): 40 (melee), 37 (ranged)
AC (naked/mundane armor/shield only): 31/34
Spell Casting: Bard(6)
Alignment Changes: 0

Concentration 30(31), Discipline 43(52), Listen 43(54), Perform 43(46), Spellcraft 30(32), Tumble 40(51), UMD 29(32)



AB:
25 base
17 muffed dex modifier
1 weapon focus
2 epic weapon focus
6 IA rapier/chanter blade
1 haste/blinding speed
3 war cry
4 bard song
_______
59 ab (63 effective ab w/ curse song)

+3 ava scroll/prayer potion/cleric buff
62 ab max buff (66 effective w/ curse song)

Additionally, +3 effective ab w/ dirge.

If drow or books are used to get more skill points, taunt can be taken to also improve effective ab.



AC:
10 base
17 buffed dex mod
6 IA robe
9 IA tower shield (note: will need to remove shield or swap to a small shield when casting)
5 natural from arcane crafted amulet
5 deflection from armor crafted spot/listen helm or other item
5 dodge from glimmerskin boots (This build should be able to solo glimmerskins to get these boots)
2 armor skin
8 tumble
2 blinding speed
4 bard song
________
73 ac (77 effective ac w/ curse song, 80 effective ac with curse song and dirge)



HP: 320 naked + 240 buffed con (will need to use potions or arcane staves for endurance) = 560 hp



Fortitude: 21 naked + 6 buffed con + 4 leather crafted belt + 1 resistance + 4 bard song = 36 fortitude. Can be improved to 40 using a merfolk helm, white robe, and gamulk shield, probably at the expense of some other things though.

Reflex: 33 naked + 6 buffed dex + 1 resistance + 4 bard song = 44 reflex. Can be improved to 48 with pit guardian hide boots.

Will: 25 naked + 6 buffed wisdom + 3 arcane crafted amulet + 1 resistance + 4 bard song = 39 will. 49 will vs mind affecting w/ clarity buff and armor crafted spot/listen helm. Can be improved in the same way as fortitude, and additionally with rings of malar and prayer potions or ava scrolls with 49 base will possible.

Also, +8 saves vs spells due to spellcraft.



Discipline: 52 naked + 7 armor crafted bracers + 12 slave rings x2 + 8 bard song + 5 str buff (+ 7 using disc helm) = 84 (91) disc. 88 (95) effective w/ curse song

Listen: 54 naked + 6 wis buff + 10 armor crafted helm + 8 bard song + 20 amplify + 10 c/c + 2 aranea ring(at +50 cap) = 110 listen. 118 effective w/ curse song



I hope I am not forgetting any calculations. I don't usually go that in detail on calculations, just figured that it would help any new players.

[northstar_08]

Here is my ecl 0 (no book version suggestion)

I believe, everyone's first toon will become a mule at some point. This toon will always have a purpose as it will craft leather items for you.

For that reason, I suggest building a first toon that can be useful after you have discovered some things you could have done better.

I like the idea of a leather crafter. Leather crafters can make u great Boots, a Belt, gloves and a Cloak

The following build would be much better as a Drow as that would give you a +2 Int bonus and you would therefore be able to work in Hide and Move Silently skills for outdoor hips. I hate not using this ability but there is only so much you can do with an ecl0 that has 0 books used. But ecl0 is much better when crafting so I have a wild elf listed here. I know someone is going to say why not select Wood elf as Ranger is it’s favorite class. The thing is Wild elf gives +2 to Spot and +2 to wisdom. You need a wisdom of 14 to cast level 4 Ranger spells.

Two options for this build.

Option 1: 25 Ranger / 5 Harper Scout. No need to take higher as you are mainly interested in a crafter. Will be able to easily level in Forest Home by using Spot and Animal Empathy to get you a nice Stalker or Dire Bear pet. Personally I think this is a better option. If going with this option, take last (5th) Harper Scout level at 27 to max your tumble

Option 2: 35 Ranger/ 5 Harper Scout. You have to spread out the Harper Scout levels to take maximum advantage of Tumble therefore you do not get to use improved Invisibility (50% concealment) until level 37. But you already have camouflage (33% concealment) from ranger

Advantages to this build: (remember you must be non-evil to become HS)
1. Can make everywhere except for MA and SL (Sorry guys)
2. Leather crafting will always be useful and you can use crafted items to trade with other crafters . Find an Arcane crafter to trade an amulet with u. Find an armor crafter to trade a helmet with u.
3. Nice self Buffs from Ranger (Cats, FOM, Blade Thirst (+8 vampiric regen cause taking grater spell focus transmutation), Remove Poison for those annoying ability decreases, Cure serious wounds for PvP, 33% Camouflage from Rangers spell, and one with the land to increase your spot and animal empathy and hide and move silently). Can also cast Magic fang on pets which I think works
4. Nice Harper Scout Buffs (Empowered cats, empowered Eagles and Improved Invisibility that cannot be dispelled)
5. Tymora’s smile from Harper Scout is +2 to saves permanent
6. Really Nice favorite enemy bonuses
7. HS can make a potion of cats or eagles once per day and you can always save these for other toons that you make later. This ability becomes available after 5th level of HS so works much better if you only plan on taking this to level 30 and leveling in forest home. Just remember to use the ability every day as it can only be used once per day
8. Can be great in either PvP or PvM depending on how you choose your favorite enemies (7 choices in total)
- Leveling option choices if you prefer PVM or only taking this to level 30: I would go with Animals and magical Beasts for Forest Home leveling. Shape Changers for Skara
- If more interested in PvP: Go with Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Halflings, Outsiders, Half-Orcs. Also if PvP is your main goal, you probably should try to work in Hide and Move silently into the build. A +2 int book used at level 10 and then delevel to level 1 and start up again would work wonders. You can also drop animal empathy skill points to about 25 and still have enough.
9. Animal empathy is a great (and so much fun) mid game ability. This build shows Animal empathy maxed but you could drop it to about 25 with no harm at all. If you decide to do the Drow version, drop this to 25 and max hide and move silently as well for outside PvP fun. Your scores would not work in PvM but non dedicated PvP spotters should not see you. You can also make yourself really nice hide and move silently boots through leather crafting. Moleman robes will give u Hide and MS bonuses as well. Ther are better hipser robes out there but much harder to find. Again, maybe someone would trade with u if you made them a level 30 crafted item
10. Greater spell focus in transmutation will give your blade thirst weapon enhancement +8 vampiric regeneration. This will be amazing in PvP or PvM
11. Pretty good Spot. Will make forest home so easy + with your favorite enemy buffs, only the really good hipsers will give you trouble.
12. Note: If you had more skill points you could also work in taunt for PvP but think about this after you get your hands on some books
Can use True Seeing Helms for a nice self spot buff
Race – Wild Elf +2
Base Skill points +43
Alertness +2
Blooded + 2
Skill Focus +3
Epic SF +10
Crafted Helmet +10 (Someone will gladly make you one of these as You can trade them a leather crafter item)
Base Wis (14) +2
Crafted Amulet (+4 wis) +2 Spot (Someone will gladly make you one of these as You can trade them a leather crafter item)
Wis Buff +2 (you cannot cast this yourself unfortunately)
True Seeing +20
Total 98
Note: If you build in NC, you get a token that will add another 20 to this for about 5 minutes

You can use any finesable weapon on this build that you like but a +6 short sword from the Moleman king is not hard to get. The +7 (Illthids) and +8 (Black Lord) versions are much tougher to get but you can do so with a good party


AB Crafter
Base 30
Str/Dex 17
Weap Foc 1
Epic We F 2
Epi Prow 1
Weapon 6 (would be +8 if you could get a Black Lord Short Sword)
Blinding Speed 2
Total 59
Not bad for Self Buff. Much better with Bard and Cleric support + got the Favorite enemies advantages if fighting one of them

Crafter AC
Base 10
Dex 17 (Easily get the +6 bonus from cats spell as Rangers Cats and HS empowered cats stack + wearing crafted boots)
Armor 6
Shield 9
Defl 5
Natur 5
Boots 5 (Crafted cause leather crafter)
Tumbl 8
Armor Skin 2
Blinding Speed 2
Total 69. Not bad

Skillpoints: 258
Saving Throws (Fortitude/Will/Reflex): 23/24/27
Saving Throw bonuses: Mind Effects: +4, Traps: +2
BAB: 30
AB (max, naked): 34 (melee), 42 (ranged)
AC (naked/mundane armor/shield only): 31/34
Spell Casting: Ranger(4)
Alignment Changes: 0

Animal Empathy 43(41), Concentration 43(44), Discipline 43(53), Lore 6(13), Open Lock 1(12), Persuade 8(6), Search 4(8), Spot 43(64), Tumble 40(51), remaining skillpoints 18


01: Concentration(4), Discipline(4), Lore(4), Persuade(2), Search(4), Spot(4),
02: Animal Empathy(2), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Lore(1), Spot(1),
03: Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Lore(1), Persuade(1), Spot(1),
04: Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(3),
05: Animal Empathy(4), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spot(1),
06: Animal Empathy(3), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1),
07: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spot(1),
08: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(2),
09: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spot(1), Save(2),
10: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(4),
11: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spot(1), Save(4),
12: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(6),
13: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spot(1), Save(6),
14: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(8),
15: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(10),
16: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(12),
17: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(14),
18: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(16),
19: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(18),
20: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(20),
21: Discipline(1), Tumble(24), Save(1),
22: Discipline(1), Tumble(1), Save(5),
23: Animal Empathy(3), Concentration(3), Discipline(1), Spot(3), Save(1),
24: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Open Lock(1), Spot(1), Save(1),
25: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(3),
26: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(5),
27: Discipline(1), Tumble(5), Save(5),
28: Animal Empathy(2), Concentration(2), Discipline(1), Spot(2), Save(4),
29: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(6),
30: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(8),
31: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(10),
32: Discipline(1), Tumble(5), Save(10),
33: Animal Empathy(2), Concentration(2), Discipline(1), Spot(2), Save(9),
34: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(11),
35: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(13),
36: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(15),
37: Discipline(1), Tumble(5), Save(15),
38: Animal Empathy(2), Concentration(2), Discipline(1), Spot(2), Save(14),
39: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(16),
40: Animal Empathy(1), Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Spot(1), Save(18),

[northstar_08]

oops, forgot part of the post

Ranger(35), Harper Scout(5), Wild Elf
(Non Evil)
STR: 10
DEX: 18 (32)
CON: 12
WIS: 14
INT: 14
CHA: 6

Wild Elf: (Hardiness vs. Enchantments, Keen Sense, Low-light Vision, Skill Affinity: Listen, Skill Affinity: Search, Skill Affinity: Spot, Sleeplessness)
01: Ranger(1): Blooded, Favored Enemy I, {Dual Wield}
02: Ranger(2)
03: Ranger(3): Weapon Focus: Shortsword
04: Ranger(4): DEX+1, (DEX=19)
05: Ranger(5): Favored Enemy II
06: Ranger(6): Spell Focus: Transmutation
07: Ranger(7)
08: Ranger(8): DEX+1, (DEX=20)
09: Ranger(9): Improved Critical, {Improved Two-Weapon Fighting}
10: Ranger(10): Greater Spell Focus: Transmutation
11: Ranger(11)
12: Ranger(12): DEX+1, Alertness, (DEX=21)
13: Ranger(13)
14: Ranger(14)
15: Ranger(15): Skill Focus: Spot, Favored Enemy III
16: Ranger(16): DEX+1, (DEX=22)
17: Ranger(17)
18: Ranger(18): Iron Will
19: Ranger(19)
20: Ranger(20): DEX+1, Favored Enemy IV, (DEX=23)
21: Harper Scout(1): Blind Fight, Epic Skill Focus: Discipline
22: Harper Scout(2)
23: Ranger(21)
24: Ranger(22): DEX+1, Armor Skin, (DEX=24)
25: Ranger(23): Bane of Enemies
26: Ranger(24)
27: Harper Scout(3): Epic Skill Focus: Spot
28: Ranger(25): DEX+1, Blinding Speed, (DEX=25)
29: Ranger(26): Epic Weapon Focus: Shortsword
30: Ranger(27): Great Dexterity I, (DEX=26)
31: Ranger(28)
32: Harper Scout(4): DEX+1, (DEX=27)
33: Ranger(29): Great Dexterity II, Epic Prowess, (DEX=28)
34: Ranger(30): Favored Enemy V
35: Ranger(31)
36: Ranger(32): DEX+1, Great Dexterity III, Favored Enemy VI, (DEX=30)
37: Harper Scout(5): Epic Will
38: Ranger(33)
39: Ranger(34): Great Dexterity IV, (DEX=31)
40: Ranger(35): DEX+1, Favored Enemy VII, (DEX=32)

[Brutalix]

oops, forgot part of the post

Ranger(35), Harper Scout(5), Wild Elf
(Non Evil)
STR: 10
DEX: 18 (32)
CON: 12
WIS: 14
INT: 14
CHA: 6

Wild Elf: (Hardiness vs. Enchantments, Keen Sense, Low-light Vision, Skill Affinity: Listen, Skill Affinity: Search, Skill Affinity: Spot, Sleeplessness)
01: Ranger(1): Blooded, Favored Enemy I, {Dual Wield}
02: Ranger(2)
03: Ranger(3): Weapon Focus: Shortsword
04: Ranger(4): DEX+1, (DEX=19)
05: Ranger(5): Favored Enemy II
06: Ranger(6): Spell Focus: Transmutation
07: Ranger(7)
08: Ranger(8): DEX+1, (DEX=20)
09: Ranger(9): Improved Critical, {Improved Two-Weapon Fighting}
10: Ranger(10): Greater Spell Focus: Transmutation
11: Ranger(11)
12: Ranger(12): DEX+1, Alertness, (DEX=21)
13: Ranger(13)
14: Ranger(14)
15: Ranger(15): Skill Focus: Spot, Favored Enemy III
16: Ranger(16): DEX+1, (DEX=22)
17: Ranger(17)
18: Ranger(18): Iron Will
19: Ranger(19)
20: Ranger(20): DEX+1, Favored Enemy IV, (DEX=23)
21: Harper Scout(1): Blind Fight, Epic Skill Focus: Discipline
22: Harper Scout(2)
23: Ranger(21)
24: Ranger(22): DEX+1, Armor Skin, (DEX=24)
25: Ranger(23): Bane of Enemies
26: Ranger(24)
27: Harper Scout(3): Epic Skill Focus: Spot
28: Ranger(25): DEX+1, Blinding Speed, (DEX=25)
29: Ranger(26): Epic Weapon Focus: Shortsword
30: Ranger(27): Great Dexterity I, (DEX=26)
31: Ranger(28)
32: Harper Scout(4): DEX+1, (DEX=27)
33: Ranger(29): Great Dexterity II, Epic Prowess, (DEX=28)
34: Ranger(30): Favored Enemy V
35: Ranger(31)
36: Ranger(32): DEX+1, Great Dexterity III, Favored Enemy VI, (DEX=30)
37: Harper Scout(5): Epic Will
38: Ranger(33)
39: Ranger(34): Great Dexterity IV, (DEX=31)
40: Ranger(35): DEX+1, Favored Enemy VII, (DEX=32)

Shouldnt you have taken weapon finese with this build?

[Rufio]

Building too many githzerai makes people forget that feat. If I were to build that, I'd drop the transmutation focuses for weapon finesse and expertise.

[Celorn]

Fail!

Yeah weapon finesse is required or this build is not working at all. I have designed a similar build, but only 30 ranger, no point taking 35 really when 5 from another class can take this to a whole, 'nutha, level (ie: rogue {umd/spot/skills} or monk {no-shield ac,speed}). Also, you could drop a few more ranger and pick up epic dodge with 13 rogue. This still would still give you 22 ranger levels giving you access to MA crafting, and no class to prevent it - though because of some possible cross-class bugs, I'd get MA crafting before taking level 21+.

I like the idea of a build contest where the toon has to be not only viable in pve and pvp, but can be used as a crafter, adds a bit more effort since you have to avoid many of the PRCs which could open the build to more factions.

[mining]

I like the idea of a build contest where the toon has to be not only viable in pve and pvp, but can be used as a crafter, adds a bit more effort since you have to avoid many of the PRCs which could open the build to more factions.

Winner guaranteed to be an epic shifter, lol.

[Rufio]

Where is my prize?!

[Chernobyl_Glow]

The problem with the Ranger build above is that you can’t make it in SL (same for Harper). Solid beginner build though. If there were to be a wipe I would start with a Cleric. Likely 35Clc with 5 something else. Harper, Rogue, Ranger, SD – Your pick. But any spellcaster would be challenging for a first time player who is exploring - perfectly survivable in some places and perfectly pwnable in some others.

I think a Dex based Fighter/Weapon Master is a very useful character. I'd recommend using Bard here because you can get full Spellcraft Ranks along with Tumble. Rog or Monk are generally preferred for Evasion and or saves, skill points, Wisdom AC etc. Unfortunately, Rog and Monk aren’t available in all factions (frog). Using Monk or Rog is optimal but not essential. We could list this as a “concept with variants”.

Race: Svirf works well for this. Gith too. Drow – yeah of course. But since "Easy on the ECL" is a requirement then Lightfoot or Moon Elf. I recommend Moon Elf for the Keen Senses.

This build exposes a new character to a number of the challenges on NS4. Keen Senses. The importance of Save Feats (especially Fortitude), Spellcraft and Tumble bonuses. How to build a passable Spotter. Discipline exposure, KD and Disarm.

Glow Newbie .:NS4:. (Be sure to tell them they don't have to name it this)
Ftr10/Bard5/Wpm25, Moon Elf

STR: 10
DEX: 18 (28)
CON: 12
INT: 14
WIS: 14
CHA: 8

Hitpoints: 580 (with +8 con belt)
Skillpoints: 182
Saving Throws (Fortitude/Will/Reflex): 46/49/42 *includes Spellcraft (with a moderate amount of gear)

AB: 61 (+6 Short Sword. Improves to 63 if they can get a Black Sword)
AC: 64 (not including Dodge)
*Add +2 Dex Book for +1 AB, +1AC

==Build Order==
1: Ftr1 - Strong Soul, Luck of Heroes
2: Ftr2 - Weapon Finesse
3: Ftr3 - Dodge
4: Ftr4 - Dex+1, Mobility, (Dex=19)
5: Ftr5
6: Ftr6 - Spring Attack, Weapon Focus: Short Sword
7: Ftr7
8: Ftr8 - Dex+1, Expertise, (Dex=20)
9: Ftr9 - Whirlwind Attack
10: Ftr10 - Weapon Specialization: Short Sword
11: Wpm1 - {ki Damage, Weapon of Choice}
12: Wpm2 - Dex+1, Improved Critical: Short Sword, (Dex=21)
13: Wpm3
14: Wpm4
15: Wpm5 - Blind Fight, {Increased Multiplier, Superior Weapon Focus (+1 AB)}
16: Wpm6 - Dex+1, (Dex=22)
17: Wpm7 - {ki Critical (+2 Threat Range)}
18: Wpm8 - Great Fortitude
19: Wpm9
20: Wpm10 - Dex+1, (Dex=23)
21: Bard1 - Epic Fortitude, {Bard Song}
22: Wpm11
23: Wpm12
24: Wpm13 - Dex+1, Epic Skill Focus: Discipline, Epic Weapon Focus: Short Sword, {Epic Superior Weapon Focus (+1 AB)}, (Dex=24)
25: Wpm14
26: Wpm15
27: Bard2 - Epic Skill Focus: Spot
28: Wpm16 - Dex+1, Armor Skin, {Epic Superior Weapon Focus (+1 AB)}, (Dex=25)
29: Wpm17
30: Wpm18 - Epic Will
31: Wpm19 - Blinding Speed, {Epic Superior Weapon Focus (+1 AB)}
32: Bard3 - Dex+1, (Dex=26)
33: Wpm20
34: Wpm21
35: Wpm22 - Epic Prowess, {Epic Superior Weapon Focus (+1 AB)}
36: Wpm23 - Dex+1, (Dex=27)
37: Bard4
38: Wpm24
39: Bard5 - Skill Focus: Spot
40: Wpm25 - Dex+1, Epic Weapon Focus: Light Hammer, {Epic Superior Weapon Focus (+1 AB)}, (Dex=28)

Skillz: Discipline 43, Intimidate 4, Open Lock 2, Spellcraft 40, Spot 43, Tumble 40, Use Magic Device 10
Discipline: ~82
Spot: ~105 (needs a party buff)

Rufio!! Check my math!

Laterz,

- Glow -