[Mozenwrathe]

Okay, saw this strength-based ranger build on the Bioware forums, and was thinking of creating an archer with him. Why? To get that fabulous bow inside of the Drow Proving Grounds, of course. My problem is that I am not sure if I should keep it strength based and change over various feats to optimize the longbow, or if I should attempt to do a complete conversion to dexterity. I mean, in order to hit a few dozen creatures on Levels Thirteen and beyond, I would need a +60 AB in order to strike consistently....


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The Cleaver by Mithdradates
Playable from level 1 - 40 ..PvM Build

The second character is the "Cleaver". He'll cut through when the "Vegomatic" fails. He also has UMD.

Level 1 Human (Subrace Aasimar), GG Ranger
Base Attributes
STR 16
DEX 12
CON 12
WIS 14
INT 14
CHA 8
Feats: weapon focus (greatsword), power attack, favoured enemy (elf)

Level 3 Ranger 3
Feat: cleave

Level 4 Ranger 4
STR +1

Level 5 Ranger 5
Feat: favoured enemy (dwarf)

Level 6 Ranger 6
Feat: great cleave

Level 8 Ranger 8
STR +1

Level 9 Ranger 9
Feat: improved power attack

Level 10 Ranger 10
Feat: favoured enemy (human)

Level 12 Ranger 12
STR +1
Feat: improved critical (greatsword)

Level 15 Ranger 15
Feats: knockdown, favoured enemy (half-orc)

Level 16 Ranger 16
STR +1

Level 18 Ranger 18
Feat: improved knockdown

Level 20 Ranger 20
STR +1
Feat: favoured enemy (halfling)

Level 21 Ranger 21
Feat: epic weapon focus (greatsword)

Level 23 Ranger 23
Feat: bane of enemies

Level 24 Ranger 24
STR +1
Feat: great strength I

Level 25 Ranger 25
Feat: favoured enemy (half-elf)

Level 26 Ranger 26
Feat: favoured enemy (gnome)

Level 27 Ranger 27
Feat: great strength II

Level 28 Ranger 28
STR +1

Level 29 Ranger 29
Feat: favoured enemy (elementals)

Level 30 Ranger 30
Feat: great strength III, favoured enemy (undead)

Level 31 Ranger 30/Fighter 1
Feat: overwhelming critical (greatsword)

Level 32 Ranger 30/Fighter 2
STR +1
Feat: devastating critical (greatsword)

Level 33 Ranger 30/Fighter 3
Feat: great strength IV

Level 34 Ranger 30/Fighter 4
Feat: weapon specialization (greatsword)

Level 36 Ranger 30/Fighter 6
STR +1
Feats: epic weapon specialization (greatsword), epic prowess

Level 39 Ranger 31/Fighter 6/Rogue 2
Feat: armor skin

Level 40 Ranger 32/Fighter 6/Rogue 2
STR +1
Feat: favoured enemy (outsider)

Final Attributes
STR 30
DEX 12
CON 12
WIS 14
INT 14
CHA 8

Final Saves
Fortitude 23
Reflexes 17
Will 18

HP (max every level) 432

AB and damage (no buffs, normal greatsword)
44/39/34/29 21+2D6 (17-20 X2)
(46/41/36/31 28+4D6 (17-20 X2) vs. favoured enemy)

Devastating Critical DC 40

AB and damage (with +12 to STR, and +10 keen greatsword)
60/55/50/45 40+2D6 (15-20 X2)
(62/57/52/47 47+4D6 (15-20 X2) vs. favoured enemy)

Devastating Critical DC 46

AC (with no items) 21

297 skill points, suggested use
Concentration 43
Discipline 43
Hide 42
Move Silently 42
Set Trap 5
Spellcraft 20
Tumble 40
Use Magic Device 42


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Now, my question is will this work out as a straight conversion? Going the route of the Arcane Archer easily will gain a higher AB, but you can't acquire the bow from the Drow Proving Grounds with any bard, sorcerer, or wisdom in your system. I would also have to assume I'd need to stick with a human (or a half-elf) in order for this build to have the same merits as it has on paper right now.