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Joined Aug 2007

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The Trailblazer

This Build uses the following sources:
AV - Adventurer's Vault
AV 2 - Adventurer's Vault 2
D XXX - Dragon Magazine, issue XXX
DSCS - Dark Sun Campaign Setting
HotEC - Heroes of the Elemental Chaos
HotFK - Heroes of the Forgotten Kingdoms
HotFL - Heroes of the Fallen Lands
MP - Martial Power
MP 2 - Martial Power 2
PHB - Player's Handbook
PHB 2 - Player's Handbook 2

Level 1 Snapshot

Race: Longtooth Shifter (PHB 2)
Class: Ranger (PHB)
Bonus Feature: Prime Shot (PHB)
Fighting Style: Two-Blade Style (PHB)
Background: Auspicious Birth (D 366)
Theme: Sohei (D 404)
Multiclass: Cleric (PHB)
Lore: Battle Cleric's Lore (D 400)

Ability Scores, with racial adjustments:
Str 18 (+4)
Con 13 (+1)
Dex 14 (+2)
Int 10 (+0)
Wis 16 (+3)
Cha 8 (-1)

HP: 35 --> 12 base, +18 Str, +5 Toughness
Bloodied: 17 HP or less
Healing Surges: 7 --> 6 base, +1 Con
Healing Surge Value: 8 HP

AC: 19 --> 10 base, +7 armor, +2 shield
Fortitude: 15 --> 10 base, +4 Str, +1 class
Reflex: 13 --> 10 base, +2 Dex, +1 class
Will: 13 --> 10 base, +3 Wis

Initiative: +2 --> +2 Dex

Speed: 5 --> 6 base, -1 armor

Racial Powers:
Longtooth Shifting (PHB 2)

Theme Powers:
Sohei Flurry (D 404)

At-Will Attack Powers:
L1 - Marauder's Rush (MP 2)
L1 - Twin Strike (PHB)

Encounter Attack Powers:
L1 - Off-Hand Strike (MP)

Daily Attack Powers:
L1 - Jaws of the Wolf (PHB)

Skills:
Athletics (+11) --> +4 Str, +5 trained, +2 racial
Dungeoneering (+8) --> +3 Wis, +5 trained
Endurance (+8) --> +1 Con, +5 trained, +2 racial
Heal (+8) --> +3 Wis, +5 trained
Nature (+8) --> +3 Wis, +5 trained
Perception (+8) --> +3 Wis, +5 trained

Feats:
L1 - Divine Healer (DP)
L1 - Toughness (Ranger Bonus Feat) (PHB)

Gear (Expected GP = 100):
Broadsword (AV) (20 gp)
Broadsword (AV) (20 gp)
Scale armor (PHB) (45 gp)
Standard adventurer's kit (PHB) (15 gp)
0 gp

Level 2

Changes: 
+5 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
New Feat: Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword) (PHB) 
New Utility Power: Invigorating Stride (MP 2)  

Magic Items (Expected GP = 1,920):
L2 (520 gp): +1 Cloak of Resistance (PHB)
L2 (520 gp): +1 Dwarven Scale Armor (PHB) 
L1 (360 gp): +1 Magic Bastard Sword (PHB)
L1 (360 gp): +1 Magic Bastard Sword (PHB)
TOTAL: 1,760 gp  

Level 3

Changes:
+5 HP
New Encounter Attack Power: Ruffling Sting (MP)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 2,560):
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Baffling Cape (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): +1 Dwarven Scale Armor (PHB) 
TOTAL: 2,560 gp

Level 4

Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Str (19), +1 Wis (17)
New Feat: Heavy Blade Expertise (HotFK)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 3,200):
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Baffling Cape (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): +1 Dwarven Scale Armor (PHB) 
TOTAL: 2,560 gp

Level 5

Changes:
+5 HP
New Daily Attack Power: Frenzied Skirmish (PHB)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 4,480):
L6 (1,800 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Baffling Cape (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): +1 Dwarven Scale Armor (PHB) 
TOTAL: 4,360 gp

Changes:
+5 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
New Feat: Weapon Focus (Heavy Blades) (PHB)
New Utility Power: Begin the Hunt (MP 2)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 6,400):
L6 (1,800 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Baffling Cape (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): +1 Dwarven Scale Armor (PHB) 
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
TOTAL: 5,400 gp

Level 7

Changes:
+5 HP
New Encounter Attack Power: Lashing Leaves (D 377)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 9,600):
L7 (2,600 gp): +2 Dwarven Drakescale Armor (PHB) 
L6 (1,800 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Baffling Cape (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
TOTAL: 7,480 gp

Level 8

Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Str (20), +1 Wis (18)
New Feat: Two-Weapon Fighting (PHB)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 12,800):
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L7 (2,600 gp): +2 Dwarven Drakescale Armor (PHB) 
L6 (1,800 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
TOTAL: 10,200 gp

Level 9

Changes:
+5 HP
New Daily Attack Power: Attacks on the Run (PHB)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 16,000):
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L7 (2,600 gp): +2 Dwarven Drakescale Armor (PHB) 
L6 (1,800 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
TOTAL: 15,640 gp

Level 10

Changes:
+5 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
New Feat: Improved Defenses (HotFL)
New Utility Power: Resume the Hunt (MP 2)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 22,400):
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L7 (2,600 gp): +2 Dwarven Drakescale Armor (PHB) 
L6 (1,800 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L4 (840 gp): Casque of Tactics (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 17,680 gp

Level 11 Snapshot

Race: Longtooth Shifter (PHB 2)
Class: Ranger (PHB)
Bonus Feature: Prime Shot (PHB)
Fighting Style: Two-Blade Style (PHB)
Background: Auspicious Birth (D 366)
Theme: Sohei (D 404)
Multiclass: Cleric (PHB)
Lore: Battle Cleric's Lore (D 400)
Paragon Path: Pathfinder (PHB)

Ability Scores, with racial adjustments:
Str 21 (+5)
Con 14 (+2)
Dex 15 (+2)
Int 11 (+0)
Wis 19 (+4)
Cha 9 (-1)

HP: 93 --> 12 base, +21 Str, +50 levels, +10 Toughness
Bloodied: 46 HP or less
Healing Surges: 10 --> 6 base, +2 Con, +2 Battlehoned
Healing Surge Value: 23 HP

AC: 27 --> 10 base, +8 armor, +5 levels, +2 enhancement, +2 shield
Fortitude: 25 --> 10 base, +5 Str, +5 levels, +2 enhancement, +2 feat, +1 class
Reflex: 22 --> 10 base, +2 Dex, +5 levels, +2 enhancement, +2 feat, +1 class
Will: 23 --> 10 base, +4 Wis, +5 levels, +2 enhancement, +2 feat

Initiative: +8 --> +2 Dex, +5 levels, +1 item

Speed: 5 --> 6 base, -1 armor

Racial Powers:
Longtooth Shifting (PHB 2)

Theme Powers:
Sohei Flurry (D 404)

At-Will Attack Powers:
L1 - Marauder's Rush (MP 2)
L1 - Twin Strike (PHB)

Encounter Attack Powers:
L1 - Off-Hand Strike (MP)
L3 - Ruffling Sting (MP)
L7 - Lashing Leaves (D 377)
L11 - Wrong Step (PHB)

Daily Attack Powers:
L1 - Jaws of the Wolf (PHB)
L5 - Frenzied Skirmish (PHB)
L9 - Attacks on the Run (PHB)

Utility Powers:
L2 - Invigorating Stride (MP 2)
L2 - Begin the Hunt (MP 2)
L10 - Resume the Hunt (MP 2)

Skills:
Athletics (+17) --> +5 Str, +5 trained, +5 levels, +2 racial
Dungeoneering (+14) --> +4 Wis, +5 trained, +5 levels
Endurance (+16) --> +2 Con, +5 trained, +5 levels, +2 racial, +2 item
Heal (+14) --> +4 Wis, +5 trained, +5 levels
Nature (+14) --> +4 Wis, +5 trained, +5 levels
Perception (+16) --> +4 Wis, +5 trained, +5 levels, +2 power

Feats:
L1 - Divine Healer (DP)
L1 - Toughness (Ranger Bonus Feat) (PHB)
L2 - Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword) (PHB)
L4 - Heavy Blade Expertise (HotFL)
L8 - Two-Weapon Fighting (PHB)
L8 - Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L11 - Icy Heart (HotEC)
L11 - Lasting Frost (PHB)

Changes:
+11 HP
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Str (21), +1 Con (14), +1 Dex (15), +1 Int (11), +1 Wis (19), +1 Cha (9)
New Encounter Attack Power: Wrong Step (PHB)
New Feat: Icy Heart (HotEC), Lasting Frost (PHB) (replaces Weapon Focus (Heavy Blades))
New Paragon Path: Pathfinder (PHB)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 32,000):
L11 (9,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Paragon Tier) (AV 2)
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L7 (2,600 gp): +2 Dwarven Drakescale Armor (PHB) 
L6 (1,800 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L4 (840 gp): Casque of Tactics (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 26,680 gp

Level 12

Changes:
+5 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
New Feat: Wintertouched (PHB)
New Utility Power: Act Together (PHB)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 48,000):
L12 (13,000 gp): +3 Dwarven Wyvernscale Armor (PHB) 
L11 (9,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Paragon Tier) (AV 2)
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L6 (1,800 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L4 (840 gp): Casque of Tactics (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 37,080 gp

Discussion:
At this level, Wintertouched sweetens the Frost weapon deal further by giving you easy combat advantage, and an armor upgrade makes sure your defense isn't neglected.

Level 13

Changes:
+5 HP
New Encounter Attack Power: Off-Hand Diversion (MP) (replaces Off-Hand Strike)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 64,000):
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): +3 Dwarven Wyvernscale Armor (PHB) 
L11 (9,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Paragon Tier) (AV 2)
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L8 (3,400 gp): +2 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L6 (1,800 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L4 (840 gp): Casque of Tactics (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 50,680 gp

Level 14

Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Str (22), +1 Wis (20)
New Feat: Prime Punisher (D 373)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 80,000):
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): +3 Dwarven Wyvernscale Armor (PHB) 
L11 (9,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Paragon Tier) (AV 2)
L6 (1,800 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L4 (840 gp): Casque of Tactics (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Heroic Tier) (EPG)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 79,880 gp

Level 15

Changes:
+5 HP
New Daily Attack Power: Blade Cascade (replaces Jaws of the Wolf)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 112,000):
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): +3 Dwarven Wyvernscale Armor (PHB) 
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L11 (9,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Paragon Tier) (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L6 (1,800 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L4 (840 gp): Casque of Tactics (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 109,240 gp

Changes:
+5 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
New Feat: Called Shot (D 368)
New Utility Power: Death Threat (D 377)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 160,000):
L16 (45,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): +3 Dwarven Wyvernscale Armor (PHB) 
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L11 (9,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Paragon Tier) (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L4 (840 gp): Casque of Tactics (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 152,440 gp

Level 17

Changes:
+5 HP
New Encounter Attack Power: Untamed Outburst (MP) (replaces Lashing Leaves)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 240,000):
L17 (65,000 gp): +4 Dwarven Wyrmscale Armor (PHB) 
L16 (45,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L11 (9,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Paragon Tier) (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L4 (840 gp): Casque of Tactics (Heroic Tier) (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 204,440 gp

Level 18

Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Str (23), +1 Wis (21)
New Feat: Prime Quarry (MP)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 320,000):
L17 (65,000 gp): +4 Dwarven Wyrmscale Armor (PHB) 
L16 (45,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L14 (21,000 gp): Casque of Tactics (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Paragon Tier) (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 246,600 gp

Level 19

Changes:
+5 HP
New Daily Attack Power: Cruel Cage of Steel (PHB) (replaces Frenzied Skirmish)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 400,000):
L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L17 (65,000 gp): +4 Dwarven Wyrmscale Armor (PHB) 
L16 (45,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L14 (21,000 gp): Casque of Tactics (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L13 (17,000 gp): +3 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Paragon Tier) (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 395,600 gp

Level 20

Changes:
+5 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
New Daily Attack Power: Slasher's Mark (PHB)
New Feat: Armor Specialization (Scale) (PHB)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 560,000):
L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L17 (65,000 gp): +4 Dwarven Wyrmscale Armor (PHB) 
L16 (45,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L14 (21,000 gp): Casque of Tactics (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Paragon Tier) (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L5 (1,000 gp): Ruby Scabbard (AV)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 476,600 gp

Level 21 Snapshot

Race: Longtooth Shifter (PHB 2)
Class: Ranger (PHB)
Bonus Feature: Prime Shot (PHB)
Fighting Style: Two-Blade Style (PHB)
Background: Auspicious Birth (D 366)
Theme: Sohei (D 404)
Multiclass: Cleric (PHB)
Lore: Battle Cleric's Lore (D 400)
Paragon Path: Pathfinder (PHB)
Epic Destiny: Destined Scion (HotFK)

Ability Scores, with racial adjustments:
Str 26 (+8)
Con 15 (+2)
Dex 18 (+4)
Int 12 (+1)
Wis 22 (+6)
Cha 10 (+0)

HP: 153 --> 12 base, +26 Str, +100 levels, +15 Toughness
Bloodied: 76 HP or less
Healing Surges: 10 --> 6 base, +2 Con, +2 Battlehoned
Healing Surge Value: 38 HP

AC: 37 --> 10 base, +10 armor, +10 levels, +4 enhancement, +2 shield, +1 feat
Fortitude: 36 --> 10 base, +8 Str, +10 levels, +4 enhancement, +3 feat, +1 class
Reflex: 32 --> 10 base, +4 Dex, +10 levels, +4 enhancement, +3 feat, +1 class
Will: 33 --> 10 base, +6 Wis, +10 levels, +4 enhancement, +3 feat

Initiative: +16 --> +4 Dex, +10 levels, +2 item

Speed: 6 --> 6 base

Racial Powers:
Longtooth Shifting (PHB 2)

Theme Powers:
Sohei Flurry (D 404)

At-Will Attack Powers:
L1 - Marauder's Rush (MP 2)
L1 - Twin Strike (PHB)

Encounter Attack Powers:
L3 - Ruffling Sting (MP)
L11 - Wrong Step (PHB)
L13 - Off-Hand Diversion (MP)
L17 - Untamed Outburst (MP)

Daily Attack Powers:
L9 - Attacks on the Run (PHB)
L15 - Blade Cascade (PHB)
L19 - Cruel Cage of Steel (PHB)
L20 - Slasher's Mark (PHB)

Utility Powers:
L2 - Invigorating Stride (MP 2)
L2 - Begin the Hunt (MP 2)
L6 - Death Threat (D 377)
L10 - Resume the Hunt (MP 2)
L12 - Act Together (PHB)

Skills:
Athletics (+24) --> +7 Str, +5 trained, +10 levels, +2 racial
Dungeoneering (+21) --> +6 Wis, +5 trained, +10 levels
Endurance (+24) --> +2 Con, +5 trained, +10 levels, +2 racial, +5 item
Heal (+21) --> +6 Wis, +5 trained, +10 levels
Nature (+21) --> +6 Wis, +5 trained, +10 levels
Perception (+23) --> +6 Wis, +5 trained, +10 levels, +2 power

Feats:
L1 - Divine Healer (DP)
L1 - Toughness (Ranger Bonus Feat) (PHB)
L2 - Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword) (PHB)
L4 - Heavy Blade Expertise (HotFL)
L8 - Two-Weapon Fighting (PHB)
L10 - Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L11 - Icy Heart (HotEC)
L11 - Lasting Frost (PHB)
L12 - Wintertouched (PHB)
L14 - Prime Punisher (D 373)
L16 - Called Shot (D 368)
L20 - Armor Specialization (Scale) (PHB)
L21 - Improved Prime Shot (MP)
L21 - Rending Tempest (MP)

Changes:
+13 HP
Ability Score Boosts: +3 Str (26), +1 Con (15), +3 Dex (18), +1 Int (12), +1 Wis (22), +1 Cha (10)
New Feats: Improved Prime Shot (MP), Rending Tempest (MP) (replaces Prime Quarry)
New Epic Destiny: Destined Scion (HotFK)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 800,000):
L21 (225,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Epic Tier) (AV 2)
L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L17 (65,000 gp): +4 Dwarven Wyrmscale Armor (PHB) 
L16 (45,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L14 (21,000 gp): Casque of Tactics (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 740,600 gp

Level 22

Changes:
+5 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
New Feat: Martial Mastery (MP)
New Utility Power: Master of the Hunt (PHB)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 1,200,000):
L22 (325,000 gp): +5 Dwarven Nagascale Armor (PHB) 
L21 (225,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Epic Tier) (AV 2)
L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L16 (45,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L14 (21,000 gp): Casque of Tactics (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 1,000,600 gp

Level 23

Changes:
+5 HP
New Encounter Attack Power: Nonchalant Collapse (MP) (replaces Ruffling Sting)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 1,600,000):
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L22 (325,000 gp): +5 Dwarven Nagascale Armor (PHB) 
L21 (225,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Epic Tier) (AV 2)
L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L16 (45,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L14 (21,000 gp): Casque of Tactics (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 1,340,600 gp

Level 24

Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Str (27), +1 Wis (23)
New Feat: Heavy Blade Mastery (MP)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 2,100,000):
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L22 (325,000 gp): +5 Dwarven Nagascale Armor (PHB) 
L21 (225,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Epic Tier) (AV 2)
L16 (45,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L14 (21,000 gp): Casque of Tactics (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
L2 (520 gp): Acrobat Boots (AV)
TOTAL: 2,020,600 gp

Level 25

Changes:
+5 HP
New Daily Attack Power: Circling Cascade (MP 2) (replaces Attacks on the Run)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 2,800,000):
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L23 (425,000 gp): Eye of Awareness (AV)
L22 (325,000 gp): +5 Dwarven Nagascale Armor (PHB) 
L21 (225,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Epic Tier) (AV 2)
L18 (85,000 gp): Planestrider Boots (MOTP)
L16 (45,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
TOTAL: 2,509,080 gp

Changes:
+5 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
New Feat: Slashing Storm (MP 2)
New Utility Power: Epic Recovery (HotFK)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 4,000,000):
L26 (1,125,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L23 (425,000 gp): Eye of Awareness (AV)
L22 (325,000 gp): +5 Dwarven Nagascale Armor (PHB) 
L21 (225,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Epic Tier) (AV 2)
L18 (85,000 gp): Planestrider Boots (MOTP)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Paragon Tier) (EPG)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
TOTAL: 3,589,080 gp

Level 27

Changes:
+5 HP
New Encounter Attack Power: Death Rend (PHB) (replaces Untamed Outburst)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 6,000,000):
L27 (1,625,000 gp): +6 Dwarven Elderscale Armor (PHB) 
L26 (1,125,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L23 (425,000 gp): Eye of Awareness (AV)
L22 (325,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Epic Tier) (EPG)
L22 (325,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Epic Tier) (EPG)
L21 (225,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Epic Tier) (AV 2)
L18 (85,000 gp): Planestrider Boots (MOTP)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
TOTAL: 5,513,080 gp

Level 28

Changes:
+6 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
Ability Score Boosts: +1 Str (28), +1 Wis (24)
New Feat: Superior Will (HotFL)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 8,000,000):
L27 (1,625,000 gp): +6 Dwarven Elderscale Armor (PHB) 
L26 (1,125,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV)
L25 (625,000 gp): Belt of Titan Strength (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L23 (425,000 gp): Eye of Awareness (AV)
L22 (325,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Epic Tier) (EPG)
L22 (325,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Epic Tier) (EPG)
L21 (225,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Epic Tier) (AV 2)
L18 (85,000 gp): Planestrider Boots (MOTP)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
TOTAL: 6,128,080 gp

Level 29

Changes:
+5 HP

Magic Items (Expected GP = 10,000,000):
L28 (2,125,000 gp): +6 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L28 (2,125,000 gp): +6 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L27 (1,625,000 gp): +6 Dwarven Elderscale Armor (PHB) 
L26 (1,125,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV)
L25 (625,000 gp): Belt of Titan Strength (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L23 (425,000 gp): Eye of Awareness (AV)
L22 (325,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Epic Tier) (EPG)
L22 (325,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Epic Tier) (EPG)
L21 (225,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Epic Tier) (AV 2)
L18 (85,000 gp): Planestrider Boots (MOTP)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
TOTAL: 9,528,080 gp

Level 30 Snapshot

Race: Longtooth Shifter (PHB 2)
Class: Ranger (PHB)
Bonus Feature: Prime Shot (PHB)
Fighting Style: Two-Blade Style (PHB)
Background: Auspicious Birth (D 366)
Theme: Sohei (D 404)
Multiclass: Cleric (PHB)
Lore: Battle Cleric's Lore (D 400)
Paragon Path: Pathfinder (PHB)
Epic Destiny: Destined Scion (HotFK)

Ability Scores, with racial adjustments:
Str 28 (+9)
Con 15 (+2)
Dex 18 (+4)
Int 12 (+1)
Wis 24 (+7)
Cha 10 (+0)

HP: 200 --> 12 base, +28 Str, +145 levels, +15 Toughness
Bloodied: 100 HP or less
Healing Surges: 10 --> 6 base, +2 Con, +2 Battlehoned
Healing Surge Value: 50 HP

AC: 47 --> 10 base, +13 armor, +15 levels, +6 enhancement, +1 feat, +2 shield
Fortitude: 44 --> 10 base, +9 Str, +15 levels, +6 enhancement, +3 feat, +1 class
Reflex: 43 --> 10 base, +4 Dex, +15 levels, +6 enhancement, +4 Epic Reflexes, +3 feat, +1 class
Will: 44 --> 10 base, +7 Wis, +15 levels, +6 enhancement, +4 feat, +2 item

Initiative: +24 --> +4 Dex, +15 levels, +5 item

Speed: 6 --> 6 base

Racial Powers:
Longtooth Shifting (PHB 2)

Theme Powers:
Sohei Flurry (D 404)

At-Will Attack Powers:
L1 - Marauder's Rush (MP 2)
L1 - Twin Strike (PHB)

Encounter Attack Powers:
L11 - Wrong Step (PHB)
L13 - Off-Hand Diversion (MP)
L23 - Nonchalant Collapse (MP)
L27 - Death Rend (PHB)

Daily Attack Powers:
L15 - Blade Cascade (PHB)
L19 - Cruel Cage of Steel (PHB)
L20 - Slasher's Mark (PHB)
L25 - Circling Cascade (MP 2)

Utility Powers:
L2 - Invigorating Stride (MP 2)
L2 - Begin the Hunt (MP 2)
L6 - Death Threat (D 377)
L10 - Resume the Hunt (MP 2)
L12 - Act Together (PHB)
L22 - Master of the Hunt (PHB)
L26 - Epic Recovery (HotFK)

Skills:
Athletics (+34) --> +9 Str, +5 trained, +15 levels, +2 racial, +3 item
Dungeoneering (+27) --> +7 Wis, +5 trained, +15 levels
Endurance (+30) --> +2 Con, +5 trained, +15 levels, +2 racial, +6 item
Heal (+27) --> +7 Wis, +5 trained, +15 levels
Nature (+27) --> +7 Wis, +5 trained, +15 levels
Perception (+29) --> +7 Wis, +5 trained, +15 levels, +2 power

Feats:
L1 - Divine Healer (DP)
L1 - Toughness (Ranger Bonus Feat) (PHB)
L2 - Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword) (PHB)
L4 - Heavy Blade Expertise (HotFL)
L8 - Two-Weapon Fighting (PHB)
L10 - Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L11 - Icy Heart (HotEC)
L11 - Lasting Frost (PHB)
L12 - Wintertouched (PHB)
L14 - Prime Punisher (D 373)
L16 - Called Shot (D 368)
L20 - Armor Specialization (Scale) (PHB)
L21 - Improved Prime Shot (MP)
L21 - Rending Tempest (MP)
L22 - Martial Mastery (MP)
L24 - Heavy Blade Mastery (PHB)
L26 - Slashing Storm (MP 2)
L28 - Superior Will (HotFL)
L30 - Epic Reflexes (PHB 2)

Changes:
+5 HP
+1 to attacks, defenses, and checks
New Feat: Epic Reflexes (PHB 2)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 14,625,000):  
L29 (2,625,000 gp): Ring of Free Time (AV 2)
L28 (2,125,000 gp): +6 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L28 (2,125,000 gp): +6 Frost Bastard Sword (PHB)
L28 (2,125,000 gp): +6 Steadfast Amulet (AV)
L27 (1,625,000 gp): +6 Dwarven Elderscale Armor (PHB) 
L26 (1,125,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV)
L25 (625,000 gp): Belt of Titan Strength (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): Eye of Awareness (AV)
L22 (325,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Epic Tier) (EPG)
L22 (325,000 gp): Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (Epic Tier) (EPG)
L21 (225,000 gp): Gloves of Ice (Epic Tier) (AV 2)
L18 (85,000 gp): Planestrider Boots (MOTP)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV 2)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L9 (4,200 gp): +2 Symbol of Victory (PHB)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
TOTAL: 13,850,080 gp

Build Goal and Tactics

The goal of this build is to defy the "glass cannon" stereotype: in other words, make a Striker that can hit hard, yet is defensively solid. This build accomplishes that by taking the Pathfinder Paragon Path, which provides great durability in the form of renewable temporary hit points, which is a great addition to the Ranger defensive chassis.

This build plays in a similar fashion to most Rangers: isolate your foe, toss out flurries of attack rolls, and bring him down fast. You can use your durability to support other party members, or just do your job better because allies don't need to be hovering around you. While your DPR is respectable, burst damage is what you're really into - so don't be shy to let it rip and down foes in one round of offensive brutality. After all, it's what Rangers do.

Questions, thoughts, and comments are always welcome.

"The best defense is a good offense." -Gen. George S. Patton Also known as: LDB. Got questions on how to build characters for 4E? Check out the Complete Collection of Character Build Links for some advice. My 4E CharOp Threads:

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

Appetite for Destruction: The Barbarian's Handbook Harder than a Rock: The Fighter's Handbook Death Before Dishonor: A Knight's Guide Thrill of the Hunt: The Ranger's Handbook Wherever I May Roam: A Scout's Guide Kill 'Em All: A Slayer's Guide

#2 May 11, 2010 19:28:57

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

Data: DPR and Nova Damage

An important part of being a Striker is knowing how much damage you can produce. Here, we will be examining the build's Damage Per Round (or DPR) values, as well as Daily and Encounter novas, each of which makes the use of an action point. These novas will be compared against the largest known HP values for an Elite (Daily novas) or Standard (Encounter novas), to figure out where they stand.

DPR

NOTE: All DPR calculations are made against an enemy of an AC equal to the character's level + 14, and other defenses equal to the character's level + 12.

Level 1

 
Twin Strike: 2 attacks, +6 vs. AC
Hit: 1d10 damage 
Critical: 10 damage 
Hunter's Quarry: +1d6 damage

DPR: (2)*(0.55)*(5.5) + (2)*(0.05)*(10) + ([0.55]2 + [2]*[0.40]*[0.55])*(3.5) + (1-[1-0.05]2)*(6) = 10.23 DPR

 
Twin Strike: 2 attacks, +12 vs. AC
Hit: 1d10+5 cold damage 
Critical: 1d6+15 cold damage
Hunter's Quarry: +1d6 cold damage  

DPR: (2)*(0.60)*(10.5) + (2)*(0.05)*(18.5) + ([0.60]2 + [2]*[0.35]*[0.60])*(3.5) + (1-[1-0.05]2)*(6) = 17.77 DPR

Level 11

Twin Strike: 2 attacks, +17 vs. AC
Hit: 1d10+16 cold damage
Critical: 2d6+26 cold damage 
Hunter's Quarry: +2d6 cold damage  

DPR: (2)*(0.60)*(21.5) + (2)*(0.05)*(33) + ([0.60]2 + [2]*[0.35]*[0.60])*(7) + (1-[1-0.05]2)*(12) = 35.73 DPR

Twin Strike: 2 attacks, +24 vs. AC with CA (+25 vs. AC with CA if no other allies are adjacent)
Hit: 1d10+26 cold damage
Critical: 3d6+36 cold damage 
Hunter's Quarry: +2d6 cold damage

DPR: (2)*(0.75)*(31.5) + (2)*(0.05)*(46.5) + ([0.75]2 + [2]*[0.20]*[0.75])*(7) + (1-[1-0.05]2)*(12) = 59.11 DPR

Level 21

 
Twin Strike: 2 attacks, +30 vs. AC with CA (+32 vs. AC with CA if no other allies are adjacent)
Hit: 2d10+30 cold damage  
Critical: 4d6+66 cold damage  
Hunter's Quarry: +3d6 cold damage  
Rending Tempest: +1d10 cold damage

DPR: (2)*(0.85)*(41) + (2)*(0.05)*(80) + (0.90)*(0.85)*(5.5) + (0.90)*(0.05)*(10) + ([0.85]2 + [2]*[0.10]*[0.85])*(10.5) + (1-[1-0.05]2)*(18) = 93.48 DPR

 
Twin Strike: 2 attacks, +35 vs. AC with CA (+37 vs. AC with CA if no other allies are adjacent)
Hit: 2d10+33 cold damage
Critical: 5d6+73 cold damage
Hunter's Quarry: +3d6 cold damage
Rending Tempest: +1d10 cold damage
Slashing Storm: 6 damage  

DPR: (2)*(0.80)*(44) + (2)*(0.10)*(90.5) + (0.90)*(0.80)*(5.5) + (0.90)*(0.10)*(10) + ([0.80]2 + [2]*[0.10]*[0.80])*(10.5) + (1-[1-0.10]2)*(18) + (1-[1-0.90]2)*(6)= 111.12 DPR

Level 30

 
Twin Strike: 2 attacks, +39 vs. AC with CA (+41 vs. AC with CA if no other allies are adjacent)
Hit: 2d10+36 cold damage
Critical: 6d6+78 cold damage
Hunter's Quarry: +3d6 cold damage
Rending Tempest: +1d10 cold damage 
Slashing Storm: 7 damage  

DPR: (2)*(0.80)*(47) + (2)*(0.10)*(99) + (0.90)*(0.80)*(5.5) + (0.90)*(0.10)*(10) + ([0.80]2 + 2*[0.10]*[0.80])*(10.5) + (1-[1-0.10]2)*(18) + (1-[1-0.90]2)*(7) = 118.61 DPR

Encounter Novas

Level 1

Turn 1 (Setup):
Minor Action – Hunter's Quarry

Turn 2 (Action):
Standard Action – Twin Strike (+6 vs. AC) 
•    1d10 damage 
•    1d10 damage
Minor Action – Off-Hand Strike (+6 vs. AC)
•    1d10+4 damage
Minor Action – Sohei Flurry (+6 vs. AC)
•    1d10 damage
ACTION POINT
Standard Action – Twin Strike (+6 vs. AC) 
•    1d10 damage
•    1d10 damage
Hunter's Quarry
•    1d6 damage  

Total Damage: 6d10+1d6+4 damage (40.5 average damage)  

Highest HP on a L1 Standard Monster: 38 (Camel, Dire Rat)

Attack Bonus Sources:
+4 (Strength)
+2 (Proficiency)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+4 (Strength)  

Turn 1 (Setup):
Minor Action – Hunter's Quarry 

Turn 2 (Action):
Minor Action – Ruffling Sting (+12 vs. AC)
•    1d10+9 cold damage
Minor Action – Off-Hand Strike (+14 vs. AC with CA)
•    1d10+9 cold damage
Standard Action – Twin Strike (+12 vs. AC)
•    1d10+5 cold damage
•    1d10+5 cold damage
ACTION POINT
Standard Action – Twin Strike (+12 vs. AC)
•    1d10+5 cold damage 
•    1d10+5 cold damage
Hunter's Quarry
•    1d6 cold damage  

Total Damage: 6d10+1d6+38 cold damage (74.5 average damage)  

Highest HP on a L6 Standard Monster: 90 (Evistro, Giant Riding Lizard, Orc Rampager, Steppe Pony)

Attack Bonus Sources:
+4 (Strength)
+3 (Level)
+3 (Proficiency)
+2 (CA)
+1 enhancement (+1 weapon)
+1 feat (Heavy Blade Expertise)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+4 (Strength)
+2 item (Iron Armbands of Power)
+1 enhancement (+1 Weapon)
+1 feat (Weapon Focus)
+1 (Siberys Shard)

Level 11

Turn 1 (Setup):
Minor Action – Hunter's Quarry

Turn 2 (Action):
ACTION POINT (gain a move action via Pathfinder’s Action)
Standard Action – Lashing Leaves (+17 vs. AC)
•    1d10+16 cold damage
•    1d10+21 cold damage
•    All subsequent attacks receive +5 damage 
Minor Action – Ruffling Sting (+17 vs. AC)   
•    1d10+26 cold damage
Minor Action – Off-Hand Strike (+19 vs. AC with CA) 
•    1d10+26 cold damage
Minor Action – Sohei Flurry (+17 vs. AC)   
•    1d10+21 cold damage
Standard Action – Twin Strike (+17 vs. AC) 
•    1d10+21 cold damage
•    1d10+21 cold damage 
Hunter's Quarry
•    2d6 damage  

Total Damage: 7d10+2d6+152 cold damage (197.5 average damage)

Highest HP on a L11 Standard Monster: 144 (Bulezau)  

Attack Bonus Sources:
+5 (Level)
+5 (Strength)
+3 (Proficiency)
+2 enhancement (+2 weapon)
+2 feat (Heavy Blade Expertise)
+2 (Combat Advantage)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+5 (Strength)
+5 (Lashing Leaves)
+5 (Lasting Frost)
+3 feat (Icy Heart)
+2 enhancement (+2 weapon)
+2 item (Iron Armbands of Power) 
+2 (Gloves of Ice)
+1 (Siberys Shard)
+1 (Two-Weapon Fighting)

Turn 1 (Setup):
Minor Action – Hunter's Quarry

Turn 2 (Action):
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Ruby Scabbard
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Ruby Scabbard
ACTION POINT (gain a move action via Pathfinder’s Action)
Standard Action – Lashing Leaves (+23 vs. AC, +25 vs. AC with CA)
•    1d10+28 cold damage
•    1d10+33 cold damage
•    All subsequent attacks receive +6 damage 
Minor Action – Off-Hand Diversion (+25 vs. AC with CA)
•    1d10+38 cold damage
Standard Action – Twin Strike (+25 vs. AC with CA) 
•    1d10+32 cold damage
•    1d10+32 cold damage 
Minor Action – Ruffling Sting (+25 vs. AC with CA)
•    1d10+38 cold damage
Minor Action – Sohei Flurry (+25 vs. AC with CA)
•    1d10+32 cold damage
Hunter's Quarry
•    2d6 cold damage  

Total Damage: 7d10+2d6+233 cold damage (280.5 average damage)  

Highest HP on a L16 Standard Monster: 194 (Eisk Jaat Mauler)  

Attack Bonus Sources:
+8 (Level)
+6 (Strength)
+3 enhancement (+3 weapon)
+3 (Proficiency)
+2 feat (Heavy Blade Expertise)
+2 (Combat Advantage)
+1 (Prime Shot)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+6 (Strength)  
+6 (Lashing Leaves)
+5 (Called Shot)
+5 (Lasting Frost)
+4 item (Iron Armbands of Power) 
+3 enhancement (+3 weapon) 
+3 feat (Icy Heart)
+3 (Siberys Shard)
+2 (Gloves of Ice)
+1 power (Ruby Scabbard)
+1 (Two-Weapon Fighting)

Level 21

Turn 1 (Setup):
Minor Action – Hunter's Quarry

Turn 2 (Action):
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard
ACTION POINT (gain a move action via Pathfinder’s Action)
Standard Action – Untamed Outburst (+32 vs. AC, +34 vs. AC with CA)
•    2d10+36 cold damage
•    3d10+41 cold damage 
Minor Action – Off-Hand Diversion (+32 vs. AC with CA) 
•    2d10+38 cold damage
Standard Action – Twin Strike (+32 vs. AC with CA)
•    3d10+30 cold damage
•    3d10+30 cold damage
Minor Action – Ruffling Sting (+32 vs. AC with CA)   
•    2d10+38 cold damage
Minor Action – Sohei Flurry (+32 vs. AC with CA)   
•    2d10+30 cold damage
Hunter's Quarry
•    3d6 cold damage

Total Damage: 17d10+3d6+243 cold damage (347 average damage)

Highest HP on a L21 Standard Monster: 245 (Ancient Ziggurat Mummy)  

Attack Bonus Sources:
+10 (Level)
+8 (Strength)
+4 enhancement (+4 weapon)
+3 feat (Heavy Blade Expertise)
+3 (Proficiency)
+2 (Combat Advantage)
+2 (Prime Shot)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+8 (Strength)  
+5 (Called Shot)
+5 (Lasting Frost)  
+4 enhancement (+4 weapon) 
+4 feat (Icy Heart)
+4 item (Iron Armbands of Power) 
+4 (Gloves of Ice)
+3 power (Sapphire Scabbard)
+3 (Siberys Shard)  
+1 (Two-Weapon Fighting)

Turn 1 (Setup):
Minor Action – Hunter's Quarry

Turn 2 (Action):
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard
Standard Action – Untamed Outburst (+37 vs. AC, +39 vs. AC with CA) 
•    2d10+39 cold damage 
•    3d10+44 cold damage
Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+37 vs. Fort with CA) 
•    3d10+41 cold damage
ACTION POINT (recover Nonchalant Collapse via Martial Mastery, gain a move action via Pathfinder’s Action)
Standard Action – Twin Strike (+37 vs. AC with CA)
•    3d10+33 cold damage
•    3d10+33 cold damage 
Minor Action – Off-Hand Diversion (+37 vs. AC with CA)   
•    2d10+41 cold damage
Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+37 vs. Fort with CA)
•    3d10+41 cold damage
Hunter's Quarry
•    3d6 cold damage
Slashing Storm
•    6 damage

Total Damage: 19d10+3d6+272 damage, reroll all 1's (387 average damage)  

Highest HP on a L26 Standard Monster: 293 (Yuan-Ti Abomination Berserker)  

Attack Bonus Sources:
+13 (Level)
+8 (Strength)
+5 enhancement (+5 weapon)
+3 feat (Heavy Blade Expertise)
+3 (Proficiency)
+2 (Combat Advantage)
+2 (Prime Shot)
+1 (Epic Combatant)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+8 (Strength)  
+6 item (Iron Armbands of Power)  
+5 enhancement (+5 weapon) 
+5 (Called Shot)  
+5 (Lasting Frost)
+4 feat (Icy Heart)
+4 (Gloves of Ice)
+3 power (Sapphire Scabbard)
+3 (Siberys Shard)
+1 (Two-Weapon Fighting)

Level 30

Turn 1 (Setup):
Minor Action – Hunter's Quarry

Turn 2 (Action):
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard
Standard Action – Death Rend (+39 vs. AC, +41 vs. AC with CA)
•    2d10+43 cold damage
•    4d10+48 cold damage
Standard Action – Twin Strike (+41 vs. AC with CA)
•    3d10+36 cold damage
•    3d10+36 cold damage
Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+41 vs. Fort with CA)
•    3d10+45 cold damage
ACTION POINT (recover Nonchalant Collapse via Martial Mastery, gain a move action via Pathfinder’s Action)
Minor Action – Off-Hand Diversion (+41 vs. AC with CA) 
•    2d10+45 cold damage
Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+41 vs. Fort with CA) 
•    3d10+45 cold damage 
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Ring of Free Time
Minor Action – Sohei Flurry (+41 vs. AC with CA) 
•    3d10+36 cold damage
Hunter's Quarry
•    3d6 cold damage 
Slashing Storm
•    7 damage

Total Damage: 23d10+3d6+334 cold damage (471 average damage)    

Highest HP on a L30 Standard Monster: 339 (Giant Squid)

Attack Bonus Sources:
+15 (Level)
+9 (Strength)
+6 enhancement (+6 weapon)
+3 feat (Heavy Blade Expertise)
+3 (Proficiency)
+2 (Combat Advantage)
+2 (Prime Shot)
+1 (Epic Combatant)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+9 (Strength)  
+6 enhancement (+6 weapon)  
+6 item (Iron Armbands of Power)  
+5 (Called Shot)  
+5 (Lasting Frost)
+5 (Siberys Shard)
+4 feat (Icy Heart)
+4 (Gloves of Ice)
+3 power (Sapphire Scabbard)
+1 (Two-Weapon Fighting)

Daily Novas

Level 1

Turn 1 (Setup):
Minor Action – Hunter's Quarry

Turn 2 (Action):
Standard Action – Jaws of the Wolf (+6 vs. AC)
•    2d10+4 damage
•    2d10+4 damage
Minor Action – Off-Hand Strike (+6 vs. AC)
•    1d10+4 damage
Minor Action – Sohei Flurry (+6 vs. AC)
•    1d10 damage
ACTION POINT
Standard Action – Twin Strike (+6 vs. AC)
•    1d10 damage 
•    1d10 damage
Hunter's Quarry
•    1d6 damage  

Total Damage: 8d10+1d6+12 damage (59.5 average damage)  

Highest HP on a L1 Elite Monster: 76 (White Dragon Wyrmling)

Attack Bonus Sources:
+4 (Strength)
+2 (Proficiency)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+4 (Strength)  

Turn 1 (Setup):
No Action – Hunter's Quarry via Begin the Hunt

Turn 2 (Action):
Standard Action – Frenzied Skirmish (+13 vs. AC)
•    1d10+9 cold damage
•    1d10+9 cold damage
Minor Action – Ruffling Sting (+15 vs. AC with CA)
•    1d10+9 cold damage
Minor Action – Off-Hand Strike (+15 vs. AC with CA)
•    1d10+9 cold damage
ACTION POINT
Standard Action – Jaws of the Wolf (+15 vs. AC with CA) 
•    2d10+9 cold damage
•    2d10+9 cold damage
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Frost Weapon
•    1d8 cold damage  
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Frost Weapon
•    1d8 cold damage  
Hunter's Quarry
•    1d6 cold damage  

Total Damage: 8d10+2d8+1d6+54 cold damage (110.5 average damage)  

Highest HP on a L6 Elite Monster: 182 (Goblin Mass)

Attack Bonus Sources:
+4 (Strength)
+3 (Level)
+3 (Proficiency)
+2 (CA)
+1 enhancement (+1 weapon)
+1 feat (Heavy Blade Expertise)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+4 (Strength)
+2 item (Iron Armbands of Power)
+1 enhancement (+1 Weapon)
+1 feat (Weapon Focus)
+1 (Siberys Shard)

Level 11

Turn 1 (Setup):
No Action – Hunter's Quarry via Begin the Hunt
Minor Action – Item Encounter Power: Blood Fury Weapon
Minor Action – Longtooth Shifting

Turn 2 (Action):
ACTION POINT (gain a move action via Pathfinder’s Action)
Standard Action – Lashing Leaves (+19 vs. AC)
•    1d10+18 cold damage 
•    1d10+23 cold damage
•    All subsequent attacks receive +5 damage
Minor Action – Ruffling Sting (+19 vs. AC)
•    1d10+28 cold damage
Minor Action – Off-Hand Strike (+21 vs. AC with CA)
•    1d10+28 cold damage
Minor Action – Sohei Flurry (+19 vs. AC)
•    1d10+23 cold damage
Standard Action – Attacks on the Run (+19 vs. AC)
•    3d10+28 cold damage
•    3d10+28 cold damage
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Frost Weapon
•    1d8 cold damage  
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Frost Weapon
•    1d8 cold damage  
Hunter's Quarry
•    2d6 cold damage  

Total Damage: 11d10+2d8+2d6+176 cold damage (252.5 average damage)  

Highest HP on a L11 Elite Monster: 286 (Arborean Plant Terror, Ogre Warhulk) 

Attack Bonus Sources:
+5 (Level)
+5 (Strength)
+3 (Proficiency)
+2 enhancement (+2 weapon)
+2 feat (Heavy Blade Expertise)
+2 (Combat Advantage)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+5 (Strength)
+5 (Lashing Leaves)
+5 (Lasting Frost)
+3 feat (Icy Heart)
+2 enhancement (+2 weapon)
+2 item (Iron Armbands of Power) 
+2 (Gloves of Ice)
+2 (Longtooth Shifting)
+1 (Siberys Shard)
+1 (Two-Weapon Fighting)

Turn 1 (Setup):
No Action – Hunter's Quarry via Begin the Hunt
Minor Action – Item Encounter Power: Blood Fury Weapon
Minor Action – Longtooth Shifting

Turn 2 (Action):
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Ruby Scabbard
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Ruby Scabbard
ACTION POINT (gain a move action via Pathfinder’s Action)
Standard Action – Lashing Leaves (+26 vs. AC, +28 vs. AC with CA) 
•    1d10+30 cold damage
•    1d10+35 cold damage 
•    All subsequent attacks receive +6 damage
Minor Action – Off-Hand Diversion (+28 vs. AC with CA)
•    1d10+40 cold damage  
Minor Action – Ruffling Sting (+28 vs. AC with CA)
•    1d10+40 cold damage
Minor Action – Sohei Flurry (+28 vs. AC with CA)
•    1d10+34 cold damage
Standard Action – Blade Cascade (+28 vs. AC with CA)
•    2d10+40 cold damage
•    2d10+40 cold damage   
•    2d10+40 cold damage 
•    2d10+40 cold damage 
•    2d10+40 cold damage 
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Frost Weapon
•    2d8 cold damage  
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Frost Weapon
•    2d8 cold damage 
Hunter's Quarry
•    2d6 cold damage  

Total Damage: 15d10+4d8+2d6+379 cold damage (486.5 average damage)

Highest HP on a L16 Elite Monster: 384 (Earth Titan, Guulvorg)  

Attack Bonus Sources:
+8 (Level)
+6 (Strength)
+3 enhancement (+3 weapon)
+3 (Proficiency)
+2 feat (Heavy Blade Expertise)
+2 (Combat Advantage)
+1 (Prime Shot)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+6 (Strength)
+6 (Lashing Leaves)
+5 (Called Shot)  
+5 (Lasting Frost)
+4 item (Iron Armbands of Power) 
+3 enhancement (+3 weapon)
+3 feat (Icy Heart)
+3 (Siberys Shard)
+2 (Gloves of Ice)
+2 (Longtooth Shifting)
+1 power (Ruby Scabbard)
+1 (Two-Weapon Fighting)

Level 21

Turn 1 (Setup):
No Action – Hunter's Quarry via Begin the Hunt
Minor Action – Item Encounter Power: Blood Fury Weapon
Minor Action – Longtooth Shifting

Turn 2 (Action):
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard
ACTION POINT (gain a move action via Pathfinder’s Action)
Standard Action – Cruel Cage of Steel (+34 vs. AC, +36 vs. AC with CA) 
•    2d10+38 cold damage
•    3d10+43 cold damage
•    2d10+40 cold damage
Minor Action – Off-Hand Diversion (+34 vs. AC with CA)  
•    2d10+40 cold damage  
Minor Action – Ruffling Sting (+34 vs. AC with CA)
•    2d10+40 cold damage 
Minor Action – Sohei Flurry (+34 vs. AC with CA)
•    2d10+32 cold damage 
Standard Action – Blade Cascade (+34 vs. AC with CA)  
•    3d10+40 cold damage  
•    3d10+40 cold damage   
•    3d10+40 cold damage
•    3d10+40 cold damage 
•    3d10+40 cold damage
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Frost Weapon
•    2d8 cold damage  
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Frost Weapon
•    2d8 cold damage  
Hunter's Quarry
•    3d6 cold damage

Total Damage: 28d10+4d8+3d6+433 damage, reroll all 1's (615.5 average damage)      

Highest HP on a L21 Elite Monster: 534 (Ketheptis)  

Attack Bonus Sources:
+10 (Level)
+8 (Strength)
+4 enhancement (+4 weapon)
+3 feat (Heavy Blade Expertise)
+3 (Proficiency)
+2 (Combat Advantage)
+2 (Prime Shot)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+8 (Strength)
+5 (Called Shot)
+5 (Lasting Frost)
+4 enhancement (+4 weapon)
+4 feat (Icy Heart)
+4 item (Iron Armbands of Power) 
+4 (Gloves of Ice)
+3 power (Sapphire Scabbard)
+3 (Siberys Shard)
+2 (Longtooth Shifting)
+1 (Two-Weapon Fighting)

Turn 1 (Setup):
No Action – Hunter's Quarry via Begin the Hunt
Minor Action – Master of the Hunt
Minor Action – Item Encounter Power: Blood Fury Weapon
Minor Action – Longtooth Shifting

Turn 2 (Action):
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard
Standard Action – Circling Cascade (+37 vs. AC, +39 vs. AC with CA)
•    2d10+47 cold damage   
•    3d10+52 cold damage 
•    3d10+49 cold damage  
Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+39 vs. Fort with CA)
•    3d10+49 cold damage
ACTION POINT (recover Nonchalant Collapse via Martial Mastery, gain a move action via Pathfinder’s Action)  
Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+39 vs. Fort with CA)
•    3d10+49 cold damage  
Standard Action – Blade Cascade (+39 vs. AC with CA)
•    3d10+49 cold damage
•    3d10+49 cold damage
•    3d10+49 cold damage  
•    3d10+49 cold damage
•    3d10+49 cold damage   
Minor Action – Off-Hand Diversion (+39 vs. AC with CA) 
•    2d10+49 cold damage  
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Frost Weapon
•    3d8 cold damage  
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Frost Weapon
•    3d8 cold damage  
Hunter's Quarry
•    3d6 cold damage  
Slashing Storm
•    6 damage

Total Damage: 31d10+6d8+3d6+546 cold damage (754 average damage)

Highest HP on a L26 Elite Monster: 596 (Thrarak)  

Attack Bonus Sources:
+13 (Level)
+8 (Strength)
+5 enhancement (+5 weapon)
+3 feat (Heavy Blade Expertise)
+3 (Proficiency)
+2 (Combat Advantage)
+2 (Prime Shot)
+1 (Epic Combatant)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+8 (Strength)
+6 item (Iron Armbands of Power)  
+6 (Master of the Hunt)
+5 enhancement (+5 weapon)
+5 (Called Shot)
+5 (Lasting Frost)
+4 feat (Icy Heart)
+4 (Gloves of Ice)
+3 power (Sapphire Scabbard)
+3 (Siberys Shard)
+2 (Longtooth Shifting)
+1 (Two-Weapon Fighting)

Level 30

Turn 1 (Setup):
No Action – Hunter's Quarry via Begin the Hunt
Minor Action – Master of the Hunt
Minor Action – Item Encounter Power: Blood Fury Weapon
Minor Action – Longtooth Shifting

Turn 2 (Action):
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Belt of Titan Strength
Standard Action – Circling Cascade (+41 vs. AC, +43 vs. AC with CA) 
•    2d10+59 cold damage   
•    3d10+64 cold damage    
•    3d10+64 cold damage    
Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+43 vs. Fort with CA) 
•    3d10+64 cold damage  
ACTION POINT (recover Nonchalant Collapse via Martial Mastery, gain a move action via Pathfinder’s Action)  
Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+43 vs. AC with CA)  
•    3d10+64 cold damage   
Standard Action – Blade Cascade (+43 vs. AC with CA)
•    3d10+64 cold damage  
•    3d10+64 cold damage   
•    3d10+64 cold damage  
•    3d10+64 cold damage  
•    3d10+64 cold damage  
Minor Action – Off-Hand Diversion (+43 vs. Fort with CA)  
•    2d10+64 cold damage  
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Ring of Free Time
Minor Action – Sohei Flurry (+43 vs. AC with CA) 
•    3d10+55 cold damage   
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Frost Weapon
•    3d8 cold damage  
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Frost Weapon
•    3d8 cold damage  
Hunter's Quarry
•    3d6 cold damage  
Slashing Storm
•    7 damage  

Total Damage: 34d10+6d8+3d6+741 cold damage   (965.5 average damage)

Highest HP on a L30 Elite Monster: 682 (Xixecal)

Attack Bonus Sources:
+15 (Level)
+9 (Strength)
+6 enhancement (+6 weapon)
+3 feat (Heavy Blade Expertise)
+3 (Proficiency)
+2 (Combat Advantage)
+2 (Prime Shot)
+1 (Epic Combatant)

Damage Bonus Sources:
+10 power (Belt of Titan Strength)   
+9 (Strength)  
+7 (Master of the Hunt)
+6 enhancement (+6 weapon)  
+6 item (Iron Armbands of Power)  
+5 (Called Shot)
+5 (Lasting Frost)
+5 (Siberys Shard)
+4 feat (Icy Heart)
+4 (Gloves of Ice)
+2 (Longtooth Shifting)
+1 (Two-Weapon Fighting)

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#3 May 11, 2010 19:36:58

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

Variants

The Rageblazer

This variant (contributed by Roele) trades in some of the Trailblazer's consistency and durability for even more nova damage.

Build Summary

Race: Longtooth Shifter (PHB 2)
Class: Ranger (PHB)
Bonus Feature: Prime Shot (PHB)
Fighting Style: Two-Blade Style (PHB)
Background: Auspicious Birth (D 366)
Theme: Sohei (D 404)
Multiclass: Barbarian (PHB 2)
Paragon Path: Pathfinder (PHB)
Epic Destiny: Eternal Seeker (PHB)
Seeking Destiny: Epic Combatant (HotFK)

Ability Scores:
L1 - Str 20, Con 13, Dex 13, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8
L4 - Str 21, Con 13, Dex 13, Int 10, Wis 13, Cha 8
L8 - Str 22, Con 13, Dex 13, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8
L11 - Str 23, Con 14, Dex 14, Int 11, Wis 15, Cha 9
L14 - Str 24, Con 14, Dex 15, Int 11, Wis 15, Cha 9
L18 - Str 25, Con 14, Dex 16, Int 11, Wis 15, Cha 9
L21 - Str 26, Con 15, Dex 17, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 10
L24 - Str 27, Con 15, Dex 17, Int 12, Wis 17, Cha 10
L28 - Str 28, Con 15, Dex 17, Int 12, Wis 18, Cha 10

Feats:
L1 - Armor Proficiency (Chainmail) (PHB)
L1 - Toughness (Ranger Bonus Feat) (PHB)
L2 - Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword) (PHB)
L4 - Armor Proficiency (Scale) (PHB)
L6 - Weapon Focus (Heavy Blades) (PHB)
L8 - Heavy Blade Expertise (HotFL)
L10 - Berserker's Fury (Endurance) (PHB 2)
L11 - Prime Punisher (D 373)
L12 - Called Shot (D 368)
L14 - Prime Quarry (MP)
L16 - Lethal Hunter (PHB)
L18 - Armor Specialization (Scale) (PHB)
L20 - Improved Defenses (HotFL)
L21 - Heavy Blade Mastery (PHB)
L22 - Martial Mastery (MP)
L21 - Improved Prime Shot (MP)
L24 - Rending Tempest (MP) (replaces Prime Quarry)
L26 - Slashing Storm (MP 2)
L28 - Quick Draw (PHB)
L30 - Two-Weapon Fighting (PHB 2)

At-Will Powers:
L1 - Marauder's Rush (MP 2)
L1 - Twin Strike (PHB)

Encounter Powers:
L1 - Off-Hand Strike (MP)
L3 - Ruffling Sting (MP)
L7 - Lashing Leaves (D 377)
L11 - Wrong Step (PHB)
L13 - Off-Hand Diversion (MP) (replaces Off-Hand Strike)
L17 - Untamed Outburst (MP) (replaces Lashing Leaves)
L23 - Nonchalant Collapse (MP) (replaces Ruffling Sting)
L27 - Hurricane of Blades (PHB 2) (replaces Untamed Outburst)

Daily Powers:
L1 - Jaws of the Wolf (PHB)
L5 - Frenzied Skirmish (PHB)
L9 - Attacks on the Run (PHB)
L15 - Blade Cascade (PHB) (replaces Jaws of the Wolf)
L19 - Cruel Cage of Steel (PHB) (replaces Frenzied Skirmish)
L20 - Slasher's Mark (PHB)
L25 - Circling Cascade (MP 2) (replaces Attacks on the Run)
..."window.parent.tinyMCE.get('post_content').onLoad.dispatch();" contenteditable="true" />Utility Powers:
L2 - Invigorating Stride (MP 2)
L6 - Begin the Hunt (MP 2)
L10 - Resume the Hunt (MP 2)
L12 - Act Together (PHB)
L16 - Death Threat (D 377)
L22 - Master of the Hunt (PHB)
L26 - Rune of the Hero's Resolve (PHB 3)

Magic Items (Expected GP = 14,625,000):
L30 (3,125,000 gp): +6 Torc of Power Preservation (AV)
L29 (2,625,000 gp): +6 Battlecrazed Bastard Sword (AV)
L29 (2,625,000 gp): +6 Battlecrazed Bastard Sword (AV)
L28 (2,125,000 gp): Charm of Abundant Action (AV)
L27 (1,625,000 gp): +6 Dwarven Elderscale Armor (PHB)
L26 (1,125,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV)
L25 (625,000 gp): Belt of Titan Strength (PHB)
L23 (425,000 gp): Eye of Awareness (AV)
L18 (85,000 gp): Boots of Quickness (Paragon Tier) (AV)
L18 (85,000 gp): Gauntlets of Destruction (PHB)
L16 (45,000 gp): Aquamarine Solitaire (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L13 (17,000 gp): Ring of Giants (D 378)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV)
L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2)
TOTAL: 14,618,880 gp

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#4 May 11, 2010 19:57:16

Lord_Ventnor

Joined Jul 2008

5693 Posts

My Dark Sun conversion rules for 5e

And so LDB bounces back after being so cruelly torn away from the Pit Fighter.

Looks cool. I like how you've managed to emphasize defender as a secondary role while still bringing the pain.

5e Handbooks I've done:

Animal Buddy: A Guide to the Ranger's Beast Companion

4e Handbookes I've done:

Heart of the Dragon: A Dragonborn's Handbook

Infernal Wrath: A Tiefling's Handbook

#5 May 11, 2010 20:24:58

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

Yeah, it's weird. I have a secondary role now.

But my nova calculations are what really make it hot. I can still oneshot standards and elites while still being hella hard to kill.

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#6 May 11, 2010 20:28:56

roele

Joined Jun 2009

126 Posts

I've been waiting for you to make something like this, the pathfinder deserves more love than it gets. Well done!

EDIT: If you have the gold free, you could pick up a crown of victory and make a note about potential double action points in a round using the pathfinder's Act Together. I know you don't like considering other party members,but it's worth mentioning - all it takes is one party member to spend an AP, not hard to do imho, especially if they know what you're capable of with it.

San Francisco Bay Area D&Der. Loyal fan of the Birthright campaign setting.

#7 May 11, 2010 20:46:04

Joined Nov 2005

42 Posts

Have you ever considered the DoomGuard PP?

Destructive Action: Spend an action point and gain +1d12 damage on attacks made before the end of your turn.

The damage goes up to +2d12 at 21.

So at 30 Encounter Nova:

You have 6 attacks after the Action point for an extra 12d12 damage at an average 78 damage.

And for 30 Daily Nova:

You have 10 attacks after the Action Point for an extra 20d12 damage at an average 130 damage.

I just see Pathfinder as being fairly useless..

#8 May 11, 2010 20:51:16

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

I have indeed considered the Doomguard Marauder PP. Also, Gauntlets of Destruction would make that an extra 84 damage.

In this case, the power of the Pathfinder lies in that I get an extra move action out of the AP. Combined with the Martial Mastery feat to recharge Encounter powers, it means I get another attack in compared to the Marauder, so the damage edge for the Marauder is actually quite small, and the situation could even be reversed depending on how much buffing I have access to. Additionally, going for Marauder would have an opportunity cost in a feat for Fighter Multiclass (which I do not take), along with the fact that the Pathfinder makes me a hell of a lot tougher than Doomguard Marauder, and it has better powers as well.

Pathfinder is a very underestimated Paragon Path in my mind, even though it's enjoyed a Blue rating in my guide for quite a long time.

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#9 May 11, 2010 20:55:35

Joined Nov 2005

42 Posts

Well I was basing my comment off the old build using the Pit Fighter where you did take MC Fighter Feat.

True the Pathfinder does add huge survivability though. Is there no feat you'd be willing to lose to gain the Fighter MC?

I'll check right now.

#10 May 11, 2010 20:59:26

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

I'm afraid not. Even what I consider to be the weaker links (Two-Weapon Defense and Two-Weapon Fighting) are more important because without them my AC value will be mediocre. Additionally, the Pathfinder's Wrong Step 11E gives me an arguably stronger version of the Fighter's Battle Awareness.

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#11 May 11, 2010 21:08:25

Joined Nov 2005

42 Posts

How about Lethal Hunter?

D8's instead of D6's is an average of 1 damage.

So at 30 that 3 damage less per round.

#12 May 11, 2010 21:16:32

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

Lethal Hunter also earns you 3 THP on average. That's a good deal. Also, it's a bit more than 3 DPR right now.

([0.70]2 + [2]*[0.20]*[0.70])*(3) + (1-[1-0.10]2)*(6) = 3.45 DPR/THP lost.

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#13 May 11, 2010 21:18:24

ytterbium_dragon

Joined Mar 2009

2361 Posts

Its finally up! Yay!

#14 May 11, 2010 21:19:02

Joined Sep 2009

204 Posts

How are you getting the extra minor action during your nova rounds? I'm also curious what's allowing you to reroll 1's, sounds useful and I can't seem to find it

"All I hear now is the sound of the Charop boards and all their builds popping" ~ Mithreinmaethor "Oh I forgot, common sense no longer exists. It died with the invent of the internet age. ~ Thunder_Dragonbane ~ 1001 Reasons to Love 4E

#15 May 11, 2010 21:23:23

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

Pathfinder's Action nets me an extra move action on an AP. I turn it into a minor and use it to attack.

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#16 May 11, 2010 21:26:40

Joined Nov 2005

42 Posts

Yeah.. I guess if you add it all together: The loss of the move action from Pathfinder, the loss of the 3.45 damage from Lethal Hunter and the loss of the Temp HP it does kinda make some sense.

But for a straight Nova / DPR build Doomguard would still be the better choice no?

#17 May 11, 2010 21:27:02

Joined Sep 2009

204 Posts

Ahh that's where it's coming from. Does it actually allow you to convert the move action into a minor action?

#18 May 11, 2010 21:27:45

Joined Nov 2005

42 Posts

Ahh that's where it's coming from. Does it actually allow you to convert the move action into a minor action?

Yeah of course. You get a move action. It's your call what you do with it.

#19 May 11, 2010 21:35:47

Joined Sep 2009

204 Posts

Oh ok I see it now. Still learning the particulars >_< Could you shed some light on where the rerolls of 1's are coming from? I could use something like that lol

#20 May 11, 2010 21:49:53

Joined Nov 2005

42 Posts

LDB I just noticed something.

In order to use the Bloodfury weapon you have to technically be holding it correct?

So wouldn't you be short an action to drop it (free) and then draw your Bastard Sword (minor)?

NM.. hehe.. Just noticed the Sapphire Scabbards but on a related topic, why did you choose the Drow Long Knife? Just for coolness?

Anyways.. great job as always dude... your COs are sexy.

Oh ok I see it now. Still learning the particulars >_< Could you shed some light on where the rerolls of 1's are coming from? I could use something like that lol

The reroll 1s is from the Gauntlets of Destruction.

#21 May 11, 2010 21:50:06

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

Drow Knife is just for coolness. You're not supposed to actually attack anyone with it.

And yeah the reroll all 1's for damage is from the Gauntlets of Destruction. As far as straight nova, my preferred choices right now are Doomguard Marauder and Bloodfury Hunter (which will likely be my next build).

Doomguard Marauder is a bit different in build though; my Handbook has a link to a post where someone used a Stormsoul Genasi with Promise of Storm and two Lightning weapons, which works great due to the fact that Strike of Unmaking kills resistances. I may have to rehash that.

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#22 May 11, 2010 22:01:38

Caeric

Joined Jun 2007

1729 Posts

I've been wondering what you were doing since Pit Fighter got whacked. I feel kinda bad doomsaying that it'd happen a few weeks ago.

Looks really solid. Rare with theoretical strikers, that. Most are so flimsy they wouldn't actually last long in the real game world. But yeah, really solid.

Tiny error: you cited Adventurer's Vault for the Rending Tempest feat at level 28.

Yup, that's as constructive as I go for optimization builds. All I can offer is that Demigod is bland and I hope you at least considered Eternal Defender, for the eternally-entertaining Large Weapons. I guess you just fall under the Heavy Blade Mastery bar in that case, though.

But c'mon, giant bastard swords. Two of them. Y'know ya waaant it.

I don't use emoticons, and I'm also pretty pleasant. So if I say something that's rude or insulting, it's probably a joke.

#23 May 11, 2010 22:20:58

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

I actually want Medium Fullblades as an Eternal Defender because they have free high crit and the same d12 damage dice as Large Bastard Swords.

That said, the Demigod v. Eternal Defender debate has been raging since the Pit Fighter, and I still feel Demigod is stronger, especially for a build that promotes itself as a tough-guy Striker. Also, thanks for the catch on Rending Tempest.

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#24 May 11, 2010 22:58:57

Mengu74

Joined Nov 2007

3328 Posts

Quick question, if Versatile Expertise were free, what would you get in its place? Would you consider Quickdraw, and ditch the scabbards? Or maybe improved/superior initiative? Or maybe pick something to be retrained to Beasthide Shifting at Paragon?

Also I think I like Boots of Free Movement better than Boots of Eagerness for this build. The build is minor action starved already, I don't know how often converting a minor into a move will be necessary. But spending a minor to shake off immobilized or restrained can be well worth it.

#25 May 11, 2010 23:04:00

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

If Expertise were free I'd likely be looking at Battle Awareness or Two-Weapon Opening, though Beasthide Shifting is also attractive.

Boots of Free Movement look interesting. I'll consider them.

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#26 May 11, 2010 23:06:45

Joined Sep 2009

204 Posts

I actually want Medium Fullblades as an Eternal Defender because they have free high crit and the same d12 damage dice as Large Bastard Swords.

Clever ^_^ Actually, I don't think that will let you use Two Handers one handed. I'm pretty sure it just ups the damage of the weapon, not allow you to wield a size up like in 3.5.

EDIT: Nope, you're right again. Cheers

#27 May 11, 2010 23:14:56

Joined Nov 2005

42 Posts

I actually want Medium Fullblades as an Eternal Defender because they have free high crit and the same d12 damage dice as Large Bastard Swords.

Why not Executioner's Axe?

High Crit and Brutal 2 instead of that extra +1 to hit from the FullBlade prof..

#28 May 11, 2010 23:17:36

Razalus

Joined Mar 2009

11 Posts

As a DM i would not allow the Blood Fury Drow Long Knife to be used in this way as you are not proficient with its use. Also Yes you can Substitute a minor for a move action as described in Players Handbook and that makes the Pathfinder Paragon very nice with your Nova.

#29 May 11, 2010 23:21:02

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

It really makes no difference, dude. I could pick up a Blood Fury Longsword and have the same deal. I just picked up a Long Knife cause it looks cool and I wanted one.

Given that you're never actually going to attack with it, I'd say your indignation is completely uncalled for.

@Agora: Actually, it does let you wield Fullblades. Large monsters can wield Medium two-handers one-handed without penalty, and Eternal Defender's L24 feature allows you to wield weapons as if you were Large (instead of just being able to wield Large weapons, which is what Oversized says).

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#30 May 11, 2010 23:22:11

Joined Nov 2005

42 Posts

As a DM i would not allow the Blood Drow Knife to be used in this way as you are not proficient with its use. Also Yes you can Substitute a minor for a move action as described in Players Handbook and that makes the Pathfinder Paragon very nice with your Nova.

Just because you're not proficient with it doesn't mean you can't activate it's powers. The only thing proficiency imparts is the bonus to hit.

If you were my DM i'd have to call you anal... the guy is just getting it because it looks cool. He can have it on a quaterstaff if he wanted to...

Back to the Eternal Defender... 2 Large Waraxes would be sick.. 3d6 damage..

Not sure what i would preffer 3d6 damage or 1d12 High Crit Brutal 2..

#31 May 11, 2010 23:27:33

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

Well, Fullblades get High Crit too. And they don't require me to stretch my stats like Axes do (I'd have to get Con 17 for Axe Mastery). Also, the +1 to hit makes a decent DPR difference in favor of the Heavy Blade. Lastly, Large Waraxes deal 2d6 damage, and I'd go for Waraxes, since Gauntlets of Destruction will make them average more damage and Deadly Axe will get them high crit.

I actually need a Heavy Blade or an Axe for Blood Fury, but yeah, at least you got the point.

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#32 May 11, 2010 23:31:14

Razalus

Joined Mar 2009

11 Posts

No indignation , Just felt that it was a bit of a reach to have an extra Weapon just for the effect, if your never going to use it ( My DM actually only allows us to have 1 weapon with a property at a time or 2 if your a Two weapon fighter, all other weapons we carry would just be normal magic weapons ).

I like your build and Think i might even use it for a bad guy thanks for your time in making and posting it.

#33 May 11, 2010 23:34:11

nachtsieger

Joined Jun 2008

566 Posts

No indignation , Just felt that it was a bit of a reach to have an extra Weapon just for the effect, if your never going to use it ( My DM actually only allows us to have 1 weapon with a property at a time or 2 if your a Two weapon fighter, all other weapons we carry would just be normal magic weapons ).

1.) How is it "a bit of a reach"?
2.) What your DM allows is completely irrelevant to this conversation.

#34 May 11, 2010 23:37:12

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

How is it a reach? It's 680 gp invested when you have enough gold to wipe your a$$ with the sum.

And it's not like ruling it doesn't work with a Long Knife changes anything: I'd just buy another Bastard Sword with the property. That said, it makes it a bit less fluffy.

I cannot comprehend how this could possibly be an issue.

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#35 May 11, 2010 23:40:18

Joined Nov 2005

42 Posts

Well, Fullblades get High Crit too. And they don't require me to stretch my stats like Axes do (I'd have to get Con 17 for Axe Mastery). Also, the +1 to hit makes a decent DPR difference in favor of the Heavy Blade. Lastly, Large Waraxes deal 2d6 damage, and I'd go for Waraxes, since Gauntlets of Destruction will make them average more damage and Deadly Axe will get them high crit.

I actually need a Heavy Blade or an Axe for Blood Fury, but yeah, at least you got the point.

Oh you're right Large War Axes would be 2d6 not 3d6...
Yeah.. the stats for masteries would limit one to heavy blades. Too bad.

No indignation , Just felt that it was a bit of a reach to have an extra Weapon just for the effect, if your never going to use it ( My DM actually only allows us to have 1 weapon with a property at a time or 2 if your a Two weapon fighter, all other weapons we carry would just be normal magic weapons ).

Yeah I don't understand why it's a bit of a reach to have an extra weapon.. I'm sorry but the group you play with seems pretty strict there. Does your DM let you roleplay your character or does he tell you what to do as well?

#36 May 11, 2010 23:43:03

Razalus

Joined Mar 2009

11 Posts

Actually it really is a non issue to me. Especially since you pointed out that you can use Blood Fury with Heavy Blades.

#37 May 11, 2010 23:47:16

Joined Nov 2005

42 Posts

Quick question, if Versatile Expertise were free, what would you get in its place? Would you consider Quickdraw, and ditch the scabbards? Or maybe improved/superior initiative? Or maybe pick something to be retrained to Beasthide Shifting at Paragon?

What's Versatile Expertise?

#38 May 11, 2010 23:48:26

auspex7

Joined Mar 2008

2499 Posts

The thing I'm hoping that most people get out of this is that this isn't a theoretical build, or an exercise in optimizing. This is a build that anyone could use in a real game, 1-30, and win encounters for Team Hero with it.

While a lot of people were smitten with the solo-slaying Nova of the Lord of the Pits, I'm far more enamored of the practicality of this build. With a stated goal of lonewolfing and taking targets out of play by yourself, it is very, very hard to find builds that do it more effectively than this one.

For starters, the Novas it throws down on a per-encounter basis are tailored to drop the absolute worst-case scenario bad guys. LDB calc'd the DPR based on average defenses for monsters of equal level, but based HP threshholds on the max for a Brute of equal level. In other words, the guys he's dropping with that Nova are exaggerated in toughness. In reallity, this guy drops any Standard monster he faces, and still has a lot left in the tank.

Relating to staying power...

LDB is being very modest. The actual DPR the vast majority of same level monsters deliver to the Trailblazer after level 16 arrives is in single-digits. He can easily hold up under focus fire from two enemies for 4 turns, which is the typical length of time it will take him to drop two same-level Brutes.

To avoid turning this into a wall of text, I'm going to leave it at that.

This is, by far, my favorite of LDB's Ranger builds to date.

When all else fails... play dead. Swift & Without Mercy: A Guide to Pursuit Avengers Killswitch: Artificer|Warlord "We Win" build. BLITZ!: SorcLord Alpha Burst Build Buddy Jesus, Invoker|Warlock Focus-Fire specialist and Image Consultant Your Mom; Artificer/Exorcist of the Silver Flame/Demigod, temp HP generator Kinky! Whip-wielding Fighter/Adroit Explorer/Ceaseless Guardian

#39 May 11, 2010 23:52:17

Joined Aug 2007

8412 Posts

Thanks, Auspex7 (and thanks for taking the time to pore over the build with me and help me make a couple of hard choices on it).

Barbarian Bruiser Beowulf, Master of Grabs Genasi Novalord Hurricane Mr. Smith Raging Blizzard Shoot to Thrill Slash & Dash Stormbringer Taskmaster Time Bomb Trailblazer Wolfpack Guardian

#40 May 11, 2010 23:55:32

Joined Nov 2005

42 Posts

I agree 100% Auspex. The only reason I had said what I said earlier was that, as you had stated, the sheer offensive force of the Lord of the Pits was insane! It was drewl worthy.

My suggestions were builds that try to emulate that.

LDB is my hero for coming up with the combinations he does since i predominantly play the Ranger.

I just like pure damage output and leave the survivabilty to my Leader. He'll be in charge of keeping me alive.

#41 May 12, 2010 1:22:36

auspex7

Joined Mar 2008

2499 Posts