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 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 PHB 3 - Player's Handbook 3
Gear (Expected GP = 100): Broadsword (2) (AV) (20 gp each, 40 gp total) Hide armor (PHB) (30 gp) Javelin (2) (PHB) (5 gp each, 10 gp total) Standard adventurer's kit (PHB) (15 gp) 5 gp
Discussion:
The ability score breakdown will be important for Slash & Dash. Strength and Dexterity receive the lion's share of the points (9 out of 22 each, for a 16 before racial modifiers) because most of your attack rolls will involve Strength, and Dexterity will help buff your most important defense in AC. Wisdom grabs most of the remaining points (3 out of 22, for a 13 before racial modifiers) for feat qualification purposes, as well as patching up that Will defense. Constitution receives the last point (1 out of 22, for an 11 before racial modifiers) for an extra bit of toughness. Intelligence and Charisma do little here.
Early on, we want to pack plenty of punch, so the Broadsword with its d10 damage die and Weapon Focus is the order of the day. We can't neglect Ranged combat, so the Javelins have made their way into the build. The skills have been chosen to most effectively use the character's ability scores.
On the power front, Twin Strike will be your bread-and-butter damage option, and Throw and Stab is useful in the majority of situations the former is not. Off-Hand Strike gives you another chance to pile on the damage, and Jaws of the Wolf provides some major kick as well.
Discussion: At this level, you pick up some accuracy by trading in your Broadswords for Bastard Swords, you pick up a quality disengage + heal button in Invigorating Stride, and you get your first taste of magic items. While you may not always get the ones you want, you should strive to get Predator's Hide, as it provides a bonus to all defenses against your Quarry. A Farbond Spellblade also gives you a Ranged option.
Discussion: At this level, you pick up Ruffling Sting for some more nova punch, and you upgrade your main hand Bastard Sword to the excellent Harmony Blade property, as well as grabbing the Cloak of Resistance for a boost to your other defenses.
Discussion: At this level, Heavy Blade Expertise makes you even more accurate, and you invest in Strength and Dexterity as well. On the item front, it's best to stand pat for now.
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) L4 (840 gp): +1 Harmony Blade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L3 (680 gp): +1 Predator's Hide Armor (AV 2) L2 (520 gp): +1 Cloak of Resistance (PHB) L2 (520 gp): +1 Farbond Spellblade Bastard Sword (AV 2) TOTAL: 4,360 gp
Discussion: At this level, Frenzied Skirmish gives you a way to approach an enemy and inflict some mean damage and debuffs while you're there, and the Iron Armbands of Power gives you a very welcome bonus to damage.
Discussion: Here, Two-Weapon Fighting gives you a nice bonus to damage, and Death Threat gives you some nice action advantage along with combat advantage. The Baffling Cape makes your bonus to defenses against OA's better.
Discussion: At this point, you get an AC and Reflex bump in Two-Weapon Defense, you get a modifier boost for your main ability scores, and you upgrade your Neck Item to a Steadfast Amulet.
Discussion: Here, Resume the Hunt gives you a nice free action reload, Battle Awareness offers you a quality extra attack opportunity, and the Boots of Eagerness lets you get where you need to go fast, and the Blood Fury Long Knife gives you a nice emergency button.
Discussion: This level is a big change in how you do things; the Blade Dancer Paragon Path offers you more defense if you can hit consistently, along with a nice AP feature and a mindblowing Encounter power in Cross-Body Parry. Additionally, the Prime Punisher feat will give you a nice bonus to hit when fighting one on one. This level will be quiet on the item front, though.
Discussion: At this level, Called Shot gives you a sizable damage bonus when attacking a target alone, Misleading Bladework gives you a neat Daily to work with, and your armor gets upgraded too.
Discussion: At this level, you get bumps to your main ability scores, get a nice bonus to damage in Lethal Hunter, and you also upgrade your Neck item.
Discussion: Here, Cutting Steps offers you a neat boost to AC and damage, and the Iron Armbands of Power reinforce the latter with even more damage. Improved Defenses and Ranger's Parry will help keep you safe as well.
Discussion: This level features a Neck upgrade together for a sizable boost to defenses other than AC, as well as some future investment in your main ability scores. While Iron Will may not be all that great, neither is your Will defense, so you need it right now.
Changes: +5 HP +1 to attacks, defenses, and checks New Daily Attack Power: Blade Dance (MP) New Feat: Durable (PHB)
Magic Items (Expected GP = 560,000): L19 (105,000 gp): +4 Harmony Blade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Predator's Darkhide Armor (AV 2) L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Steadfast Amulet (AV) L18 (85,000 gp): Gauntlets of Destruction (PHB) L17 (65,000 gp): +4 Farbond Spellblade Bastard Sword (AV 2) 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): 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): Boots of Eagerness (AV) 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) TOTAL: 541,080 gp
Discussion: Here, you pick up the final installment of the Blade Dancer's goodies, as well as plenty of items to make your attack, damage, and initiative rolls all better. Last but not least, Durable gives you 2 extra surges (though it's a placeholder feat for what's to come).
Changes: +13 HP Ability Score Boosts: +3 Strength (26), +1 Constitution (13), +3 Dexterity (26), +1 Intelligence (12), +1 Wisdom (15), +1 Charisma (10) New Epic Destiny: Destined Scion (HotFK) New Feats: Prime Quarry (MP), Rending Tempest (MP) (replaces Durable)
Magic Items (Expected GP = 800,000): L19 (105,000 gp): +4 Harmony Blade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Predator's Darkhide Armor (AV 2) L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Steadfast Amulet (AV) L18 (85,000 gp): Gauntlets of Destruction (PHB) L17 (65,000 gp): +4 Farbond Spellblade Bastard Sword (AV 2) 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): 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): Boots of Eagerness (AV) 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) TOTAL: 541,080 gp
Discusssion: You get some big ability score bumps here (thanks to the Destined Scion), as well as a boost to your nova damage in Rending Tempest and some enhanced accuracy via Prime Quarry. Unfortunately, this level will be quiet as far as items go.
Changes: +5 HP +1 to attacks, defenses, and checks New Feats: Epic Will (PHB 2), Heavy Blade Mastery (PHB) (replaces Iron Will) New Utility Power: Adamant Recovery (MP)
Magic Items (Expected GP = 1,200,000): L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Predator's Stalkerhide Armor (AV 2) L19 (105,000 gp): +4 Harmony Blade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L18 (85,000 gp): +4 Steadfast Amulet (AV) L18 (85,000 gp): Gauntlets of Destruction (PHB) L17 (65,000 gp): +4 Farbond Spellblade Bastard Sword (AV 2) 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): 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): Boots of Eagerness (AV) 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) TOTAL: 881,080 gp
Discussion: At this level, you pick up an expanded crit range in Heavy Blade Mastery, a big boost for your bad NAD in Epic Will, some recovery in Adamant Recovery, as well as an armor upgrade.
Changes: +6 HP +1 to attacks, defenses, and checks Ability Score Boosts: +1 Strength (27), +1 Dexterity (27) New Feat: Martial Mastery (MP)
Magic Items (Expected GP = 2,100,000): L24 (525,000 gp): +5 Harmony Blade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Predator's Stalkerhide Armor (AV 2) L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Steadfast Amulet (AV) L22 (325,000 gp): +5 Farbond Spellblade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L18 (85,000 gp): Gauntlets of Destruction (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) L13 (17,000 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): Boots of Eagerness (AV) L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2) TOTAL: 1,949,080 gp
Discussion: At this level, you pick up some power recovery in the form of Martial Mastery, invest some ability score points, and upgrade your Neck item as well as your scabbards.
Changes: +5 HP New Daily Attack Power: Circling Cascade (MP 2) (replaces Attacks on the Run)
Magic Items (Expected GP = 2,800,000): L25 (625,000 gp): Belt of Titan Strength (PHB) L24 (525,000 gp): +5 Harmony Blade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Predator's Stalkerhide Armor (AV 2) L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Steadfast Amulet (AV) L22 (325,000 gp): +5 Farbond Spellblade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L18 (85,000 gp): Gauntlets of Destruction (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) L13 (17,000 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): Boots of Eagerness (AV) L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2) TOTAL: 2,574,080 gp
Discussion: At this level, we can upgrade Attacks on the Run to Circling Cascade, which offers more attacks and safer movement. On the item front, the Belt of Titan Strength offers some big-time nova muscle.
Changes: +5 HP +1 to attacks, defenses, and checks New Feat: Ferocious Critical (PHB 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) L25 (625,000 gp): Belt of Titan Strength (PHB) L24 (525,000 gp): +5 Harmony Blade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Predator's Stalkerhide Armor (AV 2) L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Steadfast Amulet (AV) L22 (325,000 gp): +5 Farbond Spellblade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L18 (85,000 gp): Gauntlets of Destruction (PHB) L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV) L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV) L14 (21,000 gp): Casque of Tactics (Paragon Tier) (AV) L13 (17,000 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): Boots of Eagerness (AV) L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2) TOTAL: 3,654,080 gp
Discussion: At this level, Ferocious Critical gives you a neat boost on critical hits, Epic Recovery is a great way to keep yourself up and running, and the Iron Armbands of Power add some more steam to your hits.
Changes: +5 HP New Encounter Attack Power: Death Rend (PHB) (replaces Untamed Outburst)
Magic Items (Expected GP = 6,000,000): L28 (2,125,000 gp): +6 Predator's Elderhide Armor (AV 2) L26 (1,125,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV) L25 (625,000 gp): Belt of Titan Strength (PHB) L24 (525,000 gp): +5 Harmony Blade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Steadfast Amulet (AV) L23 (425,000 gp): Eye of Awareness (AV) L22 (325,000 gp): +5 Farbond Spellblade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L18 (85,000 gp): Gauntlets of Destruction (PHB) 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 2) L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381) L9 (4,200 gp): Backlash Tattoo (AV 2) L9 (4,200 gp): Boots of Eagerness (AV) L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Fury Drow Long Knife (AV 2) TOTAL: 5,758,080 gp
Discussion: Here, the brutal Death Rend offers an Encounter stun, which is too good to pass up if you ask me. Your last armor upgrade gets purchased here, as well as a major upgrade for your Head slot in the Eye of Awareness.
Changes: +6 HP +1 to attacks, defenses, and checks Ability Score Boosts: +1 Strength (28), +1 Dexterity (28) New Feat: Superior Will (HotFL)
Magic Items (Expected GP = 8,000,000): L28 (2,125,000 gp): +6 Predator's Elderhide Armor (AV 2) L26 (1,125,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV) L25 (625,000 gp): Belt of Titan Strength (PHB) L24 (525,000 gp): +5 Harmony Blade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L24 (525,000 gp): Zephyr Boots (AV) L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Steadfast Amulet (AV) L23 (425,000 gp): Eye of Awareness (AV) L22 (325,000 gp): +5 Farbond Spellblade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L18 (85,000 gp): Gauntlets of Destruction (PHB) 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 2) 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: 6,278,880 gp
Discussion: At this level, you cash in on your final ability score investments, and the Superior Will helps the weak spot on your defenses. Lastly, the Zephyr Boots offer the ability to fly.
Magic Items (Expected GP = 10,000,000): L29 (2,625,000 gp): +6 Harmony Blade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L28 (2,125,000 gp): +6 Predator's Elderhide Armor (AV 2) L27 (1,625,000 gp): +6 Farbond Spellblade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L26 (1,125,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV) L25 (625,000 gp): Belt of Titan Strength (PHB) L24 (525,000 gp): Zephyr Boots (AV) L23 (425,000 gp): +5 Steadfast Amulet (AV) L23 (425,000 gp): Eye of Awareness (AV) L18 (85,000 gp): Gauntlets of Destruction (PHB) 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 2) 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: 9,678,880 gp
Discussion: While there are some things to like about the Ranger's final batch of Dailies, I am of the opinion you're better off with your current lineup. On the positive side, you finally get your final weapons upgrade. Now to immortality...
Changes: +5 HP +1 to attacks, defenses, and checks New Feats: Superior Fortitude (HotFL), Superior Reflexes (HotFL) (replaces Improved Defenses)
Magic Items (Expected GP = 14,625,000): L29 (2,625,000 gp): +6 Harmony Blade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L28 (2,125,000 gp): +6 Predator's Elderhide Armor (AV 2) L28 (2,125,000 gp): +6 Steadfast Amulet (AV) L27 (1,625,000 gp): +6 Farbond Spellblade Bastard Sword (AV 2) L27 (1,625,000 gp): Shadow Band (AV) L26 (1,125,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV) L26 (1,125,000 gp): Violet Solitaire (AV) L25 (625,000 gp): Belt of Titan Strength (PHB) L24 (525,000 gp): Zephyr Boots (AV) L23 (425,000 gp): Eye of Awareness (AV) L18 (85,000 gp): Gauntlets of Destruction (PHB) 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 2) 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: 14,128,880 gp
Discussion: Well, this is it: All your items have been purchased, all your feats have been taken, everything is good to go. Enjoy being awesome.
Build Goal and Tactics
This build's goal is simple: hit hard, and don't get hit back. To that end, it employs a prodigal array of defense bonuses that trigger on a hit to ensure that anyone unfortunate enough to attract his attention will find it extremely hard to land a reprisal attack. Additionally, he enjoys the typical array of Ranger multiattacks, plus a truly excellent one from his own Paragon Path.
The tactics don't differ much from most other Rangers: you pick a target, you get in a 1-on-1 with it, and then you beat it senseless. Thanks to the fact that you don't get hit a whole lot, you can actually hold a position for a decent amount of time, which can help take pressure off the rest of a party. And as with all Rangers, you can wreck some serious face if so inclined.
Questions, thoughts, and comments are welcome.
"The best defense is a good offense." -Gen. George S. Patton
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. Lastly, we will also be looking at how a typical round's worth of attacks can increase Slash & Dash's defenses, both against his target and any other enemies.
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.
Twin Strike: 2 attacks, +17 vs. AC (+18 vs. AC if no other allies are adjacent) Hit: 1d10+7 damage Critical: 2d6+17 damage Harmony Blade, Hit: 1d10+12 damage Harmony Blade, Critical: 2d6+22 damage Hunter's Quarry: +2d6 damage
Twin Strike: 2 attacks, +22 vs. AC (+23 vs. AC if no other allies are adjacent) Hit: 1d10+16 damage Critical: 3d6+26 damage Harmony Blade, Hit: 1d10+22 damage Harmony Blade, Critical: 3d6+32 damage Hunter's Quarry: +2d8 damage
Twin Strike: 2 attacks, +28 vs. AC (+30 vs. AC if no other allies are adjacent) Hit: 2d10+18 damage, reroll all 1’s Critical: 4d6+46 damage, reroll all 1’s Harmony Blade, Hit: 3d10+26 damage, reroll all 1’s Harmony Blade, Critical: 4d6+64 damage, reroll all 1’s Hunter's Quarry: +3d8 damage, reroll all 1’s Rending Tempest: +1d10 damage, reroll all 1's
Twin Strike: 2 attacks, +33 vs. AC (+35 vs. AC if no other allies are adjacent) Hit: 2d10+21 damage, reroll all 1’s Critical: 5d6+51 damage, reroll all 1’s Harmony Blade, Hit: 3d10+33 damage, reroll all 1’s Harmony Blade, Critical: 5d6+73 damage, reroll all 1’s Hunter's Quarry: +3d8 damage, reroll all 1’s Rending Tempest: +1d10 damage, reroll all 1’s
Twin Strike: 2 attacks, +37 vs. AC (+39 vs. AC if no other allies are adjacent) Hit: 2d10+22 damage, reroll all 1's Critical: 6d6+54 damage, reroll all 1's Hunter's Quarry: +3d8 damage, reroll all 1's Rending Tempest: +1d10 damage, reroll all 1's Harmony Blade, Hit: 3d10+34 damage, reroll all 1’s Harmony Blade, Critical: 6d6+76 damage, reroll all 1’s
Turn 2 (Action): Standard Action – Lashing Leaves (+23 vs. AC) • 1d10+22 damage • 1d10+22 damage • All subsequent attacks receive +3 damage Free Action - Furious Assault • 1d10 damage Minor Action – Off-Hand Diversion (+23 vs. AC) • 1d10+25 damage ACTION POINT (use Dual-Blade Action instead of taking an extra action) Standard Action – Melee Basic Attack (+25 vs. AC with CA) • 1d10+27 damage Standard Action – Melee Basic Attack (+25 vs. AC with CA) • 1d10+27 damage Minor Action – Ruffling Sting (+25 vs. AC with CA) • 1d10+25 damage Hunter's Quarry • 2d8 damage
Total Damage: 7d10+2d8+148 damage (185.5 average damage)
Highest HP on a L16 Standard Monster: 192 (Eisk Jaat Mauler)
Turn 2 (Action): Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Ruby Scabbard Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Ruby Scabbard Standard Action – Untamed Outburst (+32 vs. AC) • 2d10+27 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+27 damage, reroll all 1's Minor Action – Off-Hand Diversion (+32 vs. Fort with CA) • 2d10+26 damage, reroll all 1's Free Action - Furious Assault • 1d10 damage, reroll all 1's Minor Action – Ruffling Sting (+32 vs. AC with CA) • 2d10+26 damage, reroll all 1's ACTION POINT (use Dual-Blade Action instead of taking an extra action) Standard Action – Melee Basic Attack (+32 vs. AC with CA) • 3d10+28 damage, reroll all 1's Standard Action – Melee Basic Attack (+32 vs. AC with CA) • 3d10+28 damage, reroll all 1's Hunter's Quarry • 3d8 damage, reroll all 1's
Total Damage: 16d10+3d8+162 damage, reroll all 1's (273 average damage)
Highest HP on a L21 Standard Monster: 245 (Ziggurat Mummy)
Turn 2 (Action): Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard Standard Action – Untamed Outburst (+37 vs. AC) • 2d10+32 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+32 damage, reroll all 1's Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+37 vs. Fort with CA) • 3d10+29 damage, reroll all 1's Minor Action – Off-Hand Diversion (+37 vs. AC with CA) • 2d10+29 damage, reroll all 1's Free Action - Furious Assault • 1d10 damage, reroll all 1's ACTION POINT (use Dual-Blade Action instead of taking an extra action) Standard Action – Melee Basic Attack (+37 vs. AC with CA) • 3d10+31 damage, reroll all 1's Standard Action – Melee Basic Attack (+37 vs. AC with CA) • 3d10+31 damage, reroll all 1's Hunter's Quarry • 3d8 damage, reroll all 1's
Total Damage: 17d10+3d8+184 damage, reroll all 1's (301 average damage)
Highest HP on a L26 Standard Monster: 293 (Yuan-Ti Abomination Berserker)
Turn 2 (Action): Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Sapphire Scabbard Standard Action – Death Rend (+39 vs. AC) • 2d10+34 damage, reroll all 1's • 4d10+34 damage, reroll all 1's Free Action - Furious Assault • 1d10 damage, reroll all 1's Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+41 vs. Fort with AC) • 3d10+31 damage, reroll all 1's Minor Action – Off-Hand Diversion (+41 vs. AC with CA) • 2d10+31 damage, reroll all 1's ACTION POINT (use Dual-Blade Action instead of taking an extra action) Standard Action – Melee Basic Attack (+41 vs. AC with CA) • 3d10+33 damage, reroll all 1's Standard Action – Melee Basic Attack (+41 vs. AC with CA) • 3d10+33 damage, reroll all 1's Hunter's Quarry • 3d8 damage, reroll all 1's
Total Damage: 18d10+3d8+198 damage, reroll all 1's (321 average damage)
Highest HP on a L30 Standard Monster: 339 (Giant Squid)
Minor Action – Ruffling Sting (+11 vs. AC) • 1d10+9 damage Free Action - Furious Assault • 1d10 damage ACTION POINT Minor Action – Off-Hand Strike (+13 vs. AC with CA) • 1d10+9 damage Standard Action – Jaws of the Wolf (+11 vs. AC) • 2d10+9 damage • 2d10+9 damage Standard Action – Twin Strike (+11 vs. AC) • 1d10+5 damage • 1d10+5 damage Hunter's Quarry • 1d6 damage
Total Damage: 9d10+1d6+46 damage (99 average damage)
Highest HP on a L6 Elite Monster: 182 (Goblin Mass)
Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Ruby Scabbard Free Action – Item Encounter Power: Ruby Scabbard Standard Action – Cruel Cage of Steel (+32 vs. AC) • 2d10+27 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+27 damage, reroll all 1's • 2d10+26 damage, reroll all 1's Minor Action – Off-Hand Diversion (+32 vs. AC with CA) • 2d10+26 damage, reroll all 1's ACTION POINT Free Action - Furious Assault • 1d10 damage Standard Action – Blade Cascade (+32 vs. AC with CA) • 3d10+26 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+26 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+26 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+26 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+26 damage, reroll all 1's Minor Action – Ruffling Sting (+32 vs. AC with CA) • 2d10+26 damage, reroll all 1's Hunter's Quarry • 3d8 damage, reroll all 1's
Total Damage: 27d10+3d8+262 damage, reroll all 1's (439 average damage)
Highest HP on a L21 Elite Monster: 534 (Ketheptis)
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Belt of Titan Strength Standard Action – Circling Cascade (+35 vs. AC) • 2d10+39 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+39 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+39 damage, reroll all 1's Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+37 vs. Fort with CA) • 3d10+39 damage, reroll all 1's ACTION POINT (recover Nonchalant Collapse via Martial Mastery) Free Action - Furious Assault • 1d10 damage Standard Action – Blade Cascade (+37 vs. AC with CA) • 3d10+39 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+39 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+39 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+39 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+39 damage, reroll all 1's Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+37 vs. Fort with CA) • 3d10+39 damage, reroll all 1's Hunter's Quarry • 3d8 damage, reroll all 1's
Total Damage: 29d10+3d8+390 damage, reroll all 1's (579 average damage)
Free Action – Item Daily Power: Belt of Titan Strength Standard Action – Circling Cascade (+39 vs. AC) • 2d10+41 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+41 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+41 damage, reroll all 1's Free Action - Furious Assault • 1d10 damage Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+41 vs. Fort with CA) • 3d10+41 damage, reroll all 1's ACTION POINT (recover Nonchalant Collapse via Martial Mastery) Standard Action – Blade Cascade (+41 vs. AC with CA) • 3d10+41 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+41 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+41 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+41 damage, reroll all 1's • 3d10+41 damage, reroll all 1's Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+41 vs. Fort with CA) • 3d10+41 damage, reroll all 1's Hunter's Quarry • 3d8 damage, reroll all 1's
Total Damage: 30d10+3d8+410 damage, reroll all 1's (605 average damage)
Conditional Bonuses: +1 Harmony Blade (-2 to attacks against you for a target you hit with your main hand and off hand weapon in the same turn) +1 Predator's Hide (+1 to all defenses against a Quarry you deal Hunter's Quarry damage to)
Effective Defenses: Normal - 21/19/19/15 Predator's Hide - 22/20/20/16 against the target; 21/19/19/15 otherwise Harmony Blade, Predator's Hide - 24/22/22/18 against the target; 21/19/19/15 otherwise
Conditional Bonuses: +2 Harmony Blade (-2 to attacks against you for a target you hit with your main hand and off hand weapon in the same turn) +2 Predator's Hide (+1 to all defenses against a Quarry you deal Hunter's Quarry damage to) Dancing Defense (+2 to AC and Reflex when you hit with two or more melee attacks on your turn)
Effective Defenses: Normal - 26/23/24/19 Predator's Hide - 27/24/25/20 against the target; 26/23/24/19 otherwise Dancing Defense, Harmony Blade, Predator's Hide - 31/26/29/22 against the target; 28/23/26/19 otherwise
Conditional Bonuses: +3 Harmony Blade (-2 to attacks against you for a target you hit with your main hand and off hand weapon in the same turn) +3 Predator's Earthhide (+2 to all defenses against a Quarry you deal Hunter's Quarry damage to) Dancing Defense (+2 to AC and Reflex when you hit with two or more melee attacks on your turn)
Effective Defenses: Normal - 32/29/29/23 Predator's Hide - 34/31/31/25 against the target; 32/29/29/23 otherwise Dancing Defense, Harmony Blade, Predator's Hide - 38/33/35/27 against the target; 34/29/31/23 otherwise
Conditional Bonuses: +4 Harmony Blade (-2 to attacks against you for a target you hit with your main hand and off hand weapon in the same turn) +4 Predator's Darkhide (+2 to all defenses against a Quarry you deal Hunter's Quarry damage to) Dancing Defense (+2 to AC and Reflex when you hit with two or more melee attacks on your turn)
Effective Defenses: Normal - 38/36/37/30 Predator's Hide - 40/38/39/32 against the target; 38/36/37/30 otherwise Dancing Defense, Harmony Blade, Predator's Hide - 44/40/43/34 against the target; 40/36/39/30 otherwise
Conditional Bonuses: +5 Harmony Blade (-2 to attacks against you for a target you hit with your main hand and off hand weapon in the same turn) +5 Predator's Stalkerhide (+3 to all defenses against a Quarry you deal Hunter's Quarry damage to) Dancing Defense (+2 to AC and Reflex when you hit with two or more melee attacks on your turn)
Effective Defenses: Normal - 42/41/41/38 Predator's Hide - 45/44/44/41 against the target; 42/41/41/38 otherwise Dancing Defense, Harmony Blade, Predator's Hide - 49/46/48/43 against the target; 44/41/43/38 otherwise
Conditional Bonuses: +6 Harmony Blade (-2 to attacks against you for a target you hit with your main hand and off hand weapon in the same turn) +6 Predator's Elderhide (+3 to all defenses against a Quarry you deal Hunter's Quarry damage to) Dancing Defense (+2 to AC and Reflex when you hit with two or more melee attacks on your turn) Shadow Band (+2 to all defenses against melee or ranged attacks)
Effective Defenses: Normal - 47/45/46/43 (49/47/48/45 against Melee or Ranged) Predator's Hide - 50/48/49/46 against the target (52/50/51/48 against Melee or Ranged); 47/45/46/43 otherwise (49/47/48/45 against Melee or Ranged) Dancing Defense, Harmony Blade, Predator's Hide - 54/50/53/48 against the target (56/52/55/50 against Melee or Ranged); 49/45/48/43 otherwise (51/47/50/45 against Melee or Ranged)
"The best defense is a good offense." -Gen. George S. Patton
Progression looks very even/steady. Not a lot of soft levels. Defenses are solid basically all the way up. At-Will DPR obviously scales evenly. Kill rate should be very good.
Mountain Cleave Rule: You can have any sort of fun, including broken, silly fun, so long as I get to have that fun too (e. g., if you can warp reality with your spells, I can cleave mountains with my blade).
Glad you guys like it. Let me address some comments.
@Auspex7: Yep. The gold progression came out more smoothly than I had expected, given the cost of the items involved. I was able to afford virtually everything I wanted when I wanted it.
@Alcestis: Yeah, Cross-Body Parry is pretty nuts. I had actually been looking to finish this build for a long time, but I only just recently got around to it. Blade Dancer, like Pathfinder, is pretty underrated because of its more defensive outlook, but it makes a Ranger very hard to drop.
@Armisael: Woo-hoo, theme song! Nice.
@shampo0: It doesn't use Permafrost and it doesn't need it, frankly; the Harmony Blade/Farbond Spellblade combo gives me increased options (debuffs my enemy on a hit which goes into my "hit and not get hit" theme, gives me access to a Ranged option all the time, which is great because I am just as good at Ranged Twin Strike as I am at Melee).
"The best defense is a good offense." -Gen. George S. Patton
Looks like a solid build, from the quick look I took. I always like to see your builds. I find that most builds posted here are cool in theory, but useless in practice. They either optimize for one thing and ignore everything else to the point they can't function outside some limited scenarios, or they're total junk until they get the right features at epic tier. This build, like the Trailblazer, looks potent and playable in the real world, and at any level.
