Scouting, Spying and Shooting on behalf of her People (and Robin Hood) PvM (1-40) and PvP
LADY MARIAN (“Wildwood Maiden”) By Deborah “Tyr” Templar (with joint credit to Tattoed Monk)
* Credits: I would like to thank Tattoed Monk for working with me tirelessly on this build throughout the entire creation process, from start to finish, in bringing this build and concept to life; as such, TM deserves half the credit for this build – thank you, TM (whose efforts are appreciated, and fully acknowledged)
Quote: MARIAN: Courageous, smart, proud Marian is as adventurous a champion of the poor as Robin. Marian must appear to toe the line in Nottingham for the sake of her father, but her toughness belies the pain of lost love: her heart is yet to be unlocked. The years may have eroded Marian's gentleness but they have left untouched her generosity of spirit and keen sense of duty to her people.
Excerpt from, “Robin Hood (the Series): Characters and Actors” (BBC: UK, 2007)
Other Builds: While not the first of her kind in terms of the class combo (there being 6 others, and include some of the very first builds in the guild, which are all cool, but nothing quite like this one (though, as true today as it was way back then: AA+HiPs=Fun!). That said, this build (combo and split) was carefully and specifically selected for RP-purposes—i.e., to represent our shared vision of Lady Marion (or Maid Marian, as she is also know), as this build is part of the Robin Hood series.
The Concept Lady Marian: a high borne noble woman, the daughter of an Earl, she cared about her people. She was also Robin’s “partner in crime.” Whether they be childhood sweethearts or, as the original tales go, met in the Sherwood, where Lady Marian was passing through, to be stopped by the famous outlaw and his band who demanded of her gold, which only led, on her challenge, to a dual between herself and Robin since she refused to hand over her purse. Impressed by her bold nature and prowess, and she being curious as to what this supposed “good cause” of theirs was (to which Robin said her gold would go), they began to talk. On finding they shared common goals to help her people, who were starving under King John's rule, she knew that she had to help. Despite the real danger and risk to herself (and more importantly to her, her father), she agreed to spy for Robin, thus secretly becoming a member of the “merry men,” obtaining important information from the Sheriff and the royal court, and passing it to Robin.
It is a tale of intrigue, danger, romance, and adventure, in which Maid Marian plays a starring role: a noble woman, and yet an accomplished archer, a champion of her people and thus also of Robin Hood, who is a dangerous outlaw in the eyes of her peers, and yet in Robin she sees a pure heart and much good; it is the reason why she risks so much, to support Robin and his efforts, to help the poor. Basically, she lives her whole life hiding in plain sight. As a member of the Royal Court she is seen but never suspected of supporting Robin Hood, and when she disguises herself to help him, she is seen but never associated with Maid Marian.
The Build: Hence, the combo: RP-wise (with elves being associated with royalty during medieval times), and making for a solid archer, too: balancing offense with defense, with nice bard flavor. With very good/high AB and 5 attacks/round (make that 6 hasted), she has good damage output with her bow, and also enjoys a decent melee presence. While not exactly a power house when it comes to melee (low damage being a typical weakness of non-sneak dexers, but which you’ll enhance with magic gear and/or by putting your UMD to good use (all of which, of course, enhances bow damage, too); that said, melee versatility is very nice for an archer to have, especially when combined with stealth/HiPs which she can spam to death (not to mention those special arrow AA abilities, combining w. HiPs i.e. dealing with mobs, which also be just plain fun, too!). Bolstered by decent HPs (over 400 and good for an archer), with improved evasion/very nice reflex, a very nice AC (uncanny dodge), with (early enough) epic dodge, and magic access, too: bard buffs, song, and full UMD (enhancing damage and shoring up will, for e.g.), with a decent enough skill-set (thanks to bard, but which could always be better, so true, so true). As such, she differs from other SD/AA builds, enjoying bow precision and very strong defense, with melee versatility; in short, she's a very solid archer, shooting exceptionally well solo PvM, while picking off enemies on behalf of any party PvP. Without further ado, please meet:
LADY MARIAN (“Wildwood Maiden”) Bard(8), Shadowdancer(10), Arcane Archer(22)
Race: Elf Alignment: Any non—lawful (theme: Chaotic Good)
Want more Bow AB? Drop bard, for another AA instead, moving SD10 down to level 39 (thus also ED) to top out your tumble, etc. here instead: you'd lose much of your umd versatility (but a have a few ranks for some scrolls at least), and be left with a 5/6th level bard song, but gain another +1 ab/+1 damage on your bow prowess.
Alternatively, more skills and spells (i.e., Bard Haste)? Then, drop starting dex to 19, up int to 12, and cha 13: cost -1 AB ranged+melee, but net access to third level bard spells (i.e., self-haste), and more skills (fully train i.e. taunt, disc or spellcraft, or as you prefer); also, you could get that lost AB right back by swapping epic toughness for grt. dex (thus, dex 36 again, but 20 less HPs), or as you prefer. -----
(ii) Mundane Rapier (AB and Damage) Mundane Rapier 41 AB +2 Song +2 Cat’s +1 Magic Weapon -- AB +46/41/36/31 (self-buffed) Damage: 1-6, +2 Bull's, +2 Song, +1 Magic Weapon (crit: 18-20/x2) Capped AB (+12 STR, haste, and +20 Weaponry/UMD): AB +67/62/57/52/67
V. Defense Vitals: AC: 31 bathing +3 mundane shield -- 34 AC +2 Cat’s +4 Mage Armor -- 40 AC (uncanny dodge)
Assuming Dex buffed and +5 items (incl. monk robes, sun soul boots (haste): 70 AC
Other: Spells (Ghostly Visage, Invisibility), Stealth/HiPs, Epic Dodge, and Full UMD
VI. Spell Casting: Bard, Level (2) Spells known/castings per day or rest: Cantrips: (5/3); Level 1 (4/4); Level 2 (4/3)
VII. Skillpoints: 192* Heal 3(2) Hide 43(56), +2 Cat’s, +1 song (59 adj.) Move Silently 43(56), +2 Cat’s, +1 song (59 adj.) Perform 14(15) Spellcraft 10(10) Tumble 40(53) UMD 39(40)
Bard Song, +1 all-skills
• Discipline Note: some may want to skim a few points from each of hide and m/s, drop spellcraft and heal entirely, and gimp umd (i.e., cross-train for scrolls, some items), in order to train up discipline (even although it would top out/adj. w. bull’s at 45 points), and notwithstanding stealth/HiPs, invisibility, ghostly visage, darkness, etc.; that said, please feel free to adjust your skill-set according to your own tastes/environs.
Edited By Bromium on 08/20/07 17:15
A brand new stealth sniper with a story. Nice build!
Quote: Posted 04/16/07 12:30 (GMT) -- TyrTemplar
Alternatively, more skills and spells (i.e., Bard Haste)? Then, drop starting dex to 19, up int to 12, and cha 13: cost -1 AB ranged+melee, but net access to third level bard spells (i.e., self-haste), and more skills (fully train i.e. taunt, disc or spellcraft, or as you prefer); also, you could get that lost AB right back by swapping epic toughness for grt. dex (thus, dex 36 again, but 20 less HPs), or as you prefer...//snip//... • Discipline Note: some may want to skim a few points from each of hide and m/s, drop spellcraft and heal entirely, and gimp umd (i.e., cross-train for scrolls, some items), in order to train up discipline (even although it would top out/adj. w. bull’s at 45 points), and notwithstanding stealth/HiPs, invisibility, ghostly visage, darkness, etc.; that said, please feel free to adjust your skill-set according to your own tastes/environs
Starting with Dex 19 and trading 20 hps for 46 skillpoints and lvl 3 spells is the way to go imo.
Quote: Rapid shot Mode: 57/52/47/42/57 (+ one if hasted, or: 57/52/47/42/57/57)
I have reason to believe it is 57/52/47/42/57/52 with the current patch.
Quote: AC: 31 bathing
I have always wondered what all these characters were doing naked _________________ The curve is more powerful than the sword -- BG courtesan
Thanks, Mick!
And appreciate the 'heads-up' re: haste effects and the latest patch (hmmm, just when things are working like they're supposed to, along comes a patch and ... Ah, so now haste gives extra attack no longer at the highest but, rather at second highest AB? Interesting; as you guys know, I'm not a code person per se, and suppose this should be tested proper, but your word of course is good enough for me (thanks, Mick -- really appreciate that, and let's all take note of that folks
As to the disc/extra skills option(s), yeah, we puts those in to accomodate different tastes etc., and while disc isn't really necessary on a stealth archer, players might wanna consider training up disc for what its worth to enjoy her sword (kinda essential on a meelee'r we thinks so, too -- as to gimping umd for it, depends on the magic setting of one's world - i.e., in low magic where scrolls, items not exactly be plentiful, doesn't matter so much. But in higher magic settings, totally agreed as to the need/enjoyment of umd (hence, the extra skills route if you want ie disc., and in these settings makes total sense to drop ET for a grtdex, thus no change in AB (bow+sword), but a bunch more skills at the cost of only 20 HPs (yes, while extra HPs be nice, wld. still w. song come in just shy of 400 if you drop ET, so no biggie, especially since she does have HiPs, ED and of course net more skills, incl full retention of UMD
Thanks so much again, Mick - and yeah, these stealth snipers = fun! (very much an arcade-style/shoot 'em up feeling does she have, a total blast!
Also, appreciate your comments re: the story/concept, too. TM is equally responsible for that, not just the build but the story, too (in fact, it was his concept initially, and we ran with it) - so very glad to hear you enjoyed it: thanks so much!
Series Note/Upcoming: Ah, and now in terms of the series, we've Maid Marian here, who joins Alan A Dale (wildwood minstrel), Will Scarlett (wildwood mercenary), and Robin himself (wildwood warrior), as he was historically, i.e., a plate-wearing/sword wielding knight turned outlaw; that said, for all you fans of the legends of Robin as archer, I've an alternate Robin I'm about to post, in accordance w. the legends. Plus, TM be working on a Tuck and we've a LiL John in production, too (so stay tuned, folks
With that, all we needs now is a Sheriff and possibly a king john, too -- hmmm, as to the sheriff, some tales say he was a sorcerer, leader of some cult, taking lands etc. for so-called unpaid taxes, from which (in those days, not paid a salary or anything by the royal court), it was from these collections that sheriffs and deputies paid themselves -- that said, and while the tales totally vary as to the sheriff and his "rp-combo" hence, thinking, the series could use an arcanist in the group -if not the sheriff (hmm, iffy on that), then thinking this works wonderfully for the evil king -- any thoughts / interest here on that, guys? ~ Tyr
Edited By TyrTemplar on 04/21/07 15:35
Maid Marian, pictured and manifested in sooo many versions.
It doesn't seem like she needs saving this time. _________________ We are sons of Odin, and the fire that we burn inside is the legacy of warrior-kings who reign above in the sky I will lead the charge, my sword into the wind Sons of Odin fights to die and live again
I tested the AB of extra attacks in my "Dark Moon Agent" build. I found that if you have more than one extra attack, they suffer an AB penalty (Divine power, Flurry, Haste). But I haven't tested if that goes for rapid shot as well. Dark Moon Agent _________________ The curve is more powerful than the sword -- BG courtesan
Quote: Posted 04/21/07 19:51 (GMT) -- Grimnir77
Maid Marian, pictured and manifested in sooo many versions.
It doesn't seem like she needs saving this time.
Why, thank you, Sir Grim (and much appreciate your very kind note
Quote: Posted 04/22/07 10:11 (GMT) -- Mick Dagger
I tested the AB of extra attacks in my "Dark Moon Agent" build. I found that if you have more than one extra attack, they suffer an AB penalty (Divine power, Flurry, Haste). But I haven't tested if that goes for rapid shot as well.
Thanks, Mick – hears ya; took her and a couple other characters out, did my best to test some stuff in a couple different places (reviewing the box carefully), and here are my findings:
Ranged (AB): Self-Buff/Ordinary Mode: 59/54/49/44, with haste giving another attack at full AB 59, like it should; RS mode also works like it should (57/52/47/42/57), with haste coming in for the sixth attack, but no longer at the highest ab of the first attack, but at the second attack in the schedule instead, as follows: 57/52/47/42/57/52
When capped w. haste: Ordinary Mode: 81/76/71/66/81 * Rapid Shot Mode: 79/74/69/64/79/74
So, yeah, if I’m reading everything right, then it’s true of rapid shot, too -- strange, no? Oh, also found as you did (though not applicable to this build per se) that haste, as it relates to dual-wielding, seems to bring on extra main-hand attack as if single-wielding (in other words, at +2 ab over your first attack, thus ignoring the fact you’re supposed to be dual-wielding) – hmmm, so very odd, indeed. So, I’m thinking it’s a bug or something in 1.68 (unless it’s some kinda strange trade-off or something goin' on), but guess we’ll just have to wait and see …
Edited By TyrTemplar on 04/22/07 22:06
Just to clearify Haste and dual-wielding. That's how it is supposed to work. In PnP: Haste gives you another partial-action. Which can be used for either 1 normal attack, movement, etc. And a normal attack does not induce 2 weapon penalties even if you hold a weapon in the off-hand.
It has worked that way in Nwn as long as I can remember, and long before 1.68. _________________ We are sons of Odin, and the fire that we burn inside is the legacy of warrior-kings who reign above in the sky I will lead the charge, my sword into the wind Sons of Odin fights to die and live again
Thanks for that, Grim -- yeah, in pnp this was the case, but for some reason, not sure why, thought nwn1 did it differently (seems I got confused somewhere along the way, and wouldn't be the first time (thank goodness I can read the box...er, how long did *that* take?
Seriously, this (re haste + dual) is good to know, and thanks for clarifying that
(so, while 1.68 whether or not a bug so far as it seems to be effecting everything that gives extra attacks (be it haste and RS, or flurry, or whatever), at least we know duals working like it should be (er ... thanks, Uncle Grim
Edited By TyrTemplar on 04/22/07 22:37
Can you give me a list of links to all the robin hood series builds. They are amazing. Thank you so much for making them.
Kind Regards Willwoms _________________ Willwoms is the most super, amazing, fabulous, marvellous, exciting, dangerous and lethal dex sneak in Life vs Death.Well will be eventually. *slits your throat*.
An arcane archer with HiPS and Epic Dodge always works, it's pretty nice.
Hey, if you don't like to lose -5 after Haste + Rapid Shot (or also flurry or blows and divine power) just don't use version 1.68, the previous ones added all the attacks at max AB. _________________
Quote: Posted 12/19/06 19:54 (GMT) -- FinneousPJ
Thax the Shadow Dragon sez: MONKS USE KAMAS. Just ask him.
Quote: Posted 08/11/07 12:09 (GMT) -- Willwoms
Can you give me a list of links to all the robin hood series builds. They are amazing. Thank you so much for making them.
Kind Regards Willwoms
Please can someone give me a list _________________ Willwoms is the most super, amazing, fabulous, marvellous, exciting, dangerous and lethal dex sneak in Life vs Death.Well will be eventually. *slits your throat*.
On behalf of the Wildwood Gang, I thank you for your kind words, Willwoms (and you, too, Thax, everyone So glad to hear that you are enjoying Lady Marian, and the series. Please know that it is our pleasure, and always so very nice to hear
As to the other builds in the series, there's:
Robin Hood (also known as Robin of Locksley), as a “true-to-life” plate wearing/sword-wielding knight, in: Wildwood Warrior (Ranger 10, WM 22, FTR 8 ) , Click Here ; and also as depicted in the tales and movies, as a legendary archer, in: Wildwood Outlaw, The Archer’s Story (Ranger 26, Bard 1, Arcane Archer 13), Click Here
And His Merry Band of the Wildwoods which (in addition to Lady Marian) includes:
Will Scarlett, in: Green Knight, the Wildwood Mercenary (Ranger 30, WM 7, Bard 3) Click Here
Alan A Dale (also known as Alan O’Dale), in: Sherwood Blade, the Wildwood Minstrel (Ranger 26, Bard 14), Click Here
King Richard I, being the "good king" Robin Hood supports, in: Lionheart, the Wildwood Crusader (Paladin 15, Ranger 25): Click Here
His arch-nemesis, Prince John “the Usurper,” in: Sorcerer King, The Wildwood Prince (Sorcerer 26, Blackguard 4, Pale Master 10), Click Here
And of course, no Tale of the Wildwood would be complete without the Sheriff of Nottingham, being the sworn enemy of that no good wolf head Robin Hood, in: the Wildwood Tyrant (Blackguard 4, Rogue 17, Weapon Master 19), Click Here
Thank you so very much again, and truly happy to hear that you are enjoying the series.
Rob from the Rich, Give to the Poor, and Let the Legend of Robin Hood Live On! ~ Tyr (on behalf of the Wildwood Gang) _________________ "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good [people] to do nothing" -- Edmund Burke, Philosopher and Politician (1729-1797)
Edited By TyrTemplar on 08/16/07 20:59
A couple that you may have forgotten from the series is Little John and Will Scarlett (Robin's younger brother)
Would it be possible for you to do those, as the Sherwood series of builds is absolutely awesome .
Thanks again for your time and effort to complete this series.
Well he's got will scarlet but can you make little john and friar tuck please. I like monks.
Kind Regards Willwoms _________________ Willwoms is the most super, amazing, fabulous, marvellous, exciting, dangerous and lethal dex sneak in Life vs Death.Well will be eventually. *slits your throat*.
Ah, so now haste gives extra attack no longer at the highest but, rather at second highest AB? Interesting; as you guys know, I'm not a code person per se, and suppose this should be tested proper, but your word of course is good enough for me (thanks, Mick -- really appreciate that, and let's all take note of that folks 
.