Delivering a stunning performance and liberating foreign peoples (1-40) PvM and PvP

GREEN BERET (Torm’s Special Operative)
By Deborah “Tyr” Templar

Quote:  *Credits: I'd like to thank Tatooed Monk, whose comments and tireless work on a variety of characters that we are together developing for our joint "Wildwood series" have likewise been valuable to this build, such that TM deserves credit for this build, too

Concept:

As a member of Torm’s Special Forces, the prime mission of the Green Beret, Special Operative, is to train and assist foreign indigenous forces – in other words, a disciplined freedom fighter, providing counsel, assistance and training on behalf of his/her government and Torm, to all those who want to be free, in Torm's name—their motto being: De Oppresso Liber (“to free from oppression”).


The Build:

While not the first to utilize the CoT/Ranger/Monk combo (there being two others:
Bane Of Sneaky Types (Ranger 21 / Champion of Torm 18 / Monk 1), Click Here by Jennalee, and Tormite Hawkeye (Ranger 10 / Monk 12 / Champion of Torm 18), Click Here by Saosin777), the Operative is quite unique: with higher natural AB, a higher dev crit DC (as high as it gets for a human melee’r in fact), and the full benefit of the monk’s unarmed strike table/damage, among many other differences.

In fact, the Operative (strength based) enjoys not just one, but two weapon foci (Unarmed and Kama), with a Dev.Crit DC 42 (48 w. str. items), with an alternative option provided for you to enjoy three weapon foci (i.e., to deal two different damage types, in addition to your unarmed strike, in lieu of dev.crit.). While HPs are decent, and so, too, is AC (being mediocre for a monk perhaps, but on par with a plate-wielding melee’r), Operative comes equipped with high saves, monk speed, decent skills (incl. pretty good stealth and strong trapping), a very nice AB (especially for a monk), and, being strength based with 9 apr (10 hasted), s/he has the very real potential to deal exceptional damage – unarmed especially, but also kamas. The main draw back of this build is that, like most melee builds, Operative lacks UMD/magic access, apart from ranger buffs (and ranger scrolls i.e., aid, blade thirst, etc.), and thus no real way apart from equipment to raise his/her own AB; on the other hand, while the lack of UMD may be frustrating to some, it’s not terribly so, since Operative’s a monk (hence, entitled to full use of all monk equipment) with high saves, speed, and natural AB/damage all his/her own.

For those who prefer a more traditional monk, with the characteristically high AC, a DEX based variant follows (which is rather similar to the STR variant, albeit s/he has -1 AB and far less damage output as compared to the STR variant, but in turn enjoys a higher AC, among other differences). Without any further ado, please meet:


GREEN BERET (Torm’s Special Operative)
Champion of Torm(14), Ranger(10), Monk(16)

Race: Human; Alignment: Any Lawful (theme: Lawful Neutral or Lawful Good)

I. Attributes:
STR: 18 (34)
DEX: 10
CON: 12
WIS: 14
INT: 10
CHA: 8

II. Level Guide:
01: Ranger(1): luck of heros, toughness, favored enemy I, {Dual Wield}
02: Monk(1): {Cleave, Evasion, Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Fist}
03: Ranger(2): weapon focus: kama
04: Ranger(3): STR+1, (STR=19)
05: Ranger(4)
06: Ranger(5): weapon focus: unarmed, favored enemy II
07: Monk(2): {Deflect Arrows}
08: Ranger(6): STR+1, (STR=20)
09: Ranger(7): power attack
10: Ranger(8)
11: Ranger(9): {Improved Two-Weapon Fighting}
12: Champion of Torm(1): STR+1, great cleave*, (STR=21)
13: Champion of Torm(2): blind fight
14: Monk(3)
15: Monk(4): extra stunning attacks (or stealthy)
16: Champion of Torm(3): STR+1, {Smite Evil}, (STR=22)
17: Champion of Torm(4): improved critical: kama
18: Champion of Torm(5): great fortitude
19: Champion of Torm(6): improved critical: unarmed
20: Champion of Torm(7): STR+1, (STR=23)
21: Monk(5): great strength I, (STR=24)
22: Monk(6): {Knockdown, Improved Knockdown}
23: Champion of Torm(8): epic weapon focus: kama
24: Monk(7): STR+1, great strength II, (STR=26)
25: Monk(8)
26: Champion of Torm(9)
27: Monk(9): overwhelming critical: kama (or unarmed)*, {Improved Evasion}
28: Champion of Torm(10): STR+1, devastating critical: (as above)*, (STR=27)
29: Monk(10)
30: Monk(11): great strength III, (STR=28)
31: Monk(12)
32: Monk(13): STR+1, (STR=29)
33: Monk(14): great strength IV, (STR=30)
34: Monk(15)
35: Champion of Torm(11)
36: Champion of Torm(12): STR+1, great strength V, (STR=32)
37: Champion of Torm(13)
38: Champion of Torm(14): epic weapon focus: unarmed
39: Ranger(10): great strength VI, epic prowess, (STR=33)
40: Monk(16): STR+1, (STR=34)

Alternative (No Dev. Crit):
If dev. crit’s banned on your server, or you simply are uninterested in this feat, then feel free to drop: great cleave, overwhelming and devastating, in exchange for other feats of your own choosing, or as follows:

* Option A (AC/Stealth):
Trade in grt. cleave for stealthy (or called shot), and pick up i.e. 2 great wisdoms (for +1 AC, +1 will, and another point on your stun DC) or, if you prefer, armor skin (for +2 AC) and epic toughness (+20 HPs).

* Option B (Spare Weapon/Alternative Damage Source):
Prefer another off-hand weapon instead? If so, then consider dropping grt. cleave for i.e. WF: short sword, and picking up IC: short sword and EWF: short sword in epics—this, in order to deal two different damage types (kama for slashing, short sword for piercing and at the same time, same AB and damage calculations only different types and in accordance w. monk attack schedule, provided you wield a kama in main hand)

-------

III. Basics:

a. Hitpoints: 448

b. Saving Throws:
Fort: 36 (Immune to Poison, Disease)
Will: 29 (31 Mind-Effects)
Reflex: 30 (32 Cat’s, + Impr.Evasion)

Other:
- Monk Speed, Ranger Spells, and Stealth
- Divine Wrath (+5 AB/Damage, +5 all-saves; Duration: Unlock w. Charisma items)


IV. Combat Vitals:

a. DCs
Devastating Crit (DC): 42 (str. cap: 48); Stunning Fist (DC): 32 (wis. cap: 38)

b. Attack Bonus:
BAB: 29, AB (naked): 45 (melee focus: unarmed and kama), 42 (other melee-unfocussed) 30 (ranged)


A. Unarmed Strike (AB and Damage):
• No Buffs/Equip’t:
o AB – Ordinary: 45/42/39/36/33/30 * Flurry: 43/40/37/34/31/28/43
o Damage:
1-20+12, +5 power attack (-5 ab) (crit: 19-20/x2), x’s 7 hits/round (8 hasted)
o Total (Round): 126-259 damage per round (haste: 144-296 damage)*

• With +12 STR, haste, and +5 Monk Gloves w. 1d4 damage enhancement:
o AB—Ordinary: 56/53/50/47/44/41/56 * Flurry: 54/51/48/45/42/39/54/49
o Damage: 1-20+(19-22) +5 pow. attack (-5 ab) (crit: 19-20/x2), x’s 8 apr
o Total (Round): 200-376 damage per round


B. Kamas (AB and Damage):

i) Single Wield—AB 45 (see: unarmed strike schedule, above)
o Damage: 1-6+12, +5 pow.attack (-5 ab) (crit: 19-20/x2)
o Total: 17-23 per hit, x’s 7 apr flurry (126-161/round) (haste: 144-184)


ii) Dual Wielding: 43/40/37/34/31/28/43/38 (-2 flurry mode)
o Damage—Total(Round): 150-195 damage (haste: 168-218)

• Main: 1-6+12 +5 power attack (-5 ab)(crit: 19-20/x2); Total: (18-23), xs 7 apr flurry: 126-161 damage (8 haste: 144-184)

• Off: 1-6+6 +5 pow.attack (crit: 19-20/x2); Total: (12-17), xs 2 apr or: 24-34 damage


• With +12 STR, haste, and +5 keen Kamas:
o Dual-Wield: Main Hand: 54/51/48/45/42/39/56 Off: 54/49
o Flurry Mode: Main: 52/49/46/43/40/37/54/49 Off: 52/47

o Damage (10 apr):
Main: 1-6+23, +5 pow.attack (-5 ab) (18-20/x2), x’s 8 hits/round
Off Hand: 1-6+14, +5 pow.attack (18-20/x2), x’s 2 hits/round

• Bioware Caps—(AB) (+12 STR, +20 Weaponry):
o Unarmed/Single Kama: AB +71 (-2 flurry or dual) (-4 flurry + dual)


Note—Wrath & FEs:
In addition to Div.Wrath (+5 AB/Dam., unlock w. charisma) also has 2 favored enemies, which automatically adds +3 damage to each and every hit vs. your FEs (for PvP, might I suggest Dwarves and Humans?)


V. Defense Vitals:
23 AC (naked)
+2 Cat’s
--
25 AC (no equipment); assuming +5 items, haste, +12 wis and dex: AC 59)



VI. Spell Casting:
Ranger, Level (2)
Level 1 (2 spells) * Level 2 (2 spells)


VII. Skillpoints: 187*
Disable Trap 1(3)
Set Trap 19(19), +6 cat’s, one-w-land, or: 25 adjusted
Discipline 42(54)
Hide 42(42), +16 cat’s, one-w-land, camou, or: 58 adj.
Move Silently 42(42), +6 cat’s, one-w-land, or: 48 adj.
Tumble 40(40)

* feel free to adjust your Operative’s skill-set to suit your own preferences/environs

---------
NOTE: DEX variant follows in next post.

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Edited By Grimnir77 on 05/05/07 08:28

* DEX variant.

GREEN BERET -- Version 2 (DEX Variant)
Champion of Torm(14), Ranger(10), Monk(16)

Race: Human; Any Lawful (as above)

I. Attributes:
STR: 10
DEX: 17 (32)
CON: 12
WIS: 15 (18)
INT: 10
CHA: 9

II. Level Guide:
01: Ranger(1): toughness, weapon finesse, favored enemy I, {Dual Wield}
02: Monk(1): {Cleave, Evasion, Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Fist}
03: Ranger(2): weapon focus: kama
04: Ranger(3): DEX+1, (DEX=18)
05: Ranger(4)
06: Ranger(5): weapon focus: unarmed, favored enemy II
07: Monk(2): {Deflect Arrows}
08: Ranger(6): DEX+1, (DEX=19)
09: Ranger(7): called shot
10: Ranger(8)
11: Ranger(9): {Improved Two-Weapon Fighting}
12: Champion of Torm(1): DEX+1, iron will, (DEX=20)
13: Champion of Torm(2): blind fight
14: Monk(3)
15: Monk(4): great fortitude
16: Champion of Torm(3): DEX+1, {Smite Evil}, (DEX=21)
17: Champion of Torm(4): improved critical: kama
18: Champion of Torm(5): extra stunning attacks
19: Champion of Torm(6): improved critical: unarmed
20: Champion of Torm(7): DEX+1, (DEX=22)
21: Champion of Torm(8): great dexterity I, epic weapon focus: kama, (DEX=23)
22: Monk(5)
23: Champion of Torm(9)
24: Monk(6): DEX+1, great dexterity II, {Knockdown, Improved Knockdown}, (DEX=25)
25: Champion of Torm(10): epic weapon focus: unarmed
26: Champion of Torm(11)
27: Monk(7): great dexterity III, (DEX=26)
28: Monk(8): DEX+1, (DEX=27)
29: Monk(9): {Improved Evasion}
30: Monk(10): great dexterity IV, (DEX=28)
31: Monk(11)
32: Monk(12): DEX+1, (DEX=29)
33: Monk(13): great dexterity V, (DEX=30)
34: Monk(14)
35: Monk(15)
36: Champion of Torm(12): DEX+1, great wisdom I, (DEX=31), (WIS=16)
37: Champion of Torm(13)
38: Champion of Torm(14): great wisdom II, (WIS=17)
39: Ranger(10): great wisdom III, epic prowess, (WIS=18)
40: Monk(16): DEX+1, (DEX=32)

III. Basics:
a. Hitpoints: 448
b. Saving Throws:
Fort: 35
Will: 32 (34 mind-effects)
Reflex: 40 (42 Cat’s), Impr.Evasion

Saving Throw bonuses: immune to poison, disease

Other:
Divine Wrath (+5 AB/Damage, +5 all-saves–unlock w. cha items)

IV. Combat Vitals:

BAB: 29
AB (naked): 44 (focused melee: unarmed, kama), 41 (ranged, other melee-unfocussed)

A. Stunning Fist (DC): 34 (40 wis. Capped)

B. Unarmed: 44 AB, +2 Cat’s or: 46 AB (-2 flurry)
Damage: 1-20, x’s 6 apr (7 apr flurry, +1 w. haste, or 8 apr total)
Capped (assuming +12 DEX, +20 weaponry): 70 AB (-2 flurry mode)

C. Kama(s): 44 AB, +2 Cat’s: or 46 AB (-2 flurry or dual; -4 flurry & dual)
1-6 xs 10 apr (dualing w. flurry and haste)
Capped (assuming +12 DEX, +20 weaponry): 70 AB (as above)

V. Defense Vitals:

36 AC (naked)
+2 Cat’s
--
38 AC (no equipment); assuming +5 items, haste, wis and dex: 72 AC



VI. Spell Casting: Ranger(2)
Level 1 (2 spells) * Level 2 (2 spells)


VII. Skillpoints: 187*
Disable Trap 1(3), Discipline 43(43), Heal 2(6), Hide 43(54), Move Silently 43(54), Set Trap 14(25), Tumble 40(51)

* feel free to adjust your Operative's skill-set to suit your own preferences/environs.

Edited By TyrTemplar on 04/30/07 18:51

What does Ranger bring, except for skillpoints, that makes you pick that over fighter?
In the dexer that is?
_________________
I see the fear you have inside, you can run but never hide.
I will hunt you down and tear you limb from limb.

I run the Pre-Epic Builders guild. Join and share your experience.

Edited By Grimnir77 on 05/04/07 22:53

Thanks, Grim -- indeed, the str. based one w. ranger (hence, a dev.critter, dual-wielder, and not at all feat starved well … s/he not only be cool, but really (and I say this most humbly), s/he cleans up (even I must admit, after taking him out a few times now, and after testing him/her thoroughly in that uber-charged Arena of Commche's too (well, let’s just say, although it took awhile to sell me on str-based rangers, heh, I’m just as if not even more sold on str-based monks - thanks! )

As to the dex-one, why not ftr instead of ranger? Great question, and there be a few reasons, least of all (indeed) the skills (like traps!), and also innate ranger buff’s (i.e. not only for some serious stealth, see below, but also Cat’s – boost to AB, AC (and reflex, stealth and … did I mention, traps! -- really, all fun aside, them buffs, while not exactly are what rangers get something to write home about (as compared to say what a paladin gets), but still, something rangers get that ftrs don’t and of course can be quite useful I find, especially on a dexer – i.e., Cat’s, for eg., boosts not only your AC and reflex, but also stealth, traps, and AB all by +2, which isn’t too shabby.

That said, while FTR for WS/EWS be nice of course (indeed, worth a look me thinks, too, and we’ll build it together, ‘kay? You and I def. be due! While a nice variant, I don’t think, that said, it’s superior to what the Ranger gives us, since we’ve not only dem useful buffs, but also (and incl) some serious trapping/stealth skills, which (in my opinion) be just as if not better than WS/EWS -- that said, dex-based monk/ftrs are def. viable, too, don’t get me wrong but, if it’s “in your face” so to speak melee damage a player wants, well, that’s the str-based version of course.

With that, in light of the str. version, I wanted to do something a little different for the dexer, something that was/is a little unique – hence, ranger/monk w. (thanks to ranger buffs) wonderful stealth, buffed AB/AC, and also deadly trap skills (which, depending on one’s preferences and style of course, traps make up for ie WS/EWS … (and hence, the ranger for that – so much to this class, as I know that you know, it’s just wonderful really; then, we already know about my love affair w. dem monks, and yet here be but just one more example of why ranger’s be one of me favorites, too (str. based w. dev crit –or- dex based w. the deadly traps, either way, enjoy! ~ Tyr

(here what I be talking about, re: stealth and trapping “skills”

DEX-Based Ranger/Monk:

Stealth:
Hide 54 (+16 cat’s, one-w., and camou., or(: 70 adjusted
M/S 54 (+6 cat’s, one-w., or): 60 adj.

Traps 25 (+2 Cat’s, +4 one-w-land, or): 31 Adjusted (self-buffs only) -- bring on dex items and jumps to 35 (i.e., NOT counting any rogue rings/amulets or anything of the sort, merely, what Beret can do, which is as follows (i.e., self-buffed 31, followed by dex boost 35):

Trap Type (Trap Strength/Damage)--Set DC (self-buff 31) / Dex boost Only (35)

- Acid Blob Strong, 30 (12d6 acid, single creature); Deadly 35 (single, 18d6)
- Acid Splash Deadly, 30 (8d8 acid, single)
- Electrical Strong, 30 (20d6, 15’ radius); Deadly, 35 (30d6, 15’ radius)
- Fire Strong, 30 (15d6, 15’ radius); Deadly 35 (25d6, 15’ radius)
- Frost Deadly 30 (8d4 single, plus chance of paralysis 4 rounds)
- Holy Deadly 30 (9d4 divine (12d10 if undead)
- Negative Deadly 30 (8d6 negative, and chance of -1 level drain)
- Sonic Deadly 30 (8d4 sonic, and chance of stun, 4 rounds)
- Spike Strong 25 (5d6 piercing); Deadly 35 25d6
- Tangle Deadly 30 (slow, 5 rounds; 10’ radius)
- Gas Minor, 30 (poison, 15’ radius, chance of 1d6+1d6 dex drain / Avg, 35: chance of 1d6+2d6 con drain)

For more info, see: http://www.nwnwiki.org/Trap#Notes

Edited By TyrTemplar on 05/05/07 05:12

The extra skillpoints is nice for sure. as is trap setting skills. I just wondered, never said Fighter was superior. You get enough feats with CoT I think. 6 damage is just a huge amount in a dexer like this. And let me say: 10 ranger doesn't exactly give you mmany spells. 2/1 iirc.

Anyhow, all over good builds, I personally don't like dexers like this though, no offense.

Actually, never think I ever played a dexer without Rogue or assassin in it.
_________________
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 In general, I prefer my dex builds to get ED. Without it, I don't find the extra AC points worth the loss of damage output.

For this build, I really like the Str-version. The Ranger lets you leave Dex at 10 and get Str up to 34 (vs. 30-32 for most Str-fighters). Add on the 10 attacks per round, high Str-damage, and Dev Crit (even with the low crit-range of a kama, you will get a few per round at 10 attacks), and he can really tear through the mobs. Nice AB, too, and AC really won't be that bad once you buff, and use Monk Robes, boots, etc. It'll be 10 or so less than the dex build, but the damage output will mean enemies don't get to live long enough to get many hits in.

TM