Hi all,
I had the thought of making a Wilderness hunter type build. Since I haven't ever played a shifter, I figured let's throw that in. I was going for a roleplay of a hunter who has learned to Mimick his prey to get in close etc. There are animals in nature that mimick other animals etc. I wanted some trapping skills to try playing the game using trapping as a tactic. Also I wanted to go for Bane of enemies. I felt Kobold commando would be a good shape to hunt / stalk in with other forms for different situations. Anyway here's what I built.

The Mimicking Hunter : Ranger 21 / Druid 6 / Shifter 13
Race Human

Alignment Any Neutral

Base Attrib(end stats)
STR 14 (17)
DEX 14
CON 15 (22)
WIS 13 (14)
INT 13 (14)
CHA 8
__Level 1_____________________

Class: Druid
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +4
Concentration: +4
Heal: +2
Persuade: +2
Spellcraft: +4
Craft Trap: +2
Feats:
Armor Proficiency (light)
Armor Proficiency (medium)
Shield Proficiency
Weapon Proficiency (druid)
Nature Sense
Animal Companion
Quick To Master
Dodge
Luck of Heroes
__Level 2_____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Disable Trap: +1
Hide: +2
Move Silently: +2
Search: +4
Set Trap: +2
Feats:
Weapon Proficiency (martial)
Weapon Proficiency (simple)
Trackless Step
Dual-Wield
Favored Enemy: Undead
__Level 3_____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +1
Disable Trap: +1
Search: +1
Spot: +2
Feats:
Alertness
__Level 4_____________________

Class: Druid
Ability gain: Strength +1
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +1
Concentration: +1
Spellcraft: +1
Feats:
Woodland Stride
__Level 5_____________________

Class: Druid
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +2
Persuade: +1
Craft Trap: +2
__Level 6_____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Discipline: +4
Search: +1
Set Trap: +2
Spot: +3
Feats:
Weapon Focus (longbow)
__Level 7_____________________

Class: Druid
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +1
Spellcraft: +5
Feats:
Resist Nature's Lure
__Level 8_____________________

Class: Druid
Ability gain: Intelligence +1
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +1
Heal: +2
Persuade: +2
Craft Trap: +1
Feats:
Wild Shape
__Level 9_____________________

Class: Shifter
Skills:
Hide: +2
Listen: +2
Feats:
Extend Spell
Greater Wildshape I
__Level 10____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Discipline: +6
Move Silently: +3
Search: +1
Set Trap: +1
__Level 11____________________

Class: Shifter
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +2
Heal: +1
Hide: +1
Listen: +1
Spot: +2
__Level 12____________________

Class: Shifter
Ability gain: Wisdom +1
Skills:
Spot: +3
Feats:
Greater Wildshape II
Improved Critical (longbow)
__Level 13____________________

Class: Shifter
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +2
Hide: +3
Spot: +2
Feats:
Infinite Greater Wildshape I

__Level 14____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Disable Trap: +1
Move Silently: +3
Search: +3
Set Trap: +3
Feats:
Favored Enemy: Elves
__Level 15____________________

Class: Shifter
Skills:
Hide: +2
Feats:
Greater Wildshape III
Point Blank Shot
__Level 16____________________

Class: Shifter
Ability gain: Constitution +1
Skills:
Listen: +2
Tumble: +5
__Level 17____________________

Class: Shifter
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +1
Disable Trap: +2
Hide: +2
Feats:
Humaniod Shape
Infinite Greater Wildshape II

__Level 18____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Discipline: +2
Move Silently: +4
Search: +1
Feats:
Toughness

__Level 19____________________

Class: Shifter
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +1
Open Lock: +2
__Level 20____________________

Class: Ranger
Ability gain: Constitution +1
Skills:
Discipline: +5
Set Trap: +4
__Level 21____________________

Class: Shifter
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +2
Craft Trap: +3
Feats:
Epic Character
Great Constitution I
__Level 22____________________

Class: Shifter
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +2
Feats:
Greater Wildshape IV
Infinite Greater Wildshape III
__Level 23____________________

Class: Shifter
Skills:
Hide: +3
Tumble: +5
Feats:
Epic Shifter

__Level 24____________________

Class: Shifter
Ability gain: Constitution +1
Skills: no ranks used
Feats:
Undead Shape

__Level 25____________________

Class: Shifter
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +2
Disable Trap: +1
Feats:
Infinite Humaniod Shape
Energy Resistance, Cold I

__Level 26____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Discipline: +8
Move Silently: +2
Tumble: +4

__Level 27____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Discipline: +2
Move Silently: +1
Set Trap: +2
Tumble: +1
Feats:
Improved Two-Weapon Fighting
Great Constitution II
__Level 28____________________

Class: Ranger
Ability gain: Constitution +1
Skills:
Discipline: +3
Hide: +1
Listen: +1
Move Silently: +1
Set Trap: +1
Feats:
Epic Prowess

__Level 29____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Discipline: +2
Search: +3
Spot: +2

__Level 30____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Hide: +2
Move Silently: +2
Search: +2
Spot: +1
Feats:
Epic Damage Reduction I

__Level 31____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Disable Trap: +2
Discipline: +2
Move Silently: +1

__Level 32____________________

Class: Ranger
Ability gain: Strength +1
Skills:
Discipline: +1
Move Silently: +1
Set Trap: +5

__Level 33____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Disable Trap: +1
Hide: +1
Search: +4
Feats:
EPIC Damage Reduction II
Favored Enemy: Dragons

__Level 34____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +2
Disable Trap: +1
Discipline: +2
Hide: +1

__Level 35____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Disable Trap: +1
Discipline: +1
Hide: +2
Move Silently: +2
__Level 36____________________

Class: Ranger
Ability gain: Strength +1
Skills:
Set Trap: +1
Tumble: +3
Feats:
EPIC Damage Reduction III

__Level 37____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Search: +2
Set Trap: +1
Tumble: +2

__Level 38____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Animal Empathy: +1
Disable Trap: +1
Discipline: +2
Open Lock: +1
Feats:
Favored Enemy: Outsiders

__Level 39____________________

Class: Ranger
Skills:
Hide: +1
Move Silently: +1
Open Lock: +1
Feats:
Bane of Enemies
Epic Ranger

__Level 40____________________

Class: Druid
Ability gain: Strength +1
Skills:
Spellcraft: +10
Feats:
Wild Shape (2x day)

Final Saves (Vs. Spells)
Fortitude 32 (36)
Reflexes 22 (26)
Will 21 (25)
Ac 16 in Human form naked Ac 30 naked + in Kobold form
hp 643, 653 in Kobold

Edited By ManOWarr on 07/02/05 09:16

I'm interested in any feedback or suggestions on improving the build, or tightening it up leveling selection / feat selection wise. I would have liked to get epic humanoid shape for epic Kobold and drow, but it needs 15 shifter and no way to do that and get bane of enemies. I'm not sure if bane is worth more than epic humanoid though. There are many other shapes etc you can use. I also wanted to stay on focus of a hunter / ranger type and so didn't go all out wisdom and gimp all other stats to go for Dragonshape. I increased const to get the epic dr feats as con isn't overwritten on many of the forms including Kobold. Anyway please tell me what you think. Also this is meant to be played from level 1 to 40 pvm in the oc's or any module or Pw and so not a straight to 40 built build.


Thanks, Mano
_________________
A Man of War who treads the world's roads alone, as I do, must be quick. Long ago I learned to strike swiftly and without scruple. I trouble no man without cause, but one who attacks me had best resolve himself to die!

Edited By ManOWarr on 07/02/05 09:09

Improved humanoid shapes actually come on shifter level 17, which totally removes the possibility of BoE since shifter 17 requires 22 levels (5 druid and 17 shifter), so your existing level distribution (or similar) is probably the only way to get BoE.

I think I'll have a quick play around with this concept though, it seems an intresting one.


Taking a second look though, it might well be possible to go in a high wisdom direction and pick up undead, outsider and construct shape feats though.

Edited By M1ke47 on 07/02/05 10:06

Quote: Posted 07/02/05 10:03:37 (GMT) -- M1ke47


Improved humanoid shapes actually come on shifter level 17, which totally removes the possibility of BoE since shifter 17 requires 22 levels (5 druid and 17 shifter), so your existing level distribution (or similar) is probably the only way to get BoE.

I think I'll have a quick play around with this concept though, it seems an intresting one.


Taking a second look though, it might well be possible to go in a high wisdom direction and pick up undead, outsider and construct shape feats though.
Thanks Mike, Like I said I'm interested in any input. I'd like to see what you come up with. BTW, I already have Undead shapes in the build, since it didn't need any wis requirement.

Actually now I'm thinking of it could probably raise wisdom at cost of other attribs and then go with zen archery to give him his archery abilities but also qualify for outsider or construct. I just don't like being a total gimp in human form though. I'd like to be okay in human with the shapes as a strong boost in certain situations. I guess that's the challenge with shifters huh.

Thanks, Mano

Edited By ManOWarr on 07/02/05 10:19

OK, well this isnt perfect by any means....and it dosent get construct shape, but It does get outsider shape, undead shape and Bane of enemies:

Human, any neutral, STR 13, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 16, Cha 8

1: Druid, dodge, Knockdown
2: Ranger fav enemy 1
3: Ranger wpn prof exotic
4: Druid Wisdom +1
5: Ranger
6: Ranger Wpn focus scythe
7: Druid
8: Druid Wisdom +1
9: Druid Zen archery
10: Ranger Fav enemy 2
11: Ranger
12: Druid Alertness
13: Shifter
14: Shifter
15: Shifter Imp crit scythe
16: Ranger Wisdom +1
17: Ranger
18: Ranger wpn focus short sword
19: Ranger Fav enemy 3
20: Shifter Wisdom +1
21: Shifter Epic prowess
22: Shifter
23: Shifter
24: Ranger Wisdom +1, epic wpn focus short sword
25: Ranger
26: Ranger
27: Ranger Improved KD
28: Shifter Wisdom +1
29: Shifter
30: Shifter Undead shape
31: Ranger Fav enemy 4
32: Ranger Wisdom +1
33: Ranger Epic weapon focus scythe
34: Ranger
35: Ranger
36: Ranger wisdom +1, fav enemy 5, imp crit short sword
37: Ranger
38: Ranger
39: Shifter Outsider shape (Yay Rak form )
40: Ranger Wisdom +1 Bane of enemies

As I said, its not perfect, and I think dropping druid to 5 levels might enable construct shape with a bonus shifter feat, provided some grt wisdom feats were taken, anyway, I hope you like it. Nice Mike!!

That's a pretty cool way of doing the build. You do get outsider which is cool the Rak form and it's ice storms etc. I just hate having wisdom that high and it not doing anything else for the build. I know, that's why everyone throws in monk for the ac bonus to at least get something for all the wisdom. I guess if going this way should just drop BoE and take more druid to use the wisdom for spells. That would at least use the wisdom.

I like the different feats you took than my build though. I know they will help with him fighting in his rissen lord and kobold shape. I like those changes. Also you changed leveling order. Did that give a better base attack, or was it for different feat reasons in epic?

Thanks again for discussing the build idea with me as that's why I posted it.

Thanks, Mano
_________________
A Man of War who treads the world's roads alone, as I do, must be quick. Long ago I learned to strike swiftly and without scruple. I trouble no man without cause, but one who attacks me had best resolve himself to die! Well, aside from taking 20 pre epic ranger levels (or similar), the AB is about as good as it will be. And the leveling order is mostly arranged to achieve feats at certain levels. As I said before its quite "rough" and can be "min/maxed" further. The Mimicking Hunter or Nature's avenger

You defile a forest or grove and he'll hunt you down lol.
Meant to be playable from level 1 to 40, PvM.

Druid 14 / Ranger 9 / Shifter 17
Human, any neutral,
STR 13 (14)
Dex 14
Con 16 (18)
Int 14
Wis 12 (26)
Cha 8

1: Druid, dodge, Luck of heroes
2: Ranger Favored Enemy: Undead
3: Ranger Weapon Focus (longbow)
4: Druid Wisdom +1
5: Ranger
6: Druid extend spell (for buffs)
7: Druid
8: Ranger Strength +1
9: Druid Alertness
10:Shifter
11:Shifter
12:Shifter Wisdom +1,Empower Spell
13: Shifter
14: Druid
15: Ranger Favored Enemy: Elves, Imp Critical (longbow)
16: Druid Wisdom +1
17: Druid
18: Ranger Zen Archery
19: Ranger
20: Ranger Constitution +1
21: Shifter Great Wisdom I
22: Shifter
23: Shifter
24: Shifter Wisdom +1, Great Wisdom II
25: Shifter
26: Shifter
27: Shifter Undead Shape
28: Ranger Wisdom +1
29: Druid
30: Shifter Great Wisdom III
31: Shifter Great Wisdom IV
32: Druid Wisdom +1
33: Druid Great Wisdom V
34: Shifter
35: Shifter
36: Shifter wisdom +1,Great Wisdom VI,Great Wisdom VII
37: Druid
38: Druid
39: Shifter Outsider shape
40: Druid Wisdom +1
All naked ac's
Ac 15 in human, 33 kobold, 30 Rak, 28 risen, 25 Minotaur
ab mundane bow in human form 36/31/26/21
Fort 31 (39)vs spells
Reflex 21 (29)vs spells
Will 28 (36)vs spells
hp 498 human more in all other forms
He can stalk as a ranger high ms and hide,very stealthy kobold commando.He can set and disable traps. Has multiple forms to help in different situations like all shifters.He has unlimited empowered Ice storms in Rak form, couldn't get maximized with levels taken. Can Buff himself and party,has harm/heal, can nuke some with spells etc.

I just gave up on BoE since it took so many ranger levels and felt I wanted improved humanoid shapes more and would be more fun playing. I also got outsider shape . Thanks M1ke47 ! for the help and discussion.

As always, Any critiques or suggestions are welcome.


Thanks, Mano
_________________
A Man of War who treads the world's roads alone, as I do, must be quick. Long ago I learned to strike swiftly and without scruple. I trouble no man without cause, but one who attacks me had best resolve himself to die!

Edited By ManOWarr on 07/04/05 06:53

Looks cute

You could drop one of the late druid levels however and exchange for a tenth ranger level to get epic prowess from the favoured enemy feat though.
Quote: Posted 07/04/05 17:04:20 (GMT) -- M1ke47

Looks cute

You could drop one of the late druid levels however and exchange for a tenth ranger level to get epic prowess from the favoured enemy feat though.
Yeah, I originally had it that way, but then for some reason couldn't get empowered ice storm. Maybe I need that 14th level Druid to get that? I maybe mistaken though as I tried several different level combinations. Thanks again for all your suggestions!!

Thanks, Mano
_________________
A Man of War who treads the world's roads alone, as I do, must be quick. Long ago I learned to strike swiftly and without scruple. I trouble no man without cause, but one who attacks me had best resolve himself to die! I wouldn't bother with the ice storm. At lvl 14 it does 9d6 damage, it means ~31 average damage, empowered ~46. Not too sexy for a lvl40. You will certainly do more damage with your staff.

But don't overlook the outsider forms, the Rhakasha is a killer with his immunities and staff. And against heavy potions user, his dispel might even be of use.

aquamoeba