Curse

Lurid · Jul 15, 2006, 10:36 AM // 10:36

Just curious about your opinions on a PvE build I came up with a few minutes ago, after playing my Ranger for the past 3 - 4 days. I'll post a summary of the strategy i'm thinking behind it, and the gear used, etc... Any opinions on how to make it better, or flaws in my logic are greatly appreciated.

Vampiric Composite Bow of Defense
Damage 15 - 28
15^50
5/1 Vampiric
+5 Defense
Customized

Vampiric Longbow of Defense
Damage 15 - 28
15^50
5/1 Vampiric
+5 Defense
Customized

Full Druids Armor, with applicable runes (below)

Marksmanship - 12 + 1 + 3
Expertise - 11 + 1
Wilderness Surival - 6 + 1

1. Glass Arrows
2. Dual Shot
3. Needling Shot
4. Distracting Shot
5. Determined Shot
6. Lightning Reflexes
7. Troll Ungent
8. Rebirth

Strategy - Pretty much an all purpose ranger to use in PvE for henching, and helping in missions etc.... Since it could potentially send out some high damage quickly, by using Glass Arrows and the speed shooting in order to quickly damage target(s). The idea is if they block a certain attack it'll hurt them more, or recharge my attacks allowing me to continue spamming them. I'll of course only be able to keep this up for a short amount of time (I would assume) since energy costs would probably hit me hard. I'm going to test with a Zealous mod alittle later, and perhaps FW in place of Determined Shot, to help with the arc of my arrows and speed them up even more.

Apple · Jul 15, 2006, 10:45 AM // 10:45

Take Savage Shot over distracting if you ask me, especially if you're going for quick attacks, as it has a much nicer recharge and is an overall nicer interrupt. Dont take Lightning Reflexes either if possible, as the only reason it should be used is in conjunction with oath shot, due to the harsh recharge. That's just general stuff, someone who plays more ranger should be more helpful. A good skill to use anyway is Marauder's Shot, if you're going for some high damage...

Amy Awien · Jul 15, 2006, 11:46 AM // 11:46

FW will not change your refire rate, just increases damage and the higher arrow speed makes it more difficult to dodge. Still, FW is ok, unless you are facing enemie rangers.

Expertise is better on put on 13, at first glance (most of) your bowattacks are 5 energy, meaning they'll cost 3 energy with expertise on 12 and only 2 with expertise on 13. That is more efficient then a zealous bowstring.

As a defensive measure, I prefer Whirling Defense, it lasts almost twice as long. When you really do need defense, that may be important. I don't care that much for the two extra shots Lightning Reflexes gives me during it's 10 sec. But I prefer Throw Dirt, which can also be used to help defend the casters and healers.

I suppose you want to use Glass Arrows, it wouldn't be my favorite preparation, but it looks not too bad, I guess, and it is linked to expertise. Conditions work over time though, and if individual mobs go down quickly, conditions aren't to usefull. A similar problem exists with Needling Shot, PvE opponents just don't last long enough at <50% health to make it's rapid refire usefull.

SnipiousMax · Jul 15, 2006, 03:47 PM // 15:47

^ I'd swap savage shot out for determined shot. Whirling Defenses out for Lightning Reflexes. And I'd get a shortbow. The increase rate of fire on a shortbow can give you a 20% increase in damage. If you were looking for an IAS in Lighting Reflexes, then I'd look into Flurry/Frenzy/Tiger's Fury.

Savage shot synergizes with Dual shot really well. You can deliver three packets of Prep damage almost on top of each other. That's very handy for finishing off baddies.

Munanko Roha · Jul 17, 2006, 12:39 PM // 12:39

I agree about Savage Shot over Determined.

And I would kick Glass Arrows for Read the Wind and Needling Shot for Quick; this way you would shot arrows flying 4 times quicker dealing normal damage + RtW damage and you would not need an IAS due to the 1 sec fire rate of QS. This way you could also kick Lightning Reflexes for a better stance like Whirling Defence with no drawback at all.

@Apple: Distracting has the plus of disabling a skill, think about disabling the Orison of a monk boss...quite awesome, if I had to take just 1 interrupt in my bur it would be DS.