My Build

[sirius]

Hey, I've just recently started an alt that I'm going to make the effort to play a fair bit.

I intend for him to be either a 10 Rogue/8 Duelist/2 Shadowdancer (Possibly 9 Duelist/1 SD so i still have HiPS and i would get deflect arrows), or 10 Rogue/8 Duelist/2 Fighter (2 bonus feats, more hp/level).

So, if you can recommend either of these, or recommend entirely new builds to me, I'm open to suggestion, so far I've only got 2 rogue levels. I'm particularly interested how good HiPS is.

Oh, and as to why duelist? RP mostly, plus if you build them well they're actually pretty effective. Go to a PvP server and test one out if you don't believe me

[ErictheRed]

I'm not exactly a power-build kind of guy, but I would strongly consider taking 4 levels of Fighter for the extra feats and Weapon Specialization. If you're trying to make an ultimate duelist (like an Olympic Fencer) I'd think Weapon Spec: Rapier would be a must.

Also, I recommend thinking about taking Combat Expertise and Feint instead of HiPS. I did it with Garrett (currently Fighter 4 / Rogue 8, dual-wields short swords) and I really like it. I mostly did it because stealth is bugged, but I find that Feint works very well. It also fits in with Garrett being a smooth talker / con artist type rogue . The great thing about Feint is that it benefits everyone in the party that is attacking that enemy, not to mention the free sneak attacks it gives you . So test it out!

[broncoblitz]

6rogue/1 shadow dancer/9 duelist/4 fighter

[SnorriHT]

Highly recommend taking taking 4 levels of fighter for weapon specialisation. The damage adds up quickly over a fight, and is very handy against targets which are immmune to sneak attack or criticals.

[Evelond Formos]

Here people are asking for build advice up to level twenty when I can't even get my characters past level 3.

[Black Hand Enclave]

Here people are asking for build advice up to level twenty when I can't even get my characters past level 3.

Gods, don't I know it, Eve.

[sirius]

Thanks for the great input everyone, I'll definitely consider knocking off 2 or 3 rogue levels and losing the 2 SD levels for the higher BAB/Health per level and Weapon Specialisation with Fighter.

I intended this guy to be something of a swashbuckler, so I think gaining fighter levels would be very suitable.

Does anyone know how effective deflect arrows is? I never bothered with it when I used to PvP with my fighter/duelist. And are there any particular feats people can recommend on top of weapon spec. ?

[Goeumzz]

I intend for him to be either a 10 Rogue/8 Duelist/2 Shadowdancer (Possibly 9 Duelist/1 SD so i still have HiPS and i would get deflect arrows), or 10 Rogue/8 Duelist/2 Fighter (2 bonus feats, more hp/level).

Shouldn't you go at least 11 Rogue/8 Duelist/ 1 SD if you're going that high in rogue might as well get the next umm i think it's a sneak attack +6d6.

[SnorriHT]

...
Does anyone know how effective deflect arrows is? I never bothered with it when I used to PvP with my fighter/duelist. And are there any particular feats people can recommend on top of weapon spec. ?

keep in mind that you need DEX 13+ and Improved unarmed Strike as prerequisites to use Deflect Arrow. So for a swashbuckler you could be wasting a precious feat to get a situational feat. My understanding is that Deflect Arrows allows you to ignore the first missile attack in each round unless you are caught flat-footed.

Dodge is always useful for a little more AC if you are not using a shield or two weapon defense. Also I thought that the duellist's Canny Defense is currently bugged and doesn't work. Can this be confirmed anyone?

I also find Toughness, Blindfighting and Luck of Heroes (at first level only) are very good all round feats for melee types.

[broncoblitz]

Sirius i must say i hate you. Now i have to go build my character with saves of 30 reflex, 29 will, and 26 fort, and its all because you got me thinking numbers again.

[Elrith]

Does anyone know how effective deflect arrows is? I never bothered with it when I used to PvP with my fighter/duelist. And are there any particular feats people can recommend on top of weapon spec. ?

Deflect arrows will make every archer character angry at you in a 1 on 1 fight. Highest BAB shot, never hits.

It annoys me to no end when we are in monks and I'm plinking away with my bow never hitting, because there are too many bodies lodged into the doorway.

Also I thought that the duellist's Canny Defense is currently bugged and doesn't work.

It doesn't show up on the character sheet, but if you watch the numbers in the combat window it is working. You just have to remember that it is limited to whichever is lower your duelist level or your intelligence bonus.

[sirius]

Heh. Normally I just play pure wizard or other pure (or simple dual-classed) builds, but I decided for once to break out of my 10/10 rut, and try some more varied combinations.

The feats I've picked so far are: dodge, weapon finesse and luck of heroes. Oh, and my char is human, I was considering going wood elf, but then I remembered, I don't like elves.

I'm leaning towards the 8 Rogue/8 Duelist/4 Fighter combo at the moment.

[ErictheRed]

I'd recommend thinking about Combat Expertise and Feint, like I said before. The other feat I highly recommend (depending on what access to magic items you have) is Blind Fight. That's very essential for beating up on mage types. If you think you'll be soloing much, I think it's pretty much a must-have. If you won't be soloing, you can probably do without it.

[SnorriHT]

...
If you won't be soloing, you can probably do without it.

Sirius, once you get up to about level 7-8 I'd be happy to help with you some content mate

I also know there are quite a few people in the level 3-6 bracket at the moment, so partying up shouldn't be a problem.

Also Blindfigting is essential; I'd suggest getting it at level 6 by the lastest if you can.

[sirius]

Some more great replies, it's nice to see people are still willing to help out, I'll definitely grab blind fight as it seems a few people treat it as a priority. Thanks again.