Phantom Builds?

[Lighters]

I hope some of you creative geniuses can help me here. As I am fairly horrible with builds anyway, and nwn2db isn't as suited for BG as I wish it was, so I am really struggling.

Being the smart guy that I am I built a ninja prior to it's final form (viewtopic.php?p=695476#p695476) and will need to rebuild once this goes live (soon). I am currently a chaotic ninja and will need to be a lawful phantom.

I have two concepts.

First, a phantom/SD/ with either Whirling Dervish (for sustained sneak damage, some skill focuses, etc) or Tempest (for boosted melee skills). My desire is to dual-wield, maybe use a shield for backup when necessary, but focuse on dual wielding. I have a backstory slowly coagulating and this type of build would work well with my current characters personality and ongoing RP. Can anyone help me form a solo-capable, combat-viable build? Heck, if Phantom/SD would be better, I could go with just that. I just don't know which feats to take and when, and struggle with choose starting stats.

Second, a Chultan agent from Mezro, sent to monitor the power factions of the sword coast to better understand who they are, their capabilities, etc. This would be a phantom/sd/druid, likely focused more on druid? Thinking kama-claws and a panther, skulking for justice. I think the synergy with Owl's Insight and Phantom WIS Defence would be useful, and aren't there a lot of new Wisdom-based combat feats? Are these viable for solo play? Would this be a playable combo??

Thanks for your help, please!

[RamenKing]

I wonder, will the same cross classing rule that forbids monk/druid apply also now to phantom/druid?

[Lighters]

I asked in a PM and was told that it would not be restricted. The Phantom AC bonus will NOT apply in shape form, however.

For my purposes, for the druid option, I wouldn't use shapes except for RP purposes. I'd like the animal companion, spell use, and perhaps use the shape changes for the other activated feats (Oaken Resilience, and the other one).

[Wyatt]

If you are talking about all the ki combat feats and intuitive attack which uses wisdom for you attack stat these all require monk levels. 2/3 of you levels have to be monk for intuitive attack and the ki feats all require stunning fist uses I believe. Zen archery would work though.

[chad878262]

Strictly from a PB perspective Phantom/SD 25/5 will allow you to get epic dodge. If you mix in additional classes be mindful of how many levels and what you lose... We gave ninja the ability to gain epic precision and it would be a shame not to get that as early as possible (most sneak attack builds make every effort to get it at 21 if at all possible).

[aaron22]

isnt crippling strike required to have epic precision? i do not see that feat granted to any of the phantom levels.. correct me if i am wrong?

[RamenKing]

They recieve it at level 16

http://bgtscc.wikia.com/wiki/Phantom

[aaron22]

very good.. missed that.. thanks

[Lighters]

Strictly from a PB perspective Phantom/SD 25/5 will allow you to get epic dodge. If you mix in additional classes be mindful of how many levels and what you lose... We gave ninja the ability to gain epic precision and it would be a shame not to get that as early as possible (most sneak attack builds make every effort to get it at 21 if at all possible).

So for viability's sake (mechanical usefulness) do you think Phantom/SD 25/5 would be the best option, then?

I don't play a lot and don't do a lot of xp grinding, so getting to 21 or 22 is probably as good as it will get. I suspect I will not see a lot of epic-level content in my future.

With a Dexterity requirement of 19, I was thinking to start my Dex at 17 to hit that by level 8, with a lesser focus going between STR and WIS. Does that sound right? With Hips, CON is less of a concern, CHA would be good but I am fine with average, and while I would love to have higher INT for skill points, I think it is a sacrifice I will have to make?

For feats I will take Dodge, Stealthy, Mobility, Weapon Finesse, and then 2 weapon fighting feats? Any other must haves besides epic precision?

What are the advantages of this over a Rogue 25/SD 5? The concealment and invis are nice, and flavor is what I want, but mechanically how are they comparable?

[chad878262]

IMO strictly speaking rogue/assassin/IB is still the very best sneak attack build, phantom doesn't change that. However, if mixing in SD I feel the P/SD is comparable to rogue. Loses some feats, skill points and UMD, but gains other perks. If you're looking at a max level in the early 20's I'd just make certain you get epic precision at 21.

[High Priestess]

talking about stuff like that, only ninja class is okaish or should you crack it with shadowdancer?

[chad878262]

Generally speaking any build reliant on sneak attack wants HiPS...you can play without, but it's an exercise in frustration IMO.

[metaquad4]

If you want to forgo epic dodge, Phantom 21/Assassin 9 and/or Phantom 17/Assassin 9/Fighter 4 | OR | Phantom 16/Assassin 8/Fighter 6 (better for AB, less damage than the before variate) could both work well. Grab up Feint, Perfect Two Weapon Fighting, and Weapon Finesse and make it dex based.

[Eclypticon]

Pha 25/ SD 5 is your best option.

[aaron22]

i dont really optimize my builds but i am running a phantom16/Sin9/swash5. I am sure i am forgoing alot of perks but this seems like a fun build to play with. High Int and high dex.