Assassin/cavestalker

[Druchii]

Hi folks.

This is just a query to see what recommendations people have for assassins mostly.

My first character on here is 3 rogue 3 ranger 6 cavestalker and 18 assassin in build plan. That is to say that's what I thought I'd just try and see how it goes since I was mostly just wondering about how cavestalker was for it's flavour abilities and RP. The primary strength is in the assassins ability to land some nasty paralyses but since I had no idea what to expect from BG I was careless with design.

One example: without great dex I won't see PTWF.

I am thinking of doing an RCR but wanted to ask around about whether the combination of classes and levels is simply too weak for epic levels.

I already struggle against enemies in fights unless landing sneaks from stealth at level 18 so any suggestions would be welcome.

Am I better off getting rid of cavestalker and focusing on my murderous ways? Should I have chosen an alternative orc o compliment dual wielding assassin? Perhaps I should just focus on the many shot style for maximum amount of paralyses checks on enemies and utilise traps and hips to run and gun?

Looking forward to your thoughts.

[Steve]

Assassin only has 10 levels.

Ranger 10 / Cavestalker 10 / Assassin 10 ?

[Druchii]

Whaaaat?
Nwn2 doesn't allow you to go over 10 levels of a orc like nwn1?!

[chad878262]

no it doesn't. Besides, I think you are forgetting to get some very important stuff in your build.

If you are going to have a high amount of sneak dice you need Epic Precision which requires you to either get Rogue 10 (and take Crippling Strike as your Rogue feat on that level), Swashbuckler 12 (or 14, I forget) or Phantom 16.

Cavestalker has some good defensive benefits and such, but unless you are going for high level ranger it is pretty worthless. R13 would be the bare minimum I would want if taking Cavestalker in a build. Also note that CS improves ranger caster level now so R21/CS9 or R26/CS4 is CL30 while being able to get bane of enemies and PTWF.

I would recommend you do a bit more to focus your build. Either go Rogue 21 / Assassin 9 for a super high sneak build, Ranger 21/A9 (or R22/A8) for a mix of Ranger/Assassin, or Ranger 21/CS9 or R26/CS4 for a Cavestalker to get your Ranger abilities in some caverns. You are mixing too many classes/PRCs without going deep enough to get any of the really good stuff those classes offer. Take those extra 9-10 levels of Assassin and you could still end up with a decent mix, but to be honest I think mixing Assassin with Cavestalker is never going to give you a real great build, simply because Assassin 8/CS3 means you won't get bane of enemies as a Ranger, which pretty much sucks.

[Druchii]

Alright thanks for the advice folks. Given the majority of RP that exists is around scouting and hunting instead of assassination (which seems impractical in Sshamath give it's wasted to high heaven anyway) I'll rcr into ranger vs. I see there are a few threads about CS builds I'll sniff about to see if dex goes better than str focus.

Any advice to offer on what favoured enemies are good for underdark? He is part of the vhaeruanite so some surface visitation will occur I'm sure but elf and dwarf seem like natural choices at some point. Maybe human. Undead? But I believe in total there are 7 choices if one goes 21/9.