The Jamming Trapper (40 ranger)

[sabregirl]

I'm sure you've all wondered what else you can use spelljammer for other than a gnome wizard . . . maybe some have even wondered how to build a trap user. This build answers both.

It works best with spelljammer because of the free UMD - which allows you to GS to set traps even as a pure ranger, and the huge int bonus to get you tons of skill points. If you want to use another race I would STRONGLY recommend a rogue or assassin splash to get UMD. Since traps cannot be set in combat it's important for you to be able to GS.


Stats shown at Single demi, saves artifact used - +14 dex item equipped. No buffs to AC. 99AB, 55 DC called shot. Note that the sheet does not show +1 AC from small stature.

Starting Stats (after Spelljammer)
(base Race Gnome)
STR 6
DEX 16 (18)
CON 14 (18)
WIS 16 (14)
INT 14 (20)
CHA 8

Level Progression
40 Ranger

Stat points
all Dex

Feat Progression

01: Ranger(1): Blooded, Favored Enemy: Outsiders
02: Ranger(2)
03: Ranger(3): Weapon Finesse
04: Ranger(4): DEX+1
05: Ranger(5): Favored Enemy: Aberrations
06: Ranger(6): Weapon Focus: Shortsword
07: Ranger(7)
08: Ranger(8): DEX+1
09: Ranger(9): Improved Critical: Shortsword
10: Ranger(10): Favored Enemy: Animals
11: Ranger(11)
12: Ranger(12): DEX+1, Blind Fight
13: Ranger(13)
14: Ranger(14)
15: Ranger(15): Iron Will, Favored Enemy: Monstrous Humanoids
16: Ranger(16): DEX+1
17: Ranger(17)
18: Ranger(18): Called Shot
19: Ranger(19)
20: Ranger(20): DEX+1, Favored Enemy: Dragons
21: Ranger(21): Armor Skin
22: Ranger(22)
23: Ranger(23): Bane of Enemies
24: Ranger(24): DEX+1, Great Dexterity I
25: Ranger(25): Epic Weapon Focus: Shortsword
26: Ranger(26): Favored Enemy: Elementals
27: Ranger(27): Great Dexterity II
28: Ranger(28): DEX+1,
29: Ranger(29): Favored Enemy: Undeads
30: Ranger(30): Great Dexterity III, Favored Enemy: Vermin
31: Ranger(31)
32: Ranger(32): DEX+1, Favored Enemy: Magical Beasts
33: Ranger(33): Great Dexterity IV
34: Ranger(34)
35: Ranger(35): Favored Enemy: Reptilian Humanoids, Favored Enemy: Shapechangers
36: Ranger(36): DEX+1, Great Dexterity V
37: Ranger(37)
38: Ranger(38): Favored Enemy: Constructs
39: Ranger(39): Great Dexterity VI
40: Ranger(40): DEX+1, Epic Prowess

Legendary Feats
LSA Tumble
Great Dex VII
Great Dex VIII
Legendary Will
Legendary Weapon Focus Shortsword
ESF Search
ESF Discipline

Skills
Max:
Set Trap
Craft Trap
Tumble
Discipline
Animal Empathy (if you want)
Parry
Search
Listen
Craft Armor
Hide

Splash 25-30
Concentration
Craft Weapon

Saves
Saves are a little iffy on this build so I chose to use the saves artifact. At single demi with saves artifact they are : 63/70/62
At 60 only - 59/66/58

-S

[sabregirl]

So you might be wondering what the traps can actually do.

Firstly, if you are new to trapping read the Trapping FAQ.

Here are some screenshots of the results of some of the trapping escapades:






Note that these are just damage traps, there are stoning, wail, weird level drain, knockdown traps to use as well.

The biggest problems in trapping are getting your party to cooperate (though this is less necessary in deeper hells where things spawn on top of you). But also getting the right monsters to land on the right traps. Especially annoying in certain parts of hells, its easier in certain runs, where there are long pulls.

-S

[Deleted]

Would this build also work as a pure Rogue do you think?

[sabregirl]

You could certainly do something like this with a pure rogue however your AB would be pretty bad ( I spose that's true of any pure rogue). Spelljammer int bonus + gnome skill points would ensure you can actually GET every rogue skill you could possibly want.

-S

[louisvilleslugger]

Very nice build! Been wanting to make a trapper, so I'll definately give this one a try (though I'll probably use a missile weapon).

[simpetar]

This looks pretty nice I have a (hypothetical) question however: is it not too dangerous to set damaging traps with mid/high demi count hell runs? The screenies looks wonderful, but I dare not imagine a random spawn with machines/winds/fumes or sups/elites triggering a trap with the healing type.
Anyways, wonderful to see put use to Spelljammer

cheers
simpetar

[tyranlthixis]

Well there are more than just damage traps. Wierd and level drain traps are all cast at high D/C (depending on your set trap skill) and those are always welcome. The damage traps are awesome in large numbers and in the right spawn.

For example, testing this build in Aboleths, Sabre's ranger took Mordu (a nasty miniboss) from perfect health to near death in a single pass. It took a lot of preparation and intelligent spawning but he was quickly killed and the party only had to fight his double. The Aboleth's boss was bit more tricky but she managed to do a nice chunk of damage and the traps made the boss fight go a lot faster. The main thing is having a party that is willing to cooperate with the groups trapper and use his/her abilities to their benefit.

Tyranlthixis

[DragonChyld]

I have a level 53 Spelljammer pure rogue trapper that I enjoy playing, although single hand his AB is only gonna be 93. This build looks very cool though

I also DO have a NASTY TON of Skill points and have maxed every class skill except 3

Lots of fun to play but I can't get anybody to let me trap

~ DC

[louisvilleslugger]

ESF Search is listed as a LL feat, but search isn't listed as a choice for your skills.

[sabregirl]

Aug 3, 2009 21:00:50 GMT simpetar said:

This looks pretty nice I have a (hypothetical) question however: is it not too dangerous to set damaging traps with mid/high demi count hell runs? The screenies looks wonderful, but I dare not imagine a random spawn with machines/winds/fumes or sups/elites triggering a trap with the healing type.

All of my trapsetting parties have been of decent demi level. I haven't had too much problem of superiors landing on the wrong traps. But spreading out your traps is important so they aren't all wasted on one monster that runs onto them. KB hasn't been a huge issue, and if you're concerned about it you can stick with level drain and other status-affecting traps rather than damage traps.

@slugger - yes I forgot search in my list, too many skills it must have gotten lost in the shuffle but my trapper is also a perfectly good searcher.

-S

[thomascovenant]

Just trying ur build but using short sword make you not able to use ur blade thirst spell on ur weapon, as you dont have GSF transmutation focus