TOPIC: Looking for help with a couple of builds

BeLinda Mathie wrote: Ranger is looking a lot better, but I’d love to see the CON get even at 14 for more HP. Also, Gauntlets of Ogre Power aren’t doing anything for this build.

Do you know if there will be a cleric on this run, and if they will have a NM-ready build? 40 HP is way better than 27, but it would still be better if there’s a solid cleric.

Suggestions: Maybe Hat of the Lucky Pirate instead of Stalker’s Headband? I understand wanting the Dex, but the -1 Con is rough. Or maybe the Snake Priest Hat or a Triton Hat.

For hands, Blessed Tempest Gloves if you have them, or Blessed Wind Gloves. Or Gloves of Elven Lords to replace some of the Dex if you switch the head slot.

Finally, as others have said, NM is easier with a fifth level character. Do you have any Folios of Might lying around? How many times will the kids be playing? Might be worth burning the consumable so the ranger’s build is more resilient. (I have some Folios of Might I’d consider trading you for TGs or something if you don’t want to drop $20 for one.)

Ranger Con is even now at 18. Gauntlets of Ogre Power removed,

I don't know if we'll have cleric.

I think I'll keep the headband, since Con is even now.

Just need to figure out where to find +1 str for the fighter.

Fighter is looking good! You still have one empty charm slot that might as well be filled with something useful like +hp or +save (some options include Abomination, Providence, Good Health, Sea Orc) or DR (Death Asp, Stalker’s Faerie Charm).

If you don't see an easy place to add +1 STR, you could alternatively consider swapping out the IS Stalker's Prism for something different (Ruby Orb would be ideal if you've got one lying around, though not worth buying in this context) -- or just leave as is for the +2 Ref. Odd stats aren't inherently bad, they are just opportunity cost.

Ranger is much improved, but 40hp still feels just a smidge low for Nightmare... as a Cleric main I will always remember being powerless to help a 38hp rogue who got one-rounded by 2x20 damage from the Frost Giants. This exact build at Lv5 would have 52hp, but if you're set on playing Nightmare without a +level boost, consider adding a full-game HP consumable like Averon’s Cherry Ale / Folio of Vitality / Totem Paint Crushed Ruby?

I do have some Cherry Ale and healing potions. Thanks everyone for your help.

Now I would like to make a rogue, just in case ranger and fighter are taken. Here's what I have so far. Again, just looking for cheap, $3 max per token. Thanks!

Hood of Shadows, +1 Assassin’s Blade, and Masterworks Thieves Tools are a great start.

Melee to-hit, saves (especially Will) and HP are the stats most in need of improvement.

Ring of Sirenbane (~$5) or Ring of Iron Will ($1) would do more good than the Ring of Reflexes.

For the open charm slot, any of Charm of Health, Charm of the Sea Snake, or Charm of the Sea Orc would help HP.

For the open Ioun Stone slots, all of the following are inexpensive: Moon Orb, Norse Opal, and Tsavorite Prism. Faceted Amber and Iridescent Spindle are also inexpensive but can be situationally useful.

Honorable mentions at slightly higher price points: IS Stalker’s Orb, Stalker’s Prism, and Beryl Prism. The Stalker items would help with saves. IS Beryl Prism is a solid add to any rare build.

For FoP, Moon Dog is a great option (although useless if there are no Incorporeal monsters). Stalker Squirrel offers one-time 6 points of damage. Cricket is also handy as a backup.

Equipping the 20 stalker tokens gives a pretty solid build and a reasonable chance to survive at nightmare.