Author Topic: Which build should I choose?  (Read 2462 times)

Offline behaigo

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Which build should I choose?
« on: June 08, 2012, 11:24:05 PM »
I have two potential 20th lvl builds I'm trying to decide between. In the long run, what will likely result in more damage overall:

6 attacks per round at 31/31/31/26/21/16 for 3d6 +21

or

1 attack per round at 51 for13d6 +30

« Last Edit: June 08, 2012, 11:28:11 PM by behaigo »
John Hancock

Offline altpersona

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Re: Which build should I choose?
« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2012, 11:30:02 PM »
can we get a third option?

~70pts dmg / round @20 is  :banghead
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Offline behaigo

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Re: Which build should I choose?
« Reply #2 on: June 08, 2012, 11:49:42 PM »
Yeah, I know they aren't all that good, but that's due to the limitations set by the GM.  My character is a Pathfinder-only Arcane Archer, and I've managed to get him a 17 BAB and CL, and the only spell I have worked into these is True Strike.  If there is a better build available I'm all ears. 
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Re: Which build should I choose?
« Reply #3 on: June 09, 2012, 12:08:55 AM »
my pathfinder-fu isnt top notch.

The goal of power is power. - 1984
We are not descended from fearful men. - Murrow
The Final Countdown is now stuck in your head.

Anim-manga still sux.

Offline behaigo

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Re: Which build should I choose?
« Reply #4 on: June 09, 2012, 12:18:07 AM »
Mine isn't either, which is probably why my damage is so low.  All that aside, which one should I choose between options I have presented?
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Offline Maat Mons

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Re: Which build should I choose?
« Reply #5 on: June 09, 2012, 12:27:56 AM »
According to this thread, the average AC for CR 20 creatures listed in the 3.5 SRD is 36.44, and the maximum is 40. 

First we'll look at AC 36.  With +31/+31/+31/+26/+21/+16 (3d6+21), you've got an 80% to hit with each of the first 3, then 55%, 30%, and 5%, and your average damage is 31.5.  Your weighted average is (3*0.80+0.55+0.30+0.05)*31.5=103.95. 

Now we'll look at AC 40.  With +31/+31/+31/+26/+21/+16 (3d6+21), you've got an 60% to hit with each of the first 3, then 35%, 10%, and 5%, and your average damage is 31.5.  Your weighted average is (3*0.60+0.35+0.10+0.05)*31.5=72.45. 

With +51 (13d6+30), you've got a 95% chance to hit either AC 36 or AC 40, and your average damage on a successful hit is 75.5.  Your weighted average is 0.95*75.5=71.725. 

It looks like you'll typically want to go with more attacks. 

Offline behaigo

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Re: Which build should I choose?
« Reply #6 on: June 09, 2012, 12:55:40 AM »
Thanks a bunch, that was exactly what I was hoping for :)
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Offline Halinn

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Re: Which build should I choose?
« Reply #7 on: June 09, 2012, 04:21:59 PM »
Assuming that you want to play an archer, I'll urge you to consider a Paladin archer rather than an Arcane Archer. The Litany of Righteousness spell, as well as the Pathfinder improved Smite Evil should combine to make short work of any target that is of the evil alignment, and if they aren't, you're still dealing a decent amount of damage just from strength bonus, whatever you're getting from the weapon, the Divine Bond class ability and the Deadly Aim feat.