Kali's Bard Spellsinger Inquisitive HYBRID CHA Ranged/Caster build

Kalibano

Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
Welcome to my build repository! I've been playing since 2006, and I play to have fun: I don't really care about 'the META'. I have 23 alts, so I actively play practically every class and race available in the game. I design all my builds fully from scratch. Hope you find them useful, and constructive comments/ suggestions are always welcome!

If you would like to contribute towards this effort, any donations will be greatly appreciated. If not, please don't worry: sharing is caring! Just sit back and relax, and enjoy the builds!

9. Kali's Bard Spellsinger Inquisitive HYBRID CHA Ranged/Caster build
DDOBuilder (v2) file for this build. You can find and download Maetrim's DDOBuilder (v2) here.
Spellsinger-Inquisitive-hybrid-Avatar.jpg


Preface to the build

This thread aims to provide the very 'core' of the build:
  • show how it started: its key aims
  • indicate the key decisions that can be made to achieve those aims: stats, skills, feats, heroic enhancements, epic destinies
  • all numbers are based on what a first-lifer (or someone with minimal past lives) would have, unbuffed, outside of reaper mode (they do, however, include equipped gear and partially completed filigrees). They are real characters, and those are the numbers I can offer.
  • numbers are indicative of the potential minimum amounts that can be achieved with the investments that were proposed
  • provide a 'photo' of what your character could look like at endgame during quite a few lives of their 'TR hamster wheel' journey
  • show the 'foundations' to be built upon, if a player decides to embark on the 'TR hamster wheel' and go out there to hunt for rare bonuses
  • gear choices are NOT part of the core build, but rather one of the most important ways to invest in the key elements of the core build to make the aims work. It has been added here simply to suggest options/ inspire. No promises are being made towards keeping this updated upon the release of new content.

DISCLAIMER: nobody in real life has been injured on the making of this thread, and nobody will suffer injuries in real life if they try it. DDO is an awesome game, and trying-and-testing + making changes to suit your specific play style are a very healthy aspect of the game. It's how you learn and get better! Try not to stress too much about what some people have to say about how you play your game. Not everyone gets that this is a game, that people are not the same, and don't want the same things! The Mountain has many paths. Have fun!

Aims of the build

Primary aim(s):
1. Ranged DPS:
> AoE
> 'Improved Precise Shot' (feat)​
> Inquisitor's 'Shoot Later [T4]'
> {+60% dmg; +2 crit threat range & multiplier}
> Shiradi's 'Pin [T1]'
> {+30% dmg}
> Single-target (e.g. bosses)​
> Shiradi's 'Hunt's End [T3]'
> {+250% dmg +20 crit range}
> 'Archer's Focus' (feat)​
2. interweaved with Crowd Control:
> AoE spells/abilities:​
Enchantment {vs Will Save}
> Spellsinger​
> 'Mass Hold Monster [T5]' {multiple enemies become held in place, causing helplessness, for a max of 6s per caster level}
> Bard spells:​
> 'Otto's Sphere of Dancing' {A magical sphere that compels all enemies who enter it to dance}
> 'Mass Charm Monster' {group of enemy monsters are charmed and will fight as trusted friends and allies}
> 'Mass Suggestion' {suggest enemies to fight as your allies for 6s per caster level}

Illusion {vs Will Save}
> Feydark Illusionist​
> 'Greater Color Spray [C3]' {enemies are sprayed with illusions of color to be Dazed, Blinded, and/or Silenced. Dazed effect by this spell won't be removed by damage, and causes helplessness. Saving throw for each effect}
> Bard spell​
> 'Color Spray' {enemies are sprayed with illusions of color to be Dazed, Blinded, and/or Silenced. Saving throw for each effect}

Evocation {vs Fort Save}
> Bard spell​
> 'Greater Shout' {an ear-splitting yell that stuns targets in its path}

Perform skill {vs Will Save}
> Bard​
> 'Fascinate' (auto-granted class feat)
> Single-target spells:
NO Save
> Bard spell​
> 'Otto's Irresistible Dance' {a single enemy feels an undeniable urge to dance}

Enchantment {vs Will Save}
> Bard spell​
> 'Hold Monster' {a single enemy becomes held in place, causing helplessness, for a max of 6s per caster level}
> Ranged (AoE):​
NO Save
> Shiradi​
> 'Pin [T2]' (Slow for 12s, vs moving enemies, on hit)
> ... improved by 'Otto's Whistler [T3]'
(Immobilise for 6s, vs non-moving enemies, on hit)
(Dance for 6s, vs moving enemies, on hit)
> 'Prism: Stay Loud [T2]' (Deafness, 25% chance, both ranged & spell casting)
> Shadowdancer
> 'Paranoia [T3]' via sneaking + activating 'From the Shadows [T4]' (Blindness, on vorpals)

3. and with occasional AoE Insta-kills:
Mainly 👇
Illusion {vs Will Save}
> Shadowdancer​
> 'Weird [T5]'

👇 mostly for the neg level de-buff on failed save, as no significant investment in necromancy, but on a few occasions the insta-kill works​
Necromancy {vs Fort Save}
> Spellsinger spell
>'Wail of the Banshee [C6]'
Secondary aim(s):
4. De-buffs (mostly WILL saves, which synergises with key Illusion ['Weird' + 'G. Color spray'] AND Enchantment ['Mass Hold', 'Otto's'] spells:
NO Save
> -1 Will Saves for 10s, stacks 3 times, upon casting offensive Illusion spells (including Greater Color Spray)
>Feydark Illusionist's 'Twist Reality [T1]'
> Darkness {applies sneak attack vulnerability / -3 PRR, MRR and Spell Penetration per stack, max 3 stacks}, for 12s; on rolls of natural 20
> Shadowdancer's 'Bring Darkness [T4]'
> -1 Saving Throws & Armor Class; and -2% Fortification, stacks up to 10 times; upon dealing damage to enemies
> Shiradi Champion's 'Track [T4]'

Enchantment {vs Will Save}
> Bard spells:​
> -2 attack, saves, skill checks and weapon dmg, on failed save. Also applies Weaken Will (-5 to Will Saves for 15s), even on successful save
'Crushing Despair'
> -3 Will Saves, for 15s, even on successful save
'Hypnotism'
> -10 Will Saves on failed save, while in the fog
'Mind Fog'
5. Moderate offensive casting (mostly Sonic + some Force):
> Sonic damage:​
> AoE spells/abilities/effects:​
NO Save
> Machrotecnic:​
> 'Tonquin's Thunder Hammer [T2]'

Evocation {vs Fort Save}
> Bard spells:
> 'Horn of Thunder' [Sonic + Electric]
> Greater Shout'
> SLA: 'Shout'
> Single-target spells/abilities/effects:
NO Save
> Spellsinger:
> 'Reverberation [T2]'
> Tiefling Scoundrel:
> 'Fiendish Arpeggio' (auto-granted racial feat) [Sonic + Fire]
> Force damage:​
> AoE spells/abilities/effects:​
NO Save
> Shadowdancer:
> 'Weird' (Force dmg per caster level on failed Will save followed by a successful Fort Save vs the insta-kill effect). The damage itself cannot be saved against.
> Single-target spells/abilities/effects:
Illusion {vs Will Save}
> Feydark Illusionist:
> 'Shadowblade [T2]' (mostly to proc de-buff via 'Twist Reality [T1])
6. Strong Party buffs via enhanced 'Bardic Inspiration' song:
> Spellsinger​
> 'Spell Song trance [T3]' {+1 morale spell DC's & 10% morale discount on spell point costs}
> 'Song of Arcane Might [T4]' {+1 morale bonus to caster level for all spells}
> 'Frolic [T4]' {target gains Freedom of Movement for the duration of your song}
> 'Arcane Aid [T4]' {+3 Music Bonus to Spell Penetration}
> 'Spell Song Vigor [T5]' {restores spell points over time for the duration of your song (2 spell points every 2s)}
> Epic feat​
> 'Inspiration Melody: Excellence' {+2 competence bonus to all stats}
7. Moderate support healing:
> Spellsinger
> 'Sustaining Song [T4]' {applies a temp fast-healing effect for duration of song; heals for 2d3 every 2s}
> 'Heal [C6]' (spell)
> Bard
> 'Soothing Song' (auto-granted class feat @ lvl 8)
> 'Mass Cure Moderate & Light Wounds' (spells)
Key stats & synergies

My preferred Quickbar layout (in case it's useful):
Spellsinger-Inquisitive-hybrid-Key-abilities-toolbar.jpg


A. Charisma for ranged combat:
> To-hit via Feydark Illusionist's 'Familiar Flourish I [T1]'​
> To damage via Feydark Illusionist's 'Familiar Flourish II [T2]'
> High Diplomacy skill:
> Agro management:​
> 'Ask Questions First [T3]': +20 Diplomacy; -10% cooldown social skills for 60s
> Inquisitive's 'Hit the Streets [C2]': grants an extra copy of Diplomacy
> Inquisitive buffs upon using Diplomacy:
> +2 PRR, MRR, AC, 5% Fort bypass per stack (for 20s, stacks 5 times)
> 'Observation [T2]' + 'Improved Observation [T3]'​
> +2 Dodge (ignores cap) per stack (for 12s, stacks 5 times):​
> 'Preparation [T3]' while 'Ask Questions First [T3]' is active​
B. Attack speed bonus = 35%:
Feats
> +20%: 'Rapid Shot'​
Enhancement bonus
> +15%: Haste (spell)​
> Dual crossbow reload speed = +20% (stacks with Rapid Shot)​
Feats
> 'Rapid Reload'​

Further notes from the U70 ranged combat changes:
  • The baseline attack speed of Repeating and Dual Crossbows has been reduced slightly.
  • Rapid Reload's bonus for all Dual Crossbows has been reduced from 40% to 20%.
  • The bonus to Reload Speed from Rapid Shot for Repeating and Dual Crossbows has been reduced.

C. Doubleshot = 62% [since U70, the doubleshot penalties when fighting in Dual Crossbow style have been removed]
Doubleshot Breakdown
:
Feats
> +10%: 'Doubleshot' (Epic Destiny feat)​
> +2%: 'Harbinger of Chaos' (Epic Destiny feat)​
Heroic
> +5%: Inquisitive's 'Hit the Streets [C2]'​
> +5%: Inquisitive's 'Martial Inquisition [T4]'​
Epic Destinies
> +6%: Shiradi Champion's 'Phase Double [T2]'​
> +5%: Shadowdancer's 'Shadowstriker [T3]'​
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses)
> +15% artifact bonus (set bonus)​
> +8% enhancement bonus​
> +4% insightful bonus​
Airship Buffs
> +2%: 'Archery Range'​
> buffable to 92% in reaper mode​
[Dread Adversary's 'Reaper Strike [T1]']​
D. Weapon Critical profile = 16-20/ x3:
Critical threat range
Base
> 19-20: Heavy Crossbows​
Feats
> +2 feat bonus: 'Improved Critical: Ranged' (feat)​
Heroic enhancements/spells
> +1 competence bonus: Inquisitive's 'True Seeing [C4]'​
= 16-20
Critical damage multiplier
Base
> x2: Heavy Crossbows​
Heroic enhancements/spells
> +1 competence bonus: Inquisitive's 'True Seeing [C4]'​
= x3
Average extra damage from weapon crit profile = +52%:​
Overall Critical Profile Multiplier = 19 + 'Crit Units' / 19
'Crit Units' = (threat range) x (multiplier -1)

Critical threat range 16-20 = 5
Critical damage multiplier = 3
'Crit units' = (5) * (3-1) = 10
Overall Critical Profile Multiplier = 19 + 10 / 19 = 1.52 = 152% (100% base damage + 52% extra from crit profile)
N.B. with thanks to @Hammatimes for providing the formulas and explanations :)

> Crit damage multiplier boost = +1 (16-18/ x3, 16-20/ x4):
Epic Destinies
> +1 on 19-20 rolls: Shadowdancer's 'Just a Taste [T5]'​
Average total extra damage from weapon crit profile on 19-20 rolls = +63%:​
Overall Critical Profile Multiplier = 19 + 'Crit Units' / 19
'Crit Units' = (threat range) x (multiplier -1) + 2 * (19-20 bonuses)

Critical threat range 16-20 = 5
Critical damage multiplier = 3
19-20 bonuses = 1
'Crit units' = (5) * (3-1) + 2 * (1)= 12
Overall Critical Profile Multiplier = 19 + 12 / 19 = 1.63 = 163% (100% base damage + 63% extra from crit profile)
N.B. with thanks to @Hammatimes for providing the formulas and explanations :)
E. 11 imbue die: Sonic dmg (scales Spell Power)
> Tiefling Scoundrel's toggle 'Bloodsong I [C1]'
Imbue die breakdown:
+5 die Feats
+2 Harbinger of Chaos​
+3 Scion of Feywild (@lvl 30)​
+3 die Heroic enhancements​
+3 Inquisitive (Core 4 + T2 & 4)​
+1 dice Augment​
+1 Emerald of Arcane Empowerment​
+2 die Filigrees​
+2 Reverberation (set bonus: 2 pieces)​

= total 11 die, sustainable 100% of the time

F. 11 Sneak Attack die
SA die breakdown:
+7 die Epic Destinies​
+7 Shadowdancer (C1-4 + T2)​
+3 dice Set bonuses​
+3 Legendary Wallwatch (3 pieces)​
+1 dice ???​
+1 ???​

= total 11 die, sustainable 100% of the time

G. DR bypass (on main weapon)
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses)
> Chaotic: Dino Bone weapon 'Icefang'​
> Crystal: Dino Bone weapon 'Meltscale'​
> Byeshk: Dino Bone weapon: 'Meltscale'​

Note: DR breaker weapon also available via weapon swap

H. Fortification bypass = 58%
Epic Destinies
> +15 Shadowdancer's 'Grim Precision [T3]'​
> +03 Shadowdancer's 'Cut to Soul [C4]'​
> +05 Shiradi's 'Viision [C2]'​
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses)
> +30 Wallwatch set bonus​
Airship buffs
> +05 'Trap Workshop'​

I. Dodge bypass = 8%
Epic Destinies
> +5%: Shiradi Champion's 'Vision [C2]'​
> +3%: Shadowdancer's 'Cut to the Soul [C4]'​

J. Helpless damage = +68%
Base bonus
> +50%​
Epic Destinies
> +10%: Shiradi Champion's 'Cruelty of the Hunt [T4]' (while in Shiradi Mantle)​
> +3%: Shadowdancer's 'Cut to the Soul [C4]'​
Airship Buffs
> +5%: 'Game Hunter'​

K. Extra damage:
> Extra Weapon dmg = +1.25{W]:
Feats
> +1[W]: 'Point Blank Shot'
Airship Buffs
> +0.25[W]: 'Ninja Assassin'

> Extra Ranged Power = up to +20:​
> 'Arcane Warrior' (feat): Your offensive spells grant you a stack of Arcane Warrior: Physical (+1 Melee and Ranged Power), each of these stacks to 20 times and each stack lasts for 12 seconds.
> Rune arms:
> Imbue damage on each weapon attack (scales 200% Ranged Power)​
> Magical Blast damage, max tier 5 (scales respective Spell Power)​
> Charge speed:​
Epic Destinies
> +15%: Machrotectnic's 'Tinker Tailoring [T1]'​
> Shiradi Mantle (chance to proc on weapon damage)​
> 'Prism mantle [T1]'​
> 'Prism: Stay Loud [T2]'​
> 'Prism: Double Rainbow [T3]'​
> AoE light damage (Celestial Explosion)​
> 'The Everstar' returning bolts [conjured from The Hallowed Splinters Heavy Crossbow]​
L. Burst damage:
> from 2 epic strikes at the same time:​
1. Shiradi​
> 'Hunt's End [T1+3]' (v nice dmg when followed straight by Inquisitive's 'Shoot Later [T4]')
2. Shadowdancer​
> 'Paranoia [T2]' (via sneaking + activating 'From the Shadows [T4]')
> Shadowdancer's 'Shadow Mastery [T5]'​
M. Audience with the Queen buffs {when resting at a shrine, effects last for 10 minutes}
> Double: +5% Doublestrike and Doubleshot​
> Power: +10 Melee and Ranged Power, +20 Universal Spell Power​
> Efficacy: +1 to all Spell DCs​
> Evasiveness: +5% Dodge​
> Physical Endurance: +10 Physical Resistance Rating​
> Magical Endurance: +10 Magical Resistance Rating​
> Vital: +10 Positive, Negative, and Repair Healing Amplificatio​
> Saves: +1 Determination Bonus to Saving Throws​


N. Spell DCs:
N.B.
The values below are NOT inclusive of the de-buffs outlined earlier in section 4.
> Illusion = 108+
Breakdown:​
A saving throw against most standard spells has a DC of :​
10 + (the level of the spell) + (your bonus for the relevant Ability) + (any relevant items and or buffs)

10 + 6* + 43 + 49 = 108
* Bards cast max level 6 spells.
{Spellcasting ability modifier}
+43 (CHA modifier)​
{Illusion bonuses}
+49
Feats {+9}
> +1: 'Spell Focus: Illusion'​
> +1: 'Greater Spell Focus: Illusion'​
> +1: 'Epic Spell Focus: Illusion'​
> +4: 'Scion of the Feywild'​
> +2: 'Embolden Spell' (metamagic)​
Heroic {+6}
> +4: Spellsinger cores [2-5]​
> +1: Spellsinger's 'Blue Marigold Crown [T2]'​
> +1 morale bonus: Spellsinger's 'Spell Song Trance [T3]'​
Epic Destinies {+10}
> +4: Epic bonus: Shadowdancer cores [1-4]​
> +3: Shadowdancer [T3]​
> +3: 'Greater Shadowdancer Spell Focus' [T5]​
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses) {+18}
> +3 artifact bonus (set bonus)​
> +2 profane bonus (set bonus)​
> +6 equipment bonus​
> +3 insightful bonus​
> +0 quality bonus​
> +2 sacred bonus​
> +2 enhancement bonus (Gianthold augment)​
Filigrees (inc Set bonuses) {+5}
> +2: 'Eye of the Beholder' (4-piece set)​
> +2: 'Otto's Irrevocable Power' (4-piece set)​
> +1: 'Lunar Magic' (3-piece set)​
Airship Buffs {+1}
> +1: 'Archwizard'​
Note: Some ED/Heroic SLA spells reach higher DCs:​
> Weird = 20 + Highest of INT/WIS/CHA modifier + Illusion DC bonuses
20 + 43 + 49 = 112 (vs Will)
> Greater Color Spray = 17 + Highest of INT/WIS/CHA modifier + Illusion bonuses
17 + 43 + 49 = 109 (vs Will)
N.B. Strong support for Illusion DCs mostly already there, while investing in Enchantment:
> Spellsinger [C2-5] + [T2]​
> Shadowdancer [T3]​
> Scion of the Feywild​
> Magewright's Spectacles, and set bonus​

One of the key reasons for going Shadowdancer was to make use of all this free Illusion support being there.

> Enchantment = 109+
Breakdown:​
A saving throw against most standard spells has a DC of :​
10 + (the level of the spell) + (your bonus for the relevant Ability) + (any relevant items and or buffs)

10 + 6* + 43 + 50 = 109
* Bards cast max level 6 spells.
{Spellcasting ability modifier}
+43 (CHA modifier)​
{Enchantment bonuses}
+50
Feats {+9}
> +3: 'Spell Speciality: Enchantment'​
> +4: 'Scion of the Feywild'​
> +2: 'Embolden Spell' (metamagic)​
Heroic {+7}
> +4: Spellsinger cores [2-5]​
> +2: Spellsinger's 'Prodigy [T5]'​
> +1 morale bonus: Spellsinger's 'Spell Song Trance [T3]'​
Epic Destinies {+10}
> +4: Epic bonus: Shadowdancer cores [1-4]​
> +3: Shiradi Champion [T3]​
> +3: 'Greater Shadowdancer Spell Focus' [T5]​
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses) {+18}
> +3 artifact bonus (set bonus)​
> +2 profane bonus (set bonus)​
> +6 equipment bonus​
> +3 insightful bonus​
> +0 quality bonus​
> +2 sacred bonus​
> +2 enhancement bonus (Gianthold augment)​
Filigrees (inc Set bonuses) {+5}
> +2: 'Eye of the Beholder' (4-piece set)​
> +2: 'Otto's Irrevocable Power' (4-piece set)​
> +1: 'Lunar Magic' (3-piece set)​
Airship Buffs {+1}
> +1: 'Archwizard'​
> Evocation = 96+
Breakdown:​
A saving throw against most standard spells has a DC of :​
10 + (the level of the spell) + (your bonus for the relevant Ability) + (any relevant items and or buffs)

10 + 6* + 43 + 37 = 96
* Bards cast max level 6 spells.
{Spellcasting ability modifier}
+43 (CHA modifier)​
{Evocation bonuses}
+37
Feats {+4}
> +0: 'Spell Speciality: Enchantment'​
> +2: 'Scion of the Feywild'​
> +2: 'Embolden Spell' (metamagic)​
Heroic {+5}
> +4: Spellsinger cores [2-5]​
> +1 morale bonus: Spellsinger's 'Spell Song Trance [T3]'​
Epic Destinies {+7}
> +4: Epic bonus: Shadowdancer cores [1-4]​
> +0: Machrotecnic [T3]​
> +3: 'Greater Shadowdancer Spell Focus' [T5]​
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses) {+15}
> +3 artifact bonus (set bonus)​
> +2 profane bonus (set bonus)​
> +6 equipment bonus​
> +0 insightful bonus​
> +0 quality bonus​
> +2 sacred bonus​
> +2 enhancement bonus (Gianthold augment)​
Filigrees (inc Set bonuses) {+5}
> +2: 'Eye of the Beholder' (4-piece set)​
> +2: 'Otto's Irrevocable Power' (4-piece set)​
> +1: 'Lunar Magic' (3-piece set)​
Airship Buffs {+1}
> +1: 'Archwizard'​

> Casting ability: Charisma = 97/43+
CHA breakdown:​
Base {+20}
> +18 (character creation)​
> +2 (character creation - Tiefling Scoundrel: +2 CHA)​
Level up {+8}
> +8 (+1 @ lvls 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32)​
Tome {+8}
> +8 inherent bonus​
Feats {+2}
> +2 competence bonus (Inspiration Melody: Excellence)​
Heroic {+9}
> +2: Spellsinger [T3+4]​
> +4: Spellsinger's 'Maestro of Life and Death [C6]'​
> +2: Inquisitive [T3+4]​
> +1: Feydark Illusionist [C2]​
Racial {+1}
> +1: Tiefling Scoundrel [C2]​
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses) {+32}
> +3 artifact bonus (set bonus)​
> +2 profane bonus (set bonus)​
> +15 enhancement bonus​
> +5 insightful bonus (Augment)​
> +3 quality bonus​
> +2 festive bonus (Augment)​
> +2 exceptional bonus (Dino weapon)​
Filigrees (inc Set bonuses) {+12}
> +4: 'Raid: 'Reverberation'/'Sanctified Fervor' (single filigree x2: weapon + Minor artifact)​
> +2: 'Raid: 'To Hell and Back'/'Embraced by Light' (single filigree)​
> +2: 'Eye of the Beholder' (single filigree x2: weapon + Minor artifact)​
> +2: 'Otto's Irrevocable Power' (single filigree x2: weapon + Minor artifact)​
> +2: 'Lunar Magic' (single filigree x2: weapon + Minor artifact)​
Spells/Potions/Scrolls {+2}
> +2: 'Yugoloth: Essence of Seduction' (potion)​
Airship Buffs {+2}
> +2: 'Old Sully's Grog Cellar'​
Reaper bonus {+1}
> +1: Dire Thaumaturge tree 'Reaper's Arcanum III [C3]' {this works out of reaper mode too}
Note: it takes 11 reaper points to acquire this. I am mindful this is not something everyone will have access to, but I listed it since it seems like a goal that can potentially be achieved in the short term.​
Total = 97/43+
> buffable to 99/44+
Spells/Potions/Scrolls {+2}
> +2: 'Lasting Elixir of ability' (potion) {I personally use on high reapers only}
> More detailed comments on 'Spell DCs: hybrids vs pure casters' in this post.


O. Main Spell Powers:
Spellsinger-Inquisitive-hybrid-Spellpowers.jpg

> Extra Spell Power = up to +40 Universal SPw:
> 'Arcane Warrior' (feat): Your weapon and unarmed attacks grant you a stack of Arcane Warrior: Magical (+2 Universal Spell Power), each of these stacks to 20 times and each stack lasts for 12 seconds.
> Extra damage on offensive spellcasting:
> Shiradi's 'Prism mantle [T1]' + 'Prism: Stay Loud [T2]' + 'Prism: Double Rainbow [T3]'​

P. Survivability & Defenses (after all, soul stones do zero dps):
Spellsinger-Inquisitive-hybrid-HP-Mana.jpg

> The image above 👆 includes:​
> +5 CON Tome​
> 'Rage' spell​
> Temporary HPs: 'Greater Heroism' spell + 'Ballad Melody: Greatness'​
> Values @ lvl 32, out of reaper mode​

> % Hit Point bonus = +10%
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses)
> +10% legendary bonus (set bonus)​
> Damage Avoidance
> Light armor:​
> allows evasion​
> higher max DEX bonus = higher Dodge chance​
> no Arcane Spell Failure (ASF) for bard spells​

> Max DEX bonus to armor = 28
Armor
> +20: Light armor (Legendary Wildwood Vest)​
> +0: 'Sapphire of Armored Agility'​
Epic Destinies
> +6: Shadowdancer 'Lithe [T2]'​
Airship Buffs
> +2: 'Fencing Master'​

> Dodge cap = 27%
Base bonus
> 25​
Airship Buffs
> +2: 'Fencing Master'​
> Dodge chance = 21% {capped @27}
Feats
> +4 music bonus: 'Inspiration Melody: Heroics'​
Heroic
> +2: Inquisitive's 'Hit the Streets [C2]'​
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses)
> +13% enhancement bonus​
Unknown source
> +2%: ???​
> buffable up to +10%, ignores Cap:
> Inquisitive's 'Ask Questions First [T3]' {When you use Diplomacy on an enemy while this is active, you gain a stack of Preparation (+2% Dodge that ignores Dodge Cap). Each stack of Preparation lasts 12 seconds, and acquiring a new stack resets the duration. Preparation can stack up to 5 times. Duration: 60s, Cooldown: 2 Minutes}

> Incorporeality = 10%
Augments (inc Set bonuses)
> +10: 'Legendary Wraithborn Emerald'​
> Concealment = 20%-50%
Spells
> +20%: 'Blur' (lvl 2 spell)​
> buffable to 50%: 'Displacement' (lvl 3 spell)​

Some info on how incorporeality (e.g. Ghostly) and concealment (e.g. Blur and Displacement) are reduced in reaper mode.
My understanding is that this info is based on player testing, not officially from the Devs. Info below (inc link) from the DDO Wiki:

Defenses-in-reaper-mode.jpg

> Evasion
{on successful Reflex save: no dmg, instead of half dmg}
> Shadowdancer's 'The Darkest Luck [C3]'​

> Damage Reduction
> PRR = 125 {55.56% less dmg from slashing, bludgeoning and piercing attacks}
Breakdown:​
Armor
> +20: Light armor PRR (BAB*1)​
Feats
> +3: Ballad Melody: Greatness​
Gear bonuses (inc Set bonuses)
> +30 artifact bonus (set bonus)​
> +30 profane bonus (set bonus)​
> +33 enhancement bonus​
> +0 insightful bonus​
> +0 quality bonus​
Filigrees (inc Set bonuses)
> +2: 'Otto's Irrevocable Power' - CON (rare) single filigree​
Gear: Mythic bonuses
> +2: Armor​
> +1: Bracers
> +1: Boots
Unknown source
> +3%: ???​
Grant total = 125
> buffable up to +10:
> Inquisitive's 'Observation [T2]' {When you use Diplomacy on an enemy, you gain one stack of Observation (+2 to Armor Class, +2 to PRR, +2 to MRR). Each stack lasts 20 seconds before being removed. This stacks up to 5 times}

> Elemental resistance/protection
Racial
> +34 {Fire}: Tiefling Scoundrel's 'Infernal Ancestry' {bonus = character level, permanent}
Airship buffs
> +15 {Fire}: 'Sign of the Silver Flame' {permanent}

> Energy Absorption
Airship buffs
> +15% {Fire}: 'Sign of the Silver Flame' {permanent}
> +15% {Acid & Cold}: 'Shrine to the Devourer' {permanent}
> +15% {Electric & Sonic}: 'Stormreaver Memorial' {permanent}

> Immunities:​
Tiefling Scoundrel
> Fear: 'Infernal Ancestry' (racial feat auto-granted @ lvl 1)​
Shadowdancer
> Energy Drain (negative levels): 'Shadowstriker [T3]'​
Spells/potions
> Mind-affecting effects (e.g. charms & compulsions): 'Protection from Evil' potions​
Items
> Magic Missiles: 'Shield' clickie
Epic-Sapphire-Studded-Buckles.jpg
Sapphire-Studded-Buckles.jpg
N.B.: found in 'Kind of a Big Deal' quest, in the Twelve.
I share some strategies for general defensiveness and survival in this thread. Come visit if you feel it could be useful to you!

The 'core elements' of the build


Class(es): Bard (20)
Race: Tiefling Scoundrel
Alignment: Chaotic Good (Non-Lawful because Bard restriction)
Main stat: Charisma (level ups here)
Starting stats (36 pts): STR: 08/ DEX: 16*/ CON: 16/ INT: 08/ WIS: 08/ CHA: 20
* +3 DEX tome req for Improve Precise Shot feat
Skills: Perform/ Heal / Use Magic Device/ Diplomacy / Spellcraft/ Tumble (20 points)/
Weapon type(s): Heavy & Light Crossbows

Feats:
Spellsinger-Inquisitive-hybrid-Feats.jpg


Heroic enhancements: 85 = 80 + 3 (Racial tomes) + 2 (Universal tome)
Spellsinger-Inquisitive-hybrid-Heroic-enhancs.jpg

N.B: Multi-selector choices:
> Spellsinger​
> T1: 'Musical Studies'​
> T4: 'Arcane Aid'​
> Inquisitive​
> T3: 'Ask Questions First'​
> T4: 'Shoot Later'​
Epic Destinies: 73 = 69 + 1 (Tome of Fate +3) + 2 (Fey & Dread tomes) + 1 (Historic tome)
Spellsinger-Inquisitive-hybrid-Epic-Destinies-Myth-Drannor.jpg

N.B: ED multi-selector choices:
> Shadowdancer​
> T2: 'Nightmare Lance'​
> T3: 'Shadowstriker'​
> T3: 'Illusion DCs'​
> T3: 'Paranoia'​
> T5: 'Weird'​
> Shiradi Champion​
> T1: 'Pin'​
> T2: 'Stay Loud'​
> T2: 'Phase Double'​
> T3: 'Otto's Whistler'​
> T3: 'Hunt's End'​
> T3: Enchantment DCs​
> Machrotecnic​
> T2: Tonquin's Thunder Hammer​

Spells:
Spellsinger-Inquisitive-hybrid-Spells.jpg


Suggestions for gear
(not part of the core build: choices based on what supports the main aims of the build best, with the intention to suggest/ inspire)

Gear Set bonuses:
Spellsinger-Inquisitive-hybrid-Gear-Set-bonuses.jpg


Gear:
(PS: Some choices ref gear cater to a much larger personal scheme/tetris where items need to get shared between several alts at endgame, where I normally play in reaper mode 6-10 skulls).
Spellsinger-Inquisitive-hybrid-Gear-set-labelled.jpg

More Gear Set suggestions & planners in this thread.

Rings-of-Spell-Storing.jpg


Most important augments to slot:
+10 Damage / +10 Ranged Power
+1 Imbue dice
+1 exceptional All Ability scores
+12 enhanc Dexterity (Reflex for evasion) & Constitution
+5 insight Charisma & Constitution
+2 festive Charisma & Constitution
+6 equip Evocation DCs
+2 enhanc Illusion + Enchantment + Evocation DCs
+19 Perform skill
+5% insight All Spell Crit chance
+10 resistance All Saves
+2 Max DEX bonus to armor
+32 enhanc Sheltering
Quickdraw
Fearater / Deconstructor

(Suggestions for where to slot them in the DDOBuilder file for this build).


Main Filigree Set bonuses:
Spellsinger-Inquisitive-hybrid-Filigree-Set-bonuses.jpg


Filigrees: 14 = 4 (Minor Artifact) + 10 (Weapon sentient gem)
Spellsinger-Inquisitive-hybrid-Filigrees-all.jpg


Filigree master plan:
  1. Primarily invest in Spell DC and Charisma.
  2. Spell Power and Imbue Dice are secondary aims, if/when possible to squeeze in
  3. other effects get the least priority


I am always happy to read, consider and respond to constructive comments/ suggestions / feedback that are provided in a polite and friendly manner. I welcome discussions with anyone who is capable (and willing) to do this. Some discussions may lead to both parties simply agreeing to disagreeing - that's absolutely fine, everyone is entitled to their opinion after all!
.
 
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Kalibano

Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
Extra suggestion to make the most of this thread:

I do recommend having Maetrim's DDOBuilder (v2) open while looking at my threads, as this will enable you to:
- hover over the abilities listed and learn more about them
- experiment with changing things and seeing if they would work better for you, before doing it in the live game
- get a general overview of the key aspects of the build

I arrange my DDOBuilder screen as per the image below (not this build in the image), as it helps me view the key aspects of my builds far more easily than opening and closing a bunch of windows. Just thought I'd share, in case its useful:
Maetrim-s-DDOBuilder-sample-v2.jpg


Maetrim's builder is really amazing, I highly recommend it!
 
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Kalibano

Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
Spell DCs: hybrids vs pure casters

I strongly recommend NOT swapping out any investment (e.g. feats, enhancements, etc.) made to increase spell DCs, even if your character has all past lives.

To expound on my reasoning, I thought I could go over some of the main differences between pure casters and hybrids ref spell DCs, bearing in mind that the table below makes several generalisations, so things will vary between different classes/ races/ specific choices made by players/ etc.:

Pure castersHybrid caster + melee/ranged
MORE DCs
- tend to stay pure, rather than multiclass, so normally benefit from +4 to their main ability score from the core 6 capstone (= +2 DCs)


.
LESS DCs
- many tend to multiclass, and therefore, miss out completely on the capstone ability score bonus
- some stay pure (like my Blight Caster hybrid), but they tend to go with a melee/ranged-focused tree as their main tree, and the capstones for those often grant only +2 to main ability score, and +2 CON
.
MORE DCs
- can acquire an extra +6 (or more) to their main ability score from heroic trees:
+2 from tiers 3 & 4 of main caster tree
+2 from tiers 3 & 4 of secondary caster tree
+2 racial tree
+? universal tree
A couple of examples of this from my Wizard and Favoured Soul builds
.
LESS DCs
- it is not always possible to acquire as much from the heroic trees, often because of the need to support the melee/ranged aspect:
- haste boost,
- enhancements to change the ability score to-hit & dmg
- trances, etc.



.
MORE DCs
- heroic trees often grant +2 (or more) to the main spell school(s) of their respective classes
- some races (e.g. Dragonborn, Deep Gnome) grant bonuses to specific schools
.
LESS DCs
- many tend to go with a melee/ranged-focused tree as their main tree, and these often do not grant any bonuses to spell DCs
- hybrids tend to be AP tight, so in the racial tree aspect, those with racial past lives would have a stronger chance to achieve similar DCs
.
MORE DCs
- being a pure caster often means having enough feat slots to acquire feats such as:
- Purchased: Past Life: Wizard, granting +1 to all spell DCs
- Great Ability (x2) [Epic feat slots]
.
LESS DCs
- hybrids tend to be very feat tight, as they need to invest both in casting and melee/ranged, so this bonus might not always be taken


.
SIMILAR DCs
- the following feats could potentially be considered essential for DC casting, so are often taken by pure casters:
- Spell focus: school
- Greater Spell Focus: school
- Epic Spell Focus: school [Epic feat]
- Spell Speciality [Epic Destiny feat]
- Metamagic: Embolden Spell
- Metamagic: heighten Spell (for some classes)
- Scion of (spell DCs options)
- Passive: Past lives (inc Completionist feats)
.
SIMILAR DCs
- it is possible to make a similar investment to a pure caster, while still having room to invest in the melee/ranged aspect (as well as on some spellpower too)
N.B. The main spells this build uses at endgame would have limited benefit from heighten: overall, those specific spells, do have similar DCs to a pure caster investing in those ? without heighten






.
SIMILAR DCs
- caster EDs often grant the following DC bonuses:
+4 to all schools [cores 1-4]
+3 to a single school [tier 3]
+3 to all schools [tier 5]
.
SIMILAR DCs
- hybrid EDs (Fatesinger inc) grant the same bonuses



.
SIMILAR DCs
- Gear: the following stackable bonuses to spell DCs are considered by many to be essential for DC casting:
- equipment bonus
- enhancement (Gianthood augments)
- insightful
- quality
- sacred
- profane
- exceptional
- artifact
.
SIMILAR DCs
- it is possible to acquire all these bonus types for at least a couple of schools, while still having room to invest in the melee/ranged aspect (as well as on some spellpower too)
- thanks to sets like 'Masterful Magewright' and 'Part of the Family' + 'Wallwatch', it is possible to combine a 3-piece set for the melee/ranged aspect, while adding a DC casting set bonus too.
N.B. Isle of Dread and Vecna use the cloak slot as a requirement for the 3-piece set, so this would not be possible


.
SIMILAR DCs
- filigrees can provide a large bonus to spell DCs:
- set bonuses (e.g. Eye of the Beholder 4-piece)
- filigrees that grant ability score bonuses
- doubling-up the same type of filigrees, by slotting one in the weapon and the other in the artefact (e.g. Eye of the Beholder (raid) +2 INT x2)
.
SIMILAR DCs
- though at the detriment of the melee/ranged aspect of the build, it is possible (and I personally strongly advise towards this) for the same investment to be made for a hybrid build



.

This is roughly the 'formula' I use to make my hybrids work, and by this I mean to get them to land spells reliably while still benefiting from melee/ranged attacks. A hybrid character will (and should) never be as successful in casting as a pure caster, neither as strong as a pure melee/ranged DPS alt. It's the combination of some of what casters and melee/ranged DPS do that can create a workable output for hybrids, but in the end, both aspects end up lesser than their pure counterparts.

Lesser does not (and should not) mean inefficient, though: it is pointless investing anything in spell DCs if they don't land at all, so in my personal view, spell DCs ALWAYS take priority when it comes to hybrids.

Hope this was useful! :)
 
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Kalibano

Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
Updated the Starting Stats to include how many points the build has (in brackets).
Hopefully this helps avoid confusion :)
 

Kalibano

Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
Just curious what you final numbers are like. Stats, DCs, et al.
I'm still working on the last pieces of my gear, so I can give the numbers that can be achieved with everything I listed. At the momebt, this build is using 3 sets: Magewright's, Leg Wallwatch and winter, but no set for prafane bonuses. Also, a Sharn artefact with 3 slots.
I'd rather post numbers only when the complete build that I posted has been achieved. Sorry to disappoint, for now :)

Perhaps it's useful to say I play this alt in endgame, and it achieves all the aims I set for the build. The more the better, so upgraded gear will certainly be welcome when I finish farming the last few bits.
 
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Kalibano

Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
Why you don't use ML32 augments? They are much better! ;)
I suppose the short answer is that if I do that the gear becomes min lvl 32, and since I share a lot of my gear between my alts, its not always the best idea for me personally
 

Fisto Mk I

Well-known member
I suppose the short answer is that if I do that the gear becomes min lvl 32, and since I share a lot of my gear between my alts, its not always the best idea for me personally
But most part your gear already lvl30+, and if you get lvl 30 on your toon, you go to lvl 32 automatically. ;)
 

Kalibano

Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
I've had a request for suggestions for a gear set that doesn't include raid items. Though I don't consider gear a part of the build, I certainly consider it an important aspect to make the build work.

Raid gear does add a lot of versatility and wriggle room to add a certain number of set bonuses to gear sets, but I understand how hard/time consuming it can be to acquire, and how some people simply don't like raiding. This suggestion is only meant to provide inspiration for what could potentially work.

A few quick notes:
> if you just want max ranged DPS then this build is not for you
> this is a hybrid build, so it aims to perform at least 2 main roles: casting and ranged dps
> neither role will be able to fully achieve what a pure caster or a pure ranged dps character can achieve
> one role might need to take higher priority than the other for it to work
> to make DC casting work, you need to invest in every little bit and take all the small stackable bonuses. So DC casting takes a higher priority here, otherwise it will simply fail

The key set bonuses I suggest are:

1. Heroic, then @29 Legendary Feywild Dreamer set {gloves, cloak and armor}:
  • +25/30 Artifact bonus to Sonic, Force, Light, Acid Spell Power
  • +5/6% Artifact bonus to Sonic, Force, Light, Acid Spell Crit Chance
  • +2/3 Artifact bonus to Charisma
  • +1/3 Artifact bonus to Spell DCs
> This covers:​
- the artifact bonuses req to make DC casting work​
- the Spell Power aspect, which boosts not only the imbue damage via ranged attacks, but also offensive spellcasting between ranged attacks​
N.B. The 2-piece raid set 'Masterful Magewright' would be ideal, instead. I still strongly suggest working towards that​
2. Epic Windlasher's Ferocity set {necklace + other}
  • +10% Artifact bonus to Doublestrike and Doubleshot
  • +10% Artifact bonus to Melee and Ranged Power
> the Legendary version would require you to run raids to transform the items from Epic to Leg (15% bonuses)​
> Epic bonuses are smaller, but still substantial/ useful​
> this covers the key artifact bonuses for the ranged DPS aspect of the build​
> it is harder to fit this set without the Gem of Many facets, as you'd probably need the boots from the Zawabi's Revenge raid​
N.B. The 'Legendary Gem of Many Facets' trinket could include this set bonus, as well as another powerful set bonus: 'Legendary Elder's Focus'. It does require a lot of raiding to acquire Threads of Fate to re-roll the gem until you get both bonuses on. I strongly suggest aiming for this too.​
N.B. The Epic Gem of Many Facets is easier to acquire and can be re-rolled for free in the altar down the path, near the lava. The Epic bonuses are lower, but not terrible. With enough patience, you could eventually get both bonuses below on the gem:​

Epic Windlasher's Ferocity:​
  • +10% Artifact bonus to Doublestrike and Doubleshot
  • +10 Artifact bonus to Melee and Ranged Power
Epic Elder's Focus:​
  • +4% Artifact bonus to Spell Critical Chance
  • 10% Legendary bonus to Spell Critical Damage
3. Eminence of Winter 4-piece set {possibly helm, bracers, belt + other}:
  • +30 Artifact bonus to Physical Resistance Rating
  • +30 Artifact bonus to Healing, Repair, and Negative Amplification
  • +10% Legendary bonus to maximum Hit points
> This covers:​
- the key bonuses for some defensiveness​
- The Legendary Crown of Snow cover some key bonuses to DC spellcasting, and has a very handy effect: Paragon Cerulean Wave

The sets above will use 9 item slots out of its total 13 slots (inc weapon and armor).
For the remaining 4 items, I'd recommend:​
1. Dino artefact with +15 CHA and sacred spell DCs​
2. an item with quality spell focus mastery​
3. an item with profane spell focus mastery​
4. your free choice of weapon​

They key profane bonuses to DC casting from the Dread Curse set can be acquired elsewhere, so that's why I prioritised Winter over Dread Curse.

I hope these suggestions are useful, and if anyone has other suggestions, you are most welcome to post them here too!
 
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Fisto Mk I

Well-known member
N.B. The Epic Gem of Many Facets is easier to acquire and can be re-rolled for free in the altar down the path, near the lava. The Epic bonuses are lower, but not terrible. With enough patience, you could eventually get both bonuses below on the gem:
For Epic GoMF i strongly suggest other set combos: Epic Might of the Abishai as second and any from Epic Ravens Eye/Vulkoor's Cunning/Vulkoor's Might/Silver Concord's/Kundarak Delving as first. Personally i pref Kundarak Delving Equipment as provide most value and hardly obtained other ways set bonuses for ranged toon and not wasted precious Armor slot.

Epic Might of the Abishai 3pc just too good to pass away: +2 profane DC to all spells at ML20 is unique, same as +2 profane to all Stat (almost unique, second possibility is Epic Scorpions Shield).
 

Kalibano

Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
For Epic GoMF i strongly suggest other set combos: Epic Might of the Abishai as second and any from Epic Ravens Eye/Vulkoor's Cunning/Vulkoor's Might/Silver Concord's/Kundarak Delving as first. Personally i pref Kundarak Delving Equipment as provide most value and hardly obtained other ways set bonuses for ranged toon and not wasted precious Armor slot.

Epic Might of the Abishai 3pc just too good to pass away: +2 profane DC to all spells at ML20 is unique, same as +2 profane to all Stat (almost unique, second possibility is Epic Scorpions Shield).
Just one quick clarification: the Epic Gem was a suggestion for the endgame gear set, since the Legendary version requires raid completions to re-roll. It offers a lesser amount, but the bonuses it can potentially offer are still decent.

Thanks for your suggestions Fisto :) As a general thing, the combos you mentioned would seem to suit a good number of builds, for sure. For the levelling between 20-30 they might work too.

In general, the gearset I suggested focused on level 29 and endgame, for those who don't have a lot of raid gear, nor time to raid, or who don't like to raid. Potentially good as well for those who want something to wear at endgame while farming the raid pieces from the gearset I planed for in the original build section of this thread.

For this specific build, Elder's + Windlasher (even when using the Epic version at endgame) would still be potentially highly valuable for the aims of the build and what the character can do.

Some thoughts on the other sets you proposed:
> When compared to Windlasher Ferocity, KDelving is imo not as good. Despite giving sneak attack and helpless damage, it requires an extra piece and misses one of the key bonuses: ranged power. It can indeed replace the armor slot so it can hold the DC casting set, but Windlasher can too, and takes 1 less piece of gear.​
> The profane bonuses from Abishai can definitely be useful while levelling. Later on, close to level 30, winter can replace it, and level 29 items with profane DCs are available.​

For the benefit of those who visit this thread and are not familiar with the Gem, these are the set bonuses that can be crafted on it:
  • One of (Vault of Night or Red Fens):
    • Legendary Divine Blessing
    • Legendary Elder's Knowledge
    • Legendary Marshwalker
    • Legendary Raven's Eye
    • Legendary Shaman's Fury
    • Legendary Siren's Ward
    • Legendary Vulkoor's Cunning
    • Legendary Vulkoor's Might
    • Legendary Kundarak Delving Equipment
    • Legendary Mroranon's Might
    • Legendary Silver Concord's Subtlety
    • Legendary Wards of House Kundarak
    • Legendary Draconic Prophecy
  • One of (Chronoscope or Sands of Menechtarun):
    • Legendary Might of the Abishai
    • The Legendary Desert's Biting Sands
    • The Legendary Desert's Burning Sun
    • The Legendary Desert's Starless Nights
    • The Legendary Desert's Writhing Storm
    • Legendary Menechtarun Scavenger
    • Legendary Oasis of Morality
    • Legendary Vulkoor's Chosen
    • Legendary Windlasher's Ferocity
Thanks for your input Fisto :)
 
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Fisto Mk I

Well-known member
See, you propose your build as Ranged/CC/IK, so i don't see why you need Elder's set so hardly. About Ranged Power and Kundarak Devling... Kundarak provide Doubleshot bonuses without RP/MP, yea, but Ranged Power can be slotted with augment set, and Ranged Power set much easy to obtain than Doubleshot augs set, just because The Curse of Strahd is run much much more than RtSO. 8)

And if you can slot 5ps Abishai set - it provide unique +3 profane DC to all spell and almost unique +3 profane to all stats too. ;)
 

Kalibano

Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
Thanks for your input again! Always happy to discuss options, as discussions like this can help others understand why some choices are/are not made :)

See, you propose your build as Ranged/CC/IK, so i don't see why you need Elder's set so hardly.
Fair point.

A quick note before responding specifically to this point: the Legendary Gem of Many Facets with the Elder's + Windlasher set bonuses is absolutely perfect for hybrid builds. It took me forever to get it, and I use it on multiple alts (despite not using on this one). Not everyone plays 23 alts like me, and not everyone will agree with my assessment of how perfect it is for hybrids, so there is always an option to choose something different. Hopefully my responses below will be helpful towards making informed choices:

For my playstyle, I do find myself casting the below quite often, both for their damage, and also to proc the bonuses for Arcane Warrior (a feat perfect for hybrid builds like mine):
5. Moderate offensive casting (mostly Sonic + some Force):
> AoE:​
> Bard [Sonic]: 'Horn of Thunder' + Greater Shout' + SLA: 'Shout'
> Shadowdancer [Force]: 'Weird' (1d3+1 per caster level on failed saves for insta-kill)
> Single-target:
> Spellsinger [Sonic]: 'Reverberation [T2]' + Tiefling Scoundrel's 'Fiendish Arpeggio' (auto-granted racial feat)
> Feydark Illusionist [Force]: 'Shadowblade [T2]' (mostly to proc de-buff via 'Twist Reality [T1])

I would personally find the extra spell crit chance and crit damage more useful than what other options would potentially offer instead of Elder's Focus (and keeping Windlasher's):
  • Legendary Divine Blessing (XXX)
  • Legendary Marshwalker (XXX)
  • Legendary Shaman's Fury (XXX)
  • Legendary Siren's Ward (XXX)
  • Legendary Kundarak Delving Equipment (XXX)
  • Legendary Mroranon's Might (XXX)
  • Legendary Wards of House Kundarak (XXX)
  • Legendary Draconic Prophecy (XXX)
  • Legendary Elder's Knowledge
+6% Artifact bonus to Spell Critical Chance
15% Legendary bonus to Spell Critical Damage
  • Legendary Raven's Eye (potentially)
+3 Artifact bonus to Attack and Damage
+3 Artifact bonus to Critical Confirmation and Critical Damage
+3 Artifact bonus to Sneak Attack and Sneak Attack Damage
+7 Artifact bonus to Search and Spot
  • Legendary Vulkoor's Cunning (potentially, but not great imo)
-20% Artifact bonus to Melee Threat Reduction
+15 Artifact bonus to Melee and Ranged Power (repeated bonus: Windlasher)​
You gain On Vorpal: You apply a Vulkoorim Constitution Poison

  • Legendary Vulkoor's Might (potentially)
+20% Artifact bonus to Threat Generation (not ideal for this build)
+3 Artifact bonus to Attack & Damage
+3 Artifact bonus to Critical Confirmation & Critical Damage
+3 Artifact bonus to Sneak Attack & Sneak Attack Damage

  • Legendary Silver Concord's Subtlety (potentially, but not great imo)
+30% Artifact bonus to Fortification Bypass
+15 Artifact bonus to Melee and Ranged Power (repeated bonus: Windlasher)

About Ranged Power and Kundarak Devling... Kundarak provide Doubleshot bonuses without RP/MP, yea, but Ranged Power can be slotted with augment set, and Ranged Power set much easy to obtain than Doubleshot augs set, just because The Curse of Strahd is run much much more than RtSO. 8)
Sure, it makes complete sense ref which is easier to obtain for the Augment sets.
> For my build in particular, there is no space to slot 3-piece Augment sets. The 4 set bonuses it has use up all 13 slots.​
> For those who asked for suggestions for a non-raid gear set, it wouldn't help recommending getting raid gear to transform into augments to acquire Ranged power​

And if you can slot 5ps Abishai set - it provide unique +3 profane DC to all spell and almost unique +3 profane to all stats too. ;)
For the non-raid gearset that was requested this would not work, as it requires 5 raid items + Threads of Fate from raids for Leg transformation.

For the gearset I suggested in the main build:
That is indeed a possible option. I personally find it less appealing/ efficient because:
> the bonuses on the 5 items of the Abishai set are not very useful for this build and/or clash with the other sets I recommended to be used in the main build​
> contrary to artefact bonuses, profane bonuses to ability scores and spell DCs can also be found on items (at +2, I know)​
> the items for the Curse set are a lot more useful and versatile​
> one of the Curse items is the Dino artefact, where I craft sacred DCs and get +15 to main stat: I can't do that with Abishai​
> Curse set includes the option of a powerful craftable weapon, Abishai doesn't, which would make this build only benefit from 12 slots for set bonuses (rather than 13 with Curse)​
> the set bonus from Curse, imo, include powerful bonuses that are more widely useful for a hybrid build (and which are not included in Abishai):​
  • +15 Profane bonus to Melee and Ranged Power
  • +25 Profane bonus to Universal Spellpower
  • +30 Profane Bonus to PRR
  • +2 Profane bonus to Spell DC's
  • +2 Profane bonus to All Ability Scores
  • +3 Profane bonus to hit and damage
 
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Kalibano

Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
Epic Destinies updated to include an extra point gained from unlocking Machrotecnic.

N.B. At this point in time, my builds will NOT include the +1 Universal Tree (Morgrave) bonus.
Unfortunately, for those of us who actively play several alts, the
Ultimate Bundle offering bank space that is useful to one character only is, frankly, not an offer that adequately supports and incentivises playing with alts. Storage is still a massive issue (particularly for multi-alt players like me), that I sadly feel is still not being addressed in a fair and efficient manner. Since the Ultimate Bundle does not support my playstyle, I sadly chose not to support the game in an ultimate manner on this occasion.

Down the line, this tome will be acquired with DDO points (when I can combine double point sales + tome sale), and the builds that depend on universal trees will be the ones to receive suggestions on where to spend it first.
 
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Kalibano

Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
When time allows, considering swapping Magus for Machrotecnic and adding a rune arm.
 

Kalibano

Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
Main thread updated to reflect the following changes:
- Machrotecnic added
- Rune Arm included​
- Magus removed (mostly a loss of 3 DCs for 'Weird')

- Led Wallwatch set included (possible with the inclusion of an extra slot: Rune Arm)
- Leg Windlasher set removed

(I'll update the gear suggestions shortly)
 

Kalibano

Build Designer. Having fun since 2006!
As several people have requested/suggested this (particularly in Discord), I am working towards sharing the DDOBuilder files for all my builds, since I use that program to do all my planning. Hopefully they will be valuable for using in conjunction with their respective forum threads.

The main thread for this build has been updated to include this, under the main title:
9. Kali's Bard Spellsinger Inquisitive ranged/ CC+ Insta-kill caster hybrid build
DDOBuilder file for this build. You can find and download Maetrim's DDOBuilder here.

Do let me know is anyone has issues downloading the file from Goggle Drive (fingers crossed I got all the settings right!)

Very hopeful this will be a useful addition to my threads: thanks to everyone who suggested this.

N.B.
I arrange my DDOBuilder screen as per the image below (not this build in the image), as it helps me view the key aspects of my builds far more easily than opening and closing a bunch of windows. Just thought I'd share my experience, in case its useful:
Maetrim-s-DDOBuilder-sample.jpg

Maetrim's builder is really amazing, I highly recommend it!
 
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