The Shelter Bot

A "bot" in DDO slang is a second account character that does not fight; eg.
  • openers unlock quests your main can't access
  • looters dash to the chest to provide extra drop chances
  • buffers cast long duration buffs & songs at quest start
This is what I've been calling a shelter-bot; it provides bard-ballad boosts and a small TMP HP aura in a raid for DPS to shelter in, as well the classic zoneline buff-bot features (mostly sustain & vigor). It was born a humble buff-bot, but it "evolved".

It's built to be as hands-off as possible. It can AFK in electric fields in Master Artificer, shrug off VOD ring zaps, calmly listen to T-Rex roars (while not on a pad), snack on assassin spikes while piking in forbidden temple, and solo/afk "tank" MOD center @ R1 (just long enough).

Caveat: bard songs overwrite each other based on maximum duration: longest song wins, not strongest. If you care about the high-devotion healing ticks, you need to convince real bards to not buff the raid.

Why not Warchanter T5? SS Vigor is more useful in longer raids and T5:WC does not do what most think -- the 6% damage bonus only applies to the weapon bonus, not to sneaks procs imbues or any other extras .. it's *really* tiny overall, like 1~2% gain. T5:WC's 6% spell-crit is v.nice for blasting, but we rarely have many (any?) in raids.

Are Tomes, PLs, and/or RXP critical? No. I had this notion of TR'ing the bot with my current main and it acquired some PLs during that. I no longer drag it through TRs (double TR is 16x as annoying). Instead, I scattered other bots at strategic levels as openers and buffers: 6, 12, 17, 24, and cap (this one) that I never have to TR.

First life, zero RXP & tomes works fine. Low SXP works, but you'll have to choose between electric sheath & devotion. If you want raid runes without raiding, offer to trade for them. Regular raiders have TONS of threads and might trade for things like augments you can't buy from vendors. Sometimes they show on AH, too.

Build Goals that drove various choices below:
  • Sustaining Song to keep raid puglets squealing & replace hires on solo quests (high devotion)
  • Raid-wipe Recovery (Beckon Divinity from T5 Crusader & Jibbers)
  • Farm help (Runspeed & Sprint for dashing from zoneline to chests .. soul of a kobold ><)
  • TMP HP Aura (CON & Warlock:ES, CHA & Bard:WC)
  • Hands-off Survival (Suulomades Heart = no curse pots, How Dare You heals from Divine Crusader)
  • Pike inside AE raid rings (blanket absorbs, high MRR doubled by L.Shield, requires medium or heavy armor)
  • Automatically fight back (Fiend Warlock to trigger EA:Wrath, How Dare You damage from Divine Crusader)
  • Petrifaction Immunity option (for keeping MOD center active while "solo'ing")
  • Minimal farming; ie. banked items & raid runes to avoid farm
  • "Flashy/Glowy" cosmetics to make her easy to stand on in raids
  • pre-MD used bracers-of-glacier + sparksole|crocodile with same gear (no acid raids, never used crocs)
Screen-Shot-2024-09-22-Warbelle.jpg



Character name: BOT Shelterbot Warbelle
13 Bard (inspire g.hero tmp.cha), 6 Warlock (tmp.con ea.wrath), 1 Barbarian (funspeed)
Race: Tiefling Scoundrel Alignment: True Neutral

Start Tome Final HP: 2381 Displacement: 50%
Str: 8 8 29 Unc Rng: -275 Incorp: 15%
Dex: 8 2 40 PRR: 223 AC: 113
Con: 18 7 76 MRR: 196 +Healing Amp: 199
Int: 12 8 31 Dodge: 14/27 -Healing Amp: 55
Wis: 14 2 46 Fort: 190% Repair Amp: 55
Cha: 18 8 62 SR: 0 BAB: 19
DR: 2/-
Immunities: Fear, Fear, Magic Missiles, Fear, Crushing Despair, Waves of Fatigue, Waves of Exhaustion, Sleep, Fatigue, Weapon Durability Damage, Magic Missiles, Petrification, Natural Poisons, Natural Diseases, Falling Damage, Fear, Petrification, Blindness, Death Effects, Curses, Poison, Fear, Drowning, Falling damage, Mummy Rot, Natural Diseases, Energy Drain


EnergyResistanceAbsorbance
Acid:4554%
Chaos:034%
Cold:4554%
Electric:4578%
Evil:034%
Fire:7954%
Force:00%
Good:034%
Lawful:034%
Light:00%
Negative:00%
Poison:015%
Sonic:1553%
Class and Feat Selection

LevelClassFeatsComments
1Bard(1)Standard: Eschew MaterialsNo need to refill or monitor spell mats
2Barbarian(1)
3Bard(2)Standard: Shield MasteryHP & 2xMRR L.Shield bonus (AE/splash survival)
4Warlock(1)Warlock Pact: Pact: FiendFiend Pact triggers EA:Wrath
Constitution: +1 Level upWarlock CON-Based Aura pulses faster than Bard
5Bard(3)
6Bard(4)Standard: Extend SpellNo need to rebuff, can sit at zone line
7Warlock(2)
8Bard(5)Constitution: +1 Level up
9Bard(6)Standard: Quicken SpellFaster buffing doesn't matter but feels like it does
10Warlock(3)
11Bard(7)
12Bard(8)Standard: Improved Shield Mastery
Constitution: +1 Level up
13Warlock(4)Pact Save Bonus: Fiendish Resilience
14Bard(9)
15Bard(10)Standard: Single Weapon FightingHP bonus
16Warlock(5)Pact Spell: Pact Magic: Rage
Constitution: +1 Level up
17Bard(11)
18Bard(12)Standard: Greater Shield Mastery
19Warlock(6)Pact Ability: Warlock: Dark One's Luck
20Bard(13)Constitution: +1 Level up
21Epic(1)Epic Feat: Inspire ExcellenceBetter bard song
22Epic(2)Epic Destiny Feat: Epic Spell Power: PositiveMore devotion = stronger heal ticks
23Epic(3)
24Epic(4)Epic Feat: Improved Bardic Music
Constitution: +1 Level up
25Epic(5)Epic Destiny Feat: Lasting Inspiration
26Epic(6)
27Epic(7)Epic Feat: Epic ReflexesReflex save gives 50% damage reduction without evasion
28Epic(8)Epic Destiny Feat: Fount of LifeMore devotion
Constitution: +1 Level up
29Epic(9)
30Epic(10)Epic Feat: Epic FortitudeDead bot = no TMP HP aura
Legendary Feat: Scion of CelestiaMore devotion & HP for survival
31Legendary(1)Epic Destiny Feat: Legendary Toughnessshould probably swap with deific
32Legendary(2)Constitution: +1 Level up
33Legendary(3)Epic Feat: Paranoid10% Trap mitigation works on MA electric floor
34Legendary(4)Epic Destiny Feat: Deific Warding10% legendary is probably nicer than L.Tough

Code:
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Skill Points     28  6  8  4  8  8  5  9  9  5  9  9  5  9 10  6 10 10  6 10
Skill Name       01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20  Ranks Tome Buffed
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Balance                                                                         0.0    3   47.0
Bluff                                                                           0.0    0   60.0
Concentration                                                                   0.0    0   60.0
Diplomacy                                                                       0.0    0   63.0
Disable Device                                                                  0.0    0   37.0
Haggle                                                                          0.0    0   60.0
Heal              2  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½  ½      11.0    3   79.0
Hide              4     2     2  1     2  1     2  1     2  1     2  1     2   23.0    3   67.0 (for hiding from roaming trash)
Intimidate           5     2        3        3        3        3        3  1   23.0    3  105.0
Jump                                                                            0.0    3   69.0
Listen                                                                          0.0    3   51.0
Move Silently     4     2     2  1     2  1     2  1     2  1     2  1     2   23.0    3   73.0
Open Lock                                                                       0.0    0   42.0
Perform           4     2     2  1     2  1     2  1     2  1     2  1     2   23.0    3   89.0
Repair                                                                          0.0    3   40.0
Search                                                                          0.0    0   37.0
Spellcraft        4     1  1  1  2  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1   23.0    3   83.0
Spot              2              1        2        2        2  ½     1  ½      11.0    3   79.0 (help avoid roamers during chest-dash)
Swim              2                    1        1        1  1     2  3     1   12.0    0   67.0 (for the chest-dash)
Tumble            1                                                             1.0    3   46.0 (medium armor kills extra tumble)
Use Magic Device  1                                                             1.0    0   74.0
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Available Points  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enhancements: 80 APs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enlightened Spirit - Points spent: 22
Core1 Eldritch Aura
Tier1 Spiritual Defense - 3 Ranks
Tier1 Resilience of Body - 1 Ranks
Core2 Aura of Courage
Tier2 Spiritual Bastion - 3 Ranks
Tier2 Shield
Tier2 Power of Enlightenment: Light I - 3 Ranks
Core3 Shape Vestments
Tier3 Spiritual Ward - 3 Ranks
Tier3 Power of Enlightenment: Light II - 3 Ranks
Tier4 Brilliance
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spellsinger - Points spent: 32
Core1 Spellsinger
Tier1 Lingering Songs - 3 Ranks
Tier1 Spell Like Ability I: Sonic Blast - 3 Ranks
Core2 Music of the Sewers
Tier2 Flicker/Willful: Flicker - 3 Ranks
Core3 Music of the Dead
Tier3 Spell Song Trance
Tier3 Reviving Verse: Raucous Refrain - 1 Ranks
Tier3 Charisma I
Tier3 Shout: Cure Moderate Wounds, Mass - 3 Ranks
Tier4 Frolic
Tier4 Sustaining Song
Core4 Music of the Makers
Tier4 Song of Arcane Might
Tier4 Spell Penetration: Arcane Aid - 1 Ranks
Tier4 Charisma II
Tier5 Spell Song Vigor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warchanter - Points spent: 26
Core1 Skaldic Rage / Skaldic Constitution: Skaldic Constitution
Tier1 Inspired Bravery - 3 Ranks
Tier1 Rough and Ready - 1 Ranks
Core2 Weapon Training
Tier2 Words of Encouragement - 3 Ranks
Tier2 Sprint - 3 Ranks
Core3 Song of Heroism
Tier3 High Spirits - 3 Ranks
Tier3 Obstinance - 3 Ranks
Tier3 Ballad Melody: Ironskin - 1 Ranks
Core4 Fighting Spirit
Tier4 Armorer
Tier4 Ballad Melody: Recklessness - 3 Ranks
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Epic Destinies: 69 Destiny Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Divine Crusader - Points spent: 32 (only Beckon)
Core1 Just Cause
Tier1 Divine Sundering - 3 Ranks
Tier1 Consecration - 3 Ranks
Core2 Confront any Foe
Tier2 Shield of Light - 3 Ranks
Tier2 Bulk Up - 3 Ranks
Tier2 Divine Deflection - 3 Ranks
Tier2 Holy Mantle (for MOD when lacking essence of ultimatum)
Core3 Weather any Blow
Tier3 Crusade
Tier3 How Dare You Strike Me - 3 Ranks
Tier3 Strike with Poise - 1 Ranks
Core4 Sunder Evil
Tier4 Cower Before Me (requires manual trigger, almost never useful for bot)
Tier4 Heavenly Presence
Tier5 Beckon Divinity
NB! Divine Crusader is mostly useless due to no spell power cores or nodes. Taken purely for T5 Beckon Divinity (zone-wide resurrection) and then leveraged as much as possible for other things, like How-Dare-You for tiny dps and heals if attacked by a roamer, Pet. immunity for Mark-of-Death pre-ultimatum, and MM immunity with a shield.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exalted Angel - Points spent: 25 (devotion & absorbs)
Core1 Astral Touch
Tier1 Subtle Flame - 3 Ranks
Tier1 Destiny Mantle: Wrathful Form (in case of attack by roamer)
Core2 Deepening Faith
Tier2 Divine Protection - 3 Ranks
Tier2 Saving Grace - 3 Ranks
Tier2 Angelic Body
Core3 Angelic Charge
Tier3 Purity of Mind and Soul - 2 Ranks
Tier3 Angelic Soul
Core4 Heavenly Leap: Heavenly Blessing (for chest-dash)
Tier4 Blood and Radiance
Tier4 Holy Presence (more absorptions for AE splash survival)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fatesinger - Points spent: 12 (devotion)
Core1 Fate Singer's Repertoire
Tier1 Jack of all trades - 3 Ranks
Tier1 Music of the Spider Queen - 3 Ranks
Core2 Intoxicating Presence
Tier2 Pianissimo - 3 Ranks
Core3 Glitter of Fame
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Reaper trees:
Dire Thaumaturge - Points spent: 24 (devotion)
Core1 Reaper's Arcanum I
Tier1 Reapers's Ability I: +1 Charisma (for Bard's TMP.CHA)
Tier1 Reaper's Arcana I - 3 Ranks
Tier1 Reaper's Focus I
Tier1 Reaper's Deep Magic I
Core2 Reaper's Arcanum II
Tier2 Reaper's Ability II: +1 Charisma
Tier2 Reaper's Arcana II - 3 Ranks
Tier2 Reaper's Deep Magic II
Tier2 Reaper's Focus II
Core3 Reaper's Arcanum III: +1 Charisma
Tier3 Reaper's Ability III: +1 Charisma
Tier3 Reaper's Focus III
Tier3 Reaper's Arcana III - 3 Ranks
Core4 Reaper's Arcanum IV
Tier4 Reaper's Arcana IV - 3 Ranks
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grim Barricade - Points spent: 22 (TMP.CON HP PRR)
Core1 Reaper's Defense I
Tier1 Reaper's Constitution I
Tier1 Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud I: PRR - 3 Ranks
Tier1 Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will I: Reflex Save - 3 Ranks
Tier2 Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will II: Reflex Save - 3 Ranks
Core2 Reaper's Defense II
Tier2 Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud II: PRR - 3 Ranks
Tier2 Reaper's Constitution II
Core3 Reaper's Defense III
Tier3 Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud III: PRR - 3 Ranks
Tier3 Reaper's Reflex/Fortitude/Will III: Reflex Save - 3 Ranks
Tier3 Reaper's Constitution III
Core4 Reaper's Defense IV
Tier4 Reaper's Bulwark/Shroud IV: PRR - 3 Ranks
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipped Gear Set: 30 4.Suulo


ArmorDinosaur Scale PlateDrops in: Skeletons
+15 Enhancement Bonus
IoD: Armor: Scale Slot: Fragment of Extra-planar AlignmentAbsorbs = Survival (KT & FOM in this case)
IoD: Armor: Fang Slot: Voidfang
IoD: Accessory: Claw Slot: Claw: +35 Physical Resistance Rating
IoD: Accessory: Horn Slot: Horn: Fossilized Amber
IoD: Set Bonus Slot: The Legendary Dread Isle's Curse
Green: Legendary Demonheart Emerald
Blue: Sapphire of Fortification
BeltLegendary Many-Pouched Belt of the HealerDrops in: The Newcomers, end chest
Quality Devotion +35Key item: only 4 items in game have qDevotion
Insightful Devotion +71(nice bonus that it also has iDevotion)
Healing Lore +21%
Speed +30%
Blue: Diamond of Spotto avoid sneaky roamers during chest-dash
BootsLegendary Greaves of Seasons' WardingDrops in: Portal to Below, end chest
Fire Absorption +37%what!? no sonic, force, or alignment? this sucks ..
Cold Absorption +37%
Electric Absorption +37%
Acid Absorption +37%
Green: +2 Festive Constitution
Colorless: Diamond of Insightful Constitution
Moon: Lunar Gem of 30+MRR
BracersLegendary Driftwood BracersDrops in: Rest for the Night, end chest, or Legendary version of Epic Driftwood Bracers
Insightful Wisdom +6
Healing Lore +21%
Devotion +146
Wizardry +277
Green: Essence of Ultimatum(move globe to empty yellow slot)
Legendary Saltmarsh Explorer
CloakDinosaur Bone CloakDrops in: Skeletons in the Closet, The Mountain Keeper chest, end chest
IoD: Accessory: Scale Slot: Scale: +14 Constitution
IoD: Accessory: Fang Slot: Fang: Positive Spell Critical Damage
IoD: Accessory: Claw Slot: Claw: Sunder(not slotted .. dare doesn't trigger cower)
IoD: Accessory: Horn Slot: Horn: Enhanced Ghostly
IoD: Set Bonus Slot: The Legendary Dread Isle's Curse
Green: Sapphire of Armored Agility
Yellow: Diamond of Insightful Dexterity
GlovesGorth's Mage HandDrops in: Skeletons in the Closet, Free Yarrow optional chest
Illusion Focus +6
Kinetic Lore +23%bot pretends warlock aura does damage
Impulse +155
Feat - Elusive Targetchosen for elusive and because runes are free
Green: Legendary Brightbane Emerald(intimidate almost never used, but nice to have .. eg. KT Throne)
Yellow: Diamond of Heal
The Legendary Dread Isle's Curse
GogglesLegendary Corroded Iron LensesDrops in: Danger at Dunwater, end chest, or Legendary version of Epic Corroded Iron Lenses
Acid Lore +21%bot at one time used Great Old One and
Corrosion +146liked to pretend it did damage with acid aura
Conjuration Focus +6
Magical Sheltering +34this saves slotting a sapphire
Green: Weaverwisp Melodyraid runes are free .. strahd invisible, ravil's hp, etc. also work
Yellow: Diamond of Spellcraft
Legendary Saltmarsh Explorer
HelmetLegendary Skullduggery CapDrops in: The Final Enemy, end chest, or Legendary version of Epic Skullduggery Cap
Wisdom +13
Necromancy Focus +6
Insightful Nullification +73
Trap the Soul Guardbad things happen when you attack the bot
Legendary Nightmare Guardvery bad things .. leave scary bot alone
Green: Diamond of Charisma
Yellow: Topaz of Anthem
Legendary Saltmarsh Explorer
NecklaceLegendary Pendant of the EarthDrops in: Wild Thing, end chest
Insightful Corrosion +74
Insightful Impulse +74bot still pretends aura does damage
Insightful Combustion +74EA wrath actually does damage .. ~1k+1k @ 2.5s
IoD: Accessory: Fang Slot: Fang: Sonic Spell Critical Damage(iirc, most of the crit-damage isn't slotted .. it's only filled in on the builder -- it doesn't do much for this char)
Green: Topaz of Deathblock
Colorless: The Master's Giftbot likes to dream of piking in RXP groups
The Legendary Dread Isle's Curse
QuiverEpic Purifying QuiverDrops in: Oath of Vengeance, end chest (legendary)
Burning Ammunition - 1d8(quiver doesn't matter for this build)
Blunted Ammunition
Ring1Legendary Salt-Pearl RingDrops in: Saltmarsh, rare encounter chests, or Legendary version of Epic Salt-Pearl Ring
Insightful Charisma +6
Sonic Lore +21
Resonance +146
Enchantment Focus +6
Green: Sapphire of Spell Agilityso we can buff without spell failures
Yellow: +2 Festive Charisma
Legendary Saltmarsh Explorer
Ring2Cannith Crafted Ring
Cannith Ring Prefix: Sonic Absorptionpermits standing in Trex roars and hunt soul-screams
Cannith Ring Suffix: Dexterity
Cannith Ring Extra: Insightful Physical Sheltering
Blue: Essence of the Champion of the Twins
Yellow: Draconic Soul Gem
TrinketThe Heart of SuulomadesDrops in: Legendary Vision of Destruction, end chest
Quality Constitution +3SWAP: Two-headed Platinum Piece for Spell Absorb (Hunt)
Resistance +11
Devil's BloodKEY ITEM: can't afk in VOD & PN without this
Devil's Bones +23%
Blue: Sapphire of Good Luck + 3
Green: Topaz of Underwater Actionfor swimming to end-chest
Yellow: Topaz of Feather Fallfor flying to end-chest
Mantle of Suulomades
Filigree 6: Nystul's Mystical Defense/Electrocution +6 MRR(Rare)
Filigree 7: Purity/Touch of Grace +20 Healing Amplification(Rare)Hamp Devotion & Drain Immunity
Filigree 8: Splendid Cacophony: +12 Positive Spell Power(Rare)
Weapon1Legendary Commodore Alaina's CutlassDrops in: Plundering Pirates' Point, end chest
+15 Enhancement Bonus(debuffing attuned bone is outright better if you can stand the mat-farm and have runes in bank)
Axiomatic Burst 6(likely swap to ash+salt debuff after a year or so of MD raiding)
Shocking Blast VI(ash for Wrath, Salt for slow .. v.low priority, bot doesn't dps)
Riposte +6(eliminated TOEE augment farm, was in bank already)
Dodge +14%
IoD: Weapon: Scale Slot: Iridescent Scale
Red: Diamond of Intimidateslotted after learning how tanky this is .. not generally useful (iirc, only intim'd maybe 2~3 times total)
The Legendary Dread Isle's Curse
Filigree 1: Electrocution: +5% Electric Absorption(Rare)Electrocution was the only %Electrical Absorb pre-MD. It's even nicer with the MD boots.
Filigree 2: Purity: +1 Constitution(Rare)All other Fillies are for increasing Devotion
Filigree 6: Electrocution: +1 Constitution(Rare)
Filigree 7: Purity: +12 Positive Spell Power(Rare)
Filigree 8: Touch of Grace: +12 Positive Spell Power(Rare)
Filigree 9: Soulweaver: +9 Positive Spell Power
Filigree 11: Nystul's Mystical Defense/Electrocution +6 MRR(Rare)
Filigree 12: Purity/Touch of Grace +20 Healing Amplification(Rare)
Filigree 13: Splendid Cacophony: +12 Positive Spell Power(Rare)
Filigree 14: Soulweaver/Splendid Cacophony +2 Constitution(Rare)
Weapon2Legendary Saltiron TargeDrops in: The Hijacked Haul, end chest, or Legendary version of Epic Saltiron Targe
Spellcasting Implement +30all the stats are handy
+15 Enhancement BonusEye of Lammania works if we use a different shield
Healing Lore +21%
Devotion +146
Greater Undead Guard
Healing Amplification +54
Greater Turning
Angelic Grace
Red: Globe of True Imperial Blood(radiance would be nicer .. globe in wrist)
Legendary Saltmarsh Explorer
 
Last edited:

Phoenicis

Savage's Husband
a couple questions:
Would light & alignment damage in a non-fiend warlock still trigger EA's wrathful form?
Would the build still work without the raid gear (I'm thinking it would just not quite as well)?
 

Bjond

Well-known member
Would light & alignment damage in a non-fiend warlock still trigger EA's wrathful form?
No. I tried all the possible warlock triggers; the only pacts that trigger are Fiend and AotS, but AotS has no ES tree and is thus useless for the purposes of this particular bot.

BTW, the damage is very tiny. It's mostly just enough to for the bot to maybe get a kill on wounded trash now and then. It's more there because it's better to do a little something than nothing.
Would the build still work without the raid gear (I'm thinking it would just not quite as well)?
Yes. BUT, this build is pretty bad for a quest bot. You will get a LOT more use out of a classic zone-line piking bard. Have it buff you then let it sit there. If you want extra loot chances, run it up to chest when done, else just exit.

Those are typically 20 Bard or 18 Bard 1 Barb (for chest-dash) 1 cleric (more devotion). The gearing is very simple: devotion, devotion, and more devotion. Maybe repair and negative if you care about toasters and undead.

BTW, raids often require very little movement by this bot. Many I can simply move it once and let it sit for the rest of the raid never touching it again. KT is the most with 4+ different spots. When I use it while solo'ing, I leave it at the zoneline. Far FAR too much work positioning it for fights in quests -- definitely not worth the effort.
 

Eunostos

Well-known member
I snuck 1 dark hunter for trapping and levers in here instead of barbarian funspeed, and the improvement over the 18 bard/2 rogue Shadowdancer/fatesinger/exalted angel from before is *immense* ty.
 
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