Post/Author/DateTime	Post
dnryan 07-04-04, 03:45 PM	Ok i have a 9th level hal-elf ranger that has the following feats:endurance, rapid shot, many shot, weapon focus-longbow composite, improved critical=longbow compsite, precise shot, and point blank shot. Obviously my rnager shose the archery combat style at 2nd level. He is half-elf and CG. I want to know what is the best choice for multiclassing out this character? I want him to be archery oriented and stay focused on that as he continues to level up (hopefully). He has a pegasus for a mount and a +5 magic darkwood mighty composite longbow +4 enhanced with-distance and shocking burst. I know its really overpowered for such a low level but thats how our Dm is playing it. Thanks for any help and suggestions on what my next level should be in. Dan
ArochanoX 07-04-04, 03:50 PM	Order of the Bow initiate (from CW) Deepwood sniper (from MotW) take some levels of fighter for bonus feats and bab
Zolgar 07-04-04, 04:37 PM	If long range combat is your preference: Deepwood Sniper. If you prefer, or are foced in to alot of close in combat even if you're an archer: OotBI It's that simple :)
Thermanshs 07-04-04, 04:48 PM	I'd say go for bard. Lots of special abilities and spells will give your ranger a huge amount of choices to use inside and out of combat.
lordyuri24 07-04-04, 07:52 PM	Originally posted by Thermanshs I'd say go for bard. Lots of special abilities and spells will give your ranger a huge amount of choices to use inside and out of combat. Yes, but the loss of BaB and HP is just too great to ignore, coupled with the fact that you loose the opportunity to enhance the abilities this character obviously has focused in (archery abilities only PrCs could grant). Personally, take 2 levels of fighter: 2d10 instead of 2d8, 2 BAB, 2 feat. Basic but really effective for opening up your options.
Thermanshs 07-04-04, 08:17 PM	too little benefit from a fighter. No heavy armor(loses all ranger bonus feats), no shield, martial weapons already familiar with. The bard on the other hand despites not being a good front line combatant (neither the ranger is so the combo is really good) gives the character a whole new bunch of abilities than just.....numbers.
Lodrin1 07-04-04, 08:41 PM	I think you should go up to at least 11th as a ranger, that way you have access to third level spells via a wisdom bonus, and the final combat mastery. My 11th level ranger took a level as rogue, I think I'm gonna go solid rogue from here on out (so at 20th I'll be 11 ranger 9 rogue). It'll give me a few more skill points, and sneak attack. I'll take use magic device and pick up a Greater Invis wand down the road.
ninjarabbit 07-04-04, 10:41 PM	What are your stats? Stay ranger until level 11 at least.
lotterybucks 07-05-04, 01:30 AM	well. That's one nice bow you've got there. wow. But anyways, stay ranger for a while. I would wait until Improved Precise Shot @ 11th level (I think) before doing anything. If you want to take variety in your character, there are several PrCs which I think might be nice for you: Seeing that you have a (Chaotic Good, most likely) pegasus, continuing your training in mounted archery with two different classes. The skylord (from the Book of Exalted Deeds) and windrider (from 3.0 Masters of the Wild) are both nice if you feel that shooting from the sky (with your bow of distance) is right for you. Just make sure you have a good spot check for finding those bad guys in the air. If you don't want to fly, there are two more classes which you might like. The Deepwood Sniper (3.0 Masters of the Wild) is a flavor/roleplaying class which focuses on extreme ranged combat. However, this might not really appeal to you since it's three major benefits (concealment/cover miss-chance reduction, +10ft. range increment, and auto-keen arrows) you will already have, or don't need (you have a more-than-adequate bow of distance, Improved Precise Shot negates all concealment/cover penalties, and the Augmented Critical feat, which does not stack). If you want closer ranged combat, such as firing in melee, you'll want to take the Order of the Bow Initiate (3.0 Sword and Fist, 3.5 Complete Warrior). The OoBI gives you extra d8 damage to ranged attacks within 30ft, and emphasizes dealing lots of damage with ONE attack, rather than showering your enemy with lots of little arrows (I forget the exact benefits for this class). In terms of roleplaying, this class doesn't make too much sense to me, since you have a mount and bow of DISTANCE, but you might think differently. that was a very long, rambling post (probably full of spelling and grammar errors), but maybe the others can clear things up a bit...good luck
dnryan 07-05-04, 02:09 AM	ok i know my stats are pretty high but were playing a high pwered/ high magical campaign type. Stats: str-18 dex-23 con-18 int-14 wis-16 cha-12 saves are: fort:14 reflex:13 will:10 hitpoints-110 I like the idea of firing from above, but then again my dm has a tendency to make our companions die, and if that happens could be a waste of some feats. I also though like the deepwood sniper idea. sounds very interesting and ill have to check that book when i get a chance (at my uncles house). Now with this should i hold off a for a few more levels or do this at 10th? thanks for your replies again. Dan