Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Amphetryon 07-27-05, 11:02 PM	As I made my build for a Ranger 2/Cleric [Ehlonna]3, two thoughts kept going through my head: 1) I want it to be a good archer without being the 'default' Cleric Archer build from the Optimization threat - not that there's anything wrong with Optimization or that build, and 2) Even with the NG alignment, I don't want a goody-goody, or a 'steals from the rich' Outlaw of the Crimson Road type. So, this is what I've got so far: Topher Blackbough Human NG Ranger 2/Cleric [Ehlonna]3 STR:15 DEX:15 CON:12(+1 level) INT:10 WIS:15 CHA:12 FEATS: Weapon Focus(Longbow), Point Blank Shot, Dodge, (Rapid Shot - virtual Feat). SKILLS: Spot 7, Listen 7, Hide 7, Move Silently 7, Heal 9, Knowledge (Nature) 8, Survival 11, Knowledge (Religion) 6 Background (Cliff notes version): Topher's father was a woodsman, a trapper by trade, who prayed to Erythnul to help him slay the creatures that put food on his family's table. Topher was never brought into his father's faith, nor did he oppose it. He grew to be a Ranger, thanks to the skills his father taught him. Soon, he had laid claim to a wide swath of the forest as his personal stomping grounds, and he hunted as he saw fit, as often for sport as for food. One day, as he ventured near a site where he knew some Ogre hunters had made camp two nights prior, he came upon a sight that made his stomach lurch: A pile of beaver carcasses as high as his waist. They'd been skinned and dumped to rot, without even any bother with the meat. Right there, right then, Topher found religion, and a purpose. He swore to Ehlonna that he'd defend her forests from the people who thoughtlessly killed her creatures through greed rather than necessity. He ventured to seek out others to teach him about Ehlonna, even going into cities to preach the evils of killing animals senselessly. As his need to defend the forest grew, he gained more abilities as a Ranger, to better fight the enemy he'd come to know.
Harrow Blade 07-28-05, 05:51 AM	The first difference I see between your character and Robin hood is that he fought for the people and hid a forrest. Your character lives in and fights for the forrest and its creatures. Thats the way you should play your character, consider all your actions and the actions of your party in the light of how will it affect the forrest. For example if you come across a bear fighting people your first instinct would be to defend the bear. If you are looking for more ideas on how to flesh out your character background take a look at the link in my sig.
Morka 07-28-05, 12:14 PM	For example if you come across a bear fighting people your first instinct would be to defend the bear. Perhaps, but perhaps not. Don't be a Brigitte Bardot. Animals in the nature are there for a purpose, be it to feed stronger animals or even humans. A wealthy noble could hunt a bear for fun, as long as it is done with respect. If he eats the food and keep the hide for cloth, it's good. If he's making the bear suffer too much, it's bad.
Amphetryon 07-28-05, 08:56 PM	If he eats the food and keep the hide for cloth, it's good. Exactly my thought. Ditto if he chooses to use the bear as the main course of a feast for others, while making a cloak of the fur, and finding a use for the bones. Needless slaughter is anathema to Topher; death is a natural part of the animal world.
OmniPaul 08-01-05, 04:10 AM	Eek, accidently hit reply instead of new topic. Sorry about that.
Grem of Surkh 08-01-05, 10:22 AM	it is a little late now, but i had a barbarian that also felt the call to be a ranger, he was a follower of Uthgart, but the more he hunted the more his rage fuled him. he was found by a cleric of malar that initiated him into the faith, he is CN not evil, but follows an evil god, makes for very interesting roleplaying oppurtunities, it is always fun to play a fall from grace...
Trydan 08-04-05, 01:18 PM	Whenever considering ranger/druid/woodland characters, I always make a point of considering how/where they sleep. I mean, do they just lie down somewhere (risking being set upon by bandits/animals)? Do they have a cottage? Do they have a stone circle, with glyphs of warding, within which they are safe? Do they sleep in a tree? I find that once I sort out that question, then a lot of other ideas fall into place. And, of course, if you are trying to avoid the "robin hood" theme, then by going for something a little unusual here, might go a long way in helping break the stereotype (especially since it may come up every time your adventuring party sets camp for the night).
TheErsatzFacsimileOfMe 08-04-05, 04:44 PM	Sounds like you're doing well on the "Not Robin Hood" part of it. You could also institute a "You Killed It; You Eat It" rule, to keep other PCs from senselessly slaughtering animals....it could also make for some fun role-playing encounters with NPCs. Ranger: "HO THERE, Animal-killer!" Hunting Noble: "Ssssssssssssh, be vewy, vewy qwai-ette, I'm hunting Bugbears." R: "Any luck?" HN: "I've got 3 of them back in the wagon" R: "Oh, good, I'll help you out and get started on gutting and skinning them, the meat goes sour in a matter of hours if you don't." HN: "..." :confused: R: "Is there a problem...?" HN: "Well, I-I-I-I.....I didn't pl-pl-pl-plan on actualy eating them...." I think you get the picture...