Ranger/Rogue [Archive] - Wizards Community

Ranger/Rogue [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Dinue
12-08-03, 05:03 PM I like the idea of a Ranger/Rogue probably only 3-4 rogue levels. i picture him a slick and smooth possibly a half-elf. can go either archery or TWF either is pretty cool. but i am having trouble coming up with a personality i can crunch numbers all day and tell you that hide and move silent are maxed, or that he has a high dex modifier, but i can not seem to come up with alot of ideas for Flavor.

**EDIT** i have come up with an idea since i will be starting at level 5 i will tell the story up to there. this is just a very rough outline.

Dinuran came out of his trance at sunrise like he did everyday. After cleaning his campsite,making sure to leave no tracks behind, he said his daily prayers to Elhonna. He let out a long low whistle followed by a sharp high note and Talas came running up to his master. Together they headed away from camp an elf and his wolf.
They made a good pair, Talas scuuried ahead his black fur glistening with dew, while Dinuran followed behind. He didn't stand out as much as his companion his armor was a miriad of dark green like the forest around him. This forest that had been his home for so many years now, been his home ever since he was exiled from Keleth.
That had been his home once, he remembered the dragons that had come when he was a child, and the fires. He remembered growing up and joining the militia to become a Ranger and hunt dragons. He remembered training and talking with others of his kind.
And he remembered his fall from grace. Around the time the soldiers were learning divine magics he secretely studied a darker path of stealth and sneakery. it wasn't that he did not like the magic of nature, he was quite good with it. He had just always been more agile than he was strong or wise and this technique suited him well. He enjoyed being a soldier, knowing his place, but that was taken from him when it was discovered what he studied in the night. "Rogue", that was what the general called him, "dirty, sneaky Rogue"
A bark from Talas snapped him back to the present, he must gave found the trail. It was good that they were heading to town, these semi-annual trips always made him think of home but it also reminded him of good times. Yes there would be good-times to be spent at the inn.
Skrimshaw
12-08-03, 07:26 PM what about a Dark Knight (ala Batman) Quote " I am vengence, I am the night!"

Take human as favored enemy (any nonhuman will allow this in 3.0, 3.5 any race is ok) You are a bounty hunter type and favored enemy in not hatred it is merely knowing how to fight said race.

Hunt down evil humans, swooping in from the shadows and silently dispatching them.

maybe take Shadow Hunter later on for even more shadowy flavor. (think the bar seen in Desperado , as told by Steve Bushemi) The shadows never quite left his face, even as be walked toward the light.
ksu_bond
12-08-03, 10:56 PM Well, alot of it depends on what your focus will be in taking the rogue...is it for the stealth skills or the "sleight of hand" skills or the more charismatic skills. If its stealth, your options could be anywhere from a batman like feel to a bounty hunter to a character that is much like Aragorn in Lord of the Rings. If it is the subterfuge that you're after, then your personality can be just about anything or on the other hand it could be one that is not easily memorable to those you interact with (help keeping a low profile).....although having a well-to-do or affluent character would be interesting as well. The more charismatic would be a socialite that enjoyed interaction with others.

My current character is a Moon Elf Ranger/Rogue/Horizon Walker who is the son of a well-respected and highly regarded (even recieved a knighthood for his dedicated service) and his mother a master herbalist/alchemist cleric. Needless to say well to do family and as a result my character was sent far and wide to for his education and weapons training...although the real reason he was sent away was because of the increased danger in his homeland. To keep a long story short, his parents were killed while he was away, leaving Avaril with a title, land and money....but more importantly the legacy of his great father. Instead of taking upon a mantle he did not earn, Avaril began adventuring hoping to earn the mantle and has also promised to help protect others from suffering the same fate as his parents (the were killed by were-creatures and are a favored enemy). There is much more to his personality but I hope you get the general idea.
LiXinjian
12-09-03, 10:10 AM Here's an idea I've been toying around with, although so far very little has come out of it, only the min/max considerations which, even though I know don't belong on this thread, I will include, if only to get your brain gears working.

A speed adept. Or a speed freak, whatever you want to call it. Like those Trancendent Order guys from Planescape. You know, the "act before you think, blend the mind with the eye, react in the blink of an eye and never think twice about something" kind of attitude?

Take the Improved Initiative, Blooded and Thug feats (the last two are from the FR campaign setting, and each adds a +2 to initiative checks). With a high dexterity (+4 mod), this could mean a whopping +12 to initiative checks. In other words, one encounter out of two should see you acting before everyone else (on an average roll of 10, you still get +22, a very nice initiative roll, I daresay).

With both spot and listen maxed out, you will probably be the first to spot the enemy. With a maxed hide skill, you can "ensure" to be the only aware combatant. That means a free standard action for you before everyone else.

With sneak attack, you're golden. That's one arrow that's gonna deal a lot of damage before initiative is even rolled. Of course, you have to be within 30ft.

When initiative does get rolled, you will usually be the first to act, again. (remember that +12 to initiative?). Again, if you're within 30ft., your rogue/ranger can make a full attack and deal sneak attack with each hit. One arrow for each enemy, or all three on that spellcaster??

Talk about turning the tide of the battle to your advantage.

With a magical bow, the numbers just keep on rolling. A meagre Rog3/Rgr3 equiped with a +1 screaming bow would deal something like 4d6dmg with each of his two attacks (assuming he makes use of the rapid shot feat) - > 1d6+1 (bow damage) +1d6 (screaming damage) +2d6 (sneak attack damage). 10-50 points of damage on a single enemy, in a single round.. possibly more if his bow takes advantage of his str modifier (if any). With manyshot, the fun starts even sooner during the surprise round...

You should usually get two such actions every encounter. Of course, asumptions are dangerous...

Now, how do you play this ranger? He takes criticism poorly, never wants to tarry long in the same city, quickly makes up his mind whether or not he should accept a quest, etc. On a nice counterpoint, he's always calm and alert in inns, but that's just to mask the fact that his brain is quickly asserting every possible outcomes of every possible situations. He never relaxes. When he appears to be, he's appraising a potential foe.

Just some thoughts. Kinda forgot you had already mentioned being able to crunch numbers all day... oops. :twitch:
MoogleEmpMog
12-09-03, 09:29 PM Even with the Ranger's new allotment of skill points, a Ranger/Rogue still makes the ideal special forces operative, sneaking through forests and urban areas with equal ease, dispatching enemies silently and quickly, perhaps sniping opponents from a distance (the Deepwood Sniper class would be great if you decide to go for an archer ranger).

Particularly if a half-elf, he could be a patriotic but introverted loner, perhaps serving an elven kingdom that doesn't quite accept him. His emphasis on sneak attacking could come from the pure-blood elves' somewhat derisive attitude toward him - he uses his ability to kill an unwary target with one hit to silence his critics. His sneaking abilities are superb, due to his intense focus on these skills to outperform his (Dex bonus receiving) elven compatriots. However, not being a true elf, he is weaker magically and thus gets his animal companion and spells a bit slower than his comrades (not full Ranger progression). Eventually he may give up entirely on magic he's not that good at (becoming, say, a Deepwood Sniper).
Dinue
12-09-03, 10:22 PM wow some nice ideas here keep em coming.

although i like the half-elf concept i am having trouble accepting their shortcomings compared to either branch of the family tree. i think i will probably go full blooded elf (can you be just an Elf in Faerun or do you have to pick a sub-race) and most likely the archery route (although a two-bladed sword would be sweet).

quick outline possibly something like:
father a military man corced son to be a ranger
studied with a rogue secretely
father confronted rogue
rogue kills father
character searches for rogue

big ego, real fidgety, rash decision making.
Demonwolf
12-09-03, 10:40 PM i can't imagine why anyone would have trouble with a ranger/rogue, they seem like two of the most compatible multi-class combos to me both gameplay-wise and flavor-wise. He would be your typical tough guy with a heart of gold, jail-house romance kinda guy, probably. A little like Aragorn in the prancing pony from Fellowship, you remember that scene. I picture a character like Spike from Bebop or like Batman. Ask your DM if you can try out this prestige class i made specifically for my ranger/rogue, The Streetwolf (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=66129)
When i have trouble picturing a character, i try figuring out the kind of weapons he would use. Weapon choice says a lot about a person- blades are weapons of firey passion and pride, of hidden idealism, whether a dagger, bastard or longsword. To me, the curve on knives and scimitars connotes a gentle and kind nature, shortswords connote a little less passion, a little more tact, and daggers connote a passionate soul suppressed and tempered by a life of suffering. Staves represent purity and utter balance, whereas spears represent a spiritual, sincere nature with a touch of gold from a paladin's heart. Nunchucks represent a free, pure, passionate spirit. Katanas represent passion tempered by discipline and balance, and shinobigatana are like katanas but are weapons of balance and thought first and foremost. A person's choice of weapon goes deep into his soul. I could go on forever, but you get what i'm saying.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Dinue 12-08-03, 05:03 PM	I like the idea of a Ranger/Rogue probably only 3-4 rogue levels. i picture him a slick and smooth possibly a half-elf. can go either archery or TWF either is pretty cool. but i am having trouble coming up with a personality i can crunch numbers all day and tell you that hide and move silent are maxed, or that he has a high dex modifier, but i can not seem to come up with alot of ideas for Flavor. EDIT i have come up with an idea since i will be starting at level 5 i will tell the story up to there. this is just a very rough outline. Dinuran came out of his trance at sunrise like he did everyday. After cleaning his campsite,making sure to leave no tracks behind, he said his daily prayers to Elhonna. He let out a long low whistle followed by a sharp high note and Talas came running up to his master. Together they headed away from camp an elf and his wolf. They made a good pair, Talas scuuried ahead his black fur glistening with dew, while Dinuran followed behind. He didn't stand out as much as his companion his armor was a miriad of dark green like the forest around him. This forest that had been his home for so many years now, been his home ever since he was exiled from Keleth. That had been his home once, he remembered the dragons that had come when he was a child, and the fires. He remembered growing up and joining the militia to become a Ranger and hunt dragons. He remembered training and talking with others of his kind. And he remembered his fall from grace. Around the time the soldiers were learning divine magics he secretely studied a darker path of stealth and sneakery. it wasn't that he did not like the magic of nature, he was quite good with it. He had just always been more agile than he was strong or wise and this technique suited him well. He enjoyed being a soldier, knowing his place, but that was taken from him when it was discovered what he studied in the night. "Rogue", that was what the general called him, "dirty, sneaky Rogue" A bark from Talas snapped him back to the present, he must gave found the trail. It was good that they were heading to town, these semi-annual trips always made him think of home but it also reminded him of good times. Yes there would be good-times to be spent at the inn.
Skrimshaw 12-08-03, 07:26 PM	what about a Dark Knight (ala Batman) Quote " I am vengence, I am the night!" Take human as favored enemy (any nonhuman will allow this in 3.0, 3.5 any race is ok) You are a bounty hunter type and favored enemy in not hatred it is merely knowing how to fight said race. Hunt down evil humans, swooping in from the shadows and silently dispatching them. maybe take Shadow Hunter later on for even more shadowy flavor. (think the bar seen in Desperado , as told by Steve Bushemi) The shadows never quite left his face, even as be walked toward the light.
ksu_bond 12-08-03, 10:56 PM	Well, alot of it depends on what your focus will be in taking the rogue...is it for the stealth skills or the "sleight of hand" skills or the more charismatic skills. If its stealth, your options could be anywhere from a batman like feel to a bounty hunter to a character that is much like Aragorn in Lord of the Rings. If it is the subterfuge that you're after, then your personality can be just about anything or on the other hand it could be one that is not easily memorable to those you interact with (help keeping a low profile).....although having a well-to-do or affluent character would be interesting as well. The more charismatic would be a socialite that enjoyed interaction with others. My current character is a Moon Elf Ranger/Rogue/Horizon Walker who is the son of a well-respected and highly regarded (even recieved a knighthood for his dedicated service) and his mother a master herbalist/alchemist cleric. Needless to say well to do family and as a result my character was sent far and wide to for his education and weapons training...although the real reason he was sent away was because of the increased danger in his homeland. To keep a long story short, his parents were killed while he was away, leaving Avaril with a title, land and money....but more importantly the legacy of his great father. Instead of taking upon a mantle he did not earn, Avaril began adventuring hoping to earn the mantle and has also promised to help protect others from suffering the same fate as his parents (the were killed by were-creatures and are a favored enemy). There is much more to his personality but I hope you get the general idea.
LiXinjian 12-09-03, 10:10 AM	Here's an idea I've been toying around with, although so far very little has come out of it, only the min/max considerations which, even though I know don't belong on this thread, I will include, if only to get your brain gears working. A speed adept. Or a speed freak, whatever you want to call it. Like those Trancendent Order guys from Planescape. You know, the "act before you think, blend the mind with the eye, react in the blink of an eye and never think twice about something" kind of attitude? Take the Improved Initiative, Blooded and Thug feats (the last two are from the FR campaign setting, and each adds a +2 to initiative checks). With a high dexterity (+4 mod), this could mean a whopping +12 to initiative checks. In other words, one encounter out of two should see you acting before everyone else (on an average roll of 10, you still get +22, a very nice initiative roll, I daresay). With both spot and listen maxed out, you will probably be the first to spot the enemy. With a maxed hide skill, you can "ensure" to be the only aware combatant. That means a free standard action for you before everyone else. With sneak attack, you're golden. That's one arrow that's gonna deal a lot of damage before initiative is even rolled. Of course, you have to be within 30ft. When initiative does get rolled, you will usually be the first to act, again. (remember that +12 to initiative?). Again, if you're within 30ft., your rogue/ranger can make a full attack and deal sneak attack with each hit. One arrow for each enemy, or all three on that spellcaster?? Talk about turning the tide of the battle to your advantage. With a magical bow, the numbers just keep on rolling. A meagre Rog3/Rgr3 equiped with a +1 screaming bow would deal something like 4d6dmg with each of his two attacks (assuming he makes use of the rapid shot feat) - > 1d6+1 (bow damage) +1d6 (screaming damage) +2d6 (sneak attack damage). 10-50 points of damage on a single enemy, in a single round.. possibly more if his bow takes advantage of his str modifier (if any). With manyshot, the fun starts even sooner during the surprise round... You should usually get two such actions every encounter. Of course, asumptions are dangerous... Now, how do you play this ranger? He takes criticism poorly, never wants to tarry long in the same city, quickly makes up his mind whether or not he should accept a quest, etc. On a nice counterpoint, he's always calm and alert in inns, but that's just to mask the fact that his brain is quickly asserting every possible outcomes of every possible situations. He never relaxes. When he appears to be, he's appraising a potential foe. Just some thoughts. Kinda forgot you had already mentioned being able to crunch numbers all day... oops. :twitch:
MoogleEmpMog 12-09-03, 09:29 PM	Even with the Ranger's new allotment of skill points, a Ranger/Rogue still makes the ideal special forces operative, sneaking through forests and urban areas with equal ease, dispatching enemies silently and quickly, perhaps sniping opponents from a distance (the Deepwood Sniper class would be great if you decide to go for an archer ranger). Particularly if a half-elf, he could be a patriotic but introverted loner, perhaps serving an elven kingdom that doesn't quite accept him. His emphasis on sneak attacking could come from the pure-blood elves' somewhat derisive attitude toward him - he uses his ability to kill an unwary target with one hit to silence his critics. His sneaking abilities are superb, due to his intense focus on these skills to outperform his (Dex bonus receiving) elven compatriots. However, not being a true elf, he is weaker magically and thus gets his animal companion and spells a bit slower than his comrades (not full Ranger progression). Eventually he may give up entirely on magic he's not that good at (becoming, say, a Deepwood Sniper).
Dinue 12-09-03, 10:22 PM	wow some nice ideas here keep em coming. although i like the half-elf concept i am having trouble accepting their shortcomings compared to either branch of the family tree. i think i will probably go full blooded elf (can you be just an Elf in Faerun or do you have to pick a sub-race) and most likely the archery route (although a two-bladed sword would be sweet). quick outline possibly something like: father a military man corced son to be a ranger studied with a rogue secretely father confronted rogue rogue kills father character searches for rogue big ego, real fidgety, rash decision making.
Demonwolf 12-09-03, 10:40 PM	i can't imagine why anyone would have trouble with a ranger/rogue, they seem like two of the most compatible multi-class combos to me both gameplay-wise and flavor-wise. He would be your typical tough guy with a heart of gold, jail-house romance kinda guy, probably. A little like Aragorn in the prancing pony from Fellowship, you remember that scene. I picture a character like Spike from Bebop or like Batman. Ask your DM if you can try out this prestige class i made specifically for my ranger/rogue, The Streetwolf (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=66129) When i have trouble picturing a character, i try figuring out the kind of weapons he would use. Weapon choice says a lot about a person- blades are weapons of firey passion and pride, of hidden idealism, whether a dagger, bastard or longsword. To me, the curve on knives and scimitars connotes a gentle and kind nature, shortswords connote a little less passion, a little more tact, and daggers connote a passionate soul suppressed and tempered by a life of suffering. Staves represent purity and utter balance, whereas spears represent a spiritual, sincere nature with a touch of gold from a paladin's heart. Nunchucks represent a free, pure, passionate spirit. Katanas represent passion tempered by discipline and balance, and shinobigatana are like katanas but are weapons of balance and thought first and foremost. A person's choice of weapon goes deep into his soul. I could go on forever, but you get what i'm saying.