Another 9th Level Ranger: Thoughts? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Another 9th Level Ranger: Thoughts? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Astanphaeus
06-22-04, 05:58 PM I posted this on the other 9th level ranger thread, but I think it got overlooked...

This is what I currently have. Haven't played him yet, so he could be altered to some extent...

Race: Half Elf (Drow)

Abilities: STR: 16, DEX: 18, CON: 16, INT: 14, WIS: 14, CHR: 8 (I considered these to be pretty impressive)

Feats: Endurance, Two Weapon Fighting, Improved Two Weapon Fighting, Track, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Two Weapon Defense (I wonder if Diehard would be better than TWD?)

Magic Items: +2 Long Sword, +3 Sickle (Defense), +2 Studded Leather (Shadow, Still Moves), Boots of Striding and Springing, +3 Cloak of Resistance

Additional Source Material: I can use stuff from Forgotten Realms books and the Complete Warrior. Probably Complete Divine as well.

Important Considerations:

1. He doesn't have an animal companion yet.

2. He'll be running solo most of the time.

3. He was an old 2nd edition character of mine, so a certain level of continuity has to be maintained (for example, his race can't change, and the two weapon path is established).

4. He garnered a pretty impressive magical item, which he sold (got about 55k for it). That's how he was able to get most of the items he has now (everything except the longsword). I'm partial to the sickle (trademark item), but everything else could conceivably change. He's in a major trade center and has some serious contacts, so there's very little in the way of items that he can't get.

Thoughts?

~ A.
Snow Savant
06-22-04, 06:12 PM Taking both the Spring Attack and TWF paths is often self-defeating. I understand you probably did it for versatility and style, but the 3 feat slots you allocated to Spring Attack could be way better spent elsewhere.

Since you are running solo, stealth is paramount for a Ranger. Hide and Move Silently should be maxed-out as much as possible.

It seems you are beholden to the sickle for style reasons, yet fighting TWF with your Long Sword and a Light Spiked Shield (with the Shield Bash feat) also makes a lot of sense from a solo character perspective. This way you can continue fighting TWF *and* still have the benefits of a magic shield.

Regardless, I noticed you are playing in an urban setting. So perhaps a Ranger/Rogue hybrid would be a wise choice. At 9th level, a Rogue4/Ranger5 is only 1 BAB behind a straight Ranger.

Just some ideas....
Astanphaeus
06-22-04, 06:30 PM Originally posted by Snow Savant
Taking both the Spring Attack and TWF paths is often self-defeating. I understand you probably did it for versatility and style, but the 3 feat slots you allocated to Spring Attack could be way better spent elsewhere.

Okay. What would you suggest?

Since you are running solo, stealth is paramount for a Ranger. Hide and Move Silently should be maxed-out as much as possible.

Check. It's also why I had that armor made.

It seems you are beholden to the sickle for style reasons, yet fighting TWF with your Long Sword and a Light Spiked Shield (with the Shield Bash feat) also makes a lot of sense from a solo character perspective. This way you can continue fighting TWF *and* still have the benefits of a magic shield.

That sounds interesting, but as I said, some of this stuff is fairly well written in stone already. Not only do I like the sickle, this guy's fighting style is already established. I played him for a long while under 2nd edition. Were it not for that, I'd go with your suggestion.

Regardless, I noticed you are playing in an urban setting. So perhaps a Ranger/Rogue hybrid would be a wise choice. At 9th level, a Rogue4/Ranger5 is only 1 BAB behind a straight Ranger.

Not playing in an urban setting. Just starting off in one. That's where the original game left off. He's immediately heading north at the start of this one.

Just some ideas....

Thanks for them. :) I'd be interested to know what feats you'd recommend in place of the spring attack tree.

My reasoning was that, as he was going to be solo, remaining mobile was very important... and Whirlwind Attack could eventually be a lifesaver for him.

~ A.
Gilrion
06-22-04, 07:06 PM For other feats, have you and your GM considered the combat style feats from Complete Warrior? There's some very interesting stuff in there which might be adapted into your sword+sickle style (look into feats like Crescent Moon and High Sword, Low Axe, then work with your GM to adapt).

It doesn't look like your AC will be impressive. Have you considered Combat Expertise to boost it? I also like some of the followup feats (Improved Disarm, Trip) that come with it for style, but it depends on your character and the enemies being faced...
Two-Weapon Defense might be replaced with Improved Buckler Defense if you like. Use a buckler, which is cheap to enchant at +1, and later can be further enhanced both for AC and special abilities.
Other interesting options include Karmic Strike: hard to qualify for, but with it and Combat Reflexes you will be making a load of attacks (especially if alone and outnumbered). Still, it drops your AC even further, so I might stay away from it for the moment.

As for items, I might go for some relatively cheap items such as rings of protection/amulets of natural armor and +2 stat boosters (STR would help both attacks hit more and for better damage: +1 and +2 respectively). Maybe a wand of cure light wounds (to use after battles) or even more powerful.
Is the studded leather a trademark of the character? A mithral chain shirt provides a better AC and allows for future increase in Dex take effect. Celestial Chainmail might also look good, but is rather expensive.

Regarding skills, which you haven't posted, I highly recommend Hide/Move Silently for the reasons already pointed out, but also Spot and/or Listen. These can and will probably save your life. A few (cross-class) ranks in Tumble can also improve your mobility, even if you do get hit every once in a while.

Have you considered prestige classes? If you want TWF and mobility, take a look at the Dervish in Complete Warrior.

Anyway, good luck. I love rangers, they're a lot of fun, and are actually good characters for a solo game.
Astanphaeus
06-22-04, 07:26 PM Originally posted by Gilrion
Regarding skills, which you haven't posted, I highly recommend Hide/Move Silently for the reasons already pointed out, but also Spot and/or Listen. These can and will probably save your life. A few (cross-class) ranks in Tumble can also improve your mobility, even if you do get hit every once in a while.

Got all of that covered. I'm pretty satisfied with the skills, which is why I didn't post them. That you and Snow Savant have recommended what I've already done makes me that much more confident about them. ;)

What I've really been hemming and hawing about are the feats. Thanks for your suggestions, I'll definitely check them out.

Have you considered prestige classes? If you want TWF and mobility, take a look at the Dervish in Complete Warrior.

I'll do that as well. I'm itching to go into a PrC, actually. Not sure why. It's been difficult finding one that fits.

Anyway, good luck. I love rangers, they're a lot of fun, and are actually good characters for a solo game.

Yeah, I'm very much looking forward to this. :)

~ A.
eRaz0r
06-22-04, 08:21 PM Spring Attack is very nice, but the problem is you'll only get one attack in when you use it.

You need a FRA to get all your TWF attacks, which is why Spring Attack isn't great.

High Sword/Low Axe is a good combat style Feat that could be easily adapted to use the Sickle instead of the Axe. That would make your character's signature weapon even more useful to him, since his favourite combat style would rely upon it.

Combat Expertise leads to some nice feats as well, including improved disarm and trip.

Don't forget, with an Animal Companion to flank for you, taking levels in Rogue for sneak attack damage to add to each of your weapons is pretty impressive.

Diehard is good, especially if you can heal yourself, but it's better not to be hit at all, yes ? The AC bonus can help, especially at the lower to mid levels (+1 AC isn't that special when the monsters have +23 to attack). You might want to look for things that give concealment and overcome concealment.

A Ranger/Rogue can make a good Shadowdancer. Imagine Hide in Plain Sight with a good BAB and some sneak attack.

Anyways, there's no doubt many other feats that could help you, but I'm without books right now...

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Astanphaeus 06-22-04, 05:58 PM	I posted this on the other 9th level ranger thread, but I think it got overlooked... This is what I currently have. Haven't played him yet, so he could be altered to some extent... Race: Half Elf (Drow) Abilities: STR: 16, DEX: 18, CON: 16, INT: 14, WIS: 14, CHR: 8 (I considered these to be pretty impressive) Feats: Endurance, Two Weapon Fighting, Improved Two Weapon Fighting, Track, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Two Weapon Defense (I wonder if Diehard would be better than TWD?) Magic Items: +2 Long Sword, +3 Sickle (Defense), +2 Studded Leather (Shadow, Still Moves), Boots of Striding and Springing, +3 Cloak of Resistance Additional Source Material: I can use stuff from Forgotten Realms books and the Complete Warrior. Probably Complete Divine as well. Important Considerations: 1. He doesn't have an animal companion yet. 2. He'll be running solo most of the time. 3. He was an old 2nd edition character of mine, so a certain level of continuity has to be maintained (for example, his race can't change, and the two weapon path is established). 4. He garnered a pretty impressive magical item, which he sold (got about 55k for it). That's how he was able to get most of the items he has now (everything except the longsword). I'm partial to the sickle (trademark item), but everything else could conceivably change. He's in a major trade center and has some serious contacts, so there's very little in the way of items that he can't get. Thoughts? ~ A.
Snow Savant 06-22-04, 06:12 PM	Taking both the Spring Attack and TWF paths is often self-defeating. I understand you probably did it for versatility and style, but the 3 feat slots you allocated to Spring Attack could be way better spent elsewhere. Since you are running solo, stealth is paramount for a Ranger. Hide and Move Silently should be maxed-out as much as possible. It seems you are beholden to the sickle for style reasons, yet fighting TWF with your Long Sword and a Light Spiked Shield (with the Shield Bash feat) also makes a lot of sense from a solo character perspective. This way you can continue fighting TWF and still have the benefits of a magic shield. Regardless, I noticed you are playing in an urban setting. So perhaps a Ranger/Rogue hybrid would be a wise choice. At 9th level, a Rogue4/Ranger5 is only 1 BAB behind a straight Ranger. Just some ideas....
Astanphaeus 06-22-04, 06:30 PM	Originally posted by Snow Savant Taking both the Spring Attack and TWF paths is often self-defeating. I understand you probably did it for versatility and style, but the 3 feat slots you allocated to Spring Attack could be way better spent elsewhere. Okay. What would you suggest? Since you are running solo, stealth is paramount for a Ranger. Hide and Move Silently should be maxed-out as much as possible. Check. It's also why I had that armor made. It seems you are beholden to the sickle for style reasons, yet fighting TWF with your Long Sword and a Light Spiked Shield (with the Shield Bash feat) also makes a lot of sense from a solo character perspective. This way you can continue fighting TWF and still have the benefits of a magic shield. That sounds interesting, but as I said, some of this stuff is fairly well written in stone already. Not only do I like the sickle, this guy's fighting style is already established. I played him for a long while under 2nd edition. Were it not for that, I'd go with your suggestion. Regardless, I noticed you are playing in an urban setting. So perhaps a Ranger/Rogue hybrid would be a wise choice. At 9th level, a Rogue4/Ranger5 is only 1 BAB behind a straight Ranger. Not playing in an urban setting. Just starting off in one. That's where the original game left off. He's immediately heading north at the start of this one. Just some ideas.... Thanks for them. :) I'd be interested to know what feats you'd recommend in place of the spring attack tree. My reasoning was that, as he was going to be solo, remaining mobile was very important... and Whirlwind Attack could eventually be a lifesaver for him. ~ A.
Gilrion 06-22-04, 07:06 PM	For other feats, have you and your GM considered the combat style feats from Complete Warrior? There's some very interesting stuff in there which might be adapted into your sword+sickle style (look into feats like Crescent Moon and High Sword, Low Axe, then work with your GM to adapt). It doesn't look like your AC will be impressive. Have you considered Combat Expertise to boost it? I also like some of the followup feats (Improved Disarm, Trip) that come with it for style, but it depends on your character and the enemies being faced... Two-Weapon Defense might be replaced with Improved Buckler Defense if you like. Use a buckler, which is cheap to enchant at +1, and later can be further enhanced both for AC and special abilities. Other interesting options include Karmic Strike: hard to qualify for, but with it and Combat Reflexes you will be making a load of attacks (especially if alone and outnumbered). Still, it drops your AC even further, so I might stay away from it for the moment. As for items, I might go for some relatively cheap items such as rings of protection/amulets of natural armor and +2 stat boosters (STR would help both attacks hit more and for better damage: +1 and +2 respectively). Maybe a wand of cure light wounds (to use after battles) or even more powerful. Is the studded leather a trademark of the character? A mithral chain shirt provides a better AC and allows for future increase in Dex take effect. Celestial Chainmail might also look good, but is rather expensive. Regarding skills, which you haven't posted, I highly recommend Hide/Move Silently for the reasons already pointed out, but also Spot and/or Listen. These can and will probably save your life. A few (cross-class) ranks in Tumble can also improve your mobility, even if you do get hit every once in a while. Have you considered prestige classes? If you want TWF and mobility, take a look at the Dervish in Complete Warrior. Anyway, good luck. I love rangers, they're a lot of fun, and are actually good characters for a solo game.
Astanphaeus 06-22-04, 07:26 PM	Originally posted by Gilrion Regarding skills, which you haven't posted, I highly recommend Hide/Move Silently for the reasons already pointed out, but also Spot and/or Listen. These can and will probably save your life. A few (cross-class) ranks in Tumble can also improve your mobility, even if you do get hit every once in a while. Got all of that covered. I'm pretty satisfied with the skills, which is why I didn't post them. That you and Snow Savant have recommended what I've already done makes me that much more confident about them. ;) What I've really been hemming and hawing about are the feats. Thanks for your suggestions, I'll definitely check them out. Have you considered prestige classes? If you want TWF and mobility, take a look at the Dervish in Complete Warrior. I'll do that as well. I'm itching to go into a PrC, actually. Not sure why. It's been difficult finding one that fits. Anyway, good luck. I love rangers, they're a lot of fun, and are actually good characters for a solo game. Yeah, I'm very much looking forward to this. :) ~ A.
eRaz0r 06-22-04, 08:21 PM	Spring Attack is very nice, but the problem is you'll only get one attack in when you use it. You need a FRA to get all your TWF attacks, which is why Spring Attack isn't great. High Sword/Low Axe is a good combat style Feat that could be easily adapted to use the Sickle instead of the Axe. That would make your character's signature weapon even more useful to him, since his favourite combat style would rely upon it. Combat Expertise leads to some nice feats as well, including improved disarm and trip. Don't forget, with an Animal Companion to flank for you, taking levels in Rogue for sneak attack damage to add to each of your weapons is pretty impressive. Diehard is good, especially if you can heal yourself, but it's better not to be hit at all, yes ? The AC bonus can help, especially at the lower to mid levels (+1 AC isn't that special when the monsters have +23 to attack). You might want to look for things that give concealment and overcome concealment. A Ranger/Rogue can make a good Shadowdancer. Imagine Hide in Plain Sight with a good BAB and some sneak attack. Anyways, there's no doubt many other feats that could help you, but I'm without books right now...