A good PrC for a ranger. [Archive] - Wizards Community

A good PrC for a ranger. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Tigron321
08-22-07, 01:57 PM Anyone have any home made PrC's for Rangers? Or perhaps something more then just an arcane archer, which I'm thinking about making. Any suggestions please? I'm starting at level 1, with a Half Elf Ranger. How could I make this ranger deadly, be in Cross-Classing, PrC's or anything else anyone can suggest. Input please!
ChosenofAzuth
08-22-07, 02:48 PM Are you an archer, or a melee ranger?

For archers, see The Swift Hunter's Handbook (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=854152&highlight=Swift+Hunter) for options on how the make your ranger as deadly as possible.

I don't have experience on Melee rangers, but I'd think that you wouldn't lose much if you went down the path of a Tempest, Pious Templar, or other suitable warrior PrC.
Tigron321
08-22-07, 02:55 PM Going to be archer. From all I've found, that Arcane Archer is a pretty deadly choice, but I'll look into that handbook. Thanks.
Tigron321
08-22-07, 04:16 PM Bump. More input please!
StevenO
08-22-07, 06:01 PM There are so many choices and possible PrCs for a Ranger that it can become difficult to recommend just one. Besides archery what else to you want from your Ranger?
The_Shaman
08-22-07, 06:15 PM So far, my first choices would be Deepwood sniper, Peerless Archer, or simply going for some swift hunter-ish goodness. I'm not overly enamored by the Arcane archer, to be honest. What is your idea for the ranger aside from prowess with the bow?
Optimator
08-22-07, 06:33 PM Stay away from the Arcane Archer. The best classes are probably the Justice of Weald and Woe (CoR), Horizon Walker (DMG), and if your Dm allows 3.0 stuff, the Peerless Archer (Silver Marches) or the Deepwood Sniper (Masters of the Wild). If you use an exotic bow, getting some Exotic Weapon Master (CW) wouldn't hurt.

Frankly, I don't find PrCs very important for a ranger as long as you have access to the Spell Compendium. My favorite combo, though, is Ranger 17/Scout 3 (CAdv). Make sure your first level is Scout for the extra skill points. Get the feats Swift Hunter from CS, Improved Skirmish from CS, and Improved Manyshot from the SRD/XPH.

Tear **** up with hails of arrows and Swift hunter will allow your Skirmish damage to affect things immune to it, such as undead (as long as undead are a favored enemy; they should be anyhow). Improved Skirmish adds an extra 2d6 damage/+2 AC if you move 20 feet instead of 10. Improved Manyshot will let skirmish damage apply to all shots. Along with all this you get an assload of skills :drool: (check the CAdv errata for the Scout. They get Disable Device now. Do with that what you will) and a bit of Ranger spellcasitng (2/2/1/1 plus wisdom). All the best archery spells are mostly in levels one and two, so you should be good there.

Things like Arrowmind, Hunters Mercy, Guided Shot, Sniper's Shot, Exacting Shot, Arrowstorm, Find the Gap, Decoy Image, Foebane, Briar Web, and Freedom of Movement are some of my favorites (well, almost all of them).

Scout is the best "PrC" for Ranger IMHO. I personally think that, if you have the SpC, straight Ranger is more than viable since your new spells can make a much bigger difference. For instance. Peerless Archer, Exotic Weapon Master, and Order of the Bow Initiate (CW) give a close-combat shot ability, but Arrowmind does that, and is an immediate-action spell so you can initiate it whenever you actually need it.

:twocents: :twocents:
The_Shaman
08-22-07, 08:58 PM Normally, I would go all drool over the Justice for archer rangers, but I can't shake the feeling that with that kind of fluff, the PrC was meant only for non-good full elves. That aside, a ranger 6/justice 10/peerless archer 4 is one heck of a bowslinger. Anyway, for ranger spells, get a grab at Champions of Ruin. Splitting arrow + lesser empower rod FTW.

Horizon walker is one of those PrCs that are so easy to overlook... and probably have one of the greatest non-caster abilities. Dimension door every 1d4 rounds? Everyone can find that easy, and archers will literally go to town with it.
Tigron321
08-22-07, 09:19 PM What's the CoR book?
The_Shaman
08-22-07, 09:26 PM Champions of Ruin
natzero
08-22-07, 10:20 PM swift hunter will allow your Skirmish damage to affect things immune to it, such as undead (as long as undead are a favored enemy; they should be anyhow).

swift hunter allows ranger and scout levels to stack for the purposes of calculating the effects of skirmish and favored enemy.
but where does it say that it allows skirmish to deal damage to undead?
Optimator
08-22-07, 10:29 PM The feat's description.
natzero
08-22-07, 10:35 PM are you sure?

i need to see

damn you not owning a compl scoundrel

NOOOO

i dont see how i could have looked over that considering how many times ive read that feat in the last few weeks
The_Shaman
08-23-07, 06:29 AM swift hunter allows ranger and scout levels to stack for the purposes of calculating the effects of skirmish and favored enemy.
but where does it say that it allows skirmish to deal damage to undead?

IIRC it says that you can deal skirmish damage even to foes who are normally immune to it (i.e. undead). I don't have CS at the moment, though. Plus, it has the eventual benefit of allowing you to qualify for some ranger epic feats that require you having 5 different favourite enemies.
bobothechimp
08-23-07, 07:32 AM Slayer is always a good choice.
natzero
08-23-07, 12:10 PM IIRC it says that you can deal skirmish damage even to foes who are normally immune to it (i.e. undead). I don't have CS at the moment, though. Plus, it has the eventual benefit of allowing you to qualify for some ranger epic feats that require you having 5 different favourite enemies.

awesome then. wow i really must have looked over that. good thing i was already goin with that build myself ;p
Isendir
08-23-07, 12:14 PM Got any good melee builds for a 1/2 shadow dragon ranger lv 6?:elf: :v:
Optimator
08-23-07, 09:14 PM Slayer is always a good choice.

Forgot about that one. Grab Nemesis and go to town.
The_Shaman
08-24-07, 08:58 AM Well, even if nemesis isn't limited to exalteds, a ranger/manifester can do some pretty cool things with Slayer.
Optimator
08-24-07, 03:40 PM Oh, duh. For some reason I saw "Stalker" instead of "Slayer" in my head.
Shadow_Viper
10-21-07, 04:09 AM Slayer? :confused:
Jaxgaret
10-21-07, 04:39 AM Slayer? :confused:

They are referring to the Slayer (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/prestigeClasses/slayer.htm) class.

It is a good choice for a Ranger/Manifester.
BananaB
10-21-07, 06:47 PM Order of the Bow Initiate can do some pretty good dmg with a single attack and can be especially powerful with some rogue lvls. It also gives you access to some feats that usually are not available to a ranger like weapon specialization.
The_Shaman
10-22-07, 06:49 AM I dunno, I'm really not impressed with it. A full attack will likely be much more useful than 1 good shot, except against enemies you can't overcome the DR of. If you want more fighter in your ranger, just get some fighter levels. Even Kensai is probably better, imo.

Half-dragon ranger, hmm... I don't know if you need a PrC for that, a ranger/scout with Favored Power Attack and a two-handed weapon would probably be decent enough. You can use your combat style either as an alternative (archery) or as a complement to your normal fighting abilities, say with TWF-ing a two-handed weapon and armor spikes/razors/another off-hand weapon that doesn't require a free hand. If you want PrCs, Shou disciple can be cute for the TWF-flurry with a two-handed weapon and unarmed strikes, but I'd go with something not exclusive to rangers. Maybe you can also make do with Nightsong Enforcer levels - extra damage never hurts, and you can take rogue levels to get evasion 1 level earlier. What is your base race, anyway?
Jaxgaret
10-22-07, 11:50 AM Shaman, note that this thread was resurrected by Shadow_Viper after two months of inactivity simply to ask what a Slayer was. I answered that question... who knows if the OP needs the info any more or is even looking for this thread.
imakuni67
10-23-07, 05:00 PM The dragon slayer from draconomicon has some nice abilities, a higher hit die and even a half boost to spellcasting. Only really shines if you are playing to fight a lot of dragons though.

As far as homemade, I made this one (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=915294). Not really archer based though.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Tigron321 08-22-07, 01:57 PM	Anyone have any home made PrC's for Rangers? Or perhaps something more then just an arcane archer, which I'm thinking about making. Any suggestions please? I'm starting at level 1, with a Half Elf Ranger. How could I make this ranger deadly, be in Cross-Classing, PrC's or anything else anyone can suggest. Input please!
ChosenofAzuth 08-22-07, 02:48 PM	Are you an archer, or a melee ranger? For archers, see The Swift Hunter's Handbook (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=854152&highlight=Swift+Hunter) for options on how the make your ranger as deadly as possible. I don't have experience on Melee rangers, but I'd think that you wouldn't lose much if you went down the path of a Tempest, Pious Templar, or other suitable warrior PrC.
Tigron321 08-22-07, 02:55 PM	Going to be archer. From all I've found, that Arcane Archer is a pretty deadly choice, but I'll look into that handbook. Thanks.
Tigron321 08-22-07, 04:16 PM	Bump. More input please!
StevenO 08-22-07, 06:01 PM	There are so many choices and possible PrCs for a Ranger that it can become difficult to recommend just one. Besides archery what else to you want from your Ranger?
The_Shaman 08-22-07, 06:15 PM	So far, my first choices would be Deepwood sniper, Peerless Archer, or simply going for some swift hunter-ish goodness. I'm not overly enamored by the Arcane archer, to be honest. What is your idea for the ranger aside from prowess with the bow?
Optimator 08-22-07, 06:33 PM	Stay away from the Arcane Archer. The best classes are probably the Justice of Weald and Woe (CoR), Horizon Walker (DMG), and if your Dm allows 3.0 stuff, the Peerless Archer (Silver Marches) or the Deepwood Sniper (Masters of the Wild). If you use an exotic bow, getting some Exotic Weapon Master (CW) wouldn't hurt. Frankly, I don't find PrCs very important for a ranger as long as you have access to the Spell Compendium. My favorite combo, though, is Ranger 17/Scout 3 (CAdv). Make sure your first level is Scout for the extra skill points. Get the feats Swift Hunter from CS, Improved Skirmish from CS, and Improved Manyshot from the SRD/XPH. Tear **** up with hails of arrows and Swift hunter will allow your Skirmish damage to affect things immune to it, such as undead (as long as undead are a favored enemy; they should be anyhow). Improved Skirmish adds an extra 2d6 damage/+2 AC if you move 20 feet instead of 10. Improved Manyshot will let skirmish damage apply to all shots. Along with all this you get an assload of skills :drool: (check the CAdv errata for the Scout. They get Disable Device now. Do with that what you will) and a bit of Ranger spellcasitng (2/2/1/1 plus wisdom). All the best archery spells are mostly in levels one and two, so you should be good there. Things like Arrowmind, Hunters Mercy, Guided Shot, Sniper's Shot, Exacting Shot, Arrowstorm, Find the Gap, Decoy Image, Foebane, Briar Web, and Freedom of Movement are some of my favorites (well, almost all of them). Scout is the best "PrC" for Ranger IMHO. I personally think that, if you have the SpC, straight Ranger is more than viable since your new spells can make a much bigger difference. For instance. Peerless Archer, Exotic Weapon Master, and Order of the Bow Initiate (CW) give a close-combat shot ability, but Arrowmind does that, and is an immediate-action spell so you can initiate it whenever you actually need it. :twocents: :twocents:
The_Shaman 08-22-07, 08:58 PM	Normally, I would go all drool over the Justice for archer rangers, but I can't shake the feeling that with that kind of fluff, the PrC was meant only for non-good full elves. That aside, a ranger 6/justice 10/peerless archer 4 is one heck of a bowslinger. Anyway, for ranger spells, get a grab at Champions of Ruin. Splitting arrow + lesser empower rod FTW. Horizon walker is one of those PrCs that are so easy to overlook... and probably have one of the greatest non-caster abilities. Dimension door every 1d4 rounds? Everyone can find that easy, and archers will literally go to town with it.
Tigron321 08-22-07, 09:19 PM	What's the CoR book?
The_Shaman 08-22-07, 09:26 PM	Champions of Ruin
natzero 08-22-07, 10:20 PM	swift hunter will allow your Skirmish damage to affect things immune to it, such as undead (as long as undead are a favored enemy; they should be anyhow). swift hunter allows ranger and scout levels to stack for the purposes of calculating the effects of skirmish and favored enemy. but where does it say that it allows skirmish to deal damage to undead?
Optimator 08-22-07, 10:29 PM	The feat's description.
natzero 08-22-07, 10:35 PM	are you sure? i need to see damn you not owning a compl scoundrel NOOOO i dont see how i could have looked over that considering how many times ive read that feat in the last few weeks
The_Shaman 08-23-07, 06:29 AM	swift hunter allows ranger and scout levels to stack for the purposes of calculating the effects of skirmish and favored enemy. but where does it say that it allows skirmish to deal damage to undead? IIRC it says that you can deal skirmish damage even to foes who are normally immune to it (i.e. undead). I don't have CS at the moment, though. Plus, it has the eventual benefit of allowing you to qualify for some ranger epic feats that require you having 5 different favourite enemies.
bobothechimp 08-23-07, 07:32 AM	Slayer is always a good choice.
natzero 08-23-07, 12:10 PM	IIRC it says that you can deal skirmish damage even to foes who are normally immune to it (i.e. undead). I don't have CS at the moment, though. Plus, it has the eventual benefit of allowing you to qualify for some ranger epic feats that require you having 5 different favourite enemies. awesome then. wow i really must have looked over that. good thing i was already goin with that build myself ;p
Isendir 08-23-07, 12:14 PM	Got any good melee builds for a 1/2 shadow dragon ranger lv 6?:elf: :v:
Optimator 08-23-07, 09:14 PM	Slayer is always a good choice. Forgot about that one. Grab Nemesis and go to town.
The_Shaman 08-24-07, 08:58 AM	Well, even if nemesis isn't limited to exalteds, a ranger/manifester can do some pretty cool things with Slayer.
Optimator 08-24-07, 03:40 PM	Oh, duh. For some reason I saw "Stalker" instead of "Slayer" in my head.
Shadow_Viper 10-21-07, 04:09 AM	Slayer? :confused:
Jaxgaret 10-21-07, 04:39 AM	Slayer? :confused: They are referring to the Slayer (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/prestigeClasses/slayer.htm) class. It is a good choice for a Ranger/Manifester.
BananaB 10-21-07, 06:47 PM	Order of the Bow Initiate can do some pretty good dmg with a single attack and can be especially powerful with some rogue lvls. It also gives you access to some feats that usually are not available to a ranger like weapon specialization.
The_Shaman 10-22-07, 06:49 AM	I dunno, I'm really not impressed with it. A full attack will likely be much more useful than 1 good shot, except against enemies you can't overcome the DR of. If you want more fighter in your ranger, just get some fighter levels. Even Kensai is probably better, imo. Half-dragon ranger, hmm... I don't know if you need a PrC for that, a ranger/scout with Favored Power Attack and a two-handed weapon would probably be decent enough. You can use your combat style either as an alternative (archery) or as a complement to your normal fighting abilities, say with TWF-ing a two-handed weapon and armor spikes/razors/another off-hand weapon that doesn't require a free hand. If you want PrCs, Shou disciple can be cute for the TWF-flurry with a two-handed weapon and unarmed strikes, but I'd go with something not exclusive to rangers. Maybe you can also make do with Nightsong Enforcer levels - extra damage never hurts, and you can take rogue levels to get evasion 1 level earlier. What is your base race, anyway?
Jaxgaret 10-22-07, 11:50 AM	Shaman, note that this thread was resurrected by Shadow_Viper after two months of inactivity simply to ask what a Slayer was. I answered that question... who knows if the OP needs the info any more or is even looking for this thread.
imakuni67 10-23-07, 05:00 PM	The dragon slayer from draconomicon has some nice abilities, a higher hit die and even a half boost to spellcasting. Only really shines if you are playing to fight a lot of dragons though. As far as homemade, I made this one (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=915294). Not really archer based though.