Noob asking for clarification [Archive] - Wizards Community

Noob asking for clarification [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Prinny1337
02-02-08, 06:06 PM Hi everyone. I'm Prinny1337. I use this name for all other games I play, so if you've seen me, say hi.

Anyway, I'm playing a Lord of the Rings based Campaign. Our DM isn't the most experienced, so we're not multi classing or doing anything extremely complicated yet. Our characters are coming from PHB 3.5 and PHB II. We're starting at level five. I'm a ranger who is focusing on TWF.

My question is this. When I level up and get extra attacks, do I attack more when I do a full attack? Like do I get 4 attacks?

Also, I need help picking feats. Can I take weapon finesse with a double weapon? Thank you for the advice in advance.
The_Shaman
02-02-08, 06:19 PM Hi, and welcome. Let me see if I can help.

- extra attacks from BAB: do you mean with your second weapon? No, you need extra feats for that: improved two-weapon fighting (for a second attack) and greater two-weapon fighting (for a third). Conveniently, when you're a ranger, you get those feats automatically. So at lvl 6, your full attack - if you're fighting with 2 weapons - may involve 4 attacks (2 base, one off-hand, one from ITWF). At 11 - 6 (3 base, 1 off-hand, 1 ITWF, 1 from GTWF). At 16 - 7 (4 base, same from then on). However, just because you're holding two weapons doesn't mean you have to attack with both.

- weapon finesse and double weapons: not exactly great. Technically, a double weapon can count as a combination of one-handed and a light weapon, which means you only get the attack bonus from finesse (if it is a bonus) on one end. Unless there is a big difference between your strength and dexterity, I'd say the feat is not good. If there is, you may as well use two light weapons, like short swords, and get the bonus to both. If you're still designing your character, I'd suggest that you get a decent strength and drop weapon finesse for a better feat.

As for useful feats and other tips, could you tell us what campaign you are and what books/options are allowed? It wouldn't help much if I gave you advice on prestige classes and your DM doesn't allow them. If you have some time, by the way, AntarX did a ranger handbook which you can find here (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=892470&highlight=ranger+handbook) . I recommend you take a look at it.
Prinny1337
02-02-08, 06:46 PM Thanks for replying so fast. I was wanting to use a double sword as my weapon. There are only 3 of us, so I'm helping the dwarf in the thick of it rather than use my bow primarily.
Allowed books are PHB 3.5 and PHB II. I don't understand what you mean by campaign...sorry. Still new to this thing. The DM is kinda just making it all up. We aren't following a set story or anything.

But yes, I was talking about more attacks from my BaB. Just to be totally clear, I do get 4 attacks with a full attack? 2 from the primary hand ,1 from off hand and one from Imp. TWF?

My dex is 19 and my strength is 12, by the way. If you don't suggest Weapon finesse, what would be a good choice?

Note: I'm taking distracting blow over an animal companion.
Essex
02-03-08, 12:24 PM My dex is 19 and my strength is 12, by the way. If you don't suggest Weapon finesse, what would be a good choice?

Weapon Finesse is good with those stats. To get the most use out of the feat, I'd either use a rapier in the on hand and a short sword in the off hand, or I'd use a short sword in both hands. If you go with two short swords, then take feats that help with short swords, such as Weapon Focus (short sword). Short swords only do one point of damage less than longswords, but your Weapon Finesse will increase your to hit number by 3. (By the way, have you already accounted for your 4th level ability score increase? If not, then I'd recommend putting it into Dexterity).

Assuming you're going with two short swords and are limiting yourself to the PHB & PHBII, I'd take the following feats for the first 12 levels (B indicates a Ranger bonus feat).

1). Weapon Finesse
B). Track
B). Two-Weapon Fighting
B). Endurance
3). Weapon Focus (short sword)
6). Two-Weapon Pounce
B). Improved Two-Weapon Fighting
9). Diehard or Two-Weapon Defense or Combat Reflexes
B). Greater Two-Weapon Fighting
12). Two-Weapon Rend

Note: If you play a human, then take either Combat Reflexes, Lightning Reflexes, Iron Will, or Improved Initiative as your Human bonus feat.

Note: If you're using any books other than PHB and PHBII, then make sure to take Improved Toughness at the first opportunity. Being a lightly armored melee combatant requires more hp than a d8.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Prinny1337 02-02-08, 06:06 PM	Hi everyone. I'm Prinny1337. I use this name for all other games I play, so if you've seen me, say hi. Anyway, I'm playing a Lord of the Rings based Campaign. Our DM isn't the most experienced, so we're not multi classing or doing anything extremely complicated yet. Our characters are coming from PHB 3.5 and PHB II. We're starting at level five. I'm a ranger who is focusing on TWF. My question is this. When I level up and get extra attacks, do I attack more when I do a full attack? Like do I get 4 attacks? Also, I need help picking feats. Can I take weapon finesse with a double weapon? Thank you for the advice in advance.
The_Shaman 02-02-08, 06:19 PM	Hi, and welcome. Let me see if I can help. - extra attacks from BAB: do you mean with your second weapon? No, you need extra feats for that: improved two-weapon fighting (for a second attack) and greater two-weapon fighting (for a third). Conveniently, when you're a ranger, you get those feats automatically. So at lvl 6, your full attack - if you're fighting with 2 weapons - may involve 4 attacks (2 base, one off-hand, one from ITWF). At 11 - 6 (3 base, 1 off-hand, 1 ITWF, 1 from GTWF). At 16 - 7 (4 base, same from then on). However, just because you're holding two weapons doesn't mean you have to attack with both. - weapon finesse and double weapons: not exactly great. Technically, a double weapon can count as a combination of one-handed and a light weapon, which means you only get the attack bonus from finesse (if it is a bonus) on one end. Unless there is a big difference between your strength and dexterity, I'd say the feat is not good. If there is, you may as well use two light weapons, like short swords, and get the bonus to both. If you're still designing your character, I'd suggest that you get a decent strength and drop weapon finesse for a better feat. As for useful feats and other tips, could you tell us what campaign you are and what books/options are allowed? It wouldn't help much if I gave you advice on prestige classes and your DM doesn't allow them. If you have some time, by the way, AntarX did a ranger handbook which you can find here (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=892470&highlight=ranger+handbook) . I recommend you take a look at it.
Prinny1337 02-02-08, 06:46 PM	Thanks for replying so fast. I was wanting to use a double sword as my weapon. There are only 3 of us, so I'm helping the dwarf in the thick of it rather than use my bow primarily. Allowed books are PHB 3.5 and PHB II. I don't understand what you mean by campaign...sorry. Still new to this thing. The DM is kinda just making it all up. We aren't following a set story or anything. But yes, I was talking about more attacks from my BaB. Just to be totally clear, I do get 4 attacks with a full attack? 2 from the primary hand ,1 from off hand and one from Imp. TWF? My dex is 19 and my strength is 12, by the way. If you don't suggest Weapon finesse, what would be a good choice? Note: I'm taking distracting blow over an animal companion.
Essex 02-03-08, 12:24 PM	My dex is 19 and my strength is 12, by the way. If you don't suggest Weapon finesse, what would be a good choice? Weapon Finesse is good with those stats. To get the most use out of the feat, I'd either use a rapier in the on hand and a short sword in the off hand, or I'd use a short sword in both hands. If you go with two short swords, then take feats that help with short swords, such as Weapon Focus (short sword). Short swords only do one point of damage less than longswords, but your Weapon Finesse will increase your to hit number by 3. (By the way, have you already accounted for your 4th level ability score increase? If not, then I'd recommend putting it into Dexterity). Assuming you're going with two short swords and are limiting yourself to the PHB & PHBII, I'd take the following feats for the first 12 levels (B indicates a Ranger bonus feat). 1). Weapon Finesse B). Track B). Two-Weapon Fighting B). Endurance 3). Weapon Focus (short sword) 6). Two-Weapon Pounce B). Improved Two-Weapon Fighting 9). Diehard or Two-Weapon Defense or Combat Reflexes B). Greater Two-Weapon Fighting 12). Two-Weapon Rend Note: If you play a human, then take either Combat Reflexes, Lightning Reflexes, Iron Will, or Improved Initiative as your Human bonus feat. Note: If you're using any books other than PHB and PHBII, then make sure to take Improved Toughness at the first opportunity. Being a lightly armored melee combatant requires more hp than a d8.