Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 RoryPond Sep 20, 2014 16:38:49	My son is rolling up a character for the game I am DM'ing. I am new to DM'ing having only done two in the past. I have never played a ranger and neither has he so we are trying to figure the best set up for a lvl 1 elven ranger in regards to skill points. What should he focus on more and focus on least?  He wants to have the best ranger he can possibly get for this campaign. Also any other tips are greatly appreciated.
#2 2Chlorobutanal Sep 20, 2014 16:47:53	For a basic ranger's ability scores, I aim get a 16 or 17 Dexterity (after racial adjustments) and a 14+ Wisdom and Constitution.  Charisma and Intelligence are not terribly important, and Strength is also not vital unless your ranger will focus on Athletics or carry a lot of heavy gear or armor.  I would put any remaining points after Dex, Wis, and Con into Strength.   I would increase Dexterity to 20 as I gained levels and received increased ability scores.   It's possible to play a high-Strength ranger, but I would stick to Dexterity for a first time character.  This way, the ranger is equally good with a bow and shortswords or a rapier.   For proficiencies, I consider Survival, Perception, and Stealth to be very important skills.  Nature can also be useful, although it is Intelligence-based, as can Animal Handling.  Athletics or Acrobatics can be very useful as well - I personally prefer Acrobatics (from a background or racial proficiency) because it's Dexterity-based, but it's certainly possible to take both Athletics and Acrobatics.  Gaining proficiency in Thieves' Tools from a background is also a possibility if there is no other "lock picker" or "trap disarmer" in the party.
#3 Gungolphus Sep 21, 2014 5:53:53	The above advice is excellent.   Note, however, that "Best" is relative. In terms of ability scores, the above is excellent. Almost everything else, on the other hand, is a different story. A forest-oriented, longbow-wielding Ranger with the Hermit background and skills centered around Nature would not be "best" for a campaign in an urban setting, for example.   Cheers,   Bob
#4 DM_HEEGZ Sep 21, 2014 7:37:02	2Chlorobutanal wrote: