I was thinking of rolling either a primal druid, or an archer ranger. I was wondering if anyone has played either class, and if they could share their opinions.
I've read through some of the class guides in the optimization forums, but more than anything else I'm looking for fun. Druids seem REALLY fun to play, but I really like the concept of an archer class (having never played one).
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance
Some people enjoy this though. I haven't had a chance to play a ranger yet, but I have this idea for a stone cold Shadar-kai sniper
Playing the controller of the group, I always have something up my sleeve to make the dm go, "wait. What?" as the monsters are crippled/controlled/dropped. I play a wizard, so i don't know too much about the druid but from what I've heard, they are just as good at dishing out some crazy stuff to make the dm rip their hair our. =)
I was thinking of rolling either a primal druid, or an archer ranger. I was wondering if anyone has played either class, and if they could share their opinions.
I've read through some of the class guides in the optimization forums, but more than anything else I'm looking for fun.
Fun is subjective, of course, so it depends on your play style. I've seen one archer ranger in play, and the player was chronically bored with it - but he tends to be grumpy no matter what he plays. It's pretty clear from the forums that a great many people have a lot of fun with the Striker role, and that fewer enjoy the Controller. You just have to figure out what'll be fun for you.
The Druid is a complex character class, it's wildshape feature effectively lets it switch between being two somewhat different characters, with a different arrray of powers available to each: a rather unique mostly-melee controller, or a more conventional spell-casting ranged controller. The ranger is a straightforward damage dealer, the archer build, an even more straightforwardly a ranged damage dealer. Both have a woodsy sort of feel, with apropriate skills, utilities, and fluff for a wilderness themed character.
The Striker role is about concentrated damage dealing - picking a specific enemy, getting around enemy soldiers and other defenses or distractions, and putting big damage on it.
The Controller role is about changing the battlefield, blasting large numbers of enemies, and hampering enemies in a variety of ways.
The striker works better as part of a team, but, even as part of a team, makes his contribution primarily in a direct, individual, way. He takes an action, which does something horrible to an enemy.
The controller works better as part of a team, and his contribution often helps the team out, or harms the enemy indirectly, through the team. When you render a few enemies prone or helpless or whatever, that's inconvienent and slows them down until they get up or save, when you have a party to take advantage of thier vulnerability, it's deadly.
So, you have to think about which role would be more fun for you. Do you enjoy taking out an enemy more-or-less 1:1, or do you like the idea of unleashing dramatic area effects on the battlefield that may not defeat significant foes on it's own, but will help your party win the battle.
If you want to play an archer type character, you might want to consider a prescient bard that concentrates on strikery feats and items. You could do almost as much damage and you have tons of options during combat.
Controllers are fun too though, but some DMs will absolutely hate you, and if you don't work well with the tactics of other party members, you might actually hinder your team.
Well you have all given me a lot of good things to think about - so thanks. I think I will end up choosing whatever most fits my group. I'm guessing it will likely be the druid, because the other players tend to shy away from the controller role for whatever reason.
The Druid is a fantastic class. Just remember that you are, basically, a melee controller, or a ranged striker, and can switch to suit the situation.
You'll have a blast though, I know it. ;)
Good luck!
The Druid looks like it would be awesome to play, but we don't play nearly enough anymore. And I haven't played my Shaman yet.
if fun for you is frustrating your DM by keeping his monsters from moving and attacking, then controller.
Tempest Sorcerer with the a decent dex. Lets deal decent damage at range, and push enemies around as good as the next controller. Heck it even has a fair number of bursts and blast with it as well.