Triga |
I am in the process of building my first character to play in a pbp game. I want to play a ranger using the guide options from the apg.
I am unsure about my ability score though. I know I want wisdom at least at 14, should it be higher?
I am going to choose the archery combat style, so I know I need a high dex, how high?
Also I want my ranger to be able to wield a sword if need be, partly for role play reason, but also just in case. I plan on taking the climb and swim skills also, so what should my strength be?
Now also for hit points, I want my character to be tough, for role play reason, but also more hit points is always good. where should my con be?
This is all going to be based on a 20 point buy. I will be using the core book, and the advanced players guide.
So what is all your advice for my stats? I seem to be leaning toward none of my stats being to high and just spreading my points around.
Also, I am not really interested in a stealthy character but some the rangers class features center on stealth. if I ignored stealth would this really be a bad thing?
That leads me to my next question. For skills I am thinking, dungeoneering, geography, nature,climb,swim, survival and heal.
DISCLAIMER: I am a new player and have never played a game before. This is my first character.
Thank You.
Jiggy RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32 |
I am in the process of building my first character to play in a pbp game. I want to play a ranger using the guide options from the apg.
I am unsure about my ability score though. I know I want wisdom at least at 14, should it be higher?
I don't think there's much need for a higher WIS than that. Strictly speaking, the minimum to cast a given spell is 10 plus the spell's level, and a ranger doesn't get any spells beyond 4th level, so a 14 WIS is all you "need". Your WIS affects the DC for enemies' saves against your spell effects, but if you focus more on healing, buffing, and utility spells (so, things that don't target your enemies), that won't matter. I think 14 would be a good choice. You might even start with a 13 (to save a couple of points) and when you reach level 4 or 8 or 12 (every 4 levels, you get a stat bump) raise it to 14.
I am going to choose the archery combat style, so I know I need a high dex, how high?
That should probably be your main stat, so try to get it up to 18 if possible. As a rule of thumb, you usually want a race whose racial +2 is (or can be) in your primary stat, since an 18 costs a lot more points than a 16. So a human, elf, half-elf, halfling, or half-orc could be good. Buy a 16 for 10 points and let your race bump it to 18.
Also I want my ranger to be able to wield a sword if need be, partly for role play reason, but also just in case. I plan on taking the climb and swim skills also, so what should my strength be?
I wouldn't prioritize STR too highly, lest you be spread too thin. You can use the Weapon Finesse feat to let you use DEX instead of STR for your melee attack rolls (as long as you use certain weapons), though damage will depend on STR. Since your damage will be assisted by your Ranger's Focus ability, this shouldn't be a huge issue. As for Climb and Swim, they're both class skills, meaning as soon as you have a rank in each you'll get an extra +3 bonus to them. So you'll do okay even with a mediocre STR - especially since, given your high DEX, you'll likely be using light armor, which carries a lower Armor Check Penalty.
Now also for hit points, I want my character to be tough, for role play reason, but also more hit points is always good. where should my con be?
It's a good rule of thumb (one I only recently learned, actually) to have at least a 12-14 CON, if possible.
Also, I am not really interested in a stealthy character but some the rangers class features center on stealth. if I ignored stealth would this really be a bad thing?
Not necessarily. Even so, you're looking at probably having a high DEX, low ACP (armor check penalty), and you get the +3 class skill bonus, so you wouldn't really have to go out of your way to have a moderate Stealth skill.
That leads me to my next question. For skills I am thinking, dungeoneering, geography, nature,climb,swim, survival and heal.
DISCLAIMER: I am a new player and have never played a game before. This is my first character.
Thank You.
I also recommend Acrobatics to be in there somewhere. You never know when you'll need to move across treacherous terrain or jump over a spike pit. Also, as long as you're wearing light or no armor and carrying only a light load, you can use Acrobatics to move through a threatened square without provoking an attack of opportunity from an enemy. This gives you lots of options in combat, especially if you need to retreat and fire your bow, or set up a flank with a partner, or get past an enemy to use a Wand of Cure Light Wounds (which you should invest in ASAP) on a wounded ally.
I may have been ninja'd into oblivion, but I hope this helps.
PS. Here's a sample stat list for a human, half-elf or half-orc:
STR 12
DEX 18 (16+2)
CON 13
INT 12
WIS 13
CHA 10
KrispyXIV |
IMO, a Strength of at least 16 will be VERY beneficial to making your archery hurt more, and will allow you to melee that much better in a pinch. Just remember you'll need a Composite bow for that strength to matter, so it should be priority 1 for you early on.
Having a Strength and Dex of 16 each will allow you to be VERY flexible in how you play, and your full BAB plus free access to good Archery feats via combat style will make you a very good archer regardless of your stats.
You dont really need better than a 12 Wisdom either FYI, as a +2 wisdom headband will readily satisfy the stat requirements for your higher level spells at bargain basement price by the time it becomes relevant.
So I'd recomend some variant on the following myself:
Str 16 (inc +2 racial)
Dex 16
Con 12
Int 10
Wis 13
Cha 10
Dumping either Int or Cha to 8 and taking the Wis to a 12 allows you to have either a 14 Con, or bump the Dex up to 17 if you want to have the maximum possible benefit from levelling bonuses there (you'll get a total of 5 points to stats over the full life of a character).
Dont worry about Stealth if you dont want to. Rangers are very solid, and you can build your skills pretty much any way you like (as you'll have plenty of skill points).
Pan |
Krspy's stats look pretty good. Of course if you have to have 14 wisdom you could try;
Human
Str 15
Dex 16 (+2 racial)
Con 13
Int 10
Wis 14
Cha 10
The skills look fine. I would recommend a rank in stealth even if you dont want to specialize in it. One rank will give you a +7.
Put your favored class bonus in HP.
You should search for the switch hitter ranger it is a very popular build here on the forums.
Oh and welcome to Pathfinder!
Jiggy RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32 |
I think I'm going to join in and say I actually like Krispy's stat array better than the one I suggested. Saves you a feat on Weapon Finesse, gets you more damage, and costs you only a single point of AC/ranged attack, which shouldn't be that much of an issue. A single level-based stat bump (or an item) gets you the WIS of 14 that you wanted, and you can put your other bumps into CON or DEX. You could also consider the Toughness feat.
calagnar |
Permanent Bonuses: Ability bonuses with a duration greater than 1 day actually increase the relevant ability score after 24 hours. Modify all skills and statistics related to that ability.
Wis 8 can cast level 4 ranger spells with an item. Now im not saying start with a 8. What I am saying starting with a 12 Wis might help you and you don't need to put more points in.
Dex 17 - 18 starting required. Depending on what game your playing and what level you are ending at. Dex 17 ending levels 12 - 20. Dex 18 ending 8 - 11.
Str & Con 14 both are investments in your ability to fill the role you have picked.
Dump stats Cha & Int. Thes stats affect little in the way your character dose there role. Not saying there not imporatant. just don't affect your characters role.
Str 14 (5)
Dex 16 (10)
Con 14 (5)
Int 10 (0)
Wis 12 (2)
Cha 8 (-2)
Human, Half Elf, Or Halforc.
Str 14
Dex 18
Con 14
Int 10
Wis 12
Cha 8
Halfling
Str 12
Dex 18
Con 14
Int 10
Wis 12
Cha 10
Elf
Str 14
Dex 18
Con 12
Int 12
Wis 12
Cha 8
Now I know your set on Ranger Guide. I'm going to highly recomend not doing it. For one reason and one reason only. Ranger’s Luck (Ex): replaces evasion. I know it dose not seam like a big deal and you get alot of nice abilitys for replaceing evasion. The big down side is your a ranged attacker so this is 80% of the damage you will take.
calagnar |
I wold make a switch hiter ranger. And go with Composet Long Bow and (2) Kukri. Pick up quick draw and weapon finess for melee. Leave your main weapon as the Long Bow. The other way to do it is. (2)Kukri and Composet Long Bow. Trading your Str and Dex so Str 18 Dex 14. Starting with a 16 in both Str and Dex dose not realy help you over all.
Glutton |
I am going to recommend my favorite build in pathfinder, Ranger 6 (Guide) Horizon Walker 10. The abilities of the horizon walker are good, but giving everyone around you terrain bond benefits in pretty much every environment (eventually all of of them) is better, and will make everyone enjoy having your character around even if you botch a few things on your first try as a new player.
str 14
dex 16
con 14
int 10
wis 12
cha 8
Add your racial modifiers after. If you have a race that adds +2 to something you choose, you now have a choice on how you want your character to perform, tougher, stronger or more agile, really up to you at that point. Pick archery feats with your style bonus feats, because melee ones are easy to get. The style feats are dependent if you are going to mostly shooting, or mixing it up. Mostly shooting I would try and get precise shot and improved precise shot, mixing it I would probably skip regular precise shot for rapid shot. Pick up Power attack with one of your regular feats. Highly recommend a non reach two hander because if you have it out it means youre in a bit of a jam, and a bow. Dont forget a couple of daggers for dirty work. Hope this helps some.
SunsetPsychosis |
I'm a huge fan of the Switch Hitter build. The basic premise is using your Combat Style feats to boost your archery, since you can ignore the prerequisites, and when enemies close you just drop your bow and go to town in melee.
With a 20 point buy, a good build would be:
Human
Strength 18
Dex 14
Con 14
Int 10
Wis 12
Cha 8
Feats: Power Attack, and either Toughness (you mentioned wanting more HP), or Cleave.
At level 2, you'll be able to pick up Rapid Shot for free, without needing Point Blank or Precise. Those feats would do you little good, anyways, since if the enemies are within melee range, you're right there in it too, hacking them to pieces.
You'll want to get yourself a high Strength rated composite longbow as quickly as you can. Having a 14 Dex for an archer may seem low, but remember that you're a full BAB class.
From there on, you'll spend your regular feats boosting your melee, and let the Combat Style feats support your archery. The only exception is picking up Deadly Aim at level 5.
You'll be one of the most supremely versatile combatants, not only being able to kill equally well at distance or at range, but having good saves, high HP, a decent AC, an excellent skill list, tracking, a favored enemy, and eventually an animal companion and some useful spells.
zerothbase |
I'm currently running a 5th level Half-elf Ranger (Infiltrator) full time archer with:
Str: 16
Dex: 19 (after +2 racial)
Con: 13
Int: 7
Wis: 12
Cha: 7
Level 4 - +1 Dex
Level 8 - TBD, but probably +1 Con
For levels 1 to 3, I pulled out the greatsword regularly until I got PBS, RS & PS. Now I just stand still and full attack at range with a +3 Str +1 Composite Longbow. The plan is to get a +2 wis headband at some point before I need level 3 spells.
The only reason I knocked Int and Cha down so low, is that we have a skill monkey rogue (who is entirely focused on all his millions of skill points) and 3 party-faces that all compete to see who can get the highest cha and cha-skills (Sorc, Cleric, Oracle). I wouldn't recommend this build otherwise, but it works really well for our group, because our group needed some serious martial ability (our fighter is entirely defensively focused). This is not to imply that you need Cha for anything, but with 3 players jumping on every NPC to diplomacize them, I don't ever need/get to talk to anyone - lol.
I don't feel the loss of Int or Cha at all. It just means I only raise 4 skills to max (Percep, Stealth, Survival, Kn(Nature)), with a single point in a couple others.
For a normal group (or a group where you are unsure what will be needed), I would recommend one of the above stat allocations from Krispy or someone else depending on what you want.
Just remember to keep your options open. Focus your abilities on exactly what you want to do. I wanted to be a freakin' cannon to the exclusion of all else, and it's worked out pretty well.
Asteldian Caliskan |
I also vote the switch hitter, it is a great versatile Ranger that kicks serious butt.
With a 20 point buy you are looking at something like:
Str: 18 (16+2 for Human)
Dex: 15 (at lvl 4 move this to 16)
Con: 14
Wis: 12
Int: 10
Cha: 7
You could reduce Int instead of Cha and lose some skill points (being Human would mitigate this by giving a skill point each lvl) or you could do Int AND Cha to 7 for even more points to spend, but personally I prefer not to dump stat every non vital ability
At lvl 1 you will have Power Atk as your Feat and one other feat of your choice (If Human) which would probably be Quick Draw to allow you to switch between bow and 2her easily.
Assuming you wear a chain Shirt you have an AC of 16 at lvl 1 (So a bit low, but you could take a hit to skill checks and wear medium armour until your Dex gets higher). Using a Greatsword, Attacking you do 2d6+6 damage with a To Hit of +5, or if you Power Atk 2d6 +9 at +4 to hit.
For your Ranger bonus Feats you will take Rapid Shot at lvl 2 and Manyshot at lvl 6.
Once you have a Composite longbow you are able to fire 1d8+4 twice a round at lvl 2, at lvl 6 you are able to shoot 2 arrows thanks to Many Shot, another arrow thanks to Rapid shot and a final arrow due to being lvl 6 and getting two attacks.
You can also get Deadly Aim Feat (As soon as you are able - 3 or 5 likely) which works similarly to Power Atk but with arrows. So at lvl 6 if all hit that is 4d8+16 (or +32 if Deadly Aiming)
So, when combat starts you make a pin cushion out of monsters, then when they close in you engage with your 2her.
Of course you also get Favoured Enemy which adds +2 to Hit and Damage and increases to +4 etc. So your opening set of arrows has just become even more deadly (4d8+48 if all were to hit), meanwhile if anything survives to get close to you then you obliterate them with your 2her.
The switch hitter is a fun class to play being able to cut monsters apart at range and close and personal. Then you get to enjoy all the skills you get, a companion and spells
Anburaid |
I am in the process of building my first character to play in a pbp game. I want to play a ranger using the guide options from the apg.
I am unsure about my ability score though. I know I want wisdom at least at 14, should it be higher?
I am going to choose the archery combat style, so I know I need a high dex, how high?
Also I want my ranger to be able to wield a sword if need be, partly for role play reason, but also just in case. I plan on taking the climb and swim skills also, so what should my strength be?
Now also for hit points, I want my character to be tough, for role play reason, but also more hit points is always good. where should my con be?
This is all going to be based on a 20 point buy. I will be using the core book, and the advanced players guide.
So what is all your advice for my stats? I seem to be leaning toward none of my stats being to high and just spreading my points around.
Also, I am not really interested in a stealthy character but some the rangers class features center on stealth. if I ignored stealth would this really be a bad thing?
That leads me to my next question. For skills I am thinking, dungeoneering, geography, nature,climb,swim, survival and heal.
DISCLAIMER: I am a new player and have never played a game before. This is my first character.
Thank You.
I like Krispy's statblock the best so far, though if you don't mid having a very gruff, antisocial character, Asteldian's stat block will make you even more deadly (and provide more hit points for combat)
In either case, if you want to be really tough as part of your character, consider taking the Toughness feat. At low levels its really nice granting +3 hp, but even at higher levels that +1 per level is as good as if you had 2 more points of Con. I never used to purchase Toughness for characters but now I use it to bolster any build where I am strapped for attribute points.
Stealth is actually very nice to have in pathfinder because it lets you set up ambushes/surprise attacks. This can be very powerful, because it allows your party to prepare ahead of time with buffing spells, before jumping into combat. If you want to be the party scout (something you can do well with a relatively high wisdom mod+perception bonus) the stealth is a must. However if your group has a rogue, then the rogue is a little better suited to that role as they can find and disarm the most dangerous traps.
That said, your rogue will love having someone close by who they can flank enemies with (allowing the rogue to get their sneak attack every round).
Also, welcome, and good luck with your ranger (one of my favorite classes :D)
Asteldian Caliskan |
7 Cha won't necessarilly make you antisocial, just not the most charming of people.
Back in 3.5 I knew a guy who played a Ranger with 5 CHa and he roleplayed to perfection - he was friendly and nice, but sooooo boring - he put on a dull voice and when tracking would pick up rocks or poop and start a dialogue 'You see, this here is the poop of a very small aimal, possibly a mouse...' it was funny to listen to him go on.
Triga |
Thanks for all the great advice. But now i am split between using a one handed sword, duel weilding two light weapon, or using a sh weapon. Archery will still be my main.
When using a weapon if my off hand I take some kind of penalty right?
If I use a composite bow, my strength is used for my attack not dex right, its not both strength and dex?
Also, I was thinking about carrying some pilums to throw at my enemies and reduce there ac from shield. i think that is how they work if I remember what I read. Is there any thing I should know about that?
Pan |
Thanks for all the great advice. But now i am split between using a one handed sword, duel weilding two light weapon, or using a sh weapon. Archery will still be my main.
When using a weapon if my off hand I take some kind of penalty right?
If I use a composite bow, my strength is used for my attack not dex right, its not both strength and dex?
Also, I was thinking about carrying some pilums to throw at my enemies and reduce there ac from shield. i think that is how they work if I remember what I read. Is there any thing I should know about that?
To answer your question yes if you use a weapon in each hand, not one, but both attacks will be at a penalty.
Normal penalties –6 –10Off-hand weapon is light –4 –8
Two-Weapon Fighting feat –4 –4
Off-hand weapon is light and Two-Weapon Fighting feat –2 –2
Dual wielding sounds cool but mechanically it takes a lot of investment to be effective. The numbers above should illustrate how bad of an idea it can be without the feat or a light weapon in the offhand. If you plan to be a primary range attacker and fall back on melee when needed, I do not recommend dual wielding.
You will use your Dex mod to hit with a bow always. If you get a composite bow with a strength rating you get to add some or all of your strength mod to the damage.
Hope that helps.
sphar |
EDIT:I will put up the guide for higher levels later.
First of all,if your main focus is archery,try not to go the two-weapon route.It requires a lot of feats,and you will want to save some of those for archery.Instead,you can go 1H and shield or 2H.
I'm not sure whether you want to go switch hitter(which would be 65% melee,35% archery) or
archery with melee as a viable backup option.
Here is what I would do for either builds,level-by-level.Remember,these are only suggestions!
The switch hitter is an archer at the start of a fight,but once melee breaks out,he gets in the middle of it.
SWITCH HITTER
LEVEL 1
Race:The best races for this build are either Half-Elf or Human,as they can get that valuable Strength bonus.Half-Orc is also a viable option,but he lacks some in the race traits.
Start off with these stats.I am assuming you're a human or half-elf:
Str 18(16+2)
Dex 16
Con 12(Don't worry,we'll get those hit points!)
Int 8
Wis 13
Cha 7
Class Features:Since you're a guide,you don't get the Favored Enemy,so no need to worry about that.
Feats:I would suggest Quick Draw,because you're going to need to be able to switch from your bow to a 2Her fast.If you're a human,you get a bonus feat.I suggest getting Toughness.
Skills:Put a point in Perception,Survival,and Knowledge(Nature),no questions asked.If you can get over your fear of Stealth(:P),definitely put a point in that as well.You will be looked at as the party scout,so you should be able to be sneaky.Also,put a point in Handle Animal and Knowledge(Dungeoneering).
Gear:Right now,buy a Greatsword,Scale Mail,and a Longbow if you can afford it.Otherwise,keep saving those GP!
Tactics:Right now,get up in melee and smash stuff with your sword.(Or should it be slice...?) If you need to,retreat and either fire your longbow(if you have one) or just hang back.
LEVEL 2
Class Features:Choose the archery style.
Feats:At 2nd level,you will get a bonus feat from your combat style.Choose Rapid Shot,as it will let you put two arrows in the air,increasing your damage greatly.
Skills:Keep it up as above,unless you want to not put a point in Handle Animal at this level and put it in Climb/Swim.
Gear:Since I don't know how much money you'll have right now,I'll put down a list of your priorities.
1.Up to +4 Composite Longbow.This is almighty for the Switch Hitter!
1.Breastplate.Make it mithril if you can afford it!This is tied with the bow because of your lack of defense.
3.If you can afford it after the above(I would be impressed) pick up a mithril greatsword.
Tactics:Shoot two arrows in the air every round until your foes either get within 30 feet or are in melee with your allies.Then,close in with your greatsword.
ARCHER
LEVEL 1
Races:Either Elf,Half-Elf,or Human.Elf and Human are tied for the top in my opinion.
Start off with these stats if you're elven,or adjust them if you're human.
Str 16
Dex 18(16+2)
Con 11(13-2)
Int 10(8+2)
Wis 13
Cha 7
Class Features:Again,you're a guide,so you don't have favored enemies.
Feats:Point-Blank Shot.It is a prerequisite for a lot of useful feats.If you're human,take Precise Shot.
Skills:This should be the same as the switch hitter.Put a point into Climb or Swim if you have an extra skill rank.
Gear:Grab a Longbow and Studded Leather.Pick up either a Greatsword or Greataxe if you want an option for melee.
Tactics:Um.....shoot stuff.If you can safely stay within 30 feet of your enemies,do so.You'll get a nice bonus from Point-Blank Shot.
LEVEL 2
Class Features:Pick up the Archery style again.
Feats:Get Rapid Shot if you're human,Precise Shot if you're not.
Skills:As above.
Gear:In order of priority:
1.Up to +3 Composite Longbow.
2.Mithril Breastplate,if you can afford it.
3.Buy some cold iron/silver arrows.
Triga |
Thanks for all the help. Here is what I have decided on.
str 14 + 2 = 16
dex 16
con 12
int 10
wis 14
cha 8
I wanted to have str and dex at 16, I think 16 is a decent score, because not having a lot of experience with the game I may decide I like melee more later on after playing or I may decide I like ranged better, so I figured I would keep it safe.
for feat I went with toughness and quick draw.
my starting weapon will be a short bow, a long sword or maybe a scimitar used two handed, and also a kukri.
Thanks for all the help.
Triga |
I think you will do just fine Triga. Do you know what module or adventure you will be joining?
This going to be for a pbp game over here,
http://rpg-world.com/forum/index.php
I'm not sure what kind of campaign ill be playing. I'm going to make a character then post it in the forum and look for a game.