| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Our group is about to start new characters this coming Saturday and reading through a couple of the other thread's has really gotten me wanting to play a half-orc ranger. I like the idea of playing a “switch-hitter” style character like in Treantmonk's Guide to Rangers with a good mighty composite longbow and a falchion. Just to be clear, I really enjoyed Treantmonk's guide. Now that being said it only uses the core book and I'm allowed to use the APG, UM, UC . Does anyone have any opinions on possible new “must have's” feat's or archetypes that pertain to this kind of ranger build?
Actually if anyone wants to take it a step farther and show me how they would do their version of a switch-hitter ranger that would be cool too. I haven't actually played a ranger since the beginning of 2nd edition. My parameters for building the character are ... we're using the 25pt buy-in, and we're starting at lvl 8. Magic items will be limited for awhile most likely. Also we have a house rule that rangers can take any animal companions a druid can take so the companions out of the Bestiary and Bestiary 2 are a go, although my animal companion should probably be something that can make good use of stealth. Dinosaur's are sweet but I want to be able to fill a scout role as necessary.
Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!
I don't think there are any 'must have' feats for a switch hitter, but the Opening Volley feat is clearly intended for that particular style. It gives you a +4 to your next melee attack following a successful ranged attack.
Half-orc rangers have access to the Keen Scent feat, though, which is positively delightful.
An example build for a level 8 half-orc ranger might look something like
Str 20
Dex 16
Con 12
Int 10
Wis 14
Cha 8
Feats:
1: Keen Scent
2: Rapid Shot
3: Power Attack
5: Deadly Aim
6: Manyshot
7: Quick Draw
Since you're starting out at level 8, you can avoid the initial slight awkwardness of the build.
Half-orc rangers have access to the Keen Scent feat, though, which is positively delightful.
I hadn't though of that. It nicely adds to the scout/tracker facet of the character for sure.
If you combine it with the Bestial and Scavenger alternate racial traits and the Trapper archetype, you'll be extremely good at both tracking and trap finding.
If you combine it with the Bestial and Scavenger alternate racial traits and the Trapper archetype, you'll be extremely good at both tracking and trap finding.
That's true, I'm losing what, Ferocity, and extra intimidate for Bestial and Scavenger? I'm good with that. I really do like the Trapper archetype, it might not be combat optimal but its got tricks, on top of Trapfinding, and I can dig that. Also starting our characters at 8th level mean's I'm not going to be waiting too terribly long for "Launch Trap" at 10. It's just man,... I'm trading all my casting for it, not just my spells but my ability to use scrolls and cure sticks. Now I've never been totally in love with the rangers weak spell list but losing it all totally is kindov a hard sell for me. I still might do it though, like I said I really like the archetype. This is the kind of thing I'll probably waffle back and forth with my GM until we actually play.
I've personally never really been attached to ranger spellcasting, but that's because I tend to view all my ranger type characters as skilled survivalists, not pseudo-druids. You don't see Aragorn with an animal companion, casting Magic Fang on things :P
Depending on the rest of the party, the loss of your limited spellcasting likely won't be a very big deal. For the most part, rangers only ever used their spell slots for stuff like Longstrider and Magic Fang.
You know your probably right. The more I think about it the more I'm fairly sure I'll have a lot more fun with the traps, Trapfinding and Disable Device as a class skill than the lame ranger spells.
I'll take Cleave later maybe, and try and talk our GM into letting me take “Boon Companion” at some-point even though its not in our list of resources to use. Its still worth a shot asking.
Anyways, thanks for the idea's. The character's really shaping up and I think I should have him all nailed with plenty of time to spare. :D
Advice:
Archetype: Guide
Spells are great. No need to get scent, rangers get bloodhound as a spell. Cast it or get scrolls or a wand.
Get the trait "Magical Knack" from the APG. It gives you +2 to caster level. Very nice with spells like longstrider, resist energy, barkskin, boodhound etc.
The ranger spell list is GREAT! :-)
Play human: Two feat and using the boodhound spell instead of waisting a feat on scent you actually get to more feats. Rangers get darkvision as a spell too.
Keep your spells.
INSTANT ENEMY
Use this spell at later levels to PWN any foe not on your FE List (this is awesome- treat them as your BEST FE).
Really pays off if you stack FE into one type.
I suggest:
1 Human+4 (Very Common and run all CR's)
2 Undead+2
3 Outsider (evil)+8 (Paizo's favorite baddies. Run all CR's)
4 Magical Beast+2 (Broad catagory, will cover alot of things)
5 Giants +2
DON'T pick Powerful, once in a while enemies (Dragons), use the spell to treat them as evil outsiders (+8 to hit and damage)
Remember your pet gets your FE bonuses as well.
Best bets are Wolf (can trip up to huge foes after lvl7)
or Lion (POUNCE)
Keep your spells.
INSTANT ENEMY
Use this spell at later levels to PWN any foe not on your FE List (this is awesome- treat them as your BEST FE).
Really pays off if you stack FE into one type.
Cool. I haven't noticed that spell :-)
Remember your pet gets your FE bonuses as well.
Best bets are Wolf (can trip up to huge foes after lvl7)
or Lion (POUNCE)
I agree, always remember that your animal companion gets your FE bonus.
Unfortunately the lion isn't a legal choice for a ranger.
I would argue that the small cat is the best animal companion for a ranger but instead i will say that the both the small cat and the wolf are the best choices for a ranger animal companion.
I agree, always remember that your animal companion gets your FE bonus.
Unfortunately the lion isn't a legal choice for a ranger.
I would argue that the small cat is the best animal companion for a ranger but instead i will say that the both the small cat and the wolf are the best choices for a ranger animal companion.
Actually he can choose Lion. His GM ruled that he has acess to the full list avaliable to druids.
Actually he can choose Lion. His GM ruled that he has acess to the full list avaliable to druids.I agree, always remember that your animal companion gets your FE bonus.
Unfortunately the lion isn't a legal choice for a ranger.
I would argue that the small cat is the best animal companion for a ranger but instead i will say that the both the small cat and the wolf are the best choices for a ranger animal companion.
Somehow i missed that line in the OP's post.
Then the best animal companion is the lion hands down, the allosaurus comes a close second.
Actually he can choose Lion. His GM ruled that he has acess to the full list avaliable to druids.I agree, always remember that your animal companion gets your FE bonus.
Unfortunately the lion isn't a legal choice for a ranger.
I would argue that the small cat is the best animal companion for a ranger but instead i will say that the both the small cat and the wolf are the best choices for a ranger animal companion.Somehow i missed that line in the OP's post.
Then the best animal companion is the lion hands down, the allosaurus comes a close second.
you missed this part too? ;-)'
"my animal companion should probably be something that can make good use of stealth. Dinosaur's are sweet but I want to be able to fill a scout role as necessary. "
I don't think Lion is the best stealth animal.
UM introduced the concept of vermin companions. They're like animal companions mostly, but one nice benefit is they're mindless with Int --, making them immune to mind-affecting stuff, great quality for a companion, IMO. The downside is...they can't get any skill ranks or feats unless you give them points into int. At which point, they lose Mindless and you're left with just a really dumb "animal companion." Not bad if you can deal with the lack of feats and skill points, though (they get bonus tricks, but no others). I really like the Giant Mantis. It has great racial stealth bonuses, 3 movement modes, low-light and darkvision, and a bunch more unique qualities that set it apart from other choices.
UC has the Clustered Shots feat once you hit BAB +6 and have PBS and Precise Shot. Lets you tally all your damage on a foe from multiple hits and apply his DR to that value only once. Almost essential for ranged weapon users, including switch hitters.
I do have to say, switch hitters aren't as important beyond core. APG introduced the Point Blank Master feat (and UC just added a smilar feat for thrown weapons) to shoot while threatened without provoking. UC also introduced a feat like (Snap Shot) to threaten with your bow, but I'm not sure those are worth bothering with.
Actually he can choose Lion. His GM ruled that he has acess to the full list avaliable to druids.I agree, always remember that your animal companion gets your FE bonus.
Unfortunately the lion isn't a legal choice for a ranger.
I would argue that the small cat is the best animal companion for a ranger but instead i will say that the both the small cat and the wolf are the best choices for a ranger animal companion.Somehow i missed that line in the OP's post.
Then the best animal companion is the lion hands down, the allosaurus comes a close second.you missed this part too? ;-)'
"my animal companion should probably be something that can make good use of stealth. Dinosaur's are sweet but I want to be able to fill a scout role as necessary. "
I don't think Lion is the best stealth animal.
I saw that but i don't think that there is an animal companion that has enough steath/scout capabilities to even begin comparing to the sheer power of the lion.
A lion or other big cat isn't necessarily a bad scout. I mean, they hunt with stealth in the wild, they could be a scout if they needed to be.
Exactly. If we're talking about the wilds (particularly favored terrains) the RANGER should be up front scouting. The Lion can be a charge attack behind :)
Exactly. If we're talking about the wilds (particularly favored terrains) the RANGER should be up front scouting. The Lion can be a charge attack behind :)
Listen to the ranger......
I wouldn't start with Str 18 and Dex 16.
Raising a stat from 15 to 16 cost you 3 points.
Just what you need to get con 14. You are a melee ranger so hit points is important.
Here is my advice:
Str 19 (18 +1)
Dex 16 (15+1)
Con 14
Int 10
Wis 14
Cha 8
Go human and save 2 feats.
Pick heavy armor prof and a Mithril Full Plate.
Other feat: Iron will. Just like the fighter will saves is your big problem.
Or you could pick skill focus stealt or weapon focus.
edit:
if your dm won't let you buy magic items a craft feat might be good.
Spells will help you especially if you want an animal companion and if you're not going to use heavy armor.
With "Magical Knack" you will have a caster level of 7. Resist energy 20 is nice and barkskin will grant +3 enhancement bonus to the creature’s existing natural armor. You and/or your animal companion.
Make sure someone cast mage armor on your pet. So get a wand of mage armor.
Magic items.
Metamagic Rods, lesser are nice.: Specifically the extend rod and Silent rod.
Wands: mage armor, Longstrider, Magic Fang, CLW, Gravity Bow, Eagle Eye, Lead Blades, etc. Bloodhound might also be nice.
Scrolls: Bloodhound, Versatile weapon, spider climbing, Instant Enemy, Darkvision, Magic Fang, Greater, etc.
Belt, Stat bonus: For the switch hitter, Str is prime, Dex secondary.
Headband, Stat bonus wisdom
Pearl of Power
Handy Haversack
Magic weapons and armor
Cloak of Resistance
And some nice boots.