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Can a Ranger choose the Weapon Specialization FEAT? The requirements say Weapon Focus, and 4th level FIGHTER. If not, what can I do to help increase a Rangers effectiveness? My Ranger is a Two-Handed Weapon style specialist. Presently my Ranger uses a bastard sword, so that I can use 1 or 2 hands (thinking later of maybe using some kind of off hand combat maneuver). Would a great sword just be better. Thanks for any help.
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Mechanically speaking, in terms of damage, the GS has you by ~1 damage per attack. However, you could grab quick draw and a quickdraw shield and enjoy the benefits of two handed damage with your bastard sword, then swap to your shield at the end of your turn for +2 AC. Each turn begin by pulling it out for extra damage, and swapping it back for extra AC.
Regarding Weapon Spec -- you can't grab it unfortunately. You do get some sweet feats though. Might I suggest power attack ASAP (amazing for 2 handers) and then great cleave at 6? Since you don't need to grab cleave to qualify for it ;)
Mechanically speaking, in terms of damage, the GS has you by ~1 damage per attack. However, you could grab quick draw and a quickdraw shield and enjoy the benefits of two handed damage with your bastard sword, then swap to your shield at the end of your turn for +2 AC. Each turn begin by pulling it out for extra damage, and swapping it back for extra AC.
Regarding Weapon Spec -- you can't grab it unfortunately. You do get some sweet feats though. Might I suggest power attack ASAP (amazing for 2 handers) and then great cleave at 6? Since you don't need to grab cleave to qualify for it ;)
Couldn't you do this with a greatsword anyway? Technically you would take a -4 to hit wielding a 2 hander in 1 hand correct? Then just use a quickdraw shield and you're good.
I can't find any rule allowing wielding a two-handed weapon in one hand.
A bastard sword could be wielded in one hand with the Exotic Weapon Proficiency feat, thus if you do not have the feat, you could wield it with one hand, taking the -4 non-proficiency penalty. This also can be done with the Dwarven War Axe, but not with a Greatsword or Greataxe.
You can however, carry the greatsword in one hand... but you wouldn't be threatening while you had the shield out in that case. Not a good tradeoff.
Rangers should avoid weapons specific feats for the most part. Since they are not able to pick up fighter feats like weapon specialization they will not get the full effect a fighter can. This will also let you use whatever weapon you find without sacrificing too much. A fighter is probably going to stick to his weapon of choice even if a better weapon is found. You find a +3 Great Axe in an adventure and you have a +2 Great Sword well swap out the weapon. The fighter on the other had will keep the +2 Weapon because he is more effective with it.
Stick with feats that can be used with any weapon like power attack. Pick your favored enemies carefully because this is where you are going to shine. You can also use some spells for short term buffs. Lead Blades and instant enemy come to mind.
A bastard sword could be wielded in one hand with the Exotic Weapon Proficiency feat, thus if you do not have the feat, you could wield it with one hand, taking the -4 non-proficiency penalty.
without the Exotic Weapon feat, you simply can not use a bastard sword in one hand.
James Jacobs has backed this ruling here and here, which are more recent than the contradictory post from back in 2008 here, and has said it's an official clarification for PFS.
This means Table: Weapons is incorrect in listing them both as one-handed weapons.
The best way I can interpret this is that they're basically two-handed weapons that are treated as one-handed weapons for proficient users for the purposes of weapon size category, but not size as an object. The object size would remain whatever the larger version is.
Anyway, the only way to wield a greatsword with one hand is to use a greatsword sized for a smaller creature, or with Jotungrip. So if your DM allows the free action quickdraw shield switching, you won't be able to take attacks of opportunity with your greatsword when it's not your turn.
I disagree with people telling you not to take combat oriented feats.
Yes, the fighter dishes out more damage and hits more often. But you are or will be a fantastic fighter. If you enjoy it, take feats that increase your effectiveness.
You will be a mobile fighter because of your medium armor, so try to specialize in that. And try to find out what exactly you like as a combat style. Do you rush, do you trip, do you like to bash away. Do you spring-attack? You should not forget to add to the fun :)
What has worked for me very well is to go the "critical" route and take Improved Critical. This works great with later Ranger abilities like Quarry, because you will have more possible criticals.
I agree that taking the "critical" path too far is more effective for a fighter. But you should take:
- Weapon Focus gives you an edge with a favorite weapon if you have one. (bow anyone?)
- Improved Critical on a favorite type of weapon. This works very well with your Favored Enemy options.
- Power Attack works very well. If you have bonuses for favored enemies, you can spare the -4 to get +8. If you fight two-handed, you get +12 for a -4 penalty.
Feats a fighter would probably not take are:
- Dodge
- Mobility
Don't forget to add fun :)
Good luck!
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I disagree with people telling you not to take combat oriented feats.
They weren't telling him not to take combat oriented feats, they were advising him to avoid too many feats that lock him into a single weapon.
Power Attack and Deadly Aim? Good to go.
Weapon Focus: Longspear? Not so good a choice.
Rangers tend toward more generalization than Fighters do, in part because of the weapon focused feats that only Fighters can take. Rangers also tend toward being more switch-hitters than Fighters do.
Rangers get more skills, and spells, and the HUnter's Bond, which are all things most Fighters don't get. Some Fighters can get the skills, or something similar, but only in a more limited field (Lore Warden, I'm looking at YOU).
So what some of the other posters are saying is to keep those things in mind, and don't play your Ranger as a dumb Fighter.
I can't find any rule allowing wielding a two-handed weapon in one hand.
Sorry, I meant this in the general sense (i.e., any two-handed weapon).