So i need a little help.
One of the players in an upcoming Kingmaker game (wherein I am also a player) is wanting to play a Gnome Ranger, Archery Style, Beastmaster archetype. The character will be using a small-sized composite longbow. I imagine at some point she will be taking the Boon Companion feat as well.
I'm very concerned that this character will be very weak, especially considering when its compared to the rest of the party, which includes a Battle Cleric of Gorum, a Magus (Intensified Frostbite or Shocking Grasp), a Half-elf Dual-Cursed Lunar Oracle (very powerful animal companion), a ninja (not sure on build), and a bard (not sure on build).
I'm afraid the racial penalty to str combined with no bonus to either dex or wis will really hurt this character.
Any tips, tricks, feats, traits, etc. that anyone can recommend to increase the combat effectiveness of this character? She's new to the system and will be very open to suggestions in that regard; however, I'm afraid the race, class, combat style, and archetype are most likely non-negotiable.
Thank you in advance.
What are your current stats, and are you using a point buy? We might be able to move some stuff around so can get some more strength. Unfortunately Gnome isn't really a great ranger. Would switching to a halfling be an option if you wanted to stay small? Withe bonus Dex I think you could be ok.
If that is not an option like you said, could you do crossbow style instead of archery style? i'n the long run the crossbow might not be as good, but she wouldn't have to worry about strength. rapid reload, deadly aim, vital strike are good crossbow feats. Also what is her favored enemy choice?
Point buy is 25, so that's the good news.
I'll have to get back to you on her current stats and favored enemy. It's kingmaker, so i figure Fey, Undead, Humanoid (giant) and Humanoid (human) may be suitable choices for favored enemy. Any other recommendations?
Bump.
Still looking for tips, tricks, tactics, etc. to make my friend's character more effective.
They're looking to focus on the companion, right? So Monstrous Mount might be another feat to look at. A griffon or a worg might be able to do much of the ranger's fighting for them.
If they're planning to ride the companion you might allow them to pick up the goblin feat Saddle Shrieker.
Note the gnome ranger alt favored class bonus.