New class or just more powers/options?

[half-dragon dragon]

I was reading on the WoTC boards a thread about the Martial Power book, and someone mentioned an aspect of the ranger I hadn't thought of before. What they said is that in general the ranger anymore is now like a striker that focuses in one fighting style, and they wouldn't mind seeing options for a sword and board, and two-hander ranger, instead of new classes for such.

So that got me wondering about what others thought of this idea. Do you think its a viable idea to make the ranger into somewhat of a 'style specialist', or would new (martial) striker classes be preferable?

Do note that I would greatly appreciate it if we could avoid any discussion/argument about fighters (and rogues!) having more weapon styles. I'm merely curious about other's thoughts on giving the ranger more fighting styles.

 

[DracoSuave]

I was reading on the WoTC boards a thread about the Martial Power book, and someone mentioned an aspect of the ranger I hadn't thought of before. What they said is that in general the ranger anymore is now like a striker that focuses in one fighting style, and they wouldn't mind seeing options for a sword and board, and two-hander ranger, instead of new classes for such.

So that got me wondering about what others thought of this idea. Do you think its a viable idea to make the ranger into somewhat of a 'style specialist', or would new (martial) striker classes be preferable?

Do note that I would greatly appreciate it if we could avoid any discussion/argument about fighters (and rogues!) having more weapon styles. I'm merely curious about other's thoughts on giving the ranger more fighting styles.

Actually, rangers have -two- fighting styles. Archer and Two-weapon fighter.

That said, Fighters have two fighting styles, one handed and two handed, but dual-wielding will be introduced for them in Martial Power. It is reasonable to believe other classes will get an alternate combat style (rangers), an alternate rogue tactic (rogues) or an alternate commanding presence (warlords)

 

[half-dragon dragon]

Not to sound rude, but I am -well- aware that rangers already have two style (ya know, having read the book and all, it was kinda obvious).

My question pertains to whether or not people wold like to see the ranger given -more- styles, such as sword and board or zweihander, whether it would be a good idea, or whether they think it would be better to have a new class for such things.

 

[That One Guy]

I'd be up for more builds. I think a more wilderness ranger who focuses on Con would be nifty. A sword and board ranger'd be fine w/ me as well. As long as no toes were stepped on... but I think the Tempest fighter manages to be two-handed w/out stepping on the ranger's... so yeah.

I know this brings up several arguments, but what about a fighter who specifically fires arrows at incredibly short range?

I would dig seeing a different rogue build, maybe one that focuses on WIS or INT. Something about being really clever or observant.

I think that new classes should bring in a new play element that follows the party roles established. But, if a new idea would fit into an old class, I'd rather see the new idea as a build for the class.

(I wonder what other presences could be available for Warlords. I'd love to see one, but I can't think of a tertiary stat that they use. Not that it would have to... but I'm having trouble coming up w/ a new presence for one)

 

[Saeviomagy]

Technically it's possible to play a maul-wielding ranger: because your unarmed strike can count as your second weapon.

Furthermore this isn't really unbalanced, because with the exception of one power, every "requires two weapons" power that the ranger has requires you to make attack and damage rolls with your off-hand weapon, and if that's unarmed, it's +0/1d4, so you trade a bigger primary hit for a much smaller secondary.