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Thrill of the Hunt: The Ranger's Handbook (by lordduskblade)
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<blockquote data-quote="Veep" data-source="post: 6705423" data-attributes="member: 6793297"><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Ability Scores: Mettle of the Hunt</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">Your choice of ability scores will vary depending on your specific build, but these guidelines hold true for just about every Ranger out there.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Strength</span></strong> -</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"> This is your</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"> <span style="color: #FF9900">main stat</span> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">if you are a Melee Ranger or if you're a Balanced Ranger that plans on doing substantial Melee work, and you should boost it every chance you get. If you are a Ranged Ranger, however, you can afford to dump this</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"> <span style="color: #800080">pretty low</span>.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">Recommended Starting Score: 10-18, before racial adjustments.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Constitution</strong> - Adds HP and healing surges, which are always good to have. Axes require some Constitution investment. Hammers require even more dedication to it, and certain Archer builds like it, too. You likely can't afford a top-notch score here, but this should be the stop for all your leftover build points.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">Recommended Starting Score: 10-14, before racial adjustments.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Dexterity</span></strong> - </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">Regardless of the Ranger build you're going for, you need at least a solid starting score here. Only Heavy Armor Melee Rangers can afford anything but a top-notch score in this stat (and even then, they don't want it to be low). If you're not one of them, </span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="color: #FF9900">keep it high</span> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">and boost it every chance you get.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">Recommended Starting Score: 13-18, before racial adjustments.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #800080">Intelligence</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- One of your designated dump stats. It has a redundant function with Dexterity on the defensive side of the ball, grants you a bonus to skills you will (hopefully) never have to use, and it aids no weapon group. The only use for it is MC, which requires a smidgen of dedication; otherwise, avoid it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">Recommended Starting Score: 8-10, before racial adjustments.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Wisdom</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- Buffs all your secondary effects, and helps your Will defense from going down the tubes. Very important for all types of Rangers, though Ranged Rangers can typically afford to dedicate more stat boosts to it than Melee ones can, and can thus live with a lower starting score.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">Recommended Starting Score: 10-16, before racial adjustments.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #800080">Charisma</span></strong> -</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"> Useless for fighting, it boosts the same defense as Wisdom, and sees no use in your skills. Pretty useless to you overall, and arguably a step ahead of Intelligence when determining the Ranger's ultimate dump stat, though some rare builds might want to put <strong>a little</strong> investment here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">Recommended Starting Score: 8-10, before racial adjustments.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Races: Born To Hunt</strong></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">Before getting into detailed descriptions of the races, here's the short list of what I'd pick if I were making a Ranger right now:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Melee Ranger - Genasi, Half-Orc, Longtooth Shifter.</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Ranged Ranger - Elf, Revenant.</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong></strong></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #b31b04">Races - Player's Handbook</span></span></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #b31b04"></span></span></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Dragonborn</strong> - +2 Strength is good for Melee Rangers, +2 Charisma is pretty worthless, as are the skill bonuses. However, the racial power makes up for it somewhat by giving you something to do at a distance. Overall, a good choice for Melee, though it is horrible for Ranged.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Dwarf</span></strong> -</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"> The mobility is lacking, which will become an issue when you can get Scale Armor to have speed 6, and its calling card (second wind is a minor) is effectively covered by one of your own Utility powers. Still, potential bonuses to Strength and Constitution with the ability to stay upright and its support can't be all bad.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Eladrin</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- +2 Dex is good for most Rangers, +2 Int is an uber-waste, but the +1 class skills and teleport are nifty. They make statistically strong Ranged Rangers, and they have a lot of support to go Melee, and that does count for something.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Elf</span></strong> -</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"> Fantastic stat bonuses for a Ranged Ranger in Dexterity and Wisdom, and they're not bad for a Melee Ranger, either. The higher speed and reroll ability only sweeten the deal. A prime Ranger candidate.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Half-Elf </strong>- +2 to Constitution and Wisdom is solid as far as secondaries go, though it faces a bit of an issue in that its prime ability to redeem itself for classes its ability scores don't line up for (Dilettante) is kind of useless for a Ranger. A decent choice, but not great.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Halfling</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- The limited weapon options hurt, but the +2 to Dex and Con, as well as abilities to raise your AC compensate for it. Last but not least, your racial support is nice, so you should consider the little folk for Ranged Rangers (they're pretty iffy as Melee Rangers).</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Human</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- A very nice choice. +1 to all NAD's is a nice defensive boost, the bonus feat is always a great boon for the rather feat-starved Ranger, and a bonus skill always helps. A third At-Will is really not that necessary for a Ranger, but Heroic Effort is very nice to have. A very strong choice overall.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #800080">Tiefling</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- Mediocre attribute bonuses, average skill bonuses at best, and though Infernal Wrath is a Striker-oriented ability, it keys off stats you have no interest in. *sigh* It has some positive points in its racial support and the like, but it's still not a good choice.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04">Races - Player's Handbook 2</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04"></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #800080">Deva</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- +2 Int is bleah, +2 Wis is nice, and so is the power, but not much else. I'd rather have the Elf if I wanted an emergency boost for a single roll.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Gnome </strong>- Having a Dexterity bonus has done a lot to salvage the race, but it's still not a #1 pick by any stretch of the imagination.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Goliath</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- +2 Str, +2 Wis and some sweet resistance to all damage make you an awesome Melee Ranger candidate.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Half-Orc</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- +2 Str and +2 Dex means you're great at any Ranger you want to be (especially Melee), and the racial power packs even more damage, which is right up your alley. About as good as it gets for the Ranger class.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Shifter, Longtooth</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- +2 Strength and +2 Wisdom is godly for Melee Rangers, and even decent for Ranged ones. Regen and damage bonus while bloodied is icing on the cake. A great choice.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Shifter, Razorclaw</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- With bonuses to Dexterity and Wisdom, this race makes a strong case for a Ranged Ranger. Additionally, the shifting ability is mobility heaven (too bad it's only while bloodied...). A bit overshadowed by the Elf, but still top-tier.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04">Races - Player's Handbook 3</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04"></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Githzerai</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- Though similar to Elves with regards to their attribute bonuses, they trade in some of that shifty elusiveness for some straight-up toughness, making them more appealing to Rangers willing to take a risk, and better at Melee overall.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Minotaur</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- With the advent of its latest (and most official) write-up, the Minotaur gets the same stat boosts as the Longtooth Shifter if you choose, making him a super awesome Melee Ranger. You get an additional healing surge as icing. Too bad the racial power is pretty useless since it's so hard to actually hit something with it...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #800080">Shardmind</span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- Simply not meant to be Rangers statistically, since the best they can do is buff Wisdom, and only Wisdom (Int and Cha are pretty useless to you, after all).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Wilden</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">- Whoa. This makes a very strong case for a Ranged Ranger, especially with Aspect of the Hunter, which can help you shift toward or away from an enemy and hand you a hefty damage bonus to boot.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04">Races - Other Rulebooks</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04"></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Bladeling</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">(MOTP) - A decent pick for either type of Ranger, this race sports a strong Melee power in Razor Storm, as well as bonuses to Dexterity and Wisdom. A good choice overall, but it doesn't get the top rating because a lot of other races have the same stats and are better supported.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Changeling</strong> (EPG) - Though +2 to Charisma does you little good, +2 Dexterity is very useful, and the other abilities can come in handy if you dip into the Rogue class. A solid pick overall, but much better suited to another style of character.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Drow</span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">(FRPG) - +2 Dex, +2 Wis, and CA-oriented powers make a strong case for a Ranged Ranger, though not so much for a Melee Ranger (sorry, Drizzt fans, but he's not the most optimized Ranger out there).</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Genasi</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">(FRPG) - +2 Str is great for Melee, +2 Int... not so much. However, elemental support is so downright fantastic, that having non-ideal ability scores simply does not matter. A dominant pick.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Goblin</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">(DSG) - You get the prime stats, but you also get held back a bit because of your size. You could do worse for an Archer, though.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #FF0000">Gold Dwarf</span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong> (NCS)</strong> - Normal Dwarves get better bonuses.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Hamadryad (HotFw)</strong> - Not much in the way of prime stats, though the powers are nice and useful.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #800080">Kalashtar</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">(EPG) - +2 to Wisdom is solid, but +2 to Charisma is absolutely useless, and its abilities seem to be more Leader-oriented than anything else. Not the line of work for them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Kobold</strong> (DSG) - Small Gnolls. Small is not the greatest thing to be as a Ranger, though, and the mass shift is meh at best. Decent archers, not much else.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Llewyrr Elf</span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong> (NCS) </strong>- Marginal improvement over the standard Eladrin. Better than nothing, I guess.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Moon Elf</span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong> (NCS)</strong> - Not a whole lot different from the base Eladrin, if you ask me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Mul</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(DSCS)</strong> - Bonuses to Strength and Constitution, and access to either Dwarf or Human racial support make this a pretty darn good Melee Ranger race.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Pixie (HotFw)</strong> - Being Tiny is rough for your damage potential, though having Dexterity means you at least won't embarrass yourself as an Archer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Revenant </span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(HoS)</strong> - Solidly placed stats in Dexterity and Constitution, and it has some potential in that it can mooch off another race's goodies. Not a bad idea.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Satyr</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(HotFw)</strong> - The ability to generate your own CA and having Dexterity are useful things to have as an Archer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Shade (HoS)</strong> - Free Stealth, decently applicable racials are the good news. Losing a surge for no good reason stings, though.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Shield Dwarf</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(NCS)</strong> - You get alternate proficiencies, which make no difference as compared to a normal Dwarf.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Sun Elf</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(NCS)</strong> - Having free implement proficiency can actually prove to be handy, depending on what you choose to multiclass into.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Svirfneblin</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(DSG)</strong> - A surprisingly strong (literally) choice for a Melee Ranger, though its small size and lack of foot speed does hold it back a bit.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Thri-Kreen</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(DSCS)</strong> - Its ability scores can fit virtually any Ranger build, it has a higher-than-average base speed, and it throws in a minor action attack as icing. One of the best races you can pick.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Vryloka</span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong> (HoS)</strong> - Lifeblood is a high-quality target transition power, and you have Strength or Dexterity, depending on your needs (a very good thing). Though Charisma as a second bump and Blood Dependency are not all that good, this is still a pretty solid Ranger race.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Warforged</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">(EPG) - These guys are tough as nails, have a Strength bonus, and a bunch of useful racial abilities. A very strong pick for a Melee Ranger.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Wild Elf</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(NCS)</strong> - I can't say shifting your speed is as good as a re-roll to hit, though you can't be too bad off by picking an Elf to be a Ranged Ranger.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Wood Elf</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(NCS)</strong> - ...Whoa. Perception for Initiative checks? Absolutely amazing benefit, and it grants allies an initiative bonus as well. I'd say this is the Elf subtype of choice in a default setting, though its luster fades a bit if you have a Warlord in the party.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04">Races - Dragon Magazine</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04"></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Gnoll</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">(D 367) - Dexterity and Constitution are good bonuses to have, and that high speed and charging bonuses make you a "shoot first, ask questions later" kind of Ranger. Overall, very solid, especially after the Dragon article, which actually makes charging a good idea if you're Melee.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Hengeyokai</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(D 404)</strong> - It has the prime stats for an Archer, as well as a selection of skill bonuses, depending on your taste. Pretty nice choice.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Shadar-Kai</span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"> (D 372) - About the same as Elves, but with teleportation instead of re-rolls. Still a pretty good deal if you ask me.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04">Races - Monster Manuals</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04"></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Bugbear</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">(MM) - +2 Strength, oversized, and "sneak attack" make a fantastic case, and +2 Dexterity only sweetens the deal. A fantastic choice for any Ranger style.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Bullywug</strong> (MM 2) - Swampwalk looks promising, the stat bonuses are all right, and the Rancid Air aura is interesting (if conditional). Could be good, with some support.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #FF0000">Doppelganger</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">(MM) - All of the negative aspects of the Tiefling... none of the positive ones. Avoid like the plague.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #800080">Duergar</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">(MM 2) - It's the Dwarf... minus some of the toughness, the ability to get a Strength bonus, and all the great racial support. Skip.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #800080">Githyanki</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">(MM) - Meh. +2 Con is OK, +2 Int is a waste, +2 initiative is nice, but I'm just not sold.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #800080">Hobgoblin</span></strong> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">(MM) - These guys are about the same as Half-Elves, sans the beauty that is Dilettante, so they're a pretty bad idea for Rangers overall.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Kenku</strong> (MM 2) - A solid choice, but they are obviously better suited to be Rogues.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Orc</strong> (MM) - Another good Melee candidate, he has the same stat allotment as the Goliath, and has a self-healing ability. Nice.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Backgrounds and Themes: Flavor of the Hunt</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'">In this section, I'll be discussing which backgrounds and themes would benefit a Ranger the most. Since there is a wide selection of them, I'll be sticking to the ones which are <strong>Black</strong> or better.</span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04">Recommended Backgrounds</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04"></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Akanul (FRPG)</strong> - A minor resistance to common types of elemental damage is actually a fairly nice pick.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Auspicious Birth/Born Under a Bad Sign</span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(D 366)</strong> - The vast majority of Rangers won't be investing heavily in Constitution, so getting HP for what amounts to no investment is a pretty good deal if you ask me.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Chessenta</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(FRPG)</strong> - A minor benefit when you AP. Since it applies to both attack and damage rolls, you can potentially get pretty good mileage out of it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Detective/Missing Master (D 366)</strong> - The important part here is that it opens access to taking Insight as a class skill, which in turn allows for some nice Skill powers to be taken.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04">Recommended Themes</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: #b31b04"></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Bloodsworn</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(DSG)</strong> - A bit conditional, but an Encounter re-roll is pretty good stuff.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Elemental Initiate</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(HotEC)</strong> - You get a counter-swing against an enemy who misses you, and a couple of nice peripheral benefits, including access to a ki focus and a Will bump. Nice to have.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Fey Beast Tamer</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(HotFw)</strong> - If you're really into having a companion, this is a better way to do it than having the Beastmaster path.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Infernal Prince</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(D 406)</strong> - If you see yourself doing a lot of fire attacks, this theme will serve you very well, provided it's legal where you play.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Ironwrought</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(HotEC)</strong> - It offers extra damage and another chance to crit, and it can even buff your attack sequence at higher levels. Not bad.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Noble Adept</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(DSCS)</strong> - Adding a bonus to an attack after the roll can help keep an attack chain going.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Primordial Adept (HotEC)</strong> - If you like cold damage, this theme will get you an advance on making it worthwhile. It loses steam rather quickly, but it's still not a terrible choice, given that you get +2 damage for free.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Sarifal Feywarden</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(D 405)</strong> - A one-shot dose of vulnerability can turn out to be quite the effective damage boost, though you need to have elemental damage to make it work.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #00CCFF">Sohei</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(D 404)</strong> - It gives you an attack you can use as a minor action. Nothing more need be said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Tuathan (HotFw)</strong> - While its shapechanging abilities may or may not be useful, there's no denying that a couple of its power-swaps are.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Underdark Outcast (DSG)</strong> - Conditional effects, but they can be of some use.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>Windlord (HotEC)</strong> - The default power isn't all that, but it offers a couple of nice powers you can swap for.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong><span style="color: #0000FF">Yakuza</span> </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"><strong>(D 404)</strong> - Not much aligns with you as far as the features go, but the power-swaps are simply too good to be ignored.</span><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans'"></span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Veep, post: 6705423, member: 6793297"] [CENTER][FONT=Open Sans][SIZE=5][B]Ability Scores: Mettle of the Hunt[/B][/SIZE][/FONT][/CENTER] [FONT=Open Sans] Your choice of ability scores will vary depending on your specific build, but these guidelines hold true for just about every Ranger out there.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Strength[/COLOR][/B] -[/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans] This is your[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [COLOR=#FF9900]main stat[/COLOR] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]if you are a Melee Ranger or if you're a Balanced Ranger that plans on doing substantial Melee work, and you should boost it every chance you get. If you are a Ranged Ranger, however, you can afford to dump this[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [COLOR=#800080]pretty low[/COLOR]. [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]Recommended Starting Score: 10-18, before racial adjustments. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B]Constitution[/B] - Adds HP and healing surges, which are always good to have. Axes require some Constitution investment. Hammers require even more dedication to it, and certain Archer builds like it, too. You likely can't afford a top-notch score here, but this should be the stop for all your leftover build points. Recommended Starting Score: 10-14, before racial adjustments.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Dexterity[/COLOR][/B] - [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]Regardless of the Ranger build you're going for, you need at least a solid starting score here. Only Heavy Armor Melee Rangers can afford anything but a top-notch score in this stat (and even then, they don't want it to be low). If you're not one of them, [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans][COLOR=#FF9900]keep it high[/COLOR] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]and boost it every chance you get. Recommended Starting Score: 13-18, before racial adjustments.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#800080]Intelligence[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- One of your designated dump stats. It has a redundant function with Dexterity on the defensive side of the ball, grants you a bonus to skills you will (hopefully) never have to use, and it aids no weapon group. The only use for it is MC, which requires a smidgen of dedication; otherwise, avoid it. Recommended Starting Score: 8-10, before racial adjustments.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Wisdom[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- Buffs all your secondary effects, and helps your Will defense from going down the tubes. Very important for all types of Rangers, though Ranged Rangers can typically afford to dedicate more stat boosts to it than Melee ones can, and can thus live with a lower starting score. Recommended Starting Score: 10-16, before racial adjustments.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B] [COLOR=#800080]Charisma[/COLOR][/B] -[/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans] Useless for fighting, it boosts the same defense as Wisdom, and sees no use in your skills. Pretty useless to you overall, and arguably a step ahead of Intelligence when determining the Ranger's ultimate dump stat, though some rare builds might want to put [B]a little[/B] investment here. Recommended Starting Score: 8-10, before racial adjustments. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR] [CENTER][FONT=Open Sans][SIZE=5][B]Races: Born To Hunt [/B][/SIZE][/FONT][/CENTER] [FONT=Open Sans] Before getting into detailed descriptions of the races, here's the short list of what I'd pick if I were making a Ranger right now: [B]Melee Ranger - Genasi, Half-Orc, Longtooth Shifter. Ranged Ranger - Elf, Revenant. [/B][/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans][B][SIZE=3][COLOR=#b31b04]Races - Player's Handbook [/COLOR][/SIZE][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B]Dragonborn[/B] - +2 Strength is good for Melee Rangers, +2 Charisma is pretty worthless, as are the skill bonuses. However, the racial power makes up for it somewhat by giving you something to do at a distance. Overall, a good choice for Melee, though it is horrible for Ranged.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B] [COLOR=#0000FF]Dwarf[/COLOR][/B] -[/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans] The mobility is lacking, which will become an issue when you can get Scale Armor to have speed 6, and its calling card (second wind is a minor) is effectively covered by one of your own Utility powers. Still, potential bonuses to Strength and Constitution with the ability to stay upright and its support can't be all bad.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B] [COLOR=#0000FF]Eladrin[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- +2 Dex is good for most Rangers, +2 Int is an uber-waste, but the +1 class skills and teleport are nifty. They make statistically strong Ranged Rangers, and they have a lot of support to go Melee, and that does count for something. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Elf[/COLOR][/B] -[/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans] Fantastic stat bonuses for a Ranged Ranger in Dexterity and Wisdom, and they're not bad for a Melee Ranger, either. The higher speed and reroll ability only sweeten the deal. A prime Ranger candidate. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B]Half-Elf [/B]- +2 to Constitution and Wisdom is solid as far as secondaries go, though it faces a bit of an issue in that its prime ability to redeem itself for classes its ability scores don't line up for (Dilettante) is kind of useless for a Ranger. A decent choice, but not great.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Halfling[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- The limited weapon options hurt, but the +2 to Dex and Con, as well as abilities to raise your AC compensate for it. Last but not least, your racial support is nice, so you should consider the little folk for Ranged Rangers (they're pretty iffy as Melee Rangers).[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Human[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- A very nice choice. +1 to all NAD's is a nice defensive boost, the bonus feat is always a great boon for the rather feat-starved Ranger, and a bonus skill always helps. A third At-Will is really not that necessary for a Ranger, but Heroic Effort is very nice to have. A very strong choice overall.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#800080]Tiefling[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- Mediocre attribute bonuses, average skill bonuses at best, and though Infernal Wrath is a Striker-oriented ability, it keys off stats you have no interest in. *sigh* It has some positive points in its racial support and the like, but it's still not a good choice.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=#b31b04]Races - Player's Handbook 2 [/COLOR][/B][/SIZE] [B][COLOR=#800080]Deva[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- +2 Int is bleah, +2 Wis is nice, and so is the power, but not much else. I'd rather have the Elf if I wanted an emergency boost for a single roll. [B]Gnome [/B]- Having a Dexterity bonus has done a lot to salvage the race, but it's still not a #1 pick by any stretch of the imagination.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Goliath[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- +2 Str, +2 Wis and some sweet resistance to all damage make you an awesome Melee Ranger candidate.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Half-Orc[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- +2 Str and +2 Dex means you're great at any Ranger you want to be (especially Melee), and the racial power packs even more damage, which is right up your alley. About as good as it gets for the Ranger class. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Shifter, Longtooth[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- +2 Strength and +2 Wisdom is godly for Melee Rangers, and even decent for Ranged ones. Regen and damage bonus while bloodied is icing on the cake. A great choice.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Shifter, Razorclaw[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- With bonuses to Dexterity and Wisdom, this race makes a strong case for a Ranged Ranger. Additionally, the shifting ability is mobility heaven (too bad it's only while bloodied...). A bit overshadowed by the Elf, but still top-tier. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=#b31b04]Races - Player's Handbook 3 [/COLOR][/B][/SIZE] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Githzerai[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- Though similar to Elves with regards to their attribute bonuses, they trade in some of that shifty elusiveness for some straight-up toughness, making them more appealing to Rangers willing to take a risk, and better at Melee overall.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Minotaur[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- With the advent of its latest (and most official) write-up, the Minotaur gets the same stat boosts as the Longtooth Shifter if you choose, making him a super awesome Melee Ranger. You get an additional healing surge as icing. Too bad the racial power is pretty useless since it's so hard to actually hit something with it... [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans][B] [COLOR=#800080]Shardmind[/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- Simply not meant to be Rangers statistically, since the best they can do is buff Wisdom, and only Wisdom (Int and Cha are pretty useless to you, after all). [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Wilden[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans]- Whoa. This makes a very strong case for a Ranged Ranger, especially with Aspect of the Hunter, which can help you shift toward or away from an enemy and hand you a hefty damage bonus to boot.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=#b31b04]Races - Other Rulebooks [/COLOR][/B][/SIZE] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Bladeling[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans](MOTP) - A decent pick for either type of Ranger, this race sports a strong Melee power in Razor Storm, as well as bonuses to Dexterity and Wisdom. A good choice overall, but it doesn't get the top rating because a lot of other races have the same stats and are better supported. [B]Changeling[/B] (EPG) - Though +2 to Charisma does you little good, +2 Dexterity is very useful, and the other abilities can come in handy if you dip into the Rogue class. A solid pick overall, but much better suited to another style of character.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Drow[/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans](FRPG) - +2 Dex, +2 Wis, and CA-oriented powers make a strong case for a Ranged Ranger, though not so much for a Melee Ranger (sorry, Drizzt fans, but he's not the most optimized Ranger out there).[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Genasi[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans](FRPG) - +2 Str is great for Melee, +2 Int... not so much. However, elemental support is so downright fantastic, that having non-ideal ability scores simply does not matter. A dominant pick.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Goblin[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans](DSG) - You get the prime stats, but you also get held back a bit because of your size. You could do worse for an Archer, though.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#FF0000]Gold Dwarf[/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B] (NCS)[/B] - Normal Dwarves get better bonuses.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B]Hamadryad (HotFw)[/B] - Not much in the way of prime stats, though the powers are nice and useful.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#800080]Kalashtar[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans](EPG) - +2 to Wisdom is solid, but +2 to Charisma is absolutely useless, and its abilities seem to be more Leader-oriented than anything else. Not the line of work for them. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B]Kobold[/B] (DSG) - Small Gnolls. Small is not the greatest thing to be as a Ranger, though, and the mass shift is meh at best. Decent archers, not much else.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Llewyrr Elf[/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B] (NCS) [/B]- Marginal improvement over the standard Eladrin. Better than nothing, I guess.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Moon Elf[/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B] (NCS)[/B] - Not a whole lot different from the base Eladrin, if you ask me. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Mul[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](DSCS)[/B] - Bonuses to Strength and Constitution, and access to either Dwarf or Human racial support make this a pretty darn good Melee Ranger race. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B]Pixie (HotFw)[/B] - Being Tiny is rough for your damage potential, though having Dexterity means you at least won't embarrass yourself as an Archer. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Revenant [/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](HoS)[/B] - Solidly placed stats in Dexterity and Constitution, and it has some potential in that it can mooch off another race's goodies. Not a bad idea. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Satyr[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](HotFw)[/B] - The ability to generate your own CA and having Dexterity are useful things to have as an Archer. [B]Shade (HoS)[/B] - Free Stealth, decently applicable racials are the good news. Losing a surge for no good reason stings, though. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Shield Dwarf[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](NCS)[/B] - You get alternate proficiencies, which make no difference as compared to a normal Dwarf.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Sun Elf[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](NCS)[/B] - Having free implement proficiency can actually prove to be handy, depending on what you choose to multiclass into. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Svirfneblin[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](DSG)[/B] - A surprisingly strong (literally) choice for a Melee Ranger, though its small size and lack of foot speed does hold it back a bit.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Thri-Kreen[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](DSCS)[/B] - Its ability scores can fit virtually any Ranger build, it has a higher-than-average base speed, and it throws in a minor action attack as icing. One of the best races you can pick.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Vryloka[/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B] (HoS)[/B] - Lifeblood is a high-quality target transition power, and you have Strength or Dexterity, depending on your needs (a very good thing). Though Charisma as a second bump and Blood Dependency are not all that good, this is still a pretty solid Ranger race. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Warforged[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans](EPG) - These guys are tough as nails, have a Strength bonus, and a bunch of useful racial abilities. A very strong pick for a Melee Ranger.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Wild Elf[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](NCS)[/B] - I can't say shifting your speed is as good as a re-roll to hit, though you can't be too bad off by picking an Elf to be a Ranged Ranger.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Wood Elf[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](NCS)[/B] - ...Whoa. Perception for Initiative checks? Absolutely amazing benefit, and it grants allies an initiative bonus as well. I'd say this is the Elf subtype of choice in a default setting, though its luster fades a bit if you have a Warlord in the party. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=#b31b04]Races - Dragon Magazine [/COLOR][/B][/SIZE] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Gnoll[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans](D 367) - Dexterity and Constitution are good bonuses to have, and that high speed and charging bonuses make you a "shoot first, ask questions later" kind of Ranger. Overall, very solid, especially after the Dragon article, which actually makes charging a good idea if you're Melee.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Hengeyokai[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](D 404)[/B] - It has the prime stats for an Archer, as well as a selection of skill bonuses, depending on your taste. Pretty nice choice. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Shadar-Kai[/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans] (D 372) - About the same as Elves, but with teleportation instead of re-rolls. Still a pretty good deal if you ask me.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=#b31b04]Races - Monster Manuals [/COLOR][/B][/SIZE] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Bugbear[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans](MM) - +2 Strength, oversized, and "sneak attack" make a fantastic case, and +2 Dexterity only sweetens the deal. A fantastic choice for any Ranger style. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B]Bullywug[/B] (MM 2) - Swampwalk looks promising, the stat bonuses are all right, and the Rancid Air aura is interesting (if conditional). Could be good, with some support.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#FF0000]Doppelganger[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans](MM) - All of the negative aspects of the Tiefling... none of the positive ones. Avoid like the plague.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#800080]Duergar[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans](MM 2) - It's the Dwarf... minus some of the toughness, the ability to get a Strength bonus, and all the great racial support. Skip.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#800080]Githyanki[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans](MM) - Meh. +2 Con is OK, +2 Int is a waste, +2 initiative is nice, but I'm just not sold. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#800080]Hobgoblin[/COLOR][/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans](MM) - These guys are about the same as Half-Elves, sans the beauty that is Dilettante, so they're a pretty bad idea for Rangers overall. [B]Kenku[/B] (MM 2) - A solid choice, but they are obviously better suited to be Rogues. [B]Orc[/B] (MM) - Another good Melee candidate, he has the same stat allotment as the Goliath, and has a self-healing ability. Nice. [/FONT] [CENTER][FONT=Open Sans][SIZE=5][B]Backgrounds and Themes: Flavor of the Hunt[/B][/SIZE][/FONT][/CENTER] [FONT=Open Sans] In this section, I'll be discussing which backgrounds and themes would benefit a Ranger the most. Since there is a wide selection of them, I'll be sticking to the ones which are [B]Black[/B] or better.[/FONT] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=#b31b04]Recommended Backgrounds [/COLOR][/B][/SIZE] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B]Akanul (FRPG)[/B] - A minor resistance to common types of elemental damage is actually a fairly nice pick.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Auspicious Birth/Born Under a Bad Sign[/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](D 366)[/B] - The vast majority of Rangers won't be investing heavily in Constitution, so getting HP for what amounts to no investment is a pretty good deal if you ask me.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Chessenta[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](FRPG)[/B] - A minor benefit when you AP. Since it applies to both attack and damage rolls, you can potentially get pretty good mileage out of it. [B]Detective/Missing Master (D 366)[/B] - The important part here is that it opens access to taking Insight as a class skill, which in turn allows for some nice Skill powers to be taken. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=#b31b04]Recommended Themes [/COLOR][/B][/SIZE] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Bloodsworn[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](DSG)[/B] - A bit conditional, but an Encounter re-roll is pretty good stuff.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Elemental Initiate[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](HotEC)[/B] - You get a counter-swing against an enemy who misses you, and a couple of nice peripheral benefits, including access to a ki focus and a Will bump. Nice to have.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Fey Beast Tamer[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](HotFw)[/B] - If you're really into having a companion, this is a better way to do it than having the Beastmaster path. [/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Infernal Prince[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](D 406)[/B] - If you see yourself doing a lot of fire attacks, this theme will serve you very well, provided it's legal where you play.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Ironwrought[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](HotEC)[/B] - It offers extra damage and another chance to crit, and it can even buff your attack sequence at higher levels. Not bad.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Noble Adept[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](DSCS)[/B] - Adding a bonus to an attack after the roll can help keep an attack chain going. [B]Primordial Adept (HotEC)[/B] - If you like cold damage, this theme will get you an advance on making it worthwhile. It loses steam rather quickly, but it's still not a terrible choice, given that you get +2 damage for free.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Sarifal Feywarden[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](D 405)[/B] - A one-shot dose of vulnerability can turn out to be quite the effective damage boost, though you need to have elemental damage to make it work.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#00CCFF]Sohei[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](D 404)[/B] - It gives you an attack you can use as a minor action. Nothing more need be said. [B]Tuathan (HotFw)[/B] - While its shapechanging abilities may or may not be useful, there's no denying that a couple of its power-swaps are. [B]Underdark Outcast (DSG)[/B] - Conditional effects, but they can be of some use. [B]Windlord (HotEC)[/B] - The default power isn't all that, but it offers a couple of nice powers you can swap for.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [B][COLOR=#0000FF]Yakuza[/COLOR] [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Open Sans][B](D 404)[/B] - Not much aligns with you as far as the features go, but the power-swaps are simply too good to be ignored.[/FONT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR] [/QUOTE]
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Thrill of the Hunt: The Ranger's Handbook (by lordduskblade)
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