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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Mercurius" data-source="post: 5528315" data-attributes="member: 59082">This is a second part of <a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/4e-discussion/304001-help-me-build-11th-level-ranger-please.html" target="_blank">this thread.</a> I started a new one because I have a basic template of the character, but wanted it critiqued with any further suggestions. Basic ConceptI  am creating an 11th level elf ranger that I want to be focused on the  bow but with good melee skills; I'm willing to sacrifice some ranged  options for a bit of melee capability. I originally envisioned two short  swords, but am now intrigued with the idea of paired bastards swords.  On first glance the idea of wielding two bastard swords seemed kind of  silly, but now it just seems fun in a gonzo sort of way (especially  since I discovered the paired magic weapon!) and it fits the concept of my character.The  basic idea of the character is a kind of accursed wanderer, sort of a  hybrid of Aragorn and Legolas but with a darker edge. I haven't worked  out the details of his background yet, but perhaps he was a prince or  lord of his people but is exiled for some reason. The Dilemma - Hunter or Two-Blade?I originally imagined this character as taking Hunter Fighting Style - I like  the improved Quick Draw and it fits with the ranged first, melee second  concept. However, the difference between using two short swords and two  bastard swords is significant and with a paired magic weapon, the  character wouldn't have to carry around two big swords. Plus I simply  like the "kewl" factor of pulling out a bastard sword and then  "splitting" it into two weapons; it tickles by 12-year old self! Anyhow,  the "dilemma" may not really be one, I'm just weighing the pros and  cons of both. Quick Draw and Toughness even out because I want both  anyways, so I'm just having to buy one or the other (even though the  Hunter version has a slight extra perk). Basically I'm weighing the cost  of spending a feat on Bastard Sword Proficiency and being able to use  two big swords vs. having an extra feat to spend, but having to use two  short swords. It seems almost like a no-brainer - I don't really lose  out on anything ranged related by taking Two-Blade; I can still take  Sharpshooter as a Paragon Path, for instance. Or am I missing something?Magic ItemsWe  use a slightly different method of buying magic items in our group for  higher level characters: rather than three items, one of level, one  below, and one above, plus money equal to one level lower, we just  convert it all to monetary value and buy what we want. So I have 32,000  GP to work with.What I am struggling with at this point is  relatively minor: Do I want a  +3 ranged weapon or +3 armor? It is hard to manage both, unless I skimp  on another area - and I want to make sure I have at least +2 melee  weapons and defenses. In the character below, I went for the Moonbow  +3 as it is just cool - I like the reloading arrows and the high crit (I  was originally thinking a Vicious Greatbow +3, but the Moonbow is more  evocative). Anyhow, let me know if you think there is any way I  can improve the item configuration. Below is what I have so far. Let me know if there is any fine-tuning that you would recommend:11th level Elf RangerRanger Feature: Prime Shot  Fighting Style: Two-Blade Fighting Style  Paragon Path: Sharpshooter  ABILITIES: (starting 17, 14, 18, 11, 15, 11 - racial increases to DEX and WIS; increases to STR x2, DEX x2; paragon increase)STR 20, CON 15, DEX 23, INT 12, WIS 18, CHA 12AC: 26Defenses: Fort 25, Ref 26, Will 23HP: 87SKILLS (Trained): Athletics, Dungeoneering, Nature, Perception, Stealth.FEATS: Toughness(from style), Master at Arms, Weapon  Focus (Bow), Weapon Focus (Heavy Blades), Weapon Prof (Greatbow), Weapon  Prof (Bastard Sword), Improved Defenses, Quick Draw.POWERSAt-Will: Fading Strike, Twin StrikeEncounter: Evasive Strike, Disruptive Strike (3), Biting Volley (7)Daily: Split the Tree, Spitting-Cobra Stance (5), Attacks on the Run (9)Utility: Invigorating Stride (2), Healing Lore (6), Blood of the Fallen (10)MAGIC ITEMS<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Moonbow +3 (greatbow)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Paired Vicious Bastard Sword +2 (this is a combined magic item, as discussed in another thread)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Bracers of Archery (heroic)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Medallion of Death Deferred +2</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Summoned Hide Armor +2</li> </ul></blockquote>

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