Departing from woodsy calling?

[Aidan mac Culloch]

Hey all, long time reader, first time throwing the hat in the ring.

I have a little dilemna I'd like some input on. I have a PC in a FR campaign, located in the Unapproachable East. If you know the setting, you know it is dominated by a large forest (Yuirwood) which has several interesting things going on in it at once; otherwise, you now know enough to offer some input for me.

Because I had recently spent my time playing clerics, I decided to step away from spellcasting and focus on melee. However, cognizant of the setting, I started as a ranger. He's a wild-elf, who, due to his upbringing and heritage, wanted to focus on proving that dual-wielding polearms was a viable way to fight. So that's the background.

Flashing forward to the current state of things, he's a 6th level ranger with TWF, Improved TWF, and Oversized TWF (Comp. Adventurer). Dual-wielding a trident and a shortspear. I had planned all along to jump into Tempest (Comp. Adventurer) when I qualified, which would be the next time I level. However, the woodland-esque setting has given me pause. I am somewhat enamored with his animal companion (an owl), skill set, and "wild" feel. Tempest, I didn't fully realize, has a rather limited skill set which moves away from what a ranger is. However, having thrown a bunch of feats into setting up for entering into Tempest (and making myself effective in combat with a rather unlikely weapon combination) I feel like I really have no choice. Is there any way around this problem? Perhaps a feat or two that would maintain the feel of the ranger while I am taking some levels in Tempest? I'd also be happy to hear some thoughts on staying the course with the ranger class. Input of any kind is welcome.

 

[The_Gneech]

I was so boggled by the idea of dual-wielding polearms that I had to go and look up if such a combination was even possible under the rules. Turns out it is, so well done on finding such a unique combination!

As for your question, nobody will dock you experience points for not taking a prestige class if you don't want to. Stick with the ranger if that's what makes sense! Consider the whole "tempest" thing to be one of those best-laid plans that's gang aft agley.

-The Gneech

 

[Three_Haligonians]

Well..

There is no rule that says you have to spend the skill points you get as a Tempest on the class skills it gives you. You could just improve your "wild" skills as best you can (since they are cross-class). As for feats, Complete Adventurer has the feat Natural Bond which will help a little with your animal companion. Races of the Wild probably has one or two more feats that would help as well if that is available to you.

In my opinion, as long as you roleplay your character in a manner befitting his personality and background, it doesn't really matter what his "technical aspect" of feats and skills are like.

Welcome to the wonderful world of posting by the way, and I really like the character concept too.

J from Three Haligonians