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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Reaper Steve" data-source="post: 3946822" data-attributes="member: 51528">On the whole "I want an archer that's not a ranger" thing...I think for now we have to be happy with the ranger. They can't pack it all in the first PHB, so they're going with the strong archetypes.As it is, they are providing an assortment of roles and classes. For now, the fighter (and the paladin) are the defenders. That means fighters focus on melee. In return, we get three strikers (rogue mentioned as martial striker, implied melee; warlock mentioned as arcane striker; and ranger implied as martial ranged striker.) An 'archer' doesn't fit the defender role. Likewise, adding it now would mean a fourth striker. That's too many when we are only getting two each of the other roles.Plus, assumptions are being made that what we know is exclusive of other options (as in, if the fighter focuses on melee, then the only archer must be the ranger.) My money is on classes other than just ranger having some great ranged options.Rereading the R&C ranger blurb, nothing specifically states the ranger is or has to be an archer. It states "precision with bow and blade" and also "although you might be better at one sort of combat over the other..." the real emphasis of the article is that a ranger is a mobile, alert guerilla fighter. That's all we have for sure (and that is in a state of flux.)Things that imply the ranger is the default archer:Most (but not all) of the ranger art has them wielding or at least carrying bows.The blurb about the Warlock being the arcane striker mentions the PHB already has a melee striker (stated as rogue in its section) and a ranged striker, but it doesn't actually state what class that it is. It's pretty easy to infer it's the ranger.Given the roles, really, what is the point of an archer that isn't a mobile guerilla fighter? "But I can't play the character I want!," I hear. Guess what... maybe that's because it wouldn't make for a survivable adventurer! A flat-footed archer in the open won't be near as effective as a mobile one, or near as survivable as the guy wrapped in plate with sword/shield in the open. I could go on, but I fear my salient points are already lost in a post too long for its good.</blockquote>

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