Half Elf Archer Ranger help

[Bashiba1]

One of my players in my group decided to make a half elf archery style ranger heavy on dex and Wis. Not optimal I know, but its what he wanted to play. We have been having a hard time finding a useful at will power to use for the Half Elf ability that helps his character. Keep in mind we are only using the original PHB and none of the newer stuff at this point. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[Nifft]

Rogues have a lot of nice Dexterity powers. These will be most useful when he's unable to use his bow (e.g. because he's stuck in melee).

Cheers, -- N

 

[Mentat55]

Well if he has a good enough Wis, then the ranged cleric at-will powers are on the table -- I think Sacred Flame's temp hp or save probably wins over Lance of Faith's attack bonus. Commander's Strike doesn't require an attack roll, and he could use it when he is stuck in melee (though he probably won't have an Int bonus for the damage) to give someone else a crack at the monster. If he wants a decent melee option that he might use once and awhile, he could grab a rogue at-will and use a light blade in melee. If he uses a crossbow instead of a longbow, then ranged rogue at-wills are on the table.

Cloud of Daggers might miss all the time (since he won't have a good Int or invest in a decent wizard implement), but then the effect stays in place and does Wis damage to creatures starting their turn in the square or entering it. This is my most creative idea of the bunch.

 

[Mort_Q]

Probing Strike (Rogue) doesn't require Rogue weapons, and has a buff (+1 to hit) effect even if you miss.

Commander's Strike (Warlord) is useful to any class of Half-Elf, as it uses the ally's roll, though it requires you to be base to base with the opponent.

Dragon's Tail (Monk) is Dex vs. Fort... but it is an implement power. There are a few Monk at-wills that could be useful in the right build. Meh.

 

[pascalnz]

unless there is errata I'm unaware of commanders strike is something you should talk to you dm about. it certainly isn't only base to base.
it's either
1.works at any range , if you think the melee weapon being used is the person that is swinging.
2. works as long as you can hit the target[so reach is good]

 

[Mengu]

The only appropriate PHB power I can think of is Deft Strike if he uses crossbows. Otherwise, you need to look at other sources. Jinx Shot from AP is the only ranged weapon attack power I can think of that might be useful if he has a reasonable charisma, but even that will lose reliability eventually.

Even with access to all resources, there is nothing that screams perfect for the half-elf ranger dilettante. Most wisdom based powers will require investment in an implement (not to mention multiclassing just so you can use that implement). Most rogue powers require investment in a dagger or crossbow.

Half-elf is a really poor race choice for archer ranger. It's playable, but you can't really do anything fun with it to capitalize on the strengths of your race.

Edit: If he really wants to play an archer type half-elf, perhaps a prescient bard may be a better choice.

 

[pascalnz]

if you ever play with other books, getting the superior crossbow and the crossbow feats, one of which requires con, isn't too bad so you could go that route and pick up a rogue multi

 

[Mort_Q]

it certainly isn't only base to base.

I question your use of the word certainly.

[edit]

See number 19.

[/edit]

 

[Bashiba1]

Thanks for the ideas Guys, I think Commanders Strike will work well for him, a nice option when he gets pinned down.

 

[pascalnz]

note I did say errata. things have changed between faq and errata.
unless there is some errata i've missed!

Glad you picked it, and what you have in mind for it, it'll never have an issue