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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Henry" data-source="post: 811183" data-attributes="member: 158">If I were to modify the question, why would I take, say 8 levels of ranger or fighter?If I take 8 levels of fighter, I am a whirlwind of destruction. I can pummel my enemies with melee weapon or sword (my choice), I can survive most fights of my equal, and that's about it. I am good for my purpose.If I take 8 levels of Ranger, I am a master of independent survival and scouting. I can survive, unaided, on my own, in any hazardous setting, without magical aid or the aid of my companions. I can recon, follow, evade, and be warned, and even have companionship without the assistance of others. I can self-heal, and I can endure hostile elements. I cannot be the melee master of all I survey, because my talents are not in that direction. I am a survivalist, but I am not a master of survival at combat. That is the job of another.The role that 3E designers envisioned for the Ranger is that of a survivalist and scout. His spells and skills and hefty hit dice and BAB ensure that he is not weak on his own, and his role is that of recon, not master combatant. From what I gather in your post, you seem to see the Ranger as a lightly armed and armored version of the fighter. You apparently see him as supposed to be the equal of the fighter, just more versatile in combat that he currently is, but essentially the same. Am I incorrect here? If so, then the view that most players have of the Ranger is quite different from the role you want him to fulfill.About the only fighting style I don't see the Ranger in now is two-handed weapon style, because as one poster pointed out, even weapon and shield can be of benefit to an existing Ranger. But the point remains that a Rogue will excel at skill use, but will be little use if you want to be a caster. A Wizard will stink at disarming traps and bluffing guards consistently. A Cleric will be of little good if you want to sneak and pick pockets. And a Fighter will do little good if you want to do ANYTHING besides fight. The Ranger fits the role that WotC designers cast him in - its just doesn't happen to be the role you think he should be. I'm still not seeing the difference between the Ranger and trying to use any other class in the role it wasn't meant for.</blockquote>

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