Need a 'ranged' weapon for my Warden.

[jbear]

The 'Sack of Angry Bats' is more effective at long range. But you should probably have a bag of both because they rhyme.

Thinking along the magic item line, have a look at Giantkind Gloves (lvl 4 item): They have an at will ranged attack with any object of 30lbs or less (range 6/12) Str+2 vs AC, 2d6 + STR dmg

Pretty cool IMO. One of my players has them and is often picking up shields of fallen enemies and slinging them across the battlefield.

 

[Mika]

As a Warden, I would just go with a crossbow for a ranged weapon. With strength as your primary ability, there is little need to bother with a thrown weapon -- you can just charge anyone who is that close to you. Since sheathing your weapon and putting away your shield eat up precious actions, the only time you want to bother with a ranged weapon is when you absolutely, positively cannot get into melee with the enemy. I think you will find that you get very little use out of whatever ranged weapon you take.

 

[Mad Hamish]

Crossbows use dex to hit, javelins use str to hit. Crossbows have 15/30 range, javelins 10/20 range.
A warden will probably start with +6 to hit with a javelin and +2 with a crossbow and the gap will grow.
Also a crossbow needs 2 hands to fire, a javelin 1 to throw so it's much more convenient to use (or maybe it's more less inconvenient to use)

There's no reason to use a crossbow over javelins and several to use javelins.

 

[Chris Knapp]

A single Skewering or Hungry javelin is quite handy.

 

[Holy Bovine]

The question is, with a rogue or sorc throwing off ranged attacks, do I really need it ?

After numerous battles being immobilized for multiple turns my paladin would say the answer is a resounding YES! He now carries a +1 handaxe and has weapon expertise in axes so his attack bonus with the handaxe is only one lower than his +2 battleaxe. Damage may only be 1d6+6 but being able to still challenge enemies out of reach otherwise is worth its weight in gold. Especially since the DM often chooses to take the damage from the challenge rather than close with the paladin to attack him so that 1d6+6 becomes 1d6+12.

 

[Minifig]

After numerous battles being immobilized for multiple turns my paladin would say the answer is a resounding YES!

Yeah, I decided my Warden will carry three to four Javs on him at all times, depending on situations.. because I don't know if I'll need the range but they'll be good to have, and as we don't have a Seeker in the party, retrieving them, at least.. until I have an enchant on one.. will be a pain in a kinder's backside.

 

[Shin Okada]

Depend on your level, wealth and stats, carrying some alchemical items, such as Alchemist's Fire, could be another option. Ranged 10 with fixed attack bonus vs Ref may be better than trowing a javelin. And as Alchemist's Fire is area burst 1 attack, it is useful to burn up some swarm or multiple minions.

 

[MonkLover]

You mentioned your Warden uses a Kopesh, you could always pick-up a Farbond Spellblade Kopesh +1, it has the following
"Property: This weapon can be used as a heavy thrown weapon with a range of 5/10. If you have the Swordbond class feature, you can call this weapon to your hand from up to a mile away." It is in the Adventurer's Vault 2.
That way your Warden does not need to change weapons to reach out and smack an airiel apponent, unless they are out of range.

 

[MonkLover]

oops I just spotted the Farbond Spellblade was already posted, that would be the way I would go as it is a Level 2 enchantment, therefore not to pricy, and makes a good back-up weapon if something should happen to your main Kopesh. I often play with DM's that have nasty critters that disolve or eat enchanted items, so having easy back-ups is always important.

 

[Dr_Ruminahui]

I think its wise that you've decided to go the javellin route, but those who have posted about switching your expertise to axes instead (as that still applies to the kopesh) and taking some handaxes as well/instead make a good point in that it helps you keep your to hit up... and if you take a couple of both, you have a shorter ranged, more accurate option, as well as a longer ranged option.