No love for the ranger?

[jasin]

I'm not really sure where you get the idea that there are no tactics from. Do you also think that fighters do not employ any tactics? (I'm trying to get a handle on what your concept of tactics is.)

I meant character building tactics, not on-the-field tactics. Stuff like "take Karmic Strike and Deft Opportunist because they work well together", not "move to the left, you'll flank and have cover at the same time".

 

[jasin]

That plays right into your hands. It's really easy to get rid of the more outrageous enemies by simply taking them as favored enemies: evil outsiders, dragons, aberrations . . .

This is just precious!

 

[jasin]

And idea for an alternate ranger combat style (call it "mobility"): Mobility at 2nd, Spring Attack at 6th, Bounding Assault (PHB2, second attack on a Spring Attack) at 11th.

I think it fits the ranger's role as a skirmisher, and it follows a similar patter like the two core combat style: a low level feat with some prereqs ignored at 2nd; another feat at 6th that's available at 6th at best (fighters can get SA at 4th, but most other people will wait till 6th, and SA is really good, so that shouldn't be a problem); another feat at 11th that can be gained at 11th at the soonest (BA actually needs BAB +12, but it's close enough for government work).

 

[BadMojo]

On the flip side the Spell Compendium has some great spells for a ranger regardless if they are facing a favored enemy or not. The paladin spells are impressive as well.

Agreed. I think the extra spells in the Compendium really give the Ranger the extra edge they needed.

Favored enemy should be pretty useful if you're a follower of the Silver Flame in Karrnath...undead, anyone?

 

[Stalker0]

Frankly, I think the favored enemy is one of the lesser abilities of the ranger. You get two good saves, a ton of skillpoints, full BAB, bonus feats, evasion. You don't need favored enemy to make a ranger very useful.

As for tactics, there are plenty. I'm a fan of bow rangers, and with hide as a class skill, you can easily play a sniper.

Rangers wear light armor innately, so they can make could use of spring attack.

Ranger's spellcasting is limited, but it gives you access to very important wands, like CLW. Sure a fighter may be a a better fighter, but when you can heal yourself in a pitch that's worth a lot imo.

 

[Plane Sailing]

oogle Groups isn't very helpful either; it seems there hasn't been much
talk about the ranger ever since people got over it being turned into a
"wilderninja" in 3.5.

Is it just me, or are rangers really not very popular?

An alternative is that people don't talk about them because the class just 'does its job' nicely and doesn't feel as boring or underpowered as it did in 3.0?

Our D&D parties almost always have a ranger in it - the skill points (and spot as a class skill) is a huge benefit, and as someone else said, the full BAB and two good saves really helps too.

 

[jasin]

An alternative is that people don't talk about them because the class just 'does its job' nicely and doesn't feel as boring or underpowered as it did in 3.0?

Could be. That's what I wanted to check.

Our D&D parties almost always have a ranger in it - the skill points (and spot as a class skill) is a huge benefit, and as someone else said, the full BAB and two good saves really helps too.

Full BAB with 6 skill points is among the most attractive features for me, actually.

 

[Dross]

Asking the dm about favored enemy is a good idea though. I bet that can help alot.

At the risk of quoting someone quoting me, I should add:

When deciding on the favouriter enemy ability talk to the DM, ask what foes are common for the area the PCs are in, where the campaign is going etc.

While I agree the the ability is a "Mother, may I?" a DM should on occasion have that foe specifically for the ranger PC.

 

[werk]

I used to love rangers.

I used to feel the same way, but after playing a couple rangers, I decided that I hate the new version. I much prefer a fighter with some cleric or druid. Rangers, IMO, are all fluff and no substance. All talk, no walk.

That said, I haven't played one in a very long time, so there may be some new feat combos or alternate progressions or something that make them less detestable.

 

[moritheil]

This is just precious!

Hey, those are tactics I would use.

Werk - Rangers are a little better if your campaign allows Eberron ranger PrCs and the alternate ranger fighting styles. Be prepared to multiclass to get everything how you like it, though.