Ranger versus Scout

[Roman]

I have always thought of a ranger as a scout and disliked the concept of a ranger getting spells. Now, lo and behold, the complete adventurer book has introduced a new core class (well, base class) called the scout. I have looked it over and I am happy with what I saw and think it would make a good replacement for the ranger. Does anybody else feel the same about this? Do you think the scout class is well balanced and makes a good replacement for the ranger? Has anybody played (or DMed for) a scout yet and if so what has been your experience with the scout class?

 

[Ferrix]

I don't think it's a good replacement, I think they fulfill different roles. The ranger is much more of a hunter/wilderness warrior while the scout is very much, well, a scout. This is easily evidenced by the different in BAB as well as the ranger getting a good fortitude save as well.

 

[TracerBullet42]

I feel the same way. I've always wanted a ranger-type, but without spells and the animal companion. The scout fits this mold very well. He's not as "battle-ready" (lower BAB, no combat path) as a ranger, perhaps, but that's not his job. His job is to lead the group and help them avoid troubles (trapfinding). I like the increased speed over levels and the skirmish ability is pretty cool too. Some argue that the scout can't compete in damage dealing at high level play, but that's not his niche. He's a skilled scout. Check out that skill list. There is none better.

So I like the scout. If you want to deal lots of damage, though, don't count on this class.

 

[gemini25]

The scout does not seem to bad at all. I was wondering though, what do you guys think about the alternate ranger from the complete warrior. They end up dumping the spells and giving the ranger some newer high level abilities like freedom of movement.

 

[Roman]

Well, I have to say I think I prefer the scout over even the alternate ranger, though I do prefer the alternate ranger to the standard ranger.

 

[The Shaman]

The scout does not seem to bad at all. I was wondering though, what do you guys think about the alternate ranger from the complete warrior. They end up dumping the spells and giving the ranger some newer high level abilities like freedom of movement.

They replaced spells with spell-like abilities - it's not the "no-magic" ranger I wanted to see for my games.

I haven't seen the scout so I can't comment on the relative merits.

 

[Altamont Ravenard]

I as well would prefer to play the alternate ranger than the normal ranger. In fact, when it was time to make an archer, the alternate ranger proved to be the most interesting choice.

As others have said, the scout is a nifty little class, but can't be expected to dish out as much damage as an optimized fighter or ranger archer.

AR

 

[Roman]

They replaced spells with spell-like abilities - it's not the "no-magic" ranger I wanted to see for my games.

I haven't seen the scout so I can't comment on the relative merits.

That is probably the main reason why I prefer the alternate ranger to the ordinary ranger, but still prefer the scout to them both. The scout has no spells or spell-like abilities or supernatural abilities. The scout has the same hit dice as the ranger, but only has medium BAB and his only good save is the reflex save. He does, however, have 8 skill points per level and a host of special abilities (all are extraordinary) mostly functional only when he does not wear medium or heavy armor.

 

[gemini25]

To me I do prefer the orginal ranger to the scout. I understand they are to be played differently because of the abilities they are given. Since I play a ranger in 3.5 edition, i have really learned to like them, and love the favorite enemy, and the combat styles. When it comes to feats, it really helps out..... Since my character is maxed out in move silently and hide, I can easily sneak around also. It seems though that the scout can be a nice version of an alternate rogue more then an alternate ranger to me. Trapfinding, skirmishing, 8 skill points per level. It looks alot more as a better rogue then and alternate rogue..

 

[Felon]

I just converted a rogue over to a scout, and I hope he will be a solid performer. I'm somewhat concerned about the absence of Disable Device on the class skill list, but I look forward to the experiment.