Ranger versus Scout

[Klaus]

I believe it was mentioned that the scout is supposed to the traps and bypass/sidestep them, not disable/jam them.

 

[Crothian]

The Ranger and the scout at first seem to cover similar areas but the classes are so different that in practice they really don't.

 

[gemini25]

I think thats what makes the scout class so good. It has the flavor of the other classes like rogue and ranger, but you really can not subsitute with out sacraficing something. I think if you have a rogue, scout, and ranger in the same party you will have a great trio. Or if you just have rogue or ranger with a scout that it adds great flavor and complexity. I hope that more classes like this show up.

 

[Viktyr Gehrig]

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

Well, this is veering into House Rules territory, but if you want a magic-free Ranger, I'd suggest substituting the spells with a bonus Scout feat gained at 4th, 8th, 11th, and 14th, and replace the Animal Companion with the Scout's land speed boost.

It impinges a little on Scout territory, but it's not too bad.

 

[Crothian]

Well, this is veering into House Rules territory, but if you want a magic-free Ranger, I'd suggest substituting the spells with a bonus Scout feat gained at 4th, 8th, 11th, and 14th, and replace the Animal Companion with the Scout's land speed boost.

It impinges a little on Scout territory, but it's not too bad.

Why replace the animal companion? That's not magical.

 

[Viktyr Gehrig]

Why replace the animal companion? That's not magical.

I thought animal companions were gained through the use of a spell. Seem to recall it that way, anyway.

Also, a lot of non-magical Ranger ideas would also scorn the use of animal companion. Both of those variants are options in my games.

 

[Raflar]

In my campaign, one of the players is alternating between Ranger & Scout every level and seems to like it alot. Granted he's playing an Alt Ranger (spell-less) that we created. (which you can find here: http://www.raflar.com/fantasyrpg/rules-altranger.php )

He's always looking to utilize the 'skirmish' damage when moving. Makes for great combat scenes as he doesn't mind provoking AoO to get them.

 

[Crothian]

I thought animal companions were gained through the use of a spell. Seem to recall it that way, anyway.

Also, a lot of non-magical Ranger ideas would also scorn the use of animal companion. Both of those variants are options in my games.

In 3.0 it was tyhrough animal friendship, but they moved away from that in 3.5 I don't see how a lot of the non magical rangers would scorn an animal companion though.

 

[Jeff Wilder]

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?

Yes. The 3.5 ranger is a vast improvement over the 3.0 ranger, but I still dislike the spells, and few of the central ranger abilities seem like "must haves." (Track, for example, would be an exception.) I would like to see the scout replace the ranger, possibly with just a couple of tweaks, but even without.

 

[weasel fierce]

A ranger without spells is pretty much just a fighter in tights.

I like the concept of the ranger as a spellcasting warrior.