Seb's Ranger Guide - Complete up to Level 20

[loisel]

Hello,

I've written a Ranger Guide up to Level 20. I think it's too long to post as a message on this board (although maybe in several posts...) So I've made a PDF, here: http://www.math.temple.edu/~loisel/ranger-guide.pdf

Please give me comments and suggestions.

Here is a short extract:

Particularly effective combinations

In this section, we assume a base Str (or Dex) of 18, at level 20 (with stat bumps, that means that your Str or Dex is 23). We list some especially good combinations. In all cases, we give AB=attack bonus and the BASE=1[W]+stat damage, as well as some interesting power uses. We assume +4 gear. To give an idea of the damage, we give the damage range for Attacks on the Run (AotR) if all the iterated attacks hit. We assume Weapon Focus with the relevant weapon (which grants +2 to damage).

Elf: the racial reroll works particularly well with Blade Cascade. The stat bonuses are very judicious.

Bugbear or Minotaur Melee Ranger/Kensai with Bastard Sword: AB=+24, BASE=1d12+16. With Power Attack and Back to the Wall, AB=+23, BASE=1d12+21. AotR=48-114 damage.

Misc. race, Melee Ranger, Pit Fighter: AB=+23, BASE=1d10+12. If you spend an action point and turn on Power Attack, assuming Back to the Wall, for the rest of your turn, BASE=1d10+27. AotR=60-114. OW! With Bugbear/Minotaur, you get 60-126.

 

[Victoly]

I'm pretty sure that Two Weapon Fighting is a better feat choice overall than Bastard Sword proficiency or Weapon Focus. Bastard Swords will reward you slightly more on crits, but TWF is much more stable damage and it doesn't pigeonhole your weapon use - you don't have to worry about a wasted feat when your party finds a +3 scimitar or a flaming battle axe. Also, there aren't that many ranger powers that specifically require you to make attacks with your off-hand weapon early on (Twin Strike allows for two main-weapon attacks, for example), so most of the time TWF will translate directly into +1 damage.

Looks like a decent start though.

 

[Victoly]

With regards to your multiclassing section, why would a Wizard ever want Twin Strike? Assuming the Wizard is an elf, it still seems silly for the Wizard to pull out a longbow to fire off a couple shots when their dexterity is probably quite low.

 

[loisel]

Thanks for the comments.

I'm pretty sure that Two Weapon Fighting is a better feat choice overall than Bastard Sword proficiency or Weapon Focus [...] Also, there aren't that many ranger powers that specifically require you to make attacks with your off-hand weapon early on (Twin Strike allows for two main-weapon attacks, for example)

I see what you're saying, but my interpretation of (melee, main weapon and off-hand weapon) is that you attack with each hand. I see that with all the powers here, including Twin Strike.

With regards to your multiclassing section, why would a Wizard ever want Twin Strike? Assuming the Wizard is an elf, it still seems silly for the Wizard to pull out a longbow to fire off a couple shots when their dexterity is probably quite low.

If indeed, the wizard's Str and Dex are low, then it is not worthwhile. Instead, my idea is that you plan your build accordingly. Wizards are really Int-based, and they don't care about other stats very much at all. So, you just pick either Str or Dex as a secondary (Str would make sense, for Fort defense), and then you multiclass into ranger and use the appropriate weapon (in this case, dual swords).

Let me know if you find any more.

 

[phil500]

I dont understand how the paragon multi into ranger lets you pick up twin strike.

is this in the multi rules?

 

[Darth Cyric]

I dont understand how the paragon multi into ranger lets you pick up twin strike.

is this in the multi rules?

You're allowed to switch out one of your at-will powers for one from your second class if you PM.

 

[Victoly]

I see what you're saying, but my interpretation of (melee, main weapon and off-hand weapon) is that you attack with each hand. I see that with all the powers here, including Twin Strike.

You're right; I must have glazed over that on my first reading. I saw the different attacks notated separately in certain abilities later on, but missed it in the early attacks.

If indeed, the wizard's Str and Dex are low, then it is not worthwhile. Instead, my idea is that you plan your build accordingly. Wizards are really Int-based, and they don't care about other stats very much at all. So, you just pick either Str or Dex as a secondary (Str would make sense, for Fort defense), and then you multiclass into ranger and use the appropriate weapon (in this case, dual swords).

I'm not sure it's going to be worth dropping your implement to the ground as a free action and drawing a bow or melee weapon a minor action just to get off a Twin Strike when so many of the Wizard's abilities involve using that minor action to sustain an effect.