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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Aenghus" data-source="post: 4224340" data-attributes="member: 2656">In 4e rangers are skirmishers, fighters are heavy infantry. It seems straighforward to me. 4e has narrowed down the class focus a lot, probably because the new power mechanics required it -  more freeform classes with a grab-bag of class powers would inevitably lead to balance problems of accidental gimping or overpowering.I've played BECM, 1e, 2e and 3e, and class focus changes with each edition. Some people seem to obsess about the name of the class, and load it with certain expectations from a previous edition that may not apply. 4e appears to suggest two general options for power picks for each class.Fighters are no longer the masters of all martial combat styles (putting aside the the question if they were ever that) - 4e makes them heavy infantry, best in heavy armour with either sword and board or a two handed weapon. 4e at last gives them abilities to actually defend the rest of the party, but they can still deal out plenty damage on the front line.Rangers are martial powered skirmishers. They will be lighter armoured, mobile and choose either a focus on ranged or melee combat. We haven't seen the melee options yet, though they include two weapon combat options. While Drizzt is a significant reason for the two weapon combat ranger, rationalisations can be worked out. Shields are heavy and awkward to carry for a skirmisher, while a light weapon like a handaxe is easier to carry and doubles as a useful tool. Rangers are strikers, and I envisage powers with increased damage based on two weapon use. Hopefully they can use spears as well.It will be interesting to see if two light weapons will be a viable style for rangers. A bane of previous editions is that PCs were best off using the biggest weapon possible - I for one welcome well-chosen limitations such as those on sneak attack, which should allow rogues to   use daggers without gimping themselves.</blockquote>

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