I don't often play Rangers, as I couldn't come up with a build that I liked. However, I discovered I was playing them wrong (for me, at least) since I was always trying to make them DEX-based. This build is a STR-based Ranger and I think it's much more effective than any DEX-based build I've come up with. Thanks to Grizzled_Dwarflord for much helpful input.
Skills: 317 points, I recommend the following; Discipline: 42 Tumble: 40 UMD: 41 Spellcraft: 18 Set Trap: 36 Hide: 43 Move: 43 Disable Trap: 36
He's got 7 FEs with 2d6+7 damage from Bane against them. He's also got +6 damage from EWS with his weapon of choice and +15 from STR (the 'Something Big' would be a 2-hander, in case anyone didn't catch that), so even against non-favored enemies, he still packs a punch. Add in Imp KD with 3d6 sneak attack, Set Trap, UMD, enough stealth from spells and skills even in full plate, and he ends up with a good bag of tricks from which to draw.
A couple of considerations:
1) I chose Expertise to help with his AC since he's got no shield. You could easily pop in Lightning Reflexes to aid your Reflex save (which wouldn't be a bad option since he gets Evasion from his Rogue levels). As with any 2-hander build, you should always have a sword and board option in your pack as well.
2) He's got a level 30 animal companion, which you can buff with his spells. However, he gets no spells that help with AC, so his companion's probably not going to last long in the battle. UMD could help a long way in that regard (Stoneskin, Imp Invis scrolls and the like). If you don't feel it's worth it, you could start with 12 DEX and 12 WIS and forget the higher level spells. I started the build off this way, but was convinced it would be better to have the higher spell slots.
3) You could start at level 1 as Rogue, which would net you 16 more skill points. This would allow you to max Disable and Set. But, do you really need them that high?
4) Another variant would be to take Bard instead of Rogue. You'd lose 24 skill points, Disable Trap as a class skill, 3d6 sneak attack, Evasion, and need to invest 13 points in Perform to get your level 6 Bard Song. (Effectively, you'd lose Disable Trap) You'd gain +1 AB and +2 damage from the Song, Spellcraft as a class skill (so you could max it for a further +4 saves vs spells), +1 on all saves from the Song, and slightly better Will save. You could also drop Hide and MS and invest in Taunt and another skill, possibly Concentration (you get a boost from the FE for your Taunt skill). I don't think it would be quite as effective, but still a viable alternative. _________________ It's rogue, dammit, ROGUE!!!
Edited By griphook on 07/14/05 22:35
Bah, I made an error in th post. The build actually has 9 favored enemies, not 7. The last few levels should read:
33)RGR25: GRT STR II (26)/ Favored Enemy VI 34)RGR26: Favored Enemy VII 35)RGR27 36)RGR28: GRT STR III (27)/ STR (28) 37)Rogue5 38)RGR29: Favored Enemy VIII 39)RGR30: GRT STR IV (29)/ Favored Enemy IX 40)Rogue6: STR (30)
Too late to edit. I'm hoping if I leave an offering at the altar, the great god Griphook will make the changes for me...
Crikey, this is starting to turn into my "Deathless Pariah"! I also forgot to point out the XP penalty between levels 17 and 21. It's only 4 levels, but it may turn some people off. If it's a big concern, then take your FTR level 2 pre-epic (before level 17) and shift your RGR levels accordingly. You'll lose an epic feat that way (most likely candidate to drop is Armor Skin), but you can level with no penalty. _________________ It's rogue, dammit, ROGUE!!!
You think you are wise, Cinnabar. Yet for all your subtleties you have not wisdom. Do you think the eyes of the Dwarflord are blind? I have seen more than you know. Oh yes. Word has reached my ears of this Banestalker, and I tell you now, I will not bow to this Ranger from the North, last of a ragged house long bereft of lordship. _________________ Got Hommlet? World of Greyhawk Action Server (with 1/2 price ales on Mondays!)
Ariel, Ookla, RIDE!
Quote: Posted 07/15/05 12:52 (GMT) -- grizzled_dwarflord You think you are wise, Cinnabar. Yet for all your subtleties you have not wisdom. Do you think the eyes of the Dwarflord are blind? I have seen more than you know. Oh yes. Word has reached my ears of this Banestalker, and I tell you now, I will not bow to this Ranger from the North, last of a ragged house long bereft of lordship.
Maybe you should be known as Grizzled_Denethor.
I love this build, been after a decent ranger heavy build, and it looks like this is the one!
I've come across this problem in a few builds I've attempted to adapt. Does a double weapon (e.g. Double axe, two bladed sword) count as large? On the examination sheet it does, but does the extra damage for a large weapon apply? I'm assuming not, otherwise I'm sure you would have said 'Double weapon' rather than 'large weapon'...Damage potential with Bane, EWS, dualwielding AND large weapon damage
Would be something to drool over if it's possible.
Kurth
[P.S. Sorry to dig up something so ancient!]
Edited By K U R T H on 11/18/06 20:31
It's a large weapon and has all those modifications following it that a normal large weapon has, but it is not a 2-hander weapon like the greatsword. It is dual-wielded, not wielded 2-handed. Before anyone comments on this comment you all know what I mean.
It has the boni to disarm that a large weapon has, and it can't be used by small races. It does however do damage and apply penalties as if you dual-wielded with a small-weapon in your off-hand.
And dig up any old build you like, unless you spam or comment a useless build. _________________ We are sons of Odin, and the fire that we burn inside is the legacy of warrior-kings who reign above in the sky I will lead the charge, my sword into the wind Sons of Odin fights to die and live again
As a companion i would choose wolf, Wolf is one of my fave companions of the ranger for its howl *fear* attack. At lvl 30 it should be quite affective aswell with ur build. _________________ You never know maybe one day i might be nice and kill you!
you all know what I mean.