COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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mrm3ntalist
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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AlfarinIcebreaker wrote:5th level is very underwhelming, considering the fact that it is a dead BAB level. I see no point in going 25/5 with Ranger, for instance. You lose epic feat and 1 AB for one use per day of Heroism spell which can be te replaced with other means.
Yes, there is not much mechanical reason to get the 5th level.
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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It should be noted that the heroism spell is cast at character level, thus very difficult to dispel. Yes you can use potions cheaply, but those can also be dispelled. Is an essentially always on +2 AB, +2 Saves worth an epic feat? It's for you to decide, personally I have no issue using consumables and thus wouldn't take the 5th level, opting for the bonus epic feat. However, I have noticed there are many players averse to utilizing consumables who perhaps would take the 5th level.
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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Also full ranger is not the only build that can be done !
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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is this an application only class being as it is a "secret" organization with all the harper lore?
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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aaron22 wrote:is this an application only class being as it is a "secret" organization with all the harper lore?
It is not application only.
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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are the harper classes monitored for RP or is it just a name and doesnt mean you have to play as an agent of the harpers? in other words, is there leeway in the story/backstory if you take the class?
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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At this stage in the timeline the Harpers are extremely decentralised and independent Harper cells/Harpers themselves may be unaware of the activities of their compatriots in the neighbouring cell. (See the novel "Elfshadow" for reasons why this might not be a great idea) You can play a Harper unaffiliated with the IG Harpers though unless you're very good, they'll probably find you one way or another.

(Vermilion is not affiliated to the Harpers even though I do have a Chaotic Good ranger.)
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mrm3ntalist
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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aaron22 wrote:are the harper classes monitored for RP or is it just a name and doesnt mean you have to play as an agent of the harpers? in other words, is there leeway in the story/backstory if you take the class?
Like any other class, there is no monitoring RP. Taking the class does not make you part of the Harper's guild.
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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that is good to know. thanks MrM
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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Regarding the class as a whole, it is OK I guess, meaning that it allows Rangers to reach 8 FE and provides access to Tumble and some additional saves.

Compared to pure Ranger, you lose 2 base and 2 epic feats. Prerequisite feats are not very useful, but they aren't that bad because they increase detection skills and some will saves. Still, that's 4 feats which is huge, not to mention skill requirements.

Melee Rangers might consider it, but like m3mtnalist said, pure Ranger is probably a better option. Archer Rangers are better off pure (Zen Archery) or with 4 levels of Fighter.
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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Note that Valefort said 'pure' builds are not the only ones to compare. You could have a Paladin mixed with Hospitaler and/or MorningLord for extra EDM usage. Hospitaler gives back two epic bonus feats, MorningLord gives extra turning uses, Harper Scout gives FE's, skill points, skills and you can still attain CL30 on your Paladin...

For Ranger you could go I don't think there ever has been a PRC that is strictly better than going pure because the very nature of the Rangers abilities means you MUST hit either 21 or stop at 3/6/11/13 depending on your build. I can see how Harper Scout can fit a niche with those lower Ranger level builds. For example R13/HS5/A8/F4 would have a Ranger Caster Level of 18, 22 if PSC. Important because Halo of Sand hits +4 Deflection at level 16. This character would have solid Ranger abilities, but would miss One shot/PTWF and Bane of Enemies. HiPS gives some dispel protection so for some player this may be an acceptable trade off.

None of these new PRC's were made to compete on the highest power tier or increase power building capabilities. They were created to be viable additions to a build for those who would like to include a Harper PRC for RP purposes. Thus trying to figure out a 'better' build than what is currently available is going to fall flat.
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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At least that's the goal, if nothing more powerful than existing can be made then that means it was done well.
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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I agree with both of you. The goal with new classes should always be to provide options. It is hard to hit that spot where new class is on par with other alternatives. This prc IMO does exactly that and it is a fine example of a well thought and implemented new class.
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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AlfarinIcebreaker wrote:I agree with both of you. The goal with new classes should always be to provide options. It is hard to hit that spot where new class is on par with other alternatives. This prc IMO does exactly that and it is a fine example of a well thought and implemented new class.
Exactly that. With this PRC, a full ranger build will lose something ( AB, Animal progression and most likely AC from feats ) but it will gain an extra FE, new skills and like any other class RP flavor. It is a decent trade.

The big issue was with the heavy skill investment (44 skill points ! ) which was remedied a bit. It is still the PRC with the heaviest skill investment ( 33? ) and that is for a 5 level PRC.
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Re: COMING SOON : Harper Scout

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Valefort wrote:At least that's the goal, if nothing more powerful than existing can be made then that means it was done well.
Is that in just relation to Ranger, specifically?

Or is that the general idea, with any additional content, that Ranger 30, or Paladin 30, power levels are the ceiling that all new content is balanced against?

Very curious to know if that is the paradigm...and not that I disagree with it! 8-)

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