TWF Ranger

[Hendrak]

Those comparison between DEX and STR ranger was very enlighting.

Remember that DEX Ranger also boost your Hide/M.Silently skills.

Another option is taking a dip of Paladin/Blackguard/Cleric to get EDM/DS to buff your dmg output with all attacks.

[Pigdog]

Thank you for all the feedback! I feel like its a tight choice between Dex and Str so far.
Just to be difficult, how would a Ranger 26/Harper Scout 4 work as a solo build? I understand cavestalker is better given the numerous caverns and such, but am unsure so far how to play that as a surfacer as anything other than a dwarf or gnome.
Also would R21/CS9 also work as a solo build?

[chad878262]

Still works very well, has 1 more FE then pure ranger so if you pick the right FE's you can pretty much get all the 'end game' ones. Also, R26 gets 2 bonus epic feats that you would not get as R21 so that is a pretty nice benefit since, at worst it's +2 STR or DEX improving your AB And either damage or AC.

I currently have a Ranger/Cleric that will eventually be 26/4, but currently he's only level 14 or 15 and it's good fun, but going for EDM means sacrificing quite a bit in terms of CON and INT, especially since he's a wood elf. I think his final stats are going to be 21/14/9/12/11/21 so needs a +3 STR, CON, WIS and CHA item to be fully effective which kinda sucks.

As to STR vs. DEX build in my opinion it should come down to how you see your Ranger... More of a stealthy type or no? STR Based does a bit more damage and can carry lots of loot (which is very important if you find 2 decent suits of full plate while adventuring). DEX based is loads of fun with stealth (Camouflage FTW!) I really don't think one will solo better than the other, though I will say that at least when outside HiPS gives a slight edge to dex based if trying to run away thanks to more stealth.

Whichever way you go, for feats I would take LoH, Protective Ward, Extend Spell, Alertness and Iron Will. If going for STR based you will also want Northlander Hewing while DEX based you want Combat Expertise and Deadly Defense. For strength based you have one feat left, which I would likely still use for CE as the +3 AC for -3 AB is a good trade.

Best of luck in making the decision and enjoy the RP.