Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

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Im having a lot of fun with ranger 27 cavestalker 3

For a dual wielder, probably 26 Ranger/4 Harper Scout. 8 FE, access to Tumble, good Will saving throws.

For an archer/crossbowman, 26 Ranger/4 Fighter.

30 Ranger is also a good alternative for both styles - Archer can go Zen Archery which allows for great animal companion due to access to Epic Animal Companion (Wisdom requirement) and lots of spells.

In UD you will want Cavestalker obviously.

AlfarinIcebreaker wrote:30 Ranger is also a good alternative for both styles - Archer can go Zen Archery which allows for great animal companion due to access to Epic Animal Companion (Wisdom requirement) and lots of spells.

I've struggled to remain interested in a ranger character, but wisdom based Zen Archery ranged ranger has been an exception. You got the detection skills, you can buff up yourself and your animal companion, and have enough spell slots to make use of those special ranged reserve spell/feats and you kind of cover up for your poor will save progression.

But as for the ideal ranger build, it kind of depends on what is your ideal really. Ranged, melee, etc.

Perhaps Ranger X/Stormlord Y is something you want to be. Then there is the new Hunter kit that can produce interesting results with its traps. Not to mention that you are seperated from the Ranger's divine spell casting requirement while you go for it.

I don't believe there is an 'ideal' Ranger. Honestly Rangers allow for some of the most diverse builds that can all be classified as 'Rangers'. There is valid reasons to take as little as 3 levels of Ranger as well as stopping points at 6, 11, 13, 21/22, 26 and full 30. In addition they can be built based on max DEX, STR or WIS while not having the same 'weakness' a Monk has who focuses on STR (low AC).

Alongside Paladin, it has often been said in the past that Ranger is one of the most balanced classes on the server and I believe this is very true. In the past I have played a DEX based Ranger/Assassin, a pure STR Ranger 30 and I currently am playing a R26/Cl4 character (12 APR with EDM FTW!) Ranger mixes well with dips from many other classes and itself is a fairly decent dip.

I would say in order to answer your question it would need to be understood what you define as 'ideal'. Are you asking for the 'most' power mechanically? The most iconic Aragorn (or Legolas) style Ranger? Robin Hood type? What is your vision of what would make a Ranger 'ideal'?

AlfarinIcebreaker wrote:Archer can go Zen Archery which allows for great animal companion due to access to Epic Animal Companion (Wisdom requirement) and lots of spells.

Does Blades of Fire work with bows/arrows ?

It's a flawed question. Ideal ranger for what? Need to be a bit more specific.

Deathgrowl wrote:It's a flawed question. Ideal ranger for what? Need to be a bit more specific.

Aplogies - I was simply asking what directions you could go with a ranger build which I believe Chad answered amply.

While Chad makes some good points, I think that you should go with at least 26 levels of Ranger, or just a dip of 3 or 6 levels (6 levels for Tempest is a good choice), especially after dispel fix.

26 Ranger will get full spellcasting of 30 CL with practiced spellcaster, and their spells are fantastic. You have spells like Barkskin and Halo of Sand which will save you item slots (and tons of money) for deflection and natural armor. Barkskin will give +5 and Halo of Sand +4 respectivelly. Then, you have Cat's Grace, Owl's Insight and Bear's Endurance for ability boosters, and Hawkeye, Aid and Blessed Aim for AB increase. Lastly you get Camouflage and Pass without Trace which will help with your sneaking, and that one spell (can't remember the name) which will give you Blind Fight for free. And these are all long lasting spells.

Besides spellcasting, 21th level of Ranger will qualify for PTWF or One Shot (depending on your style) and also allow for second One Shot as an Dexterity Archer which will be very useful.

Furthermore, 24th level of Ranger will get another +1 to Dodge AC from Protective Ward, another FE on level 25 and another epic bonus feat on level 26. That's why I think you should go full or almost full Ranger, or stop at a few levels.