ranger/pally vs ranger/barb

[kingfisher]

thinking 11/3 on both builds, 32 point elf TWF, slashing weaps. which one is going to be more:
Survivable
Damaging
Helpful
Fun

Just want a few opinions if anyone cares to chime in.

[sigtrent]

Survivable: Paladin definately. The save boosts are wonderful.

Damaging: Barbarian, although not by a lot. You won't get to rage much but it does offer a nice boost in STR when you do. also paladin will want some charisma investment weakineing combat stats a bit. Barbarian can min max more for combat.

Helpful: About the same. It is just a matter of doing what you do to help the party.

Fun: Matter of style. Barbarian is about moving fast and hitting hard. Paladin is about being immunne to stuff and having crazy saves. So what sounds more fun... the rampaging madman or the super survivor?

I have a Paladin Ranger and i quite like the versatility and soloability. I have a Rogue with a bit of ranger and barbarian that is fun for his twitchy pure offense.

[Vehemoth]

Was thinking, would the new ranger enhancement "Ranger Deepwood Sniper" available at Ranger 6 stack with Barbarian critical threat range available at barbarian 10 and 14?

If so, seems like a barbarian14/ranger6 wouldn't be a bad combo. Now if only you could fit in the Tempest Ranger enhancement as well as improved crit ranged, improved crit: pierce and the TWF feats...


On second thought, you'd be missing out on evasion, precise shot and many shot among other things.

[Mad_Bombardier]

Was thinking, would the new ranger enhancement "Ranger Deepwood Sniper" available at Ranger 6 stack with Barbarian critical threat range available at barbarian 10 and 14?

If so, seems like a barbarian14/ranger6 wouldn't be a bad combo. Now if only you could fit in the Tempest Ranger enhancement as well as improved crit ranged, improved crit: pierce and the TWF feats...I thought of that, too. Unfortunately, we won't be able to test it in this Mod/level cap as you need Ranger6 and Barbarian11. But at level 20, 14Barb/6Ranger "Deepwood Sniper" using a Silver Bow, getting every 8th shot as a 14-20/x4 crit would be kinda scary! :eek:

[kingfisher]

tough choice. think the barbie though. hit points would be pretty good. enhancements would be good. i bet the extd rage/favored enemy damage from this guy would be laaaaarge.

[Humperdink]

I have a dwarven 9rgr/3pal (who will end up 11/3) and a Warforged 14 barbarian. I enjoy playing both. I think it depends on your play style. If you run a lot of pick-up groups or a in a guild that is mostly generalists, the pal/rgr is by far the better choice. Survivablity is unmatched. If you run in a power gamer or specialist guild that will support your more DPS focused barb/rgr that could be fun too. I chose to make my dwarven ranger strength based dual wielding dwarven axes but with just enough dex to add to armor class and make ranged combat feasible. If you go with longswords using eleven racial bonuses, and power attack your DPS will be up there with 7 attacks per round. To me the splash of paladin is far better than barb. You gain saving throws, Lay on Hands, immunity to fear and disease, small bonus to AC, smite, can use Lesser Restore wands, and probably others I can't think of. The small splash of barb is not really going to give you the access to the full breadth of rage based enhancements. End result at level 12 based on my character and equipment:

265HP
45AC self buffed
18 minute 20point resistances (30pt at lvl 14), barkskin, jump, etc
Evasion
Fortitude and Reflex saves in the low 30's with Greater Heroism
Will saves in the mid 20's
Immunity to fear, disease, blindness, poison
100% Fortification
6 attacks per round dual wielding dwarven axes or using hand axe in the off-hand

He can turtle up with shield when need be, pull out the Silver Bow and Many Shot, or unleash the DPS with dual-wield. He won't be feared into inaction, only held if I roll a one, 50pt instant LoH heals lets me stay in the pocket longer while fighting, avoid flame strikes, chain lightning, mephit's attacks, traps, etc. When it comes to party support of course he can hand out extended resists, barkskin, jump (clerics love you), use Cure Serious AND Lesser Restore wands, give a nice little health bump (or raise Incapped party member instantly) with LoH, and be the last one standing to carry the stones to the shrine. ;-) He's been tested in elite Gianthold and Necropolis content. The highest compliment I continue to receive from the groups I run with is "send in the dwarf first".

P.S. Credit goes to Gren as this was based on his Victorinox build.

[WeiQuinn]

*snip*

6 attacks per round dual wielding dwarven axes or using hand axe in the off-hand

*snip*

Don't forget, the Oversize Two Weapon Fighting feat is coming with Mod 6!

[Humperdink]

Yes, yes! That will be a nice addition, being able to use two full sized weapons with less of a penalty.