To splash or not? that is the question

[pangelo]

Ok, for all you hard-core rangers out there who follow the threads and keep track with trends...... with the coming implementation of tempest 2/3 and hinted bonuses at level 20.... is it worth it to splash either fighter or rogue or monk or bard?

I currently have a 13/2/1 ranger/monk/rogue who does very well for my purposes, decent AC, good dps, dual GS rapiers, etc, (still want the raiments).

I'm considering going straight to 20 with a pure ranger, so anyone who would like to sound off on the benefits of going straight ranger versus splashing please speak up.

Also, with 32pt build, would you go 14/17/12/14/14/8 using weapon finesse or dumping some int for more str?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

and I don't have access to tons of +2 tomes as most posters seem to rely on when posting builds of late, so please keep that in mind.

Thanks!

[Meriadeuc]

It's really pretty simple. If you want high AC with decent DPS, make a halfling with at least 1 level of monk. If you want high DPS with decent AC, make a dwarf pure ranger.

[Noctus]

I personally would splash a Ranger with 1 level of Rogue. The safe number is 18 rangerlevels, so you have 2 levels you can put into other classes.

Rogue giyes UMD, 1d6+3 sneak attack damage, and you can do traps, which comes in handy very often.


So a Halfling DEX-Ranger 14 / 1 Rogue / 1 Monk for the AC-focussed or a Dwarfen STR-Ranger 15 / 1 Rogue for the DPS focuses build.