Kensei or Kensei/Arcane or Pure Arcane: Ranging Ranger?

[stricq]

I'm trying to decide which build would be the best (i.e. soloable and good in groups) ranging ranger. I found some old builds which had 2 Ranger 14 Fighter (Level 16 cap.) I did a slightly modified build based on this (Ryoko Masaki) and made it a Kensei Ranger that is 2 Ranger 18 Fighter Kensei III. Then I wanted to see what it would take to get the Arcane Archer (Elven) enhancements, so I did a Kensei/Arcane Archer build (Ryoko 2 Masaki) that is 4 Ranger 16 Fighter Kensei II with the full line of Elven Arcane Archer enhancements. Finally, I wanted to see how these compared to a pure Arcane Archer Ranger (Ryoko 3 Masaki.) I think each one has its pros and cons so I wanted to see everyone elses comments on the builds.

Each one is a 32pt Elf. I don't play any other race than Elf/Drow which is a personal choice, and I fully understand that perhaps a different race might make a better build and that's fine. I just wouldn't play it.

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Ryoko Masaki
Level 20 Chaotic Good Elf Female
(18 Fighter \ 2 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 340
Spell Points: 0 
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 15
Reflex: 16
Will: 5

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats         Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)           (Level 20)
Strength             16                 19                   22
Dexterity            20                 22                   25
Constitution         12                 12                   12
Intelligence          8                  8                    8
Wisdom                8                  8                    8
Charisma              8                  8                    8

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills        Base Skills        Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 20)          (Level 20)
Balance               7                  9                    9
Bluff                -1                 -1                    2
Concentration         1                  1                    4
Diplomacy            -1                 -1                    2
Disable Device       n/a               n/a                   n/a
Haggle               -1                 -1                   -1
Heal                  3                  4                    4
Hide                  5                  7                    7
Intimidate           -1                 -1                    2
Jump                  7                 29                   29
Listen               -1                 -1                    1
Move Silently         5                  7                    7
Open Lock             n/a               n/a                   n/a
Perform              n/a               n/a                   n/a
Repair               -1                 -1                   -1
Search                3                  4                    6
Spot                 -1                  1                    3
Swim                  3                  6                    6
Tumble                7                  9                    9
Use Magic Device     n/a               n/a                   n/a

Level 1 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Heal (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Search (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+2)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Bow Strength
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Elven Keen Senses
Feat: (Automatic) Enchantment Save Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Immunity to Sleep
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Trip
Feat: (Automatic) Wild Empathy
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage I


Level 2 (Ranger)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+2)
Feat: (Automatic) Rapid Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I


Level 3 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Selected) Precise Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Heavy Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Tower Shield Proficiency
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Attack I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I


Level 5 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)


Level 6 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Manyshot
Feat: (Selected) Power Critical
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II


Level 7 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)


Level 8 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity II
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage II
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II


Level 9 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Kensei Longbow Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy III


Level 10 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost III
Enhancement: Fighter Longbow Specialization I


Level 11 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Attack II


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Precise Shot
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy IV


Level 13 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)


Level 14 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength III


Level 15 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Kensei Longbow Mastery II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II


Level 17 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III


Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Superior Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Fighter Longbow Specialization II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness IV


Level 19 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost IV


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Weapon Defense
Enhancement: Kensei Longbow Mastery III
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei III

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.34
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Ryoko 2 Masaki
Level 20 Chaotic Good Elf Female
(16 Fighter \ 4 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 294
Spell Points: 137 
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 15
Reflex: 16
Will: 5

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats         Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)           (Level 20)
Strength             16                 19                   22
Dexterity            20                 22                   25
Constitution         12                 12                   12
Intelligence          8                  8                    8
Wisdom                8                  8                    8
Charisma              8                  8                    8

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills        Base Skills        Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 20)          (Level 20)
Balance               7                 10                   10
Bluff                -1                 -1                    1
Concentration         1                  1                    3
Diplomacy            -1                 -1                    1
Disable Device       n/a               n/a                   n/a
Haggle               -1                 -1                   -1
Heal                  3                  6                    6
Hide                  5                  9                    9
Intimidate           -1                 -1                    1
Jump                  7                 29                   29
Listen               -1                 -1                    1
Move Silently         5                  9                    9
Open Lock             n/a               n/a                   n/a
Perform              n/a               n/a                   n/a
Repair               -1                 -1                   -1
Search                3                  6                    8
Spot                 -1                 -1                    1
Swim                  3                  6                    6
Tumble                7                  9                    9
Use Magic Device     n/a               n/a                   n/a

Level 1 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Heal (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Search (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+2)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Bow Strength
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Elven Keen Senses
Feat: (Automatic) Enchantment Save Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Immunity to Sleep
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Trip
Feat: (Automatic) Wild Empathy
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage I


Level 2 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Rapid Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I


Level 3 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Selected) Precise Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Heavy Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Tower Shield Proficiency
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I


Level 4 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Attack I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I


Level 5 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Diehard
Enhancement: Ranger Sprint Boost I


Level 6 (Ranger)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Mental Toughness
Spell (1): Camouflage
Spell (1): Jump
Spell (1): Longstrider
Spell (1): Merfolk's Blessing
Spell (1): Ram's Might
Spell (1): Resist Energy
Spell (1): Summon Nature's Ally I
Spell (1): Tumble
Enhancement: Ranger Sprint Boost II


Level 7 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)


Level 8 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity II
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer I
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild I


Level 9 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Power Critical
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Arrows


Level 10 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Manyshot
Enhancement: Kensei Longbow Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I


Level 11 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Acid Arrows
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy III
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +2 Arrows


Level 12 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II


Level 13 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Attack II
Enhancement: Fighter Longbow Specialization I


Level 14 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Precise Shot
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Explosive Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +3 Arrows


Level 15 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Fighter Strength III


Level 16 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Kensei Longbow Mastery II
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 17 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +4 Arrows
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II


Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Burst Arrows
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Terror Arrows
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II


Level 19 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy IV


Level 20 (Fighter)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Superior Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Imbue Slaying Arrows
Enhancement: Fighter Longbow Specialization II
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Archer: Conjure +5 Arrows

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.34
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Ryoko 3 Masaki
Level 20 Chaotic Good Elf Female
(20 Ranger) 
Hit Points: 264
Spell Points: 478 
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 13
Reflex: 20
Will: 8

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats         Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)           (Level 20)
Strength             16                 18                   18
Dexterity            18                 21                   26
Constitution         12                 12                   12
Intelligence          8                  8                    8
Wisdom               14                 14                   14
Charisma              8                  8                    8

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills        Base Skills        Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 20)          (Level 20)
Balance               6                 19.5                 19.5
Bluff                -1                 -1                   -1
Concentration         1                  1                    1
Diplomacy            -1                 -1                   -1
Disable Device       n/a               n/a                   n/a
Haggle               -1                 -1                   -1
Heal                  6                 25                   25
Hide                  4                  8                    8
Intimidate           -1                 -1                   -1
Jump                  7                 27                   27
Listen                2                  2                    4
Move Silently         4                  8                    8
Open Lock             n/a               n/a                   n/a
Perform              n/a               n/a                   n/a
Repair               -1                 -1                   -1
Search                3                 22                   24
Spot                  2                 21                   24
Swim                  3                  4                    4
Tumble                6                 10                   10
Use Magic Device     n/a               n/a                   n/a

Level 1 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Heal (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Search (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+2)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Undead
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Bow Strength
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Elven Keen Senses
Feat: (Automatic) Enchantment Save Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Immunity to Sleep
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Trip
Feat: (Automatic) Wild Empathy
Enhancement: Ranger Energy Resistence Boost I
Enhancement: Ranger Sprint Boost I
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage I


Level 2 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Rapid Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Elven Enchantment Resistance I
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity I


Level 3 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Diehard
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity I


Level 4 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Spell (1): Camouflage
Spell (1): Jump
Spell (1): Longstrider
Spell (1): Merfolk's Blessing
Spell (1): Ram's Might
Spell (1): Resist Energy
Spell (1): Summon Nature's Ally I
Spell (1): Tumble
Enhancement: Ranger Sprint Boost II
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Attack I
Enhancement: Elven Keen Eyes I
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild I


Level 5 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Reptillian


Level 6 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Mental Toughness
Feat: (Automatic) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Manyshot
Enhancement: Ranger Arcane Archer I
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity II


Level 7 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Improved Wild Empathy
Enhancement: Ranger Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Arrows
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage II


Level 8 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Spell (2): Barkskin
Spell (2): Bear's Endurance
Spell (2): Cat's Grace
Spell (2): Cure Light Wounds
Spell (2): Hold Animal
Spell (2): Mass Camouflage
Spell (2): Owl's Wisdom
Spell (2): Protection From Energy
Spell (2): Snare
Spell (2): Spike Growth
Spell (2): Summon Nature's Ally II
Enhancement: Elven Dexterity II


Level 9 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Power Critical
Feat: (Automatic) Evasion
Enhancement: Ranger Arcane Archer: Imbue Acid Arrows
Enhancement: Ranger Arcane Archer: Conjure +2 Arrows
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild II


Level 10 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Aberration
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Damage II


Level 11 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Improved Precise Shot
Feat: (Automatic) Precise Shot
Spell (3): Cure Moderate Wounds
Spell (3): Neutralize Poison
Spell (3): Remove Disease
Spell (3): Summon Nature's Ally III
Spell (3): Wild Instincts
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage III


Level 12 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
Enhancement: Ranger Arcane Archer: Imbue Explosive Arrows
Enhancement: Ranger Arcane Archer: Conjure +3 Arrows
Enhancement: Ranger Energy of the Wild III


Level 13 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Damage IV


Level 14 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Spell (4): Cure Serious Wounds
Spell (4): Freedom of Movement
Spell (4): Mass Longstrider
Spell (4): Summon Nature's Ally IV
Enhancement: Elven Ranged Attack II


Level 15 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Evil Outsider
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Ranger Arcane Archer: Imbue Force Burst Arrows
Enhancement: Ranger Arcane Archer: Imbue Terror Arrows
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Ranger Arcane Archer: Conjure +4 Arrows


Level 16 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II


Level 17 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Dexterity III


Level 18 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Ranger Arcane Archer: Imbue Slaying Arrows
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack I
Enhancement: Ranger Arcane Archer: Conjure +5 Arrows


Level 19 (Ranger)
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Enhancement: Ranger Favored Attack II


Level 20 (Ranger)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Balance (+0.5)
Skill: Heal (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Feat: (Favored Enemy) Favored Enemy: Elemental
Enhancement: Ranger Sprint Boost III
Enhancement: Ranger Master of Archery

[grodon9999]

Ranger 20 is easier to level up and a most versatile character. All rangers are still good TW fighters, have evasion, and good spells. A Kensai AA is a better archer but is a one-trick pony.

[unbongwah]

I'm not wild about these Kensai III AA builds which keep cropping up - not least because you have very few SPs to power your AA imbues - but what about ranger 1 / wizard 1 / fighter 18? You give up a point of BAB, but you gain a metamagic feat, don't have to take Mental Toughness (replace w/Rapid Shot), and gain usage of wizard wands to boot.

[stricq]

I'm not wild about these Kensai III AA builds which keep cropping up - not least because you have very few SPs to power your AA imbues - but what about ranger 1 / wizard 1 / fighter 18? You give up a point of BAB, but you gain a metamagic feat, don't have to take Mental Toughness (replace w/Rapid Shot), and gain usage of wizard wands to boot.

That sounds interesting. I'll run it through the builder tonight. Thanks for the suggestion.

[cyadra]

better is a 1 bard/1ranger/18 build

you get healing wands, +1 bonus with songs when no other bard around, low level CLW spells, and no worry for a feat for AA.

[Logic]

Ranger 20 is easier to level up and a most versatile character. All rangers are still good TW fighters, have evasion, and good spells. A Kensai AA is a better archer but is a one-trick pony.

I'd agree with this. My 20 ranger AA is very versatile, and you end up meleeing quite a bit. Others will swear by 18 fighter/1 bard/1 ranger though.

[Lorien_the_First_One]

Since 'ranging' and 'grouping' don't usually play well together, I wouldn't focus on ranged in a character you want to group with.

[Talon_Moonshadow]

Ranger 20 is easier to level up and a most versatile character. All rangers are still good TW fighters, have evasion, and good spells. A Kensai AA is a better archer but is a one-trick pony.

That's my opinion too.

The Kensei AA, may be a better archer, but the Rgr 20 is a very powerful char with many capabilities. And pretty good with a bow too.