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Yehomer
2008-02-14, 05:02 PM
Has anyone thought about making a ranger using a two handed weapon? What do you think about this combat style:
2nd level: Power attack
6th level: Cleave
11th level: Great cleave

Glyphic
2008-02-14, 05:18 PM
Most rangers I know who decide to use two handed weapons just do so, and pick up the archery feats for free from their ranger levels.

I'm guessing you're sticking to core. Which, if a ranger really wanted all these feats, he could pick them up at level 6 without being human. He could pick the first two up by being human and having 13 strength.

This wouldn't help a ranger without a decent strength as much; sure, they're bonus feats so they're free.. but people with two handed weapons usually want their strength as high as possible.

Adding a few feats that outside core could be nice. Shock trooper or leap attack. Maybe some way for these rangers to get pounce or something silly.

maybe at 11th level, add something like a frenzied berserker's ability to get more out of power attack?

Cormac
2008-02-14, 05:35 PM
I think that it might be best to keep it to core rules. Plus, I think shock trooper is pretty broken.

I like the power attack, cleave and great cleave.

Augmenting this with some out of core feats (like favored power attack or improved buckler defense) picked up regularly would be pretty sweet.

Ceiling009
2008-02-14, 06:39 PM
Actually, an elven ranger... or human ranger could do it fine, if you use the races of the wild splatbook. In there's a finesseable two-handed sword that's Elfin, and actually if you go to the Iron Kingdoms, and be their Winter Elf, they a really nifty two-hander that's also finesseable, not to mention they get free proficiency with it too.

Hyrael
2008-02-14, 07:39 PM
It's not about whether or not you can weapon-finesse, its about the fact that rangers have to pick between archery and swords akimbo. Maybe some people want to make a greataxe-weilding ranger, or a single-longsword Aragorn-Style guy, but they get punished for it.

Parvum
2008-02-14, 08:02 PM
It's not about whether or not you can weapon-finesse, its about the fact that rangers have to pick between archery and swords akimbo. Maybe some people want to make a greataxe-weilding ranger, or a single-longsword Aragorn-Style guy, but they get punished for it.

Well, there are a few other styles brought up out of the PHB, including thrown weapons, mounted combat, wrestling and some freak style where they get power attack and net proficiency (I'm hoping that I'm wrong on that last one).

Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll
2008-02-14, 08:07 PM
The "freak style" is based off roman gladiators called, correct me if im wrong, Piscires? They fought with a net and trident, and wore very little armour, just a shoulder plate and a helmet. http://www.durolitum.co.uk/images/retiariusline.gif

The man in this picture does not have a helmet, but it gives you a basic idea.

And they are in face called retarii. They would trip up their opponent with their net, and then stab them when their down. The variant embodies this very well.

It is one of the Dragon magazines.

tyckspoon
2008-02-14, 08:14 PM
It's not about whether or not you can weapon-finesse, its about the fact that rangers have to pick between archery and swords akimbo. Maybe some people want to make a greataxe-weilding ranger, or a single-longsword Aragorn-Style guy, but they get punished for it.

Except you're not really punished, at least not for the greataxe. Take the Archery tree, take Power Attack with one of your own feats. You have now taken the only necessary feat for effective two-hander wielding in core, and you're also pretty good with a bow when that's the better choice. Somebody going for one weapon in one hand does get screwed, but that's an aspect of the game system in general. There is just about nothing to support that style in core, and very little to make it attractive in any splat I've seen.

Hawriel
2008-02-14, 08:20 PM
cleave and great cleave are crap. after level 3 they are totaly usless. Power attack is a must if your going two handed.

You cant use them all but this these are options for a two handed ranger I considered.

combat expertise: To make up for not using a shield, heaver armor, or off hand weapon.
Imp Crit: 17 or better crit chance with a great sword or a 15 (?) with a falchion.
Imp Disarm: two handed weapon +4 bonus to the opposed roll. if the enemy has a light weapon they get a -4. total win for a +8 in your favor. Oh and now they dont have a weapon.
Dodge, Mobility, Spring attack: rangers are light tanks be mobile so you can move quickly to whare your needed most. You can also avoide AOOT running around the battlefield.
Imp Bullrush, and Overrun: Light armor and no shield, your best defence is to be very aggressive
Imp Initiative and Quickdraw: you go first enemy is flatfooted.
Mounted Combat chain: Take the whole chain and use a spear. When your high enough level make your horse your animal companion. Also think about talking your GM into using a companion at duide -3 or 5. Get a horse earlyer.
Iron Will: rangers already have great fort and reflex saves pump up the will.

as for weapons. Longspears have reach and do double damage when charging and on charging enemies. Falchions and great swords to alot of damage. A bastard sword is versatile. needing an exotic weapon feat to use it one handed is retarted see if your GM will let you toss out the requierment. Then pick up a light shield or buckler.

Yehomer
2008-02-15, 04:39 AM
cleave and great cleave are crap. after level 3 they are totaly usless.
How come?
You cant use them all but this these are options for a two handed ranger I considered.

Imp Disarm: two handed weapon +4 bonus to the opposed roll. if the enemy has a light weapon they get a -4. total win for a +8 in your favor. Oh and now they dont have a weapon.


Actually, I think Improved Sunder is better with a two handed weapon. You still get the +4 bonus, and you're doing loads of damage anyway...

Well, there are a few other styles brought up out of the PHB, including thrown weapons.

My ranger is a Flind with 24 str, so thrown weapon would be a lot better for him than bow. Where can I find this style?

Mal666
2008-02-15, 06:05 AM
i think if your going with two hander ranger'y style feats...

it might be a better idea to give them access to certain Fighter only Jobbages, fter the power attack, as long as theyre in light armour anyhow.

Two handed Comat-style: Power Attack
Improved Combat-style: Two handed Specialisation
Greater Combat Style: Greater Two handed Weapon Focus

that way it only does the two haded weapons, and it allows the ranger to be more versatile, choosing an appropriate weapon for each job/monster.

thoughts / feelings?