Pathfinderize Rangers

[lovethesuit]

I know Rangers have more than enough bonuses right now. The added +AB to Favored Enemies, the scripted Tracking system, and bonuses to detection skills in the wilderness. Great. This isn't a post about buffing Rangers. Rather, it's all about options. Rangers typically would have a choice of combat styles; either two weapon fighting, or bows. But, in NWN, that is not the case. Only one set of feats exists, in the form of Dual Wield.

I suggest taking a tip from Pathfinder: allow a couple new combat styles, chosen at 2 levels of Ranger, to add a little bit of variety. They lose the class ability Dual Wield (functionally, the two feats Two-Weapon Fighting and Ambidexterity) in exchange for two other feats which, again, only apply in light armor. The ones that translate to NWN are:

Bows: Point Blank Shot and Rapid Shot.
Crossbows: Point Blank Shot and Rapid Reload.
Natural Weapons: Improved Unarmed Strike and Monk Unarmed Damage (beginning 3 levels later than Monk)
Two-handed Weapon: Power Attack and Cleave

Mounted Combat and Weapon/Shield don't translate due to a lack of horses in EfU:M and a lack of Shield feats in NWN. Keep in mind, these would still only work in light armor.

This is simply a matter of choice; equivalent feats that offer extra attacks in the chosen style (just like dual-wielding), greater ferocity with a style not used often (unarmed), or trading those potential extra attacks for something more violent. If balance is a concern, you could push the choice back to a 4th or 5th level ranger to discourage dipping into the class, but I don't consider it necessarily a bad thing. People can just as easily dip into Ranger for dual-wield.

Tell me what you think!

[Egon the Monkey]

I love the idea. Suggested it as a Perk ages back. Dual-wield permanently disabled, but you gain Point Blank Shot and Rapid Shot, and gain Improved Critical (Shortbow, Longbow, Darts, Sling and Throwing Axes) at 9 rather than Improved 2 Weapon Fighting. Rangers rock with 2 handed weapons, but giving alternative bonus feats to allow better use of ranged weapons would be brilliant.

[Aye Lad]

-Every- full BAB class rocks with Two-handed weapons. The only benefit of this change to Rangers would be for those wearing light armor which, without a shield, is a trade-off of AC for damage.

[Aye Lad]

I love the idea too. Implement it now.

[BrittanyPanthas]

I entirely would not mind if we implemented this, but in return I believe rangers should only gain +1 AB vs FE for every 4 levels, instead of every 2.

Thus, +2 AB at level 5, +3 at level 9.

Edit:  Also I don't think monk progression is available for other classes, thus I'd suggest Improved Critical Unarmed and Weapon Focus: Unarmed.  We reward sweet fist/natural weapon rangers/druids/Barbarians with good gloves anyhow.

[The Beggar]

I think the DMs should Pathfinderize you, LTS.

But, that would be like giving 110%, which is impossible.

Edit to add: I do love the idea of perks for pure classes. Except clerics, who have enough godly fury to out perk anyone.

[Ebok]

I'd think it would be very cool, though if it were to change the FE bonus: I'd vote +1/3rd.

[TakenByVisions]

I believe they are meant to be changed eventually to +1 / 3 levels either way. I would like the idea of being able to select between archery or dual wielding however.