I like the vanilla ranger and I also like the Archer. I ran a party through the black pits with an Archer leading the crew. Sadly they all died facing some drow in the black pits of thay.
The Beast Master is a nice concept, even though I have never played one, just feels like a let down from what a Ranger who can be a true Ace Ventura Animal charmer, not being able to use a Sword is something i cannot imagine a Ranger having in his Arsenal of weapons.
Personally feel like a highish level(10) ranger should have an animal companion, that grows in strength with you, maybe a summon x/times a day ability.
Played a Stalker through BG2 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Running one through BG1, he can get enough Hide with boots so effectively stay in Stealth before combat 90% of the time. Makes a good scout, Thaco is decent throughout.
For me getting the most out of a Ranger boils down to Role Playing. Almost as Righteous as a Paladin, but more Any Means Necessary for getting the job done. Hence Chaotic Good
The Stalker seems the most rangery to me. The added mage spells are pretty tits and the backstab can do some serious damage. Archer is a pretty close second, though.
Personally feel like a highish level(10) ranger should have an animal companion, that grows in strength with you, maybe a summon x/times a day ability.
How about a Grizzly Bear named Wilson? I know it isn't Ranger specific, but at least there's the option...
Also, there's the Ranger Stronghold reward (I think it summons a lion, but I might be confusing it with the Druid option).
For me, I dig the stalker. Combine urban infiltration or outdoors (animal) response with no weapons restrictions and mage spells on top, for flavor and you get what I view as the ultimate ranger.
Edit: I like longbow and duel short swords on an elven stalker. Add others for flavor. Hardly optimal, but fits the role play I enjoyed.
Comments
Personally feel like a highish level(10) ranger should have an animal companion, that grows in strength with you, maybe a summon x/times a day ability.
Played a Stalker through BG2 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Running one through BG1, he can get enough Hide with boots so effectively stay in Stealth before combat 90% of the time. Makes a good scout, Thaco is decent throughout.
For me getting the most out of a Ranger boils down to Role Playing. Almost as Righteous as a Paladin, but more Any Means Necessary for getting the job done. Hence Chaotic Good
Also, there's the Ranger Stronghold reward (I think it summons a lion, but I might be confusing it with the Druid option).
Edit: I like longbow and duel short swords on an elven stalker. Add others for flavor. Hardly optimal, but fits the role play I enjoyed.
@abacus Cerebus the celestial dog is who you're thinking of. The best part of being a ranger in BGII. baldursgate.wikia.com/wiki/Moon_Dog_Figurine