rheingold

You can't have it both ways with micro management. Complaining that the Ranger doesn't offer any oppurtunity for micromaniging - it's a boring class and then in the same post, complaining that the pet requires heavy micro managing... There is not much wrong with rangers at the moment - if you don't like the way they play, that is a completely different matter. I personally don't like Ciphers. Does that make them a bad class? Hardly. If you don't like them take another class. There are people who do enjoy playing them. And for the umpteenth time - they are not weak, they may not be the most powerful class around but they are good.

It doesn't matter if the Ranger is one of the most powerful classes. Or what you have done in PotD or even what a Ranger can do in PotD. Especially when a lot of players are just using the Ranger as an Archer. Ranger Does Not Equal Archer. Those words are not synonymous. They aren't the same thing. These are Two problems people see with the Ranger class. 1. Micro managin the pet 2. It doesn't play as a the classic Ranger just an Archer (lack of melee abilities both passive and active) And Paladins there is a 17 page discussion about them now. If there wasn't some kind of problem there wouldn't be that gian discussion. Plus NPC Paladins don't get Faith and Conviction. Which is what Paladins are all about. So all non PC Paladins are gimped. So yes there are problems with both classes. Thats why there are so many discussions about it currently. I dont see 17 page discussions on whats wrong with fighters or priests. Nonsense, just because it doesnt play like what you imagine a ranger should does not mean it's not a ranger. The counter to that silly argument is that all Obs would have to do to "fix" the class then would be to change it's name. So then the class would be perfect no? This game with all it's classes is a different take to the old D&D games. And it's a good thing - there are other games where I can take a "real" ranger.

Mmm very nice idea, possibly the best idea I've heard, but tied to that there would have to be a limit on how long the druid can hold his shapeshifting for, much like it is currently. Otherwise he would just remain in spirit shift indefinitely casting spells.

Oh yes, just remembered: about different shapes. Originaly obs said that they would link shape shifting to different forms via quests. I don't think it would be a good idea for each shifter to have 5 different forms, but it would be great if say learning a new form was linked to to questing in some way. It was an excellent idea, though obviously they never had time to implement it. Would be nice for the expansion. BTW they where planning to do something similar with chanters collecting new chants as they play through the story. Also a great idea and hopefully one for the expansion.

I'm all for it as long as there is an option to pick either a caster druid or a shifter. The caster druid would be unchanged, no nerfs to casting. The shifter would still be able to cast but with some penalty. Obviously the shifting would be stronger. Perhaps he/she could get exactly the same spells but would get them a level or 2 behind the caster Druid. ie. No spells at first level. First level casting at second. Not 100 percent sure about though I do know that I want the option to play as a caster or a shifter.

Surely it comes down to build and class. Rangers swift aim really helps with arbalest/arquebus, rogues will probably benefit from a good warbow most though - more sneak attacks.

A very weak, squishy rogue... Who doesn't deal a lot of damage!

Come on guys, it's not that tough to manage the pet! I actually enjoy micro managing so I just think of the Ranger, as well a ranger and the pet as my rogue. Just waiting for the patch for a few small but important changes regarding the class.

Same problem I don't like working with them, and I can't force myself to kill them... Would be nice if you could just buy the darn bow from somewhere. In the only play through when I did get It, I gave it to Sagani, tossed a Superb enchantment on, (if I remember correctly) and didn't need anything else. She was awesome with it.

Yup I also recognize a few people from the old forums, though my handle has changed, heck I can't even remember my details.... Def remember Wanderon, he used to have some epic dust ups with a gentleman who went by the name Countless. Anyways back on topic, sort of, I find the warbow from the dozens quest works really well. Jolting touch is greatly. Pity I never take their side. I reckon it also depends on whether you are talking about a ranger or not. If it's a ranger with swift aim then go arbelest/arquebus. If it's a rogue - warbow to max sneak attacks.

Showing your age Crucis? Seriously can't we create a forum for the oldies, no children allowed, say an age restriction of 40 or so!

Let's stay classy people, really it's only a game.

Try winter storm - at least I think it's winter storm - the first level aoe Druid spell. If anything needs to be nerfed it's that. Oops, again, hope that Sawyer is walking around with the nerf bat and listening....

Mmm druid should definitely be higher though, they get some pretty potent spells, in fact at low levels they tend to get better spells than a wizard even with the upcoming nerfs. It's only really at later levels that wizard possibly pulls ahead. Also spirit shifting is ridiculously overpowered in the beginning. Edit: oops chanters with their phantom pet also belong in the top tier.

Any eta on patch 1:05?

Chanters are darn good, my first play through, when I didn't know what I was doing, was with a chanter. And, oh my goodness was he good. Not flashy, just really good. The two fire chants are insanely powerful, frankly he doesn't have to do anything, except stand there twiddling his thumbs while he nukes... The ogre summons are pretty useful as well. Oh and the fact that chanters are awesome tanks.

Yup the pet is really no more fragile than my melee rogue. It also does reasonable damage with the 2 damage talents it gets. It's no point comparing ranger v rogue without taking a micro managed pet into account. To get the best out of a ranger you have to actively manage the pet. While I can see why people don't like this, it is the way the class is designed. Bottom line, micro managing the pet will increase the Rangers dps significantly, both from stalkers link and the extra damage the pet does. It all adds up. If you don't like the pet go rogue instead. It's really simple.

I also don't see anything in patch notes. They really do need to fix that though.

Nope the change to marked prey is that it is now instantaneous, there is no casting time. It can still only be used once an encounter. Still with the AC fatigue issue fixed and marked prey not taking up any casting time it's a pretty big improvement for rangers. Still not sure if the speed bonus on weapons actually works. If not they need to fix that.

Thanks so much, but I will pass on the matlab scripts offer. My maths is terrible. The only thing that would accomplish is to give me a headache... Just one more question. I'm presuming ranged weapons other than wands qualify as two handed weapons?

Nice build. I just finished a play through using Pellagina as a two handed Estoc wielding warrior. She was actually pretty useful as that, she certainly was not by any stretch of the imagination weak. She also ended up with quite high deflection - mid eighties which isn't bad. Did good damage as well. You seem to have good handle of the maths here, have you got a build for a ranged ranger handy? Not all power though, I like to mix it with role playing. Mainly what I'm after is the stats, do you need high might or is somewhere around 14 ok?

"Troll toll"

"The forums were against him" Well then If a few rabid gamers with no social conscience were against him that clearly demonstrates that he was wrong! Seriously, I am not sure why I have to keep repeating this, but forums are not representative of the majority, and that's problematic to say the least. Most people who played pillars probably didn't even know about the limerick, let alone care. On the other hand, there is a tiny, self important group who claim that he is arrogant and dosn't listen. What they really mean is that he dosn't listen to them! And frankly, why should a dev listen to the hard asses on online forums. They are not representative of the majority, much as they like to think so. In fact, it would be really bad business to listen to a few rather angry self indulgent people.

Regarding companions you definitely want a cipher in there for sneak attacks via phantom foes. By far the easiest set up for a ranged rogue.

Seriously why does anything to do with pillars have to end up about "the limerick". Give it a rest guys. Regarding him hiding, nonsense, there were plenty of people who supported him, probably more than who didn't. If he was on holiday, hope he had a good one, and is ready for the expansion/sequel.