Ranger class / crafting restrictions?

[musicman4283]

I am contemplating a ranger / mage build and am wondering if there are any special considerations needed for this multiclass? Also, do rangers have restrictions on things like chopping trees and killing creatures for their skins for crafting purposes?

[twidget658]

Rangers are not druids. They do not necessarily see things the same way as a druid. Rangers are adept to nature because they use nature for their survival and livelihood. Think of the people at old trading posts being rangers. They hunt, they forage, they woodwork, they tan hides...they are the best of the best in the woods. (Disclaimer: I see all rangers as woodsmen, others do not, some see them as specializing in other enviroments such as deserts.) They protect nature because it is their life, it is not because they idolize it or that they think that nature is sacred.
 
 The ranger does get the special ability to forage for wood in conjunction with (I hate to say it) 'chopping' wood. 'Chopping' to me mean lumber. Making a bow only needs small branches. I prefer 'pruning' or being selective in the choices of branches that are removed from the tree. you have to remember that the tree is sustaining the ranger so the ranger will not abuse it. The mechanics show the tree falling, I see it as there are no more good branches to take for whatever reason. No restrictions on woodcutting.
 
 Killing animals is not a problem for the ranger, either. The use every part of the animal. The skin is used for armor, clothing, rugs, etc...things that can be used or sold. The meat is generally eaten. However, for rare species, they are generally hunted in moderation...animals that are over abundent are hunted at will. Population control is a must to prevent disease and draining food supplies. No real restriction on animal killing.
 
 Special considerations? I am the wrong person to ask about this.

[Stephen_Zuckerman]

Ranger/Mage... Do you mean Rgr/Wiz or Rgr/Sor? The distinction is a little bit important...

My thoughts on what a Ranger is.

A ranger is the huntsman archetype, through and through. A ranger learns his region, learns it well, and learns to fight the enemies he faces most often, more effectively. Through his experience, he gains an understanding of his region, and eventually, the power to manipulate strands of the Weave that lie in the area around him.

A ranger might be most at home in the forest, and fight against the goblins who raid there most often. A ranger might be most at home in the desert, and be constantly waging war on the scorpions of truly colossal proportions. A ranger might even be most at home in the depth of the cities, his specialty lying in tracking down men and elves.

As a Ranger/arcane caster, your spells will be much more diverse... Tying the magic you get from the Ranger class in with the arcane studies would make that aspect of the class easier to handle. However, the split is going to be very hard to justify.

What's the character like, and why do you think a Ranger/wiz or sorc build most appropriately represents his or her skills?

[musicman4283]

I suppose I should have specified that this character would be an elf that has lived his whole life in a wooded environment. I have always had this image of elves as being both woodsmen and wizards. Stereotypically, elves are good archers and can be quite sneaky when roaming the woods. Living constantly int he woods he would surely have some affinity with animals there as well. That seems to point to ranger to me. I also envision elves as having magic bred into them. This point can be seen in that an elf's favored class is wizard.

What do you think? I believe that this character build would make for good roleplay, good combat, skill & spell set.

[twidget658]

I suppose I should have specified that this character would be an elf that has lived his whole life in a wooded environment. I have always had this image of elves as being both woodsmen and wizards. Stereotypically, elves are good archers and can be quite sneaky when roaming the woods. Living constantly int he woods he would surely have some affinity with animals there as well. That seems to point to ranger to me. I also envision elves as having magic bred into them. This point can be seen in that an elf's favored class is wizard.
 
 What do you think? I believe that this character build would make for good roleplay, good combat, skill & spell set.

 
 Great! You have the same views that I do. The ranger/wizard build also allows for the Arcane Archer later on. The ranger already has a spell book, so the wizard class will just add another WIDE selection of spells to memorize, plus you can add to the book by adding scrolls.
 
 I think it is very easy for a ranger to learn wizardry. High Intelligence for the Wizard spells, high Wisdom for the Ranger spells. Why would a ranger not be able to learn arcane magic? High Dexterity for combat and armor class.
 
 Be advised though, things start getting pretty thin when you are trying to put skill points into ranger abilities and wizard abilities. The feats can be somewhat of a challenge as well. I am not a big fan of multi-classing, though I do have one tha is a Ranger 4/Wizard 4/Arcane Archer 1.

[musicman4283]

I think I am gonna try this. Look for him on the Character Submissions page soon. Thanks for your help.

[twidget658]

Good luck! See ya IG!