cbarchuk wrote: I wanted to get some basic feedback and how to build a good monk and/or druid. I was also thinking about using a ranger. From what I've read they seem pretty weak but I just like them for roleplaying purposes. So I guess I'm wondering if I can make a decent one that would work and not hold the party back. Lastly for tank, I was going to probably just go with a pure fighter or barbarian type. Anyways, your thoughts and suggestions are welcome and once again, I appreciate the help.
Peace
Hm, depend on your definiotion of "fun". The lack of banter between party members and the unbelievably dumb "Chapter 3" seriously spoil the overall impression of the game.
Basically, I bet you've already read it, you can beat the game with almost any party and try any combination you like (although I would reccomend not to create LG Drow. This is sick). Thus, I will only speak from power-play perspective. Before you read my thoughts, there's the "ultimate powergaming guide" thread in this forum that you might like to check out.
I.Ranger - yes, the ranger seems weak, but that doesn't mean they're redundant. For one, the ranger easilly fills the rogue niche - at least that's how I use them. The ranger gets the most Skill points of all warrior types and can easilly spend them in "Open locks", "Search" and "Disable device". Here're the pros and cons of using a ranger to do a rogue's work:
+ better Attack and Favored enemy
+ free two-weapon fighting and ambidexterity
+ better choice of armor and weaponry
+ more HPs
- may not backstab (but I almost never backstab)
- gets less Skill Points than Rogues (but, since you can't backstab hide in shodows and move silently are of no use).
Should you go with ranger, here're two rangers like:
1)The tank - start with a fighter (free armor proficiency - heavy armor and a bonus feat). Take the following skills: Open Locks, Disable device, Search and put 4 points in Concentration. Make sure you have high Int (14 is OK) to get enough skill points, don't raise your Wis (druid spells you get are not worth it). When the character is at fighter 1/ranger 5, spend the following 3 levels as a fighter in order to get the "Maximized Attacks" feat. Once you learn the feat, I switch back to ranger.
2)The sniper - Alternatively, start as a Ranger, max your Dex score and get the "Weapon Finesse" feat. Switch between bows and double-wielding short swords when needed. Take the following skills: Open Locks, Disable device, Search. Make sure you have high Int (14 is OK) to get enough skill points, don't raise your Wis (druid spells you get are not worth it). Learn Precise & Rapid Shot and blast away.
II.Monk and/or Druid - why not go with a Monk/Druid? It's an all trick. Start as Monk and at level 2 (or three, if you need the saving throw bonus) change to a druid. Why this works? Well, for one thing, druids are Wis dependand, and so are monks. Two, monks add Wis to their AC. Three, druids' Armor proficiency sucks when compared to clerics. And four, while wild-shaped druids cannot wear armor but retain monk's "Wis to AC" bonus. This way a druid turned to polar bear can beconme a better tank than your average fighter/ranger/paladin.
III)"The tank" - If you followed my previous advices, you already have yourself a tank (or two, to be exact). Note this, however: never, ever, ecver go with a single-classed fighter. Fighters are just dull and have only one purpose in this game: to "unlock" the "Maximised Attack" feat. Thus your best option is to multiclass a fighter at level 4 (or at level 6) to either a barbarian or a paladin. Just make sure your character is of the right alignment.
