Rangers and Swashbucklers

[thaelis]

Just wondering if there are any plans to give these (and a couple other non-spellcaster classes) a little something extra.

Although I completely agree with the new changes to Fighter, their now 4+Int skill points and Spot/Listen class skills takes away some of the things which makes Swash/Ranger attractive.

Of course, they each still have benefits in their own way (HiPS springs to mind), but on balance they are now far inferior in combat and about equal regarding skills.

For Swashbuckler, I would say just making Spot/Hide class skills would be enough to make them not feel short-changed. For Ranger, I'm unsure what they could get...maybe some Ranger characters would have a better idea for a suitable boost (something in-character, not just bonuses to hit etc). Increased movement speed like Barbarian perhaps??

[Doubtful]

It would be nice to slowly (or quickly) see more classes go over to their Pathfinder variants. Things such as Ego Armour really help Swashes and help define the class as the Erol Flynn archetype.

That said, I don't really see these two as weak classes. they key is that they're not as all encompassing as the generic fighter, but they're far superior within their field of specialism.

The Ranger is a specialist, sure they're a lot less effective against general enemies, but by god are they scary against their favored enemies. One change I think might really help them is turning favored power attack into a general feat, meaning you take it once to cover all your favored enemies rather than having and individual feat for each one. Plus they've got HiPS and spellcasting.

Swashbucklers, they may start off a little weaker but against living non druid opponents they're a badass bunch. lots of people water down the Swash with Duelist levels, which helps a bit for some fights but sacrifices the ultra-brilliant abilities that the swash gets at higher level.

Personally I'd say that the poor Barbarian deserves a lot more loving a lot sooner than Rangers or Swashbucklers. They really are a ginger headed (and bearded) stepchild now. Even just giving them fighter style bonus feats would be a great way to pick them up off the floor and get them being more useful. With the proposed expansion into more northern climes (and the bucket full of northern inspiration I'm stocking up on right now) I reckon we'll have a lot more room for bringing barbarians into the Sundren fold.

[thaelis]

Just read the rules for Pathfinder rangers, and yes that would definitely give them a boost!

Particularly the "Quarry" and "Improved Quarry* abilities, which I can even see being extremely powerful, especially if someone chose Favoured Enemy: Humans.

[roguethree]

Swashbucklers are meh, only really viable as a 3-level splash as part of a scheme. That STR and CON damage on critical looks attractive, but it's really a poor substitute for actual damage, which the other melee classes provide in much better quantity. Take into account the Swashbuckler's low AC, no escape mechanism, and need to be in melee, and you have a pretty ineffective class choice.

Rangers are in a pretty good place, but I would love to see Favored Power Attack apply to all favored enemies instead of just one. This would open the door for a few different builds and playstyles.

When Barbarians lost Uncanny Dodge because Obsidian derped, that was a huge blow to the class. I've been talking about this class with Torgar, who's been talking to Poltergeist; we think additional rage bonuses might salvage it. E.g., a raging Barbarian gets additional DR based on level (1 every 2?). This way, when the raging Barbarian charges into the fray, he doesn't just get pasted for dropping his AC and taking aggro. Also, is it possible to code a new feat that would do what Uncanny Dodge is supposed to do?

[Farmboy2003]

Also, is it possible to code a new feat that would do what Uncanny Dodge is supposed to do?

That would be awesome. But I get the feeling it would've been done a long time ago if it was possible.