Ranger
Ranged DPS / Scout
Overview
The Ranger is Lourdin RPG's ranged DPS specialist, built around bow and crossbow combat. Starting with 10 HP and light/medium armor, Rangers attack from any zone without closing to melee range. Multi-Shot hits a primary target for full damage with 50% splash to other enemies in the zone, Aimed Shot reliably connects on high-AC targets, Extra Attack passively swings the basic Attack twice from level 5, and Favored Terrain lets Rangers walk through zone hazards (Ice Slick, etc.) that slow and damage other classes.
The Ranger is a master of ranged combat and wilderness survival. With a trusty bow or crossbow in hand, Rangers strike from a distance, picking off enemies before they can close the gap. Their signature toolkit — Multi-Shot for cluster splash, Aimed Shot for precision, Extra Attack at L5 for double-tap basic shots, and Volley for the whole battlefield — rewards players who read the field and cycle cooldowns smartly.
Rangers are perfect for players who prefer to engage enemies from a safe distance while maintaining mobility and tactical options. Dexterity drives damage, AC, and attack rolls; Wisdom scales their future nature-magic kit and supports Aimed Shot's reliability.
| Base HP | 10 |
|---|---|
| Starting Mana | 5 |
| Primary Stat | Dexterity |
| Secondary Stat | Wisdom |
| Armor Type | Light / Medium |
| Starting AC | 11 |
| Resource System | Cooldowns |
| Availability | Free |
Core Strengths
Starting Equipment
- Hunter's Shortbow: 1d6 damage, +1 DEX — Your primary combat tool
- Ranger's Vest (Chest): Light armor, 1 AC, +1 DEX — Mobility over protection
- Ranger's Hood / Gloves / Leggings / Boots: Full starter set; no AC, but fills every armor slot from level 1
- Starting Currency: For upgrades at the merchant
What Are the Ranger's Class Features?
Multi-Shot (Level 1)
Fire a primary shot at your chosen target for full weapon damage, then send splash arrows at every other enemy sharing that zone for 50% damage (floored). Each shot rolls its own attack; splash hits use the same DEX-scaled damage as the primary, halved. Ideal for clearing clustered enemies while still committing real damage to a priority target.
Aimed Shot (Level 3)
Take careful aim for a precision strike: +2 to the attack roll and flat bonus damage equal to Level ÷ 2 (minimum 1). Perfect for hitting high-AC targets that your normal attacks struggle to connect with, or landing a reliable hit on a boss when it matters most.
Volley (Level 5)
Unleash a storm of arrows across the entire battlefield — every alive enemy in all zones is struck with individual attack rolls at -2 to hit and half damage. The tradeoff is worthwhile when facing many enemies spread across multiple zones. Doubles on a critical hit.
Hunter's Mark (Level 2)
Mark a single enemy as your quarry. Every weapon attack you land against the marked target deals +1d6 bonus damage until the mark expires or the target dies. The mark is concentration-based: casting on a new target removes any prior mark. Combines with Extra Attack for punishing ranged burst against priority threats.
Extra Attack (Passive) (Level 5)
From level 5, your standard Attack action automatically rolls two independent weapon strikes. Each strike rolls its own attack, can crit, and benefits from Hunter's Mark, Favored Enemy, and all normal damage bonuses. There is no button or cooldown — just hit Attack and you swing twice. Brings Ranger DPS in line with Warrior and Pirate at mid-to-late levels.
Favored Enemy (Creation Choice)
At character creation you choose one sworn quarry: Beasts, Humanoids, Undead, Dragons, Fiends, or Elementals. Every attack you land on a creature matching your favored tag deals +2 flat damage. A lifetime of tracking a specific kind of prey — choose the one that fits your campaign.
Favored Terrain (Passive)
Rangers are natural survivors who navigate hazardous terrain effortlessly. You ignore movement penalties and take no damage from terrain-based zone hazards such as Ice Slick. Other classes must suffer slowed movement and entry damage — you pass through freely. Essential in dungeon encounters featuring environmental hazards.
How Should You Play the Ranger in Combat?
Distance is Your Friend
Rangers excel when they maintain optimal distance from enemies. Stay out of melee range, use terrain for cover, and reposition as needed. Your bow is your primary weapon - keep enemies at bay while dealing consistent damage. Learn more about combat tactics.
Ability Usage Guide
- Multi-Shot vs groups: Drop the primary on the highest-priority target — splash trims the rest of the zone at half damage
- Aimed Shot vs bosses: +2 to hit and bonus flat damage ensures reliable burst on high-AC targets
- Volley vs spread enemies: Hit all zones at once — trades accuracy for coverage
- Basic Attack at L5+: No need to think about it — every Attack swings twice thanks to passive Extra Attack
- Cooldown juggling: Multi-Shot (3T) and Aimed Shot (2T) cycle well; save Volley (5T) for large encounters
Weapon Progression
- Hunter's Shortbow (1d6, Lv 1): Starting weapon — reliable and accurate
- Ranger's Recurve (1d8, Lv 4): First major upgrade, +2 DEX / +1 WIS
- Sylvan Bow (2d6, Lv 7): Generally Available mid-game powerhouse
- Eagle-Eye Longbow (2d6, Lv 10): Uncommon GA bow, +3 DEX / +1 WIS
- Windrunner / Moonshot (Lv 10+): Epic Boss drops for late game
- Oathkeeper (Lv 18): Legendary capstone bow
- Crossbows: All Ranger abilities also work with Crossbow and Pistol ranged weapons
Stat Priority
- Dexterity: Primary stat - increases ranged attack rolls, damage, and AC
- Wisdom: Secondary stat for future spellcasting abilities
- Constitution: Improves HP pool for survivability
Playstyle Tips
- Positioning Matters: Always maintain distance from melee enemies
- Stock Arrows: Keep a good supply of arrows and ammunition
- Use Terrain: Leverage high ground and cover for tactical advantage
- Target Prioritization: Focus on dangerous ranged enemies first, then melee
- Mobility: Don't stand still - reposition between attacks if needed
- Group Synergy: Let tanks engage enemies while you deal safe damage from range
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Safe ranged combat
- Good survivability with medium HP and armor
- High mobility and tactical flexibility
- Consistent damage output
- Simple mechanics perfect for beginners
- Passive Extra Attack at level 5 doubles basic Attack output with zero input
- Favored Terrain immunity to zone hazard damage and movement penalties
Weaknesses
- Vulnerable if caught in melee range
- Ammunition management (arrows)
- Lower damage than two-handed melee weapons
- Limited spell options (currently)
- Dependent on Dexterity - less build variety
Related Classes
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Ready to Master the Bow?
Create your Ranger and strike from the shadows!