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 clears clustered enemies, Aimed Shot reliably connects on high-AC targets, 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 crowds, Aimed Shot for precision, 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 volley of arrows at every enemy in your target's zone. Select any enemy in the zone — all monsters there receive individual attack rolls. Uses normal weapon damage + DEX modifier per hit. Ideal for clearing clustered enemies and thinning grouped threats quickly.
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 (Level 5)
Make two weapon attacks in a single turn. Each attack rolls independently and benefits from Hunter's Mark, Favored Enemy, and all normal damage bonuses. Brings Ranger DPS into line with Warrior and Pirate at the mid-to-late levels where martial parity matters most.
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: Target any enemy in a clustered zone to hit all of them
- 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
- 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
- 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!