GemStone IV Wiki - User contributions [en]

Mobility (618)

2015-05-07T02:11:47Z

PENNINGTONB1: /* CML Offense and Defense */ Corrections

{{spell |
| mnemonic = MOBILITY
| base_dur = 1200
| add_dur = +60 sec per [[Ranger Base|rank]]
| span = [[Stackable]]
| type = Utility
| subtype = Skill Enhancement
| skill = [[Dodging]]
| components = None
| availability = All
| navigation = {{Ranger base navigation}}
}}
'''Mobility''' allows the target greater reaction to many [[maneuver]] attacks as well as providing the equivalent of 20 [[Dodge]] ranks, +1 for every [[Ranger Base]] spell known over 618.

The spell will protect the user from a [[Combat Maneuvers|maneuver]] if the maneuver is able to be [[evade]]d.

Rangers also receive a bonus to [[STEAL (verb)|STEAL]]ing while wearing this spell, which increases with further dedication to the ranger base.

The bonus for this spell caps at level, and maxes out at 100 ranks in [[Ranger Base]].

==CML Offense and Defense==

This spell provides phantom CM ranks solely affecting CML offense and defense. For rangers, this bonus is given by:
<div {{prettydiv|margin-right=500px}}>'''<tt><center>BONUS = [(ranger spell ranks - 18) * (2/3)] + 15</CENTER></TT></div>

Non-rangers will receive a flat +15 bonus while wearing this spell.

However, the spell will not provide this bonus beyond the equivalent of being 2x trained in CM. This means that a level 100 character with 195 ranks of CM may only receive 7 phantom CM ranks applied toward their CML offense/defense, maxing them out at the equivelent 202 ranks.

== Messaging ==
Initial cast:
<div {{Log|margin-right=400px}}>
You suddenly feel much more dextrous.
</div>

Wearing off:
<div {{Log|margin-right=400px}}>
You no longer feel so dextrous.
</div>

== External Links ==
* [http://www.play.net/gs4/info/spells/spelllist.asp?circle=9#618 Ranger Base Spell Circle: Mobility], on Play.net

[[category:Ranger Base Spells]]

Mobility (618)

2015-05-06T19:12:59Z

PENNINGTONB1:

{{spell |
| mnemonic = MOBILITY
| base_dur = 1200
| add_dur = +60 sec per [[Ranger Base|rank]]
| span = [[Stackable]]
| type = Utility
| subtype = Skill Enhancement
| skill = [[Dodging]]
| components = None
| availability = All
| navigation = {{Ranger base navigation}}
}}
'''Mobility''' allows the target greater reaction to many [[maneuver]] attacks as well as providing the equivalent of 20 [[Dodge]] ranks, +1 for every [[Ranger Base]] spell known over 618.

The spell will protect the user from a [[Combat Maneuvers|maneuver]] if the maneuver is able to be [[evade]]d.

Rangers also receive a bonus to [[STEAL (verb)|STEAL]]ing while wearing this spell, which increases with further dedication to the ranger base.

The bonus for this spell caps at level, and maxes out at 100 ranks in [[Ranger Base]].

==CML Offense and Defense==

This spell provides phantom CM ranks solely affecting CML offense and defense. This bonus is given by:
<div {{Log|margin-right=400px}}>
[(ranger spell ranks - 18) * 2 / 3] + 15
</div>

Non-rangers will receive a flat +15 bonus while wearing this spell.

However, the spell will not provide this bonus beyond a characters maximum trainable CM ranks. This means that a level 100 ranger with 195 ranks of CM will only receive 7 phantom CM ranks applied toward their CML offense/defense, maxing them out at the equivelent 202 ranks.

== Messaging ==
Initial cast:
<div {{Log|margin-right=400px}}>
You suddenly feel much more dextrous.
</div>

Wearing off:
<div {{Log|margin-right=400px}}>
You no longer feel so dextrous.
</div>

== External Links ==
* [http://www.play.net/gs4/info/spells/spelllist.asp?circle=9#618 Ranger Base Spell Circle: Mobility], on Play.net

[[category:Ranger Base Spells]]

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-17T23:56:41Z

PENNINGTONB1: /* Stats */

{{Work-in-progress}}

The purpose of this guide is to assist inexperienced players understand and easily surmount the challenges of rolling up a new [[Ranger|ranger]] from the ground up. It focuses on the entire process of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] and slightly beyond into the beginning of a ranger's life, including character development, choosing initial [[Statistics|stat]] placement, designing a [[Skill|skill]] training plan, and basic hunting strategies to bring those skill sets to life.

That said, the character building strategies described within this guide are meant to be only that – a simple guide – and are not to be taken as the only viable methods for doing so. The player is encouraged to take these generalities and build their character into the living, breathing person they envision. Gemstone IV provides an extremely vibrant and expansive world in which nearly anything a player can think up may be done.
__TOC__
==What is a Ranger?==

A [[Ranger|ranger]] is someone who appreciates and respects the beauty and simplicity of nature. Someone who may value the company of delightful forest creatures over that of other people. Someone who is happy to sleep in the nook of a tree under a starry sky. Due to a deep appreciation and understanding of nature, rangers can call on nature to aid in their defence or summon nature to assist in attacking unfriendly creatures through knowledge of their unique spell circle.

A ranger may eventually form an everlasting bond with a [[Animal Companion (630)|companion animal]]. This companion will provide the ranger valuable assistance in hunting as well a friendship that will play a significant role in both their lives.

More generally speaking, rangers are one of the three [[Semi|semi]] professions in [[Elanthia]]. Rangers typically hunt using a combination of physical attacks and spells (with spells from the [[Ranger Base]] and [[100s|Minor Spiritual]] [[Spell circle|spell circles]]). Popular hunting tactics for rangers are diverse. Rangers can succeed using any tactic from ranged sniping using some [[Sneaking (617)|spells]] to help conceal themselves; wielding a sword and shield while [[Nature's Fury (635)|summing nature]] to help smite their foes; hunting armed only by a runestaff and their [[Spike Thorn (616)|own spells]] or anything in-between.

==Roleplaying and Character Development==

The fundamentals of character development are all about the shaping and defining of one's character. To begin the process of character building, it is highly recommended that new players take some time familiarizing themselves with some of the game's lore found on the main website and within this wiki. Basic knowledge of the game's lore is invaluable in helping a player decide what they want their character to become, or at least start them on the path to discovery. Will he be a contemptuous [[Half-elf|half-elven]] pariah, exiled from some remote city in the [[Turamzzyrian Empire]], or will she be an obedient [[Giantman|giantman]] from the [[Grishknel Wolf Clan]], a scout for her nomadic village? Getting to know even the littlest bits about the world of [[Elanthia]] will put a player leaps and bounds ahead into deciding who they want their character to be.

One of the best places to start the investigation are [[Race|races]] and their respective [[Culture|subcultures]] as this will be one of the first things that players will be required to choose for a character before playing (technically, a subculture may be chosen later at leisure using the [[TITLE (verb)|title verb]], but a race must be selected when starting a new character). Cities and the political powers that govern them are another excellent option for starting character development (e.g. the cities of the [[Elven Nations]] and the Human – that is, Turamzzyrrian – Empire). Even looking at [[Skill|skill]] descriptions and game mechanics can help a player understand what’s possible within the world. However, looking into one subject can lead down the rabbit hole into a seemingly unending series of articles and subjects, so it is suggested that players pace themselves and remember while researching that they don’t have to figure out absolutely everything right away. The purpose of initial research should just be to get them started. Characters can and should continue to develop throughout their entire existence as they continue to gather experiences, make friends and enemies, and travel the world.

Of course, a player may decide to eschew this process initially and get right into playing. Many decide after [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] who they want their characters to be.

After character creation, one of the best tools to progress a character’s development is for the player to interact with others: watch people, talk to people, and ask questions. Watch the calendars for upcoming events and get involved (e.g. by joining a [[CHE|house]]). Make sure to explore and see the things there are to see – there are hints about the world everywhere. Finally, have fun and live the character’s story.

==Character Creation==

This module of the guide follows every step of the character creation process in the exact order they appear when a player creates a new character through the game's main website.

===Gender===
Gender is entirely up to personal preference, as it provides no mechanical advantage in any way during gameplay.

===Profession===

Because this is a ranger guide, it is recommended that “Ranger” is chosen here.

===Race===

Main Article: [[Race]]

There are quite a number of driving factors players rate and choose by when deciding to play a particular race. This section explores some of those reasons in order to help new players make a more informed decision when choosing a race themselves. It is recommended that the reader refer to both this section and the section on stats before making any final decisions, as both subjects are entwined.

Perhaps the most obvious reason for choosing one particular race is simply due to creative preference. To borrow a couple stereotypes, a player may want their character to be a high born elf or a drunken dwarf. Roleplaying choices such as these are extremely common and encouraged.

Racial modifiers to stats are another example (the effects of these modifiers will be conceptualized here, while their mechanical effects will be detailed in the stats section). Halflings, for example, are physically weaker due to their size than other larger races. This trait manifests itself mechanically when determining how much weight the halfling can carry around, or in how fast he can swing a weapon/draw his bow. Next, take a giantman for example: while they are physically powerful, they are not known for being the most dexterous race. This time, the trait can manifests itself in the giant's stunted ability to fire a bow well. It is primarily in these ways (through stat modifiers) that each race brings to life their particular strengths and weaknesses.

Other racial modifiers not linked to stats are yet another reason players prefer a particular race. Each race, for example, has a differing maximum health point limit. Some races (halflings and dwarves) have natural bonuses to their magic defenses, while others (elves) are very resistant to poisons and diseases. Further and more specific details about most of the important non-stat related modifiers can be found in the article: [[Racial modifiers (saved post)|Racial Modifiers]].

As one last note on the subject of choosing a race: players should take care to understand that the aforementioned modifiers or any combination thereof of any particular race do not make that race unplayable. It is possible for a ranger of any race to be highly successful and enjoy their adventure.

===Culture===

This setting allows players to choose between their selected race’s cultures. Culture, like gender, proffers no mechanical advantages beyond opening up the ability to speak in the language associated with that culture, if applicable. Otherwise, this is completely up to personal preference. Culture is also one of the only options (the other being certain appearance options, discussed below) players are not required to select when creating a new character. If a player is not ready to choose a culture at the time prompted, they may select the option labeled “None” and later access the options again via the TITLE verb in game.

===Appearance===

Appearance is one of the first things other players see when looking at a character. These options are entirely cosmetic (appropriately) and up to the player’s creative preferences. Beyond the basics (hair style and color, eye color, and skin color), all other options here may be set later, if at all. Once in game, players have the opportunity to change these traits as they please in the “New Look” pavilions located in every major city. Occasionally, feature alteration services may be offered by special merchants so that players may further customize their appearance.

===Stats===

A character's statistics may be thought of as the innate aptitude for, or lack thereof, a given quality. Is a character strong or weak, nimble or clumsy, etc. Mechanically speaking, stats make you slightly better, or slightly worse at performing the tasks the stats operate on. Stats are also split into three groups: physical, mental, and hybrid (a combination of the former two), which can help players conceptually understand the types of systems each can affect.

Each stat has two values associated with it: a base value and a bonus value.

A stat's base value is an unmodified value that is used in part to determine the same stat's bonus value, and collectively to determine the number of training points a player can spend on skills. It is otherwise very seldom used in other mechanical systems.

The bonus value, which is used in a wide variety of systems, is a modified value that is determined by the stat's base value and the race of a character. The bonus value is the value used in formulas that calculate a character's defense, attack strength, ability to hide, etc. along with skill bonuses and other non-stat/skill related constants.

The following is a list of statistics, coupled with descriptions of what each is, and what each affects as it pertain to activities a ranger would expect to do.

Physical Stats

[[Strength]]: A measure of a character's physical prowess. It is used in determining the strength of melee attacks, the speed of ranged attacks, and encumbrance (how much a character can carry without suffering adverse effects).

[[Constitution]]: A measure of a character's hardiness. It is used in determining starting and maximum health points, stamina points (it is the most heavily weighted stat in this calculation), encumbrance, how well a character takes damage, and disease resistance.

[[Dexterity]]: A measure of a character's hand-eye coordination, balance, and aim. It is used in determining the strength of a ranged attack, the speed of a melee attack, how well a character can ambush, and how well a character can skin.

[[Agility]]: A measure of a character's quickness and ability to defend itself. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can avoid detection while hidden, how well a character can dodge attacks, and the speed of melee attacks.

Mental Stats

[[Logic]]: A measure of a character's ability to reason. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once and how fast it is absorbed, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Intuition]]: A measure of a character's insight. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can dodge attacks, foraging ability, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Wisdom]]: A measure of a character's problem solving ability and affinity with spiritual magic..It is used in determining a character's ability to cast and defend against spiritual spells (spells in the ranger circle are considered spiritual), and starting mana points.

[[Influence]]: A measure of a character's charisma. It is used in determining how well a character can haggle in shops.

Hybrid Stats (Physical & Mental)

[[Aura]]: A measure of a character's connection to the magic nature of Elanthia. It is used in determining spirit points, and a character's ability to defend against elemental magic.

[[Discipline]]: A measure of a character's determination and self-control. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once, a character's ability to hide and avoid detection while hidden, and a character's ability to defend against mental magic.

Prime Requisites

Prime requisites are stats that are used in the calculation of training points (discussed next). Two stats from the above list are assigned to each profession for this purpose. The prime requisite stats for rangers are dexterity and intuition.

Training Points

Training points (TPs) are what a character spends on skills. They are broken down into two types: '''Physical Training Points''' (PTPs) and '''Mental Training Points''' (MTPs). These points are calculated using a character's base stat values to generate a number of each type of TP for a character per level.. Physical stats are used to calculate PTPs, mental for MTPs, and hybrid for both. Prime requisite stats are valued twice as much as any other stat in this calculation.

Training point costs for skills will be discussed further in the skills section of this module, as some skill sets require larger amounts of one type of TP than the other.

Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses

Racial modifiers to stat bonuses, depicted in the table below, show the particulars of each race's strengths and weaknesses.

{|
|-
{| {{prettytable}}
|+ '''Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses'''
|-
! width=80px |
! width=80px | [[Strength]] || width=80px | [[Constitution]] || width=80px | [[Dexterity]] || width=80px | [[Agility]] || width=80px | [[Discipline]]
! width=80px | [[Aura]] || width=80px | [[Logic]] || width=80px | [[Intuition]] || width=80px | [[Wisdom]] || width=80px | [[Influence]]
|- align = center
| '''[[Aelotoi]]''' || {{{str|-5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dwarf]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+15}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|+10}}} || {{{aur|-10}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Elf]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+15}}} || {{{dis|-15}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dark elf|Elf, Dark]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|-5}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-10}}} || {{{aur|+10}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-elf|Elf, Half]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Sylvankind|Elf, Sylvan]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Erithian|Erithi]]''' || {{{str|-5}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|0}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Burghal gnome|Gnome, Burghal]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|+10}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Forest gnome|Gnome, Forest]]''' || {{{str|-10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Giantman]]''' || {{{str|+15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|-5}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|-5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Halfling]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+15}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+10}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Human]]''' || {{{str|+5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|0}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-Krolvin|Krolvin, Half]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|-10}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|-5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|}
|}

Setting Up Initial Stat Placement

Coming soon...

===Skills===

===Name===

A character’s name. Choose wisely. This is one of the few settings players will never be able to change within the lifespan of their character.

==See Also==
*[[Ranger]] (main article)
*[[New Players' Guide]] (a comprehensive beginner's guide for new players of any profession)
*[[The Art of the Bow (guide)]]
*[[Aurach's Two Weapon Combat Guide: A Ranger's Perspective]]
*[[The Archer Ranger]]
*[[The Art of Roleplaying in GemStone IV (guide)]]
*[[Player Guide Contest]]

==References==
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/professions/rangers.asp Ranger profession on Play.net]
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/npg/home.asp GemStone IV New Player Guide on Play.net]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Ranger]]
[[Category:Professional Guides]]
[[Category:New Player| ]]

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-17T21:37:54Z

PENNINGTONB1: /* Stats */ added Prime Requisites; Training Points

{{Work-in-progress}}

The purpose of this guide is to assist inexperienced players understand and easily surmount the challenges of rolling up a new [[Ranger|ranger]] from the ground up. It focuses on the entire process of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] and slightly beyond into the beginning of a ranger's life, including character development, choosing initial [[Statistics|stat]] placement, designing a [[Skill|skill]] training plan, and basic hunting strategies to bring those skill sets to life.

That said, the character building strategies described within this guide are meant to be only that – a simple guide – and are not to be taken as the only viable methods for doing so. The player is encouraged to take these generalities and build their character into the living, breathing person they envision. Gemstone IV provides an extremely vibrant and expansive world in which nearly anything a player can think up may be done.
__TOC__
==What is a Ranger?==

A [[Ranger|ranger]] is someone who appreciates and respects the beauty and simplicity of nature. Someone who may value the company of delightful forest creatures over that of other people. Someone who is happy to sleep in the nook of a tree under a starry sky. Due to a deep appreciation and understanding of nature, rangers can call on nature to aid in their defence or summon nature to assist in attacking unfriendly creatures through knowledge of their unique spell circle.

A ranger may eventually form an everlasting bond with a [[Animal Companion (630)|companion animal]]. This companion will provide the ranger valuable assistance in hunting as well a friendship that will play a significant role in both their lives.

More generally speaking, rangers are one of the three [[Semi|semi]] professions in [[Elanthia]]. Rangers typically hunt using a combination of physical attacks and spells (with spells from the [[Ranger Base]] and [[100s|Minor Spiritual]] [[Spell circle|spell circles]]). Popular hunting tactics for rangers are diverse. Rangers can succeed using any tactic from ranged sniping using some [[Sneaking (617)|spells]] to help conceal themselves; wielding a sword and shield while [[Nature's Fury (635)|summing nature]] to help smite their foes; hunting armed only by a runestaff and their [[Spike Thorn (616)|own spells]] or anything in-between.

==Roleplaying and Character Development==

The fundamentals of character development are all about the shaping and defining of one's character. To begin the process of character building, it is highly recommended that new players take some time familiarizing themselves with some of the game's lore found on the main website and within this wiki. Basic knowledge of the game's lore is invaluable in helping a player decide what they want their character to become, or at least start them on the path to discovery. Will he be a contemptuous [[Half-elf|half-elven]] pariah, exiled from some remote city in the [[Turamzzyrian Empire]], or will she be an obedient [[Giantman|giantman]] from the [[Grishknel Wolf Clan]], a scout for her nomadic village? Getting to know even the littlest bits about the world of [[Elanthia]] will put a player leaps and bounds ahead into deciding who they want their character to be.

One of the best places to start the investigation are [[Race|races]] and their respective [[Culture|subcultures]] as this will be one of the first things that players will be required to choose for a character before playing (technically, a subculture may be chosen later at leisure using the [[TITLE (verb)|title verb]], but a race must be selected when starting a new character). Cities and the political powers that govern them are another excellent option for starting character development (e.g. the cities of the [[Elven Nations]] and the Human – that is, Turamzzyrrian – Empire). Even looking at [[Skill|skill]] descriptions and game mechanics can help a player understand what’s possible within the world. However, looking into one subject can lead down the rabbit hole into a seemingly unending series of articles and subjects, so it is suggested that players pace themselves and remember while researching that they don’t have to figure out absolutely everything right away. The purpose of initial research should just be to get them started. Characters can and should continue to develop throughout their entire existence as they continue to gather experiences, make friends and enemies, and travel the world.

Of course, a player may decide to eschew this process initially and get right into playing. Many decide after [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] who they want their characters to be.

After character creation, one of the best tools to progress a character’s development is for the player to interact with others: watch people, talk to people, and ask questions. Watch the calendars for upcoming events and get involved (e.g. by joining a [[CHE|house]]). Make sure to explore and see the things there are to see – there are hints about the world everywhere. Finally, have fun and live the character’s story.

==Character Creation==

This module of the guide follows every step of the character creation process in the exact order they appear when a player creates a new character through the game's main website.

===Gender===
Gender is entirely up to personal preference, as it provides no mechanical advantage in any way during gameplay.

===Profession===

Because this is a ranger guide, it is recommended that “Ranger” is chosen here.

===Race===

Main Article: [[Race]]

There are quite a number of driving factors players rate and choose by when deciding to play a particular race. This section explores some of those reasons in order to help new players make a more informed decision when choosing a race themselves. It is recommended that the reader refer to both this section and the section on stats before making any final decisions, as both subjects are entwined.

Perhaps the most obvious reason for choosing one particular race is simply due to creative preference. To borrow a couple stereotypes, a player may want their character to be a high born elf or a drunken dwarf. Roleplaying choices such as these are extremely common and encouraged.

Racial modifiers to stats are another example (the effects of these modifiers will be conceptualized here, while their mechanical effects will be detailed in the stats section). Halflings, for example, are physically weaker due to their size than other larger races. This trait manifests itself mechanically when determining how much weight the halfling can carry around, or in how fast he can swing a weapon/draw his bow. Next, take a giantman for example: while they are physically powerful, they are not known for being the most dexterous race. This time, the trait can manifests itself in the giant's stunted ability to fire a bow well. It is primarily in these ways (through stat modifiers) that each race brings to life their particular strengths and weaknesses.

Other racial modifiers not linked to stats are yet another reason players prefer a particular race. Each race, for example, has a differing maximum health point limit. Some races (halflings and dwarves) have natural bonuses to their magic defenses, while others (elves) are very resistant to poisons and diseases. Further and more specific details about most of the important non-stat related modifiers can be found in the article: [[Racial modifiers (saved post)|Racial Modifiers]].

As one last note on the subject of choosing a race: players should take care to understand that the aforementioned modifiers or any combination thereof of any particular race do not make that race unplayable. It is possible for a ranger of any race to be highly successful and enjoy their adventure.

===Culture===

This setting allows players to choose between their selected race’s cultures. Culture, like gender, proffers no mechanical advantages beyond opening up the ability to speak in the language associated with that culture, if applicable. Otherwise, this is completely up to personal preference. Culture is also one of the only options (the other being certain appearance options, discussed below) players are not required to select when creating a new character. If a player is not ready to choose a culture at the time prompted, they may select the option labeled “None” and later access the options again via the TITLE verb in game.

===Appearance===

Appearance is one of the first things other players see when looking at a character. These options are entirely cosmetic (appropriately) and up to the player’s creative preferences. Beyond the basics (hair style and color, eye color, and skin color), all other options here may be set later, if at all. Once in game, players have the opportunity to change these traits as they please in the “New Look” pavilions located in every major city. Occasionally, feature alteration services may be offered by special merchants so that players may further customize their appearance.

===Stats===

A character's statistics may be thought of as the innate aptitude for, or lack thereof, a given quality. Is a character strong or weak, nimble or clumsy, etc. Mechanically speaking, stats make you slightly better, or slightly worse at performing the tasks the stats operate on. Stats are also split into three groups: physical, mental, and hybrid (a combination of the former two), which can help players conceptually understand the types of systems each can affect.

Each stat has two values associated with it: a base value and a bonus value.

A stat's base value is an unmodified value that is used in part to determine the same stat's bonus value, and collectively to determine the number of training points a player can spend on skills. It is otherwise very seldom used in other mechanical systems.

The bonus value, which is used in a wide variety of systems, is a modified value that is determined by the stat's base value and the race of a character. The bonus value is the value used in formulas that calculate a character's defense, attack strength, ability to hide, etc. along with skill bonuses and other non-stat/skill related constants.

The following is a list of statistics, coupled with descriptions of what each is, and what each affects as it pertain to activities a ranger would expect to do.

Physical Stats

[[Strength]]: A measure of a character's physical prowess. It is used in determining the strength of melee attacks, the speed of ranged attacks, and encumbrance (how much a character can carry without suffering adverse effects).

[[Constitution]]: A measure of a character's hardiness. It is used in determining starting and maximum health points, stamina points (it is the most heavily weighted stat in this calculation), encumbrance, how well a character takes damage, and disease resistance.

[[Dexterity]]: A measure of a character's hand-eye coordination, balance, and aim. It is used in determining the strength of a ranged attack, the speed of a melee attack, how well a character can ambush, and how well a character can skin.

[[Agility]]: A measure of a character's quickness and ability to defend itself. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can avoid detection while hidden, how well a character can dodge attacks, and the speed of melee attacks.

Mental Stats

[[Logic]]: A measure of a character's ability to reason. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once and how fast it is absorbed, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Intuition]]: A measure of a character's insight. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can dodge attacks, foraging ability, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Wisdom]]: A measure of a character's problem solving ability and affinity with spiritual magic..It is used in determining a character's ability to cast and defend against spiritual spells (spells in the ranger circle are considered spiritual), and starting mana points.

[[Influence]]: A measure of a character's charisma. It is used in determining how well a character can haggle in shops.

Hybrid Stats (Physical & Mental)

[[Aura]]: A measure of a character's connection to the magic nature of Elanthia. It is used in determining spirit points, and a character's ability to defend against elemental magic.

[[Discipline]]: A measure of a character's determination and self-control. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once, a character's ability to hide and avoid detection while hidden, and a character's ability to defend against mental magic.

Prime Requisites

Prime requisites are stats that are used in the calculation of training points (discussed next). Two stats from the above list are assigned to each profession for this purpose. The prime requisite stats for rangers are dexterity and intuition.

Training Points

Training points (TPs) are what a character spends on skills. They are broken down into two types: Physical Training Points (PTPs) and Mental Training Points (MTPs). These points are calculated using a character's base stat values to generate a number of each type of TP for a character per level.. Physical stats are used to calculate PTPs, mental for MTPs, and hybrid for both. Prime requisite stats are valued twice as much as any other stat in this calculation.

Training point costs for skills will be discussed further in the skills section of this module, as some skill sets require larger amounts of one type of TP than the other.

Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses

Racial modifiers to stat bonuses, depicted in the table below, show the particulars of each race's strengths and weaknesses.

{|
|-
{| {{prettytable}}
|+ '''Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses'''
|-
! width=80px |
! width=80px | [[Strength]] || width=80px | [[Constitution]] || width=80px | [[Dexterity]] || width=80px | [[Agility]] || width=80px | [[Discipline]]
! width=80px | [[Aura]] || width=80px | [[Logic]] || width=80px | [[Intuition]] || width=80px | [[Wisdom]] || width=80px | [[Influence]]
|- align = center
| '''[[Aelotoi]]''' || {{{str|-5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dwarf]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+15}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|+10}}} || {{{aur|-10}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Elf]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+15}}} || {{{dis|-15}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dark elf|Elf, Dark]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|-5}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-10}}} || {{{aur|+10}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-elf|Elf, Half]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Sylvankind|Elf, Sylvan]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Erithian|Erithi]]''' || {{{str|-5}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|0}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Burghal gnome|Gnome, Burghal]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|+10}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Forest gnome|Gnome, Forest]]''' || {{{str|-10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Giantman]]''' || {{{str|+15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|-5}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|-5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Halfling]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+15}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+10}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Human]]''' || {{{str|+5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|0}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-Krolvin|Krolvin, Half]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|-10}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|-5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|}
|}

Setting Up Initial Stat Placement

Coming soon...

===Skills===

===Name===

A character’s name. Choose wisely. This is one of the few settings players will never be able to change within the lifespan of their character.

==See Also==
*[[Ranger]] (main article)
*[[New Players' Guide]] (a comprehensive beginner's guide for new players of any profession)
*[[The Art of the Bow (guide)]]
*[[Aurach's Two Weapon Combat Guide: A Ranger's Perspective]]
*[[The Art of Roleplaying in GemStone IV (guide)]]
*[[Player Guide Contest]]

==References==
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/professions/rangers.asp Ranger profession on Play.net]
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/npg/home.asp GemStone IV New Player Guide on Play.net]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Ranger]]
[[Category:Professional Guides]]
[[Category:New Player| ]]

Aurach's Two Weapon Combat Guide: A Ranger's Perspective

2015-02-16T21:19:47Z

PENNINGTONB1: added See also, references, stub

{{Work-in-progress}}

==See Also==
*[[Ranger]] (main article)
*[[A beginner's guide to playing a ranger]]
*[[Player Guide Contest]]

==References==
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/professions/rangers.asp Ranger profession on Play.net]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Ranger]]
[[Category:Professional Guides]]
[[Category:New Player| ]]

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-16T21:15:17Z

PENNINGTONB1: /* See Also */ added Aurach's TWC guide link

{{Work-in-progress}}

The purpose of this guide is to assist inexperienced players understand and easily surmount the challenges of rolling up a new [[Ranger|ranger]] from the ground up. It focuses on the entire process of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] and slightly beyond into the beginning of a ranger's life, including character development, choosing initial [[Statistics|stat]] placement, designing a [[Skill|skill]] training plan, and basic hunting strategies to bring those skill sets to life.

That said, the character building strategies described within this guide are meant to be only that – a simple guide – and are not to be taken as the only viable methods for doing so. The player is encouraged to take these generalities and build their character into the living, breathing person they envision. Gemstone IV provides an extremely vibrant and expansive world in which nearly anything a player can think up may be done.
__TOC__
==What is a Ranger?==

A [[Ranger|ranger]] is someone who appreciates and respects the beauty and simplicity of nature. Someone who may value the company of delightful forest creatures over that of other people. Someone who is happy to sleep in the nook of a tree under a starry sky. Due to a deep appreciation and understanding of nature, rangers can call on nature to aid in their defence or summon nature to assist in attacking unfriendly creatures through knowledge of their unique spell circle.

A ranger may eventually form an everlasting bond with a [[Animal Companion (630)|companion animal]]. This companion will provide the ranger valuable assistance in hunting as well a friendship that will play a significant role in both their lives.

More generally speaking, rangers are one of the three [[Semi|semi]] professions in [[Elanthia]]. Rangers typically hunt using a combination of physical attacks and spells (with spells from the [[Ranger Base]] and [[100s|Minor Spiritual]] [[Spell circle|spell circles]]). Popular hunting tactics for rangers are diverse. Rangers can succeed using any tactic from ranged sniping using some [[Sneaking (617)|spells]] to help conceal themselves; wielding a sword and shield while [[Nature's Fury (635)|summing nature]] to help smite their foes; hunting armed only by a runestaff and their [[Spike Thorn (616)|own spells]] or anything in-between.

==Roleplaying and Character Development==

The fundamentals of character development are all about the shaping and defining of one's character. To begin the process of character building, it is highly recommended that new players take some time familiarizing themselves with some of the game's lore found on the main website and within this wiki. Basic knowledge of the game's lore is invaluable in helping a player decide what they want their character to become, or at least start them on the path to discovery. Will he be a contemptuous [[Half-elf|half-elven]] pariah, exiled from some remote city in the [[Turamzzyrian Empire]], or will she be an obedient [[Giantman|giantman]] from the [[Grishknel Wolf Clan]], a scout for her nomadic village? Getting to know even the littlest bits about the world of [[Elanthia]] will put a player leaps and bounds ahead into deciding who they want their character to be.

One of the best places to start the investigation are [[Race|races]] and their respective [[Culture|subcultures]] as this will be one of the first things that players will be required to choose for a character before playing (technically, a subculture may be chosen later at leisure using the [[TITLE (verb)|title verb]], but a race must be selected when starting a new character). Cities and the political powers that govern them are another excellent option for starting character development (e.g. the cities of the [[Elven Nations]] and the Human – that is, Turamzzyrrian – Empire). Even looking at [[Skill|skill]] descriptions and game mechanics can help a player understand what’s possible within the world. However, looking into one subject can lead down the rabbit hole into a seemingly unending series of articles and subjects, so it is suggested that players pace themselves and remember while researching that they don’t have to figure out absolutely everything right away. The purpose of initial research should just be to get them started. Characters can and should continue to develop throughout their entire existence as they continue to gather experiences, make friends and enemies, and travel the world.

Of course, a player may decide to eschew this process initially and get right into playing. Many decide after [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] who they want their characters to be.

After character creation, one of the best tools to progress a character’s development is for the player to interact with others: watch people, talk to people, and ask questions. Watch the calendars for upcoming events and get involved (e.g. by joining a [[CHE|house]]). Make sure to explore and see the things there are to see – there are hints about the world everywhere. Finally, have fun and live the character’s story.

==Character Creation==

This module of the guide follows every step of the character creation process in the exact order they appear when a player creates a new character through the game's main website.

===Gender===
Gender is entirely up to personal preference, as it provides no mechanical advantage in any way during gameplay.

===Profession===

Because this is a ranger guide, it is recommended that “Ranger” is chosen here.

===Race===

Main Article: [[Race]]

There are quite a number of driving factors players rate and choose by when deciding to play a particular race. This section explores some of those reasons in order to help new players make a more informed decision when choosing a race themselves. It is recommended that the reader refer to both this section and the section on stats before making any final decisions, as both subjects are entwined.

Perhaps the most obvious reason for choosing one particular race is simply due to creative preference. To borrow a couple stereotypes, a player may want their character to be a high born elf or a drunken dwarf. Roleplaying choices such as these are extremely common and encouraged.

Racial modifiers to stats are another example (the effects of these modifiers will be conceptualized here, while their mechanical effects will be detailed in the stats section). Halflings, for example, are physically weaker due to their size than other larger races. This trait manifests itself mechanically when determining how much weight the halfling can carry around, or in how fast he can swing a weapon/draw his bow. Next, take a giantman for example: while they are physically powerful, they are not known for being the most dexterous race. This time, the trait can manifests itself in the giant's stunted ability to fire a bow well. It is primarily in these ways (through stat modifiers) that each race brings to life their particular strengths and weaknesses.

Other racial modifiers not linked to stats are yet another reason players prefer a particular race. Each race, for example, has a differing maximum health point limit. Some races (halflings and dwarves) have natural bonuses to their magic defenses, while others (elves) are very resistant to poisons and diseases. Further and more specific details about most of the important non-stat related modifiers can be found in the article: [[Racial modifiers (saved post)|Racial Modifiers]].

As one last note on the subject of choosing a race: players should take care to understand that the aforementioned modifiers or any combination thereof of any particular race do not make that race unplayable. It is possible for a ranger of any race to be highly successful and enjoy their adventure.

===Culture===

This setting allows players to choose between their selected race’s cultures. Culture, like gender, proffers no mechanical advantages beyond opening up the ability to speak in the language associated with that culture, if applicable. Otherwise, this is completely up to personal preference. Culture is also one of the only options (the other being certain appearance options, discussed below) players are not required to select when creating a new character. If a player is not ready to choose a culture at the time prompted, they may select the option labeled “None” and later access the options again via the TITLE verb in game.

===Appearance===

Appearance is one of the first things other players see when looking at a character. These options are entirely cosmetic (appropriately) and up to the player’s creative preferences. Beyond the basics (hair style and color, eye color, and skin color), all other options here may be set later, if at all. Once in game, players have the opportunity to change these traits as they please in the “New Look” pavilions located in every major city. Occasionally, feature alteration services may be offered by special merchants so that players may further customize their appearance.

===Stats===

A character's statistics may be thought of as the innate aptitude for, or lack thereof, a given quality. Is a character strong or weak, nimble or clumsy, etc. Mechanically speaking, stats make you slightly better, or slightly worse at performing the tasks the stats operate on. Stats are also split into three groups: physical, mental, and hybrid (a combination of the former two), which can help players conceptually understand the types of systems each can affect.

Each stat has two values associated with it: a base value and a bonus value.

A stat's base value is an unmodified value that is used in part to determine the same stat's bonus value, and collectively to determine the number of training points a player can spend on skills. It is otherwise very seldom used in other mechanical systems.

The bonus value, which is used in a wide variety of systems, is a modified value that is determined by the stat's base value and the race of a character. The bonus value is the value used in formulas that calculate a character's defense, attack strength, ability to hide, etc. along with skill bonuses and other non-stat/skill related constants.

The following is a list of statistics, coupled with descriptions of what each is, and what each affects as it pertain to activities a ranger would expect to do.

Physical Stats

[[Strength]]: A measure of a character's physical prowess. It is used in determining the strength of melee attacks, the speed of ranged attacks, and encumbrance (how much a character can carry without suffering adverse effects).

[[Constitution]]: A measure of a character's hardiness. It is used in determining starting and maximum health points, stamina points (it is the most heavily weighted stat in this calculation), encumbrance, how well a character takes damage, and disease resistance.

[[Dexterity]]: A measure of a character's hand-eye coordination, balance, and aim. It is used in determining the strength of a ranged attack, the speed of a melee attack, how well a character can ambush, and how well a character can skin.

[[Agility]]: A measure of a character's quickness and ability to defend itself. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can avoid detection while hidden, how well a character can dodge attacks, and the speed of melee attacks.

Mental Stats

[[Logic]]: A measure of a character's ability to reason. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once and how fast it is absorbed, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Intuition]]: A measure of a character's insight. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can dodge attacks, foraging ability, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Wisdom]]: A measure of a character's problem solving ability and affinity with spiritual magic..It is used in determining a character's ability to cast and defend against spiritual spells (spells in the ranger circle are considered spiritual), and starting mana points.

[[Influence]]: A measure of a character's charisma. It is used in determining how well a character can haggle in shops.

Hybrid Stats (Physical & Mental)

[[Aura]]: A measure of a character's connection to the magic nature of Elanthia. It is used in determining spirit points, and a character's ability to defend against elemental magic.

[[Discipline]]: A measure of a character's determination and self-control. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once, a character's ability to hide and avoid detection while hidden, and a character's ability to defend against mental magic.

Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses

Racial modifiers to stat bonuses, depicted in the table below, show the particulars of each race's strengths and weaknesses.

{|
|-
{| {{prettytable}}
|+ '''Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses'''
|-
! width=80px |
! width=80px | [[Strength]] || width=80px | [[Constitution]] || width=80px | [[Dexterity]] || width=80px | [[Agility]] || width=80px | [[Discipline]]
! width=80px | [[Aura]] || width=80px | [[Logic]] || width=80px | [[Intuition]] || width=80px | [[Wisdom]] || width=80px | [[Influence]]
|- align = center
| '''[[Aelotoi]]''' || {{{str|-5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dwarf]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+15}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|+10}}} || {{{aur|-10}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Elf]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+15}}} || {{{dis|-15}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dark elf|Elf, Dark]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|-5}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-10}}} || {{{aur|+10}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-elf|Elf, Half]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Sylvankind|Elf, Sylvan]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Erithian|Erithi]]''' || {{{str|-5}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|0}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Burghal gnome|Gnome, Burghal]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|+10}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Forest gnome|Gnome, Forest]]''' || {{{str|-10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Giantman]]''' || {{{str|+15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|-5}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|-5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Halfling]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+15}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+10}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Human]]''' || {{{str|+5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|0}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-Krolvin|Krolvin, Half]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|-10}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|-5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|}
|}

Setting Up Initial Stat Placement

Coming soon...

===Skills===

===Name===

A character’s name. Choose wisely. This is one of the few settings players will never be able to change within the lifespan of their character.

==See Also==
*[[Ranger]] (main article)
*[[New Players' Guide]] (a comprehensive beginner's guide for new players of any profession)
*[[The Art of the Bow (guide)]]
*[[Aurach's Two Weapon Combat Guide: A Ranger's Perspective]]
*[[The Art of Roleplaying in GemStone IV (guide)]]
*[[Player Guide Contest]]

==References==
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/professions/rangers.asp Ranger profession on Play.net]
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/npg/home.asp GemStone IV New Player Guide on Play.net]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Ranger]]
[[Category:Professional Guides]]
[[Category:New Player| ]]

Aurach's Two Weapon Combat Guide: A Ranger's Perspective

2015-02-16T21:14:05Z

PENNINGTONB1: Created page with "{{Work-in-progress}}"

Talk:Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-16T16:38:37Z

PENNINGTONB1:

Hi, everyone.

I'd like to start a discussion about a cooperative ranger guide directed at inexperienced players.

First, I'd like to compile a list of quality material already in existence, and while there is a lot of good information out there, it seems to be pretty vastly spread out. There also seems to be a lack of existing ranger guides (I imagine a lot were lost as player owned websites discontinued hosting services), and those that can be found are old/too technical/too specific for a newbie guide. Perhaps some of you have some of the older ones tucked away in your long-lived GS directories, so please post them somewhere and give us a link in this discussion. Below is a small list of items I found with a quick cursory Google search.

Ransom's GSIII Ranger Guide: 
http://www.tamcon.com/GS3/ranger1.html 
Nuadjha's "The Art of the Bow": 
http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?49785-quot-The-Art-of-the-Bow-quot-GSIV-Archery-Guide

Second, I'd like to talk about the organization of the guide. I'm not entirely sure how I envision the whole thing laid out, but we can (and will, I'm sure) make alterations to the general layout as the guide progresses. Some basic modules that comes to mind are:

-a conceptualized description of what a ranger is and how they can be reasonably expected to function 
::Started on this last night, forgot to make a note here. Anyone who wants to fiddle with it and make it sound nicer is free to go ahead. [[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 04:43, 13 February 2015 (CST)
-a guide that follows the character creation process (e.g. choosing your race, stats, skills) 
-a basic hunting guide using the skills a typical ranger may be expected to have (we should probably avoid suggestions like "fletch till you 15, then go hunt" or "use this script to level to X" as this should remain a guide showing newbies how to roll up and play a ranger. 
-helpful links (preferably within the gswiki) to more specific guides and other useful information 
-notes on roleplaying and character development 
-basic information about societies and choosing a society

I'm not sure if we should get overly technical about specific training options (such as crit/DF tables, etc), though we can certainly provide links to such things while stressing that a complete understanding of these topics is not necessary for success. We should stress a basic concept of what a ranger is while also focusing on character customization by suggesting that there are a wide range of options available for a ranger where training/playing styles are concerned. Players need not follow an ideal perfectly to have a viable character.
::I can take care of that, I've had many requests for a ranger guide... Now that I'm putting down my newbie guide to you all, I can handle the advanced numerical outlook on rangers, if you guys want to stick to the basics. I may bug you in game for information and fact checking though! -Whirlin [[User:HJELTE|HJELTE]] ([[User talk:HJELTE|talk]]) 11:11, 11 February 2015 (CST)

::::Feel free to hit me up if you need any specific help. You know where to find Sepher. Regarding a more advanced mechanical outlook, such a guide like that would very much compliment one such as this, as there are always players that like to get deeply involved with the mechanical side of the game. I look forward to it. -Sepher --[[User:PENNINGTONB1|PENNINGTONB1]] ([[User talk:PENNINGTONB1|talk]]) 18:42, 12 February 2015 (CST)

So, before getting into the meat of the guide, what suggestions or ideas would you like to see in such a guide? If you're a new player or a new ranger, what sorts of questions do/did you have about playing a ranger? Let us know.

~Brian, Sepher's player

::I'm relatively new to GS overall, so I'm not sure about mechanics and general advice for being a ranger part since I've only played one ranger. I can provide text edits and add '''all of the links''' to other parts of GS wiki for people who just want to write text and not worry about that though.
::Oh, and I have a [[Buff spells|buff spells]] guide in the works so I'll try to figure out a way to get some sort of floating page so the relevant information can be presented here so new rangers have a good sense for which spells they should be liberally applying to themselves. -Astru [[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 11:10, 12 February 2015 (CST)

::::I am happy to leave the linking and general "Wikifying" part of editing to someone who knows what they're doing. It would just be a trial and error process for me and not something I'm interested in putting forth the effort into at the moment.

::::::I'm not super awesome at all things wiki, but after playing around a bit, I'm at least pretty good at linking stuff. I'll try to go through at the end and cut out excessive links at the end. Everything is supposed to be linked once per page when it's first mentioned, but who knows how things end up getting organized when we're done. [[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 04:43, 13 February 2015 (CST)

::::Regarding the buff guide: I don't know what a floating page is, so I wouldn't know if I necessarily want it on this particular page, but at the very least a link in the hunting module of the guide may be inserted. Ideally, I want to keep things as tight as possible. -Sepher --[[User:PENNINGTONB1|PENNINGTONB1]] ([[User talk:PENNINGTONB1|talk]]) 18:42, 12 February 2015 (CST)

::::::Well, in principle, when [[User:DAID|DAID]] and I get the floating pages working, they should be easy to add and remove from different pages, so if nobody likes it on this page and we just want to run with a link, it can be removed without losing the work. [[User:GS4-SCRIBES|SCRIBES]] is actually the one who suggested adding a buff spell section to the beginner profession pages when I asked on the officials, but we can certainly see how it works here. :) -Astru [[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 04:43, 13 February 2015 (CST)

I am going to undo the recent changed to the Race section because I feel some of the purpose and organization was lost in the edit. There are also POV issues, among other grammar problems with the edit. I will borrow some of the language to reedit the section. Too much was changed to warrant minor editing repairs, thus the reversion. Also, please leave the article highlights as they are, because I want readers to go to them. These articles are filled with so many links that people can become numb to them. -Sepher --[[User:PENNINGTONB1|PENNINGTONB1]] ([[User talk:PENNINGTONB1|talk]]) 20:57, 13 February 2015 (CST)

:My edits repaired some of the awkward sentence constructions in the original and attempted to make the prose smoother. In addition, I made an organizational change (moving the final paragraph to the second paragraph) that highlighted an issue many people mentioned on the forums. I felt that this merited more than an "and also" tacked on to the end of the section. Additionally, I moved some of the links so that they became part of the text instead of "see also: this page" as in the original and reversion, which is unnecessary since we can add links in the text itself. Also, this is a wiki, you're '''supposed''' to link to other pages on the wiki. I was not multiply linking the same article, so the way I did it definitely falls within the style guidelines. I won't undo the reversion because other work has been done on the page since, but I'm likely to tackle the whole section again in the future.[[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 07:25, 14 February 2015 (CST)

::I'm not saying not to link things to other pages. I'm saying leave the highlighted articles (e.g. Main Article: blah blah, and "please see the following article: blah blah" as they are, because they're stressed for a reason. If you have other editing suggestions, please place them here and I'll author in alterations to the text as I see fit. Thank you. -Sepher --[[User:PENNINGTONB1|PENNINGTONB1]] ([[User talk:PENNINGTONB1|talk]]) 12:56, 15 February 2015 (CST)
:::Unfortunately, I can't see that the "please see article: blah blah" is very sensible or a good use of space when it is not a template/transclusion. If the section is "Race" and one wants readers to see the main article on Race, one merely need to make the section title a wiki link, which is a standard convention on gswiki and formerly KP. Imagine if everyone used this approach how cluttered [[A_beginner%27s_guide_to_River%27s_Rest#Popular_Resting_Areas|this section]] might look with a "see main page" under every heading! Also, anyone with editing ideas is free to implement their edits themselves as ''they'' see fit. In the case where others merely have basic suggestions but would rather not make the edits themselves, I'm sure the offer to author the changes is welcome. I'm not sure if it is intentional, but the last statement sounds like a claim of authorship to the page, which ought to be disregarded. [[User:DAID|DAID]] ([[User talk:DAID|talk]]) 09:41, 16 February 2015 (CST)

::::It's not just about wanting them to read the highlighted article; it's also about WHEN I want them to read the article. Highlighting it in this way serves that function. I want to direct the reader's attention. Concerning your incessant and ridiculous assertions that everybody should feel free to crap all over an article -- you're still wrong. Absolutely no good can come from multiple people attempting to author the same article. The last statement I made above was intentional, and I am claiming authorship of the page. If everyone thinks they're free to alter what I've written, and I feel free to alter what they've written, everybody loses. When people work together to see an article form to an idea (you seem to be more concerned with owning the territory than with creating valuable content), things tend to be more successful. The thread on the forums about this article is over 100 posts long, most of which are people contributing to the idea (to which you have contributed nothing, btw). Now I'd like to stop repeating myself, so you may consider the discussion closed. -Sepher --[[User:PENNINGTONB1|PENNINGTONB1]] ([[User talk:PENNINGTONB1|talk]]) 10:34, 16 February 2015 (CST)

Talk:Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-16T16:34:33Z

PENNINGTONB1:

Hi, everyone.

I'd like to start a discussion about a cooperative ranger guide directed at inexperienced players.

First, I'd like to compile a list of quality material already in existence, and while there is a lot of good information out there, it seems to be pretty vastly spread out. There also seems to be a lack of existing ranger guides (I imagine a lot were lost as player owned websites discontinued hosting services), and those that can be found are old/too technical/too specific for a newbie guide. Perhaps some of you have some of the older ones tucked away in your long-lived GS directories, so please post them somewhere and give us a link in this discussion. Below is a small list of items I found with a quick cursory Google search.

Ransom's GSIII Ranger Guide: 
http://www.tamcon.com/GS3/ranger1.html 
Nuadjha's "The Art of the Bow": 
http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?49785-quot-The-Art-of-the-Bow-quot-GSIV-Archery-Guide

Second, I'd like to talk about the organization of the guide. I'm not entirely sure how I envision the whole thing laid out, but we can (and will, I'm sure) make alterations to the general layout as the guide progresses. Some basic modules that comes to mind are:

-a conceptualized description of what a ranger is and how they can be reasonably expected to function 
::Started on this last night, forgot to make a note here. Anyone who wants to fiddle with it and make it sound nicer is free to go ahead. [[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 04:43, 13 February 2015 (CST)
-a guide that follows the character creation process (e.g. choosing your race, stats, skills) 
-a basic hunting guide using the skills a typical ranger may be expected to have (we should probably avoid suggestions like "fletch till you 15, then go hunt" or "use this script to level to X" as this should remain a guide showing newbies how to roll up and play a ranger. 
-helpful links (preferably within the gswiki) to more specific guides and other useful information 
-notes on roleplaying and character development 
-basic information about societies and choosing a society

I'm not sure if we should get overly technical about specific training options (such as crit/DF tables, etc), though we can certainly provide links to such things while stressing that a complete understanding of these topics is not necessary for success. We should stress a basic concept of what a ranger is while also focusing on character customization by suggesting that there are a wide range of options available for a ranger where training/playing styles are concerned. Players need not follow an ideal perfectly to have a viable character.
::I can take care of that, I've had many requests for a ranger guide... Now that I'm putting down my newbie guide to you all, I can handle the advanced numerical outlook on rangers, if you guys want to stick to the basics. I may bug you in game for information and fact checking though! -Whirlin [[User:HJELTE|HJELTE]] ([[User talk:HJELTE|talk]]) 11:11, 11 February 2015 (CST)

::::Feel free to hit me up if you need any specific help. You know where to find Sepher. Regarding a more advanced mechanical outlook, such a guide like that would very much compliment one such as this, as there are always players that like to get deeply involved with the mechanical side of the game. I look forward to it. -Sepher --[[User:PENNINGTONB1|PENNINGTONB1]] ([[User talk:PENNINGTONB1|talk]]) 18:42, 12 February 2015 (CST)

So, before getting into the meat of the guide, what suggestions or ideas would you like to see in such a guide? If you're a new player or a new ranger, what sorts of questions do/did you have about playing a ranger? Let us know.

~Brian, Sepher's player

::I'm relatively new to GS overall, so I'm not sure about mechanics and general advice for being a ranger part since I've only played one ranger. I can provide text edits and add '''all of the links''' to other parts of GS wiki for people who just want to write text and not worry about that though.
::Oh, and I have a [[Buff spells|buff spells]] guide in the works so I'll try to figure out a way to get some sort of floating page so the relevant information can be presented here so new rangers have a good sense for which spells they should be liberally applying to themselves. -Astru [[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 11:10, 12 February 2015 (CST)

::::I am happy to leave the linking and general "Wikifying" part of editing to someone who knows what they're doing. It would just be a trial and error process for me and not something I'm interested in putting forth the effort into at the moment.

::::::I'm not super awesome at all things wiki, but after playing around a bit, I'm at least pretty good at linking stuff. I'll try to go through at the end and cut out excessive links at the end. Everything is supposed to be linked once per page when it's first mentioned, but who knows how things end up getting organized when we're done. [[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 04:43, 13 February 2015 (CST)

::::Regarding the buff guide: I don't know what a floating page is, so I wouldn't know if I necessarily want it on this particular page, but at the very least a link in the hunting module of the guide may be inserted. Ideally, I want to keep things as tight as possible. -Sepher --[[User:PENNINGTONB1|PENNINGTONB1]] ([[User talk:PENNINGTONB1|talk]]) 18:42, 12 February 2015 (CST)

::::::Well, in principle, when [[User:DAID|DAID]] and I get the floating pages working, they should be easy to add and remove from different pages, so if nobody likes it on this page and we just want to run with a link, it can be removed without losing the work. [[User:GS4-SCRIBES|SCRIBES]] is actually the one who suggested adding a buff spell section to the beginner profession pages when I asked on the officials, but we can certainly see how it works here. :) -Astru [[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 04:43, 13 February 2015 (CST)

I am going to undo the recent changed to the Race section because I feel some of the purpose and organization was lost in the edit. There are also POV issues, among other grammar problems with the edit. I will borrow some of the language to reedit the section. Too much was changed to warrant minor editing repairs, thus the reversion. Also, please leave the article highlights as they are, because I want readers to go to them. These articles are filled with so many links that people can become numb to them. -Sepher --[[User:PENNINGTONB1|PENNINGTONB1]] ([[User talk:PENNINGTONB1|talk]]) 20:57, 13 February 2015 (CST)

:My edits repaired some of the awkward sentence constructions in the original and attempted to make the prose smoother. In addition, I made an organizational change (moving the final paragraph to the second paragraph) that highlighted an issue many people mentioned on the forums. I felt that this merited more than an "and also" tacked on to the end of the section. Additionally, I moved some of the links so that they became part of the text instead of "see also: this page" as in the original and reversion, which is unnecessary since we can add links in the text itself. Also, this is a wiki, you're '''supposed''' to link to other pages on the wiki. I was not multiply linking the same article, so the way I did it definitely falls within the style guidelines. I won't undo the reversion because other work has been done on the page since, but I'm likely to tackle the whole section again in the future.[[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 07:25, 14 February 2015 (CST)

::I'm not saying not to link things to other pages. I'm saying leave the highlighted articles (e.g. Main Article: blah blah, and "please see the following article: blah blah" as they are, because they're stressed for a reason. If you have other editing suggestions, please place them here and I'll author in alterations to the text as I see fit. Thank you. -Sepher --[[User:PENNINGTONB1|PENNINGTONB1]] ([[User talk:PENNINGTONB1|talk]]) 12:56, 15 February 2015 (CST)
:::Unfortunately, I can't see that the "please see article: blah blah" is very sensible or a good use of space when it is not a template/transclusion. If the section is "Race" and one wants readers to see the main article on Race, one merely need to make the section title a wiki link, which is a standard convention on gswiki and formerly KP. Imagine if everyone used this approach how cluttered [[A_beginner%27s_guide_to_River%27s_Rest#Popular_Resting_Areas|this section]] might look with a "see main page" under every heading! Also, anyone with editing ideas is free to implement their edits themselves as ''they'' see fit. In the case where others merely have basic suggestions but would rather not make the edits themselves, I'm sure the offer to author the changes is welcome. I'm not sure if it is intentional, but the last statement sounds like a claim of authorship to the page, which ought to be disregarded. [[User:DAID|DAID]] ([[User talk:DAID|talk]]) 09:41, 16 February 2015 (CST)

::::It's not just about wanting them to read the highlighted article; it's also about WHEN I want them to read the article. Highlighting it in this way serves that function. I want to direct the reader's attention. Concerning your incessant and ridiculous assertions that everybody should feel free to crap all over an article -- you're still wrong. Absolutely no good can come from multiple people attempting to author the same article. The last statement I made above was intentional, and I am claiming authorship of the page. If everyone thinks they're free to alter what I've written, and I feel free to alter what they've written, everybody loses. When people work together to see an article form to an idea (you seem to be more concerned with owning the territory than with creating valuable content), things tend to be more successful. I'd like to stop repeating myself, so you may consider the discussion closed. -Sepher --[[User:PENNINGTONB1|PENNINGTONB1]] ([[User talk:PENNINGTONB1|talk]]) 10:34, 16 February 2015 (CST)

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-16T03:55:35Z

PENNINGTONB1: /* Stats */ fixed table syntax (should be done) and added header desc.

{{Work-in-progress}}

The purpose of this guide is to assist inexperienced players understand and easily surmount the challenges of rolling up a new [[Ranger|ranger]] from the ground up. It focuses on the entire process of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] and slightly beyond into the beginning of a ranger's life, including character development, choosing initial [[Statistics|stat]] placement, designing a [[Skill|skill]] training plan, and basic hunting strategies to bring those skill sets to life.

That said, the character building strategies described within this guide are meant to be only that – a simple guide – and are not to be taken as the only viable methods for doing so. The player is encouraged to take these generalities and build their character into the living, breathing person they envision. Gemstone IV provides an extremely vibrant and expansive world in which nearly anything a player can think up may be done.
__TOC__
==What is a Ranger?==

A [[Ranger|ranger]] is someone who appreciates and respects the beauty and simplicity of nature. Someone who may value the company of delightful forest creatures over that of other people. Someone who is happy to sleep in the nook of a tree under a starry sky. Due to a deep appreciation and understanding of nature, rangers can call on nature to aid in their defence or summon nature to assist in attacking unfriendly creatures through knowledge of their unique spell circle.

A ranger may eventually form an everlasting bond with a [[Animal Companion (630)|companion animal]]. This companion will provide the ranger valuable assistance in hunting as well a friendship that will play a significant role in both their lives.

More generally speaking, rangers are one of the three [[Semi|semi]] professions in [[Elanthia]]. Rangers typically hunt using a combination of physical attacks and spells (with spells from the [[Ranger Base]] and [[100s|Minor Spiritual]] [[Spell circle|spell circles]]). Popular hunting tactics for rangers are diverse. Rangers can succeed using any tactic from ranged sniping using some [[Sneaking (617)|spells]] to help conceal themselves; wielding a sword and shield while [[Nature's Fury (635)|summing nature]] to help smite their foes; hunting armed only by a runestaff and their [[Spike Thorn (616)|own spells]] or anything in-between.

==Roleplaying and Character Development==

The fundamentals of character development are all about the shaping and defining of one's character. To begin the process of character building, it is highly recommended that new players take some time familiarizing themselves with some of the game's lore found on the main website and within this wiki. Basic knowledge of the game's lore is invaluable in helping a player decide what they want their character to become, or at least start them on the path to discovery. Will he be a contemptuous [[Half-elf|half-elven]] pariah, exiled from some remote city in the [[Turamzzyrian Empire]], or will she be an obedient [[Giantman|giantman]] from the [[Grishknel Wolf Clan]], a scout for her nomadic village? Getting to know even the littlest bits about the world of [[Elanthia]] will put a player leaps and bounds ahead into deciding who they want their character to be.

One of the best places to start the investigation are [[Race|races]] and their respective [[Culture|subcultures]] as this will be one of the first things that players will be required to choose for a character before playing (technically, a subculture may be chosen later at leisure using the [[TITLE (verb)|title verb]], but a race must be selected when starting a new character). Cities and the political powers that govern them are another excellent option for starting character development (e.g. the cities of the [[Elven Nations]] and the Human – that is, Turamzzyrrian – Empire). Even looking at [[Skill|skill]] descriptions and game mechanics can help a player understand what’s possible within the world. However, looking into one subject can lead down the rabbit hole into a seemingly unending series of articles and subjects, so it is suggested that players pace themselves and remember while researching that they don’t have to figure out absolutely everything right away. The purpose of initial research should just be to get them started. Characters can and should continue to develop throughout their entire existence as they continue to gather experiences, make friends and enemies, and travel the world.

Of course, a player may decide to eschew this process initially and get right into playing. Many decide after [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] who they want their characters to be.

After character creation, one of the best tools to progress a character’s development is for the player to interact with others: watch people, talk to people, and ask questions. Watch the calendars for upcoming events and get involved (e.g. by joining a [[CHE|house]]). Make sure to explore and see the things there are to see – there are hints about the world everywhere. Finally, have fun and live the character’s story.

==Character Creation==

This module of the guide follows every step of the character creation process in the exact order they appear when a player creates a new character through the game's main website.

===Gender===
Gender is entirely up to personal preference, as it provides no mechanical advantage in any way during gameplay.

===Profession===

Because this is a ranger guide, it is recommended that “Ranger” is chosen here.

===Race===

Main Article: [[Race]]

There are quite a number of driving factors players rate and choose by when deciding to play a particular race. This section explores some of those reasons in order to help new players make a more informed decision when choosing a race themselves. It is recommended that the reader refer to both this section and the section on stats before making any final decisions, as both subjects are entwined.

Perhaps the most obvious reason for choosing one particular race is simply due to creative preference. To borrow a couple stereotypes, a player may want their character to be a high born elf or a drunken dwarf. Roleplaying choices such as these are extremely common and encouraged.

Racial modifiers to stats are another example (the effects of these modifiers will be conceptualized here, while their mechanical effects will be detailed in the stats section). Halflings, for example, are physically weaker due to their size than other larger races. This trait manifests itself mechanically when determining how much weight the halfling can carry around, or in how fast he can swing a weapon/draw his bow. Next, take a giantman for example: while they are physically powerful, they are not known for being the most dexterous race. This time, the trait can manifests itself in the giant's stunted ability to fire a bow well. It is primarily in these ways (through stat modifiers) that each race brings to life their particular strengths and weaknesses.

Other racial modifiers not linked to stats are yet another reason players prefer a particular race. Each race, for example, has a differing maximum health point limit. Some races (halflings and dwarves) have natural bonuses to their magic defenses, while others (elves) are very resistant to poisons and diseases. Further and more specific details about most of the important non-stat related modifiers can be found in the article: [[Racial modifiers (saved post)|Racial Modifiers]].

As one last note on the subject of choosing a race: players should take care to understand that the aforementioned modifiers or any combination thereof of any particular race do not make that race unplayable. It is possible for a ranger of any race to be highly successful and enjoy their adventure.

===Culture===

This setting allows players to choose between their selected race’s cultures. Culture, like gender, proffers no mechanical advantages beyond opening up the ability to speak in the language associated with that culture, if applicable. Otherwise, this is completely up to personal preference. Culture is also one of the only options (the other being certain appearance options, discussed below) players are not required to select when creating a new character. If a player is not ready to choose a culture at the time prompted, they may select the option labeled “None” and later access the options again via the TITLE verb in game.

===Appearance===

Appearance is one of the first things other players see when looking at a character. These options are entirely cosmetic (appropriately) and up to the player’s creative preferences. Beyond the basics (hair style and color, eye color, and skin color), all other options here may be set later, if at all. Once in game, players have the opportunity to change these traits as they please in the “New Look” pavilions located in every major city. Occasionally, feature alteration services may be offered by special merchants so that players may further customize their appearance.

===Stats===

A character's statistics may be thought of as the innate aptitude for, or lack thereof, a given quality. Is a character strong or weak, nimble or clumsy, etc. Mechanically speaking, stats make you slightly better, or slightly worse at performing the tasks the stats operate on. Stats are also split into three groups: physical, mental, and hybrid (a combination of the former two), which can help players conceptually understand the types of systems each can affect.

Each stat has two values associated with it: a base value and a bonus value.

A stat's base value is an unmodified value that is used in part to determine the same stat's bonus value, and collectively to determine the number of training points a player can spend on skills. It is otherwise very seldom used in other mechanical systems.

The bonus value, which is used in a wide variety of systems, is a modified value that is determined by the stat's base value and the race of a character. The bonus value is the value used in formulas that calculate a character's defense, attack strength, ability to hide, etc. along with skill bonuses and other non-stat/skill related constants.

The following is a list of statistics, coupled with descriptions of what each is, and what each affects as it pertain to activities a ranger would expect to do.

Physical Stats

[[Strength]]: A measure of a character's physical prowess. It is used in determining the strength of melee attacks, the speed of ranged attacks, and encumbrance (how much a character can carry without suffering adverse effects).

[[Constitution]]: A measure of a character's hardiness. It is used in determining starting and maximum health points, stamina points (it is the most heavily weighted stat in this calculation), encumbrance, how well a character takes damage, and disease resistance.

[[Dexterity]]: A measure of a character's hand-eye coordination, balance, and aim. It is used in determining the strength of a ranged attack, the speed of a melee attack, how well a character can ambush, and how well a character can skin.

[[Agility]]: A measure of a character's quickness and ability to defend itself. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can avoid detection while hidden, how well a character can dodge attacks, and the speed of melee attacks.

Mental Stats

[[Logic]]: A measure of a character's ability to reason. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once and how fast it is absorbed, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Intuition]]: A measure of a character's insight. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can dodge attacks, foraging ability, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Wisdom]]: A measure of a character's problem solving ability and affinity with spiritual magic..It is used in determining a character's ability to cast and defend against spiritual spells (spells in the ranger circle are considered spiritual), and starting mana points.

[[Influence]]: A measure of a character's charisma. It is used in determining how well a character can haggle in shops.

Hybrid Stats (Physical & Mental)

[[Aura]]: A measure of a character's connection to the magic nature of Elanthia. It is used in determining spirit points, and a character's ability to defend against elemental magic.

[[Discipline]]: A measure of a character's determination and self-control. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once, a character's ability to hide and avoid detection while hidden, and a character's ability to defend against mental magic.

Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses

Racial modifiers to stat bonuses, depicted in the table below, show the particulars of each race's strengths and weaknesses.

{|
|-
{| {{prettytable}}
|+ '''Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses'''
|-
! width=80px |
! width=80px | [[Strength]] || width=80px | [[Constitution]] || width=80px | [[Dexterity]] || width=80px | [[Agility]] || width=80px | [[Discipline]]
! width=80px | [[Aura]] || width=80px | [[Logic]] || width=80px | [[Intuition]] || width=80px | [[Wisdom]] || width=80px | [[Influence]]
|- align = center
| '''[[Aelotoi]]''' || {{{str|-5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dwarf]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+15}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|+10}}} || {{{aur|-10}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Elf]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+15}}} || {{{dis|-15}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dark elf|Elf, Dark]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|-5}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-10}}} || {{{aur|+10}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-elf|Elf, Half]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Sylvankind|Elf, Sylvan]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Erithian|Erithi]]''' || {{{str|-5}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|0}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Burghal gnome|Gnome, Burghal]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|+10}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Forest gnome|Gnome, Forest]]''' || {{{str|-10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Giantman]]''' || {{{str|+15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|-5}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|-5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Halfling]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+15}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+10}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Human]]''' || {{{str|+5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|0}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-Krolvin|Krolvin, Half]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|-10}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|-5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|}
|}

Setting Up Initial Stat Placement

Coming soon...

===Skills===

===Name===

A character’s name. Choose wisely. This is one of the few settings players will never be able to change within the lifespan of their character.

==See Also==
*[[Ranger]] (main article)
*[[New Players' Guide]] (a comprehensive beginner's guide for new players of any profession)
*[[The Art of the Bow (guide)]]
*[[The Art of Roleplaying in GemStone IV (guide)]]
*[[Player Guide Contest]]

==References==
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/professions/rangers.asp Ranger profession on Play.net]
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/npg/home.asp GemStone IV New Player Guide on Play.net]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Ranger]]
[[Category:Professional Guides]]
[[Category:New Player| ]]

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-16T03:26:16Z

PENNINGTONB1: /* Stats */ added Erithi row to racial modifiers table (they're still a thing, right?

{{Work-in-progress}}

The purpose of this guide is to assist inexperienced players understand and easily surmount the challenges of rolling up a new [[Ranger|ranger]] from the ground up. It focuses on the entire process of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] and slightly beyond into the beginning of a ranger's life, including character development, choosing initial [[Statistics|stat]] placement, designing a [[Skill|skill]] training plan, and basic hunting strategies to bring those skill sets to life.

That said, the character building strategies described within this guide are meant to be only that – a simple guide – and are not to be taken as the only viable methods for doing so. The player is encouraged to take these generalities and build their character into the living, breathing person they envision. Gemstone IV provides an extremely vibrant and expansive world in which nearly anything a player can think up may be done.
__TOC__
==What is a Ranger?==

A [[Ranger|ranger]] is someone who appreciates and respects the beauty and simplicity of nature. Someone who may value the company of delightful forest creatures over that of other people. Someone who is happy to sleep in the nook of a tree under a starry sky. Due to a deep appreciation and understanding of nature, rangers can call on nature to aid in their defence or summon nature to assist in attacking unfriendly creatures through knowledge of their unique spell circle.

A ranger may eventually form an everlasting bond with a [[Animal Companion (630)|companion animal]]. This companion will provide the ranger valuable assistance in hunting as well a friendship that will play a significant role in both their lives.

More generally speaking, rangers are one of the three [[Semi|semi]] professions in [[Elanthia]]. Rangers typically hunt using a combination of physical attacks and spells (with spells from the [[Ranger Base]] and [[100s|Minor Spiritual]] [[Spell circle|spell circles]]). Popular hunting tactics for rangers are diverse. Rangers can succeed using any tactic from ranged sniping using some [[Sneaking (617)|spells]] to help conceal themselves; wielding a sword and shield while [[Nature's Fury (635)|summing nature]] to help smite their foes; hunting armed only by a runestaff and their [[Spike Thorn (616)|own spells]] or anything in-between.

==Roleplaying and Character Development==

The fundamentals of character development are all about the shaping and defining of one's character. To begin the process of character building, it is highly recommended that new players take some time familiarizing themselves with some of the game's lore found on the main website and within this wiki. Basic knowledge of the game's lore is invaluable in helping a player decide what they want their character to become, or at least start them on the path to discovery. Will he be a contemptuous [[Half-elf|half-elven]] pariah, exiled from some remote city in the [[Turamzzyrian Empire]], or will she be an obedient [[Giantman|giantman]] from the [[Grishknel Wolf Clan]], a scout for her nomadic village? Getting to know even the littlest bits about the world of [[Elanthia]] will put a player leaps and bounds ahead into deciding who they want their character to be.

One of the best places to start the investigation are [[Race|races]] and their respective [[Culture|subcultures]] as this will be one of the first things that players will be required to choose for a character before playing (technically, a subculture may be chosen later at leisure using the [[TITLE (verb)|title verb]], but a race must be selected when starting a new character). Cities and the political powers that govern them are another excellent option for starting character development (e.g. the cities of the [[Elven Nations]] and the Human – that is, Turamzzyrrian – Empire). Even looking at [[Skill|skill]] descriptions and game mechanics can help a player understand what’s possible within the world. However, looking into one subject can lead down the rabbit hole into a seemingly unending series of articles and subjects, so it is suggested that players pace themselves and remember while researching that they don’t have to figure out absolutely everything right away. The purpose of initial research should just be to get them started. Characters can and should continue to develop throughout their entire existence as they continue to gather experiences, make friends and enemies, and travel the world.

Of course, a player may decide to eschew this process initially and get right into playing. Many decide after [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] who they want their characters to be.

After character creation, one of the best tools to progress a character’s development is for the player to interact with others: watch people, talk to people, and ask questions. Watch the calendars for upcoming events and get involved (e.g. by joining a [[CHE|house]]). Make sure to explore and see the things there are to see – there are hints about the world everywhere. Finally, have fun and live the character’s story.

==Character Creation==

This module of the guide follows every step of the character creation process in the exact order they appear when a player creates a new character through the game's main website.

===Gender===
Gender is entirely up to personal preference, as it provides no mechanical advantage in any way during gameplay.

===Profession===

Because this is a ranger guide, it is recommended that “Ranger” is chosen here.

===Race===

Main Article: [[Race]]

There are quite a number of driving factors players rate and choose by when deciding to play a particular race. This section explores some of those reasons in order to help new players make a more informed decision when choosing a race themselves. It is recommended that the reader refer to both this section and the section on stats before making any final decisions, as both subjects are entwined.

Perhaps the most obvious reason for choosing one particular race is simply due to creative preference. To borrow a couple stereotypes, a player may want their character to be a high born elf or a drunken dwarf. Roleplaying choices such as these are extremely common and encouraged.

Racial modifiers to stats are another example (the effects of these modifiers will be conceptualized here, while their mechanical effects will be detailed in the stats section). Halflings, for example, are physically weaker due to their size than other larger races. This trait manifests itself mechanically when determining how much weight the halfling can carry around, or in how fast he can swing a weapon/draw his bow. Next, take a giantman for example: while they are physically powerful, they are not known for being the most dexterous race. This time, the trait can manifests itself in the giant's stunted ability to fire a bow well. It is primarily in these ways (through stat modifiers) that each race brings to life their particular strengths and weaknesses.

Other racial modifiers not linked to stats are yet another reason players prefer a particular race. Each race, for example, has a differing maximum health point limit. Some races (halflings and dwarves) have natural bonuses to their magic defenses, while others (elves) are very resistant to poisons and diseases. Further and more specific details about most of the important non-stat related modifiers can be found in the article: [[Racial modifiers (saved post)|Racial Modifiers]].

As one last note on the subject of choosing a race: players should take care to understand that the aforementioned modifiers or any combination thereof of any particular race do not make that race unplayable. It is possible for a ranger of any race to be highly successful and enjoy their adventure.

===Culture===

This setting allows players to choose between their selected race’s cultures. Culture, like gender, proffers no mechanical advantages beyond opening up the ability to speak in the language associated with that culture, if applicable. Otherwise, this is completely up to personal preference. Culture is also one of the only options (the other being certain appearance options, discussed below) players are not required to select when creating a new character. If a player is not ready to choose a culture at the time prompted, they may select the option labeled “None” and later access the options again via the TITLE verb in game.

===Appearance===

Appearance is one of the first things other players see when looking at a character. These options are entirely cosmetic (appropriately) and up to the player’s creative preferences. Beyond the basics (hair style and color, eye color, and skin color), all other options here may be set later, if at all. Once in game, players have the opportunity to change these traits as they please in the “New Look” pavilions located in every major city. Occasionally, feature alteration services may be offered by special merchants so that players may further customize their appearance.

===Stats===

A character's statistics may be thought of as the innate aptitude for, or lack thereof, a given quality. Is a character strong or weak, nimble or clumsy, etc. Mechanically speaking, stats make you slightly better, or slightly worse at performing the tasks the stats operate on. Stats are also split into three groups: physical, mental, and hybrid (a combination of the former two), which can help players conceptually understand the types of systems each can affect.

Each stat has two values associated with it: a base value and a bonus value.

A stat's base value is an unmodified value that is used in part to determine the same stat's bonus value, and collectively to determine the number of training points a player can spend on skills. It is otherwise very seldom used in other mechanical systems.

The bonus value, which is used in a wide variety of systems, is a modified value that is determined by the stat's base value and the race of a character. The bonus value is the value used in formulas that calculate a character's defense, attack strength, ability to hide, etc. along with skill bonuses and other non-stat/skill related constants.

The following is a list of statistics, coupled with descriptions of what each is, and what each affects as it pertain to activities a ranger would expect to do.

Physical Stats

[[Strength]]: A measure of a character's physical prowess. It is used in determining the strength of melee attacks, the speed of ranged attacks, and encumbrance (how much a character can carry without suffering adverse effects).

[[Constitution]]: A measure of a character's hardiness. It is used in determining starting and maximum health points, stamina points (it is the most heavily weighted stat in this calculation), encumbrance, how well a character takes damage, and disease resistance.

[[Dexterity]]: A measure of a character's hand-eye coordination, balance, and aim. It is used in determining the strength of a ranged attack, the speed of a melee attack, how well a character can ambush, and how well a character can skin.

[[Agility]]: A measure of a character's quickness and ability to defend itself. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can avoid detection while hidden, how well a character can dodge attacks, and the speed of melee attacks.

Mental Stats

[[Logic]]: A measure of a character's ability to reason. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once and how fast it is absorbed, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Intuition]]: A measure of a character's insight. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can dodge attacks, foraging ability, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Wisdom]]: A measure of a character's problem solving ability and affinity with spiritual magic..It is used in determining a character's ability to cast and defend against spiritual spells (spells in the ranger circle are considered spiritual), and starting mana points.

[[Influence]]: A measure of a character's charisma. It is used in determining how well a character can haggle in shops.

Hybrid Stats (Physical & Mental)

[[Aura]]: A measure of a character's connection to the magic nature of Elanthia. It is used in determining spirit points, and a character's ability to defend against elemental magic.

[[Discipline]]: A measure of a character's determination and self-control. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once, a character's ability to hide and avoid detection while hidden, and a character's ability to defend against mental magic.

Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses

 Editor's Note: Still in Progress. Just wanted to publish the table.

{|
|-
{| {{prettytable}}
|+ '''Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses'''
|-
! width=80px |
! width=80px | [[Strength]] || width=80px | [[Constitution]] || width=80px | [[Dexterity]] || width=80px | [[Agility]] || width=80px | [[Discipline]]
! width=80px | [[Aura]] || width=80px | [[Logic]] || width=80px | [[Intuition]] || width=80px | [[Wisdom]] || width=80px | [[Influence]]
|- align = center
| '''[[Aelotoi]]''' || {{{str|-5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dwarf]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+15}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|+10}}} || {{{aur|-10}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Elf]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+15}}} || {{{dis|-15}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dark elf|Elf, Dark]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|-5}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-10}}} || {{{aur|+10}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-elf|Elf, Half]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Sylvankind|Elf, Sylvan]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Erithian|Erithi]]''' || {{{str|-5}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|0}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Burghal gnome|Gnome, Burghal]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|+10}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Forest gnome|Gnome, Forest]]''' || {{{str|-10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Giantman]]''' || {{{str|+15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|-5}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|-5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Halfling]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+15}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+10}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Human]]''' || {{{str|+5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|0}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-Krolvin|Krolvin, Half]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|-10}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|-5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|}

===Skills===

===Name===

A character’s name. Choose wisely. This is one of the few settings players will never be able to change within the lifespan of their character.

==See Also==
*[[Ranger]] (main article)
*[[New Players' Guide]] (a comprehensive beginner's guide for new players of any profession)
*[[The Art of the Bow (guide)]]
*[[The Art of Roleplaying in GemStone IV (guide)]]
*[[Player Guide Contest]]

==References==
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/professions/rangers.asp Ranger profession on Play.net]
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/npg/home.asp GemStone IV New Player Guide on Play.net]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Ranger]]
[[Category:Professional Guides]]
[[Category:New Player| ]]

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-16T03:19:44Z

PENNINGTONB1: /* Stats */ added human row to racial modifiers table

{{Work-in-progress}}

The purpose of this guide is to assist inexperienced players understand and easily surmount the challenges of rolling up a new [[Ranger|ranger]] from the ground up. It focuses on the entire process of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] and slightly beyond into the beginning of a ranger's life, including character development, choosing initial [[Statistics|stat]] placement, designing a [[Skill|skill]] training plan, and basic hunting strategies to bring those skill sets to life.

That said, the character building strategies described within this guide are meant to be only that – a simple guide – and are not to be taken as the only viable methods for doing so. The player is encouraged to take these generalities and build their character into the living, breathing person they envision. Gemstone IV provides an extremely vibrant and expansive world in which nearly anything a player can think up may be done.
__TOC__
==What is a Ranger?==

A [[Ranger|ranger]] is someone who appreciates and respects the beauty and simplicity of nature. Someone who may value the company of delightful forest creatures over that of other people. Someone who is happy to sleep in the nook of a tree under a starry sky. Due to a deep appreciation and understanding of nature, rangers can call on nature to aid in their defence or summon nature to assist in attacking unfriendly creatures through knowledge of their unique spell circle.

A ranger may eventually form an everlasting bond with a [[Animal Companion (630)|companion animal]]. This companion will provide the ranger valuable assistance in hunting as well a friendship that will play a significant role in both their lives.

More generally speaking, rangers are one of the three [[Semi|semi]] professions in [[Elanthia]]. Rangers typically hunt using a combination of physical attacks and spells (with spells from the [[Ranger Base]] and [[100s|Minor Spiritual]] [[Spell circle|spell circles]]). Popular hunting tactics for rangers are diverse. Rangers can succeed using any tactic from ranged sniping using some [[Sneaking (617)|spells]] to help conceal themselves; wielding a sword and shield while [[Nature's Fury (635)|summing nature]] to help smite their foes; hunting armed only by a runestaff and their [[Spike Thorn (616)|own spells]] or anything in-between.

==Roleplaying and Character Development==

The fundamentals of character development are all about the shaping and defining of one's character. To begin the process of character building, it is highly recommended that new players take some time familiarizing themselves with some of the game's lore found on the main website and within this wiki. Basic knowledge of the game's lore is invaluable in helping a player decide what they want their character to become, or at least start them on the path to discovery. Will he be a contemptuous [[Half-elf|half-elven]] pariah, exiled from some remote city in the [[Turamzzyrian Empire]], or will she be an obedient [[Giantman|giantman]] from the [[Grishknel Wolf Clan]], a scout for her nomadic village? Getting to know even the littlest bits about the world of [[Elanthia]] will put a player leaps and bounds ahead into deciding who they want their character to be.

One of the best places to start the investigation are [[Race|races]] and their respective [[Culture|subcultures]] as this will be one of the first things that players will be required to choose for a character before playing (technically, a subculture may be chosen later at leisure using the [[TITLE (verb)|title verb]], but a race must be selected when starting a new character). Cities and the political powers that govern them are another excellent option for starting character development (e.g. the cities of the [[Elven Nations]] and the Human – that is, Turamzzyrrian – Empire). Even looking at [[Skill|skill]] descriptions and game mechanics can help a player understand what’s possible within the world. However, looking into one subject can lead down the rabbit hole into a seemingly unending series of articles and subjects, so it is suggested that players pace themselves and remember while researching that they don’t have to figure out absolutely everything right away. The purpose of initial research should just be to get them started. Characters can and should continue to develop throughout their entire existence as they continue to gather experiences, make friends and enemies, and travel the world.

Of course, a player may decide to eschew this process initially and get right into playing. Many decide after [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] who they want their characters to be.

After character creation, one of the best tools to progress a character’s development is for the player to interact with others: watch people, talk to people, and ask questions. Watch the calendars for upcoming events and get involved (e.g. by joining a [[CHE|house]]). Make sure to explore and see the things there are to see – there are hints about the world everywhere. Finally, have fun and live the character’s story.

==Character Creation==

This module of the guide follows every step of the character creation process in the exact order they appear when a player creates a new character through the game's main website.

===Gender===
Gender is entirely up to personal preference, as it provides no mechanical advantage in any way during gameplay.

===Profession===

Because this is a ranger guide, it is recommended that “Ranger” is chosen here.

===Race===

Main Article: [[Race]]

There are quite a number of driving factors players rate and choose by when deciding to play a particular race. This section explores some of those reasons in order to help new players make a more informed decision when choosing a race themselves. It is recommended that the reader refer to both this section and the section on stats before making any final decisions, as both subjects are entwined.

Perhaps the most obvious reason for choosing one particular race is simply due to creative preference. To borrow a couple stereotypes, a player may want their character to be a high born elf or a drunken dwarf. Roleplaying choices such as these are extremely common and encouraged.

Racial modifiers to stats are another example (the effects of these modifiers will be conceptualized here, while their mechanical effects will be detailed in the stats section). Halflings, for example, are physically weaker due to their size than other larger races. This trait manifests itself mechanically when determining how much weight the halfling can carry around, or in how fast he can swing a weapon/draw his bow. Next, take a giantman for example: while they are physically powerful, they are not known for being the most dexterous race. This time, the trait can manifests itself in the giant's stunted ability to fire a bow well. It is primarily in these ways (through stat modifiers) that each race brings to life their particular strengths and weaknesses.

Other racial modifiers not linked to stats are yet another reason players prefer a particular race. Each race, for example, has a differing maximum health point limit. Some races (halflings and dwarves) have natural bonuses to their magic defenses, while others (elves) are very resistant to poisons and diseases. Further and more specific details about most of the important non-stat related modifiers can be found in the article: [[Racial modifiers (saved post)|Racial Modifiers]].

As one last note on the subject of choosing a race: players should take care to understand that the aforementioned modifiers or any combination thereof of any particular race do not make that race unplayable. It is possible for a ranger of any race to be highly successful and enjoy their adventure.

===Culture===

This setting allows players to choose between their selected race’s cultures. Culture, like gender, proffers no mechanical advantages beyond opening up the ability to speak in the language associated with that culture, if applicable. Otherwise, this is completely up to personal preference. Culture is also one of the only options (the other being certain appearance options, discussed below) players are not required to select when creating a new character. If a player is not ready to choose a culture at the time prompted, they may select the option labeled “None” and later access the options again via the TITLE verb in game.

===Appearance===

Appearance is one of the first things other players see when looking at a character. These options are entirely cosmetic (appropriately) and up to the player’s creative preferences. Beyond the basics (hair style and color, eye color, and skin color), all other options here may be set later, if at all. Once in game, players have the opportunity to change these traits as they please in the “New Look” pavilions located in every major city. Occasionally, feature alteration services may be offered by special merchants so that players may further customize their appearance.

===Stats===

A character's statistics may be thought of as the innate aptitude for, or lack thereof, a given quality. Is a character strong or weak, nimble or clumsy, etc. Mechanically speaking, stats make you slightly better, or slightly worse at performing the tasks the stats operate on. Stats are also split into three groups: physical, mental, and hybrid (a combination of the former two), which can help players conceptually understand the types of systems each can affect.

Each stat has two values associated with it: a base value and a bonus value.

A stat's base value is an unmodified value that is used in part to determine the same stat's bonus value, and collectively to determine the number of training points a player can spend on skills. It is otherwise very seldom used in other mechanical systems.

The bonus value, which is used in a wide variety of systems, is a modified value that is determined by the stat's base value and the race of a character. The bonus value is the value used in formulas that calculate a character's defense, attack strength, ability to hide, etc. along with skill bonuses and other non-stat/skill related constants.

The following is a list of statistics, coupled with descriptions of what each is, and what each affects as it pertain to activities a ranger would expect to do.

Physical Stats

[[Strength]]: A measure of a character's physical prowess. It is used in determining the strength of melee attacks, the speed of ranged attacks, and encumbrance (how much a character can carry without suffering adverse effects).

[[Constitution]]: A measure of a character's hardiness. It is used in determining starting and maximum health points, stamina points (it is the most heavily weighted stat in this calculation), encumbrance, how well a character takes damage, and disease resistance.

[[Dexterity]]: A measure of a character's hand-eye coordination, balance, and aim. It is used in determining the strength of a ranged attack, the speed of a melee attack, how well a character can ambush, and how well a character can skin.

[[Agility]]: A measure of a character's quickness and ability to defend itself. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can avoid detection while hidden, how well a character can dodge attacks, and the speed of melee attacks.

Mental Stats

[[Logic]]: A measure of a character's ability to reason. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once and how fast it is absorbed, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Intuition]]: A measure of a character's insight. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can dodge attacks, foraging ability, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Wisdom]]: A measure of a character's problem solving ability and affinity with spiritual magic..It is used in determining a character's ability to cast and defend against spiritual spells (spells in the ranger circle are considered spiritual), and starting mana points.

[[Influence]]: A measure of a character's charisma. It is used in determining how well a character can haggle in shops.

Hybrid Stats (Physical & Mental)

[[Aura]]: A measure of a character's connection to the magic nature of Elanthia. It is used in determining spirit points, and a character's ability to defend against elemental magic.

[[Discipline]]: A measure of a character's determination and self-control. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once, a character's ability to hide and avoid detection while hidden, and a character's ability to defend against mental magic.

Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses

 Editor's Note: Still in Progress. Just wanted to publish the table.

{|
|-
{| {{prettytable}}
|+ '''Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses'''
|-
! width=80px |
! width=80px | [[Strength]] || width=80px | [[Constitution]] || width=80px | [[Dexterity]] || width=80px | [[Agility]] || width=80px | [[Discipline]]
! width=80px | [[Aura]] || width=80px | [[Logic]] || width=80px | [[Intuition]] || width=80px | [[Wisdom]] || width=80px | [[Influence]]
|- align = center
| '''[[Aelotoi]]''' || {{{str|-5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dwarf]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+15}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|+10}}} || {{{aur|-10}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Elf]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+15}}} || {{{dis|-15}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dark elf|Elf, Dark]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|-5}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-10}}} || {{{aur|+10}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-elf|Elf, Half]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Sylvankind|Elf, Sylvan]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Burghal gnome|Gnome, Burghal]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|+10}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Forest gnome|Gnome, Forest]]''' || {{{str|-10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Giantman]]''' || {{{str|+15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|-5}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|-5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Halfling]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+15}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+10}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Human]]''' || {{{str|+5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|0}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-Krolvin|Krolvin, Half]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|-10}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|-5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|}

===Skills===

===Name===

A character’s name. Choose wisely. This is one of the few settings players will never be able to change within the lifespan of their character.

==See Also==
*[[Ranger]] (main article)
*[[New Players' Guide]] (a comprehensive beginner's guide for new players of any profession)
*[[The Art of the Bow (guide)]]
*[[The Art of Roleplaying in GemStone IV (guide)]]
*[[Player Guide Contest]]

==References==
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/professions/rangers.asp Ranger profession on Play.net]
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/npg/home.asp GemStone IV New Player Guide on Play.net]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Ranger]]
[[Category:Professional Guides]]
[[Category:New Player| ]]

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-16T01:45:43Z

PENNINGTONB1: /* Stats */ fixed a couple bugs in the table

{{Work-in-progress}}

The purpose of this guide is to assist inexperienced players understand and easily surmount the challenges of rolling up a new [[Ranger|ranger]] from the ground up. It focuses on the entire process of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] and slightly beyond into the beginning of a ranger's life, including character development, choosing initial [[Statistics|stat]] placement, designing a [[Skill|skill]] training plan, and basic hunting strategies to bring those skill sets to life.

That said, the character building strategies described within this guide are meant to be only that – a simple guide – and are not to be taken as the only viable methods for doing so. The player is encouraged to take these generalities and build their character into the living, breathing person they envision. Gemstone IV provides an extremely vibrant and expansive world in which nearly anything a player can think up may be done.
__TOC__
==What is a Ranger?==

A [[Ranger|ranger]] is someone who appreciates and respects the beauty and simplicity of nature. Someone who may value the company of delightful forest creatures over that of other people. Someone who is happy to sleep in the nook of a tree under a starry sky. Due to a deep appreciation and understanding of nature, rangers can call on nature to aid in their defence or summon nature to assist in attacking unfriendly creatures through knowledge of their unique spell circle.

A ranger may eventually form an everlasting bond with a [[Animal Companion (630)|companion animal]]. This companion will provide the ranger valuable assistance in hunting as well a friendship that will play a significant role in both their lives.

More generally speaking, rangers are one of the three [[Semi|semi]] professions in [[Elanthia]]. Rangers typically hunt using a combination of physical attacks and spells (with spells from the [[Ranger Base]] and [[100s|Minor Spiritual]] [[Spell circle|spell circles]]). Popular hunting tactics for rangers are diverse. Rangers can succeed using any tactic from ranged sniping using some [[Sneaking (617)|spells]] to help conceal themselves; wielding a sword and shield while [[Nature's Fury (635)|summing nature]] to help smite their foes; hunting armed only by a runestaff and their [[Spike Thorn (616)|own spells]] or anything in-between.

==Roleplaying and Character Development==

The fundamentals of character development are all about the shaping and defining of one's character. To begin the process of character building, it is highly recommended that new players take some time familiarizing themselves with some of the game's lore found on the main website and within this wiki. Basic knowledge of the game's lore is invaluable in helping a player decide what they want their character to become, or at least start them on the path to discovery. Will he be a contemptuous [[Half-elf|half-elven]] pariah, exiled from some remote city in the [[Turamzzyrian Empire]], or will she be an obedient [[Giantman|giantman]] from the [[Grishknel Wolf Clan]], a scout for her nomadic village? Getting to know even the littlest bits about the world of [[Elanthia]] will put a player leaps and bounds ahead into deciding who they want their character to be.

One of the best places to start the investigation are [[Race|races]] and their respective [[Culture|subcultures]] as this will be one of the first things that players will be required to choose for a character before playing (technically, a subculture may be chosen later at leisure using the [[TITLE (verb)|title verb]], but a race must be selected when starting a new character). Cities and the political powers that govern them are another excellent option for starting character development (e.g. the cities of the [[Elven Nations]] and the Human – that is, Turamzzyrrian – Empire). Even looking at [[Skill|skill]] descriptions and game mechanics can help a player understand what’s possible within the world. However, looking into one subject can lead down the rabbit hole into a seemingly unending series of articles and subjects, so it is suggested that players pace themselves and remember while researching that they don’t have to figure out absolutely everything right away. The purpose of initial research should just be to get them started. Characters can and should continue to develop throughout their entire existence as they continue to gather experiences, make friends and enemies, and travel the world.

Of course, a player may decide to eschew this process initially and get right into playing. Many decide after [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] who they want their characters to be.

After character creation, one of the best tools to progress a character’s development is for the player to interact with others: watch people, talk to people, and ask questions. Watch the calendars for upcoming events and get involved (e.g. by joining a [[CHE|house]]). Make sure to explore and see the things there are to see – there are hints about the world everywhere. Finally, have fun and live the character’s story.

==Character Creation==

This module of the guide follows every step of the character creation process in the exact order they appear when a player creates a new character through the game's main website.

===Gender===
Gender is entirely up to personal preference, as it provides no mechanical advantage in any way during gameplay.

===Profession===

Because this is a ranger guide, it is recommended that “Ranger” is chosen here.

===Race===

Main Article: [[Race]]

There are quite a number of driving factors players rate and choose by when deciding to play a particular race. This section explores some of those reasons in order to help new players make a more informed decision when choosing a race themselves. It is recommended that the reader refer to both this section and the section on stats before making any final decisions, as both subjects are entwined.

Perhaps the most obvious reason for choosing one particular race is simply due to creative preference. To borrow a couple stereotypes, a player may want their character to be a high born elf or a drunken dwarf. Roleplaying choices such as these are extremely common and encouraged.

Racial modifiers to stats are another example (the effects of these modifiers will be conceptualized here, while their mechanical effects will be detailed in the stats section). Halflings, for example, are physically weaker due to their size than other larger races. This trait manifests itself mechanically when determining how much weight the halfling can carry around, or in how fast he can swing a weapon/draw his bow. Next, take a giantman for example: while they are physically powerful, they are not known for being the most dexterous race. This time, the trait can manifests itself in the giant's stunted ability to fire a bow well. It is primarily in these ways (through stat modifiers) that each race brings to life their particular strengths and weaknesses.

Other racial modifiers not linked to stats are yet another reason players prefer a particular race. Each race, for example, has a differing maximum health point limit. Some races (halflings and dwarves) have natural bonuses to their magic defenses, while others (elves) are very resistant to poisons and diseases. Further and more specific details about most of the important non-stat related modifiers can be found in the article: [[Racial modifiers (saved post)|Racial Modifiers]].

As one last note on the subject of choosing a race: players should take care to understand that the aforementioned modifiers or any combination thereof of any particular race do not make that race unplayable. It is possible for a ranger of any race to be highly successful and enjoy their adventure.

===Culture===

This setting allows players to choose between their selected race’s cultures. Culture, like gender, proffers no mechanical advantages beyond opening up the ability to speak in the language associated with that culture, if applicable. Otherwise, this is completely up to personal preference. Culture is also one of the only options (the other being certain appearance options, discussed below) players are not required to select when creating a new character. If a player is not ready to choose a culture at the time prompted, they may select the option labeled “None” and later access the options again via the TITLE verb in game.

===Appearance===

Appearance is one of the first things other players see when looking at a character. These options are entirely cosmetic (appropriately) and up to the player’s creative preferences. Beyond the basics (hair style and color, eye color, and skin color), all other options here may be set later, if at all. Once in game, players have the opportunity to change these traits as they please in the “New Look” pavilions located in every major city. Occasionally, feature alteration services may be offered by special merchants so that players may further customize their appearance.

===Stats===

A character's statistics may be thought of as the innate aptitude for, or lack thereof, a given quality. Is a character strong or weak, nimble or clumsy, etc. Mechanically speaking, stats make you slightly better, or slightly worse at performing the tasks the stats operate on. Stats are also split into three groups: physical, mental, and hybrid (a combination of the former two), which can help players conceptually understand the types of systems each can affect.

Each stat has two values associated with it: a base value and a bonus value.

A stat's base value is an unmodified value that is used in part to determine the same stat's bonus value, and collectively to determine the number of training points a player can spend on skills. It is otherwise very seldom used in other mechanical systems.

The bonus value, which is used in a wide variety of systems, is a modified value that is determined by the stat's base value and the race of a character. The bonus value is the value used in formulas that calculate a character's defense, attack strength, ability to hide, etc. along with skill bonuses and other non-stat/skill related constants.

The following is a list of statistics, coupled with descriptions of what each is, and what each affects as they pertain to activities a ranger would expect to do.

Physical Stats

[[Strength]]: A measure of a character's physical prowess. It is used in determining the strength of melee attacks, the speed of ranged attacks, and encumbrance (how much a character can carry without suffering adverse effects).

[[Constitution]]: A measure of a character's hardiness. It is used in determining starting and maximum health points, stamina points (it is the most heavily weighted stat in this calculation), encumbrance, how well a character takes damage, and disease resistance.

[[Dexterity]]: A measure of a character's hand-eye coordination, balance, and aim. It is used in determining the strength of a ranged attack, the speed of a melee attack, how well a character can ambush, and how well a character can skin.

[[Agility]]: A measure of a character's quickness and ability to defend itself. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can avoid detection while hidden, how well a character can dodge attacks, and the speed of melee attacks.

Mental Stats

[[Logic]]: A measure of a character's ability to reason. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once and how fast it is absorbed, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Intuition]]: A measure of a character's insight. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can dodge attacks, foraging ability, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Wisdom]]: A measure of a character's problem solving ability and affinity with spiritual magic..It is used in determining a character's ability to cast and defend against spiritual spells (spells in the ranger circle are considered spiritual), and starting mana points.

[[Influence]]: A measure of a character's charisma. It is used in determining how well a character can haggle in shops.

Hybrid Stats (Physical & Mental)

[[Aura]]: A measure of a character's connection to the magic nature of Elanthia. It is used in determining spirit points, and a character's ability to defend against elemental magic.

[[Discipline]]: A measure of a character's determination and self-control. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once, a character's ability to hide and avoid detection while hidden, and a character's ability to defend against mental magic.

Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses

 Editor's Note: Still in Progress. Just wanted to publish the table.

{|
|-
{| {{prettytable}}
|+ '''Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses'''
|-
! width=80px |
! width=80px | [[Strength]] || width=80px | [[Constitution]] || width=80px | [[Dexterity]] || width=80px | [[Agility]] || width=80px | [[Discipline]]
! width=80px | [[Aura]] || width=80px | [[Logic]] || width=80px | [[Intuition]] || width=80px | [[Wisdom]] || width=80px | [[Influence]]
|- align = center
| '''[[Aelotoi]]''' || {{{str|-5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dwarf]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+15}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|+10}}} || {{{aur|-10}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Elf]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+15}}} || {{{dis|-15}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dark elf|Elf, Dark]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|-5}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-10}}} || {{{aur|+10}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-elf|Elf, Half]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Sylvankind|Elf, Sylvan]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Burghal gnome|Gnome, Burghal]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|+10}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Forest gnome|Gnome, Forest]]''' || {{{str|-10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Giantman]]''' || {{{str|+15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|-5}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|-5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Halfling]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+15}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+10}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-Krolvin|Krolvin, Half]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|-10}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|-5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|}

===Skills===

===Name===

A character’s name. Choose wisely. This is one of the few settings players will never be able to change within the lifespan of their character.

==See Also==
*[[Ranger]] (main article)
*[[New Players' Guide]] (a comprehensive beginner's guide for new players of any profession)
*[[The Art of the Bow (guide)]]
*[[The Art of Roleplaying in GemStone IV (guide)]]
*[[Player Guide Contest]]

==References==
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/professions/rangers.asp Ranger profession on Play.net]
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/npg/home.asp GemStone IV New Player Guide on Play.net]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Ranger]]
[[Category:Professional Guides]]
[[Category:New Player| ]]

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-16T01:38:04Z

PENNINGTONB1: added partial Stats section, including stat basics, stat descs. and racial modifier table (omg tables)

{{Work-in-progress}}

The purpose of this guide is to assist inexperienced players understand and easily surmount the challenges of rolling up a new [[Ranger|ranger]] from the ground up. It focuses on the entire process of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] and slightly beyond into the beginning of a ranger's life, including character development, choosing initial [[Statistics|stat]] placement, designing a [[Skill|skill]] training plan, and basic hunting strategies to bring those skill sets to life.

That said, the character building strategies described within this guide are meant to be only that – a simple guide – and are not to be taken as the only viable methods for doing so. The player is encouraged to take these generalities and build their character into the living, breathing person they envision. Gemstone IV provides an extremely vibrant and expansive world in which nearly anything a player can think up may be done.
__TOC__
==What is a Ranger?==

A [[Ranger|ranger]] is someone who appreciates and respects the beauty and simplicity of nature. Someone who may value the company of delightful forest creatures over that of other people. Someone who is happy to sleep in the nook of a tree under a starry sky. Due to a deep appreciation and understanding of nature, rangers can call on nature to aid in their defence or summon nature to assist in attacking unfriendly creatures through knowledge of their unique spell circle.

A ranger may eventually form an everlasting bond with a [[Animal Companion (630)|companion animal]]. This companion will provide the ranger valuable assistance in hunting as well a friendship that will play a significant role in both their lives.

More generally speaking, rangers are one of the three [[Semi|semi]] professions in [[Elanthia]]. Rangers typically hunt using a combination of physical attacks and spells (with spells from the [[Ranger Base]] and [[100s|Minor Spiritual]] [[Spell circle|spell circles]]). Popular hunting tactics for rangers are diverse. Rangers can succeed using any tactic from ranged sniping using some [[Sneaking (617)|spells]] to help conceal themselves; wielding a sword and shield while [[Nature's Fury (635)|summing nature]] to help smite their foes; hunting armed only by a runestaff and their [[Spike Thorn (616)|own spells]] or anything in-between.

==Roleplaying and Character Development==

The fundamentals of character development are all about the shaping and defining of one's character. To begin the process of character building, it is highly recommended that new players take some time familiarizing themselves with some of the game's lore found on the main website and within this wiki. Basic knowledge of the game's lore is invaluable in helping a player decide what they want their character to become, or at least start them on the path to discovery. Will he be a contemptuous [[Half-elf|half-elven]] pariah, exiled from some remote city in the [[Turamzzyrian Empire]], or will she be an obedient [[Giantman|giantman]] from the [[Grishknel Wolf Clan]], a scout for her nomadic village? Getting to know even the littlest bits about the world of [[Elanthia]] will put a player leaps and bounds ahead into deciding who they want their character to be.

One of the best places to start the investigation are [[Race|races]] and their respective [[Culture|subcultures]] as this will be one of the first things that players will be required to choose for a character before playing (technically, a subculture may be chosen later at leisure using the [[TITLE (verb)|title verb]], but a race must be selected when starting a new character). Cities and the political powers that govern them are another excellent option for starting character development (e.g. the cities of the [[Elven Nations]] and the Human – that is, Turamzzyrrian – Empire). Even looking at [[Skill|skill]] descriptions and game mechanics can help a player understand what’s possible within the world. However, looking into one subject can lead down the rabbit hole into a seemingly unending series of articles and subjects, so it is suggested that players pace themselves and remember while researching that they don’t have to figure out absolutely everything right away. The purpose of initial research should just be to get them started. Characters can and should continue to develop throughout their entire existence as they continue to gather experiences, make friends and enemies, and travel the world.

Of course, a player may decide to eschew this process initially and get right into playing. Many decide after [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation|character creation]] who they want their characters to be.

After character creation, one of the best tools to progress a character’s development is for the player to interact with others: watch people, talk to people, and ask questions. Watch the calendars for upcoming events and get involved (e.g. by joining a [[CHE|house]]). Make sure to explore and see the things there are to see – there are hints about the world everywhere. Finally, have fun and live the character’s story.

==Character Creation==

This module of the guide follows every step of the character creation process in the exact order they appear when a player creates a new character through the game's main website.

===Gender===
Gender is entirely up to personal preference, as it provides no mechanical advantage in any way during gameplay.

===Profession===

Because this is a ranger guide, it is recommended that “Ranger” is chosen here.

===Race===

Main Article: [[Race]]

There are quite a number of driving factors players rate and choose by when deciding to play a particular race. This section explores some of those reasons in order to help new players make a more informed decision when choosing a race themselves. It is recommended that the reader refer to both this section and the section on stats before making any final decisions, as both subjects are entwined.

Perhaps the most obvious reason for choosing one particular race is simply due to creative preference. To borrow a couple stereotypes, a player may want their character to be a high born elf or a drunken dwarf. Roleplaying choices such as these are extremely common and encouraged.

Racial modifiers to stats are another example (the effects of these modifiers will be conceptualized here, while their mechanical effects will be detailed in the stats section). Halflings, for example, are physically weaker due to their size than other larger races. This trait manifests itself mechanically when determining how much weight the halfling can carry around, or in how fast he can swing a weapon/draw his bow. Next, take a giantman for example: while they are physically powerful, they are not known for being the most dexterous race. This time, the trait can manifests itself in the giant's stunted ability to fire a bow well. It is primarily in these ways (through stat modifiers) that each race brings to life their particular strengths and weaknesses.

Other racial modifiers not linked to stats are yet another reason players prefer a particular race. Each race, for example, has a differing maximum health point limit. Some races (halflings and dwarves) have natural bonuses to their magic defenses, while others (elves) are very resistant to poisons and diseases. Further and more specific details about most of the important non-stat related modifiers can be found in the article: [[Racial modifiers (saved post)|Racial Modifiers]].

As one last note on the subject of choosing a race: players should take care to understand that the aforementioned modifiers or any combination thereof of any particular race do not make that race unplayable. It is possible for a ranger of any race to be highly successful and enjoy their adventure.

===Culture===

This setting allows players to choose between their selected race’s cultures. Culture, like gender, proffers no mechanical advantages beyond opening up the ability to speak in the language associated with that culture, if applicable. Otherwise, this is completely up to personal preference. Culture is also one of the only options (the other being certain appearance options, discussed below) players are not required to select when creating a new character. If a player is not ready to choose a culture at the time prompted, they may select the option labeled “None” and later access the options again via the TITLE verb in game.

===Appearance===

Appearance is one of the first things other players see when looking at a character. These options are entirely cosmetic (appropriately) and up to the player’s creative preferences. Beyond the basics (hair style and color, eye color, and skin color), all other options here may be set later, if at all. Once in game, players have the opportunity to change these traits as they please in the “New Look” pavilions located in every major city. Occasionally, feature alteration services may be offered by special merchants so that players may further customize their appearance.

===Stats===

A character's statistics may be thought of as the innate aptitude for, or lack thereof, a given quality. Is a character strong or weak, nimble or clumsy, etc. Mechanically speaking, stats make you slightly better, or slightly worse at performing the tasks the stats operate on. Stats are also split into three groups: physical, mental, and hybrid (a combination of the former two), which can help players conceptually understand the types of systems each can affect.

Each stat has two values associated with it: a base value and a bonus value.

A stat's base value is an unmodified value that is used in part to determine the same stat's bonus value, and collectively to determine the number of training points a player can spend on skills. It is otherwise very seldom used in other mechanical systems.

The bonus value, which is used in a wide variety of systems, is a modified value that is determined by the stat's base value and the race of a character. The bonus value is the value used in formulas that calculate a character's defense, attack strength, ability to hide, etc. along with skill bonuses and other non-stat/skill related constants.

The following is a list of statistics, coupled with descriptions of what each is, and what each affects as they pertain to activities a ranger would expect to do.

Physical Stats

[[Strength]]: A measure of a character's physical prowess. It is used in determining the strength of melee attacks, the speed of ranged attacks, and encumbrance (how much a character can carry without suffering adverse effects).

[[Constitution]]: A measure of a character's hardiness. It is used in determining starting and maximum health points, stamina points (it is the most heavily weighted stat in this calculation), encumbrance, how well a character takes damage, and disease resistance.

[[Dexterity]]: A measure of a character's hand-eye coordination, balance, and aim. It is used in determining the strength of a ranged attack, the speed of a melee attack, how well a character can ambush, and how well a character can skin.

[[Agility]]: A measure of a character's quickness and ability to defend itself. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can avoid detection while hidden, how well a character can dodge attacks, and the speed of melee attacks.

Mental Stats

[[Logic]]: A measure of a character's ability to reason. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once and how fast it is absorbed, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Intuition]]: A measure of a character's insight. It is used in determining defensive strength, how well a character can dodge attacks, foraging ability, and a character's ability to use magic items.

[[Wisdom]]: A measure of a character's problem solving ability and affinity with spiritual magic..It is used in determining a character's ability to cast and defend against spiritual spells (spells in the ranger circle are considered spiritual), and starting mana points.

[[Influence]]: A measure of a character's charisma. It is used in determining how well a character can haggle in shops.

Hybrid Stats (Physical & Mental)

[[Aura]]: A measure of a character's connection to the magic nature of Elanthia. It is used in determining spirit points, and a character's ability to defend against elemental magic.

[[Discipline]]: A measure of a character's determination and self-control. It is used in determining how much experience can be held at once, a character's ability to hide and avoid detection while hidden, and a character's ability to defend against mental magic.

Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses

 Editor's Note: Still in Progress. Just wanted to publish the table.

{|
|-
{| {{prettytable}}
|+ '''Racial Modifiers to Stat Bonuses'''
|-
! width=80px |
! width=80px | [[Strength]] || width=80px | [[Constitution]] || width=80px | [[Dexterity]] || width=80px | [[Agility]] || width=80px | [[Discipline]]
! width=80px | [[Aura]] || width=80px | [[Logic]] || width=80px | [[Intuition]] || width=80px | [[Wisdom]] || width=80px | [[Influence]]
|- align = center
| '''[[Aelotoi]]''' || {{{str|-5}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dwarf]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+15}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|+10}}} || {{{aur|-10}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Elf]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+15}}} || {{{dis|-15}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+10}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Dark elf|Elf, Dark]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|-5}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-10}}} || {{{aur|+10}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-elf|Elf, Half]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Sylvankind|Elf, Sylvan]]''' || {{{str|0}}} || {{{con|0}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+5}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|0}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|0}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Burghal gnome|Gnome, Burghal]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+10}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|+5}}} || {{{log|+10}}} || {{{int|+5}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Forest gnome|Gnome, Forest]]''' || {{{str|-10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+5}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|+5}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|+5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|+5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Giantman]]''' || {{{str|+15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|-5}}} || {{{agi|-5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|-5}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|+5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Halfling]]''' || {{{str|-15}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|+15}}} || {{{agi|+10}}} || {{{dis|-5}}} || {{{aur|-5}}} || {{{log|+}}} || {{{int|+10}}} || {{{wis|0}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|- align = center
| '''[[Half-Krolvin|Krolvin, Half]]''' || {{{str|+10}}} || {{{con|+10}}} || {{{dex|0}}} || {{{agi|5}}} || {{{dis|0}}} || {{{aur|0}}} || {{{log|-10}}} || {{{int|0}}} || {{{wis|-5}}} || {{{inf|-5}}}
|}

===Skills===

===Name===

A character’s name. Choose wisely. This is one of the few settings players will never be able to change within the lifespan of their character.

==See Also==
*[[Ranger]] (main article)
*[[New Players' Guide]] (a comprehensive beginner's guide for new players of any profession)
*[[The Art of the Bow (guide)]]
*[[The Art of Roleplaying in GemStone IV (guide)]]
*[[Player Guide Contest]]

==References==
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/professions/rangers.asp Ranger profession on Play.net]
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/npg/home.asp GemStone IV New Player Guide on Play.net]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Ranger]]
[[Category:Professional Guides]]
[[Category:New Player| ]]

Talk:Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-15T18:57:00Z

PENNINGTONB1:

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-14T08:20:23Z

PENNINGTONB1: added Culture, Appearance, and Name descriptions in the Character Creation module

Talk:Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-14T03:23:23Z

PENNINGTONB1:

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-14T03:21:27Z

PENNINGTONB1: used some of the reverted edit's text to compliment existing Race section;.

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-14T02:59:15Z

PENNINGTONB1: Undo revision 57125 by SARAH3 (talk)

Talk:Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-14T02:57:10Z

PENNINGTONB1:

Hi, everyone.

I'd like to start a discussion about a cooperative ranger guide directed at inexperienced players.

First, I'd like to compile a list of quality material already in existence, and while there is a lot of good information out there, it seems to be pretty vastly spread out. There also seems to be a lack of existing ranger guides (I imagine a lot were lost as player owned websites discontinued hosting services), and those that can be found are old/too technical/too specific for a newbie guide. Perhaps some of you have some of the older ones tucked away in your long-lived GS directories, so please post them somewhere and give us a link in this discussion. Below is a small list of items I found with a quick cursory Google search.

Ransom's GSIII Ranger Guide: 
http://www.tamcon.com/GS3/ranger1.html 
Nuadjha's "The Art of the Bow": 
http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?49785-quot-The-Art-of-the-Bow-quot-GSIV-Archery-Guide

Second, I'd like to talk about the organization of the guide. I'm not entirely sure how I envision the whole thing laid out, but we can (and will, I'm sure) make alterations to the general layout as the guide progresses. Some basic modules that comes to mind are:

-a conceptualized description of what a ranger is and how they can be reasonably expected to function 
::Started on this last night, forgot to make a note here. Anyone who wants to fiddle with it and make it sound nicer is free to go ahead. [[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 04:43, 13 February 2015 (CST)
-a guide that follows the character creation process (e.g. choosing your race, stats, skills) 
-a basic hunting guide using the skills a typical ranger may be expected to have (we should probably avoid suggestions like "fletch till you 15, then go hunt" or "use this script to level to X" as this should remain a guide showing newbies how to roll up and play a ranger. 
-helpful links (preferably within the gswiki) to more specific guides and other useful information 
-notes on roleplaying and character development 
-basic information about societies and choosing a society

I'm not sure if we should get overly technical about specific training options (such as crit/DF tables, etc), though we can certainly provide links to such things while stressing that a complete understanding of these topics is not necessary for success. We should stress a basic concept of what a ranger is while also focusing on character customization by suggesting that there are a wide range of options available for a ranger where training/playing styles are concerned. Players need not follow an ideal perfectly to have a viable character.
::I can take care of that, I've had many requests for a ranger guide... Now that I'm putting down my newbie guide to you all, I can handle the advanced numerical outlook on rangers, if you guys want to stick to the basics. I may bug you in game for information and fact checking though! -Whirlin [[User:HJELTE|HJELTE]] ([[User talk:HJELTE|talk]]) 11:11, 11 February 2015 (CST)

::::Feel free to hit me up if you need any specific help. You know where to find Sepher. Regarding a more advanced mechanical outlook, such a guide like that would very much compliment one such as this, as there are always players that like to get deeply involved with the mechanical side of the game. I look forward to it. -Sepher --[[User:PENNINGTONB1|PENNINGTONB1]] ([[User talk:PENNINGTONB1|talk]]) 18:42, 12 February 2015 (CST)

So, before getting into the meat of the guide, what suggestions or ideas would you like to see in such a guide? If you're a new player or a new ranger, what sorts of questions do/did you have about playing a ranger? Let us know.

~Brian, Sepher's player

::I'm relatively new to GS overall, so I'm not sure about mechanics and general advice for being a ranger part since I've only played one ranger. I can provide text edits and add '''all of the links''' to other parts of GS wiki for people who just want to write text and not worry about that though.
::Oh, and I have a [[Buff spells|buff spells]] guide in the works so I'll try to figure out a way to get some sort of floating page so the relevant information can be presented here so new rangers have a good sense for which spells they should be liberally applying to themselves. -Astru [[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 11:10, 12 February 2015 (CST)

::::I am happy to leave the linking and general "Wikifying" part of editing to someone who knows what they're doing. It would just be a trial and error process for me and not something I'm interested in putting forth the effort into at the moment.

::::::I'm not super awesome at all things wiki, but after playing around a bit, I'm at least pretty good at linking stuff. I'll try to go through at the end and cut out excessive links at the end. Everything is supposed to be linked once per page when it's first mentioned, but who knows how things end up getting organized when we're done. [[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 04:43, 13 February 2015 (CST)

::::Regarding the buff guide: I don't know what a floating page is, so I wouldn't know if I necessarily want it on this particular page, but at the very least a link in the hunting module of the guide may be inserted. Ideally, I want to keep things as tight as possible. -Sepher --[[User:PENNINGTONB1|PENNINGTONB1]] ([[User talk:PENNINGTONB1|talk]]) 18:42, 12 February 2015 (CST)

::::::Well, in principle, when [[User:DAID|DAID]] and I get the floating pages working, they should be easy to add and remove from different pages, so if nobody likes it on this page and we just want to run with a link, it can be removed without losing the work. [[User:GS4-SCRIBES|SCRIBES]] is actually the one who suggested adding a buff spell section to the beginner profession pages when I asked on the officials, but we can certainly see how it works here. :) -Astru [[User:SARAH3|SARAH3]] ([[User talk:SARAH3|talk]]) 04:43, 13 February 2015 (CST)

I am going to undo the recent changed to the Race section because I feel some of the purpose and organization was lost in the edit. There are also POV issues, among other grammar problems with the edit. I will copy it here in case the text is lost in the undoing of it and will like borrow some of the language to reedit the section. Too much was changed to warrant minor editing repairs, thus the reversion. -Sepher --[[User:PENNINGTONB1|PENNINGTONB1]] ([[User talk:PENNINGTONB1|talk]]) 20:57, 13 February 2015 (CST)

Race

There are quite a number of driving factors players rate and choose by when deciding to play a particular race. This section explores some of those reasons in order to help new players make a more informed decision when choosing a race themselves. It is recommended that the reader refer to both this section and the section on stats before making any final decisions, as both subjects are entwined.

Perhaps the most important reason for choosing one particular race is preference. While different races present different advantages or disadvantages in terms of their starting statistics, it is possible for a ranger of any race to be successful and enjoy their adventure. So you should choose the race you want to play, the one you have a good roleplay idea for or the one you imagine your ranger to be and don't let anyone tell you that you made a bad decision for this reason alone.

However, if you are uncertain, you can consider the different racial modifiers to statistics when selecting your race (the effects of these modifiers will be conceptualized here, while their mechanical effects will be detailed in the stats section). For example, halflings are physically weaker than other larger races due to their size. This trait manifests itself mechanically when determining how much weight the halfling can carry around, or in how fast he can swing a weapon or draw his bow. Next, take a giantman for example: while they are physically powerful, they are not known for being the most dexterous race. This time, the trait is a handicap to the giantman's ability to fire a bow well. It is primarily in these ways (through statistics modifiers) that each race brings to life with their particular strengths and weaknesses.

Other racial modifiers not linked to statistics are yet another reason players prefer a particular race. Each race, for example, has a differing maximum health points. Some races (halflings and dwarves) have natural bonuses to their magic defenses, while others (e.g. elves) are very resistant to poisons and diseases.

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-13T04:33:55Z

PENNINGTONB1: fixed another type;made a couple word choice changes for flow and clarity

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-13T03:53:59Z

PENNINGTONB1: fixed a typo

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-13T03:51:56Z

PENNINGTONB1: added skeleton for character creation module; filled out the first three sections of it

Beginner's guide to playing a ranger

2015-02-13T01:01:13Z

PENNINGTONB1: added topic sentence to Roleplaying; removed a redundant clause from the end of the last sentence in paragraph 1, Roleplaying

2006-11-15T02:35:11Z

PENNINGTONB1: Full documentation of spell

{{spell |
| name = Camouflage
| number = 608
| mnemonic = CAMOUFLAGE
| duration = Immediate
| type = Offensive Bonus }}

While casting this spell outdoors, the ranger is able to blend in with the surroundings, placing him into hiding. Adding +30 to [[Attack Strength]] [[(AS)]], Camouflage significantly increases the chance for the ranger to strike the target when attacking from a hidden position, and also provides a bonus to remaining unseen while hidden. Additionally, Camouflage provides a level-based bonus to unhiding unseen. If the ranger is discovered from hiding, the +30 [[Attack Strength]] [[(AS)]] bonus does not apply.

Camouflage also provides a bonus to the ranger who has acquired the [[Shadow Mastery]] [[combat maneuver]] (CMAN) skill. While [[SNEAK]]ing, the caster retains 10% of the AS bonus per [[Shadow Mastery]] rank. The results are cumulative, so every room that the ranger sneaks will reduce the [[AS]] bonus retained until it reaches zero.

If the ranger first casts the spell [[Nature's Touch (625)]] he is able to use Camouflage indoors.

:''Archers! Use this spell for a bonus to remain hidden while sniping.''

== External Links ==
*http://www.play.net/gs4/info/spells/spelllist.asp?circle=9#608

[[category:Ranger Base Spells]]

Sounds (607)

2006-11-15T02:30:07Z

PENNINGTONB1: Full documentation of spell

{{spell |
| name = Sounds
| number = 607
| mnemonic = SOUNDS
| duration = 120 sec, stackable
| type = Attack }}

'''Sounds''' (607) creates distracting sounds all around the target making them less able to defend theirselves. The base penalty to the target is -20 to their defense and works best on targets up to 15 levels above the caster. For every additional level above the caster past 15 levels, there is a 20% failure per level until the target is 20 levels above the caster, at which point it will not work.

Training in the [[Ranger Spell Circle]] adds a bonus to this spell, maximizing at the 70th spell level, giving the target a maximum penalty of -50 to its defense. The level of the target can affect this bonus, but the penalty will always be at least -20 to the target's defense on a successful cast.

The target will also suffer a base 10% hindrance to spell casting ability. This percent chance is increased with training in [[Spiritual Lore: Summoning]] by an additional 1% at 1 rank to a maximum additional 13% at 91 ranks.

Sounds penalizes archers and hurlers while [[AIM]]ing, hindering the chance that they will hit their mark. This spell also hinders those who are attempting to [[DISARM]] traps.

:'''''Note:''' The spell casting hindrance of this spell is separate from the spell casting hindrance one would suffer from wearing heavier armors.''

:''[[Spiritual Lore: Summoning]] bonus thresholds: 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 21, 28, 36, 45, 55, 66, 78 and 91''

== Extermal Links ==
* http://www.play.net/gs4/info/spells/spelllist.asp?circle=9#607

[[category:Ranger Base Spells]]