Beginner's guide to playing a ranger - Revision history

GS4-XERAPHINA: GS4-XERAPHINA moved page A beginner's guide to playing a ranger to Beginner's guide to playing a ranger: naming convention, removing "a"

2024-10-31T00:24:28Z

GS4-XERAPHINA moved page A beginner's guide to playing a ranger to Beginner's guide to playing a ranger: naming convention, removing "a"

← Older revision	Revision as of 19:24, 30 October 2024
(No difference)

GS4-XERAPHINA: updated page to include new player-guide template

2024-10-31T00:24:09Z

updated page to include new player-guide template

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			{{Player-guide
			\|title=A Beginner's Guide to Playing a Ranger
			\|author=Various
			\|date=2015-02-06
			\|updated=2021-04-20
			\|topic=Rangers
			}}
	As the title of this article suggests, this is a guide for new players who are interested in becoming '''[[ranger]]s'''. Hopefully, returning players may also learn something useful about changes made to the profession in their absence. This guide provides an overview of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation\|character creation]] and advice for playing a ranger. In particular, there are some very general suggestions for the placement of [[statistic]]s, setting [[skill]] goals and training paths, hunting strategies as well as roleplay and character development in addition to highlighting a few perks that come with being a ranger.		As the title of this article suggests, this is a guide for new players who are interested in becoming '''[[ranger]]s'''. Hopefully, returning players may also learn something useful about changes made to the profession in their absence. This guide provides an overview of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation\|character creation]] and advice for playing a ranger. In particular, there are some very general suggestions for the placement of [[statistic]]s, setting [[skill]] goals and training paths, hunting strategies as well as roleplay and character development in addition to highlighting a few perks that come with being a ranger.

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	*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/npg/home.asp GemStone IV New Player Guide on Play.net]		*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/npg/home.asp GemStone IV New Player Guide on Play.net]

⚫	[[Category:~~Guides~~]]
	[[Category:Ranger]]		[[Category:Ranger]]
	[[Category:Professional Guides]]		[[Category:Professional Guides]]
	[[Category:New Player\| ]]		[[Category:New Player\| ]]
		⚫	[[Category:Combat Mechanics]]

SPYRIDONM3: /* Threshold Skills */ Updated armor use requirements for brigandine

2021-04-20T18:09:31Z

Threshold Skills: Updated armor use requirements for brigandine

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	\| '''Reasoning'''		\| '''Reasoning'''
	\|-		\|-
	\|30+		\|27+
	\|5/0		\|5/0
	\|[[Armor Use]]		\|[[Armor Use]]
	\|30 ranks is required to use brigandine with minimal spell and ~~maneuver~~ ~~hindrance~~.		\|27 ranks is required to use brigandine with minimal spell hindrance, base [[action penalty]] and no [[roundtime]] adder penalty.
	\|-		\|-
	\|10+		\|10+

VANKRASN39: /* See Also */ remove link

2017-11-24T04:09:08Z

ZHOUY1: /* Statistics */ 30-day fixstats update

2017-02-08T19:30:51Z

Statistics: 30-day fixstats update

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	Other statistics which can be useful to set high early on include [[Discipline\|discipline]] and [[Logic\|logic]], which together help determine the size of one's [[Experience\|experience pool]] and the latter also determines a character's rate of experience absorption. Additionally, [[Aura\|aura]] determines a character's total [[Spirit\|spirit points]], which can be important for rangers who choose [[Council of Light]] as their [[Society\|society]].		Other statistics which can be useful to set high early on include [[Discipline\|discipline]] and [[Logic\|logic]], which together help determine the size of one's [[Experience\|experience pool]] and the latter also determines a character's rate of experience absorption. Additionally, [[Aura\|aura]] determines a character's total [[Spirit\|spirit points]], which can be important for rangers who choose [[Council of Light]] as their [[Society\|society]].

	Setting statistics strictly for growth or strictly training points and early-level enjoyment each have their drawbacks. However, since it is possible to reset statistics up to five times ~~during~~ ~~the first~~ 30 ~~days~~, new rangers have the opportunity to try a few different ways of setting their statistics before settling on more permanent settings (though they should be sure to remember have their final statistics settled before ~~their first 30 days are~~ up and are still advised to consult others for assistance in this matter).		Setting statistics strictly for growth or strictly training points and early-level enjoyment each have their drawbacks. However, since it is possible to reset statistics up to five times until reaching level 20, new rangers have the opportunity to try a few different ways of setting their statistics before settling on more permanent settings (though they should be sure to remember have their final statistics settled before level 20 and are still advised to consult others for assistance in this matter).

	==Skills==		==Skills==

RICH at 15:12, 28 November 2016

2016-11-28T15:12:48Z

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	*[[Aurach's Two Weapon Combat Guide: A Ranger's Perspective]]		*[[Aurach's Two Weapon Combat Guide: A Ranger's Perspective]]
	*[[The Archer Ranger]]		*[[The Archer Ranger]]
			*[[Guides by Whirlin: Ferns, Furs, and Ferrets: Whirlin's Guide to Rangers\|Whirlin's Ranger Guide]]
	*[[The Art of Roleplaying in GemStone IV (guide)]]		*[[The Art of Roleplaying in GemStone IV (guide)]]
	*[[Player Guide Contest]]		*[[Player Guide Contest]]

SARAH3: /* General Strategies */ Added link to beginner's guide to combat page.

2015-03-16T07:22:52Z

General Strategies: Added link to beginner's guide to combat page.

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	Early on, rangers typically hunt much like [[square]]s (albeit squares with a few buff spells) due to a combination of the lack of especially useful attack spells at early levels, small mana pools and limitations on casting ranger spells indoors (e.g. [[608\|Camouflage]] and [[610\|Tangle Weed]] do not work indoors without [[625\|Nature's Touch]]). In addition, while rangers become very good at hiding, sneaking around and ambushing their prey (indeed, they compete with [[Rogue\|rogues]] for the title of the sneakiest profession), new rangers may find that they have much to learn to use these skills well. Thus, even rangers who wish to adopt an ambush or sniping style might find it easier to hunt from the open early on (until maybe level 15-20 or so) and all rangers might prefer to hunt outdoors between levels 8 and 24 (or whenever they learn Nature's Touch).		Early on, rangers typically hunt much like [[square]]s (albeit squares with a few buff spells) due to a combination of the lack of especially useful attack spells at early levels, small mana pools and limitations on casting ranger spells indoors (e.g. [[608\|Camouflage]] and [[610\|Tangle Weed]] do not work indoors without [[625\|Nature's Touch]]). In addition, while rangers become very good at hiding, sneaking around and ambushing their prey (indeed, they compete with [[Rogue\|rogues]] for the title of the sneakiest profession), new rangers may find that they have much to learn to use these skills well. Thus, even rangers who wish to adopt an ambush or sniping style might find it easier to hunt from the open early on (until maybe level 15-20 or so) and all rangers might prefer to hunt outdoors between levels 8 and 24 (or whenever they learn Nature's Touch).

	There is not much to say about a general physical hunting style, especially at early levels. Without spells available (either because they are not yet known or because they cannot be used indoors) it might be a good idea to avoid swarms (large groups of creatures concentrated in one area) and to run out of an area when a significantly higher level creature enters, especially while solo hunting. Specific strategies for physical combat will depend on a particular ranger's weapon choice, desired hunting style and whether or not the ranger is hunting in a [[group]] with like-level adventurers.		There is not much to say about a general physical hunting style, especially at early levels and the general [[A_beginner's_guide_to_combat\|beginner's guide to combat]] covers many of the basic principles. Without spells available (either because they are not yet known or because they cannot be used indoors) it might be a good idea for rangers to avoid swarms (large groups of creatures concentrated in one area) and to run out of an area when a significantly higher level creature enters, especially while solo hunting (hunting by oneself). Specific strategies for physical combat will depend on a particular ranger's weapon choice, desired hunting style and whether or not the ranger is hunting in a [[group]] with like-level adventurers.

	When magic is involved, however, there is much more to say. While hunting either indoors with Nature's Touch or outdoors, it is generally a good idea for rangers to make use of the camouflage spell when they know it. The +30 AS bonus is quite significant at lower levels, even if it only lasts one hit for users of [[melee]] weapons or possibly just a few for [[ranged\|archers]] who have little skill in [[Stalking and Hiding\|stalking and hiding]]. This spell is especially useful for dangerous creature bounties (even moreso when stacked on top of a [[blue crystal]]), but it never hurts to kill something quicker if one has the [[mana\|magical power]] available for it.		When magic is involved, however, there is much more to say. While hunting either indoors with Nature's Touch or outdoors, it is generally a good idea for rangers to make use of the camouflage spell when they know it. The +30 AS bonus is quite significant at lower levels, even if it only lasts one hit for users of [[melee]] weapons or possibly just a few for [[ranged\|archers]] who have little skill in [[Stalking and Hiding\|stalking and hiding]]. This spell is especially useful for dangerous creature bounties (even moreso when stacked on top of a [[blue crystal]]), but it never hurts to kill something quicker if one has the [[mana\|magical power]] available for it.

SARAH3: Table of contents adjustment.

2015-03-13T07:24:01Z

Table of contents adjustment.

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	As the title of this article suggests, this is a guide for new players who are interested in becoming '''[[ranger]]s'''. Hopefully, returning players may also learn something useful about changes made to the profession in their absence. This guide provides an overview of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation\|character creation]] and advice for playing a ranger. In particular, there are some very general suggestions for the placement of [[statistic]]s, setting [[skill]] goals and training paths, hunting strategies as well as roleplay and character development in addition to highlighting a few perks that come with being a ranger.		As the title of this article suggests, this is a guide for new players who are interested in becoming '''[[ranger]]s'''. Hopefully, returning players may also learn something useful about changes made to the profession in their absence. This guide provides an overview of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation\|character creation]] and advice for playing a ranger. In particular, there are some very general suggestions for the placement of [[statistic]]s, setting [[skill]] goals and training paths, hunting strategies as well as roleplay and character development in addition to highlighting a few perks that come with being a ranger.

			{{PrettyTOCleft}}
	__TOC__

	=What is a Ranger?=		=What is a Ranger?=

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	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.		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.		More technically speaking, rangers are one of the three [[Semi\|semi]] professions in [[Elanthia]]. Thus, rangers typically hunt using a combination of physical attacks and spells (using spells from the [[600s\|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. Rangers are also the best at [[FORAGE (verb)\|foraging]] and [[SKIN (verb)\|skinning]].

	=Character Creation=		=Character Creation=
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	In addition, animal companions will often play a significant role in a ranger's life. Thus, many rangers will not only spend time hanging out with their companions on a daily basis, but they may also incorporate their companions into their background story for roleplay. It is thus very common for rangers to name their companions (although this is not done officially).		In addition, animal companions will often play a significant role in a ranger's life. Thus, many rangers will not only spend time hanging out with their companions on a daily basis, but they may also incorporate their companions into their background story for roleplay. It is thus very common for rangers to name their companions (although this is not done officially).

	==Roleplay and Character Development ~~for a Ranger~~==		==Roleplay and Character Development==

	Since Gemstone is a [[Roleplay\|roleplaying]] game, this mostly means that players are restricted from using [[Out of Character\|out of character]] (or OOC) speech or actions in game. It also means that players are encouraged to have their characters interact with other adventurers, [[NPC#Non-Player_Characters\|non-player characters]] (NPCs), creatures or even the environment. Indeed, players can be [[Roleplaying award\|rewarded]] for roleplaying their characters well. However, if someone is new to Gemstone, they may also be new to roleplaying in general. For those who are new to roleplay entirely, there is a [[The_Art_of_Roleplaying_in_GemStone_IV_(guide)\|very general guide to roleplaying]] for some guidance. New roleplayers should also remember that if they find the idea of roleplaying someone with a very different personality intimidating, there is no shame in playing a character with a personality very much like their own.		Since Gemstone is a [[Roleplay\|roleplaying]] game, this mostly means that players are restricted from using [[Out of Character\|out of character]] (or OOC) speech or actions in game. It also means that players are encouraged to have their characters interact with other adventurers, [[NPC#Non-Player_Characters\|non-player characters]] (NPCs), creatures or even the environment. Indeed, players can be [[Roleplaying award\|rewarded]] for roleplaying their characters well. However, if someone is new to Gemstone, they may also be new to roleplaying in general. For those who are new to roleplay entirely, there is a [[The_Art_of_Roleplaying_in_GemStone_IV_(guide)\|very general guide to roleplaying]] for some guidance. New roleplayers should also remember that if they find the idea of roleplaying someone with a very different personality intimidating, there is no shame in playing a character with a personality very much like their own.

SARAH3: /* Hunting */ text fixes.

2015-03-07T08:51:17Z

Hunting: text fixes.

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	==Hunting==		==Hunting==

	Once a ranger has all of their buff spells on and their preferred weapon in hand (note: this may be different than the one they spawned with), they're ready to go hunt. Before deciding which creatures to hunt, it might be a good idea to [[List of maps\|check out a map]] of the local area to see which creatures are available at an appropriate level. Typically, the creatures at the lowest levels are very close to town so new ~~characters~~ shouldn't have to venture too far. It's also generally a good idea to stick with hunting grounds with a similar level grouping at first.		Once a ranger has all of their buff spells on and their preferred weapon in hand (note: this may be different than the one they spawned with), they're ready to go hunt. Before deciding which creatures to hunt, it might be a good idea to [[List of maps\|check out a map]] of the local area to see which creatures are available at an appropriate level. Typically, the creatures at the lowest levels are very close to town so new adventurers shouldn't have to venture too far. It's also generally a good idea to stick with hunting grounds with a similar level grouping at first.

	Another good source of ideas for where to hunt is the [[Adventurer's Guild]], located in each major town. There, a ranger can ask the taskmaster for a [[Bounty\|bounty]]. Bounties can be very beneficial since they give additional experience for completion, rewards later on by collecting bounty points and an immediate sense of accomplishment. Rangers generally have a huge advantage for completing bounties since they are exceptionally skilled at both foraging and skinning (two of the nine primary bounty types) so it's a good idea to start on those early for maximum experience and reward. Also note that even when not assigned skinning tasks, many rangers like to [[SKIN (verb)\|skin]] their kills since this can be a good source of [[silver]]s.		Another good source of ideas for where to hunt is the [[Adventurer's Guild]], located in each major town. There, a ranger can ask the taskmaster for a [[Bounty\|bounty]]. Bounties can be very beneficial since they give additional experience for completion, rewards later on by collecting bounty points and an immediate sense of accomplishment. Rangers generally have a huge advantage for completing bounties since they are exceptionally skilled at both foraging and skinning (two of the nine primary bounty types) so it's a good idea to start on those early for maximum experience and reward. Also note that even when not assigned skinning tasks, many rangers like to [[SKIN (verb)\|skin]] their kills since this can be a good source of [[silver]]s.

	Before a ranger reaches level 10, they should also make sure to acquire some [[Deed\|deeds]], which will grant ~~your~~ ranger the favour of the goddess [[Lorminstra]], allowing them to avoid the effects of [[Death's Sting]] should they fall in combat. It is generally advised to have at least two deeds in case nobody else is ~~around~~ for a rescue and the ranger decays instead of being resurrected.		Before a ranger reaches level 10, they should also make sure to acquire some [[Deed\|deeds]], which will grant the ranger the favour of the goddess [[Lorminstra]], allowing them to avoid the effects of [[Death's Sting]] should they fall in combat. It is generally advised to have at least two deeds in case nobody else is available for a rescue and the ranger decays instead of being resurrected.

	===General Strategies===		===General Strategies===

	Early on, rangers typically hunt much like [[square]]s (albeit squares with a few buff spells) due to a combination of the lack of especially useful attack spells at early levels, small mana pools and limitations on casting ranger spells indoors (e.g. [[608\|Camouflage]] and [[610\|Tangle Weed]] do not work indoors without [[625\|Nature's Touch]]). In addition, while rangers become very good at hiding, sneaking around and ambushing their prey (indeed, they compete with [[Rogue\|rogues]] for the title of the sneakiest profession), new rangers may find that they have much to learn to use these skills well. Thus, even rangers who wish to adopt an ambush or sniping style might find it easier to hunt from the open early on (until maybe level 15-20 or so) and all rangers might prefer to hunt outdoors between levels 8 and 24 (~~inclusive~~).		Early on, rangers typically hunt much like [[square]]s (albeit squares with a few buff spells) due to a combination of the lack of especially useful attack spells at early levels, small mana pools and limitations on casting ranger spells indoors (e.g. [[608\|Camouflage]] and [[610\|Tangle Weed]] do not work indoors without [[625\|Nature's Touch]]). In addition, while rangers become very good at hiding, sneaking around and ambushing their prey (indeed, they compete with [[Rogue\|rogues]] for the title of the sneakiest profession), new rangers may find that they have much to learn to use these skills well. Thus, even rangers who wish to adopt an ambush or sniping style might find it easier to hunt from the open early on (until maybe level 15-20 or so) and all rangers might prefer to hunt outdoors between levels 8 and 24 (or whenever they learn Nature's Touch).

	There is not much to say about a general physical hunting style at early levels. Without spells available (either because they are not yet known or because they cannot be used indoors) it might be a good idea to avoid swarms (large groups of creatures concentrated in one area) and to run out of an area when a significantly higher level creature enters. Specific strategies will depend on a particular ranger's weapon choice, desired hunting style and whether or not the ranger is hunting in a [[group]] with like-level adventurers.		There is not much to say about a general physical hunting style, especially at early levels. Without spells available (either because they are not yet known or because they cannot be used indoors) it might be a good idea to avoid swarms (large groups of creatures concentrated in one area) and to run out of an area when a significantly higher level creature enters, especially while solo hunting. Specific strategies for physical combat will depend on a particular ranger's weapon choice, desired hunting style and whether or not the ranger is hunting in a [[group]] with like-level adventurers.

	When magic is involved, however, there is much more to say. While hunting either indoors with Nature's Touch or outdoors, it is generally a good idea for rangers to make use of the camouflage spell. The +30 AS bonus is quite significant at lower levels, even if it only lasts one hit for users of [[melee]] weapons or possibly just a few for [[ranged\|archers]] who have little skill in [[Stalking and Hiding\|stalking and hiding]]. This spell is especially useful for dangerous creature bounties (even moreso when stacked on top of a [[blue crystal]]), but it never hurts to kill something quicker if one has the [[mana\|magical power]] available for it.		When magic is involved, however, there is much more to say. While hunting either indoors with Nature's Touch or outdoors, it is generally a good idea for rangers to make use of the camouflage spell when they know it. The +30 AS bonus is quite significant at lower levels, even if it only lasts one hit for users of [[melee]] weapons or possibly just a few for [[ranged\|archers]] who have little skill in [[Stalking and Hiding\|stalking and hiding]]. This spell is especially useful for dangerous creature bounties (even moreso when stacked on top of a [[blue crystal]]), but it never hurts to kill something quicker if one has the [[mana\|magical power]] available for it.

	Another early spell that many rangers find useful is Tangle Weed (which again, has limitations indoors). This spell is especially useful in swarms since it will often repeatedly knock one creature down (meaning that the creature will require additional time to attack and it is also easier for the ranger to attack it) and may drive other creatures out of the area, decreasing the ranger's odds of injury. However, the effectiveness of this spell is highly level-based so it will be much less effective when hunting creatures that are a bit higher level than the ranger who cast it.		Another early spell that many rangers find useful is Tangle Weed (which again, has limitations indoors). This spell is especially useful in swarms since it will often repeatedly knock one creature down (meaning that the creature will require additional time to attack and it is also easier for the ranger to attack it) and may drive other creatures out of the area, decreasing the ranger's odds of injury. However, the effectiveness of this spell is highly level-based so it will be much less effective when hunting creatures that are a bit higher level than the ranger who cast it.

SARAH3: Removed work in progress template. All wikis are works in progress, but this one is pretty far along.

2015-03-07T08:35:43Z

Removed work in progress template. All wikis are works in progress, but this one is pretty far along.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:35, 7 March 2015
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	{{Work-in-progress}}

	As the title of this article suggests, this is a guide for new players who are interested in becoming '''[[ranger]]s'''. Hopefully, returning players may also learn something useful about changes made to the profession in their absence. This guide provides an overview of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation\|character creation]] and advice for playing a ranger. In particular, there are some very general suggestions for the placement of [[statistic]]s, setting [[skill]] goals and training paths, hunting strategies as well as roleplay and character development in addition to highlighting a few perks that come with being a ranger.		As the title of this article suggests, this is a guide for new players who are interested in becoming '''[[ranger]]s'''. Hopefully, returning players may also learn something useful about changes made to the profession in their absence. This guide provides an overview of [[New_Players'_Guide#New_Character_Creation\|character creation]] and advice for playing a ranger. In particular, there are some very general suggestions for the placement of [[statistic]]s, setting [[skill]] goals and training paths, hunting strategies as well as roleplay and character development in addition to highlighting a few perks that come with being a ranger.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:09, 23 November 2017
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	*[[Aurach's Two Weapon Combat Guide: A Ranger's Perspective]]		*[[Aurach's Two Weapon Combat Guide: A Ranger's Perspective]]
	*[[The Archer Ranger]]		*[[The Archer Ranger]]
	*[[Guides by Whirlin: Ferns, Furs, and Ferrets: Whirlin's Guide to Rangers\|Whirlin's Ranger Guide]]
	*[[The Art of Roleplaying in GemStone IV (guide)]]		*[[The Art of Roleplaying in GemStone IV (guide)]]
	*[[Player Guide Contest]]		*[[Player Guide Contest]]