Concidering a ranger, have a couple questions..

[Laereneth]

<DIV>I was thinking of starting a ranger but had a few questions about the class.  I'm seeking a class that is primarily a dps class, but can solo fairly efficently when I'm not able to get a group.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>First, does the ranger fall into this category?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Second, is soloing the ranger only effective at single target soloing?  Or how does it handle say 2 - 3 solo mobs linked?  I've heard some scouts have an issue with this.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Third, I understand the ranger uses arrows and poisons.  How expensive does it get to keep these stocked for adventuring?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Fourth, I see various arrows on the vendors, iron, feyiron, etc.  But other than cost, they have no difference as far as the description.  Do the different arrows make a difference and if so, how?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>And lastly, how hard is it for a ranger to get a group when LFG?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Sorry for so many questions, but thought I'd try to get them out of the way up front.  And thanks for your time and advice in advance!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Laer</DIV>

[Frobus]

Yes, I'd say the ranger falls into that category.  Even with the nerfs to kiting, it can still be done if you want to take down some harder mobs.  When it comes to taking down solo mobs, it's almost a joke.  Generally if I find a blue solo mob sniping shot, triple shot, and flameshot will drop it.  Nothing like killing mobs in 5 seconds <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Rangers are far more effective at soloing single mobs.  Heck, even grouped we are much better fighting one tough mob rather than 5 wimpy mobs.  I'm not exactly an "advanced" ranger quite yet, so I'm not sure how I would go about dealing with multiple mobs.  Kiting used to make that easy, but since the changes it's possible, although not worth it imo. Some complain about it a lot...and yes, having to restock poisons and arrows all the time sucks, but it doesn't cost a ton.  Generally, as long as you use your skill to create arrows whenever it pops up (travelling, questing, selling, etc) you'll have a decent stock of arrows.  Poisons can be expensive, but they last awhile, and generally I'll use cheap poisons while grouped anyway, because they cause enough aggro as it is, if I used the best poisons all the time most tanks would cry. There used to be no difference at all, but I believe they have changed them to make you hit more often with better arrows.  Much like poisons I like to use better ones while soloing, and crappier ones while grouping, unless I feel the tank is capable of holding aggro. I have a pretty easy time getting a group.  We're (imo) the best single target DPS class right now, and we're close to tops even if the mobs are in a big group, so long as you stay on your toes and switch from mob to mob quickly.  As a bonus, being able to stealth to the group if you join in the middle helps too...because they don't have to come back and get you. <div></div>

[Saihung23]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Laereneth wrote:<BR> <DIV>I was thinking of starting a ranger but had a few questions about the class.  I'm seeking a class that is primarily a dps class, but can solo fairly efficently when I'm not able to get a group.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>First, does the ranger fall into this category?<STRONG><FONT color=#33cc00 size=4>Yes, imho I have always been able to solo effectively, regardless of the changes made to our class.  With good poisons and the right stance use you can effectively solo many creatures.  It is a bit of an experimental thing though...some creatures that conned the same as one I beat easily handed me my [Removed for Content].  Trial and error somewhat..but that is the solo artists life.</FONT></STRONG></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Second, is soloing the ranger only effective at single target soloing?  Or how does it handle say 2 - 3 solo mobs linked?  I've heard some scouts have an issue with this.   <STRONG><FONT color=#33cc00 size=4>Again, I find this to be somewhat monster specific...I have solo'd a 3 group of no arrow yellows...then was owned by a down arrow white...then again...I havent fought much since my hiatus.</FONT></STRONG></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Third, I understand the ranger uses arrows and poisons.  How expensive does it get to keep these stocked for adventuring?<STRONG><FONT color=#339900 size=4>  It is not too bad...if you use the vendor bought poisons (south qeynos) you wont spend too much...player made poisons can get pretty pricey once you get past 30th level.  What I do is generally use my vendor bought for solo'ing (along with cheaper player made ones) and save the uber fabled poisons for groups or raids.  You can buy some nice player made poisons for cheap if you can get them made in bulk and keep going back to that player  (players will take notice if you are regularly purchasing their items...well...usually they will notice <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />   )</FONT></STRONG></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Fourth, I see various arrows on the vendors, iron, feyiron, etc.  But other than cost, they have no difference as far as the description.  Do the different arrows make a difference and if so, how?   <STRONG><FONT color=#339900 size=4>There is a bit of a debate on this one...I believe (from experiences) that the different tier arrows only make a difference in AUTOFIRE damage...while they dont make a difference in the CA damage.  There are opinions though that they do make a difference in CA damage.  Other than that the difference is in damage type, blunt, peirce...blunt arrows are the only way for us to generate blunt force damage.  I think :smileyindifferent:</FONT></STRONG></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>And lastly, how hard is it for a ranger to get a group when LFG?  <FONT color=#339900 size=4>From past experience it is fairly easy to get a group in general.  So long as you are polite and show knowledge of your class' abilities (when the opportunity arises)...most people will keep you around and remember you the next time they are looking for DPS.  </FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Sorry for so many questions, but thought I'd try to get them out of the way up front.  And thanks for your time and advice in advance!   <STRONG><FONT color=#339900>No problem at all there Laer....I wish you the best and luck in your travels.</FONT></STRONG></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Laer</DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><STRONG><FONT color=#336600 size=4>Peace Health and Happiness</FONT></STRONG></P> <P><STRONG><FONT color=#336600 size=4>Saihung</FONT></STRONG><BR></P>

[Jay]

I was going to answer your questions, but instead I think I'll just be the first to welcome you to the class. May your arrows fly straight and true. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[xandez]

<P>Listen the wind when it whistles in your fletching, welcome! :smileyvery-happy:</P> <P><BR>++Xan</P> <P><BR> </P>