rangers role

[Crippler]

<DIV>Hey there just got back into playing EQ2 and for whatever reason decided to make a ranger.  I love the class so for but only being level 14 I am unsure of what my exact role will be when grouping in instances.  I know that rangers are a dps class but are they the main pullers as well?  When in a group do they usually stand back and shoot or is it a lot like soloing where you mix it up with melee?  Sorry for such a dumb question but I have not gotten far with any of my characters and have never done an instance in eq2.  I would just like to know what Im getting into I suppose.  Thanks in advance for the help!!</DIV>

[Jayad]

<P>Rangers exist to inflict damage quickly.  we have no group buffs (other than run speed).  You can provide some "utility" through choosing poisons with various effects, and you add the usual scout utility by disarming chests, evac, and tracking.</P> <P>What you bring to the group is damage and a lot of it <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />.  Generally speaking, you'll do your ranged attacks in groups, if you run out of those then you close in for melee attacks.  You probably will do a lot more melee stuff until you hit your mid 20s, then you will start doing much more ranged. </P> <P>Smart groups will buff you with damage enchancing buffs of various kinds which will improve the group's capabilities by making you kill stuff faster.</P> <P>In some specific situations you might do pulls with a skill called Surveil or such, you also get a ranged attack that has no line of sight which sometimes is useful.  For the most part, though, you'll wait for the tank to pull something, target the tank and blast stuff.</P>

[Teksun]

Although we are very good at pulling, I find that we rarely do. The only time I find myself needing to do so is when we need a mob on the other side of a wall (or floor) and i pull out Miracle Shot. <div></div>

[Jay]

Or long-distance pulls with Surveil... while it lasts. :smileysad:

[Crippler]

<DIV>Thanks for the help guys.  I think I chose a good class to learn the game with then.  </DIV>

[Jay]

Yeah, you did. Our class isn't the easiest or most newbie-friendly, but it can be a lot of fun if you like the concept behind it. Good luck, and let us know if you have questions or need any help.