I don't think the nature cleric (or any heavy armor cleric) dip is overly necessary for a ranger. I wouldn't take it at 1 because the benefits don't outweigh the price of delaying extra attack. So you're either going to have a complete crap AC for 5 levels because you didn't invest in dex, or you could just go 14 dex with half-plate and be 1 shy of full-plate without a need to multiclass.
I'd rather invest 14 in dex, which also boosts initiative and the very common dex save, than buy a 15 in strength to eventually wear full plate. Plus, if you are thinking about multiclassing then you need a 13 in dex anyways. At that point you're making it hard to have a good constitution and max out wisdom. The cleric dip is undoing the main strength of the build, single attribute dependency.
I am currently working on a Druidic Warrior/Swarmkeeper using TCoE optional rules who is being played as a Wisdom-focused ranger. Here is what I am finding out;
He is more of a skill-based ranger: Wisdom (and Intelligence) has 5 skills that rely on that attribute. Also, Passive Perception and Insight use wisdom as well. 7 checks from one attribute. Some of the subclass abilities require a high spell-casting modifier (Swarm-Keeper and Feywander come to mind). Spell saves and attacks if needed are pretty solid as well.
Shillelagh and Magic Stones are his cantrips/weapons of choice. Maxing out one attribute for Spells, Melee and Ranged attacks was easier in early levels than spreading out points. There is an argument that Dex can be used for finesse Melee and ranged weapons, however, this would ignore your spell modifier (and some class/sub-class) abilities
He is very light on equipment. Using Magic Stones cantrip is similar to having 300+ Javelins (by weight) in his pocket to throw and are simple to find (see passive perception). He carries a Quarterstaff/ druidic focus "walking stick" for Shillelagh. He even has a sling which is zero weight for longer-range attacks.
He is very close combat-focused. By this, he stays within 60ft due to magic stones. There have been times when it got dicey with a foe dashed right next to him, forcing him to switch to melee (and casting Shillelage and dropping his pebbles). His longbow would solve this(150ft range) but would then rely on his lower Dex score.
Given the options to switch out fighting styles, I do think he is locked into Druidic Warrior because of his high wisdom and lack of strength and dex (yes some of the fight styles do not require a strong Dex/Str, but the weapons used with them do). However, there are 153 combinations of druid cantrips he can play with over 20 levels (he won't be able to do all of them of course)
Even with Druidic Warrior, and focusing on his Spell casting modifier, he still plays like a ranger and not a would-be Druid. Good Melee/Range attacker, skilled at survival and tracking, good arrange of support capabilities.
I believe that a Wisdom-based Ranger is more than viable. I do agree that it would not replace a dex-based meta, however, worth the play. Anyways.. just some thoughts
I prefer the term wisdom focused to wisdom based why? Wisdom based gives the sense that wisdom is your only focus when in reality it’s not. You need a 14 in Dex to get the most from your medium armor proficiency and long bow archery, you need a 14 in constitution for both the extra HP each level and the improved concentration spell save. In addition if you are going to multiclass you need a 14 in at least one other stat unless you are MCing into Druid or cleric. I prefer Charisma as it’s the spell casting stat for Bards, paladins, sorcerors and warlocks - all solid multiclasses with sorceror generally my favorite as it gives you access to long range (120’) cantrips to replace the bow as my ranged attacks. Wisdom focused suggests you are at least aware of these other needs and taking them into account. Rangers are, like it or not, MAD characters for any really good build.
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Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
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All are welcome to the tiny crab rave.
I don't think the nature cleric (or any heavy armor cleric) dip is overly necessary for a ranger. I wouldn't take it at 1 because the benefits don't outweigh the price of delaying extra attack. So you're either going to have a complete crap AC for 5 levels because you didn't invest in dex, or you could just go 14 dex with half-plate and be 1 shy of full-plate without a need to multiclass.
I'd rather invest 14 in dex, which also boosts initiative and the very common dex save, than buy a 15 in strength to eventually wear full plate. Plus, if you are thinking about multiclassing then you need a 13 in dex anyways. At that point you're making it hard to have a good constitution and max out wisdom. The cleric dip is undoing the main strength of the build, single attribute dependency.
I am currently working on a Druidic Warrior/Swarmkeeper using TCoE optional rules who is being played as a Wisdom-focused ranger. Here is what I am finding out;
I believe that a Wisdom-based Ranger is more than viable. I do agree that it would not replace a dex-based meta, however, worth the play. Anyways.. just some thoughts
I prefer the term wisdom focused to wisdom based why? Wisdom based gives the sense that wisdom is your only focus when in reality it’s not. You need a 14 in Dex to get the most from your medium armor proficiency and long bow archery, you need a 14 in constitution for both the extra HP each level and the improved concentration spell save. In addition if you are going to multiclass you need a 14 in at least one other stat unless you are MCing into Druid or cleric. I prefer Charisma as it’s the spell casting stat for Bards, paladins, sorcerors and warlocks - all solid multiclasses with sorceror generally my favorite as it gives you access to long range (120’) cantrips to replace the bow as my ranged attacks. Wisdom focused suggests you are at least aware of these other needs and taking them into account. Rangers are, like it or not, MAD characters for any really good build.
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.