I have an idea for a str based ranger. Something along the lines of a Dwarf Beast Master, with heavy armor and shield.
My problem here is, in order to multiclass, I would need at least 13 dex on my ranger. Doesn't that lock me into the role of a dex based ranger?
I consider asking my DM, if we could bend the rules a bit, and just ignore that requirement. He should of course still meet the requirements for the new class.
I just don't see the point for him to have 13 dex, when he is gonna be a sword'n'board ranger, focusing on str.
As a DM I let people multiclass without meeting the prerequisite ability scores for each class.
With all of the overpowered nonsense that this edition allows, multiclassing without the appropriate ability scores is far from game breaking. And if you have a thematically awesome or narratively exciting reason for the multiclass, all the better.
Of course, there’s a feat for getting access to heavy armor. And we have to ask why dexterity has the be a dump stat at all. Maybe they are very physically adept overall. Rangers do have proficiency in both strength and dexterity saving throws, after all. Half plate and a +2 dexterity modifier will get you the same of all but one set of heavy armor. That and the defense fighting style and a shield and you’re all set!
I can understand the urge to do it without and it could be reasonable, but its also not that restrictive or cumbersome. You have proficiency in medium armor and 14 dex is the max you can apply to medium armor. You will have to pay for those 5 points from point buy on dex somewhere, but you still have intelligence and charisma to dump. Constitution might be lower than you like.
Well part of it is just because I like the idea of the sturdy dwarf, fighting alongside his bear companion.
The other part is kinda in the min-maxing kinda way. If I multiclass into a cleric, that is proficient with heavy armor, then I can use the feat or ASI for something else. And I feel that clerics and rangers make good multiclass combo. Maybe a Nature Cleric, or a life cleric.
Its not just the DM you need to convince. The other players in your group might feel you are getting special treatment if the DM just handwaves the requirements and it could lead to problems further down the line.
Also you do not have to go STR for a sword and board type Ranger. Just take the Druidic Warrior fighting style and pick up Shillelagh. Provided you are using a quarter staff or a club you can easily use a shield without having to bother with STR.
Its not just the DM you need to convince. The other players in your group might feel you are getting special treatment if the DM just handwaves the requirements and it could lead to problems further down the line.
Also you do not have to go STR for a sword and board type Ranger. Just take the Druidic Warrior fighting style and pick up Shillelagh. Provided you are using a quarter staff or a club you can easily use a shield without having to bother with STR.
Well I'm not too afraid that the others would feel I get special treatment, because in that regard our DM is fair.
It is true that with the Druidic warrior, I could just use shillelagh, BUT Heavy armor stil requires STR :)
I mean, we are talking about +1 AC, tops. A longsword and rapier do the same damage.
Put a little into dexterity if you go strength. There is zero reason why someone who is strong is not also dexterous. Many folks who are "athletic" (not the game term) are both. Put a 12, 13, or 14 in dexterity and have a great campaign. Any good ranger is going to have t least a decent score in both. They are wilderness types. Sword, shield, bow, crossbow, whatever.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Hi all
I have an idea for a str based ranger.
Something along the lines of a Dwarf Beast Master, with heavy armor and shield.
My problem here is, in order to multiclass, I would need at least 13 dex on my ranger.
Doesn't that lock me into the role of a dex based ranger?
I consider asking my DM, if we could bend the rules a bit, and just ignore that requirement.
He should of course still meet the requirements for the new class.
I just don't see the point for him to have 13 dex, when he is gonna be a sword'n'board ranger, focusing on str.
What do you guys think ?
As a DM I let people multiclass without meeting the prerequisite ability scores for each class.
With all of the overpowered nonsense that this edition allows, multiclassing without the appropriate ability scores is far from game breaking. And if you have a thematically awesome or narratively exciting reason for the multiclass, all the better.
Of course, there’s a feat for getting access to heavy armor. And we have to ask why dexterity has the be a dump stat at all. Maybe they are very physically adept overall. Rangers do have proficiency in both strength and dexterity saving throws, after all. Half plate and a +2 dexterity modifier will get you the same of all but one set of heavy armor. That and the defense fighting style and a shield and you’re all set!
I can understand the urge to do it without and it could be reasonable, but its also not that restrictive or cumbersome. You have proficiency in medium armor and 14 dex is the max you can apply to medium armor. You will have to pay for those 5 points from point buy on dex somewhere, but you still have intelligence and charisma to dump. Constitution might be lower than you like.
But that is choices for you.
Well part of it is just because I like the idea of the sturdy dwarf, fighting alongside his bear companion.
The other part is kinda in the min-maxing kinda way.
If I multiclass into a cleric, that is proficient with heavy armor, then I can use the feat or ASI for something else.
And I feel that clerics and rangers make good multiclass combo.
Maybe a Nature Cleric, or a life cleric.
Its not just the DM you need to convince. The other players in your group might feel you are getting special treatment if the DM just handwaves the requirements and it could lead to problems further down the line.
Also you do not have to go STR for a sword and board type Ranger. Just take the Druidic Warrior fighting style and pick up Shillelagh. Provided you are using a quarter staff or a club you can easily use a shield without having to bother with STR.
Well I'm not too afraid that the others would feel I get special treatment, because in that regard our DM is fair.
It is true that with the Druidic warrior, I could just use shillelagh, BUT Heavy armor stil requires STR :)
I mean, we are talking about +1 AC, tops. A longsword and rapier do the same damage.
Put a little into dexterity if you go strength. There is zero reason why someone who is strong is not also dexterous. Many folks who are "athletic" (not the game term) are both. Put a 12, 13, or 14 in dexterity and have a great campaign. Any good ranger is going to have t least a decent score in both. They are wilderness types. Sword, shield, bow, crossbow, whatever.