Powercreep

[Solomoriah]

I just assumed S&W was accurately based on the original LBBs.

Oh, wow, no. Sorry. Nope. S&W is quite different from OD&D.

[Rosisha]

Just thinking about the ranger momentarily, one thing that I would say is that the bonus is restricted to "normal bows". Which means those handful of magical weapons you have are not really available to the ranger - and that WILL become a problem at that level. Though that might just be me being a jerk

Additionally, it does state rangers work alone. You could state that if the ranger is with their party, they lose the +2 to hit bonus. Sure, they're still super fast on the bow - but no different from a fighter using the specialization rules. Actually a little slower if I understand those rules right.

Finally, the armor is an issue too. You can pour out damage but pray nothing bothers to look at you.

[cbarchuk]

Just thinking about the ranger momentarily, one thing that I would say is that the bonus is restricted to "normal bows". Which means those handful of magical weapons you have are not really available to the ranger - and that WILL become a problem at that level. Though that might just be me being a jerk

Additionally, it does state rangers work alone. You could state that if the ranger is with their party, they lose the +2 to hit bonus. Sure, they're still super fast on the bow - but no different from a fighter using the specialization rules. Actually a little slower if I understand those rules right.

Finally, the armor is an issue too. You can pour out damage but pray nothing bothers to look at you.

Ah I didn't notice the 'regular' part. That seems like an odd ability to me simply because its temporary.

[Dimirag]

I think it refers to "normal" bows as to differentiate from composite bows and crossbows or just crossbows

[cbarchuk]

I think it refers to "normal" bows as to differentiate from composite bows and crossbows or just crossbows

That makes more sense.

[Rosisha]

In my defense, I did say I could be being a jerk! Still, with the focus on being back to nature, it COULD make sense that they shun magical weapons.

[Dimirag]

You can, if you want, make it so nature oriented that it will see non-druid magic as unnatural (even clerical unless its from a nature oriented deity).
This will not only short his access to magic weapons, but to the magic he can get benefits from.

[Rosisha]

You can. Though I feel that a non-magical ranger would be more interesting. Not just as a bow specialist, but combining concepts of the thief with a fighter. I never liked the inclusion of magic in the ranger class, but my first exposure to the idea of "rangers" was through stuff like LOTR. So the idea of them having magic and casting spells was kind of off for me. I much prefer that they are a skilled based class. Good with bows of course, and light armor, preferring stealth. They're trackers, hunters, scouts, wardens of the wilderness so to speak.

But that's just me.

[Metroknight]

Take a look at the scout supplement. It is what I use for most ranger type of classes when I do not want spell casting to become part of the class. I usually rename it as rangers or long riders or something similar.

[SmootRK]

Take a look at the scout supplement. It is what I use for most ranger type of classes when I do not want spell casting to become part of the class. I usually rename it as rangers or long riders or something similar.

This... there are other versions of "ranger" one can look at (even one done as quasi-class), each balancing differently. Browse through Showcase for some of these.