Ranger Archive
Thread: State of the Profession (Dec. 5)
/conceal in PvP has been mentioned several times in other threads. I remember reading that the devs probably will never go for players being completely off the radar of other players. What about simply applying a severely negative to-hit modifier if the other player can't break the Ranger's /conceal, with it automatically breaking, of course, when the Ranger takes damage. This way, a concealed Ranger might be able to get in a few shots before the other player can hit him. It would also force the other player to move into a more effective range for his/her weapon to get the best to-hit modifier, simulating having to change position to get a better view of a camouflaged Ranger. Once they get just one lucky shot in, though, the /conceal will break. This would really allow a Ranger to /conceal and /takecover, and really get some shots in before his camo is blown.
Also, if other players were able to use /conceal on their own, we would be able to make some more money selling camo kits, besides selling to other Rangers that don't have the time or inclination to track down the resources to make their own. Maybe limit the others that can use it to the elite combat professions- BH, Commando, CH, Squad Leader, Combat Medic, Rifleman, etc. And they would get a much lower benefit from it compared to a Ranger (maybe be just below the level of a Ranger with Wayfaring I, but the other professions never get better at it, like a Rangerdoes when headvances to Wayfaring II).
As far as ghillie suits, I think the /conceal includes a makeshift ghillie suit - hence the wooly hide requirement. It would be nice to see a visual of the camo, though - maybe have a different camo pattern for each type of kit (i.e. the Tatooine camo would look different on the toon than the Lok camo). Maybe the tailors could make camo pants/suits/hats that would give a minor positive modifier to /conceal - possibly require a component only a Ranger can craft?
I like the ideas presented for Rangers being able to make traps/equipment for other professions. It would only make sense that if you want a trap made, go to the wilderness experts. Problem now is, only scouts and rangers can use the traps. A live trap for baby animals is a great idea - maybe Rangers can use them too, and hold onto it until they run into a CH, then release it there. Of course, CHs would be able to use the trap - instead of sticking around a hostile lair trying to tame a baby. As proposed, it sounds great!
And not showing up on another Ranger's /areatrack, well, might depend on the relative skill levels - a beginning Ranger shouldn't be able to hide his tracks from a Master Ranger, right?
Keep up the great effort, it is definitely appreciated. I'd like to see this become a truly elite profession, without making it all-powerful (thereby having every player dabbling in it for a few major benefits, like CH). It should be a self-sufficient profession, but others should be a little more dependent on us for a few things. Right now, any medic or tailor with novice scout can harvest the organics they need (in small numbers, anyway). While we don't need to be more interdependent with the other professions, we should have more to offer them (if we wish to) than a few stacks of hides. I mean, we are supposed to be the masters of the outdoors - yet all the professions can get organics on their own so easily. We need to gain some ability or craft that others might need. The CH trap idea would be a big step in that direction, especially with the number of CHs we've had.
"What about simply applying a severely negative to-hit modifier if the other player can't break the Ranger's /conceal, with it automatically breaking, of course, when the Ranger takes damage."
Now that is a sweet idea.
Ok... I do not remember ever reading that on this forum, but I can certainly add that to the next list.
Well I searched the message board and it seems they were vaguely mentioned back in August a lot. So I thought I'd re-iterate as I was getting annoyed by my camps looking like everyone else's.
Maybe I missed it since the list is forever long now 
But, back in August/Sept sometime, it was in the development notes, IIRC that the Devs talked about Trapping skill affecting success rate of Disarming Minefields. This would give some "perk" or benefit to Rangers participating in the GCW.
Thanks!
Since I joined the proud few who call themselves Rangers, I have been AMAZED by the number/frequency/intelligence and quality of NRass's posts. Never have I seen the problems-and solutions- to a proffessions' problems. Thank you for helping this novice Ranger to truly be pleased with his decision.
As I've been tagging on to most of my posts, TC needs some Ranger love. No, not that way. We need Rangers because as I've said, we're poor. Real poor. So people who can live off the land can rule as KINGS. and QUEENS! so please, please come to TC. Look me up when you get there -Phenix and Armani Stargazer on TC.
okay when I was taking the poll, I actually had a few thoughts I thought were worth bringing up and sharing with the community at large in terms of Ranger skils.
First of all, I agree with everyone that traps should affect pets. They are animals and therefore should be able to be trapped as such. This should apply to Scout traps as well, of course, this depends on level. Low-level scouts should be allowed to hit low-level pets, etc. Rangers should be able to hit NPC's and players, perhaps on a scaled level. The reason I feel Rangers should be able to hit humanoids is that humanoids are simply advanced animals. If we know so much about animal physiology that we can stun a krayt, should we also be able to stun a mere humanoid?
Secondly, we are billed as "wilderness experts". To me, this implies that we have a greater understanding of the natural world and are therefore better able to handle the rigors of outdoor life. As such, when out of a city, Rangers should recieve a to-hit bonus on other players and perhaps NPC's (i don't include creatures because of the creature to-hit bonus we recieve). By doing this, a Ranger will have a natural advantage over his enemies where he is comfortable. Perhaps, if weather is ever integrated into the system (for instance, rain reduces visibility and therefore decreases the likelyhood of ranged attacks), Rangers would recieve a lessend penalty, since they have endured bad weather and survived.
The third and final suggestion is the integration of Ranger-Specific content in the GCW. Perhaps not content per se, but actions that only Rangers could perform. For example, a Ranger, using the /Conceal ability and a camo kit could bypass enemy turrets (since he's camoflaged). Alternitavely, the ability for Rangers to contruct a trap that scrambles/slows/disables enemy defenses such as turrets. The idea here is much like the mesh that ensnares creatures, the ranger could use petrochemicals to "gum up" the workings of a turret, etc.
Thats it. I'm not going to add what I usually do. Instead, I'll ask you check out this post. If you check it out, write a reply. If you don't, I'll be forced to preach about TC Rangers more.http://forums.station.sony.com/swg/board/message?board.id=ranger&message.id=26897
"using the /Conceal ability and a camo kit could bypass enemy turrets"
"the ability for Rangers to contruct a trap that scrambles/slows/disables enemy defenses such as turrets."
A couple juicy additions to the Wish List.
Great Job. Love the list.
I do have a suggestion though. I was reading somewhere that a certain camp was wanted. Something like a deer stand, 1-2 person camo cover. Can't remember what it was called at the moment.
Also, why is it that a CH can get a uber pet, but Rangers are held to the same level as common folk? I think we should have a major hike in our pet level. Even if it comes down to us having 1 pet, I would at least like a companion that could hold its own, like a GSP, Cowardly Gurrecks are useless on the planetsI like to travel on.I spend most of my time wandering the planets, like most rangers, I know the evironment.CH's only have to do 2 of the scout trees, the easy ones, and they get good pets. And spend most of their time in the cities trying to sell them.
Our traps should be able to use againt all humanoids, NPC and PC. Most Elite professions can take down high HAM NPC's, our traps should work against them. Why can't I place traps to catch animals and humans, and check them later?
Our traveling speed could use a kick in the rear too. I should be able to cover ground quicker when I reach master.
I like the idea of seeing the quality of what I'm skinning. Can we keep the heads to mount, or get like rugs or something. Take a Crimson Razor Cat hide to an Artisan and make a rug, use him as upholstery, maybe a jacket? Something like that. We can make our homes really different. I would love some sturdy boots made from a Crystal Snake, or a Bantha hide door mat.
Can't remember what else I wanted to say. G'night.