Hello everyone!

Would it be out of character for a ranger to multi class as a rogue + fighter?

Edit: Accidentally left out fighter in the title.

I don't see how a build, by itself, can be out of character when there is no character.

The way to think about it is that classes are a tool to build your character, and not a character in themselves. Hence, nothing is out of character for a generic ranger. Now, if you have Caratra Bearcharger, an elven ranger who you have given a personality to, then it might (or might not) be out of character.

Also, Ranger + Rogue works well mechanically in 3e/3.5e rules thanks to the fact that both classes get decent skill points and work well in lighter armor.

(Name generated using https://www.wizards.com/dnd/article5.asp?x=dnd/dx20010202b)

If you create such a multiclass character you might want to start as a rogue for the extra skillpoints.

Classes define what abilities your character has, not who he/she is. So no, it shouldn't be out of character at all.


However, I don't see much point to being a Ranger in the first place if you plan on multi-classing Fighter and Rogue. You already get most of the abilities that matter from your Fighter and Rogue levels. In addition, your Ranger abilities become completely useless if you decide to wear heavy armor at some point, whereas the only penalty that applies to Rogues is that they have a harder time with stealth (which is irrelevant if you're preparing for a frontal-assault battle).

So, I'd say if you plan to do this start your career at level 1 as a Rogue, multi-class Fighter as soon as you reach level 2, then balance the two classes to taste.

Is it correct to assume you'll only be taking one level of ranger and balancing fighter and rogue levels as you level up? I'm assuming this is for the free dual wielding feats? Am I also correct in assuming you won't be level squatting?

If the answer is yes to all three questions, then I wouldn't bother. I would get at least 4 fighter levels for weapon specialization, at least 10 rogue levels for greater evasion feat and just spend your normal feats on ambidexterity and two weapon fighting. You have much more flexibility in how you choose to level up without that single ranger level adding XP penalty complications in case you want to add more rogue than fighter levels (or vice versa).

Thanks for replying everyone!

I asked this about rangers because I really like them. My favourite race/class combination is elven ranger because they remind me of Link from Legend of Zelda. I wanted to combine them with something else because I feel the class is a little lacking in 3rd edition.