Complete Ranger's Handbook (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, 2nd Edition) by Rick Swan

Player's Handbook Rules Supplement #PHBR11

by Rick Swan

Forest guardian, border runner, bounty hunter, and more - the full potential of the ranger class has never been plumbed. Until now. Come learn the innermost secrets of one of the most popular AD&D character classes. Details on every part of the Ranger's life, from allied forest brethren to unusual outdoor equipment. With 15 new and exciting character kits, this book is an information-packed accessory for the AD&D 2nd Edition Game. A special appendix gives the rules for the original AD&D ranger class.

Genres: Role Playing Games, Gaming, Fantasy, Dungeons and Dragons, Games, Reference

Paperback

First published December 28, 1993

Reviews

[R J Royer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved using this book back when I played DnD but they changed the rules and I really don't play anymore so I am going to give this one away.

[Taddow · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first and favorite AD&D character (1st Edition) was a Ranger. My Ranger (Jerrak Kreene was his name) had a long and diverse life of exploration and adventure, smiting evil across the lands with his faithful companions (a human fighter, a Kender thief, a human Knight of Solomnia, a human Paladin, and a human wizard). His adventures took him to the lands of Ravenloft (the Original TSR adventure) where he tangled with Strahd briefly (and was unable to vanquish the vampire) before the GM got bored with the setting and the mists whisked Jerrak and his companions to the lands of Krynn, Greyhawk and the Forgotten Realms before settling on his homebrew campaign setting of Elrond where Jerrak continued to take on impressive enemies (including the demon lord Demegorgon) before finally retiring somewhere above 40th level.

What does this have to do with reviewing this book? Absolutely nothing other than I played a Ranger character at one time. Good times.

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd edition D&D remains my favorite edition and this set of books works well for ideas....ideas usable by both the player and the DM. The Ranger was a favorite of one of my regular players and the second choice for another, so this book was helpful. It aided with insights into the character in general and also it helps with ideas of 'different types" of ranger within the general character type.

Side note. I once had a player who wanted to play a ranger, but always played him as sort of a "forest knight, green plate armor, shield and long sword...but in the woods.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a wealth of information and additional options for ranger characters. There are sections on ranger creation, expanded stuff on ranger abilities, additional follower rules and types, 15 ranger kits, additional proficiencies, spells, magical items, and equipment, expanding on role-playing of rangers, religion, and a rather detailed and fun section on ranger forgatherings.

[Juho Pohjalainen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rangers have always been a difficult class to implement. In the first edition they were badass forest guerilla commandos. In the second, friends of animals and nature. In the third, a bit of both. In the fifth, a mess.

By concept and premise, it's probably my favourite class in the game - but I'm not sure I've ever seen them done well, and this second edition interpretation might be my least favourite. The first edition managed better - and the book contains the stats for 1e rangers in the appendix, which I like - but had its own issues in survivability.

[Scott Fitches · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memory lane. I rarely would read them cover to cover as a kid.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were more than a few Kits that focused on staying at home rather than being an adventurer as you would expect, but otherwise a good read and a useful resource.

[Abraham Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read,glad I own it myself!