Complete? ... The basic classes are still best.

[Desdichado]

I am saying it is a quick and convenient way to explain the different paths of the Ranger to an individual who isn't necessarily a fantasy/gaming dork like myself (and I imagine most of us here). Instead of spending ten minutes explaining each class in detail, it helps to use something with which they are already familiar. I'm not saying I think it should be carved into a stone tablet and forced upon the non-believers.

Oh, OK. Yeah, that'll work for that. When I hear Aragorn, I immediately think of the book version of the character, and frankly, other than some proficiency in woodland areas, I don't think Aragorn and the D&D ranger have much in common at all.

But for the kind of shortcut you're talking about; that makes sense.

 

[drnuncheon]

The spells is debatable...as he does 'heal' Eowyn in the Houses of Healing. But still, the Ranger doesn't really fit Aragorn as much as it does Drizzt.

Keeping in mind Tolkien's mythological bent, I'd say his healing abilities have as much to do with his being the rightful king as they do with him being a ranger. (After all, the alternate name for athelas was 'kingsfoil'...) It's pretty common legend for the touch of a king to have miraculous or virtuous properties.

J

 

[shilsen]

Keeping in mind Tolkien's mythological bent, I'd say his healing abilities have as much to do with his being the rightful king as they do with him being a ranger. (After all, the alternate name for athelas was 'kingsfoil'...) It's pretty common legend for the touch of a king to have miraculous or virtuous properties.

J

More, I would say. The hands of the king are the hands of a healer.

 

[ivocaliban]

Oh, OK. Yeah, that'll work for that. When I hear Aragorn, I immediately think of the book version of the character, and frankly, other than some proficiency in woodland areas, I don't think Aragorn and the D&D ranger have much in common at all.

But for the kind of shortcut you're talking about; that makes sense.

I, too, think of the literary Aragorn. However, the Ranger skill list as well as the Track feat seem very appropriate to Aragorn. But, yes, my comparison was only meant as a cliff note version of the Ranger for the uninitiated.

 

[Remathilis]

So... you're trying to say that the D&D ranger was modelled after the movie version of Aragorn?

Actually, I'd argue the other way around: the Movie Version of Aragorn owes alot to the D&D ranger.

TWF at weathertop.
Sword/Bow Combo in Moria
Fast Tracking at Fangorn
Wild Empathy with Breggo

Compared to the book, I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't a little D&D inspiring in how Aragorn was developed as a character in the movie.

(Besides, I heard a rumor that the whole movie cast learned to game on set. At least Elijah Wood did.)

 

[Jolly Giant]

Actually, I'd argue the other way around: the Movie Version of Aragorn owes alot to the D&D ranger.

TWF at weathertop.
Sword/Bow Combo in Moria
Fast Tracking at Fangorn
Wild Empathy with Breggo

And he has some minor spell casting abilities! Remember when he tries to heal Frodo after Weathertop, but discovered that his healing was insufficient? Well, of course it was; Frodo had been wounded by an undead and so of course he needed a Restoration spell, and rangers can't cast that! Elrond the cleric was needed for that! Or maybe Ringwraiths deal vile damage and Frodo needed to be healed in the hallowed grounds of Rivendell?

Or maybe I've just played to much D&D lately..? Nah, that's crazy talk!

 

[Jolly Giant]

Oh, OK. Yeah, that'll work for that. When I hear Aragorn, I immediately think of the book version of the character, and frankly, other than some proficiency in woodland areas, I don't think Aragorn and the D&D ranger have much in common at all.

But for the kind of shortcut you're talking about; that makes sense.

When 3.0 came out (long before the LotR movies, in other words), my first impression of the ranger class was that it's only purpose was catering to Aragorn wanna-be's... :\