Monks, Bards, and Rangers. The 'other' white meat options.

But if no-one sees you, are you really naked?

 

Cavaliers were fighter kits. I belive the fighter's handbook came out long before the ranger's or the paladin's handbook came out. The "ranger" kit that was featured in the fighters hand book was a wilderness warrior. Since paladins and rangers were pretty much fighters with a few extra abilities and no weapon specialization.

I've only played 2E D&D as a table top game so I can't really comment on monks as a table top experience. Over all any video game fails to capture the magic more or less that any of these classes have in a table top experience. Though I am partial to rangers my first and favorite character was a ranger. Though when it comes to video games rangers usually get the short end of the stick as their class abilities are more or less useless. Neverwinter Nights being the sole exception for all classes.

It's hard for me to not like a class since all classes can contribute especially in 3.5. Since all casters have their own group of spells bards are no longer a weak mage and druids are no longer nature priests(clerics). They all contribute some how.

In my opinion bards are the best buffing class in the game. Almost all of their spells are wizard and or cleric buffs and they have better BAB over wizards what's not to love? Locks? no problem have your wizard/sorceror cast knock who needs those lv 2 spells anyways? I like to use bards to buff my party so I can use those spells slots for arcane or divine casters for other things.

Rangers are always getting the dumbed down version of a fighter. While lacking the awesome fighting abilities of fighters or barbarians. They also lack the direct usefullness of a paladin. So what are they good for. Depends if you looking for massive damage a rogue/ranger will do equal damage to that of a fighter/rogue with the added bonus of favored enemies. While I actually like straight class rangers I will admit in ToEE they aren't that useful but in a game with epic levels rangers can get several decent feats at high levels without needing those obscenely high stats to get those feats. Also the animal companion is great to take damage off you in times of need. They'll never compare to a fighter or barbarian so if one is looking to power game this class is not for them.

Monks again in my opinion or the most overpowered class in the game at high levels. Again, if you play a game with epic levels and get a lv 20 monk they do obscene damage, save high in all categories, can heal themselves without being interrupted, fists are considered to be lawful weapon, spell resistance, 50% concealment, can kill an enemy with a strike and immune to poison,disease and mental attacks. Name me one class that can do all of that without casting a spell and using magical items. In the confines of ToEE though they are weak fighters with some different abilities.

Sorry for the long post.

 

I'm always naked, though sometimes I'm wearing clothes over it. My problem is that when I'm not clothed, nobody notices! :no:

I'm acually torn about a rank of monk for a spell-user. It delays higher levelling, but bad guys often attack the mage. Deflect arrows doesn't work during a spell, apparently, which is when I need it. :shrug:

 

IMHO, if you really want to give an extra level of something to a spellcaster, make it a rogue for the dodge and pump up the DEX, or a fighter or barbarian for the extra HP.