Ranger skills

[frdnwsm]

OK, I got the Synergies mod up and running, and am checking out the new classes. For my ranger, I picked Thorns and Lightning strike for active attack modes. Thorns is decent; it sort of works like the Outlander rapid fire skill. But I can't figure out how the lightning strike works. I cast it and then, supposedly, for the next 20 seconds I have a chance to call down a lightning bolt on something I hit.

But, it never seems to work no matter how often I whack something with a weapon. Now, at the very bottom of the skill description, it says it only works with a "skill strike". Is this something other than a hit with a normal weapon? Does it mean that I need to score a hit with another skill instead?

Also, what are these "counters" I keep seeing mentioned, and where do I see them?

[MTB-Fritz]

Does it mean that I need to score a hit with another skill instead?

Yeah your best strategy is to activate Lightning strike, be sure to be full mana and tap mana potions too and keep spam using skills.

Your counter (you have 2 different) rise on screen where other classes have their power up bar, it should look like a tree branch.

[frdnwsm]

I think I answered my own question. I cast Lightning strike, then used Thorns on a hero critter, and guess what? Got a lightning strike called in. Now that means I still need some sort of attack skill that will work with a normal weapon/shield combination, for when I want to tank up.

Still don't know what this bit about "counters" is either.

[frdnwsm]

Heh; you must have posted your answer just as I was posting mine. Yeah, so now both active attack skills I have trained in need a bow or pistol; apparently throwing weapons don't count?
What's good for regular weapon skill, or do I even have one?

>>Your counter (you have 2 different) rise on screen where other classes have their power up bar, it should look like a tree branch.<<

OK, thanks; but what exactly does this measure?

[frdnwsm]

I see the counter bar, where the charge bar is on other classes; why did they change the name? Just to confuse me? Also, most ranger melee weapon skills need two weapons, which I don't think is what I am looking for. I guess I'll have to go over the skill tree again more carefully. Right now, the ranger looks closely akin to the Outlander; ranged weapons are the class preference it seems.

[frdnwsm]

Heh, I keep answering my own questions. Breathing room seems to be what I was looking for; it does damage, and has a knockback effect, can be used with a shield, and even triggers lightning strike when it does damage. Analagous to the Engineer's shield bash, I think.

[frdnwsm]

OK, this just leaves the counter bar somewhat unexplained. I guess it differs from the charge bar in that it has two "branches"; so the counters are used for 2 different things?

[MTB-Fritz]

yes depending on what skill you take. One triggers an earth "window" in which you raise your earth counters, the other one opens a lightning window.

[MTB-Fritz]

Apart from the different mechanics used I gotta say I prefer the Outlander, much better ranged damage dealer IMO but thats just me ^^

[frdnwsm]

>>the Outlander, much better ranged damage dealer IMO but thats just me <<

Well, yes; you can't use thorns with shotguns the way you can use rapid fire. However, the ranger has some skills the Outlander doesn't, that allow for use of melee weapons more efficiently than the outlander can. I did comment that the Breathing Room skill bore some resemblance to the effects of the engineer shield bash; I have been using it in conjunction with a high damage axe or mace along a shield for added defence. There are also those bleed related skills that need two weapons. And there's a whole slew of nature related skills I haven't even tried out yet.

BTW, in this regard, I really do like the introduction of the respec potion; for a small fee you can totally change your skill set, letting you try out different skill builds without having to grow the character up from level 1.