Ranger dip for archer druid?

[Raphite1]

In brief, I making a druid whose party role will be ranged damage, scouting, and buff/utility spells. Animal companion will be a flanker and do a bit of damage and off tanking. My druid is using the Nature Fang archetype from the Advanced Class Guide.

I'm thinking of picking up a level of ranger to get (1) longbow proficiency without burning a feat, (2) stealth as a class skill, (3) handle animal as a class skill (Nature Fang druid doesn't get it), and (4) favored enemy is a decent perk.

Is this worth giving up a level of spell progression, or am I missing an easier way of getting some of these things?

[grarrrg]

(1) longbow proficiency without burning a feat, (2) stealth as a class skill, (3) handle animal as a class skill (Nature Fang druid doesn't get it)

Normally I'd say Druid dipping Ranger is quite solid, just add Shapeshifting Hunter feat (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/shapeshifting-hunter). But for that you need Wild Shape which you archetype gives up...


Depending on your Trait choices, you can gain Weapon Prof. (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/traits/equipment-traits/heirloom-weapon)
And most any Skill as a Class Skill, Stealth (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/traits/combat-traits/slippery-bellflower-network), Handle Animal (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/traits/regional-traits/jungle-guide-regional-sargava). These are just two examples, I'm sure there are others.
And there's always the option of the Additional Traits feat (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/additional-traits), to pick up any 2 of the above.

As for "Nature Fang doesn't get Handle Animal"...where does it say that? You lose Wild Empathy and such, but nowhere does it say you lose Handle Animal as a class skill.

[VexingFool]

Hunter's Eye (http://www.archivesofnethys.com/TraitDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Hunter%27s%20Eye) trait will give you Longbow proficiency and no penalties on first range increment. Andoran faction though.

Have you thought about maybe just running a Hunter instead?

[Raphite1]

Oops, yep, I meant Wild Empathy. I'll look back through the traits list and see if I spot anything.

[grarrrg]

Well, a Dip is still a decent choice. You're only losing 1 level of casting, and despite appearances, a Druid really doesn't have much for class features (see also: Monk) so you aren't losing out on much else.

Anyone else think it's kinda weird that a Nature Fang gets _ONE_ d6 of Sneak Attack for the whole 20 levels?

[Raphite1]

Anyone else think it's kinda weird that a Nature Fang gets _ONE_ d6 of Sneak Attack for the whole 20 levels?

Really kinda odd, I wondered if it was an error. Oh well, I guess I don't mind an extra 1d6 damage from time to time, in exchange for a saving throw bonus I may never use.

I'm still conflicted on this dip. If I do it, I'll get bow proficiency without burning a feat, but I'll also be a step behind on getting access to new Slayer Talents, which include ranger archery feats.

Any ideas on how I can get stealth as a class skill without taking a level in another class?