Reading the recommendations of other players , I made one of my main heroes a ranger expecting her to be the main damage dealer. At level 14 and access to master level ranger skills, I find the ranger build weak. Very far from the dps Madora and my rogue deal. The CC arrows the ranger has access are useless...I almost never use them. The AP cost of shooting arrows are high, same as Madora 4 AP. However Madora rocks with insane damage and powerful CC knowckdown abilities. Madora's damage is only matched by the rogue who I added 2 levels of Man-to-Arms as well coupled with 10 strength. My rogue at level 14 is finished, maybe next goal is flurry. 4th character is Jahan with specials in all 5 magic schools. He is pure buff-debuff-CC character with 13 speed. However, the ranger is not useless even if so low damage dealer. SHe is very skillful from bargaining to charisma, main crafter and blacksmith, sneak, loramaster... all maxed, perception of 15 with items, some bow. At level 14 this party is very stronk. Game is cakewalk.
If Madora is your choice, Leadership is a must on her early. Back her up with Leadership on the ranger to skill level 4. It is very important your party starts first in combat in order to activate defenses buffs etc. Jahan is key too, as the high caster, aim him at level 4 in all schools, dont pursue level 5 except geo and witchcraft. Dont underestimate shops, with the right gear Jahan has almost as much health as Madora. My rogue also is with 1000 health at 14 level (with Water of Life these values jump to 1500). Nothing can bring you down. If any problem just drink a full potion if worried. My ranger just watches the fun at the frontline from afar shooting 2 pathetic arrows on her turns. I love the ranger class but in this game she is outperformed by fighter and rogue. The rogue and Madora on top of this have access to spider skill...just for variety.
I think this party is strong because of excellent gear. But gear is very expensive so make sure you have bargain on the ranger to afford excellent items from shops. Yes shopping is a big drag in this game, hate it, but the gear is serious boost.
Biggest challenge so far was Boreas. But because I was confused by those 4 statues and lost too much time destroying them. After I destroyed them, Boreas fell in 2 turns when I concentrated on him all the damage.
I am at the mines right now but I dont think this party will have major issues until the end of the game. The biggest issues I see is just loosing interest in the game because it has annoying rpg flaws in dialogue contradictions making me hate the "personality" of my characters. And also because the game is such a drag really.
