My ranger started slow, I agree.
But at level 9, I got:
Character Damage 99-154
14 Dex, 9 Con, 9 Speed
Crossbow 5 in Weapons
Marksman 3
Lvl 8 Crossbow:
Piercing 53-82
Earth 8-12 (could add more elemental damage, but waiting on better drop)
Con +1
Crossbow +1
Leadership +1
Mages start the fight buffing Wildfire(AP buff) and Oath of Desecration(50% damage increase) at the beginning of the fight to both ranger and Madora and let them take out the mobs. They both have tactical retreat and position themselves in first round.
My Ranger hits almost as hard as Madora, especially with Barrage (around 95 damage X 3)
Mind you, I do not know what higher level will be like, but right now, I am hitting hard and definitely contributing to the fight with my ranger.
