Arelith

Howdy!

Could anyone share some tips/ideas on a workable ranger/cavalier/rogue build?

I'm thinking on 4 cavalier and 3 rogue levels only (i just want the horse and two bonus feats and a rogue dip at 30), rest of it can be ranger.

But which stats should I aim for? Should I go for STR based equipment with shield or DEX light armor dual handed?

Any thoughts on this?

Go either 23 Ranger 7 Cav or 26 Ranger 4 Cav
Going 3 rogue doesn’t get you much other than 6 or 12 skill points and 2d6 sneak attack at the cost trading 1 epic feat for a pre-epic feat
If you want UMD, bard or specialist dip is recommend over rogue for any ranger builds in general. This way you get both UMD and Spellcraft

Going two handed with cavalry sabre with heavy armor (full plate with 8 dex) is it doable?

With ranger, you really want to go 26 if you can so I have to echo Kenjii there. That +5 on bladethirst for a strength ranger is what keeps you alive. Not to mention you want those epic bonus feats to pick up FE and boost your summon through all the ranger bonus feats.

The other option is to treat ranger like a flavor dip and run into some other things to flesh the build out. for example:

1.) Ranger- 5, Cav - 10, Arcane Archer 15
2.) Ranger - 5, Cav 10, Earthkin defender 15 (yes you can do defensive stance on a horse, yes, the horse speed offsets the defensive stance malus, and yes it is a lot of fun! My heavy dwarf cavalry can attest.)
3.) Ranger 10, Knight 10, Cav 10
4.) Ranger 5, Cav 8, Blackguard 16

Have fun with it!