ToME: the Tales of Maj'Eyal

Cause why should alchemists be able to throw as far as a slingshot? Would make archers have a little bit of an easier time early game.

Don't the launchers gain more range though as the mlvl raises?

Yep, but that relies a fair bit on luck. Since damage and such is already linked to material, why not make range independent? Part of my problem really is that beginning archers and slingers actually feel less ranged than several other classes. Heck, even a Fighter can quickly get his Rush up to range 10.

This makes sense. I'm guessing it would effect all those nasty orc/skeleton archers too though right?

Actually, if you think about it shouldn't range scale to strength/dexterity to a certain extent? Bows are very hard to pull back, but the more you pull back the further it will go (up to a limit though depending on bow size). I don't know how this would work though as we are talking about a couple tiles of range either way.