User:XT-8147/R/W Bunny Thumper

Attribute Placement/Runes
Technically we can get away with just 8 expertise, as that's the breakpoint for 5 energy skills becoming 3 energy.

Armor
I have Druid's Armor, but the extra energy isn't really needed. Consider Explorer's Armor. Add a Superior Vigor rune.

Weapon
A Vampiric hammer of Fortitude with Damage +15% (while in a stance), with a non-Vampiric hammer with the same damage bonus on your weapon switch. Since Tiger's Fury is up 100% of the time, you always have your damage bonus, and since Tiger's Fury increases your attack rate, you don't need the Furious mod nearly as much as a hammer warrior would.

Usage
Basically, you're a warrior. Don't get that too ingrained though, you have less armor than a warrior.

Run up to an enemy and start hitting it. Use Tiger's Fury early and often. It will last 11 seconds and recharge in 10, so if you watch it you can keep it up indefinitely. Spam Irresistible Blow and use Ferocious Strike to get extra adrenaline and replenish energy. Once Hammer Bash is charged, make sure Tiger's Fury is still up and use Hammer Bash->Crushing Blow to knockdown, inflict good damage, and cause a deep wound.

Against foes that are blocking, you can do Irresistible Blow->Crushing Blow. Just watch for the knockdown and be ready to hit Crushing Blow.

A bunny thumper is fairly easy to get the hang of and incredibly fun to play. If you're tired of the average bow-wielding ranger you definitely should give it a try. Especially in combination with an orders necro.

One thing I desparately wish for is for ArenaNet to make pets not body block their masters/their masters' parties. I've gotten stuck on my pet more times than I can count.

Counters

 * Foes that cannot be knocked down, either through a skill (Balanced Stance, Dolyak Signet, or Ward of Stability) or because they're immune to knockdown.
 * Condition removal
 * Snares
 * Empathy/Clumsiness/Any other hex that triggers when you attack
 * Blindness (specifically Throw Dirt, which can get both you and your pet)

Variants
For Alliance Battles, you can take another skill in place of Resurrection Signet. Suitable skills include:
 * Staggering Blow (or any other hammer attack)
 * Disrupting Lunge
 * Predatory Season
 * Flurry instead of the nerfed Tiger's Fury