Hi everyone,
I'm a long-time DM and I quite enjoy 5e. However, I think there is a need for a variant Ranger class for low-magic campaign settings. I've put together one in the attached word document (its a bit too large to copy & paste into the thread. It's inspired from a post and variant build put together by DungeonKeeper86 in this thread.
Here are the design considerations I used when making the variant class:
* Design goal is an effective melee & ranged fighting class with less overall damage than the fighter class, but more versatility, utility and AoE potential.
* High use of original content so there is limited overlap with other classes. Some of the old content has been tweaked:
- Hunter's Mark added as a class ability at level one that scales with level
- Ability to track at fast pace added to Natural Explorer ability
- Extended Mark added to increase sustained damage against multiple opponents
- Capstone ability removed in favor of sub-class capstones (similar to Paladin subclasses)
* Creation of three sub-classes that feel thematically and mechanically unique (Hunter, Warder & Beastmaster)
- The Hunter is designed around the favored enemy ability and is skewed towards ranged combat.
- The Warder is designed to provide more survivability and
AoE potential against hordes and huge monsters.
- The Beastmaster is an upgrade on the original with more ability to control the battlefield
* Increased companion hit points to 5x level to allow them to tank and survive at higher levels
* Exceptional training is now part of the core mechanic for animal companions
* Extra companions at level 7 allows the Beast master to set-up a line of skirmish or encircle enemies
* Beastial Fury at level 11 allows companions to make free opportunity attacks to stop enemy movement
Sidenote: The combat training ability at level 10 is designed to be used as options to be selected with the Champion sub-class Additional Fighting Style ability
I would appreciate your input!
DizzoDizzman wrote:
Honestly I think a non-magic ranger is just a fighter or rogue. The attunement to nature and minor magic capabilities granted by that is a core aspect of ranger. If you take that away, you're not a ranger. Better to just add "Ranger" as a background for flavor and let these classes take the roll. Then if the Beastmaster subclass is important you can just add that as an option for rogues and warriors. Then you only have have to remake a single ability (Share Spells) or just ignore it.
slumgum wrote: