D&D (2024) Ranger playtest discussion

[TheSword]

Four of those are combat cantrips, and in my opinion none of them, save maybe Mending and Spare the Dying are thematic for the ranger in my opinion.

Yes but not spamable combat cantrips. They are each used for pretty specific foes or vulnerabilities. No ranger is going to be thorn whipping every round. But they might do it when they need to reposition someone.

 

[Neonchameleon]

Four of those are combat cantrips, and in my opinion none of the combat ones are on-theme for the Ranger, nor are Druidcraft or Message.

I think it depends on the ranger - but I can definitely see Shilelagh as on theme.

 

[Charlaquin]

Yes but not spamable combat cantrips. They are each used for pretty specific foes or vulnerabilities. No ranger is going to be thorn whipping every round. But they might do it when they need to reposition someone.

All cantrips are spamable, by virtue of being at-will and unlimited. Casting spells is hardly a thing I want rangers to do at all, let alone with no limitations. At least with leveled spells they only get a few per day. They don’t need and shouldn’t have cantrips on top of that, in my opinion.

 

[Charlaquin]

I think it depends on the ranger - but I can definitely see Shilelagh as on theme.

Ehh, I guess.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

If Ranger lost its spellcasting, I'd want to see a new primal half caster to get added to fill that gap. The alternate 4e class options for a primal themed half caster would be warden, seeker, or shaman.

Yeah earlier in the thread (or a different one?) I was suggesting Warden. I think that makes the most sense and offers the most non-covered ground.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Four of those are combat cantrips, and in my opinion none of the combat ones are on-theme for the Ranger, nor are Druidcraft or Message.

I think this ship has sailed long ago... Now we should concentrate on getting the best half caster ranger possible.

The trend of this UA is evolution, not revolution. Which overall is a nice thing.

 

[Frozen_Heart]

Yeah earlier in the thread (or a different one?) I was suggesting Warden. I think that makes the most sense and offers the most non-covered ground.

Yeah of the other options, shaman seems largely folded into druid, while seeker would basically be a half caster ranger.

Warden offers its own really unique theme and mechanics in comparison.

 

[Zubatcarteira]

I want to be hopeful for the changes in this edition, but then they think going from d6 to d10 is a good capstone for a whole class, and I just give up.

 

[Charlaquin]

I think this ship has sailed long ago... Now we should concentrate on getting the best half caster ranger possible.

The trend of this UA is evolution, not revolution. Which overall is a nice thing.

Sure, but to me “the best half-caster ranger possible” does not round up and does not have cantrips. To me, the best half-caster ranger possible is one that relies the least on the spellcasting it’s stuck with to be effective. Preferably with some non-spell ability it can expend spell slots to power, Paladin smite style.

 

[Tales and Chronicles]

In my own homebrew, Rangers can treat their favored terrains as a giant ''components pouch'' meaning they always have the components on hands to work their magic. This way their actions are still magical/supernatural, but they are not really wiggling their hands, chanting MANOS POTENTIS AHHHHH in the middle of the woods; they are gathering various mystical ingredients from nature and mixing them to create a magical effect.