D&D (2024) The Lackluster Ranger

[Minigiant]

A person doesn't need a trapper class the way trap design works in the DMG.



The DMG lists sample traps and guidelines on how to design them. That example includes how a PC can set up the trap. Using this guideline I would say traps fall under skill actions where the player can describe a trap and how they set it, the DM calls for any rolls that might be required and how long it takes and damage or effects etc, and they move forward from there.

There doesn't seem to be a need for a trapper class when thieves' tools, some equipment, and a skill check can build and set a trap.

In the ranger's case, what would it take to trigger an avalanche or rockslide in equipment and skills for setting a trap as another example? Imagine using the survival skill to not only avoid natural hazards but also leave a trail luring pursuers into those hazards.

There's no need for a class feature when we can already call out an activity under those rules and then let the DM adjudicate it.

I think a trapper class restricts being imaginative. All a person needs right now is tools, materials, and time. But if a person were to lean into it then look at the trap design rules and build around that.

I was thinking more a Ranger subclass that sets up instant or very fast traps with magic.

Like in 5 minutes and 5-10 spell slots, a Trapper Ranger could recreate Home Alone.

 

[ECMO3]

I was thinking more a Ranger subclass that sets up instant or very fast traps with magic.

Like in 5 minutes and 5-10 spell slots, a Trapper Ranger could recreate Home Alone.

Sounds like a Rogue to me.

 

[Minigiant]

Sounds like a Rogue to me.

Rogue can't do it in 5 minutes.

Rogue does it the movie way and sets up real traps all day and all night.

Ranger know the monster is coming and secures the house with casts Alarm, Spike Growth, Plant Growth, Snare, Arrow Trap, Rolling Boulder, and Conjure Bees.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

Ranger know the monster is coming and secures the house with casts Alarm, Spike Growth, Plant Growth, Snare, Arrow Trap, Rolling Boulder, and Conjure Bees.

Whilst I appreciate that Arrow Trap, Rolling Boulder and Conjure Bees are fiction and thus exempt from requirements, it seems like at least two of those, if not all three, would be Concentration spells, and you already have Spike Growth which is Concentration, and you're apparently also ditching Hunter's Mark, which is Concentration.

 

[ECMO3]

Rogue can't do it in 5 minutes.

Rogue does it the movie way and sets up real traps all day and all night.

Ranger know the monster is coming and secures the house with casts Alarm, Spike Growth, Plant Growth, Snare, Arrow Trap, Rolling Boulder, and Conjure Bees.

In the games I play setting a trap is usually an action, or a bonus action with Fast Hands.

 

[Minigiant]

Whilst I appreciate that Arrow Trap, Rolling Boulder and Conjure Bees are fiction and thus exempt from requirements, it seems like at least two of those, if not all three, would be Concentration spells, and you already have Spike Growth which is Concentration, and you're apparently also ditching Hunter's Mark, which is Concentration.

I could see a Trapper Ranger subclass that lets you cast Spike Growth without concentration at a penalty or Snare as an action.

 

[Corinnguard]

A ranger should know Hunter's Mark because it helps in Wisdom (Perception or Survival) when the trail is hard. . Using it for attacking is a bonus on offense is a bonus

While they could know this particular spell, they shouldn't rely on it too much. It should be used as a last resort when their skills and their training aren't enough to track an opponent.

 

[Zardnaar]

Cause Fear .... assuming your table allows spells from Xanathar's.

If your table does not allow spells from Xanathars, I would still get Magic Initiate for Friends, but I would change the spell to Shield.

Derp I only checked PHB.

 

[Minigiant]

While they could know this particular spell, they shouldn't rely on it too much. It should be used as a last resort when their skills and their training aren't enough to track an opponent.

Consequences of D&D's magic system and D&D being a game. You would have to separate resource to support knowing very niche spells and cast them infrequently or do it for combat spells.

See the Ranger has Combat spells and Utility spells. Both use a spell slot and spells known. WOTC attempted to fix this with Favored Enemy.

A Ranger would learn Cure Wounds and Speak with Animals as their spells known. They would learn Hunter's Mark for free. The ranger would cast Hunter's Mark with Favored Enemy charges and cast Cure Wounds and Speak with Animals.

I think they did it backwards. The utility spells should be free and combat spells be known. But WOTC didn't give ranger enough utility spells at each level because they are all wizard fanboys. So you have to do it the other way,

Level 1: Favored Enemy​

You choose a Concave which is a mixture of spells to help you hunt your enemies. You always have the spells in your Concave prepared. You can cast spells in your Concave without expending a spell slot by expending a use of this feature for each level of the spell casted, and you regain all expended uses of this ability when you finish a Long Rest.

The number of uses increases when you reach certain Ranger levels.

Dragons
Hunter's Mark
Lesser Restoration
Elemental Weapon
Stoneskin
Swift Quiver

Humanoids
Hail of Thorns
Spike Growth
Conure Barrage
Conjure Woodland Beings
Steel Wind Stike

 

[Ulorian - Agent of Chaos]

wizards "said" that the Ranger is: "Hunter's mark, The Class."

Which is not terrible... it isn't great either.