D&D 3E/3.5 [3.5] Pet-Less Ranger Variant

[Tequila Sunrise]

Say you want to play a ranger without a pet. Maybe you don't want the extra bookkeeping, maybe you don't want the added liability; or maybe the pet just doesn't fit your character concept. Well, you're up the creek without a paddle, because there are no published pet-less ranger variants [that I know of]. Here's an expanded Combat Style variant I wrote up to replace the ranger's pet. Its benefits begin before a ranger would get a pet, but that's okay with me because I like to discourage pets. Tell me what you think:

Level 2: Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot (Archery) or Two-Weapon Fighting (Two-Weapon)

Level 4: Rapid Shot (Archery) or Two-Weapon Defense (Two-Weapon)

Level 6: Many Shot (Archery) or Improved Two-Weapon Fighting (Two-Weapon)

Level 8: Sharp Shooting (Archery) or Improved Two-Weapon Defense (Two-Weapon)

Level 11: Improved Precise Shot (Archery) or Greater Two-Weapon Fighting (Two-Weapon)

Level 12: Far Shot (Archery) or Greater Two-Weapon Defense (Two-Weapon)

Level 16: Improved Rapid Shot (Archery) or Superior Two-Weapon Fighting (Two-Weapon)

Level 18: Shot on the Run (Archery) or Superior Two-Weapon Defense (Two-Weapon)

 

[Aus_Snow]

there are no published pet-less ranger variants [that I know of].

Well, there's this one - but I guess some mightn't consider it close enough to being "pure" d20/3.5 (personally, I think you'd find the differences trivial, and - if necessary - easily adjusted).

 

[radmod]

Say you want to play a ranger without a pet. Maybe you don't want the extra bookkeeping, maybe you don't want the added liability; or maybe the pet just doesn't fit your character concept. Well, you're up the creek without a paddle, because there are no published pet-less ranger variants [that I know of]. Here's an expanded Combat Style variant I wrote up to replace the ranger's pet. Its benefits begin before a ranger would get a pet, but that's okay with me because I like to discourage pets. Tell me what you think:

Level 2: Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot (Archery) or Two-Weapon Fighting (Two-Weapon)

Level 4: Rapid Shot (Archery) or Two-Weapon Defense (Two-Weapon)

Level 6: Many Shot (Archery) or Improved Two-Weapon Fighting (Two-Weapon)

Level 8: Sharp Shooting (Archery) or Improved Two-Weapon Defense (Two-Weapon)

Level 11: Improved Precise Shot (Archery) or Greater Two-Weapon Fighting (Two-Weapon)

Level 12: Far Shot (Archery) or Greater Two-Weapon Defense (Two-Weapon)

Level 16: Improved Rapid Shot (Archery) or Superior Two-Weapon Fighting (Two-Weapon)

Level 18: Shot on the Run (Archery) or Superior Two-Weapon Defense (Two-Weapon)

I applaud the idea of being pet-free (in my worlds, players don't ride horses but use "magical shoes" so I don't have to kill horses) but aren't you making it a little too powerful? Especially, from what I've seen, a ranger's pet has less and less impact at higher levels.

 

[Andras]

Say you want to play a ranger without a pet. Maybe you don't want the extra bookkeeping, maybe you don't want the added liability; or maybe the pet just doesn't fit your character concept. Well, you're up the creek without a paddle, because there are no published pet-less ranger variants [that I know of].

PHBII, pg 55. ACF Distracting attack, replaces Rangers Animal Companion.