A non-spellcasting Ranger, with d10 hit die

[candidus_cogitens]

Why should a ranger be casting spells anyway??! I propose a very simple variation on the 3.5 ranger:

1. Remove the spells.
2. Restore hit die to d10.
3. Add "Secrets of the Wild" at fourth level.


SECRETS OF THE WILD [Class feature, ranger]

By studying the ways of wild animals, rangers can learn a few of their tricks.
Choose one of the following abilities upon reaching fourth level:
• Watchful as the Hawk. A fourth level ranger with 7 ranks of Knowledge (Nature) gains a bonus of +1 to Spot rolls for detecting hidden enemies in a natural setting. At eighth level, with 11 ranks of Knowledge (Nature), the bonus increases to +2; at twelfth level (15 ranks), +3; at sixteenth level (19 ranks), +4; and at 20th level (23 ranks), +5.
• Tenacious as the Wolf. A fourth level ranger with 7 ranks of Knowledge (Nature) gains +1 bonus to Survival rolls for recovering a lost trail (i.e., re-trying a failed tracking attempt). At eighth level, with 11 ranks of Knowledge (Nature), the bonus increases to +2; at twelfth level (15 ranks), +3; at sixteenth level (19 ranks), +4; and at 20th level (23 ranks), +5.
• Stealthy as the Fox. A fourth level ranger with 7 ranks of Knowledge (Nature) gains a +1 bonus to Move Silently checks when moving in a natural setting. At eighth level, with 11 ranks of Knowledge (Nature), the bonus increases to +2; at twelfth level (15 ranks), +3; at sixteenth level (19 ranks), +4; and at 20th level (23 ranks), +5.
• Spry as the Deer. A fourth level ranger with 7 ranks of Knowledge (Nature) gains a +1 bonus to Initiative checks in a natural setting. At eighth level, with 11 ranks of Knowledge (Nature), the bonus increases to +2; at twelfth level (15 ranks), +3; at sixteenth level (19 ranks), +4; and at 20th level (23 ranks), +5.

 

[krbrunn]

All those prereqs for the abilities make it seem more like a prestige class then a core class. I don't think any ability that can only be used at a certain level should also have the added cost of a skill point total as well.

If it was just level based without the ranks needed, I could see myself being interested in using it, but as it is, I don't think I'd use this.

The idea is good though, a ranger that can't use spells is interesting.

 

[aurance]

Actually the 3.5 bard abilities are both level and rank based...
-A

 

[Technik4]

Its a nice little set of bonuses (I think what you decided on in your other thread), but in general play it seems a little cumbersome.

I would try and emulate what spells actually do for a ranger.

For instance, there is a new first level spell that gives +10 enhancement to speed for rangers or druids (Longstrider). So have a Longstrider chain which grants +10 speed at 4th and say 12th level. On the other levels (8th and 16th) perhaps grant a bonus to jump or give Run as a bonus feat.

A common choice for a low level ranger is Endure Elements, which grants 5 Energy Resistance to one type of energy for 24 hours. So another chain could be one which emphasizes elemental protection. Call it Nature's Ward and give Elemental Resistance 5 to one type of energy which will go up by 5 every 4 levels.

You could have a "skilled" chain which would grant as a bonus feat every 4 levels any feat which gives just skill bonuses. So at 4th you could take Skill Focus (Survival) at 8th you could take Alertness, and so on. This emulates that some of a ranger's spells grant skill bonuses.

Finally you could have something like Minor Wildshape, which could give 1/2 stackability with the druid's own wildshape and would allow you to change between medium humanoids (and possibly animals), based on the level. Don't have it begin until 8th level (so as not to step on the druid's toes by getting a signature ability faster than them) so at 4th level give a +4 competence bonus to Disguise (which stacks well with Favored Enemy bonus, I believe). This one would be tricky and may not be worth it, but multi drd/rgr would love you

Between the hp boost and these small bonuses I think you have a worthy d10 ranger (without spells).

Technik

 

[candidus_cogitens]

Thanks Technik4. I like your suggestions a lot, and I think I may use them.

Krbrunn's criticism is duly noted. The only reason to make a skill rank requirement would be to weaken the ability somewhat--but that may not be necessary.

As a side note, I think the reason for making the bardic music abilities contingent upon both level AND perform ranks was to avoid the possibility of taking one level as a bard and then getting more and more bardic abilities just by adding ranks in the perform skill even when you are progressing in another class.