Beastmaster Ranger up

[Baumi]

They could have included a feat for multiple beasts. Since you can only attack with one of them, I don't see a big problem with that..

What I really want to know now how much damage these beasts do.

 

[arma]

They could have included a feat for multiple beasts. Since you can only attack with one of them, I don't see a big problem with that..

Don't forget about Opportunity Attacks*, Cover/Concealment, and Flanking.
Beasts count as allies per the preview rules, and multiple beast allies would let you easily dominate some battlefields by their presence alone, even if they don't act.


*though I guess they will address this

 

[avin]

Can't open at work. Is it free or DDI?

 

[Runestar]

One or two horrible B movies does not an archetype make.

Dungeonscape had this prc which eventually let you acquire up to 3 magical beast companions.

Though the last one was pretty much dead weight by the time you got it, vs the caliber of foes you were likely facing...

Can't open at work. Is it free or DDI?

Should be free. I am having no problems viewing it (I am not logged in).

 

[Staffan]

Only one animal companion? When I think of a beastmaster, I think of the classic movie - The Beastmaster. He had two ferrets, a tiger, and a hawk (or eagle or something). Minor cosmetic changes were made in later movies, such as making the tiger a lion. But I digress.

I hope they have a paragon path in there that represents this archetype. I know, I know, it's all about the Balance. Still, there's something to be said about archetypes.

The problem with multiple companions is not so much "power" balance, as "time" balance. When the other players go "I move there and hit him", the menagerie player goes "My cat goes there, my bear goes there, and then they both attack, and then I shoot him." The alternative is to use the Figurine rules and have the companions use your actions (but upgraded), which would make multiple companions kinda pointless.

 

[Dragonhelm]

The other thing I'm not the happiest with is the tone that the animal is either a pet or a weapon. Prior iterations of the beastmaster as well as the movie point to the idea that they are friends moreso than pets or tools. That message is conveyed somewhat in the article, but not wholly.

I'm probably nitpicking at this point.

 

[Maggan]

I'm a big fan of the damage.

I'm home with a cold today, so my brain aint working properly. I assume that equals east damage?

/M

 

[Henry]

The other thing I'm not the happiest with is the tone that the animal is either a pet or a weapon. Prior iterations of the beastmaster as well as the movie point to the idea that they are friends moreso than pets or tools. That message is conveyed somewhat in the article, but not wholly.

I'm probably nitpicking at this point.

To me, that's more a point of roleplaying than mechanics, but is there a mechanical way which you can see that the "friend" aspect might influence the game?

 

[fba827]

I'm home with a cold today, so my brain aint working properly. I assume that equals east damage?

/M

That is my assumption as well; it is the beast's attack (so whatever dice the beast's attack uses).

 

[Cadfan]

To me, that's more a point of roleplaying than mechanics, but is there a mechanical way which you can see that the "friend" aspect might influence the game?

Utility powers and feats that relate to skills, so that you can do more things together with your companion than just fight. I'm sure we'll get at least a few of those.