Dragon #308 previews new ranger and barbarian!

[thalmin]

Just got in Dragon #308. This issue's 3.5 update has some info on revised classes. They list classes in three groups: Few Changes (fighter, paladin, wizard, cleric, rogue, sorcerer); Moderate Changes (barbarian, druid, monk); and Big Changes (bard and ranger). As examples, they then outline what's new for the fighter, barbarian and ranger.

 

[caudor]

Cool! Thanks for the info.

It always seems that I'm like the last one to get my Dragon.

 

[Thaumaturge]

Anything new?


Thaumaturge.

 

[Branduil]

What's the ranger get?

 

[thalmin]

The ranger Class Philosophy says he is no longer a lightly armored fighter, he is a skill-using hunter.

Notable changes to the ranger:
Skill points changed to 6
Hit die changed to d8
Favored enemy bonus now gives +2
New favored enemy at levels 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 with graduated increases
Wild Empathy ability at level 1 (replaces the skill)
Gain a 2-weapon OR archery feat at levels 2, 6 and 11
Endurance at level 3
Animal Companion at level 4
Woodland stride at level 7
Swift tracker at level 8 (move normal speed while tracking)
Evasion at level 9
Camouflage at level 13 (hide in any terrain even without cover or concealment)
Hide in plain sight at level 17

(edit to add)

There also will be some changes to his spell list.
He gains charm animal as a 1st level spell choice, a better barkskin as 2nd, darkvision at 3rd, and animal growth at 4th.
His spell casting levels are unchanged.

 

[Thaumaturge]

An ability of some kind every level 1-11? nice.

I thought about saying lvl 12 got the shaft, but that is so cliche.




Thaumaturge.

what a waste of a 100th post. *sigh*

 

[Branduil]

Sweet

 

[Ashardalon]

I suppose the only change for fighters are a few new feats and minor tweaks to the skill list (Intimidate!)?

 

[Eridanis]

Hmm, yummy.

(Is it just me, or have other subscribers not yet gotten their copies of this issue?)

 

[thalmin]

That's right. Two abilities at 1st, one each at 2-11, 13, 15, 17 and 20.

It's worth noting that in addition to 2 more skill points, the ranger no longer has to spend any on Intuitive Direction (now combined with Wilderness Lore into Survival) nor on Animal Empathy (now a class ability).