D&D 5E Fictional examples of Rangers

[jmartkdr2]

I think it more of a network and rank system. High level rangers work alone. 1st level rangers work in small groups or are given smaller areas to range.

Independent Adventurers

Though a ranger might make a living as a hunter, a guide, or a tracker, a ranger’s true calling is to defend the outskirts of civilization from the ravages of monsters and humanoid hordes that press in from the wild. In some places, rangers gather in secretive orders or join forces with druidic circles. Many rangers, though, are independent almost to a fault, knowing that, when a dragon or a band of orcs attacks, a ranger might be the first—and possibly the last—line of defense.

Only a high level ranger would think he can take an orc warband alone. They would have to call for help. Ananimal messenger only has a base range of 25/50 miles to call for help.

And you have to level 5 to do it in 5e.
Level 1* in 4e.
Level 4 in 3.5.
level 8 in AD&D 2e and earlier.

Otherwise they have to travel back to town or base by foot or mount.

So only fictional rangers are only loners if they are fully in Tier 2. That's the key thing. Low level rangers are not loners or rugged military travelers. Same how a level 1 paladin isn't the smite of vampires and pit fiends.


*level 1 4e rangers must take Ritual Caster and must make a DC 40 Nature check for a 24 distance messenger. So it's more like level 15.

I was talking about rangers in fiction in general, not in DnD.

 

[Minigiant]

I was talking about rangers in fiction in general, not in DnD.

Stilldon't think it'strue.

The Rangers of the North, South, Night's Watch, etc are supposed to handle threats as a group. They might live alone and might scout the area alone but they then report back to form a team.

They have lone posts but they don't engage the enemy alone unless they are the Master Ranger Veteran.

The stereotypical ranger in stories is either an OP protaganist being a superhero, a ranger captian leading a team, or an escort who is avoiding danger.

 

[Asisreo]

In The One Ring there is an ability where you can just gain info from the land itself.

Rangers have a sort-of ability like that as the Commune with Nature spell.

 

[Dioltach]

Thinking outside the box: how about Richard Sharpe, and his Chosen Men? (OK, so that's only on the telly, but some of the named characters from the books qualify, especially Rifleman Hagman.)

They track, they scout, they fight in small bands outside the main army.

 

[Asisreo]

How about Hereward, the Wake? The original Robin Hood.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Rangers have a sort-of ability like that as the Commune with Nature spell.

Yeah, and it’s...fine. I really think that if the Ranger’s supernatural abilities are going to be spells (and IMO they should be, for the most part when there are spells that already do the thing), then ranger should have ritual casting.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

Examples of Rangers?

1.

2.

3.

I guess what I'm saying is ... if you're a Ranger, your name is Smokey. Or the Bandit.

 

[Minigiant]

The Mariner from Waterworld
Aquaman/Aqualad
Squirrel Girl

Yeah, and it’s...fine. I really think that if the Ranger’s supernatural abilities are going to be spells (and IMO they should be, for the most part when there are spells that already do the thing), then ranger should have ritual casting.

There is a strong argument that Rangers should have spells but only for ritual casting and item crafting.

If you think about it, most supernatural effects that we attribute to being iconic to ranger in media or D&D are item use, item creation, item buffs, self buff, or noncombat actions that aren't done in a rush.

• Communication with animals
• Communication with plants
• Use of plant, animal, and germ parts
• Perception increases
• Environmental Adaption
• Weapon buffs
• Divination

If you really think about it, rangers should have infusions and rituals. Most of ranger spells could be magical gadgets and augments. Hell, many of them are available as POTIONS. Rangers are just chugging potions the whole time.

 

[Asisreo]

Yeah, and it’s...fine. I really think that if the Ranger’s supernatural abilities are going to be spells (and IMO they should be, for the most part when there are spells that already do the thing), then ranger should have ritual casting.

Apparently, half-casters aren't supposed to have ritual spells. Is it a balance thing? Maybe. I'm not sure. It would be flavorful if they did have it, though I suppose it wouldn't be too out of the way to get it as a V-human.

Anyways, Rangers don't necessarily need these spells as rituals. Rangers have a hard time using their spells for combat outside Hunter's Mark and a few other notable spells like the 2 Conjure spells, lightning arrow, swift quiver, and 2-3 AoE spells. The rest are definitely going to be utility based.

The combat spells usually take concentration so it's rare you'll use more than 1 or 2 in a single combat. The rest of your spell slots should be used during exploration or immediately before a long rest ends.

 

[Tonguez]

If you really think about it, rangers should have infusions and rituals. Most of ranger spells could be magical gadgets and augments. Hell, many of them are available as POTIONS. Rangers are just chugging potions the whole time.

so the Witcher?

D&Ds over reliance on spells in place of kewl class abilities is a whole different debate, but yeah I wouldn’t mind if the Ranger was a fighter base with access to Druid rituals as standard