EditorBFG
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Maybe it's just me, but with the new Unearthed Arcana ranger, is WotC trying too hard to solve a problem that is simpler? Yes, I find the Ranger to be underpowered at 1st level (unique among all classes, has no class starting abilities that help it be more effective in combat) and I consider only one archetype-- the Hunter-- to be worthwhile, while the Beastmaster archetype is way underpowered. But other than these two issues, Rangers would be fine, wouldn't they? The new playtest class, with its weird hit points and spirit mechanic and confusing relationship with spellcasting, just seems like a lot of effort to solve a minor problem.
Easy solution to fix the PHB version:
1) Replace Favored Enemy with any kind of decent combat mojo (Ambuscade, which they included in the new version, would fit the bill, though it needs playtesting).
2) Add another archetype, since Beastmaster is such an inferior choice (maybe one based on all this Spirit Companion stuff in the new version).
There. Done. Am I wrong?
Easy solution to fix the PHB version:
1) Replace Favored Enemy with any kind of decent combat mojo (Ambuscade, which they included in the new version, would fit the bill, though it needs playtesting).
2) Add another archetype, since Beastmaster is such an inferior choice (maybe one based on all this Spirit Companion stuff in the new version).
There. Done. Am I wrong?