D&D 5E Multi-Classing UA Ranger Beastmaster: Question on Hit Dice

[WarpedAcorn]

Hey Guys! I've got a question regarding the Unearthed Arcana Ranger Revised (found here https://media.wizards.com/2016/dnd/downloads/UA_RevisedRanger.pdf ). I'm looking for a fair way to deal with a player who wants to multi-class into Ranger and go with the Beastmaster option.

The issue I am considering is in regards the to the Beast's Hit Dice. The UA Document states that the Beast gains a HD for every level after 3, but doesn't specify Ranger level. I'm assuming the RAI is that this refers to the Ranger levels. However, when considering a player who wants to Multi-Class into Ranger and take the Beastmaster conclave I feel they will be left with an Animal Companion who is much too weak to handle anything in combat, especially if taking this feature after 10th level.

My proposed work-around is to say that non-Ranger levels = 1/2 the HD gain (rounding down), so a Druid 7 / Ranger 3 would have an Animal Companion with +3 HD's. What do you guys think? Would that be too generous? Or is the intent of the Document to give the Animal Companion bonus HD based on Character Level?

(And just to reiterate, I am only concerned about HD here since I think it would be no fun for a player to have an Animal Companion that falls to splash damage every fight)

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

I *suspect* it doesn't specify Ranger level so the beast doesn't rapidly become useless. Even counting other levels as half a ranger level will rapidly render it useless. I'd just count all levels, myself -- but have no particular insider information.

 

[MechaTarrasque]

I think I read somewhere that they plan to address multiclassing and the UA ranger when the official release comes out (instead of the UA playtest). That means there isn't any RAI, since that is something that they aren't looking to get our feedback on. I think the only reason to have a reduced hit dice is if you have 2 players playing beast conclave rangers. If you don't have that situation (and don't anticipate it coming via replacement characters), then I would just use levels as levels and not worry about the ranger levels vs. other class levels.

 

[Xeviat]

I'd go with total level. Is there anything in the rules that ever refers to class level in 5E?


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[doctorbadwolf]

Gotta agree that full level HD seems more balanced. The pet is supposed to not become a one shot minion, even if you only ever take three levels.

 

[flametitan]

I'd go with total level. Is there anything in the rules that ever refers to class level in 5E?

To date most class abilites that scales by level (rather than class features that upgrade it) specifies that it scales by your level in that class. The number of spells you can prep, the amount of hit points in your Arcane Ward, the hit point total of the PH's Beast Master...

Aside from proficiency bonuses, cantrip damage, and spell slots, I can't actually think off the top of my head of anything that scales by character level, rather than class.

 

[Xeviat]

To date most class abilites that scales by level (rather than class features that upgrade it) specifies that it scales by your level in that class. The number of spells you can prep, the amount of hit points in your Arcane Ward, the hit point total of the PH's Beast Master...

Aside from proficiency bonuses, cantrip damage, and spell slots, I can't actually think off the top of my head of anything that scales by character level, rather than class.

But do those say "level" or "wizard level"? I don't have my books on hand. I'm honestly curious.


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[KahlessNestor]

But do those say "level" or "wizard level"? I don't have my books on hand. I'm honestly curious.


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Second Wind is Fighter level.

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[flametitan]

But do those say "level" or "wizard level"? I don't have my books on hand. I'm honestly curious.

They say wizard level.

 

[Xeviat]

They say wizard level.

Cool. So unless the final version says "ranger level", can we can safely assume "level" means "character level"?

I believe there's a strong argument for this. Multiclass spellcasters (who multiclass with other spellcasters) get higher level slots to empower their Summons. A 12 hp companion will be worthless at level 5. Multiclassing doesn't hurt your HP "significantly" (even the difference between a d12's 7 hp and a d6's 4 hp is minuscule for one level). Most of a companion's scaling is through ASIs and proficiency bonus, so I think it's HP should scale as well.


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