Non-casting Ranger variant? Substitution levels...

[RigaMortus2]

I thought there was a non-casting Ranger variant out there somewhere, and I assumed it was in UA, but I can't seem to find it. Does such a Ranger exist? What book is it in?

Also, are there any racial substitution levels for Humans? Specifically Human Rangers?

 

[Cam Banks]

I think the non-casting ranger is in Complete Warrior. It still has some supernatural abilities, though, which make it seem like it was based on Aragorn (minor healing, etc).

Cheers,
Cam

 

[VonRichthofen]

The CW version is uber-crappy from my not so humble point of view.

You'd be better off with the uninspired/bland OA variant that grant a bonus feat per spell level attained.

 

[brehobit]

First, the CW alternative ranger abilities are way under-powered.

Second, and moving into house-rules land I'd go with:
* +1 skill point per level for level 4-10, +2 starting at 11, +3 at level 14.
* Evasion is gained at level 8
* Camouflage at level 9
* Bonus feat (skill focus in any class skill, any +2/+2 skill feat, any +2 save feat) at levels 11 and and 18.
* Uncanny dodge at 13th
* Starting at level 7 can use magic items as a casting-ranger could. (so ranger spells are considered to be "on his spell list".


Pick one of:
- Favored enemy is gained at levels 1, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20
- Animal companion is as a druid.

So at 20th level you've gained around 35 skill points, 2 weak bonus feats, and uncanny dodge, and either gained one favored enemy or have a much better animal companion. You've lost 14-16ish spells, some of which are very powerful indeed. I think it's close. And most of the power-up is when the spells are starting to actually be useful (at least if you use the spell compendium).

Mark

 

[RigaMortus2]

And what about racial substitution levels for a Human Ranger? Does such a thing exist in any book?

 

[saucercrab]

And what about racial substitution levels for a Human Ranger? Does such a thing exist in any book?

AFAIK, there aren't any human racial substitution levels for any class.

The Planewalker's Handbook prob' has a couple of ranger class substitution levels (for any race), but it'll require the character to have ranks in Knowledge: the planes. Also check FR's Champions of Valor; it has lots of substitution levels for good-aligned characters, & there may be some ranger ones.

 

[AbeTheGnome]

I know that Races of the Wild gives racial substitution levels for halfling rogues.

 

[VonRichthofen]

FR realms ranger substitution levels play the "other card" I am afraid - either you get so-so abilities, or you're one of Mystra's boys (as mostly ), going for Shooting Star (sending 1/day, increased caster level, bonus spells/day, word of recall on your spell list) - thus, not that interesting.

 

[saucercrab]

FR realms ranger substitution levels play the "other card" I am afraid - either you get so-so abilities, or you're one of Mystra's boys (as mostly ), going for Shooting Star (sending 1/day, increased caster level, bonus spells/day, word of recall on your spell list) - thus, not that interesting.

Pff, I didn't mean good quality-wise. And IIRC, the Planewalker's Handbook sub' levels are closer to suck than super as well.