Opinions on Yet Another Alt.Ranger

[Apok]

Yeah, yeah, I know. Another freaking alt.ranger thread. It has become the vogue thing to make alternate versions of the PHB classes, so I'm just here to throw my own hat into the ring. Not that I have anything against the Core Ranger, but I would like to see if I could design a Ranger that wouldn't just be a drizzt clone or a ranged monkey.

Any feedback would be welcome.

Hit Die: Same as PHB
BAB: Same
Saves: Same
Skill Points/Skills: Same

As you can see, no big changes so far. I don't have much of a problem with these aspects of the class, just their abilities. So, without further adieu...

Class Abilities

Tracking: At first level, the Ranger gains the Track feat as a bonus feat.

Favored Terrain: The Ranger is gains a "favored" type of terrain, presumably the one he first honed his skills in. While on this type of terrain, the Ranger gains certain benefits. At first level, the Ranger chooses a single Favored Terrain. He may then choose an additional Favored Terrain at levels 8 and 14.

Possible Favored Terrain includes; Grasslands, Temperate Forest, Tropical Forest, Mountain, Desert, Swamp, Urban, etc. (Any other terrains that anyone can suggest would be appreciated)

Terrain Bonus: While in his Favored Terrain, the Ranger gets a competence bonus to his Attack Rolls, Armor Class, Wildnerness Lore, Hide and Move Silently checks. This bonus is +1 at first level, and increases by +1 every 3 levels thereafter.

Level/Ability
1 Track, Favored Terrain, Terrain Bonus +1
2
3
4 Terrain Bonus +2
5
6
7 Terrain Bonus +3
8 Favored Terrain
9
10 Terrain Bonus +4
11
12
13 Terrain Bonus +5
14 Favored Terrain
15
16 Terrain Bonus +6
17
18
19 Terrain Bonus +7
20

That's basically it, in a nutshell. No fancy bonus feats or virtual feats, save Track, which are unneeded IMO. Opinions, Questions, Comments, Snide Remarks?

 

[Crothian]

Do all the terrains share the same bonus? Also the bonuses seem too high and too good.

 

[lobo]

Review and suggestions

Your terrain bonus should be caped a +4 in light armor. Perhaps offer it a few more times. Terrain bonus like special enemy is more in the DM's control than the players. I would also recommend you add a few feats or special abilities. I notice you do not give the virtual feats a 1st level I assume that you have a spell casting Ranger if so consider adding a few spells to the PHB list. I offer the survival ability below, it goes well with the Ranger and isn't overpowered. Also look at some of the below feats for bonus feats, they help the Ranger with his skills but do not effect balance a great deal. Below is a list of bonus feats you may wish to look at and allow your Ranger variant an opportunity to take. Notice they are not combat orientated but they generally work any place anytime.

Survivor: A Ranger gains a bonus of +2 initiative +2 Wilderness lore at 1st level


Bonus Feats: A Ranger gains a bonus feat at levels: (4, 10, 14, 19). These bonus feats must be drawn from the following list: Alertness, Animal Affinity, Endurance, Forester, Great Fortitude, Horsemanship, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Run, Sharp Eyed, Skill Focus, and Stealthy.

* Bonus Feat Clarifications:

Alertness (+2 Listen +2 Spot),
Animal Affinity (+2 Animal Empathy +2 Animal Handling),
Forester (+2 Wilderness Lore, +2 knowledge Nature),
Horsemanship (+2 Handle Animal + 2 Ride)
Sharp Eyed (+2 Search +2 Spot),
Stealthy (+2 Move Silently +2 Hide)

Skill Focus: the Ranger may receive a +3 competence bous to any Ranger class skill