Ranger Favoured Enemy

[SylverFlame]

Hello all,

In the ranger's favoured enemy description it says that a player can select either a creature type (ooze, undead, elf, etc.) or a particular group.

Now, I got to thinking, why can't a ranger select a class? A prestige class (in many cases) falls under a group, so those are not the issues. I am wondering if things like saying "all rogues" or "all wizards" is to broad for a favoured enemy. Personally I don't see why not. How do the gurus here at ENWorld feel?

 

[LokiDR]

A group as a favored enemy is an interesting direction to take the ranger, but have a care. The favored enemy is supposed to represent a linked group of individuals. Arcanist make more sense than wizards, but arcanists is too broad.

As for PrC, there could be multiple groups that use the same rules, such as two competing archer groups. Also, when you choose a group, it includes hirelings (other classes) adepts (those not yet full members, lower level characters) and any others that directly work for the group.

 

[mikebr99]

In FR, you can choose the Cult of the Dragon, or Zhentarim (sp?)...


Mike

 

[Ranger REG]

Personally, a class is too generic. Anyone can take different paths to become such a class. A wizards tutored under Mordenkainen may cast spell diffferently than the Red Wizards or think differently on the philosohy of magic.

Don't let the game mechanics fool you.

 

[Skinwalker]

I could also see this hosing multiclass characters. Just as an example, a barbarian/sorcerer would be in double jeopardy. If the ranger had a favored enemy of "barbarians" OR "arcanists" he's hosed.

 

[LokiDR]

I would stick to grouping that is a logical organization. There isn't a universal organization of thieves, but there are guilds. There is a universal organization of druids. You could pick one church to oppose, but not all clerics.

Now what happens if you combine favored enemy group with a forvored enemy race? Humans and Thayian, for example. Under 3.5, this could get you some pretty large bonuses.

 

[RigaMortus]

I could also see this hosing multiclass characters. Just as an example, a barbarian/sorcerer would be in double jeopardy. If the ranger had a favored enemy of "barbarians" OR "arcanists" he's hosed.

What is even worse is if he had a favored enemy of "barbarians" AND "arcanists".

 

[Skinwalker]

What is even worse is if he had a favored enemy of "barbarians" AND "arcanists".

Thank goodness the existing stacking rules (e.g., no stacking of the same type of bonus) would put the ix-nay on at-thay.

 

[RigaMortus]

Thank goodness the existing stacking rules (e.g., no stacking of the same type of bonus) would put the ix-nay on at-thay.

Yeah, good thing no stacking of bonuses with the same name!

Wait a minute, what's this? The bonus to a Ranger's favored enemy has no name?

Favored Enemy: At 1st level, a ranger may select a type of creature as a favored enemy. (A ranger can only select his own race as a favored enemy if he is evil.) Due to his extensive study of his foes and training in the proper techniques for combating them, the ranger gains a +1 bonus to Bluff, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot, and Wilderness Lore checks when using these skills against this type of creature. Likewise, he gets the same bonus to weapon damage rolls against creatures of this type. A ranger also gets the damage bonus with ranged weapons, but only against targets within 30 feet (the ranger cannot strike with deadly accuracy beyond that range). The bonus doesn't apply to damage against creatures that are immune to critical hits.

At 5th level and at every five levels thereafter (10th, 15th, and 20th level), the ranger may select a new favored enemy, and the bonus associated with every previously selected favored enemy goes up by +1.

Looks like we're back in business

 

[Skinwalker]

The bonus to a Ranger's favored enemy has no name?
Looks like we're back in business

Ouch! That creates a very specialized niche for generally screwing or outright offing multiclass characters.

Hmmm...15th level ranger, Favored enemy I = human, Favored enemy II = barbarians, Favored enemy III = arcanists. Total Favored Enemy bonus when working over a human barbarian/sorcerer = +6.

All in all, this serves as a mighty big rexample of why *not* to allow classes to serve as Favored Enemies.