D&D (2024) [HOMEBREW] Ranger Ideas +

[doctorbadwolf]

Can we not derail the thread with a bunch of posts about a different game?

 

[mellored]

Can we not derail the thread with a bunch of posts about a different game?

Does that mean using the base class as is?

Because the only way I can think of to "fix' it without yet another edition is to add spells.

Specifically spells that stack with or count as Hunter's Mark, and thus use the base clase features

 

[Zardnaar]

Another problem was they nerfed the gloomstalker, sharpshooter and removed volley.

The few things making some Rangers good.
Class is great 1-5 after that meh.

1 ranger dip is great for Eldritch Knights for example. But I don't really want to MC out of fighter until after 7 or 8 if that.

Hunters mark from a hinter is surprisingly annoying from behind the DM screen.

They need a damage boost level 10/11 and an extra bonus action or free action hunters mark as some things like beast master can't really use it and the beast.

Nice dual wielder with Nick weapon works well enough. 3 or 4 attacks a round early. If you want to use Hunters Mark skip the dual wield feat.

You can also theory craft a wisdom based on but not sure how effective that is in a real game. And going wisdom based isn't the most intuitive thing either.

Level 3 hinter was shockingly effective even with berzerker barbarian in the party. Then you hit level 4. Archery got nerfed that leaves dual wielding as striker. Paladins can do that as well now though. Later on they're better at it as well hence my 5 level comment.

 

[Theory of Games]

If doing the most damage possible is your goal, why Ranger (one of the worst DPR classes)?

 

[Zardnaar]

If doing the most damage possible is your goal, why Ranger (one of the worst DPR classes)?

It's no bad at dpr until level 10 or 11.

It's one of those internet myths.

DPR is easiest way to objectively measure a classes effect. A wizard for example can vary a lot based on DM and the player skill.

 

[mellored]

It's no bad at dpr until level 10 or 11.

It's one of those internet myths.

DPR is easiest way to objectively measure a classes effect. A wizard for example can vary a lot based on DM and the player skill.

I'd actually prefer the ranger be more of a glass canon. D6 hit die and extra damage.

It would be a nice counter to the paladin being support / defense.

 

[Theory of Games]

It's no bad at dpr until level 10 or 11.

It's one of those internet myths.

DPR is easiest way to objectively measure a classes effect. A wizard for example can vary a lot based on DM and the player skill.

I could build a better Ranger with a Rogue or Druid. The class is 100% fluff IME.

 

[jgsugden]

First suggestion: When something is underpowered, it is often easier to add elements than to change the game. Changing the rules comes with hassles. You can sometimes avoid the hassles by inserting something that doesn't require a change to the rules, but does what you want.

My example specific to this issue: I introduced a common magic ring in my campaign that is given to new members of the guild to which the ranger in my game belonged:

The Hunter Ring (common - no attunement)

While wearing this ring the Hunter's Mark and Hex spells do not require concentration.

By making this an easily accessible ring, the rangers gain access to it, but it doesn't require a rule change. The advantages are that if I go overboard on a 'fix' I have routes to walk it back in the future, and new players do not need to wade through lengthy house rules.

I also have a spell in my game (Bond Beast) that is similar to find familiar, but allows druids, rangers and nature clerics to gain a (sometimes additional) animal companion. It allows you to bond with a non-hostile beast you encounter with a CR less than or equal to half your character level, but no higher than your character level. (Net effect - you can't multiclass at high levels to get a sudden T-Rex ally - but you get to scale up the beast as you advance in a relevant class in a way that is relevant - even if you split multiclass rather than just dip.

You can only bond to one such beast at a time. Importantly, you can verbally command the beast and it will understand you, but it is an NPC under the control of the DM. I allow players to roll for the beast in combat when it is electing to follow instructions, however. This gives these classes a little more punch and keeps them on par with paladins, fighters, valor/sword bards, melee warlocks, etc...

 

[renbot]

Lately I've been wondering if the easiest fix is just to have Hunter's Mark do more damage when cast at a higher level. The ranger would maintain the free castings at level 1 but if one really wanted to capitalize on Hunter's Mark they could always just cast at a higher level and do more damage, like an extra d6 as a third level spell and then another d6 as a fifth level spell.. That keeps it relevant throughout a campaign

 

[Theory of Games]

First suggestion: When something is underpowered, it is often easier to add elements than to change the game. Changing the rules comes with hassles. You can sometimes avoid the hassles by inserting something that doesn't require a change to the rules, but does what you want.

My example specific to this issue: I introduced a common magic ring in my campaign that is given to new members of the guild to which the ranger in my game belonged:

The Hunter Ring (common - no attunement)

While wearing this ring the Hunter's Mark and Hex spells do not require concentration.

By making this an easily accessible ring, the rangers gain access to it, but it doesn't require a rule change. The advantages are that if I go overboard on a 'fix' I have routes to walk it back in the future, and new players do not need to wade through lengthy house rules.

But you DID change the rule. You just did it using an in-game magic item. But, if every Ranger in your game gets the ring, then you've effectively changed how Concentration works for Rangers.

I also have a spell in my game (Bond Beast) that is similar to find familiar, but allows druids, rangers and nature clerics to gain a (sometimes additional) animal companion. It allows you to bond with a non-hostile beast you encounter with a CR less than or equal to half your character level, but no higher than your character level. (Net effect - you can't multiclass at high levels to get a sudden T-Rex ally - but you get to scale up the beast as you advance in a relevant class in a way that is relevant - even if you split multiclass rather than just dip.

You can only bond to one such beast at a time. Importantly, you can verbally command the beast and it will understand you, but it is an NPC under the control of the DM. I allow players to roll for the beast in combat when it is electing to follow instructions, however. This gives these classes a little more punch and keeps them on par with paladins, fighters, valor/sword bards, melee warlocks, etc...

What level is Bond Beast?