Ranger variant we use (Revised)

[Rschneider78]

Ths post has been edited per suggestions

This is the ranger variant that my group of gamers is going to start playtesting. It focuses on giving more options and letting the ranger shine.

Game Rule Information

Abilities:Same as PHB
Alignment:Same as PHB
Hit Die:Same as PHB
Class Skills:Same as PHB
Skill points: Same as PHB
Spells per day: Same as PHB
Saving throws: Same as PHB
Favored Enemy: Same as PHB
Weapons and armor: Same as PHB, (bonus feats have been removed and replaced with Virtual Feats)

Class Features

FAVORED TERRAIN: At 1st level, a ranger may select a type of terrain (forests, jungle, deserts, plains, etc.) as a favored terrain. Due to his extensive knowledge of survival in this terrain the ranger gains a +1 bonus to Heal, Hide, Intuit Direction, Knowledge (nature), Listen, Move Silently, Search, Spot, and Wilderness lore rolls while within this terrain.

At 5th level and at every five levels thereafter (10th, 15th, and 20th level), the ranger may select a new favored terrain, and the bonus associated with every previously selected favored terrain goes up by +1. For example, a 15th-level ranger will have four favored terrains, with bonuses of +4, +3, +2, and +1. This bonus stacks with Favored Enemy

Sample Ranger Favored Terrains
Plains
Hills
Forest
Desert
Mountains
Aquatic
Swamp
Jungle
Underdark

Since the favored enemy stacks with favored terain it really allows the ranger to be very usefull when dealing with the chosen favored enemy living in the favored terrain. (possible example: he knows how deal with the orcs that live in the forest because he will know what tactics they would use and such.) But this ability is not overpowering because only skills stack, an additional damage bonus isnt provided in the favored terrain

Virtual Feats (replaces Ambidexterity & 2 Weapon Fighting at 1st level)

When wearing light armor or no armor, a ranger can utilize virtual feats. At first and second level, and every four levels thereafter (1st, 2nd, 6th, 10th, 14th, and 18th), a ranger may chose one virtual feat. These feats must be drawn from the following lists.

PHB: Ambidexterity, Dodge, (Mobility, Spring Attack), Expertise, Lightning Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Point Blank Shot, (Far Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Shot on the Run), Two-Weapon Fighting*, (Improved Two-Weapon Fighting), Weapon Focus

FRC: Twin Sword Style

Class Books: Greater Two-Weapon Fighting (MotW), Off-Hand Parry (SnF), Sharp-Shooting (SnF)

Virtual feats allow more freedom in choosing what type of ranger you can be. You could choose to be a standard ranger utilizing the 2 weapon combat feats, a ranger who specializes in the bow. or even a agile ranger who knows how to use his environment to dodge in and out of combat.

The ranger has access to virtual feats that are directly connected to his ability to control his body (using two weapons, being agile, holding a bow steady) But of course he only has this type of control while wearing light armor or none at all. (thats why feats like ride by attack and mounted combat are not included)

I dont believe that the amount of feats given are in excess, esspecialy when the feats can only be used when certain armor is worn.

All in all i feel that the ranger is more on par in abilites and is not front loaded like the offical ranger. Taking more then just one level now has some relevance.

So thats the ranger we have just started play testing. Any feedback?

 

[Plane Sailing]

My first comment is this: It would be much clearer if you just marked what had changed, rather than including large chunks of text that look like standard (e.g. favoured enemies) without clarifying what, if anything, is different about it.

Have you eliminated their spells? If so, why have you not replaced them with something? (or does it say "class skills" twice because one is supposed to reflect spells?)

Getting favoured terrain at 1st level and every 5th level (i.e. exactly the same schedule as favoured enemy) means you get a big jump every 5 levels. Why not spread the two out? Give the ranger more to look forward to at intermediate levels.

Big question: Your stated design goal is to "let the ranger shine once in a while".

How do you feel this current variant of the ranger shines? what are the situations and circumstances where the ranger will stand out?

Perhaps you could include a simple paragraph at the top to highlight the role you see the ranger filling in Society and in adventuring parties.

Cheers

 

[Rschneider78]

Edited for content

Just a bump cause i edited the original post... Give me your feedback on the ranger!!!

 

[Rschneider78]

K fine dont help

 

[Caliber]

I agree with Plane. One of the big problems with a Ranger (to me at least) is the rather long desolate stretches inbetween levels divisable by 5. The feats might help a little, but I think they are too little, too late.

While Favored Terrain is a nice idea, this skill suffers from the same problems as Favored Enemy. The bonus isn't very large, and it only comes into effect when the DM wants it too, not when the player chooses too.

Not to veer too far off topic but they way I fix these problems (which I admit may possibly be problems for me alone) is to award what I call a 'Favored Enemy Point' every odd level to Rangers. They can put the point in any category and it will stack with any other points they have already added. I think this gives Rangers some needed flexability, as well as a reason to stick around for a few levels.

You could alternate 'Favored Terrain Points' on even levels, in fact although that may be too good.

Just some thoughts.