I think making a complicated Hunter's Mark mechanic is a mistake. It's best to embrace the simplicity of spells for the Ranger and just make unique spells that do a variety of things. Hunter's Mark is one type of damage buff. You can easily make other spells for other elements and then affix them with an alternative effect to tracking.
I ended up drafting up a bunch of spells for my spellblade class, so I'll be tackling the Ranger spell ideas I have after those. I'll probably end up making around 30 draft spells. I'm pretty sure the ideas I've had so far are able to be appealing enough to pick while maintaining the flavor desired in a Ranger. I think the goal is to make the Ranger feel like a wise predator that can hunt anything and turn any environment into both a weapon and shield. So, the ranger gets both "Slayer" spells and "Ally Environmental Boost" spells.
Many of the Ranger spells will also be bonus action; the idea is that your attacking and casting spells pretty much every turn for your "nova," which is meant to stand opposed to the instant hyper-burst seen when a paladin novas. Less damage and more utility stretched over 1-3 rounds vs mega-damage every round (by a paladin).
In my mind, the goal is for a somewhat stylish ranger that is using tricky spells based off their experiences in the wilds in tandem with their own attacks and the help of their allies. In a way, it's almost like a "primal warlord" or "apex spellcaster" in vibe.
I ended up drafting up a bunch of spells for my spellblade class, so I'll be tackling the Ranger spell ideas I have after those. I'll probably end up making around 30 draft spells. I'm pretty sure the ideas I've had so far are able to be appealing enough to pick while maintaining the flavor desired in a Ranger. I think the goal is to make the Ranger feel like a wise predator that can hunt anything and turn any environment into both a weapon and shield. So, the ranger gets both "Slayer" spells and "Ally Environmental Boost" spells.
Many of the Ranger spells will also be bonus action; the idea is that your attacking and casting spells pretty much every turn for your "nova," which is meant to stand opposed to the instant hyper-burst seen when a paladin novas. Less damage and more utility stretched over 1-3 rounds vs mega-damage every round (by a paladin).
In my mind, the goal is for a somewhat stylish ranger that is using tricky spells based off their experiences in the wilds in tandem with their own attacks and the help of their allies. In a way, it's almost like a "primal warlord" or "apex spellcaster" in vibe.