replacing ranger ability to have animal companions - what is it worth?

[Particle_Man]

For campaign reasons, I don't want rangers having animal companions (I don't want familiars, intelligent animals, etc. in the world). If I take away this ability from rangers, what would be a corresponding benefit I could give to them to keep them balanced?

Current idea: Allow the ranger to have access to BOTH the archery virtual feat line and the two weapon virtual feat line, instead of having to choose one line or the other.

 

[Tessarael]

Ranger's Animal Companion is a weak ability - they only get half of the Druid level progression. I'd estimate it's value at about one feat, maybe two.

Now Two-Weapon Fighting (TWF) skills are also quite weak. Using a Two-Handed Weapon will be better, unless you get a lot of bonus damage on each hit (e.g. Ranger vs. a Favored Enemy). On the other hand, the missile weapon feat chain is quite useful.

So I think getting rid of the Animal Companion and replacing it by both feat chains wouldn't break anything - the TWF chain is not worth much more than Animal Companion.

Do keep in mind that you're losing a bit of flavor. Rangers are supposed to have pets.

Also check Unearthed Arcana for Ranger variants - there's a couple of nice ideas in there.

 

[Sejs]

Druids in UA give up Animal Companion, Spontaneous Casting and take a penalty to Wild Empathy in exchange for a full-spread of Rage progression and Fast Movement.

Ranger animal companion is at 1/2 level compared to the druid, and they don't have Spontaneous Casting to lose. Animal Companion is nice, however, because it scales with the character as he grows.

I'd give the Ranger the Fast Movement ability as a barbarian, and the Trackless Step ability of a druid in exchange. Not overpowering, but potentially very handy.

 

[Khaalis]

I agree with Sej's evaluation. I would give 2 from the following options.

If gearing for combat...
Uncanny Dodge (AC)* (as Barbarian)
..........Uncanny Dodge (No Flank) (as Barbarian; *Prerequisite)
Nature's Blessing (Complete Warrior) [+4 bonus to their Constitution, Dexterity, or Wisdom score. This ability may be used once per day and its effects last 1 minute per class level.]

If gearing for utility...
Fast Movement (as Barbarian)
Trackless Step (as Druid)

Or for a wee bit of magic...
Freedom of Movement (Complete Warrior) [may use Freedom of Movement on themselves once per day, as a caster level equal to one-half their Ranger level]
Healing Touch (Complete Warrior) [may use either Neutralize Poison or Remove Curse once per day, as a caster level equal to one-half their Ranger level]

Or if you want the whole bestial aspect...
Wild Shape (as Druid of 1/2 Ranger's level)

Just some thoughts.

 

[Nifft]

IMC, our Ranger traded out both Wild Empathy and Animal Companion. He's a hunter, not a friend to animals. In return, he gained a few bonuses to skills (Survival being one of them) and access to some extra spells that are representative of his patron Horned Hunter God and that religion.

Basically, it's not worth a heck of a lot. A Ranger's Animal Companion is not one of his strongest points. There are exceptions:
- Rider with Companion mount: the mount actually has a chance to survive in combat, thanks to Evasion, shared spells and extra HD.
- Sniper/Scout with spotter: this really works with non-Core spells like share husk that let you see through your little friend's eyes.

I'll look up and post the full skill bonuses and extra spells if anyone's interested.

-- N