[sigh] For those who have seen lots of alt.Rangers

[Malin Genie]

I know alt.Rangers have been done to death (and back again) but I would appreciate some advice from those who have reviewed many Rangers about whether these changes (to create more of a 'Hunter' class) would be reasonable

d10 HD
+1 BAB
All martial weapon proficiencies (as an alternative, all simple weapons + all bows other than crossbows, as they are trained as hunters, not warriors?)
Light armour proficiency, Shield proficiency
Good Fort and Reflex saves
Track as bonus feat at 1st level
+1d6 ambush bonus per 4 levels (like Sneak Attack, but only works if your opponent is unaware of your presence, not, for example, on a flanking attack)
6 skill points/level
No two-weapon fighting
No spellcasting (and therefore no animal companion, though she can still train pets like any other character)
No 'favoured enemy'
Class skills remain the same

 

[dvvega]

That is very similar to the Rangers in my campaign world.

The only differences are:

my class relys on fast movement, little equipment

All simple weapons
All martial bows
One martial weapon of choice (must be small: short sword for example).

Add tumble (for moving through the under brush and commando rolling around)
Add balance (walking tree to tree)

Your ambush addition I don't have

Get Ambidexterity (so you can shoot your bow from either hand)
Get Weapon Focus (bow), may Specialise in bow when normal ranger could get Improved Two Weapon Fighting.

Spells are still there but the list has been stripped of either Plant or Animal things (character choice).

 

[Crothian]

Why does a hunter have a shield proficiency?

All in all, seems a little weak. I'm not sure what you can add besides bonus feats. And adding bonus feats is boring and you've got some good ideas. I would try to think of something cool to add.

 

[Malin Genie]

Thanks for the feedback so far!

Crothian - I take your point about shields. I do see them primarily as bow and spear wielders...so perhaps drop the shield proficiency, weapons simple + longspear + all martial bows.

I'd be interested to know what you mean by 'cool' abilities. My concept of a ranger is someone who lives on skill - both martial and mundane - and resourcefulness, wihout magic as a crutch, so personally I think spellcasting is really 'uncool' for a ranger. If she is going to gain abilities they should be (Ex) or at most (Su) IMHO - but I'm open to ideas as to what kind of abilities they could be.

dvvega - I had thought Balance was already on the ranger skill list. Consider it added.

 

[twjensen]

Uncool spellcasting

I think spellcasting is really 'uncool' for a ranger.

Same deal with the assassin PrC. Why do we have assassin's carrying around spell-books? Seems silly.

I am in favor of replacing spell casting for classes that shouldn't really have spell-casting with spell-like abilities that more properly reflect the flavor of the class. So a ranger might be able to charm animal as a spell-like ability, or gain a +10 to balance as a spell-like ability, etc..

 

[Crothian]

I like the Ambush ability. I think allowing them certain spell like abilities is a good idea. Just keep it simple. Animal friendship, calm animal, endure elements, and maybe even Find the Path. I'd increase their skill list some. Add Balance and maybe a few others.

 

[Khaalis]

This is my Alternate Ranger:

RANGER Alterations:
· In Addition to Monte Cook’s Alternate Ranger

· Chosen Terrain Bonus: A Ranger chooses a Chosen Terrain (Table 9-5: Terrain and Overland movement). They gain a +1 bonus to Animal Empathy, Hide, Intuit Direction, Move Silently, and Wilderness Lore skill rolls while in their Chosen Terrain due to their familiarity with the surroundings. While in a Chosen Terrain alone and lightly encumbered (light armor) the ranger moves at +10 to their Movement Rate. When moderately encumbered or leading a party this bonus is lowered to +5. The ranger does not get this bonus in any armor heavier than Light due to the weight and movement restrictions of that armor. Every 5 levels after 1st (6th, 11th, 16th) a Ranger's chosen terrain(s) bonus(es) advances by +1, and they may choose another terrain at +1. (EX: 1st Level = +1 Terrain 1, 6th Level = +2 Terrain 1 & +1 Terrain 2, etc.)

· Initiative: At 2nd, 11th, and 20th level they gain a +1 bonus to their initiative roll in their chosen terrain(s). This reflects their knowledge and ability to use the terrain around them to their own advantage over their foes.

· Wilderness Traps: May use Craft (Trapmaking) to create Wilderness Traps, as well as using the Wilderness Lore skill to disable Wilderness Traps. In a Ranger’s chosen terrain, they gain a +4 bonus to all Craft (Trapmaking) rolls.

 

[peterka1]

try this

ranger New class (hunter)

1 st same as PHB ranger
2nd
3rd
4th Preferred enemy 2
5th
6th
7th Preferred enemy 3
8th
9th
10th Preferred enemy 4
11th
12th
13th Preferred enemy 5
14th
15th
16th Preferred enemy 6
17th
18th
19th Preferred enemy 7
20th