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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Don Durito" data-source="post: 8117918" data-attributes="member: 6687260">I'm just looking at the Ranger from Essentials and I think it's conceptually by far the best implementation of Ranger to date (at least the scout is - the Hunter was a bit weaker due to the attept to shoehorn the controller role onto it).   Things like the Wilderness Knacks are simple and thematic.  I wish they'd gone forward with that concept into 5E instead of backward to something more like the 3E ranger.Wilderness Knacks.Ambush Expertise You have wandered through dangerous realms, such as kingdoms ruled by hobgoblin tyrants and mountain ranges jealously guarded by brooding giants. You know not only how to hide yourself, but also how to hide others. Benefit: Whenever you make a Stealth check, each ally within 10 squares of you gains a +2 bonus to his or her next Stealth check before the end of your next turn.Beast Empathy The beasts of the wilderness see and know most of what unfolds in their realm. Few folk heed them, but you have learned to understand and interpret their actions and attitudes. Your woodcraft is short of the magical ability to communicate with animals directly, but it is enough to reveal secrets that others miss. Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks against beasts. You can communicate simple concepts and commands to such creatures, though they are under no compulsion to obey you. With a successful Insight check (DC determined by the DM), you can read a creature's body language and vocalizations enough to understand basic messages from it.Mountain Guide You have clambered over steep cliffs and ranged across imposing mountains. Your knack for climbing allows you to pick out the easiest paths up even the most imposing slopes. Benefit: Whenever you succeed on an Athletics check to climb, you reduce the DC of that climb by 2 for your allies until the end of the encounter. Only allies who see you make the climb gain this benefit. Watchful Rest Tong days spent in the wilds have taught you the best way to set up a camp. By picking out an easily defensible spot and carefully positioning your gear, you ensure that you and your allies have the best chance to avoid an ambush. Benefit: When you take an extended rest, you and any allies also taking the rest do not take the -5 penalty to Perception checks for sleeping.Wilderness Tracker You are an expert at reading the signs of a creature's passage. When you inspect an area, a splintered twig or a trampled leaf is enough for you to glean a significant amount of information. Even the slyest rogues and sneakiest warlocks leave behind some trace of their passage. Benefit: During a short rest, you can make a Perception check (DC determined by the DM) to inspect the area around you. This area can be as large as 10 squares on a side. If your check succeeds, you determine the number and nature of the creatures that have moved through the area in the past 24 hours. You ascertain when and where they entered the area, as well as when and where they left.</blockquote>

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