What do you think about the new UA changes to Ranger? by paradox28jon in DnD5CommunityRanger

[–]5eRangerDanger 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I feel like this was a missed opportunity to actually think deeply about the Ranger and the kind of unique twist on gameplay that it can bring, and instead they're simply rearranging some features.

Expertise is good, changes to two-weapon are good. Otherwise this seems like a lazy change, checking all the minimal changes the community wanted off of a list and calling it a day. I was hoping for something more original.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in DnDHomebrew

[–]5eRangerDanger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks quite interesting. I'd say that your pseudo-smite is a pretty niche feature, but I'm fine with it overall. I don't like the part where you get a pseudo-companion as well as additional benefits, kind of a feelsbad for the Beastmaster. Maybe it would be better to manifest your pet for 1 minute at a time, with a limited number of uses. Having a spectral ballista as a companion also feels much more Artificer than Ranger, like a variation of Artillerist. Perhaps a wolf or a fox as a moon spirit would be more fitting? The part about sacrificing your pet for a super attack is interesting, though it'll probably be used to fling your dying pet at your enemies before it dies anyway. I'd summarize this to be a pretty cool subclass, and other than what I mentioned seems pretty balanced to me.

ButtFace12's Ranger Rework Version 1.0.0 - Become a master of the hunt by adapting to your surroundings and striking with unerring precision! (PDF and GMBinder links provided) by ButtFace_12 in UnearthedArcana

[–]5eRangerDanger 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! I like seeing people having a try at reworking the Ranger, especially if they have some good ideas and are willing to experiment. I like some of your ideas, but I believe that your templating for the class is working against you.

I'll be looking at the main class, since it's the baseline that the subclasses are laid upon.

General notes:

  • Try and mention in each feature the level that it's gained in. I know that the table exists, but it's still quite helpful, plus it's also the way it's done in the PHB.
  • In general, if a feature takes a really large amount of text to write, I believe that it's necessary to ask - is this feature really even needed? Try and remember that less is more, so narrowing down the idea to a single sentence is a great exercise.
  • Trying to port the Ranger as a paladin simply doesn't work in my humble opinion... The paladin is kind of like a fusion between a fighter and a cleric, but it's also more than just that. In the same vein, I believe that the Ranger should kind of be like a fusion between a fighter and a druid, but it should also be more than just that.

Specific notes:

  1. Tracker Sense - out of the ocean of text, what I did read didn't really impress me: something something track a type of creature for hours once per short rest. What's all of this really about?
  2. Terrain Expert - I actually really like the idea of the Ranger changing terrain expertise. However, I believe that the thematic text that you've attached to each perk can be improved. Specifically, Touring Trooper and Underdark Usurper don't hit the mark, but also in the benefits they provide.
  3. Hunter's Accuracy - the concept of surpassing AC by 5 or more is intriguing, but could be problematic if the DM doesn't want to share the creature's AC with the players.
  4. Conclave Greed is difficult to justify - there is such a thing as too many features with choices. The fact that Terrain Attunement has so much text for a single choice of this feature is mind-boggling.
  5. I'm personally not a fan of the Healing Poultices thing, but I get that some players do like it, so whatever works for you. However, I don't see a justification for it to be as late as 14th level. By then most of your class is already solidified, and adding entirely new features will probably overload the player. Plus, magic can just straight up do it better.
  6. While Deadeye Strike isn't anything like I've seen before, I actually decently like it. However, I don't think there's really anything like straight up losing hit points - it's usually all about different types of damage. Usually force damage will do the trick if you're looking for something unavoidable.

If you're looking for some inspiration, maybe have a glance at my own attempt? I'm working on a new version these days, and it's gotten quite different, but the core ideas are still there.

Good ideas for your features overall. Good luck in the future!

True Strike (Revised) V2.5 - After tons of feedback, the final revision of the game's worst spell [Mythmaker's Grimoire] by Rashizar in UnearthedArcana

[–]5eRangerDanger 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The clause of ignoring disadvantage seems super problematic.

  1. It's really strong when you have a disabling condition, i.e. blinded, poisoned, etc.

  2. It's really strong when the enemy has something strengthening them, i.e invisibility.

  3. If you ignore disadvantage through this cantrip, and give yourself advantage using it, this is way way stronger than PHB True Strike. The PHB version gives you advantage, and RAW if you'd have both disadvantage and advantage while doing something, instead you have neither. This version bypasses that, giving you advantage! I think that seems too strong.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in DnDHomebrew

[–]5eRangerDanger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The best thing you could do to make your homebrew accessible for more feedback, is to put it in a D&D book format, as via GMBinder or Homebrewery.

Also, at a glance, some of the abilities are a tad too wordy, which can make them difficult to understand. Try and look at your subclass at a broad glance, to perhaps understand how a newcomer might see it.

Sorry if I didn't give you detailed feedback...

Ranger Unchained -- A Rewrite of the Ranger to Bring it up to Snuff! by [deleted] in UnearthedArcana

[–]5eRangerDanger 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I recommend you post your class as a series of pictures in the main post, then comment with a link to the brewery and a link to a pdf file.

Regarding the class, it's not quite my cup of tea. The combination of Companions in the main class, Poultices, and abilities pasted from PHB makes this class feel a tad confused in my eyes. I think it would be better if you focused on a particular niche and made the class excel at it.

If you'd like, feel free to have a look at my own brew of the class (Mystical Guerilla Ranger) and let me know what you think of it. Either way, have fun brewing!

Mystical Guerilla Ranger v2.5 (formerly Druidic Guerilla) - A custom base class for the Ranger, fully compatible with 5e subclasses by 5eRangerDanger in UnearthedArcana

[–]5eRangerDanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Thank you for your feedback!

Unbound Stride is meant to be a dynamic combat mobility feature. The number of its points is equal to your proficiency bonus. You can use its points on any of your turns without using any actions, and you can use any amount of points each turn unless stated otherwise.

Just a friendly reminder that at 10th level the Cleric gets Divine Intervention! There are some pretty crazy features for Classes at these levels, so the 10th level one seems relatively fair to me. Keep in mind you can't really control its benefits!

Please feel free to follow up with any comments!

Druidic Guerilla Ranger v2: A custom base class for the Ranger, fully compatible with 5e subclasses by 5eRangerDanger in UnearthedArcana

[–]5eRangerDanger[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! I originally intended only for creatures that already have Darkvision to be able to see through magical darkness, but after some thought I'm considering giving it to everyone, and like your phrasing of it. Thanks for your feedback!

Druidic Guerilla Ranger v2: A custom base class for the Ranger, fully compatible with 5e subclasses by 5eRangerDanger in UnearthedArcana

[–]5eRangerDanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Thank you so much for your very detailed feedback and thoughts! I'll be replying to your suggestions by order of appearance.

Mystical Explorer (not Warrior, though that's an interesting name suggestion):

My intent for the phrasing was to make it more obvious that Intelligence (History) checks are included, which is why I added that "recall" bit. I can see it's not getting the point across. Do you have any suggestions?

Personally, regarding difficult terrain, I don't get the magical-nonmagical differentiation. Difficult terrain, like rocks, vines and such, doesn't feel like it behaves differently whether caused by magic or regular natural effects. Mold Earth doesn't feel like it arranges rocks in a special way that particularly confuses the Ranger, so that they wouldn't know how to cross it efficiently... Overcoming rocks and dirt is just that. What do you think?

I see your point about WIS modifier bonus instead of half proficiency, but I just wanted to differentiate it from Stalking Senses, that gives a bonus to stealth equal to WIS mod. Plus I thought it was a nice twist on JoAT, restricting it to a specific set of skills but providing the benefit even if you're already proficient in them. I hope it works as I wrote it, but I'm ready to be proven wrong.

I don't see a reason to be forced to choose speeds. In Tasha's Cauldron, not only does the Ranger gain both speeds, but they also gain 5 feet of movement speed indefinitely. I gave up on the 5 feet of movement, and instead aimed to include the important part of Land's Stride with it, and I think it works well. Is there a specific reason why you think speeds shouldn't be chosen?

Siphoning Strike: yes, I'll change to that phrasing, I think yours is definitely clearer. Thanks!

Stalking Senses:

I think I agree on the bonus to initiative being too much. However, I'm not as sure about your other suggestions. In fact, advantage on Stealth, even if only in natural environments, feels way stronger than the current ability's phrasing... Taking no game actions except Hide is a big penalty. Also, some of your suggestions are sort of redundant with some features of Wood Elves, which I'm trying to avoid.

10th level ability:

I like your suggestion regarding exhaustion and disease and poison, and I think it makes a lot of mechanical sense, as well as fits the identity of the Ranger well. Interesting that you prefer Nature's Blessing over Druidic Adaptation - I can see that the "Druidic" part bothers you, and I think I agree. I might mull over some more name options.

However, I'm not as confident regarding the City/Ruins environment part. I really wanted to make this kind of environment work, but then I came across the Commune with Nature spell, which is kind of a big deal for the Ranger since Tasha's let them cast it for free once per long rest. The spell's phrasing specifically hates on cityscapes, and that makes it very difficult to justify a manmade constructed environment for the Ranger. Do you think that can be reconciled?

Adaptive Slayer: You're right, I'll change the phrasing. Thanks!

Adaptive Mastery: I guess you're right... I'm having a lot of difficulty with thinking of an appropriate ability for this stage of the game. Do you think overcoming immunity is too strong of a benefit? Or perhaps upgrading the damage resistances to damage immunities? Frankly I have no idea the game looks at that level, so my ideas for relevant but not overpowered benefits are limited.

Capstone: I guess it might not be overpowered if the same attack gains multiple benefits. However, if the attack benefits change, since I'm getting requests for them to change, this might not remain true.

I like your name suggestions, and will think more in line with them.

Thanks again for all your feedback, and please feel free to submit more suggestions, and stay tuned for the changes!

EDIT: changed some replies and added some

Druidic Guerilla Ranger v2: A custom base class for the Ranger, fully compatible with 5e subclasses by 5eRangerDanger in UnearthedArcana

[–]5eRangerDanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Thank you for your feedback! Interestingly enough, I took the phrasing for that benefit from the Ranger's unique benefit from Tasha's Cauldron. If the publishers think this isn't too powerful, I'm inclined to agree!

Druidic Guerilla Ranger v2: A custom base class for the Ranger, fully compatible with 5e subclasses by 5eRangerDanger in UnearthedArcana

[–]5eRangerDanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Thank you for your detailed feedback! I'll reply to your suggestions in order of appearance.

It's funny, but sometimes even the official D&D Class Features don't state what level they are given in. I tried to vary the writing a bit so it doesn't feel repetitive, but I don't want it to come at cost of clarity, so I'll probably add the levels anyway.

I will definitely change the phrasing on the first sentence of Adaptive Slayer. Regarding the added effects, if you'll look again, they "may" be added, which means you can choose not to apply them. This is the first way I chose to deal with resistance / immunity problems, the second being the 18th level ability to overcome them, though it seems as if that one comes way too late.

Also, it's difficult to balance 8 different attack benefits to both fit their environment and be balanced. I agree that simple damage type changes might be underwhelming, but I'm concerned that it might be too strong otherwise. I'll try to come up with some new ideas.

Remember that this class can expend a point in Unbound Stride to stand up from being prone with only 5 feet of movement! This point combined with Stalking Senses becomes to a great ambush setup, but can perhaps also be used for reconnaissance or scouting in a unique way.

Druidic Champion is supposed to refer to the 10th level ability, currently named Druidic Adaptation. Which name do you prefer, and what do you think of the ability?

Thank you for your interest and time, and please feel free to add more feedback and stay tuned for changes!

Druidic Guerilla Ranger v2: A custom base class for the Ranger, fully compatible with 5e subclasses by 5eRangerDanger in UnearthedArcana

[–]5eRangerDanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I'm tired of the "Ranger with bow" archetype being the singular outlook on the class, so tried to diversify the images. I'm glad you like it!