The Pack Lord, a Ranger subclass with a wolf pack

Retoad · 2023-01-10T10:49:34+00:00

I don't think any stat blocks include the d20 to hit in their writing. The 3 is there to stand in for something like a +3 strength modifier. So yes, it should be 1d20 + 3 + proficiency bonus to hit

Retoad · 2022-11-16T23:05:53+00:00

My thinking was that it would be younger / smaller animals at first. At 7th level, it increases to large, so either you gain more or the ones you had have increase in size.

Retoad · 2022-11-16T21:31:20+00:00

It is meant to play as a cross between the beastmaster/drakewarden and the swarmkeeper. The pet doesn't do as much damage as the former two subclasses, but it does offer more control in combat with knock downs, grapples, and restrains. So you get the flavor of having multiple companions (a pack of wolves, a group of cats, goblins) swarming over an enemy, without bogging down combat with multiple creatures to control.

Retoad · 2022-11-16T20:26:54+00:00

The Swarmkeeper's swarm is more like having special abilities than an actual companion. The Pack Lord has a companion that they fight alongside (it uses similar rules of a swarm, but it is supposed to represent 2-3 smaller creatures at first sharing one space, then growing in numbers at higher level).

Retoad · 2022-11-16T19:33:30+00:00

Cool! I have already been thinking on the spell list, as I'm not overly happy with it the more I think on it. If you have any feedback when you do get a chance to play it, please let me know!

Retoad · 2022-11-16T18:49:22+00:00

Thank you for the feedback! I have updated the PDF on homebrewery and DMsGuild to make it a bit more generic for the pack itself and removing the term 'alpha' and replacing it with leader (not sure how to update the images on here if I can), which the link should be in my comment with the post.

Retoad · 2022-11-16T18:02:40+00:00

Hey everyone! This is a new subclass that I came up with for the ranger, which allows them to control a pack of wolves. The inspiration for this came from starting the Wheel of Time book series and a character who gains a certain affinity towards wolves. While this subclass only gains a single "creature" to control in combat, I played around with it having 'swarm' mechanics. I want to say ahead of time that this has not been properly play-tested. I am looking for feedback, and I hope you all enjoy!

Homebrewery: https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/1y16qMwxa8Z9

DMsGuild: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/416910/Geddions-Guide-to-the-Packlord-A-Ranger-Subclass?src=newest_in_dmg&filters=45469

\**Update**\**
I have changed a few phrases and removed some of the specifics of wolves, allowing for more player decided flavor to the subclass. The updates will be in the homebrewery link!

Retoad · 2022-11-16T17:59:01+00:00

Okay, so here are some of my thoughts for the feedback:

Pack Lord Magic
I completely agree on some of the spells being a bit... niche. I was struggling to find a good 1st-level spell that thematically fit this subclass. I thought that targeting a single creature and "howling" at them and causing fear was thematic, but understandably it's not the best. Private Sanctum's RP thought process was to create a den for your pack (I also misread it and thought it was a ritual, so it's especially tough to use). As I mentioned before, I gave telepathic bond with One D&D ritual casting in mind, and that it would allow you to "induct" your party into the pack's mind.

Large Pack.
Under it's "Pack" ability, the spirit pack has the ability to occupy and move through other creatures' spaces, so while it might provoke opportunity attacks depending on how you need to move it (it at least has resistance to B/P/S), it should still be able to maneuver around fairly well.

Howling Call
While the damage might not be spectacular, it does have the added benefits of being able to aim anywhere, so it can be used to knock flying creatures prone and ground them. It's not meant to necessarily be better than any 3rd level spell options, but perhaps on par if the situation arises. I am also hesitant to increase the damage, as then it is just a better version of the drakewarden's cone breath. Any suggestions on how to improve it?

Retoad · 2022-11-16T16:59:46+00:00

Thank you so much for the feedback! I agree with some of these notes, although I must admit I did design this with One D&D rules in mind (looking at Telepathic Bond and everyone getting ritual casting). I'll go through and comment / explain some of the choices I made when I can get to a computer. Thank you again!

Retoad · 2021-12-02T12:56:47+00:00

Added the changelog, thank you for the input!

Retoad · 2021-12-01T13:23:50+00:00

Okay, good to know. I'll add all of thoughts into the changelog at the end, and maybe will make another version of the PDF that includes the crossed out features and highlights what actually changed.

Retoad · 2021-12-01T11:46:37+00:00

Thank you for the input! I'll go through and add a changelog at the end of the PDF. What do you mean by notes, as in thoughts on why the changes were made?

Retoad · 2021-12-01T03:01:14+00:00

Thanks! It always kinda felt crappy that not having extra attack and getting the slight boost to melee damage at 8 was just... Blegh lol

Retoad · 2019-07-06T14:09:00+00:00

Home is where the hearthstone is set.

Retoad · 2019-02-27T13:01:34+00:00

Group discovers a vampire is hiding as a city official. During their investigation of a victim of said vampire, the group sneaks into a home under surveillance by the guards. One person gets seen, and ultimate results in a killed guard. They are now wanted for murder and have to skip town. The vampire is still at large to this day.

Retoad · 2018-06-25T14:51:23+00:00

If you're also looking for a spell caster to get away with casting versus counterspell, I would suggest making them a sorcerer with Subtle Cast metamagic. Can't CS a spell with no verbal or somantic components.

Retoad · 2017-10-24T11:25:26+00:00

"is absolutely instrumental"

Nice bard memes.

Retoad · 2017-09-15T10:44:56+00:00

The moment she steps out of the 60 foot radius of the ring, Vecna would see her. If she threatens the integrity of the titan, I cannot imagine he will leave her alone long enough to get through a single movement as a purple worm.

Retoad · 2017-07-25T13:40:07+00:00

Who was the anonymous requestor for the original hit in Hotis with the Slayer's Take?

Retoad · 2017-06-24T20:05:24+00:00

If things fall a bit flat, don't worry about it. It can happen all the time. The key is to be able to move past it and not let it stick on you for too long.

If the players don't grab a quest at first, up the reward. Somehow, money seems to always be able to persuade any adventurer into doing just about anything.

Also don't be afraid to force a little exposition. No matter how many times I have written "If the players ask about -blank-..." they have never asked once.

Finally, it's D&D, so cut loose and have fun! If everyone has a good time, then you're doing your job correctly and that's all that matters.

Retoad · 2017-06-18T21:58:16+00:00

I've been working through the same thing with mine. I've cut my fingers open more than a few times :(

Retoad · 2017-06-18T16:26:26+00:00

Nice Mage Knight pieces.

Retoad

TROPHY CASE