Ranger

A ranger’s life is a ceaseless journey, defined by relentless exploration. From dense forests to rugged mountains and across vast deserts, every step and decision is guided by instinct and practical wisdom. Rangers are seldom idle: the reasons for their travel often vary - whether pursuing a quarry, revelling in the freedom of the open road, or perhaps fleeing from some threat. What remains constant is their restlessness: rangers are always on the move, seldom lingering in one place for long.

Their extensive travels have exposed them to a myriad of cultures and societies, granting them an innate understanding of diverse customs and traditions. Whether negotiating with reclusive tribes, adapting to the rites of distant peoples, or discerning the subtleties of foreign etiquette, rangers are adept at navigating both terrain and culture with equal skill.

Practical Survivors

Rangers are the quintessential explorers, their expertise rooted in adaptability and hands-on experience. Forgoing rigid academic study, they learn directly from the natural world, developing an intuitive grasp of its rhythms and challenges. This practical knowledge makes them remarkably versatile and resilient, allowing them to thrive in even the harshest conditions.

Rangers harness the raw power of the natural world, mastering the use of its flora and fauna for a variety of practical applications. Whether brewing potent poisons, crafting healing salves, or foraging for sustenance, they transform natural elements into essential tools and weapons. Their deep understanding of nature ensures they are always prepared for any challenge, ready to face whatever the wilds may throw at them.

The Ranger table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your ranger spells of 1st through 5th level. The table also shows what the level of those slots is; all of your spells slots are the same level. To cast one of your ranger spells of 1st level or higher, you must expend a spell slot. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a short or long rest.

You prepare a list of ranger spells that are available for you to cast, choosing from the ranger spell list. When you do so, choose a number of ranger spells equal to your Wisdom modifier + your ranger level (minimum of 1). A spell you prepare must be of a level no higher than what's shown in the Ranger table's Slot Level column for your level.

For example, if you are a 5th-level ranger, you have three 3rd-level spell slots. With a Wisdom of 16, your list of prepared spells can include eight spells of 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-level spells, in any combination. To cast the 1st-level spell Cure Wounds, you must spend one of those slots, and you cast it as a 3rd-level spell. Casting a spell doesn't remove it from list of your prepared spells.

You can change your list of prepared spells when you finish a long rest.

Spellcasting Ability

Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for your ranger spells, since your magic comes from an empathetic connection with nature, or instincts honed through hard work. You use your Wisdom whenever a spell refers to your spellcasting ability. In addition, you use your Wisdom modifier when setting the saving throw DC for a ranger spell you cast and when making an attack roll with one.

Spell Save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus +

your Wisdom modifier

Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus +

your Wisdom modifier

Spellcasting Focus - Optional

Though generally relaying on the material available to them in the wild, Ranger can occasionally learn to use a druidic focus as a spellcasting focus for their spells. A druidic focus might be a sprig of mistletoe or holly, a wand or rod made of yew or another special wood, a staff drawn whole from a living tree, or an object incorporating feathers, fur, bones, and teeth from sacred animals.

Hunter's Mark

This feature is intended to replace the 1st level ranger spell of the same name. While this homebrew is being used, the spell Hunter's Mark should be removed from the ranger spell list.

1st Level: Hunter's Mark

Beginning at 1st level, when you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can call on your talents with hunting to mark the creature as your quarry for 1 hour.

While Marked, the first time on each of your turns that you hit this creature with a weapon attack, including when you mark it, you deal an additional 1d6 force damage.

You also have advantage on any Wisdom (Perception) or Wisdom (Survival) check you make to track it.

You can use this feature to mark a creature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

This feature's extra damage increases when you reach certain levels in this class: to 1d8 at 6th level, 1d10 at 14th level and 1d12 at 20th level.

Explorer. You gain a climbing speed and a swimming speed equal to your walking speed.

Forager When you forage and succeed, you find twice as much food and water as you normally would.

2nd Level: Fighting Style

When you reach 2nd level you may choose a feat with the Fighting Style feature prerequisite OR if using 2014 version of 5e take any fighting style available. This includes Druidic Warrior.

3rd Level: Primal Talents

At 3rd level, you gain two Primal Talents of your choice. You gain additional Talents as shown in the Ranger Class Table. Additionally when you gain a level in this class, you can choose one of the Talents you know and replace it with another talent that you could learn at that level.

A level prerequisite refers to your levels in this class.

The list of Talents available to choose from is found at the end of this document

3rd Level: Ranger Subclasses

At 3rd level, you choose to emulate the ideals and training of a ranger subclass. Your choice grants you features at 3rd level and again at 7th, 11th, and 15th level.

Subclass compatibilty

This redesign is intended to be compatible with both the subclasses released for 2014 edition of DnD 5e as well as the 2024 version as well.

4th Level: Ability Score improvement

You gain the Ability Score Improve,emt feat (see chapter 5 of 2024 PHB) or another feat of your choice for which you qualify.

You gain this feature again at Ranger levels 8, 12, and 16.

5th Level: Extra Attack

Beginning at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.

6th Level: Roving

Your walking speed increases by 10 feet, if you are not wearing heavy armour. Your speed is now no longer affected when you move through nonmagical or magical difficult terrain.

Additionally, the duration of your Hunter's Mark feature increases to 8 hours.

Decrease Exhaustion. Whenever you finish a Short Rest, your Exhaustion level, if any, is decreased by 1.

You do not simply hide, you slip in and out of the shadows. You wear the darkness like a second skin. You are the night.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You can use the Hide action as a bonus action on your turn.

Apprentice of Many, Master of None

Prerequisite: Have NOT taken the Practice Makes Perfect Talent

You have a broad range of interests and though you have not mastered them all, your passion for various subjects can be to your advantage.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You can add half your proficiency bonus, rounded down, to any ability check made with a skill you are not proficient in.

Beastiary

You have developed a trove of knowledge while hunting creatures, recording it in your Bestiary. This Bestiary can take the form of a leather-bound grimoire, blood-stained scrolls or a mind palace.

The Bestiary includes pre-recorded notes about various creatures of a chosen type, you may choose one of the following starting entries: Aberrations, beasts, celestials, constructs, dragons, elementals, fey, fiends, giants, humanoids, monstrosities, oozes, plants, and undead.

Making New Entries: You can spend 10 minutes, recalling information about a specific creature you have seen within the last 24 hours.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You have advantage on ability checks made to learn or recall information on creatures that are recorded in your Bestiary.

Botanist

You have always had a love for things that grow and your wanderings have deepened your insight into the natural world. You can identify most plants and harness their useful properties.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You learn the Druidcraft cantrip

• You gain proficiency with the Herbalism Kit; if you are already proficient then gain Expertise.

• You can add your Wisdom modifier to any Intelligence (Nature) checks.

Cultural Chameleon

Prerequisite: Fey Wanderer Subclass

Your interactions with the fey have shown you the merit of adopting the right face for the right occasion.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You can cast the Disguise Self at will, without expending a spell slot.

Prerequisite: Fey Wanderer Subclass

Your mischievous charm and skill with words mirror those of the creatures of the Feywild.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You learn the Minor Illusion cantrip.

• You gain proficiency in one of the following skills: Deception, Intimidation, Performance, or Persuasion.

Fleet of Foot

To chase your prey, or escape danger, you have learned to move quickly and control your speed to act with precision after a sprint.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You can use the Dash action as a bonus action on your turn.

Hunter's Insight

With the keen instincts of a hunter, you perceive your enemies' subtle weaknesses and strengths, transforming every encounter into a calculated advantage.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

You can spend an action studying your prey, learning certain information about it. The DM reveals to you one of the following characteristics of your choice:

• Any one ability score

• Armour Class

• Current hit points

• Resistances (if any)

• Immunities (if any)

• Vulnerabilities (if any)

Keeper of Rituals

You have a deep bond with the rituals of nature, possibly through study with a druidic circle or perhaps simply by listening to whispers on the wind.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You learn two 1st-level spells with the ritual tag from the Ranger or Druid spell lists.

• You can now cast your Ranger and Druid spells with the ritual tag as rituals if you have the spell prepared.

Practice makes Perfect

Prerequisite: Have NOT taken the Apprentice of many, Master of None Talent

Through rigorous training and regimented practice, you have refined your skills to an exceptional level.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• Gain Expertise in a skill you already have proficiency in.

Repeatable. You can take this Talent again at Ranger Level 6, 10 and 14. Each time, choose a different skill you are already proficient in.

Resourceful Crafting

You have developed a keen sense for practical solutions out in the field, allowing you to craft basic tools and items from natural materials.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You learn the Mending cantrip

• You gain proficiency with one of the following tools: Carpenter’s Tools, Woodcarver’s Tools, or Tinkerer’s Tools.

• Using resources from your surroundings, you can spend one hour to create a non-magical item detailed in the Adventuring Gear section of the Core Rules with a value of 5 gp or less (e.g. 50 ft of Hempen Rope; Hunting trap; Tent; 20 Arrows) using materials from the environment. This item is clearly worthless functions effectively for 24 hours before it degrades. Though otherwise functional, objects created using this feature are visibly worthless junk.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You can communicate with your beast telepathically if it is at least within 100 feet of you.

• As an action, you can see through your beast’s eyes and hear what it hears until the start of your next turn, gaining the benefits of any special senses that your companion has. During this time, you are blind and deaf with regard to your own senses.

Tracker

With a keen eye for detail and an innate understanding of the wild, you have mastered the art of following even the faintest of trails. No footprint or broken branch escapes your notice, allowing you to pursue your quarry with unwavering determination.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You have advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks when tracking creatures.

• You also gain proficiency in the Survival skill; if you already have proficiency then gain Expertise.

Warding Pact

Prerequisite: Beastmaster Subclass

Your mystical connection to your companion allows you to shield them from harm, by taking their pain upon yourself.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• As a reaction, when your beast companion takes damage and you are within 30 feet of it, you can grant your companion resistance to all damage until the start of your next turn. While this effect is active, you take the same amount of damage as your companion from all sources.

World Traveller

Through your extensive travels to far-off lands with diverse cultures, you have learned how to communicate with a wide variety of people and creatures.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You learn the Message cantrip.

• You gain proficiency in the Persuasion skill.

• You learn five additional languages of your choice.

6th Level Primal Talents

Agile Stride

You are nimble and not afraid to get dirty if it allows you to get into an advantageous position.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• When you make a weapon attack against a creature, you don't provoke opportunity attacks from that creature for the rest of the turn, whether you hit or not.

Expert Tracker

Prerequisite: Tracker Talent

Your experience in the wilds has refined your tracking abilities. Not only can you follow the most elusive trails, but you can also gather detailed information on your quarry.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• When you make a Wisdom (Survival) check, you can treat a d20 roll of 9 or lower as a 10.

• While tracking other creatures, you also learn their exact numbers, their sizes and how long ago they passed through the area.

Improved Bestiary

Prerequisite: Bestiary Talent

Your Bestiary is an ever-growing repository of knowledge about your defeated enemies, allowing you to strike with greater effectiveness.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You may choose an additional creature type as a bestiary entry, any creatures of that type already recorded in your bestiary now fall under this entry.

• Gain a +2 bonus to weapon attack rolls to hit creatures recorded in your Bestiary.

Mind of Steel

Your willpower and discipline honed through countless trials, grant you an ironclad focus that helps you maintain concentration on your spells despite the chaos of battle.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You have advantage on Constitution saving throws to maintain concentration on a spells.

Multicultural

Prerequisite: World Traveller Talent

You have spent much of your life amongst a wide variety of people and creatures, learning how to bridge linguistic gaps.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You can cast Comprehend Languages at will, without expending a spell slot.

• You can communicate ideas on a rudimentary level after having observed someone speaking a language you are not proficient in for at least a full day.

Natural Remedies

Prerequisite: Botanist Talent

Your extensive study of wild flora allows you to use plants and herbs (even those considered common weeds by others) to create potent remedies, enhancing your healing capabilities.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• Gain proficiency with the Healer’s Kit; if you are already proficient then gain Expertise.

• You can add your Wisdom modifier to any Intelligence (Medicine) checks.

• When you cast a ranger spell of 1st level or higher to restore hit points to a creature, the creature gains additional hit points equal to your Wisdom modifier (minimum of +1).

Prerequisite: Empathic Bond Talent

Your prolonged time in the wilderness has unlocked an uncanny ability to speak with all manner of beasts. Some say you are simply going mad.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You can cast Speak with Animals at will, without expending a spell slot.

• Your Animal Friendship spell can now be cast at 3rd level without expending a spell slot.

Second Life

Prerequisite: Beastmaster Subclass

You may die a dozen deaths, as your beast companion falls. But when your true death comes, you will live again. The second life is simpler and sweeter, they say. Your soul is preserved in the beast.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• When you die, your Primal Companion no longer vanishes. Instead, it acts as if you have the Incapacitated condition.

• If your Primal Companion is alive and you are dead, then a spell such as Raise Dead (having the sole effect of restoring you to life but not undeath) can be cast on you without the need for material components.

Wilderness Guide

You expertly guide your companions through even the most treacherous terrain, finding the safest and most efficient paths while ensuring they never lose their way.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• Your group can’t become lost except by magical means

• Difficult terrain doesn’t slow your group’s travel

• You will always be able to forage food and fresh water, provided that the land offers these, for yourself and up to five other creatures each day without having to roll for a check.

10th Level Primal Talents

Deadly Precision

Your keen eyes and steady hands allow you to strike with flawless accuracy.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• Your weapon attacks score a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20.

Eagle Eyed

Your eyes see much that others do not, spotting the slightest movement with ease when you put your mind to it. Your prey does not so easily escape you.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• When you make a Wisdom (Perception) check, you can treat a d20 roll of 9 or lower as a 10.

• You gain Darkvision to a range of 120 feet. If you already have Darkvision when you gain this feature, its range increases by 120 feet.

Friend to Forest, Fiend and Foe

Prerequisite: Primal Kinship Talent

An open mind and a big heart goes a long way in this world. Even the deadliest monsters can be charmed by you, to see your point of view from time to time.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You can cast Charm Monster once without expending a spell slot. You can't do so again until you finish a long rest.

• Your Animal Friendship spell can now be cast at 5th level without expending a spell slot.

Noxious Fortitude

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You can cast Conjure Animals once at 7th level, without expending a spell slot. You can't do so again until you finish a long rest.

• Your Animal Friendship spell can now be cast at 7th level without expending a spell slot.

Monster Grimoire

Prerequisite: Improved Bestiary Talent

Through relentless study and battle with various creatures, your Bestiary has evolved into a highly sought after resource, comprehensive and intricately detailed. Your deep familiarity with its contents enables you to exploit your foes' weaknesses with precision.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You may choose an additional creature type as a bestiary entry, any creatures of that type already recorded in your bestiary now fall under this entry.

• You gain an additional + 2 to damage rolls made against creatures recorded in your Bestiary.

Expert Hunter

Years of relentless pursuit and meticulous study have honed your skills to an art. You track and engage with your prey with unparalleled expertise.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You have double the uses of your Hunter’s Mark ability.

Hide in Plain Sight

You are an expert at camouflaging yourself and others, whether through using magic or relying on naturally occurring materials.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You can cast Pass without Trace at will, without expending a spell slot.

Martial Expert

To survive beyond civilisation, you have learned to fight amongst the greatest warriors and have learned much from allies and enemies you have encountered.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You gain an additional Weapon Mastery.

• You gain an additional Fighting style feat.

Natural Armour

The wilds have sculpted you into a living shield, with nature itself fortifying your defences.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You can cast Barkskin on yourself at will, without expending a spell slot or material components.

• While not wearing heavy armour you gain a +1 bonus to AC

Tactical Readiness

You have learned to be prepared for any eventuality, thanks to your meticulous planning and resourcefulness.

You gain the following features, when you choose this Talent:

• You can cast the Contingency spell once on yourself without material components. You can’t do so again until you finish a long rest.