Base Class: Ranger
Surge Warden
In the vast expanse of the Endless Ocean, some rangers have formed a deep and mystical bond with the elemental forces of water. These rangers are known as Surge Wardens, protectors of the tides, guardians of aquatic life, and wielders of the ocean’s unstoppable power. Unlike other rangers who commune with beasts or nature spirits, Surge Wardens are intimately connected to the fluid, ever-changing essence of water, drawing strength from the currents, tides, and storms.
The Surge Warden does not rely on insects or swarms, but rather on the living water itself. They summon surges of water that seem to be infused with sentient life—schools of fish, swirling droplets, ethereal water elementals, or even manifestations of aquatic spirits. These watery entities swirl around the Surge Warden like a protective current, aiding them in both combat and exploration. The power of the sea is theirs to command, whether they are moving swiftly through the water, overwhelming foes with crashing waves, or guiding their allies to safety through the currents.
Waterborne Power
The core ability of the Surge Warden is the ability to summon and manipulate water in its many forms. Where other rangers might call forth a swarm of insects or beasts to harry their enemies, the Surge Warden conjures a swirling surge of water, which manifests in a variety of shapes depending on their surroundings and their command. This surge can take the form of anything from a roiling cloud of mist and spray to a solid wave of flowing water or even tiny elemental water spirits resembling fish, eels, or other sea creatures.
This living surge of water moves with the Surge Warden, following their commands like an extension of their own will. It can be used to harry enemies, sweep them off their feet, or protect the ranger and their allies by absorbing incoming attacks like the ocean absorbs the force of a storm. The Surge Warden’s bond with water is as flexible as it is powerful, allowing them to adapt their surge to the situation at hand.
Fluid Combat
In combat, Surge Wardens are swift, agile, and relentless—like water itself. Their bond with water gives them the ability to move fluidly and strike with precision, as though their very weapons are an extension of the tides. As they move across the battlefield, the surge of water follows them, creating unpredictable currents that can push enemies away, restrain them with watery tendrils, or drag them into the depths.
At higher levels, a Surge Warden can use their surge to unleash devastating aquatic attacks, sending waves crashing into foes, flooding the battlefield, or summoning powerful torrents that wash enemies away. The power of the ocean is vast and unyielding, and Surge Wardens can call upon it in the heat of battle, harnessing its raw strength to destroy their enemies.
Guardian of the Seas
Beyond their combat prowess, Surge Wardens are also skilled protectors of aquatic environments. They possess a natural affinity for the sea and its inhabitants, and their bond with water gives them the ability to communicate with aquatic creatures, traverse underwater environments with ease, and survive even in the most hostile oceanic conditions. Surge Wardens can move effortlessly through the water, as though they were swimming with the tides themselves, and can breathe underwater for extended periods, making them ideal protectors of the seas.
Their power extends beyond combat to aid in exploration, too. Surge Wardens can manipulate water to clear obstacles, navigate treacherous waters, or call upon sea creatures to guide them. They are protectors of the delicate balance of the ocean’s ecosystems, guardians of the hidden depths, and allies to all who respect the power of the sea. Those who threaten the ocean or seek to abuse its power are likely to find themselves at the mercy of a Surge Warden and the unstoppable tide.
Aquatic Mastery
As Surge Wardens grow in power, their water connection deepens, allowing them to control and command larger and more complex manifestations of water. They can call forth elemental torrents, create powerful tidal waves, and even manipulate the weather to bring forth rain or storms. At their peak, a Surge Warden can become a living embodiment of the sea, with water swirling constantly around them, their very presence changing the flow of tides and currents wherever they go.
This mastery over water also gives them an unparalleled understanding of the natural world. Surge Wardens are experts in aquatic navigation, marine life, and weather patterns, making them invaluable allies to sailors, pirates, and coastal communities. They can summon water to quench flames, create drinking water from the air, or part the seas to reveal hidden treasures below.
Surge Warden Features:
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Swirling Surge: The defining feature of the Surge Warden, this ability allows the ranger to summon a cloud of sentient water that harasses their enemies, boosts their attacks, and shields their allies. The surge of water moves with the ranger and can take on various forms, such as a school of fish, a wave of droplets, or a spiraling current.
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Wavewalker: Surge Wardens can move through water with ease, swimming faster than most and breathing underwater indefinitely. They can use their surge to propel themselves through the water, allowing them to travel great distances at high speeds.
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Tidal Mastery: At higher levels, Surge Wardens gain the ability to manipulate larger bodies of water, summoning tidal waves or creating powerful currents that affect the battlefield. They can also call upon storms, summoning rain or thunder to further enhance their abilities.
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Stormcaller: Surge Wardens eventually gain the power to summon the fury of the ocean itself, calling forth rain, wind, and waves to their aid. This power can be used to sink ships, flood fortresses, or overwhelm their enemies with the raw power of the sea.
Role in the World:
Surge Wardens are often found in coastal cities, aboard pirate ships, or living on remote islands, always close to the sea. They are revered by those who rely on the ocean for survival, and feared by those who disrespect its power. Some Surge Wardens are solitary guardians of hidden oceanic realms, while others serve as protectors of coastal communities, guiding fishermen and sailors and defending against those who would harm the sea.
Whether acting as protectors, warriors, or guides, Surge Wardens are ultimately bound to the ocean and its currents, embodying both the calm and the fury of the sea. Their power is as unpredictable as the tides, and their allegiance lies with the water that gives them life and strength. Those who cross paths with a Surge Warden would do well to remember the lesson of the sea: it can be both a life-giver and a destroyer.
Gathered Surge
3rd-level Surge Warden feature
A surge of water spirits has bonded itself to you and can assist you in battle. While you’re alive, the surge remains in your space. Once on each of your turns, you can cause the surge to assist you in one of the following ways, immediately after you hit a creature with an attack:
- The attack’s target takes 1d6 bludgeoning damage from the surge.
- The attack’s target must succeed on a Strength saving throw against your spell save DC or be moved by the surge up to 15 feet horizontally in a direction of your choice.
- You are moved by the surge 5 feet horizontally in a direction of your choice.
Surge Warden Magic
3rd-level Surge Warden feature
You learn the mage hand cantrip if you don’t already know it. When you cast it, the hand takes the form of your water spirits.
You also learn an additional spell of 1st level or higher when you reach certain levels in this class, as shown in the Surge Warden Spells table. Each spell counts as a ranger spell for you, but it doesn’t count against the number of ranger spells you know.
Swarmkeeper Spells
| Ranger Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| 3rd | create or destroy water, mage hand |
| 5th | misty step |
| 9th | wall of water |
| 13th | watery sphere |
| 17th | maelstrom |
Swirling Tide
7th-level Surge Warden feature
You can condense part of your surge into a focused mass that lifts you up. As a bonus action, you gain a flying speed of 10 feet and can hover. This effect lasts for 1 minute or until you are incapacitated.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Mighty Surge
11th-level Surge Warden feature
Your Gathered Surge grows mightier in the following ways:
- The damage of Gathered Surge increases to 1d8.
- If a creature fails its saving throw against being moved by Gathered Surge, you can also cause the swarm to knock the creature prone.
- When you are moved by Gathered Surge, it gives you half cover until the start of your next turn.
Surging Dispersal
15th-level Surge Warden feature
You can discorporate into your surge, avoiding danger. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to give yourself resistance to that damage. You vanish into your surge and then teleport to an unoccupied space that you can see within 30 feet of you, where you reappear with the surge.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
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