This build is the product of my friend having a miserable time playing a Beastmaster (pre Tasha), despite the DM warning about the overall "meh" of the sub-class. Anyway, she loves animals so this build is for her and those of you that feel the same way. So here it goes...
ASI/Feats: The first three can be shuffled based on how play is going +1 Wis/+1Cha -> War Caster -> Elemental Adept (acid) -> the last increase will be either to Con for the hitpoints, Wis for strengthening Druid/Ranger spells, or Cha for any Warlock spells and possibly getting more use out of the Fey Presence feature.
Spells: I don't want to get into too much here. Everything that I felt the build needs is listed above. You still have the ability to swap out Druid spells after a long rest to fit the situation and you have the full list of Ranger spells to choose from. Choose wisely.
As you may have noticed, this build doesn't really focus on anything that the Beastmaster excels at, short of actually getting a beast companion and the ability to ride said beast. It relies more on Primal Savagery, Thornwhip, and Magic Stone, respectively, and adding Hex's 1d6 necrotic damage to them, as well as possible additional damage from Absorb Elements to the melee attack cantrips. Note, Magic Stone was taken in lieu of Eldritch Blast merely for character flavor, but the latter is the stronger option by far. Also, (and some may argue this) you can treat a pebble you haven't enchanted as an improvised weapon for triggering those big AoE Ranger spells, namely Conjure Barrage and Conjure Volley, so having those pebbles will come in handy.
I'm not sure how this will play out but it'll sure be fun to try. Let me know what y'all think.
Seriously, it reads like a spellcaster. Why not just play a druid? At level 5 conjure animals comes online for a full druid. That should scratch most or all “pet” itches.
Pre Tasha's Beastmaster actually has a lot of benefits that tasha's will not provide.
One of which the beast mostly scales with PROF(aka total level not ranger level). Multiclassing can allow beasmaster share spells to really jump up in power. especially if you think you can get your hands on scrolls (and pass the casting check). For example you could attempt to cast true polymorph on both of you Via a scroll or even something as simple as mirror image. Druid also has some cool spell options.
I always found poisonous creatures to be the most effective use for the beast pet. I love "saving" damage for later use. There are a couple that are usually dm ruled rideable. Giant wolf spideror giant poisonous snake. I usually allow acid Vials to be harvested via the frogs. IF guthash (sunless citadel )is allowed it could be very dangerous if "harvestable." (even with a low dc.)
I'm actually using this build for my main character, even though it's kind of clunky in Bonus Action use at times (like all Beastmaster versions).
You could just play a Druid, sure, but this build opens up a lot of other possibilities, namely choosing spells to use with Share Spells, where you can get double False Life (Sorcerer 1 in my case), Shield (again), Misty Step (Feytouched), Absorb Elements, Guardian of Nature, and even Primal Savagery itself, that turn you into a tough front-liner along with your pet.
I also love how the PHB Beastmaster has a lot of customization options (like Roscoeivan mentioned) that are not available with the Tasha's version, though it's really hard to pass on extra hit points and "proficiency" on all saving throws.
This build is the product of my friend having a miserable time playing a Beastmaster (pre Tasha), despite the DM warning about the overall "meh" of the sub-class. Anyway, she loves animals so this build is for her and those of you that feel the same way. So here it goes...
Race: Ghostwise Halfing (for Size Small/Lucky/Brave/Halfing Nimbleness/+2 Dex +1 Wis)
Ability Scores: Str 8 / Dex 12(14) / Con 14 / Int 12 / Wis 14(15) / Cha 13
1st Level: Druid (for Light Armor/Primal Savagery/Thorn Whip/Healing Word)
2nd Level: Warlock/Archfey (for Fey Presence/Create Bonfire/Magic Stone/Hex)
3rd -20th Level: Ranger/Beastmaster (Defense Fighting Style/Medium Armor/Beast Companion and mount/Absorb Elements)
ASI/Feats: The first three can be shuffled based on how play is going +1 Wis/+1Cha -> War Caster -> Elemental Adept (acid) -> the last increase will be either to Con for the hitpoints, Wis for strengthening Druid/Ranger spells, or Cha for any Warlock spells and possibly getting more use out of the Fey Presence feature.
Spells: I don't want to get into too much here. Everything that I felt the build needs is listed above. You still have the ability to swap out Druid spells after a long rest to fit the situation and you have the full list of Ranger spells to choose from. Choose wisely.
As you may have noticed, this build doesn't really focus on anything that the Beastmaster excels at, short of actually getting a beast companion and the ability to ride said beast. It relies more on Primal Savagery, Thornwhip, and Magic Stone, respectively, and adding Hex's 1d6 necrotic damage to them, as well as possible additional damage from Absorb Elements to the melee attack cantrips. Note, Magic Stone was taken in lieu of Eldritch Blast merely for character flavor, but the latter is the stronger option by far. Also, (and some may argue this) you can treat a pebble you haven't enchanted as an improvised weapon for triggering those big AoE Ranger spells, namely Conjure Barrage and Conjure Volley, so having those pebbles will come in handy.
I'm not sure how this will play out but it'll sure be fun to try. Let me know what y'all think.
Why not just play a druid?
Seriously, it reads like a spellcaster. Why not just play a druid? At level 5 conjure animals comes online for a full druid. That should scratch most or all “pet” itches.
Well, it's not for everyone. This is for those who "just have to be a Beastmaster".
Pre Tasha's Beastmaster actually has a lot of benefits that tasha's will not provide.
One of which the beast mostly scales with PROF(aka total level not ranger level). Multiclassing can allow beasmaster share spells to really jump up in power. especially if you think you can get your hands on scrolls (and pass the casting check). For example you could attempt to cast true polymorph on both of you Via a scroll or even something as simple as mirror image. Druid also has some cool spell options.
I always found poisonous creatures to be the most effective use for the beast pet. I love "saving" damage for later use. There are a couple that are usually dm ruled rideable. Giant wolf spideror giant poisonous snake. I usually allow acid Vials to be harvested via the frogs. IF guthash (sunless citadel )is allowed it could be very dangerous if "harvestable." (even with a low dc.)
I'm actually using this build for my main character, even though it's kind of clunky in Bonus Action use at times (like all Beastmaster versions).
You could just play a Druid, sure, but this build opens up a lot of other possibilities, namely choosing spells to use with Share Spells, where you can get double False Life (Sorcerer 1 in my case), Shield (again), Misty Step (Feytouched), Absorb Elements, Guardian of Nature, and even Primal Savagery itself, that turn you into a tough front-liner along with your pet.
I also love how the PHB Beastmaster has a lot of customization options (like Roscoeivan mentioned) that are not available with the Tasha's version, though it's really hard to pass on extra hit points and "proficiency" on all saving throws.
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