Pretty new to D and D, first campaign I did was with a rogue which is still ongoing.
For the next campaign I want to make something that can either control or summon wild animals to fight for them? my first thought is.. a dog wizard, but I just like the idea of a beast master that just points and the animal/beast just goes and murders!
Summoning and controlling animals, would that be a Ranger or Druid?
A Beast Master Ranger gets one animal companion at 3rd level and access to Speak With Animals, Animal Friendship, and Beast Bond at 2nd level. Any Druid gets access to those spells at 1st level. My feeling is that you’ll be happier with a Circle of the Shepherd Druid than a Beast Master Ranger, but both can fit what you’re looking to do.
Since you're new and you want to summon things, you should be made aware that summoning things for combat can really slow down the game. I'm not saying you shouldn't do it, but you should be ready to control your summons efficiently. The few times a fellow player has summoned many creatures, they were really well prepared and it ended up only taking a bit longer than their turn normally would have. If you're not ready to control all those summons either don't summon at all or farm out their actions to your fellow players. There are probably other good strategies for handling summoning, but these are the ones that I've seen recommended most. Good luck with your summoner.
For summoning animals you will be better off with druid. Especially if you are wanting to be surrounded by a whole host of forest friends.
Keep in mind that the concerns about slowing down the game are completely legit. You need to do your homework regarding summoning creatures, wildshape and spell choices. Keep references handy. DND Beyond is a great online tool for that but you could also keep physical copies of preferred wildshapes and summoned animals handy.
The simplest choice would be to go ranger. As a beast master ranger you would be more straightforward to play with less choices. For someone new to DND (with only one character under your belt) it might be a better pick. Ranger's are plenty fun to play but you know you the best. If you want to put in some extra work pick druid. If you want to keep it simple then ranger.
Hi guys
Pretty new to D and D, first campaign I did was with a rogue which is still ongoing.
For the next campaign I want to make something that can either control or summon wild animals to fight for them? my first thought is.. a dog wizard, but I just like the idea of a beast master that just points and the animal/beast just goes and murders!
Summoning and controlling animals, would that be a Ranger or Druid?
A Beast Master Ranger gets one animal companion at 3rd level and access to Speak With Animals, Animal Friendship, and Beast Bond at 2nd level. Any Druid gets access to those spells at 1st level. My feeling is that you’ll be happier with a Circle of the Shepherd Druid than a Beast Master Ranger, but both can fit what you’re looking to do.
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Since you're new and you want to summon things, you should be made aware that summoning things for combat can really slow down the game. I'm not saying you shouldn't do it, but you should be ready to control your summons efficiently. The few times a fellow player has summoned many creatures, they were really well prepared and it ended up only taking a bit longer than their turn normally would have. If you're not ready to control all those summons either don't summon at all or farm out their actions to your fellow players. There are probably other good strategies for handling summoning, but these are the ones that I've seen recommended most. Good luck with your summoner.
Why not both?
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For summoning animals you will be better off with druid. Especially if you are wanting to be surrounded by a whole host of forest friends.
Keep in mind that the concerns about slowing down the game are completely legit. You need to do your homework regarding summoning creatures, wildshape and spell choices. Keep references handy. DND Beyond is a great online tool for that but you could also keep physical copies of preferred wildshapes and summoned animals handy.
The simplest choice would be to go ranger. As a beast master ranger you would be more straightforward to play with less choices. For someone new to DND (with only one character under your belt) it might be a better pick. Ranger's are plenty fun to play but you know you the best. If you want to put in some extra work pick druid. If you want to keep it simple then ranger.
Current Characters I am playing: Dr Konstantin van Wulf | Taegen Willowrun | Mad Magnar
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