I have an idea to give a real incentive for a higher ranger level and solve the 1 level dip issue at the same time.
Make Hunter's mark scale up with the ranger's level just like Monk's Martial Arts damage or Barbarian Rage Damage. Let it starts with 1d4 and scale up to 1d8 or even 1d10.
Also, I agree with removing the choice aspect of Deft Explorer. Canny at lv1, roving at lv 6 and tireless at lv 10 sounds like a good idea.
I have an idea to give a real incentive for a higher ranger level and solve the 1 level dip issue at the same time.
Make Hunter's mark scale up with the ranger's level just like Monk's Martial Arts damage or Barbarian Rage Damage. Let it starts with 1d4 and scale up to 1d8 or even 1d10.
Also, I agree with removing the choice aspect of Deft Explorer. Canny at lv1, roving at lv 6 and tireless at lv 10 sounds like a good idea.