The new ranger presented in OneDnD has me very excited about hunters mark which is a feat on its own. I love the fact that it’s core to the rangers play style now and that they can actually fit it in while having other concentration spells up. But more importantly, the hunter’s effect of being able to sense damage resistances and vulnerabilities by applying hunters mark has me hopeful that all of the ranger conclaves will have a unique effect applied to the marked target. Here are my ideas for what effects could be applied by each conclave’s mark:
Monster slayer: this conclave will already need a lot of reworking done after having it’s making entire given to the hunter, but following the theme of exploiting elemental vulnerabilities, it would be cold to have their mark force a vulnerability towards a chosen damage type onto a target.
Fey wanderer: it would be thematically appropriate I feel to have this mark also apply either a fear or charm effect, maybe after each successful attack against the marked target limited to once per round?
Gloomstalker: my personal favorite idea for this conclave’s mark is to reduce the vision of the marked target, as if when marked their senses become muted and they can only see and hear clearly within a 10ft circle around them. It would fit perfectly into the gloomstalker’s theme and make them even stronger of a dip for rogues.
Horizon Walker: this one is tricky, I think simply preventing a creature from using movement spells or going through portals is too weak. Maybe this could allow the ranger to ignore the range of weapons against the marked target? As if they were creating portals and sticking their weapons/firing arrows through it which open up directed at the marked target. Making a melee attack from 800ft away would certainly be a flex, though I could imagine this being balanced by requiring sight or at least knowledge of the marked target’s location.
Swarmkeeper: I can see a lot of different ideas for the swarmkeeper’s mark effect, but taking inspiration from the Infestation cantrip, I think it would be fun to have the mark apply a similar effect by causing a set amount of poison or acid damage (maybe equal to the ranger’s ranger level, PB or total level) and causing them to move a number of feet in a random rolled direction upon a successful attack against the marked target.
Beastmaster: this and the drakewarden are going to need some minor changes in respects to their chosen companions, as they’re both quite similar in playstyle when commanding the pet around. As such I think the beastmaster could work well with the idea of sucking their beast on the marked target, with the damage bonus from hunters mark also applying to the beasts attacks as well as increasing their movement speed as long as it gets them closer to the marked target.
Drakewarden: I also think the drake could do well with the beastmaster’s mark feature. But to differentiate them I think we can go for a more dragon-flavored effect of making the marked target afraid of the Drake, as if effected by a dragon’s frightful presence. Alternatively we can go along the elemental damage route and give the Drake an early form of the breath weapon they receive at 11th level which can only be used against the marked target, or adding the bonus damage from hunters mark to the drake’s attacks against the marked target to the damage in the drakes chosen element.
Horizon Walker: this one is tricky, I think simply preventing a creature from using movement spells or going through portals is too weak. Maybe this could allow the ranger to ignore the range of weapons against the marked target? As if they were creating portals and sticking their weapons/firing arrows through it which open up directed at the marked target. Making a melee attack from 800ft away would certainly be a flex, though I could imagine this being balanced by requiring sight or at least knowledge of the marked target’s location.
First, I think that your idea of each subclass altering a function of “Hunter’s Mark” is a fantastic idea.
Your concept for Gloomstalker reducing the visual range of a target has a TON of mechanical function…not only to facilitate their ability to ambush the target; but also to restrict the enemy’s ability to target allies with line of sight. Specifically, this would be a major debuff for enemy spellcasters.
As for Horizon Walker, I like the idea of opening a portal around the marked target to deliver ranged attacks…perhaps tying into their “Etherealness” feature, maybe their ranged attacks can “ghost” through any sort of non-magical cover, provided that they are targeting their “Hunter’s Marked” quarry.
For melee Horizon Walkers, I’d make it so that the Ranger can teleport within 5ft of their “Hunter’s Mark” as a bonus action.
All this, in addition to preventing the enemy from teleporting / using portals, of course.
Horizon Walker: this one is tricky, I think simply preventing a creature from using movement spells or going through portals is too weak. Maybe this could allow the ranger to ignore the range of weapons against the marked target? As if they were creating portals and sticking their weapons/firing arrows through it which open up directed at the marked target. Making a melee attack from 800ft away would certainly be a flex, though I could imagine this being balanced by requiring sight or at least knowledge of the marked target’s location.
First, I think that your idea of each subclass altering a function of “Hunter’s Mark” is a fantastic idea.
100% this. I think ranger is under-appreciated/utilized as is, but this idea actually got me excited to play this theoretical-Ranger.
I think what we're likely to see is to have features that current Ranger subclasses have being shifted to these Hunter's Mark traits, although they might get a boost as a result. I think the most obvious thing I can think of is the Swarmkeeper Ranger, which already has a function where you can tack on an effect to hitting a creature with a weapon attack. I can see them changing that to being a function of Hunter's Mark, instead of a feature unto itself. The UA Ranger is already more powerful than the PHB Ranger in combat, so I can easily imagine some of the really good abilities from some classes might be toned down a bit and now they've got the limitation of being tied to Hunter's Mark.
Since Wizards seems to want us to use action resources to control our pet most of the time I could see marking a target with Hunter's Mark be a sort of "Sic 'em" move where the pet can use their full attack action every round but only against marked targets rather than needing a bonus action to command the pet or use up one of the ranger's attacks every turn. So a ranger who is maintaining Hunter's Mark can attack twice and then have the pet also attack rather than giving up one of the ranger's attacks to let the pet attack.
Since Wizards seems to want us to use action resources to control our pet most of the time I could see marking a target with Hunter's Mark be a sort of "Sic 'em" move where the pet can use their full attack action every round but only against marked targets rather than needing a bonus action to command the pet or use up one of the ranger's attacks every turn. So a ranger who is maintaining Hunter's Mark can attack twice and then have the pet also attack rather than giving up one of the ranger's attacks to let the pet attack.
That’s probably likely to happen, but I don’t think it would be as good as simply having the beastmaster controlling their pet with a bonus action. The reason is, while it would be appropriate to have their mark cause their beast to focus their attacks on them, I could see a lot of people being upset with this feature because it means that while hunters mark is active they can’t attack multiple enemies. Rangers have always been a class focused on reliable single-target damage but the utility of having a second body to attack or defend against two enemies at once is unique to the beastmaster. So this hypothetical hunters mark would have to either give the player the option to sick their beast on the target or something else.
another idea is, this is kind of crazy but… what if the beast had its own hunters mark?
Since Wizards seems to want us to use action resources to control our pet most of the time I could see marking a target with Hunter's Mark be a sort of "Sic 'em" move where the pet can use their full attack action every round but only against marked targets rather than needing a bonus action to command the pet or use up one of the ranger's attacks every turn. So a ranger who is maintaining Hunter's Mark can attack twice and then have the pet also attack rather than giving up one of the ranger's attacks to let the pet attack.
That’s probably likely to happen, but I don’t think it would be as good as simply having the beastmaster controlling their pet with a bonus action. The reason is, while it would be appropriate to have their mark cause their beast to focus their attacks on them, I could see a lot of people being upset with this feature because it means that while hunters mark is active they can’t attack multiple enemies. Rangers have always been a class focused on reliable single-target damage but the utility of having a second body to attack or defend against two enemies at once is unique to the beastmaster. So this hypothetical hunters mark would have to either give the player the option to sick their beast on the target or something else.
another idea is, this is kind of crazy but… what if the beast had its own hunters mark?
The beast getting the Hunter's Mark benefits on the target the ranger has marked seems like something quite reasonable to me. There would always be the option for it to attack something else. I might also add that the Ranger could use the same bonus action they use to cast the spell or mark a new creature to have the beast attack the marked creature.
I know this is kind of a tangent, but I'm actually a bit excited for the potential of having a spell turned into a class feature. How other features can be built on the assumption that everyone in the class is guaranteed to have this spell, so you can tie concepts to it.
I know this is kind of a tangent, but I'm actually a bit excited for the potential of having a spell turned into a class feature. How other features can be built on the assumption that everyone in the class is guaranteed to have this spell, so you can tie concepts to it.
Definitely agree, I think it opens up a lot of potential for creativity and reinforcing a theme. Going a step further (which I am not sure is a good idea), it might even be possible to set up a system where Hunter's Mark can get buffed by a menu of invocation-style features a Ranger can choose from as they level up.
I know this is kind of a tangent, but I'm actually a bit excited for the potential of having a spell turned into a class feature. How other features can be built on the assumption that everyone in the class is guaranteed to have this spell, so you can tie concepts to it.
The way hunters mark was treated has always been closer to a class feature than a spell, so it only makes sense to treat it like a main feature like what they tried in tashas. I really do hope other classes get innate spells Like this!
I know this is kind of a tangent, but I'm actually a bit excited for the potential of having a spell turned into a class feature. How other features can be built on the assumption that everyone in the class is guaranteed to have this spell, so you can tie concepts to it.
Same. Especially due to the flavor of this specific spell. There is something very fun about glancing at someone and designating them next to die and there being very little they can do to stop it. They can run but they very much can't hide. Feels very rangery in the wild hunter sort of way. It is part of why I liked Monster Hunter despite it not being that mechanically powerful compared to other sub-classes.
Same. Especially due to the flavor of this specific spell. There is something very fun about glancing at someone and designating them next to die and there being very little they can do to stop it. They can run but they very much can't hide. Feels very rangery in the wild hunter sort of way. It is part of why I liked Monster Hunter despite it not being that mechanically powerful compared to other sub-classes.
Ranger: -points- YOU.
Goblin: -Marked- ... Aw dangit.
I want a Manhunter villainous subclass akin to Oathbreaker and Death domain. Jack the Ripper kind of ranger that haunts and stalks his prey until it's crushed with terror and reduced to quivering, broken mess. Then he collects his grim trophy.
Depending on how early the special hm stays, I honestly expect alot of barbarians, fighters, monks or moon druids to really want concentration free hunter's mark. They won't even wait for the subclass.
Just acquiring hunter's mark through other means probably won't be enough for it to survive as a build choice.
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The new ranger presented in OneDnD has me very excited about hunters mark which is a feat on its own. I love the fact that it’s core to the rangers play style now and that they can actually fit it in while having other concentration spells up. But more importantly, the hunter’s effect of being able to sense damage resistances and vulnerabilities by applying hunters mark has me hopeful that all of the ranger conclaves will have a unique effect applied to the marked target. Here are my ideas for what effects could be applied by each conclave’s mark:
Monster slayer: this conclave will already need a lot of reworking done after having it’s making entire given to the hunter, but following the theme of exploiting elemental vulnerabilities, it would be cold to have their mark force a vulnerability towards a chosen damage type onto a target.
Fey wanderer: it would be thematically appropriate I feel to have this mark also apply either a fear or charm effect, maybe after each successful attack against the marked target limited to once per round?
Gloomstalker: my personal favorite idea for this conclave’s mark is to reduce the vision of the marked target, as if when marked their senses become muted and they can only see and hear clearly within a 10ft circle around them. It would fit perfectly into the gloomstalker’s theme and make them even stronger of a dip for rogues.
Horizon Walker: this one is tricky, I think simply preventing a creature from using movement spells or going through portals is too weak. Maybe this could allow the ranger to ignore the range of weapons against the marked target? As if they were creating portals and sticking their weapons/firing arrows through it which open up directed at the marked target. Making a melee attack from 800ft away would certainly be a flex, though I could imagine this being balanced by requiring sight or at least knowledge of the marked target’s location.
Swarmkeeper: I can see a lot of different ideas for the swarmkeeper’s mark effect, but taking inspiration from the Infestation cantrip, I think it would be fun to have the mark apply a similar effect by causing a set amount of poison or acid damage (maybe equal to the ranger’s ranger level, PB or total level) and causing them to move a number of feet in a random rolled direction upon a successful attack against the marked target.
Beastmaster: this and the drakewarden are going to need some minor changes in respects to their chosen companions, as they’re both quite similar in playstyle when commanding the pet around. As such I think the beastmaster could work well with the idea of sucking their beast on the marked target, with the damage bonus from hunters mark also applying to the beasts attacks as well as increasing their movement speed as long as it gets them closer to the marked target.
Drakewarden: I also think the drake could do well with the beastmaster’s mark feature. But to differentiate them I think we can go for a more dragon-flavored effect of making the marked target afraid of the Drake, as if effected by a dragon’s frightful presence. Alternatively we can go along the elemental damage route and give the Drake an early form of the breath weapon they receive at 11th level which can only be used against the marked target, or adding the bonus damage from hunters mark to the drake’s attacks against the marked target to the damage in the drakes chosen element.
I would love to hear your ideas on this!
First, I think that your idea of each subclass altering a function of “Hunter’s Mark” is a fantastic idea.
Your concept for Gloomstalker reducing the visual range of a target has a TON of mechanical function…not only to facilitate their ability to ambush the target; but also to restrict the enemy’s ability to target allies with line of sight. Specifically, this would be a major debuff for enemy spellcasters.
As for Horizon Walker, I like the idea of opening a portal around the marked target to deliver ranged attacks…perhaps tying into their “Etherealness” feature, maybe their ranged attacks can “ghost” through any sort of non-magical cover, provided that they are targeting their “Hunter’s Marked” quarry.
For melee Horizon Walkers, I’d make it so that the Ranger can teleport within 5ft of their “Hunter’s Mark” as a bonus action.
All this, in addition to preventing the enemy from teleporting / using portals, of course.
If this turns out not to be the case, these would still be some great features for some homebrew magic items.
My homebrew subclasses (full list here)
(Artificer) Swordmage | Glasswright | (Barbarian) Path of the Savage Embrace
(Bard) College of Dance | (Fighter) Warlord | Cannoneer
(Monk) Way of the Elements | (Ranger) Blade Dancer
(Rogue) DaggerMaster | Inquisitor | (Sorcerer) Riftwalker | Spellfist
(Warlock) The Swarm
100% this. I think ranger is under-appreciated/utilized as is, but this idea actually got me excited to play this theoretical-Ranger.
I think what we're likely to see is to have features that current Ranger subclasses have being shifted to these Hunter's Mark traits, although they might get a boost as a result. I think the most obvious thing I can think of is the Swarmkeeper Ranger, which already has a function where you can tack on an effect to hitting a creature with a weapon attack. I can see them changing that to being a function of Hunter's Mark, instead of a feature unto itself. The UA Ranger is already more powerful than the PHB Ranger in combat, so I can easily imagine some of the really good abilities from some classes might be toned down a bit and now they've got the limitation of being tied to Hunter's Mark.
Watch Crits for Breakfast, an adults-only RP-Heavy Roll20 Livestream at twitch.tv/afterdisbooty
And now you too can play with the amazing art and assets we use in Roll20 for our campaign at Hazel's Emporium
I don't actually think we will see any more than 3 subclasses.
Monster slayer will disappear. (Because it's already looted
Horizon walker will probably get the teleport restriction looted from monster slayer but I don't think we'll get it yet.
Gloomstalker is so popular that it's probably the most likely to be added in.
Beast master will definitely get a form of early "share spells"
Since Wizards seems to want us to use action resources to control our pet most of the time I could see marking a target with Hunter's Mark be a sort of "Sic 'em" move where the pet can use their full attack action every round but only against marked targets rather than needing a bonus action to command the pet or use up one of the ranger's attacks every turn. So a ranger who is maintaining Hunter's Mark can attack twice and then have the pet also attack rather than giving up one of the ranger's attacks to let the pet attack.
That’s probably likely to happen, but I don’t think it would be as good as simply having the beastmaster controlling their pet with a bonus action. The reason is, while it would be appropriate to have their mark cause their beast to focus their attacks on them, I could see a lot of people being upset with this feature because it means that while hunters mark is active they can’t attack multiple enemies. Rangers have always been a class focused on reliable single-target damage but the utility of having a second body to attack or defend against two enemies at once is unique to the beastmaster. So this hypothetical hunters mark would have to either give the player the option to sick their beast on the target or something else.
another idea is, this is kind of crazy but… what if the beast had its own hunters mark?
The beast getting the Hunter's Mark benefits on the target the ranger has marked seems like something quite reasonable to me. There would always be the option for it to attack something else. I might also add that the Ranger could use the same bonus action they use to cast the spell or mark a new creature to have the beast attack the marked creature.
I know this is kind of a tangent, but I'm actually a bit excited for the potential of having a spell turned into a class feature. How other features can be built on the assumption that everyone in the class is guaranteed to have this spell, so you can tie concepts to it.
Watch Crits for Breakfast, an adults-only RP-Heavy Roll20 Livestream at twitch.tv/afterdisbooty
And now you too can play with the amazing art and assets we use in Roll20 for our campaign at Hazel's Emporium
Definitely agree, I think it opens up a lot of potential for creativity and reinforcing a theme. Going a step further (which I am not sure is a good idea), it might even be possible to set up a system where Hunter's Mark can get buffed by a menu of invocation-style features a Ranger can choose from as they level up.
The way hunters mark was treated has always been closer to a class feature than a spell, so it only makes sense to treat it like a main feature like what they tried in tashas. I really do hope other classes get innate spells Like this!
Same. Especially due to the flavor of this specific spell. There is something very fun about glancing at someone and designating them next to die and there being very little they can do to stop it. They can run but they very much can't hide. Feels very rangery in the wild hunter sort of way. It is part of why I liked Monster Hunter despite it not being that mechanically powerful compared to other sub-classes.
Ranger: -points- YOU.
Goblin: -Marked- ... Aw dangit.
I want a Manhunter villainous subclass akin to Oathbreaker and Death domain. Jack the Ripper kind of ranger that haunts and stalks his prey until it's crushed with terror and reduced to quivering, broken mess. Then he collects his grim trophy.
Depending on how early the special hm stays, I honestly expect alot of barbarians, fighters, monks or moon druids to really want concentration free hunter's mark. They won't even wait for the subclass.
Just acquiring hunter's mark through other means probably won't be enough for it to survive as a build choice.