So with the ability to summon a new dragon companion with just a spell slot, the new dragon ranger could make a really good hit point sink. Whenever the companion dies you just summon it again on your next turn, basically bogging down the enemy's. Problem I see with this idea, is how to beat make the Drake a threat and actually get hit. It's too small to be a good wall, it only every has 16 strength and no skill proficiency so it can not grapple that well. Is there any real good ideas?
I think your best bet as a lone unit (Ranger + drake) is to maybe try and use Ensnaring Strike and maybe Snare to pin some enemies in place so they literally cannot get away from the dragon, of course these don't actually force them to fight it (and may not even be able to).
Otherwise I guess your main tactic is range; with a longbow you've got the range to be 2+ turns away from your enemies, and if your drake is already summoned you can send it in advance to engage enemies while you just pour arrows into them. Even if they're running towards you, they're still effectively neutralised if their own ranged attacks aren't any good (which they won't be with a drake next to them imposing disadvantage).
The real question is what the rest of the party will be doing; if you have other casters they may have access to other spells that can lock down enemies more easily (and save your own limited pool), and if the party is generally good at range you can even employ the "let the drake take the brunt of it while we shoot" tactic as a group. However if you've got allies who really want to be on the forefront with it then you may not be able to force enemies to attack the drake instead, though it will depend on what your allies can do. A melee Rogue for example can leap in, sneak attack a target next to the drake and Disengage to leap away, leaving the enemy forced to take an opportunity attack if they try to leave the drake's reach, though opportunity attacks do conflict with drake's Infused Strikes reaction (since the Infused Strikes reaction is 100% reliable it's often better to use it though you could always save it for an ally who goes right before you, just in case an enemy moves).
I can't really think of any way to directly force enemies to attack the drake, but who they attack is up to your DM so while it's not a rules-based solution as such "ask your DM" is kind of rule #1 for players, so you might be able to work something out about whether enemies would be more likely to attack a drake that's right next to them rather than go after other targets.
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Homebrew solution I just thought of that may be of use: a reverse hunter's mark of sorts, reminiscent of old WoW's Misdirection and Vigilance abilities. Redirect threat onto a companion using the "disadvantage against other targets" mechanic. probably be ok as a 1st level spell and/or a feat or something.
My drakewarden has summon meatwall (beast). So it is fun to put stuff between you and the enemy. When we needed to escape we had the drake and beast of the land fill the doorway.
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So with the ability to summon a new dragon companion with just a spell slot, the new dragon ranger could make a really good hit point sink. Whenever the companion dies you just summon it again on your next turn, basically bogging down the enemy's. Problem I see with this idea, is how to beat make the Drake a threat and actually get hit. It's too small to be a good wall, it only every has 16 strength and no skill proficiency so it can not grapple that well. Is there any real good ideas?
Hmm, interesting challenge!
I think your best bet as a lone unit (Ranger + drake) is to maybe try and use Ensnaring Strike and maybe Snare to pin some enemies in place so they literally cannot get away from the dragon, of course these don't actually force them to fight it (and may not even be able to).
Otherwise I guess your main tactic is range; with a longbow you've got the range to be 2+ turns away from your enemies, and if your drake is already summoned you can send it in advance to engage enemies while you just pour arrows into them. Even if they're running towards you, they're still effectively neutralised if their own ranged attacks aren't any good (which they won't be with a drake next to them imposing disadvantage).
The real question is what the rest of the party will be doing; if you have other casters they may have access to other spells that can lock down enemies more easily (and save your own limited pool), and if the party is generally good at range you can even employ the "let the drake take the brunt of it while we shoot" tactic as a group. However if you've got allies who really want to be on the forefront with it then you may not be able to force enemies to attack the drake instead, though it will depend on what your allies can do. A melee Rogue for example can leap in, sneak attack a target next to the drake and Disengage to leap away, leaving the enemy forced to take an opportunity attack if they try to leave the drake's reach, though opportunity attacks do conflict with drake's Infused Strikes reaction (since the Infused Strikes reaction is 100% reliable it's often better to use it though you could always save it for an ally who goes right before you, just in case an enemy moves).
I can't really think of any way to directly force enemies to attack the drake, but who they attack is up to your DM so while it's not a rules-based solution as such "ask your DM" is kind of rule #1 for players, so you might be able to work something out about whether enemies would be more likely to attack a drake that's right next to them rather than go after other targets.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
Homebrew solution I just thought of that may be of use: a reverse hunter's mark of sorts, reminiscent of old WoW's Misdirection and Vigilance abilities. Redirect threat onto a companion using the "disadvantage against other targets" mechanic. probably be ok as a 1st level spell and/or a feat or something.
obviously also dependent on DM, but it fits.
My drakewarden has summon meatwall (beast). So it is fun to put stuff between you and the enemy. When we needed to escape we had the drake and beast of the land fill the doorway.