Base Class: Ranger
The Araluen Rangers are known for their uncanny skill with the longbow and seemingly appearing out of nowhere. Acting as the intelligence and law enforcement organization for the kingdom Araluen, they report directly to the king and work side by side with the barons in each fief. Ranger's in Araluen are known for being efficient, deadly, and fiercely loyal to the well-being of Araluen. No criminal wants be on a Rangers radar.
Non-magical Skill
At level 3 you start your Araluen Ranger training...
It is a common misconception among Araluen commoners that Ranger's dabble in the dark arts to achieve their ability to hide in plain sight. Really, Ranger's have just mastered the art of silent and almost invisible movement. Ranger's never had an aptitude for magic, they simply hone their skills to mastery. You gain twice proficiency with the longbow, proficiency with Stealth, and a +2 bonus to hit when throwing a dagger.
You can use the Hide action as a bonus action.
"An unstrung bow is just something extra to carry. A strung bow is a weapon."
Honed Skills
At level 7 you have gained substantial skill in your combat abilities...
Nearly done with their first year of training, most Ranger apprentice's are expert shots with the bow, can sneak up on the most alert of guards, and have learned the importance of the saxe knife (short sword) and dagger in an Araluen Ranger's arsenal. These two blades form the iconic double knife scabbard unique to Araluen's Rangers. After honing these skills for a while, you have gained Expertise in many of them. Along with honing these skills, you have become quite proficient in tracking, giving you Proficiency in Investigation.
"An ordinary archer practices until he gets it right. A ranger practices until he never gets it wrong."
Full-fledged Ranger
At level 11 you have learned everything you need to know to complete your basic training...
You completed what is equal to your Ranger apprenticeship examinations. You have become an expert in tracking, shooting, silent movement, and other knife related skills. In addition to honing these skills, you have learned how to quickly arm yourself. Pulling out and putting away weapons, items, etc. does not cost an action or bonus action. However, "An ordinary archer practices until he gets it right. A ranger practices until he never gets it wrong." True to the quote, you still have things to improve on and learn.
Double Knife Defense
You have learned the Double Knife defense, a highly effective way of fighting off an enemy swordsman. This defense can be used to stop an incoming melee attack by pulling out both your shortsword and dagger and them both to block the incoming attack. However, using this against a weapon with the Heavy property imposes disadvantage on your block, without your proficiency/Strength bonus. This reaction cannot be used against a greataxe.
If there is question to if this reaction can be made, it is up to the DM. (So hopefully you have a nice one)
Veteran Ranger
At level 15 you have learned everything you need to know to complete any task in front of you...
You have been a Ranger of these skills for a while, working them to perfection. Not many can outperform you at range, and only other Araluen Rangers, like yourself, can be as silently moving as you. Except for maybe skilled rogues.... maybe. You gain expertise in Strength saving throws pertaining to Double Knife Defense. You gain a +3 bonus to hit when throwing your dagger and at level 17 this bonus increases to +5.
I love this subclass as someone who read and enjoyed the Rangers Apprentice and Brotherband Chronicles.
Hey, Hope you don't mind, but Ive created my own subclass based off this one, I love all the books and seeing this inspired me to do it, so thanks, just has my twist on it is all :)
twice the proficiency bonus seems too much. With the standard array and a +1/2 to dex for racial bonus that's a 16 on DEX for a +3. Then a +2 from Archery fighting style and the +4 from the subclass.
That's a whopping +9 where others get +7. And yours improves twice as fast as others. And with the attribute cap there's no way to catch up.
What is "expertise in many of them"?
And there's no roll to block attacks, it's a check vs your AC. How does Double Knife Defense mechanically work?
John Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice is the actual reason as to why I made Ranger characters. My Elf Erdan is actually as close to a ranger from the series as i could make it but now i can make it even better!!
Thank you for your service *salutes*.
This is awesome, I based my ranger(who is my first character) after a Ranger from Ranger's apprentice. He has a silver Oakleaf Pendant, a saxe, and a double sheath. He's pretty freaking BA.
The quotes are some nice flair.
Anyway, thanks!
check your sources
If anything you should add something at seventeen besides the plus five.
Put the Gilan quote about the cliff jumping in regards to the axe.
An unstrung bow is just something extra to carry. A strung bow is a weapon."
Thats not the right quote by Halt. Its”A unstrung bow is a stick”.
I love this! I think that this works for me and what I am wanting to have in a ranger. I don't mind working with you to test it out in a game
Please leave comments with suggestions for improvements I can make.