Beast Smuggler

The Beast Smuggler is a ranger who has honed their skills in the dark alleys and secret hangars of interstellar ports. They specialize in the illicit trade of rare and exotic creatures, navigating the underbelly of the galaxy to capture, transport, and sometimes tame these beasts. Using a mix of stealth, combat prowess, and an intimate knowledge of alien wildlife, the Beast Smuggler thrives on the fringes of law and order, where the most dangerous beasts—and the highest profits—can be found.
Features:

Roleplaying Tips:

    Embrace the dual nature of your character, balancing between legitimate ranger duties and illicit activities.
    Develop a code of conduct, perhaps only smuggling beasts that are endangered or mistreated, or maybe you are in it solely for the profit.
    Interact with your companions and NPCs using your knowledge of the underworld, creating intriguing storylines and moral dilemmas.
    Utilize your beast companion creatively in both combat and non-combat situations, showcasing your unique bond.

The Beast Smuggler Ranger subclass adds an exciting, morally complex dimension to a ranger character, making them a versatile and resourceful addition to any sci-fi setting.

Exotic Companion

You can select an exotic beast to be your companion. The beast must be of a CR equal to or less than 1/4 your ranger level (rounded down). This companion gains additional hit points equal to your ranger level and acts on your initiative. You can command it using your bonus action, and it can attack, assist, or take other actions as you direct. If your companion dies, you can obtain a new one over the course of a long rest by finding and bonding with a new beast.

in combat, the beast acts during your turn. It can move and use its reaction on its own, but the only action it takes is the Dodge action, unless you take a bonus action on your turn to command it to take another action. That action can be one in its stat block or some other action. You can also sacrifice one of your attacks when you take the Attack action to command the beast to take the Attack action. If you are incapacitated, the beast can take any action of its choice, not just Dodge.

If the beast has died within the last hour, you can use your action to touch it and expend a spell slot of 1st level or higher. The beast returns to life after 1 minute with all its hit points restored.

When you finish a long rest, you can summon a different exotic beast. The new beast appears in an unoccupied space within 5 feet of you, and you choose its stat block and appearance. If you already have a beast from this feature, it vanishes when the new beast appears. The beast also vanishes if you die.

If the beast dies, you can obtain a new companion by spending 8 hours magically bonding with a beast that isn’t hostile to you and that meets the requirements.

Smuggler’s Network

You have established connections with an underground network of smugglers, traders, and informants. This network helps you acquire information, forge documents, and obtain illicit goods. You gain proficiency in the Deception and Sleight of Hand skills. If you already have proficiency in these skills, your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make with them.

Black Market Negotiator

Your dealings in the underworld have made you a master negotiator. When you make a Charisma (Persuasion) or Charisma (Deception) check related to smuggling or trading, you can treat a roll of 9 or lower on the d20 as a 10.

Infiltrator’s Tools

You have acquired a range of tools and gadgets to aid in your smuggling operations. You gain proficiency with thieves' tools and one additional set of artisan's tools of your choice. Additionally, you can use an action to cast Invisibility on yourself without expending a spell slot. Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.

Master of Beasts

Your bond with exotic creatures has reached its peak. Your beast companion gains additional hit points equal to your ranger level and its attacks count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage. Additionally, you can cast Dominate Beast once without expending a spell slot. Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.