Christer Enfors

Fantasy #TTRPG people, I need your help. I'm designing a TTRPG called #UnifiedRPG which is similar to #GURPS but simpler, and skill-based rather than class-based.

So, I've now I'm starting to design the skill tree, specifically the part for ranger-type characters. So my question to you is - what makes a ranger fun to play? Archery? Two-weapon fighting? Running and jumping from treetop to treetop? Nature-based spells? Connection to animals? Animal companions? Something else?

Jul 29, 2023 at 8:58pmWeb
Show threadBlake RyanJul 29, 2023
@enfors all of that except 2 weapon fighting, happy to trade that for fighting while moving - which makes the ranger more arboreal
Show threadDEI Dungeon ExplorersJul 29, 2023
@enfors I think you pretty much covered it. 🌳
Show threadChrister EnforsJul 29, 2023
@deidungeon Haha, alright fair enough! 😅
Show threadCher TailorJul 30, 2023
@enfors An excellent question. "I always start with the idea, what makes this class fun to play in combat?"--what are their options, how do they move around. With rangers, you want a class ability (or, in this case, some Secret Skill or Zen Archery) that bypasses most range or size penalties. Rangers should be hitting things often, and mainly be limited by how hard they're hitting (perhaps, shorter "trickshot" draws allow faster loads)...
Show threadCher TailorJul 30, 2023

@enfors To keep the ranger viable in melee, they should be able to rapidly switch to a supporting weapon, and to keep their overall options open, they should probably get to use trick arrows (and/or throwing knives).

Why does only the ranger use magic weapons? Because it becomes impractical to give a magic arrow to someone who might miss. :P

Show threadChrister EnforsJul 30, 2023
@Cher Those are all good points, especially the one about being able to switch weapons quickly. I think I'll try to incorporate that, thanks!
Show threadlegendbonesJul 30, 2023
@enfors Personally I don't like rangers to have spells - never liked that about D&D.. They should be great at wilderness survival, herb lore, tracking, hunting, and therefore good with a bow, setting traps and Animal lore. They would probably be able to judge what the weather might bring in the next 24 hours, know where to find fresh water, be good at climbing, and be a reasonable melee fighter for those times when a bear pops up unexpectedly.
Show threadChrister EnforsJul 30, 2023
@legendbones Ah, yes - weather forecasting! That's a good point, and goes well with the weather system I already have in place.