Ranger (Apath)
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Many ranger archetypes are very atomized; each covers a very narrow field and thus works with many other archetypes. This is because the ranger has some questionable class abilities – spells, favored enemy, and favored terrain. Each of these options has optional rules and archetypes with suggested replacements below.
Combat Style
These additional combat styles are available.
Firearms Style
If the ranger selects firearms style, he can choose from the following list whenever he gains a combat style feat:
Amateur Gunslinger, Deft Shootist Deed, Extra Grit, Gunsmithing, Rapid Reload.
- At 6th level, he adds No Name, Ricochet Shot Deed, and Secret Stash Deed to the list.
- At 10th level, he adds Leaping Shot Deed and Signature Deed to the list. She can also learn the Dead Shot deed (as the gunslinger class ability) as if it was a feat.
A ranger with this fighting style that lacks the Amateur Gunslinger feat has a maximum and initial grit (as the gunslinger class ability) of one.
Quarterstaff Style
If the ranger selects quarterstaff style, he can choose from the following list whenever he gains a combat style feat:
Dodge, Double Slice, Two-Weapon Fighting, Two-Weapon Defense, and Weapon Focus (Quarterstaff).
- At 6th level, he adds Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, Quarterstaff Master, and Tripping Staff to the list.
- At 10th level, he adds Greater Two-Weapon Fighting and Tripping Twirl to the list.
Spear Style
If the ranger selects spear style, he can choose from the following list whenever he gains a combat style feat:
Bodyguard, Combat Reflexes, Gang Up, Gory Finish, Improved Initiative, and Stand Still.
- At 6th level, he adds Improved Critical, Shatter Defenses, and Weapon Focus to the list, and the benefit from these feats apply to the boar spear, boarding pike, longspear, shortspear, spear, and syringe spear.
- At 10th level, he adds Impaling Critical and Pin Down to the list.
Throwing Style
If the ranger selects throwing style, he can choose from the following list whenever he gains a combat style feat:
Charging Hurler, Close-Quarters Thrower, Distance Thrower, Sliding Axe Throw, Two-Handed Thrower, and Quick Draw,
- At 6th level, he adds False Opening and Parting Shot to the list.
- At 10th level, he adds Pinpoint Targeting and Shot on the Run to the list.
Favored Enemy
The favored enemy class feature is very situational, and several rules and options are available to correct this if it is felt to be needed.
Revised Favored Enemy Categories
Favored Enemies use the following categories:
- Aberration
- Animate (Construct, Elemental)
- Dragon
- Humanoid
- Magical beast
- Mutant (Fey, Monstrous Humanoid)
- Natural (Animal, Vermin)
- Outsider (except elementals)
- Undead
- Vegetate (Ooze, Plant)
Equalized Favored Enemy Option
At 5th level, when you select a second type of favored enemy, you can choose to set the bonus against this and all future favored enemies to +4 rather than having differentiated bonuses against different kinds of favored enemies.
Favored Enemy Replacement Options
- Favored Weapon Ranger - Weapon specialization
- Guide - Focus on quarry, enhanced terrains
- Woodland Skirmisher - Focus on one enemy & one terrain
- Yokai Hunter - Senses and fights monsters
Favored Terrain
Favored terrain is another questionable class feature with a number op alternates and options presented below.
Equalized Favored Enemy Option
At 8th level, when you select a second type of favored terrain, you can choose to set the bonus with this and all future favored terrains to +4 rather than having differentiated bonuses against different kinds of favored terrain.
Favored Terrain Replacement Options
- Deep Walker - Underground terrains
- Infiltrator - Imitate favored enemy abilities
- Shapeshifter - Take on aspects of animals
- Urban Ranger - Favors communities
- Woodland Skirmisher - Focus on one enemy & one terrain
Spellcasting
Spellcasting is another questionable class feature - many prefer a spell-less ranger. Here are alternatives to ranger spells.
Spellcasting Replacement Options
- Bow Lord - Magical archery
- Courier - Enhanced mobility
- Skirmisher - Mundane tricks replace spells
- Trapper - Sets and removes traps
- Wild Ranger - Wild shape