1 New Ranger Subclass - Spell Herd
1 NPC Statblock for a Spell Herd Ranger
4 Creature Stat Blocks for living spell companions
3 optional additional ranger spells
The popular conception of a D&D ranger portrays a class that has a loyal bonded companion, usually a beast. Over time new subclasses have added several other options for ranger companions within the official rules and we have previously looked at how other creature types may be included in those available to rangers. In this ruleset we examine the potential for a ranger to team up with a living spell - as first introduced within Ebberon. Having since seen these independent creature-like spell effects crop up within adventures published for non-Ebberon settings we got to wondering how a ranger that often encountered them in the wild might develop when their experience encompasses knowledge of how to deal with such creatures.
A spell herd ranger is a high magic area wilderness survivor, who has forged an alliance with a living spell similar to the creature partnerships made by beastmasters or drakewardens. By living in a high magic wilderness and studying the behavior of living spells in the wild, a spell herd has learned how to avoid and manage these novel spell energy creatures.
Spell herds can befriend a range of living spells, forming a symbiotic relationship in which they feed the spell in return for the spell’s support and aid. Some spell herds seek out living spells that boost their ability to hunt creatures, whilst others prefer to prioritize magically boosting their stealth, movement or animal handling skills.
- from the publisher's blurb