Ronin - Ranger Subclass 2024/5.5e
Hello, this is the first homebrew that I am posting and I plan to make this subclass available to a player in my next campaign. We both love Vagabond and the archetype of the mysterious Ronin so I wanted to make him something he could play. I wanted to post it to get some more ideas and opinions on how I can improve/refine it.
EDIT (Forgot to add a Designers note for Warriors Intuition):
DM Guidance when describing the combat approach:
Aggressive: weight forward, eyes fixed on a target, hands already moving, no attention to exits
Defensive: wide stance, shield arm raised or hand near a blocking position, eyes tracking threats rather than picking targets
Evasive: weight on the balls of the feet, eyes on gaps and exits, loose grip ready to drop a weapon and run, minimal gear.
DM Guidance when describing the primary weapon:
Sword: calluses on the dominant palm and first two fingers, a worn patch on the hip or back where a scabbard sits, the unconscious habit of checking the hilt
Dagger: no sword calluses, smaller profile, the coat or clothing shifting asymmetrically, eyes that suggest comfort with close range
Bow: calluses on the draw fingers, stronger dominant shoulder, eyes that naturally find distance and elevation
Natural weapons / unarmed: no weapon tells at all, a relaxed open-hand posture that is deceptively ready, movement that keeps the whole body engaged rather than leading with one limb
Magic: no weapon tells, but unusual stillness — hands that don't fidget, breath that is controlled, eyes that are calm in a way that fighters' eyes aren't