Pathfinder class: Dark ranger (Shadow knight archetype)

Dark Ranger (Shadow knight)

Some warriors naturally attune to the shadow plane, gaining strength from the darkness in the world and using it to their advantage. While it may seem so, they are not inherently evil. They maintain a peace of mind that keeps them sane, allowing them to use the shadows but not be corrupted by them.

Their powers of shadow come with a price; they must use their own life force to use their powers. Their powers may come as intimidating to some, but others, a formidable ally.

Hit die: d10.

Class Skills: Acrobatics (dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Diplomacy (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Heal (Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (nature), Knowledge (planes), Perception (Wis), Sense Motive, Stealth (Dex), Survival (Wis).

Skill ranks per level: 4+int modifier.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Dark rangers are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, with two types of armor (light, medium), but not shields.

Level	Base Attack Bonus	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Special
1	1	0	2	0	Transfer of Darkness, Shadow dagger 1/day
2	2	0	3	0	Shadow pool, Shadow power
3	3	1	3	1	Darkvision 60 ft., Resist negative energy +1
4	4	1	4	1	Shadow power, Shadow dagger 2/day
5	5	1	4	1	Haunting wave, wailing arrow
6	6/1	2	5	2	Vengeful arrow, shadow power
7	7/2	2	5	2	Shadow dagger 3/day, Resist negative energy +2, darkvision 120 ft.
8	8/3	2	6	2	Shadow Power, Mistwalker
9	9/4	3	6	3	Shadow attunement, hide in plain sight
10	10/5	3	7	3	Shadow power, Shadow dagger 4/day
11	11/6/1	3	7	3	See in darkness, Resist negative energy +3
12	12/7/2	4	8	4	Shadow Power
13	13/8/3	4	8	4	Shadow dagger 5/day, drain mastery
14	14/9/4	4	9	4	Shadow power, Shadow realm
15	15/10/5	5	9	5	Health Transfer (1:1), Resist negative energy +4
16	16/11/6/1	5	10	5	Shadow Power, Shadow dagger 6/day
17	17/12/7/2	5	10	5	Shadowmind
18	18/13/8/3	6	11	6	Shadow power
19	19/14/9/4	6	11	6	Shadow dagger 7/day, Resist negative energy +5
20	20/15/10/5	6	12	6	Master of darkness

Transfer of darkness (su): The dark ranger uses their own life force to damage enemies. Hit points are only taken if the knight hits the enemy. They can activate this ability as a swift action, and can hold the energy within them for 1 minute, or until a target is struck. This deals 2 damage at first level, sacrificing 1 hit point. This damage bonus increases by 2 and hit point drain every 2 levels thereafter. This ability can be used a number of times per day equal to 3 + their charisma modifier.

Shadow dagger (Su): The dark ranger forms a dagger with shadowy energy in their hand, and can throw it at a distance of 30 ft. as a ranged touch attack. When it hits an enemy, they take 1d6 damage + the dark ranger’s level, and are staggered for one round. The following turn, the shadow dagger effect spreads to a random enemy of the ranger, but only damages them for the minimum amount. This can only spread once. A successful will save negates the stagger effect, and the spread of the attack. Damage dealt by shadow dagger heals the dark ranger, and the initial strike generates one shadow point (but not above their maximum) If the ranger and enemy are in darkness, the range increases to 120 ft. The number of individuals the dagger effect spreads to increases by 1 for every 3 levels the ranger possesses. This ability can be used while wielding a bow. This is a standard action.

Shadow pool (Su): At 2nd level, the dark ranger gains access to a pool of shadowy energy with a number of points equal to 1/2 their dark ranger level + their charisma modifier. They can spend one point to forgo the hit point cost of transfer of darkness, haunting wave, or wailing arrow. In addition, they may use these points to use shadow powers (see below).

Shadow Power (Su): A dark ranger learns to weave and use the shadows to their will, gaining new abilities and modifying the strength of others. If a shadow power is passive (such as the tiring spirit power), this cannot be used in conjunction with another power modifying the same ability. At each new power, they can replace a current one with another as long as it is in the same level grouping. The shadow pool cannot go above the normal maximum.

1st level or later:

Shadow strike (su): The dark ranger’s next attack is made against the target’s touch AC. This only works during an attack action (such as charge or vital strike, or standard attack) or the first attack during a full attack action. At 11th level, this increases to the first two attacks of a full attack action. Costs one shadow point.

Shadow jump (su): The knight can teleport to a space within 30 ft as a standard action. At 7th level, this distance doubles to 60 ft. 12th, 90, 16th, 120, 20, 200. Only works if beginning and end point are both in shadow. Costs one shadow point.

Withering fire (Su): Empower ranged attacks for one round, causing the enemies struck to become fatigued (fortitude negates). At 10^th level, if the enemy is fatigued, even by a previous attack, they become exhausted.

Stalwart spirit: If shadow dagger inflicts full damage, the dark ranger gains a +1 bonus to all saves for 1 round. This bonus increases by 1 for every 5 levels the dark ranger possesses. This has no point cost.

Transfer: The next transfer of darkness attack does not damage the dark ranger. At 5th level, and every 5 levels thereafter, the number of attacks increases by 1. This ability lasts one round per level of the dark ranger, or until discharged. Costs one shadow point.

Empowered drain: Increase the DC of shadow dagger by 2. This is a passive effect.

Spirit drain: Through shadow dagger, the dark ranger draws upon the energies of their enemy, causing them to become fatigued. At 10^th level, the enemy is exhausted. This also affects the targets it spreads to, though they receive a will save to negate the effect.

4th level or later:

Shadow images (su): The dark ranger creates 1d4 images plus one for every two levels they possess (maximum 4). This is a standard action. Costs one shadow point.

Fright arrow (Ex): When using wailing arrow, enemies within the effect make a will save. If they fail, they are shaken for a number of rounds equal to the ranger’s level. At 8^th level, they are frightened, running from the arrow’s source. At 16^th level, they are panicked. This forces the dark ranger to spend one shadow point.

Invisibility (su): The dark ranger vanishes for a number of minutes equal to their level. This is a standard action. Any action taken against an enemy ends the effect. Costs one shadow point.

Focused screech: The dark ranger focuses wailing arrow into one space, dealing 50% additional damage. At 10^th level, this becomes 100%. 15^th, 150%. 20^th, 200%.

Maneuveral sacrifice: The dark ranger can use transfer of darkness to add a bonus to a combat maneuver check. The bonus is equal to the hit point cost. This is a passive effect.

Skill master: Use a shadow point to gain a 1d6 bonus to a skill check. If a 6 is rolled, they can roll again for an additional bonus.

Teleport with other: When combining this ability and shadow jump, the dark ranger can bring one target adjacent to them with them (will negates the teleport for the target). This does not increase the shadow points spent for shadow jump. This is a passive effect, and requires shadow jump.

Shadow burst: The dark ranger can cause their shadow dagger or wailing arrow ability to burst with shadows, causing a cloud of darkness to form in a 20 ft. radius around the target. At 12th level, this functions as deeper darkness. This has no additional cost.

8th level or later:

Empowered darkness: If an enemy hit by the next haunting wave or shadow dagger takes full damage, gain +2 to weapon damage and +1 attack for a number of rounds equal to the dark ranger’s charisma modifier. This bonus increases by 1 damage per 4 levels the dark ranger possesses, and 1 attack per 6. This effect stacks duration, but the bonuses do not stack. This is a passive effect.

Gloom dagger: If the enemy fails the will save against shadow dagger, the affected enemy is slowed, reducing their motion and their ability to act in battle. They are staggered for a number of rounds equal to the dark ranger’s level, and suffer a -1 penalty to their dodge AC, reflex saves, and attack rolls. In addition, their movement speed is halved. On a successful save, the duration is reduced to one round.

Now you see me, now you don`t: Using wailing arrow, the ranger becomes one with the arrow, appearing adjacent to the effect radius, on the opposite side. She gains total concealment for the round following. This requires wailing arrow to consume one shadow point.

Grasping dagger: The enemy is grasped by cloying shadows that reach out from the shadowy blade, causing them to be grappled for one round, and entangled for a number of rounds equal to the dark ranger’s level. The dark ranger makes a CMB check using a bonus of their level + their charisma modifier. If they fail, the enemy is entangled for one round. Costs one shadow point.

Destructive Vengeance: Vengeful shot’s damage increases by one step. Costs one shadow point.

Defensive drain: If the enemy fails the save, shadow dagger drains 1 AC per four CL for a number of rounds equal to the dark ranger’s level. Costs one shadow point.

Strength drain: Once per round, the dark ranger’s attack causes 1d4 strength ability damage. At level 12, this increases to 1d6, 1 strength drain, or 1 negative level. At level 16, this increases to 1d8, 1d4 drain, or 1d4 negative levels. At level 20, this increases to 2d6, 1d6 drain, or 1d6 negative levels. Costs one shadow point. The negative levels have a will save to halve. (minimum 1)

Wave of the Banshees: On save fail, enemies hit by haunting wave are fightened for 1d4 rounds. At 12^th level, they are panicked.

12th level or later:

Vengeance for death: If an ally dies or is knocked unconscious, the ranger can gain temporary hit points equal to twice their level, their attack increases by 1, plus 1 per 5 levels they possess, and the next vengeance strike damage is increased by one step. (Immediate act) Costs one shadow point.

Sacrificial redemption (su): If the ranger passes a will save (10+1/2CL+Wis) they heal 20% of their maximum hit points after moving to 0. This consumes all shadow points.

Ability drain: When using shadow dagger, the ranger drains 1d4 strength (will halves damage and drain). Lasts 1 min per level. This costs 1 shadow point.

Dark tsunami: Dark wave deals 50% additional damage. This consumes a shadow point, and the dark ranger cannot halve the damage they take.

Adamant soul (su): Immune to ability drain, energy drain, energy drain, and negative energy effects for 1 round/CL. This is a standard action. Costs one shadow point.

Energy drain: The dark ranger empowers an attack or shadow dagger, giving the affected creature one negative level (no save). At 16^th level, this becomes 1d4 negative levels.

Concussive shot: If hit, victims of wailing arrow make a reflex save. (10+½CL+wis) If they fail, they are knocked prone. This requires wailing arrow to consume one shadow point.

Greater invisibility (su): As the invisibility shadow power, but the effect is not broken when actions are taken against enemies, and it lasts 1 round per level. This ability costs two shadow points.

Overwhelming affliction: When using shadow dagger, the effect can spread one additional time.

16th level or later:

Ethereal ranger (su): The ranger becomes ethereal for a number of rounds equal to their level. This is a standard action, and can be dismissed as a swift action.

Allied realms: Shadow realm allows allies to see perfectly. This is a passive effect.

Free transfer: Reduce life cost of life transfer by half. Costs one shadow point.

Confusion Wave: Those affected by haunting wave are confused for one round per level of the ranger on save fail. Costs one shadow point.

Drain wave: Dark wave now deals 1d4 strength drain on save fail. Costs one shadow point.

Shot of the Banshee: Wailing arrow can, once per day, deal 5 damage per level to all affected targets, and panics them for one round. A will save halves this damage, and the panicked effect.

Domination dagger: The initial target of shadow dagger is subject to a dominate effect. If they fail the will save, they are under the shadow ranger’s control for a number of rounds equal to the shadow ranger’s level. This is a mind-affecting effect.

Deafening blast: Wailing arrow’s detonation range increases to 10 ft., and the damage increases by 50%.

20th level: (3 SP)

Invincible (su): The ranger or one individual adjacent is invulnerable to all damage for 1 round.

Panacea (su): The ranger or any individual touched by the ranger is cured of all ailments.

Untouchable (su): Immune to touch attacks for 1 minute.

Drain them all (su): Shadow dagger now affects all enemies in a 10 ft. radius, they are staggered for at least one round, and it also drains 1d4 of all ability scores.

Darkvision: At 3rd level, the ranger gains 60 ft. of darkvision. At 7^th level, their darkvision extends to 120 ft.

Resist negative energy (Ex): At 3^rd level, the dark ranger’s attunement to shadows strengthens, increasing their saves against negative energy and negative energy effects by 1. This bonus increases by 1 every 4 levels thereafter.

Wailing arrow (Su): At 5th level as a full-round action, the dark ranger fires a mighty shot of dark energy, screaming as it travels through the air toward their marked area. When it reaches that spot it explodes, dealing weapon damage to the source and all adjacent targets, and they are shaken for one round. A successful reflex save halves the damage. In addition, the affected targets must make a fortitude save or be deafened for a number of rounds equal to the ranger’s level. (will save). The dark ranger either sacrifices 1 hit point plus one additional hit point per two levels they possess, or one shadow point.

Haunting wave (Su): At 5th level, the ranger can set out a wave of spirits, dealing negative energy to all within a 30 ft. cone. This deals channel negative energy damage (cleric). The ranger takes 1 point of damage for every d6 rolled. Will save (10+1/2CL+WIS) for half damage. If the Dark ranger passes this save, she takes half damage as well. The dark ranger can forgo the hit point damage by using a shadow point.

Vengeful arrow (Ex): At 6th level, the ranger can make a single attack as a standard action, dealing more damage the less hit points they have. The ranger must announce they are using it before the attack roll is made. When used, they take a -2 penalty to their AC for the round following.

Health	Damage
100-81%	1/4x
80-61%	1/2x
60-41%	1x
40-15%	1.5x
15%-2 hit points	2x
0 or 1 health	3x
below 0	4x

Mistwalker (Su): At 8^th level, the dark ranger is especially dextrous in medium armor, treating it as light armor, and has partial concealment from attacks of opportunity during movement. At 10^th level +1 MDB and -1 ACP and every three levels after.

See in Darkness (Ex): At 11th level, the knight sees past all non-magical, magical and supernatural darkness.

Drain mastery (Ex): At 12th level, the shadow knight grows in their mastery of their own energies. Each time they are affected by an attack or effect that grants them a negative level, there is a 25% chance to negate each individual negative level. At 16th level, this becomes 50%. 

Shadow Realm (Su): At 14^th level, the shadow knight can envelop a 20 ft radius around the knight in deeper darkness. The knight is able to see without penalty. Uses one shadow point. Standard action. Lasts for Wis modifier rounds.

Health Transfer (Su): At 15^th level, the Shadow Knight is able to transfer their own health to another (1:1 ratio, 50% at 20^th level). Standard action.

Shadowmind (Su): At 17th level, when an individual targets the shadow knight with a mind-affecting spell, there is a 25% chance it is ineffective. In addition, the shadow knight sees through illusions such as mirror images and invisibility, and mist/fog concealment. 

Master of Darkness: At 20th level, the dark ranger is completely attuned to shadow. They are always given partial concealment, are immune to ability drain and energy drain, and charisma further increases their ability strength (WIS to all weapon attacks, all dark ranger damaging abilities and attacks except transfer). The ranger also sees past all non-magical, magical and supernatural darkness, invisibility, and mist concealment. The ranger also gains their final shadow power.

Feats

Shadow boon: Increase the number of shadow points by 2. This feat can be taken multiple times (stacks).

Critical Darkness: When landing a critical strike, the dark ranger automatically makes it a shadow dagger attempt. Requirements: BAB+11, Shadow dagger ability, critical focus.

Empowered vengeance: When using vengeance strike, damage is increased by one step. Requirements: Vengeance strike ability.

Master of the realm: The Shadow realm is centred on you (by choice) until it dissipates.

Requirements: Shadow realm ability.

Favoured class bonuses:

Human: +1/4 shadow points in the shadow pool.

Gnome: -1/5 to the health taken from transfer of darkness.

Dwarf: -1/6 health taken from dark wave and dash and slash.

Half-elf: +1/4 shadow points in the shadow pool.

Elf: +1 movement to dash and slash and the round following.

Night elf: +2 ft. movement to dash and slash.

Draenei: +1/5 to transfer of darkness attack rolls.

Sylvari: +1/2 skill points to stealth checks in forests.

Man’ari: +1/2 damage to shadow dagger.

Pandaren: +1% to concealment when they have concealment active.

Worgen: +1/4 damage to transfer of darkness attacks.

Orc: +1/4 to critical confirmation rolls on transfer of darkness attacks.

Half-orc: +1/4 shadow points into the shadow pool.

Zandalari: +2 ft. movement for the round following dash and slash.

Tauren: +1/4 damage to transfer of darkness damage rolls.

Forsaken: +1/5 to the DC of shadow dagger and haunting wave.

Goblin: +1/4 dodge AC during dash and slash.

Blood elf: +1/8 shadow powers.

Drakken: (+2 str) +1/5 damage to transfer of darkness attacks. (+2 dex) +2 ft. movement during dash and slash. (+2 int) +1/5 to the DC of haunting wave. (+2 wis) +1/2 damage to shadow dagger.

Frozelia: +1/2 cold damage to shadow dagger.