Beast Hunter (Ranger/Druid)

The beast hunter spends his life in the wild, learning all about the predator-prey dynamic. His study of nature has allowed him to become the perfect predator for whatever his prey might be at the time. His bestial nature and familiarity with the wilderness set him apart from other rangers, as he has spent less time studying the art of battle and more time savoring the prizes of his hunts. (Original Concept by Cartmanbeck)

Primary Class: Ranger.

Secondary Class: Druid.

Alignment: Any neutral.

Hit Dice: d10.

Bonus Skills and Ranks: The beast hunter may select three druid skills to add to his class skills in addition to the normal ranger class skills. The beast hunter gains a number of ranks at each level equal to 6 + Int.

Weapon and Armor proficiency: The beast hunter is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, all natural attacks, light armor, medium armor, and with shields (except tower shields). The beast hunter does not receive the druid’s restriction against metal armor.

Spellcasting: A beast hunter casts divine spells drawn from both the ranger and druid spell lists. He must choose and prepare these spells in advance as a ranger. This otherwise functions as and replaces the ranger’s spellcasting ability.

Favored Enemy: This is exactly like the ranger’s ability of the same name, except that the beast hunter cannot select any humanoids (though monstrous humanoids are still allowed) as a favored enemy.

Combat Style Feats: This is exactly like the ranger’s ability of the same name, except the beast hunter may only select from the Archery or Natural Weapon* combat styles. (*Advanced Player’s Guide)

Aspect of the Beast (Ex or Sp): At 3rd level, the beast hunter gains Aspect of the Beast as a bonus feat, even if he doesn't meet its prerequisites. He is forever after treated as meeting its prerequisites for the purpose of taking it multiple times.

Starting at 6th level, the beast hunter learns to tap further into his inner animal. As a swift action, he can cast aspect of the bear as a spell-like ability. He can maintain this effect for a number of rounds equal to his beast hunter level. These rounds do not need to be consecutive. At 9th level, the beast hunter can choose to benefit from aspect of the stag instead of aspect of the bear when he uses this ability. At 12th level, the beast hunter can choose to instead benefit from aspect of the wolf when he uses this ability. At 16th level, the beast hunter can choose to instead benefit from aspect of the dragon when he uses this ability. This ability replaces the 1st favored terrain, combat style at 6th level, evasion, camouflage, and improved evasion.

Trackless Step (Su): At 3rd level, a beast hunter gains the trackless step as the druid ability of the same name. This ability replaces Endurance.

Hunter’s Bond (Ex): This is exactly like the ranger’s ability of the same name, except that the beast hunter must select the animal companion bond.

Wild Shape (Su): At 7th level, a beast hunter can use the druid wild shape ability once per day, and an additional time per day at 11th, 13th, 17th, and 19th level. A beast hunter’s effective druid level for wild shape is equal to his beast hunter level –3. This replaces 2nd, 3rd, and 4th favored terrain, hide in plain sight, and improved quarry.

Table: Beast Hunter