Drakewarden Ranger in Fizban's Treasury of Dragons | Nerd Immersion

[@NerdImmersion]

Pick up a copy for yourself here: amzn.to/3jc7dN5 For reference, here's the UA version: media.wizards.com/2020/dnd/downloads/UA2020_102620_Subclasses05.pdf

[@SquIDGAmiG62]

Overall I really enjoy the class. However it is rather sad that the Sea Serpent Style Drake was removed. There goes the character concept of a Triton that rides a Sea Drake

[@jacobyullman5005]

One minor thing I wanna point out, the Drake's Bite attack wasn't nerfed. It still says 1d6+PB damage, it's just all piercing now rather than the PB damage being elemental.

[@Daedalus_Dragon]

The 15th level is definitely a nerf, Rogues get uncanny dodge at 5th and can use it once every round

[@CrimsonZak]

This is completely unrelated to the Drakewarden I'm just not sure where to talk about it....but I am loving the amount of art/references to Krynn/Dragonlance I'm seeing and really gives me hopes for a Dragonlance setting book in our future

[@leodouskyron5671]

With the new Dragonlance books coming out (maybe a swan song to the series if not the original authors) then I think is likely that the two we get next year are Dragonlance and Spelljammer.

[@darkmistress1980]

they HAVE to be working on more dragonlance stuff to go with the new novels (and maybe a reprint of the older ones). my guess about the 2 older worlds that are requested for 5E are dragonlance and spell jammer.

[@BeauV495]

I still cannot see how the ranger needs to be buffed to be playable. With the exception of og BM all the subs roll the same amount of damage dice as the rogue class, if not more.

[@seanmoore9808]

Something that my DM let me do in a campaign with the UA Drakewarden was that it was a permanent companion, and the "summoning" it was just empowering it to fight and take actions in its stat block, instead of making it appear out of nowhere. I'm glad to see they made it permanent in the official version.

[@thefracturedbutwhole5475]

Giving it a permanent physical form means it can be permanently killed, it works like find steed, it "exists" Indefinitely as a spirit or some such, you "summon" it and give it a physical form but even if it dies you are bonded to it's spirit and can "re-summon" it's physical form.

[@AustinKazda]

I really like the split-screen way you reviewed the differences this time, it was super helpful, and a bit less jarring than the switching between tabs. Either way, always appreciate your vids! Keep up the great work!

[@chrisandrews397]

As a ranger main, this is so exciting. I'm playing this subclass In a campaign my friend is running, and I'm going for a full stealth build. Lizardfolk with the acidic essence, and a plus 10 to stealth

[@monodescarado]

If they're going to keep making mounts, I wish they would make mounted combat clearer. It's a bit of a mess right now. Is it a mount, or is it an independent creature? It says it acts after your turn. So that means you can never move on your turn while you're on it. So, if you have no target to hit, you have to hold your action and wait for the mount to move, which means you can't use Extra Attack. Or, when you mount it in combat, does it become a mount, and thus acts on your turn only, but now it can't attack?? Or do you mix and match the two, where it can move on your turn, but if you want it to do anything, you have to use a bonus action? Please clear this up WotC! Side note: There's a dragontalk where Crawford himself struggles to clarify this.

[@ivanrozzini8545]

If you are interested, the first volume of Arcadia from Mcdm has some pretty cool mounted combat rules

[@monodescarado]

@@ivanrozzini8545 I’ll have a look, thanks. I’m actually playing a Gnome Artificer Battlesmith, and I had to homebrew some rules which my DM accepted. I kind of nerfed myself by stopping myself from treating the defender as both a pet and a mount at the same time. The rules for mounted combat were already dumb before Tasha’s pet rules. Now they’re worse.

[@limitlesssky3050]

@@monodescarado it literally is both a pet and a mount, no? A mounted pet? So maybe it have both function at the same time, I personally think you choose either or for that turn in regards to the drake. And as a bonded creature, especially with a creature with intelligence 8, it may also function as a controlled mount.

[@lethalsandwhich]

to make matters worse... Drake could be considered an Intelligent Mount and therefore act on its own turn... but then again it also cannot

[@1rotzy]

Some people see this just above the new Beast Master, while others think it’s way better, because of how intelligent the drake is. Because of the wording, it could be an action on a stick. Use your bonus action, then have the Drake flip a switch, or set off a trap, or attack, whatever. I really hope the Rangers keep getting this love and hope to god Monks get some too.

[@TheOnceandFutureJake]

Edit: I guess leaving the flying mount for 15th level makes sense, but it still feels bad to wait that long. If I were running a game, I would 100% allow the ranger to use their drake as a flying mount. It's a slap in the face to give it flying, then give it a mount feature, and immediately say, "but it can't fly while you're riding it." Just make it so your movement speed is zero while mounted or something. The drake goes immediately after the ranger.

[@demnix6210]

He's a little guy, and your too big on its back..... buttttt, it could carry you at half speed. 😈

[@TheOnceandFutureJake]

@@demnix6210 Nah

[@demnix6210]

Nah? But yeah. It can grapple you, and fly at half speed, as any creature can. You just cant ride it as a mount until later.

[@TheOnceandFutureJake]

@@demnix6210 Nah

[@kingmasterlord]

you mean like because you're heavy it uses your movement speed when you're on it? I can get with that

[@maxgoldstein8778]

Thoughts on doing a video about mounted combat? Especially regarding the drake warden. I feel like RAW it’s very complicated to ride a creature like this in combat

[@pockets8548]

there is a kobold around KZbin that has made a video on this thats short and good but yes we need more videos with these not so often seen things in combat. Another thing that needs mentioned more is using cover

[@maxgoldstein8778]

@@pockets8548 I’ll look for the video, thank you! Cover is another excellent topic. For example, could you drake companion provide cover especially once it’s large?

[@MrBoredinthedorm]

@@maxgoldstein8778 I'm pretty sure RAW if it is the same size as you or larger it provides cover against t range attacks of it is in between you and the attacker. So if you are small, it will always provide some cover.

[@PH03NIX96]

@@pockets8548 You talking about Packtactics?

[@pockets8548]

@@PH03NIX96 yes

[@slimee8841]

I still feel kinda bad that you can't ride the drake until lvl 15, even though the Genie Warlock is flying around since lvl 6, and Fly is a 3rd lvl spell.

[@Timmah119]

Just have it grapple you on its turn; (it can carry 240lbs) it moves at half speed, but making it dash has it fly you 40ft wherever you need to go 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@brianhalligan9268]

Yeah this is what I don't get they clearly lock the flying because they get that flying is really good but a wizard can be flying around chucking spells mid air at level 5 why is it so bad for the ranger to potentially fire arrows in the air at 7th level. Particularly as a small race part of the perk of playing a small race for me is the being able to use medium creatures for interesting things like mounts. If one of my players is small they would 100% be allowed to ride at 7th level and I may even allow a Med creature to maybe just drop the speed a bit 30ft rather than 40ft .

[@brianbriones2815]

@@brianhalligan9268 the wizard has to spend a spell slot and maintain concentration, which might not be a problem for spellcasting, but unless your wizard has multiclassed into Druid circle of the stars and transformed into the dragon constellation, has the war caster feat, has taken resilience (CON) feat, or has a high CON stat, it only takes one bad concentration roll from a ranged attack to send the squishy wizard plummeting. Yes, the wizard could still use a reaction to Feather Fall, but that means you don’t have your reaction available to cast Shield, and if you don’t have shield and you fall into melee range, it will be a very hard position to get out of without expending even more spell slots. The drake warden, on the other hand, only has to worry about forced movement that could potentially cause them to fall off of their dragon.

[@thebitterfig9903]

One neat thing from 4e that might be nice to bring back is Overland Flight. The concept of non-combat flight is really handy. It solves lots of problems, without entirely rewriting combat. Letting a mounted Drakewarden used overland flight (no actions but movement, roughly speaking) might be a good middle ground. I understand the 7th vs 15th level split, because while there has been an easing of flight in a lot of recent subclassis, this would still be unlimited non-concentration flight. Wizards have to use concentration and spend spell slots, Genie and Twilight are PB per long rest. All of them have duration limits, too. You can argue that there will be fewer than PB encounters per long rest, and that duration is long enough to last through most combat encounters, but there’s still a limit. Drakewarden flying from 7 would be no limits 100% fly 100% of the time, and that probably radically upends every level appropriate combat encounter. But bringing back Overland Flight doesn’t have that problem. As time has passed, it becomes easier to see how many good ideas 4th Edition had, even if the gameplay wasn’t always where it could have been.

[@erikwilliams1562]

Monk gets neutered. Ranger gets the entire Treasury of Dragons

[@loganswalk8621]

As a fan of all things dragon(except "bad" variety) I'm loving the drakewarden I have a backstory in mind inspired by the Dragonheart movie that near death a dragon infused part of their life to revive them resulting in gaining drakewarden abilities.

[@TheClericCorner]

Anyone else getting Eragon flashbacks? 🐉 Great coverage Ted!

[@keeperscripts]

Hell yeah, especially now that the drake grows in stages rather than going straight from Small to Large. I like the progressive growth and overall really love this new update to what was my instant favorite ranger subclass

[@TheClericCorner]

@@keeperscripts absolutely! And Ted is helping the hype with the scalebound series 😂

[@RaptieFeathers]

This is my favorite art in any D&D book ever. Oh my gosh, it's so precious.

[@misterbilly3698]

My Player wanted to have a pet dragon. So I used the Unearthed arcana. I also modified it heavily so it would make sense. And know my version is slightly stronger than the official

[@misterbilly3698]

I maid it become large sooner. Have 3 people be able to ride it. Gave it a extra 1d6( can't remember). Gave it a Str and Con improvement.

[@BPRcod]

Ok

[@TVMAN1997]

I remember hearing the designers talk about how they didn’t want some subclasses stepping on other subclasses. When coming up with draconic subclasses But when it came to the Drakewarden they back peddled on at statement lol

[@Eli_Guy]

Yeah, pretty sure Tasha gave a psychic subclass to fighters (Psi Warrior), rogues (Soul Knife, I think?), and sorcerers (Aberent Mind) at the same time

[@TVMAN1997]

@@Eli_Guy But the difference is those are each uniquely their own and they do their own thing and are very much different A drakewarden Ranger is a much better beast master ranger

[@seanholmes3658]

Yeah, the people who do the subclasses for Rangers like the class better than whoever does the subclasses for Monks.

[@nicka3697]

The monk guy wears a hair shirt and forgoes all luxuries in favour of burning ki points like it's incense.

[@albiegato]

With the mount abilities, it only ever says that the ranger can ride them. Which makes me think that when another player tries to ride them, the drake says "No

[@Scur130]

I think their rationale for the capstone was because you’re basically getting what the horizon walker can do and more, so they put a limit on the uses. Also, a ranger could just use absorb elements so the uses could be saved specifically to protect your drake.

[@bladesandswords6136]

In my opinion, I think it’s good that rangers are getting more love. I haven’t played the ranger class as much, but thanks to Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything and now the Fizban’s Treasury of Dragon, I want to try and play them again

[@pojo398]

From the wording I would say you can Very clearly just ride on it through water and marshy conditions, definitely only impacts flying, which is perfectly fine as flying is objectively very strong

[@BelongsintheTrash]

Yeah, specific trumps general. Since it doesn’t say you CAN’T ride it in water, you can.

[@troygraham8200]

Um by 7th level your wizard has fly so what your saying is irrelevant

[@roscoeivan8739]

I just want to say any phb beastmaster ranger who understands the mechanics and works with them will still be able to function when dealing with "pet death issues". Tactics, teamwork, spells, Poison harvesting, and the rules for bonding new pets all make it to where a ranger does not need the resurrections the new pet design provides.

[@jamesbearden3468]

Rogues get uncanny dodge at (i think) level 5. Literally halve the damage from an attack once per round

[@pauljackson7901]

Starting a new campaign on Saturday using this sub class. In really looking forward to it. I was also thinking about taking a dip into genie warlock so the drake can carry the vessel.

[@arturv.a.4542]

Could aways go full Genie with pseudodragon familiar. Use summons later for mount.

[@Grayson.P]

If you go this route, should also check with your DM to see if when it is not "summoned" it can reside within the vessel. (Really would just be a flavor thing, but could be fun to work with)

[@pauljackson7901]

@@Grayson.P That's a really good idea. I was thinking of having the vessel be a squeaky ball that the drake could carry around in its mouth.

[@darkmistress1980]

@@pauljackson7901 *squeeels internally at this idea*

[@Logan-ef8hq]

The whole Drake mount thing is weird to me. It would be nice if small rangers could still use the flying speed.

[@tomservoftw]

I've actually been playing a Tasha's Ranger Drakewarden in a campaign for several months now and everything here (for the most part) seems awesome, especially the QoL stuff. The biggest problem is if you go the mounted route you basically need to be a melee ranger or the drake can't attack... and ranger does not hold up well in melee compared to pretty much every other melee class. The damage is great, but until you hit 15 you really feel squishy, so I have some worries about the whole PB per day thing.

[@FoldingScreenMonkey]

You could always take crossbow expert or gunner if you wanna be a mounted sniper. The drake itself is also really fast so there's that

[@PH03NIX96]

@@FoldingScreenMonkey 40ft is not fast at all especially for flight.

[@FoldingScreenMonkey]

@@PH03NIX96 it's gonna be faster than you can move if you're a straight up ranger. Plus if you wanna prioritize mobility over damage you can command the drake to dash

[@PH03NIX96]

@@FoldingScreenMonkey Depending on what race you take you can easily be a 35/40ft ranger with climb and swim speed. Now I do use Longstrider on the Drake but that's because I understand 40ft is slow af. Its an actual shame that Ashardalon's Stride is self cast. Its the barbarian running to the other side of the room only for the lich to teleport conundrum.

[@craven1927]

How are you "squishy" exactly? The ranger has the same HP dice as a fighter. If you max out your DEX (which you should be) and pick up a simple +1 Studded Leather armor you'll be at 18 AC, and rangers are proficient with shields so with a +1 shield you can be sitting at 21 AC, easily achievable well before level 15. Plus the "cure wounds" spell to heal yourself, makes you even less squishy

[@lordmars2387]

When are you doing the astral races survey?

[@weebikarp1806]

The only reason I think they added the Prof Bonus # of times at the final feature was to keep it distinct from Rogue's Uncanny Dodge

[@RatchildUK]

I wish they gave you some options if you wanted to go all in on one specific element/dragon type. This still feels like a 'I summon a spirit that shapeshifts into an animal' type instead of having a bond with an actual Dragon you summon/teleport to your side, otherwise the changing of elements makes little sense, unless for some reason you have a menagerie of Drakes from every lineage. Adding ignores resistance to Drake's damage type on Magic Fang, Infused Strikes, Drake's Breath and Empowered Bite and Immunity to Drake's damage type on Resistance if you choose to lock yourself into one type when you choose this subclass would be my 'fix'.

[@tjblackwell1456]

i really feel like infused strikes should scale with the drake's bite damage

[@nerdlabmtg]

Love the updates. I started D&D with a Ranger. I always loved the flavor but couldn't stand that power level. I really hope this feels more balanced with other classes when playing. Great breakdown.

[@5000monchi]

Mulan seems like the perfect Drakewarden Ranger

[@ogrebread]

With 8 int and a language. I would house rule that one Bonus action to give to give the drake detailed instructions like"murder orcs in this forest" should be all the time spent controlling it directly.

[@isaackarr6576]

Giving animal companion a couple sidekick levels and it's own action would be about as fun.

[@Meganstaek]

Apropos of nothing, where can I cop that Todd Lockwood artwork red dragon t-shirt?

[@LatheOfChaos]

Interested in what would be the best Dragonborn/drake element combo. The two elements worth the most coverage. Maybe I’m thinking about Pokémon too much.

[@NerdImmersion]

For resistance as a PC, it'd be poison and fire

[@LatheOfChaos]

@@NerdImmersion asked and answered, thank you!

[@toufexisk]

All in all, great changes. The only thing that find "dont like" but understand, is not having the breath weapon as an action that the drake takes and that is on the drake stat block. Instead the ranger must use an action. Essentially it might be too strong if it was a bonus action to command the drake to use the breath. What do u think?

[@Dungeon_Fire]

Super excited to play drakewarden

[@CitanulsPumpkin]

At level 6 deft explorer gives ranger a swim and climb speed. Honestly, beast master ranger should also get to mount their beasts at level 7 and up, and the beast and drake should both get the ranger's move speeds plus their fly speed at that level. Whether it's just giving powerful build to pets or saying they count as large for mounting and medium for battle mat purposes, rangers should be able to mount their pets.

[@mcullennz]

Treantmonk brings up some good points regarding the 7th level feature in his review

[@BillionsKnife]

Definitely interested in playing this at some point. I was hoping I would get to be one for a Halloween one-shot, but it got cancelled. I'll just have to wait for my chance!

[@TyranusRex721]

Honestly, the only think I would have done was given them bonus spells. Chromatic Orb (or Absorb Elements) Dragon's Breath Fear Elemental Bane Summon Draconic Spirit Other than that, I love this subclass.

[@troygraham8200]

Having the swim/fly options was better and locking the flight behind lvl 7 was fine as it was. Your party wizard can make the group fly by lvl 5 so allowing a small race to fly on its own at 7th isnt a big deal. Not to mention a good dm is gunna have the proper enemies to make things challenging. Stupid change there but the rest was good

[@arturv.a.4542]

Good change for medium to ride, bad decision to restrict the flying

[@jerrybeard8995]

You wouldn't be interested in playing as a Gloomstalker Ranger? I think they are the coolest ones. Their Umbral sight and Dread ambusher make them extremely scary/efficient in the right environment.

[@loganricard8713]

You should review the Oath of the Dragonlord from Odyssey of the Dragonlords setting. It feels like everything the drakewarden should've been. As a DM that ran it, it's pretty balanced and has that "cool" factor also. Overall good video tho

[@phenik403]

There are a decent amount for f DMs who don’t allow home brew so options like that aren’t useful to everyone. Mine included. I haven’t seen it but this class still does the concept justice in my opinion.

[@loganricard8713]

@@phenik403 I get that, I'm a no hb or ha dm. But, when I run a 3rd party setting, I allow the setting specific classes/spells that come with it because they have been balanced for that module.

[@Acatia2]

I'm kind of curious how Rangers were in previous editions, cuz I started with 5e (I admit in a post Zanathar's) timing and I LOVE Rangers above any other class by a long shot. Played Gloomstalker, now playing Fey Wanderer, wish I could play the new Beastmaster ironically more than Drakenwarden (but I'd still like to give this a shot).

[@thecharmer5981]

I’ve played a ranger in 2nd edition and 5th addition. Rangers in 2e basically only exist to do survival stuff, as everyone other then rangers get huge negatives to things like tracking or surviving in nature. They also could out damage fighters at low levels because they had no penalties to duel wielding, but as soon as a fighter specializes in darts they kill everything

[@BladeDragoonZETA]

I haven't played a Ranger, but I've looked at playing a Ranger in 3.5 and it's pretty messy. You aren't as good at hitting stuff as a fighter nor as good with spells as a druid The thing to recommend Ranger in 3.5 is Favored Enemy which gives a flat bonus to various skills (stuff like detecting, tracking and interacting) and damage. The bonus starts at +2 and can be increased by +2 every several levels and/or expanded to new Favored Enemies.

[@randallgpreston]

How would you compare the drake warden beast master? You mentioned some aspects, but I'd love to know your thoughts with a side by side comparison.

[@MrKeroro623]

so is this just better beastmaster?

[@NRMRKL]

Most pet subclasses are.

[@MrRadicalsheep]

Ted you still have a Dscryb affliate link?

[@NerdImmersion]

Yup, dscryb.com/nerdimmersion

[@clerkwithamouth]

Okay can someone explain to me when you actually get the drake? The drake abilities don't kick in until level 3 but no where and no video I've watched so far says you can or can't have the drake itself right from the get go. Can anyone clarify for me?

[@NerdImmersion]

You don't get the subclass until level 3, and the level 3 ability is literally called "Drake Companion". You get the drake at 3.

[@MrBlancify]

Magic Fang doesn't actually make the Drake's attacks magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance to non-magical attacks. One would think it should, considering this is the same level that Beast Master gets it. In fact, it seems the Drake technically never gets magical attacks. This might just be an error in the wording, because I would definitely rule that Magic Fang means that it is magic, even though that is just the name of the feature.

[@atomicash2475]

I'm it's in line with other dragons/true dragons, they don't have magical attacks just elemental on top of their bites

[@MrBlancify]

@@atomicash2475 True but bears also don't have magical attacks except if they are friends with a level 7 Beast Master

[@phlojem285]

Isn't this the same as the promo sub class released in the 2021 celebration?

[@NerdImmersion]

Yes, it was just an early release preview of it

[@mrhatnclogs2391]

RAW, you can still fly with your drake, just have it grapple you instead of mounting it

[@johnewaite1852]

I kinda bugs me that they changed it from the official Preview. Like common you can give out flying speeds left and right but swimming is to far ?

[@SgtSpartyPaints]

I wonder if Magic Fang ability at 7th level was supposed to make the Drakes attack magical and they just left it out?

[@atomicash2475]

Normal dragons don't have magical attacks, so it's on line with that

[@SgtSpartyPaints]

@@atomicash2475 Good point. Really dislike the name of that feature then.

[@Hromovlad1]

there's a survey for the Spelljammer races

[@cadin5965]

I was playing this ranger and summon for ph hour was painful. Not during battles, but during role playing. I love this changes.

[@kitkup8570]

I agreed having the choice for Fly OR Swim is good.

[@darkmistress1980]

6:55ish the bit about the companion have draconic as a language you could either play it as a sentient beast (funky personality and all) or is like training comands that security guards and police use for their dog handling. the idea of having to use a bonus action on my dragon attack seems silly. i still think that both ranger and beast should be able to attack at the same time. and unmagiced claws was a bit silly too so you either have to get the cantrip for it or some item/claw caps for it. im glad homebrew exisits for some of these features im tempted to roll one of these in my next campaign specially with at least 1 melee in the group.

[@Jvstm]

I'm playing one now, level 4 (with Draconic Sorceror 1 multiclass) and love it. Looking forward to being able to use it on DnDBeyond since it's official now.

[@kileaf]

If I may ask why multiclass to sorcerer u peaked my interest

[@Jvstm]

@@kileaf I multiclassed FROM Sorceror. Mostly for the Draconic flavour, but also I like having access to the Shield spell for my melee characters.

[@jan_loathlove]

All said, the Drakewarden was the singular ONLY UA subclass I have ever seen that was perfectly balanced and beautifully designed for the start. I'm glad to see that none of the changes made to it have changed that. Still, I much preferred the previous version of *Bond of Fang and Scale* in that it offered aquatic campaign options without forcing you to use magic to let your drake breath underwater... of course you'd probbaly need to cast Water Breathing for yourself anyway, and 10 creatures is likely more than enough anyway... WELP → the swim speed loss sucks, BUT I love that mounted combat becomes available in an awesome way with the new version, because mounted combat is *highly* underrated.

[@cheeseburgerpaladin]

Why would they give it an ability called Magic Fang and never make its attacks magical?

[@Remedy118]

I so want to do a Kobold Drakewarden Ranger

[@alexfirefly1956]

You could give it the Swim Speed and say it’s speed is reduced to 30 feet if you use it

[@colmbright9822]

Why no love for the Gloom Stalker ?

[@dracokaleb1239]

My least favorite part of drakewarden is that even if you were a tiny/small creature using the drake as a mount at level 7 you just... can't use the fly speed. It's annoying that you have to wait until 15th level to do so even as a small or tiny creature.

[@arturv.a.4542]

Even worse, you can't. But your goblin friend can. Only can't use fly speed when YOU are riding, other people are fine.

[@peculiarcomics2255]

Can regular dragons even write without polymorphing ? How the hell do they hold a pen?

[@SCh1m3ra]

Carefully

[@jan_loathlove]

Honestly, I thought that the number of hours for the Drake to remain was quite fine. I know I'm in the VAST minority for actually enjoying the original Ranger and Beast Master subclass for the original ranger. I think they're a lot of fun to play, and really quite well designed _if you actually play the game as written by using the navigation and survival rules,_ and if you _actually value intelligence checks._ BUT most people don't so... the game moves on without me, I get that. Beside the point, the number of hours for the Drake to last made a _ot_ of sense to me, because this _isn't_ the Beastmaster subclass. This is a different one that awards you different features and should be fulfilling a different role entirely. I always thought that too many people tried to focus in on keeping one Beastmaster pet the whole game, instead of trading them out often and gladly, to suit your gameplay to the situation at hand. That's what the beastmaster was designed for as an interesting utility subclass (with combat area control and attack/damage dislocation mechanics). It's not that it's bad having the drake around all the time. Certianly not. It's MUCH more in line to what people *WANTED* out the the Beastmaster, having an immortal pet tote around your heels all through the game. I just liked the drakenwarden without having their drake around all the time, but I didn't know people hated that. Thanks for the info about it. The drake's bite damage being reduced though, does make sense, since it's no _always_ available to you as long as the drake is capable of making attacks, and it will never cost you a resource to make sure that you can until the drake is gone. The extra damage, I thought was more than worth the limitation (but not too much more ;D) for the drake's previously limited existence, as was the previously limitless use of *Perfect bond's* Reflexive Resistance option. The damage being reduced, and the proficiency use of resistance being added, were both well done changes given that the drake now persists until death becomes involved.

[@Edrysian]

Having the limited number of times you can use the reaction at 15th level doesn’t make sense to me. The Horizon Walker 15th level ability is pretty much the same but can be done an unlimited number of times. The Gloomstalker and Monster Slayer 15th level abilities are also unlimited with the amount of times you can do it. While these aren’t necessarily giving you resistance in the same way they both provide a chance to lessen or negate the damage and there’s no limit!

[@christianlauridsen699]

also the rouge get uncanny dogde at lvl 5, which is basicly the same as this(only this covers the drake aswell) This abilety is 10 levels later and limited! uncanny dogde isnt

[@Edrysian]

@@christianlauridsen699 True. I forgot about Rogues!

[@sillvvasensei]

Important note: It's intelligent, so it acts independently as a mount AFTER your turn.

[@NerdImmersion]

Well it doesn't act on its own, you still have to command it

[@Codarius]

Yooo. I'm definitely multiclassing into this in my current emerald dragonborn barbarian.

[@MrBlancify]

I'd advice taking mostly out-of-combat utility spells then since you can't cast or concentrate on spells while raging.

[@Codarius]

@@MrBlancify oh of course. My wisdom isn't high enough to utilize offensive spells anyways.

[@neogod29]

That's weird, I figured since the Drake does elemental damage starting at level 7, that it's automatically magical. Why would they need to restate that the damage is magical?

[@NerdImmersion]

Elemental damage is not magical. For example a Dragons breath weapon isn't magical damage

[@neogod29]

@@NerdImmersion it might as well be. Anything that says is resistant or immune to non-magical attacks usually only applies to slashing piercing and/or bludgeoning. With other types of damage, if not resistant or immune to it, they take it. Also a dragon's breath weapon is magical. It comes from a magical source. A dragon in D&D doesn't actually produce it's breath weapon, it channels it from another plane. Now a dragon's claws and bite attack aren't considered magical, so if you can resist that, it's separate from the extra elemental damage in the case of chromatic dragons. It's pretty simple, and long story short, you're not going to face too many things that will be immune or resistant to your drake's damage. And you can always use your summon or spend a spell slot to change thr damage type.

[@trexdrew]

To your point about magic strikes I feel like the feature of Bond of Fang and Scale that’s called “MAGIC Fangs” should be a no brainer and be magical! How did this not happen…? We can only hope for an SA update or errata. Maybe tweet at Jeremy Crawford and try to see what he says about it?

[@joshwatson8539]

G’day I have a question about these new gem dragons Are there scales actually gems or are they just highly polished scales and will their scales have a value either way I don’t play characters that hunt dragons for prophet but DM’s love to throw dragons at players as bosses so information like this is very useful???

[@kitkup8570]

In my opinion they need to release a book with like 100 new feats, as currently the choices you have i really only a small handful for each class. Like Skill Expert is a feat that I often ask DMs if I can take more than once just because there is no other feats that would help my character and I don't want to just take an ASI as feats are just more fun.

[@lonealpha478]

Infused Strikes should scale with the bite damage: 2d6 at 7th (although I can see an argument for 11th), 3d6 at 15th. Especially at 15th level, 1d6 damage per round is, while not nothing, next to meaningless. Why would you ever use Infused Strikes when your can drake make an OA with its bite which does 2d6+PB MORE damage instead?

[@thebridgeninja]

Love it. Want to play it!

[@kingmasterlord]

drakes are so underrated

[@snazzyfeathers]

I thought it would have a higher charisma being that it's a drake but yeah

[@nevercrux3412]

"The drake cannot fly if its mounted at lvl 7 for balance reasons" -WotC "What if I just play a race that already flies?" - Players "....." -WotC

[@arturv.a.4542]

WotC: "Yeah sure, fly at speeds from 30 to 50 at lv1, just don't wear plate." Also WotC: "Yeah sure paladin, summon 90 ft. fly speed at 3rd tier." Also WotC: "A lv7 flying mount which you spent the last 7 levels investing into?! IMPOSSIBLE!"

[@CharlesKhan]

What if we played a game of OOPS ALL RANGERS and we were all drake wardens?

[@under20over40]

Aren't the drakes attacks inherently magical because its a summon?

[@NerdImmersion]

Nope

[@ericpeterson8732]

And the breath weapon is magical and the increased damage is partly elemental, but yeah, it's weird that the bite itself never becomes magical.

[@atomicash2475]

Same for dragons though, they have their elemental damage but their bites are never magical

[@MrBlancify]

They probably thought naming a feature Magic Fang was enough but RAW it doesn't say that they become magical.

[@NayWowski]

That’s honestly what I was under the impression of… is naming a feature “Magic Fangs” implies it is now magical so that is unfortunate.

[@MrBlancify]

@@NayWowski Right? But you know there's gonna be some DMs, especially new DMs who don't understand how sloppy WotC can be with these things, that will rule that the Drake doesn't get magical attacks because they are afraid it will mess with some complex balancing WotC has calculated.

[@WorgenGrrl]

So basically......"How to Train Your Dragon" in D&D.

[@ericgropuis]

I like this class for the Ranger it’s very cool just don’t have a campaign I can play it but maybe an NPC I have can have it

[@joedan5366]

More dragon pets please

[@samoht724]

In the Fizban's Preview release they did for the Drakewarden, the Bond of Fang and Scale feature said the following: "The bond you share with your drake intensifies, protecting you and stoking the drake’s fury. When you summon your drake, it gains a swimming speed equal to its walking speed and can breathe both air and water, or it grows wings on its back and gains a flying speed equal to its walking speed (your choice)."

[@Sasqmo]

Should have a shared spell ability, I will note your interpretation is wrong though, Beast Master companions never gain the benefit of Hunter's Mark, because Hunter's Mark does not effect the Ranger, it effects the target. I know it's a nitpick but it is I believe how Crawford ruled it. I think Drake Breath needs more uses, one per rest or burning ultra limited spell slots vs the spammable Monk breath is not evened out by the higher damage of ranger breath. at lvl 17 the Drake Warden can use the breath a total of 8 times, vs the Monk being able to use their own breath what... 6 times before they even have to start touching their Ki? and then they have 8 more uses at the 2 ki cost, while also retaining their other attack, which could be used for thrown weapons, or a bow, or just punching a dude Obviously the fact the attacks arent magical seems like an oversight. and the swim speed needs put back.

[@hawktondog]

The subclass falls short of two things. One, the drake is to SMALL and nunber two, seems weak to other class. I'd have to change it to a large beast somewhat like a draft horse. A dog size lizard is pretty lame, rarely do people play into late levels where it would get bigger. Also, with it being able to fly is it not then a dragon?

[@strwrbttlfrnt]

well I am happy that this is a class now I can finely play harr an axe weilder human drake warden that delivers mail lol

[@dustyb0ne631]

Dayum! I think I just got first view *AND* comment! Love how informative and thorough your reviews and analysis' are. You've really helped me make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing books, which as a minimum wage employee, is pretty important. Put your real life first, people!

[@joedan5366]

Ted got first comment

[@KarmahsQuest]

Mobile drakewarden! Yesssssss!

[@rubberpritzell391]

Tbh I feel like it dissapearing was perfectly warrented, because now theres no reason to ever play beastmaster ever again.

[@chrispoznich]

The updated beastmaster is probably better at early levels while this is probably better at later levels but they’re fairly balanced against each other so the one you’d pick really only depends on the type of character you want to play.

[@lokuzt]

where can I get that awesome shirt, Ted?

[@Venus_Nebula]

Is it just me or is it weird that your drake companion can’t be a gem dragon

[@joedan5366]

Why can't it

[@keeperscripts]

@@joedan5366 The damage types available to the Drake companion have the elemental essence associated with Chromatic and Metallic dragons; acid, cold, fire, lightning, and poison. The gem dragons use force, thunder, psychic, radiant and necrotic. So you can't use gem dragon power with a drake companion, which for balance reasons make sense cause otherwise you could literally pick any damage type in the game to augment attacks

[@joedan5366]

@@keeperscripts so just flavor it as a gem dragon but not deal the elemental damage of a gem dragon

[@keeperscripts]

@@joedan5366 You could do that, it's just that a ranger's drake can't have the major feature that makes gem dragons unique from the rest of the dragon family. You can flavor stuff to be whatever you want, for example back in playtest I ran a drake warden in a prehistoric one-shot where my "drake" was an acid-spitting dilophosaurus out of Jurassic Park. Though if I was running a game I'd probably let a player pick between chromatic/metallic damage types or gem dragon damage types for their drake

[@AlphaCocoAudio]

The beast master no longer has a limitation on how long the animal companion is around. But a solid review 👌

[@DrAndrewJBlack]

🐉

[@DStrormer]

Thanks Ted, you're the greatest. Now get some damn sleep, sir!

[@ZacTheLit]

Ranger’s my favorite class so I’m super excited for this 😁