DM Q&A: Ranger spells diety vs nature?

[cz]

Hi

I've tried to read up on the nature of Ranger spells, and i see that it is defined as Divine. However, whenever i try to read up further on this, it is often stated that Rangers draw upon nature itself, or that Divine does not categorically mean a specific diety, but some "greater power". 

What is FRC's views on this? I have a character that for RP reasons have some limited lvl's in Ranger path (main class is Rogue). However, up until now he's always, in my mind, had a strained relationship with the gods, almost insistantly not following any of them (though he does believe in them). The character is soon to get his fourth lvl in Ranger, and as such will gain access to a few spells. I thought i'd RP that he would insist that he draws that power from nature itself (and if nature is not a suitable power source, perhaps i could RP that unbeknown to him, an unknown diety is working with him through nature?). 

What are your thoughts on this? Will i have to pick a specific diety for him to follow, or will i be able to go ahead with any of the above RP directions?

Thanks

[Munroe]

Apr 30, 2019 9:40:44 GMT -5 cz said:

Hi

I've tried to read up on the nature of Ranger spells, and i see that it is defined as Divine. However, whenever i try to read up further on this, it is often stated that Rangers draw upon nature itself, or that Divine does not categorically mean a specific diety, but some "greater power". 

What is FRC's views on this? I have a character that for RP reasons have some limited lvl's in Ranger path (main class is Rogue). However, up until now he's always, in my mind, had a strained relationship with the gods, almost insistantly not following any of them (though he does believe in them). The character is soon to get his fourth lvl in Ranger, and as such will gain access to a few spells. I thought i'd RP that he would insist that he draws that power from nature itself (and if nature is not a suitable power source, perhaps i could RP that unbeknown to him, an unknown diety is working with him through nature?). 

What are your thoughts on this? Will i have to pick a specific diety for him to follow, or will i be able to go ahead with any of the above RP directions?

Thanks :)

From Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (3e) (page 26):

Unlike clerics, druids, and paladins, Faerunian rangers do not have to choose a patron deity until they reach 4th level and acquire divine spellcasting ability (without a patron deity, a ranger cannot cast spells).  Many rangers choose a patron deity before then, but others start by devotion to the ranger's way of life instead of to one of the gods.  Rangers and druids have similar preferences for deities, although some rangers with odd interests (such as hunting undead) choose different patrons.

FRC follows this with our requirements for ranger patrons.  A ranger must have a patron deity to cast divine spells, though they are not required to select a patron deity from the Nature Deity List that druids must use for their patron deities.  While many rangers do worship nature deities, not all rangers do.  They do all gain their spells from patron deities though, so your ranger should have a specific patron deity, and should know who it is, before casting divine spells.  A ranger prays to their patron deity to gain and regain their daily prepared spells. 

[cz]

Right, better start planning for a divine epiphany then xD thanks for the reply