Skeletal Rangers

Necromancers that have explored the darkest depths of their forbidden art can create Skeletal Rangers. These undead creatures are more durable than skeletons raised by Animate Dead, and they have special abilities that make them dangerous foes.

Image by William McAusland

The 3rd level spell, Animate Skeletal Ranger is identical to Animate Dead. However, each invocation of this spell raises a single Skeletal Ranger. These are identical in appearance to regular animated skeletons, but these creatures are not unintelligent automatons. Here's a stat block in Labyrinth Lord style:

Skeletal Ranger

• Number Appearing: 1d4
• Alignment: Chaotic
• Movement: 90' (30')
• Armor Class: 6 (or by armor worn)
• Hit Dice: 4
• Damage: 1d6+1 or by weapon (+1 damage)
• Save: 4th fighter
• Morale: 12
• Hoard Class: None
• XP: 200

The necromantic magic that empowers Skeletal Rangers gives them greater strength and speed than their lesser cousins. They are also resistant to Turn Undead (treat as 6HD creatures). Skeletal Rangers can carry out complex orders, use basic combat tactics, and set ambushes. They are immune to sleep and charm spells. They also have the following special abilities:

• Undead Leadership - Skeletal Rangers can direct and lead up to 12HD of skeletons, zombies or similar undead, subject to the usual limitations of these lesser creatures.
• Implacable Tracking - These creatures can track the essence of living creatures through dungeon corridors or wilderness areas with a 90% chance of success. Reduce this chance by 5% per day.
• Warrior Skills - Skeletal Rangers can use most weapons, including missile weapons, shields, and armor. They will make use of any equipment they find.
• Improvised Healing - Skeletal Rangers can use bone, wood, steel and other materials to repair their skeletal forms. Once per day, the creature can use these materials to heal 1d4 HP of damage.

So there you have it, a nice skeletal tool for your Necromancer's arsenal. This creature was inspired by an early morning Diablo 3 session and that one skeleton that just wouldn't stop following me. Enjoy!

Some artwork copyright William McAusland, used with permission.