Obojima the Podcast the Blog

Episode 63: Unique Rituals for a NEW RANGER Subclass

In this week’s episode Creative Director Jeremiah and Writes Ari and Adam discuss a new faction and a new Ranger subclass. 

The new faction is called the Konotori, a somewhat secretive organization that focuses on cultivating and creating the materials used by the organization to restore balance and address spirit-related disturbances. The ritual materials include three specialty alcohols—blue root, junum and paya—and a special tobacco called bubbling leaf. These special sacramental ingredients are distributed exclusively by the Konotori and the special Ranger that’s been trained to use them, the Fumashiki. 

Fumashiki are not monster hunters like traditional Rangers, but ritualists who resolve spiritual imbalances, soothe spirits, and sometimes bind or weaken demons rather than destroy them. Their approach is restorative rather than combative. Through the consumption of the special sacraments they serve as the link between the Spirit and Physical Realms. Fumashiki carry signature vessels for their sacraments, possibly with multiple chambers, and use tools like calligraphy brushes (made from wild boar hair), wind singers, sensors, and bonfires in rituals. 

The trio of creatives went on to discuss the nitty gritty of what the subclass’ mechanics might look like. Rituals, which would be the main mechanic of the class, would be real-time rituals that could be performed during combat. They also discussed several other abilities that could be employed: 

• Luck Ritual Mechanic The Ranger casts a ritual on themselves or others, rolling a d20 and a d6 (later upgraded to d10 and d12). If the d20 is lower than the d6, add 10 to the d20 roll, then the ritual fades. 

• Action-Oriented Abilities: Blooming Haze exhaling smoke to create half cover for the ranger and dealing extra damage to creatures within the smoke.

The creators also went on to talk about what a more investigation-based class would look like in the overall world of Obojima. Maybe other party members would be able to join in the rituals. Jeremiah, Ari, and Adam then went into a long discussion about the benefits of having this class be a Paladin subclass versus a Ranger. It was decided that the Ranger’s inherent connection to the natural world, and their limited use of magic made them more ideal for the subclass. 

The class mechanics were further touched upon and a talk about what makes the Fumashiki class seem “Rangery” when they’re more focused on the balance of the Spirit Realm instead of the traditional “hunter” themes. Some other Fumashiki mechanics they also touched upon: 

• Spell Concentration Transfer Mechanic Allowing a character to transfer concentration on a third level spell or lower to another creature, enabling new tactical options and freeing up the original caster

• Alternative Hunter’s Mark for Fumashiki Creating a Fumashiki-specific version of Hunter’s Mark, shifting its focus from extra damage to effects like removing buffs, putting targets to sleep, or gaining skill check advantages.

• Luck-Based Abilities and Subclass Design Consideration of integrating luck-based mechanics inspired by anime, such as limited-use tattoos or talismans that grant survival or success in dire situations. 

They wrapped up the episode talking about how they would structure adventures so the investigation side of Fumishiki would have opportunities to shine when partnered with other classes. After a sign off, Ari invites the community to submit their thoughts and ideas about the Fumishiki. 

Watch the whole episode here: https://youtu.be/LpvC1e3iy5E?feature=shared