When I first started playing 2e Dungeons and Dragons one of my favorite kits was in the Complete Elven book, the undead slayer. I thought it would be fun to create this as an archetype for 5e. I really love the kit approach of 5e.
Here are some other 5e goodies I’ve done:
Oath of the Fallen- Paladin Sacred Oath
Ranger Archetype: Undead Slayer
You have seen firsthand the devastation that the undead can bring: Hordes of zombies, skeletons, and ghouls that march ceaselessly across the landscape killing and consuming the innocent, vampires enslaving whole governments and bending them to their depraved will, or a lich that corrupts and blights the very earth with their mere presence. You’ve lost loved ones, friends, or even your whole village to their onslaught… you have trained against these monstrosities and seek vengeance. You know that holy water, mirrors, stakes and silver weapons aren’t enough. It takes a resolve and a reckless devil-may-care attitude to do what you do. And you won’t stop until every single undead creature lies dead at your feet.
Hatred of Undead
If you have not chosen undead as a favored enemy at level one, it is now a bonus favored enemy. You gain all benefits stated in the rules (PHB, pg 91). You have also studied a specific type of undead (IE- zombies, skeletons, wrights, lich, etc.) to gain Advantage against all attack rolls against them. At level 7 and 15 you chose another specific undead and gain the same benefit.
Righteous Spells
Undeath is the antithesis of nature, and as such the very planet itself fuels you with spells that enable you to fight undead better. These spells only function against the undead.
| Ranger Level | Spell Name |
| 3rd | Protection from Evil (Undead), Searing Smite*, Thunderous Smite*, Wrathful Smite* |
| 5th | Branding Smite* |
| 9th | Blinding Smite* |
| 13th | Staggering Smite* |
| 17th | Banishing Smite* |
*= Smites can be delivered via melee or ranged attack.
Unwavering Resolve
At 7th level, you gain one of the following features of your choice.
Battle Hardened- When fighting against one of your specific undead types you gain +2 to your AC. If the creature hits you with an attack your AC is increased to +4 against all subsequent attacks made by that undead for the rest of the turn.
Clear Minded- You gain Advantage on saves against being charmed by undead creatures.
Minds Eye- You gain Advantage on saves against illusionary effects used by undead creatures (not spells).
Steel Will- You gain Advantage on saves against being frightened by undead creatures.
Debilitating Powder
At 11th level your studies of your specific undead enemies have allowed you to learn their weaknesses. You are able to create a powder (roughly 100 gp in reagents) that can affect the undead. Choose which powder you are creating: Mental or physical. If the mental powder is thrown on the undead it must succeed on a Wisdom save or suffer Disadvantage on all mental rolls (including spells and special abilities- if applicable). If the physical powder is thrown on the undead it must succeed on a Constitution save or suffer Disadvantage on all physical rolls (including attack and special abilities- if applicable). This lasts until the creature takes a short rest.
True Slayer
At level 15 your studies and confrontations with the undead have bolstered your strength and resolve. You gain Advantage to all saves against special attacks or supernatural abilities by any undead, but not actual spells.
