A review copy of “The Jaeger Compendium” was provided by the publisher. Find more DMs Guild Reviews on my website and YouTube channel.

Support my work by using affiliate links for shopping and pledging via Patreon.

Designed by: Jackson Lewis

Thanks to Pacific Rim, when I hear “Jaeger” I immediately picture giant robots piloted by people. In the case of “The Jaeger Compendium,” however, it’s a new ranger-like class for Dungeons & Dragons.

The ranger is often considered the weakest class in Fifth Edition; their terrain-related powers go underutilized or ignored in most campaigns. The Jaeger attempts to craft a more interesting ranger by eliminating spells and adding firearms, armaments (weaponized gadgets) and slayer dice to make the Jaeger a more potent and interesting combatant.

It mostly succeeds, creating what looks like a series of well-balanced, if combat heavy slayers and hunters. The Slayer Die is an expendable die (short rest) that increases in quality and quantity as the Jaeger levels up (from d4 up to d12, and from 2 to 10), similar to Bardic Inspiration. It can be used to add raw damage to any attack. Later the Slayer Die can also be used to add to saving throws and skill checks.

The Slayer Die is useful, though not terribly exciting. The Jaeger makes up for it with the Armaments, which are a list of over two dozen gadgets and weapons the Jaeger can choose from. At 2nd level he or she can select two armaments, adding another every few levels, like Warlock Invocations. The Armaments provide that proper Predator or Batman flavoring, with nifty abilities like the entangling bola, hidden dagger, smoke grenade, and…hammer of intellect?

dms guild

I was pleased to see that the Jaeger focuses on INT as the primary modifier (after STR or DEX for attacks, of course). In vanilla D&D, only the Wizard class uses INT as a primary attribute. The Jaeger needs to be smart about hunting their quarry, and that’s reflected in using INT with Armament saving throws, and with certain abilities.

I was also impressed with the large number of subclasses, presented here as different hunting guilds that Jaegers can join, such as the undead-hating Grave Walkers. Each subclass has a signature weapon that defines their attack style. The Grave Walker employs a powerful long-range rifle while the Watchman could do well in an urban campaign with their hidden wrist crossbow and sword cane.

My only real complaint is an almost total lack of artwork. The layout and font are perfect but the lack of art is noticeably distracting. Ultimately the content is what matters, and “The Jaeger Compendium” delivers a solid new class idea.

Pros:

  • Nine different Jaeger subclasses and Guilds, six with signature weapons
  • Pick and choose from over two dozen fun new armaments

Cons:

  • Almost no artwork.

The Verdict: If you’re looking for a more combat-heavy ranger-fighter class, “the Jaeger Compendium” makes for an excellent option.

A review copy of “The Jaeger Compendium” was provided by the publisher. Find more DMs Guild Reviews on my website and YouTube channel.

Support my work by using affiliate links for shopping and pledging via Patreon.