Pilgrim Protector
"Freya, guide my arrow," whispered the half-elf as she loosed an arrow at the closest of the two basilisks. She knew she had to keep her distance from the great lizard, and did not wait for the arrow to find its mark before moving. The arrow found its mark with a tiny explosion of light, and the injured monster's attention was firmly fixed on her. If she did not succeed today, how many pilgrims heading to the mountain shrine would be turned to stone?
The bandits had been unlucky. Had they struck even a day later it would have been weeks until he patrolled this road again. He did not enjoy it, but as they had taken up arms against those he was charged with protecting, and thus had to die. He took no joy in carrying out this judgment, but he did it regardless - those that harried the sacred paths were the enemies of his god, and he was the tip of the spear.
"Stay low," she said to the frightened woman holding a small child, one of a dozen pilgrims she was guiding. "They haven't seen us yet, and I do not intend for them to do so." She whispered a quick spell, and the bushes between them and the mountain troll seemed to grow thicker. They were just a few hours away from the shrine that was their goal, but the last bit was the most dangerous. She looked over to the other ranger, both clad in grey leathers. "Take them along the high route. I will find the troll's lair and meet you at the shrine."
These rangers patrol the ancient pilgrimage paths, clearing the way for travelers who wish to pray at the sacred sites. Their faith and strength of arms keeps them safe in the wilderness as they combine divine magic with woodcraft in order to keep the roads safe for those who share their faith. A Pilgrim Protector dedicates their life to a deity, and are rewarded with the power to protect their flock against danger, both mundane and extra-planar.
In the Estian Sea, almost all Pilgrim Protectors are members of the Pilgrim Knights and serve Freya, but some exist as part of other orders.
Pilgrim Protector Magic
3rd-level Pilgrim Protector feature
You learn an additional spell when you reach certain levels in this class, as shown in the table below. The spells counts as ranger spells for you, but it doesn't count against the number of ranger spells you know.
| Ranger Level | Spell |
|---|---|
| 3 | Protection from Evil and Good |
| 5 | Aid |
| 9 | Beacon of Hope |
| 13 | Find Greater Steed |
| 17 | Summon Celestial |
Smite the Wicked
3rd-level Pilgrim Protector feature
When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one spell slot to deal radiant damage to the target, in addition to the weapon's damage. The extra damage is 2d6 for a 1st-level spell slot, plus 1d6 for each spell level higher than 1st, to a maximum of 5d6. The damage increases by 1d6, to a maximum of 6d6, if the target is one of your Favored Enemies.
At level 11, the damage dice increases to d8s.
Lessons From the Pilgrimage
3rd-level Pilgrim Protector feature
You have completed your own pilgrimage, and you learned much doing so. You gain Expertise in Religion, and in one other skill that you are proficient in.
Divine Protection
7th-level Pilgrim Protector feature
You feel the protecting presence of your deity when you are in danger. You have advantage on saving throws against being Charmed or Frightened and you are immune to disease.
In addition, when you cast a spell that restores hit points, you can cleanse the target of any Diseases and Poisons that affects them.
Blessed Strikes
11th-level Pilgrim Protector feature
Your tireless work has not gone unnoticed by your deity and you have earned their favor. You are permanently affected by the Bless spell, but it only affects attack rolls.
Determination Rewarded
15th-level Pilgrim Protector feature
Your connection to your deity has deepened, and their favor extends further. The Bless spell from your deity also works on saving throws. In addition, you can cast the Commune spell once per long rest, without using a spell slot.