Desert Strider (Elf, Ranger Archetype)

While elves are close to nature, most prefer the green canopies of the forest to other terrains. However, there are those who have adapted to the hot, arid deserts, relying on their wits and natural magic to become one with their homeland. 

Class Features

The desert strider has the following class features.

Desert Empathy (Ex)

This is exactly like the ranger’s wild empathy ability, except that it applies only to animals while in a desert terrain.

Heat Shimmer (Su)

As a free action, a desert strider of 2nd level can surround himself with heat distortion that acts as the blur spell. Creatures that strike the desert strider in melee while he’s using this ability are dazzled for 1 round (Fortitude negates). The desert strider may use this ability for a number of rounds per day equal to 3 + his Wisdom modifier. These rounds need not be consecutive. This ability replaces the combat style feat gained at 2nd level.

Desert Knowledge (Ex)

At 3rd level, a desert strider gains a +2 bonus on Initiative checks and Knowledge (geography), Perception, Stealth, and Survival checks while in desert terrain, and he cannot be tracked in such environments, unless he so chooses. Every 5 levels thereafter, the desert strider gains an additional +3 on each of those checks while in desert terrain (to a maximum of +11 at 18th level). This ability replaces favored terrain.

Terrain Resilience (Ex)

At 3rd level, a desert strider ignores the effects of a hot climate as if using endure elements. He also has a reduced need to eat and drink, as if wearing a ring of sustenance (though normal sleep is still required). This ability replaces endurance.

Spellcasting

A desert strider adds the following spells to his spell list at the indicated spell level: 1st–summon monster II (camel or gnoll), summon sand worm I; 2nd–summon monster III (giant scorpion or locust swarm only), summon sand worm II; 3rd–summon monster V (giant ant lion or janni only), summon sand worm III; 4th–summon monster VII (androsphinx, desert drake, desert giant, or gynosphinx only),