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I'm playing a Ranger in a Pathfinder campaign. I've been looking over the spell lists, and I'm a bit miffed as to just what spells a Ranger can use - is it limited to only using the Ranger spells list?
If the Ranger can use other spells, how does it "learn" them? Can the Ranger keep spells not included in the Ranger spells list in a spellbook?
No, it is only spells listed on the Ranger spell list. A Ranger typically learns these spells in a manner similar to druids in that they are essentially communing with nature to gain influence over it.
A Ranger's spell list is limited because casting spells is not their forte. They are first and foremost warriors and trackers. The spellcasting is secondary to their nature and mission.
In order to learn any other spells, you would have to take class levels in some other spellcaster class.
Yes, a Ranger can gain additional spells added to their spell list in a Pathfinder only game. The following are only examples I could find, I'm sure there are more.
As BBlake said Ranger's Spell list is limited due to the Rangers main focus not being spells.
Assuming you are not wanting to multi class the options below are useful.
Thanks to Rob and GoBLiN for showing me some other options. I have added them below
Traits
Two World Magic: Lets you add one 0-level spell from a class that is not your own to your spell list. If your class cannot cast 0 level spells it adds it as a level 1 spell.
Feats
Nature Magic: Grants the spell Know Direction as a spell like ability as well as one other Druid Orison cast-able once per day with your Character Level as Caster Level.
Arcane Talent: Only available to Elves, Half-Elves, and Gnomes. Allows the character to select one 0 level spell from the sorcerer/wizard spell list to cast 3 times a day as a spell-like ability with Character Level as Caster Level.
A Ranger does not use a spellbook like a wizard does so you would not be able to copy anything into a spellbook. A Ranger is more like the cleric where he meditates and receives his spells from a higher power. In the case of the Ranger this is his bond with nature.
Below are some 3.5 feats that you might ask your DM if he/she would allow.
Mother Cyst: From Libre Mortis comes the creepy way to get spells. You grow a cyst and can add necrotic spells to your spell list.
Initiate Feats: This is not a specific feat but is a list of feats from 3.5 that grant various abilities. As the name suggests you become an Initiate and gain access to a limited amount of something depending on the feat.
To spell it out explicitly, in general, a Ranger can only prepare and cast spells on the ranger list. There might be specific abilities or special rules that break this general rule.
A ranger can activate a scroll, casting the spell from the scroll without having to have it prepared or using any spell slots, if the spell appears on the Ranger list. Rangers do not need to learn spells, and cannot learn spells outside the Ranger list.
This question is answered in the Core rulebook, in the Ranger class description, under the Spells ability.
A ranger may prepare and cast any spell on the ranger spell list, provided that he can cast spells of that level, but he must choose which spells to prepare during his daily meditation.
As a further reference, there is the New Divine Spells and Divine Magical Writing sections of the Magic chapter, which are quite different to the Arcane equivalents.
