Class Martial Controller: Auxiliary (Version 0.11) -Updated Preview Character (Aug. 9th)

[jaldaen]

Important Note: The name of the class has changed from Skirmisher to Harrier to Auxiliary! I think this is the best name available that fits the concept of the class without stepping on the toes of an already defined term (i.e. the Skirmisher is monster role; Harrier is a racial trait of a hyena)

I have also added the following Design Goals for the Auxiliary so you can see what my approach currently is. Some of these design goals might change as more of the rules become available, but this is what I'm leaning toward at the moment.

Design Goals for the Auxiliary:
1) Create a Martial Controller

A. Movie physics class.
B. Can damage and/or affect multiple targets each round at range.

2) A Auxiliary Should be Able to:

A. Attack/harass two or more opponents each round at range.
B. Deny enemies one or more of the following:

1. An area of the battlefield
2. Actions
3. Abilities
4. Movement

C. Take advantage of opportunity fire.
D. Avoid melee combat with enemy.
E. Use cover and concealment to great advantage.

3) Powers should be:

A. Ranged Attack Powers (multiple target; low damage; battlefield control)
B. Immediate and Opportunity Action-based (overwatch ability)
C. Cover, Movement, and Initiative-based Utilities

If you have comments, suggestions, etc... for the Auxiliary class, then feel free to post them to this thread.

I have uploaded a preview character of my martial controller Auxiliary class (Version 0.11/levels 1-30) to this first post for easier access. Furture updates and previews of the Auxiliary class will be found in this first post. I will be posting the design changes in future posts, but this one will be specifically set aside for Auxiliary class related downloads.

You are welcome to playtest the preview character while running through the Keep on the Shadowfell or other homebrew adventures. If you have any feedback based off of your experiences with the class, then please feel free to post them to this thread for further discussion or send it to me directly via email.

However, I will only be releasing the full details on the class through an NDA since I plan on publishing it via 3PP or D&DI. If you are interested in the full 1st to 3rd level class features and powers, then feel free to email me and I'll send you the NDA. Once its returned, either electronically or via snail mail I'll send the most current design your way.

Good Gaming,
Joseph

The Preview Character has been viewed 439 times!

[jaldaen]

Well I'm almost ready to unveil my martial controller class (levels 1-3)... and I'd love to have a few groups to playtest it while running through the Keep on the Shadowfell.

I am planning on posting one preview character for use with the Keep on the Shadowfell adventure before May 20th.

However I will only be releasing the full details on the class through an NDA since I plan on publishing it via 3PP or D&DI.

If you are interested in the preview character, then just keep your eyes peeled on this thread.

If you are interested in the full 1st to 3rd level class features and powers, then feel free to email me and I'll send you the NDA. Once its returned, either electronically or via snail mail I'll send the most current design your way.

[jaldaen]

I've uploaded a preview of the Skirmisher (levels 1-3) for use in your prerelease adventures (such as Keep on the Shadowfell). I would appreciate any feedback you might be willing to give regarding this martial controller class concept, the preview character in particular, and especially how it plays in your home games. This preview character needs to be playtested in order to see how effective it is at being a controller versus a wizard.

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, etc... then please feel free to send them my way.

If the preview perks your interest in seeing how the class is designed (with complete 1st-3rd level powers), then email me and I'll get the NDA to you ASAP.

I hope you all enjoy the preview and I look forward to your comments.

Important Note: Moved updated preview character to first post for easy access. All future updates will be placed in 1st post.

[malcolm_n]

The character looks fine; but shouldn't the 3rd level ability be an encounter power? The information we have is daily powers don't go up until 5. It's technical, but if you're looking to make it real, it's important .

GL, I'll try to include one in my playtests.

[jaldaen]

Originally Posted by malcolm_n

The character looks fine; but shouldn't the 3rd level ability be an encounter power? The information we have is daily powers don't go up until 5. It's technical, but if you're looking to make it real, it's important .

Nice catch... I of course choose the only Attack 3 in my document that said daily instead of encounter.

Originally Posted by malcolm_n

GL, I'll try to include one in my playtests.

Thanks a bunch! I'll keep my eyes out for feedback

[Quickleaf]

Hi Joseph!
Nice work on the skirmisher class. I'd like to see the rest of the class (e-mail me at aaronil [at] yahoo [dot] com with NDA) but from reading the preview here are my thoughts...

This class captures the feel of a trick archer/peltast/slinger very well, and could also work for a ninja or musketeer. I wonder if it steps on the ranger's toes? Also, even though this is a martial class, it's going to get it's butt kicked in melee (unless 4e has different rules about using ranged weapons in melee), so it'll need protection like the wizard.

The class features are great! I especially like Overwatch, though I wonder if the feature which augments it by +2 squares is necessary?

The powers make sense for the concept and seem well balanced. I especially like Coralling Volley - powers which use masses of minions against each other should fill a healthy amount of the class' power options. I was surprised not to see more powers interacting with Opportunity Attack rules, but I'm only looking at the preview.

All in all, good job!

[Exen Trik]

This is shaping up to be a really neat concept. I'm not quite as sure of it fitting the role of a controller though, it looks like a solid striker/controller hybrid. If you really want a stronger controller aspect put more focus into area effects and action manipulation, especially for the at-will powers.

Glancing volley and the piercing power aren't too bad, as it does effect more than one target, but the others are very much striker abilities. Instead of a power to slow one target, how about shooting a few arrows to push a burst of targets one square, or delivering a demoralizing attack that gives a penalty to the targets nearby allies next round? Or build off of you overseer concept, and prevent certain motions or actions of a area of targets by virtue of getting an arrow in the face if they do.

[jaldaen]

Originally Posted by Quickleaf

Nice work on the skirmisher class. I'd like to see the rest of the class (e-mail me at aaronil [at] yahoo [dot] com with NDA)

The NDA has been sent.

Originally Posted by Quickleaf

This class captures the feel of a trick archer/peltast/slinger very well, and could also work for a ninja or musketeer. I wonder if it steps on the ranger's toes? Also, even though this is a martial class, it's going to get it's butt kicked in melee (unless 4e has different rules about using ranged weapons in melee), so it'll need protection like the wizard.

Thanks the trick archerer/peltast/slinger, etc... is definately the theme I'm going with.

As for stepping on the toes of the ranger, I don't think it does because it focuses on doing less damage to more creatures (controller), whereas the ranger deals more damage to single creatures (striker). It is also not meant to be in melee, just like a wizard. It's utilities are designed to protect the skirmisher or allow him to use ranged weapons in melee.

Originally Posted by Quickleaf

The class features are great! I especially like Overwatch, though I wonder if the feature which augments it by +2 squares is necessary?

The +2 squares are for being an attentive skirmisher and is the Wisdom build for the class. The other build is adaptive skirmisher and is based on Intelligence.

Originally Posted by Quickleaf

The powers make sense for the concept and seem well balanced. I especially like Coralling Volley - powers which use masses of minions against each other should fill a healthy amount of the class' power options. I was surprised not to see more powers interacting with Opportunity Attack rules, but I'm only looking at the preview.

Yeah, I'm thinking of adding in some more opportunity attack options, but being limited to 4 or 5 powers at each power level makes it difficult to fit every concept in. I'm trying to keep the class with about as many options as the classes in the PHB. Although I might include a few extra powers each level beyond the norm considering that this will probably come out in October and the Martial book from WotC might add some additional powers for each level.

Originally Posted by Quickleaf

All in all, good job!

Thanks... I look forward to your feedback

[jaldaen]

Originally Posted by Exen Trik

This is shaping up to be a really neat concept. I'm not quite as sure of it fitting the role of a controller though, it looks like a solid striker/controller hybrid. If you really want a stronger controller aspect put more focus into area effects and action manipulation, especially for the at-will powers.

I think its about on par with the striker ability of a wizard (which also has some single target at-will spells), but I agree that most of its encounter/daily powers need to affect multiple creatures (or a single creature for at least a couple of rounds). You will probably notice that its encounter and daily powers deal a die less damage than a striker because it is affecting multiple targets. This is because from what I can tell the wizard class trades off a die of damage to get his area of effect powers. So controllers in general should have a similar loss of a damage die when affecting multiple targets.

Originally Posted by Exen Trik

Glancing volley and the piercing power aren't too bad, as it does effect more than one target, but the others are very much striker abilities. Instead of a power to slow one target, how about shooting a few arrows to push a burst of targets one square, or delivering a demoralizing attack that gives a penalty to the targets nearby allies next round? Or build off of you overseer concept, and prevent certain motions or actions of a area of targets by virtue of getting an arrow in the face if they do.

Other then the at-will Slowing and Retreating Volley powers all the other powers target multiple creatures... I choose to limit the at-wills to single targets because most of the wizard's at-will spells we know of target a single target. I do have a snap shot at-will power for the skirmisher that allows for an extra attack, but I really would need to see how the ranger's two-weapon at-will attack works as it would be a good point of reference for the power's balance.

I am considering building some overwatch based powers, but I want to get the base of the class down first before I get too clever with the design

[jaldaen]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback... I'm working on version 0.02 and should be releasing an updated preview character in the next day or so. If you have any feedback for the class, then please feel free to post it here and I'll look it over and work it in ASAP.

PS: How many of you would be interested in a second skirmisher character with the adaptive skirmisher build option? I'm considering working one up, but I would want to know both characters would get used in some playtesting.

[malcolm_n]

Alright, I have some free time (finally). I'd like to review this class a little more in depth. Please, if you can, send the NDA to mnorthwinter [at] yahoo [dot]com. I'll do what I need to.

Should we email feedback to you or post it here? I've never dealt with the whole NDA thing, so I'll make sure to read it and otherwise just need to know some basics. TY I'll look at it soon as I get the info.

[jaldaen]

Originally Posted by malcolm_n

Alright, I have some free time (finally). I'd like to review this class a little more in depth. Please, if you can, send the NDA to mnorthwinter [at] yahoo [dot]com. I'll do what I need to.

The NDA is on its way...

Originally Posted by malcolm_n

Should we email feedback to you or post it here? I've never dealt with the whole NDA thing, so I'll make sure to read it and otherwise just need to know some basics. TY I'll look at it soon as I get the info.

You may post comments on the preview character or any other material I release in this thread here at ENWorld, but your comments on the full version of the class which I'll send you privately should be sent to my email addy.

If you have any questions about the the NDA, then let me know and I'll answer them for you ASAP.

[jaldaen]

Here's the updated pregen character... I've only changed a few minor things:

1) Changed Defense line to read: AC 16, Fort 12, Ref 17, Will 13
2) Increased the overwatch bonus squares for the attentive skirmisher build by 1.
3) Changed Target line of Overwatch to: Any creature in zone without cover from you
4) Changed Target line of Retreating Volley to: One creature
5) Replaced Slowing Volley with Vigilant Volley

Vigilant Volley
You keep an eye out for an opening in your enemy’s defenses and when it presents itself you strike.
At-Will Martial, Weapon
Standard Action Ranged weapon
Target: One creature in your overwatch zone
Attack: Dexterity vs. Reflex
Hit: 1[W] + Dexterity modifier damage.
Special: This power counts as a ranged basic attack. When a power allows you to make a ranged basic attack, you can use this power against any creature within your overwatch zone.

6) Changed name of Shoot-Slide-Shoot to Shoot-Shift-Shoot (its more accurate though its still a placeholder until I can think of a better name)

Important Note: Moved updated preview character to first post for easy access. All future updates will be placed in 1st post.

[malcolm_n]

Originally Posted by jaldaen

5) Changed name of Shoot-Slide-Shoot to Shoot-Shift-Shoot (its more accurate though its still a placeholder until I can think of a better name)

How about Strafe? It gives the impression you're moving while firing and d20 modern players will also recognize it for the similar results.

[jaldaen]

Originally Posted by malcolm_n

How about Strafe? It gives the impression you're moving while firing and d20 modern players will also recognize it for the similar results.

Strafe... hmmm... I like the name!

Thanks for the suggestion... although perhaps it might be a better name for an encounter or daily power that attacks two or more adjacent creatures... I'll have to think about both options before I make a decision.

[jaldaen]

In the interest of keeping things simple... I've consolidated a lot of the information into the first post, including the preview character. New posts from me will focus on discussion, posting summaries of the updates, or announcing new material (which will be posted in the 1st post). Hopefully this will help keep everything a bit more organized.

[jaldaen]

Question of the Day

What should the name for this class be? I'd love to keep it as Skirmisher, but the monsters already have a Skirmisher role and it's probably not wise use an already defined term for a class name.

The options I'm considering are: Bushwhacker, Harrier, Pioneer, Scout, Vanguard

Bushwhacker sounds too strikerish to me.
Harrier works well enough, but a lot of people might start thinking Iron Heroes.
Pioneer is a bit nebulous and I'd like a name that gets the idea of the skirmisher across from the get go.
Scout is a possiblity, but there might be too much 3.5 baggage to chuck. Still it is a descriptive name for a non-melee controller type.
Vanguard is a cool name, but it sounds too Defenderish. I want the name to imply that this class does not mind being at the front of the party to begin with, but retreats quickly and prefers ranged attacks.

So far the two frontrunners for me are Harrier and Scout. They have baggage, but they are the best names in my opinion. I'm going to give the name some thought for the next few days and try to settle the one I like the most. If you have any comments, suggestions for other possible names, preferences, etc., then post them here and I'll look them over.

[malcolm_n]

What was great about scout in 3.5 was their mobility and great skills while moving around the battlefield, albeit usually using 2 weapons. I've never played Iron Heroes, but I'd assume that was a similar class.

Skirmisher never felt very ranged to me from the start. I was actually thinking Archer would be nice for the name. It's simple and gets the point across, except the class can used thrown weapons equally well.

From thesaurus.com - Delver, Explorer, Recon (as in reconnoiter).

I'd say my vote is for Harrier; this is D&D after all, not Iron Heroes. Let him be the defacto Harrier class.

[jaldaen]

Originally Posted by malcolm_n

What was great about scout in 3.5 was their mobility and great skills while moving around the battlefield, albeit usually using 2 weapons. I've never played Iron Heroes, but I'd assume that was a similar class.

Yeah, 3.5's Scout is a bit more robust than the Skirmisher class idea, but I think mobility is an important secondary aspect of the class. I like the Scout name though because when used in a non-3.5 sense it gets across the idea of someone who could scout ahead of the party, but upon contact with the enemy immediately retreats behind the front like and lends support.

Originally Posted by malcolm_n

Skirmisher never felt very ranged to me from the start. I was actually thinking Archer would be nice for the name. It's simple and gets the point across, except the class can used thrown weapons equally well.

I started out with Archer/Marksman, but I think those are a bit too narrow especially with the Skirmisher class' thrown weapon schtick. Also I think those concepts fit better with a Ranger's schtick of quality shots, whereas the skirmisher is not so much interested in the quality, but the quatinty of shots to affect multiple targets.

Originally Posted by malcolm_n

I'd say my vote is for Harrier; this is D&D after all, not Iron Heroes. Let him be the defacto Harrier class.

Yeah, Harrier does have a nice ring to it and other than being a very mobile class it is not very similar to the Iron Heroes' Harrier.

[jaldaen]

Today's Updates:

1) Added design goals to the first post so everyone can see how I'm approaching the class and make class feature and power suggestions if they'd like to or suggest other design goals they'd like to see explored.
2) Revised the first post to refer to Harrier, instead of Skirmisher class.
3) Uploaded the Harrier preview character... its the same as the previous preview character, but renamed. (Sorry if anyone came by to pick up the character last night... I was in the midst of uploading the new file when ENWorld crashed and this was the earliest I could upload it again).