Any way to make PHB2 class PCs before the book comes out?

[Mercurius]

The reason is that a couple characters just died and the next time we're playing is 3/14, which is three days before the PHB2 comes out. I don't know (yet) if the two players want to play PHB2 classes but I'd like to give them the option. What can I do if they want to play a PHB2 class? Is there anything on D&D Insider? I don't have a subscription but isn't there a free trial?

I figure that, at worst, if someone really wants to play a PHB2 class they can always make a character of the most similar PHB1 class and then convert it over after that one session.

 

[Inyssius]

In DDI, there are previews (or playtest, for the barbarian) for every class save the avenger (and even then there is enough leaked info to reconstruct it up to level 4). If you are playing at level 4 or below, playing any of the PHBII classes would require only a one-month DDI subscription; each of the previews contains the full class writeup (except for the bard and barbarian, which only contain one build), and all of the powers up to level 3 (and level 4 doesn't get you any class abilities, so that's fine too).

If you're playing at higher levels, you might have a problem; only the bard (up to level 10) and barbarian are available to us beyond that point.

If they would only be interested in the avenger or barbarian, not even that; one was partially leaked to the internet at large, and a playtest of one Barbarian build happens to be the last free Dragon article ever published.

 

[Mercurius]

Thanks. They would be starting at 3rd level, so that would work. Is there a place where I can find brief descriptions of each of the new classes?

 

[fissionessence]

You might also be able to find pregenerated character sheets of some of these classes that were used at D&DXP or whatever that con was.

~

 

[Connorsrpg]

The level 1-3 previews would be perfect. Enough there to get you through to the release of the book I would say (and as mentioned, lvl4 has no class effects).

Have emailed you some details. C

 

[mac1504]

Has anyone seen a write-up done of the information that is out there on the Avenger? I've seen pics, but I get a headache just trying to read some of the power descriptions.

 

[WalterKovacs]

Thanks. They would be starting at 3rd level, so that would work. Is there a place where I can find brief descriptions of each of the new classes?

The articles on the D&D website give the "opening" parts of the previews, basically the part explaining what a character has for HP, surges, defenses, proficiencies, recommended stats, etc ... The powers are only shown if you also have the DDI subscription.

Made even simpler:

BARD - Arcane Leader, CHA based, secondary INT (ranged) or CON (melee), shows 10 levels of the secondary INT build. Keeps some of it's "jack of all trades" reputation by being able to take multiple multiclass feats.

Sorceror - Arcane Striker, CHA based, secondary DEX (wild) or STR (dragon), has 3 levels shown. Gets a fixed damage boost (based on secondary stat), instead of extra damage dice.

Avenger - Divine Striker, WIS based, secondary DEX or INT (?), only some info is available, such as from the Penny Arcade podcast series, and the pregen character. Instead of extra damage, it has an increased accuracy, being able to roll twice on melee attacks against their chosen foe (under the right circumstances).

Invoker - Divine Controller, WIS based, secondary CON or INT, first 3 levels are shown. Hard to find a "theme" like with the other ones, although it does have some angel summoning involved (no word on BMX banditry).

Shaman - Primal Leader, WIS based, secondary CON or INT, first 3 levels are shown. Has a spirit companion that is a bit like a summonable animal companion, which is connected to some of the powers.

Druid - Primal Controller, WIS based, secondary CON or DEX, first 3 levels are shown. Able to wild shape to switch between humanoid ranged caster mode and melee beast form.

Warden - Primal Defender, STR based, secondary CON or WIS, first 3 levels are shown. Dailies involve polymorphs that include an attack that can be used later [compared to the barbarian rage that starts with the attack]

Barbarian - Primal Striker, STR based, secondary CON or CHA, all 30 levels shown, but seems to have been slightly altered (based on pregens), and the CON based 'half' is shown. Daily "rages" work like stances (in addition to attack powers)

 

[Matrix Sorcica]

Has anyone seen a write-up done of the information that is out there on the Avenger? I've seen pics, but I get a headache just trying to read some of the power descriptions.

Yes, on the WotC boards. Link escapes me, at work so can't really search for it.

Think the title of the thread was "first look at avenger" or something.

I'm not sure ENWorld would approve on me posting the info.

 

[Inyssius]

WotC explicitly encouraged people to take those photos. They're more legit than anything else in this entire thread. Link away.

 

[Nymrohd]

Just make sure that afterwards you give them a free retrain because they will most likely want to change their feats to PHB2 feats.