Hopes for the "Warlord" Class

I notice that some rumors have indicated that "warlord" will be one of the new classes in D&D4E.

If this is the case, there's just one thing I hope: I hope it's not like that #@$% stupid class from the D&D3E Miniatures Handbook, who gives various boosts to allied characters by simply being within 30 feet. (I forget their name... does anyone know the class I'm talking about?) There's nothing necessarily wrong with this *mechanic*, with the *idea* of being a "support character" (like the boring but sometimes interesting bard) of course... but the "in character" explanation for this class, if I remember rightly, is something like "They provide support for their allies by giving tactical advice on the battlefield."

This is the dumbest explanation for a power that I have ever heard. So this dude's role is basically to kvetch and say "Hey! Swing your sword more to the left!" and "Watch out! Goblins at four o' clock! Duck! Duck" :/ The DM was running one of these characters, and it didn't take long for me and the rest of the players to point out a million cheesy things which would be wrong with this class if there was even the vaguest attempt at realism: What if the tactician dude is blinded or deafened? How can he notice what's going on on the battlefield? Or what if he (or one of the allies) is silenced? Does he then give tactical advice by sign language? LAAAAMMME!!!

I don't know what the warlord class will be like, but... PLEASE GOD AND WIZARDS, DON'T MAKE IT LIKE THIS STUPID INANE CLASS FROM THE MINIATURES HANDBOOK!

That's all folks!

You are right. However, Marshal is a better name than warlord.

[EDIT]Just thought - they mentioned a Half-Elves "Inspiring Presence", maybe that could work on a similar mechanic to the 3e Marshal?

Marshal.

While Marshals are martial by nature and one can mashal ones martial forces, they are not the same word.

Andor said:

Marshal.

While Marshals are martial by nature and one can mashal ones martial forces, they are not the same word.

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Haha thanks, was having a bit of a blond moment!

It seems I'm one of the only people that likes the Marshall, well, let's go back; I think I'm the only person who likes the Miniatures Handbook…

Seriously though, I find it to be a nifty class and it was the first aura class, to be followed later by the dragon shaman and what not.

Baby Samurai said:

It seems I'm one of the only people that likes the Marshall, well, let's go back; I think I'm the only person who likes the Miniatures Handbook…

Seriously though, I find it to be a nifty class and it was the first aura class, to be followed later by the dragon shaman and what not.

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The idea of an "aura class" is fine if it's definitely a magical ability, like the bard; but the Simulationist side of me who wants RPGs to vaguely follow some sort of pseudo-realism dislikes the idea that the Marshal is some dude who just runs around the battlefield yelling at his friends telling them what to do. (This would be a decent idea for a class too, actually, but the way the Marshal currently works is like "Everyone must stand near me to bask in my awesome combat aura!!!" so the idea that the Marshal actually works by "sharing his combat knowledge" is absurd and takes me out of the game.)

MightyTev said:

Just thought - they mentioned a Half-Elves "Inspiring Presence", maybe that could work on a similar mechanic to the 3e Marshal?

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That wouldn't be so bad if it's definitely a magical effect. Like I said, it's only the IC explanation for the marshal's powers that I don't like. The effect itself is fine.

ptolemy18 said:

The idea of an "aura class" is fine if it's definitely a magical ability, like the bard; but the Simulationist side of me who wants RPGs to vaguely follow some sort of pseudo-realism dislikes the idea that the Marshal is some dude who just runs around the battlefield yelling at his friends telling them what to do.

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I can see what you're saying – 'Hey, who's the obnoxious guy by the dip who keeps yelling at everyone?'

Marshal's Aura as Inspiration

I had a marshal in a game for about 6 months. We always explained his abilities as a combination of:
1. His tactical knowledge being shared with the party. "Hit it upwards, under the scales!"
2. His ability to get involved and help the people close by. "[Rogue] Thanks man! If it wasn't for you nudging me, that blade would've gutted me like a fish!"
3. His general inspiring presence. "[Wizard] When I saw you stride in there, I knew there was nothing for me to be afraid of."

How does that work for people?

Gothic_Demon said:

I had a marshal in a game for about 6 months. We always explained his abilities as a combination of:
1. His tactical knowledge being shared with the party. "Hit it upwards, under the scales!"
2. His ability to get involved and help the people close by. "[Rogue] Thanks man! If it wasn't for you nudging me, that blade would've gutted me like a fish!"
3. His general inspiring presence. "[Wizard] When I saw you stride in there, I knew there was nothing for me to be afraid of."

How does that work for people?

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It's always worked great for me - I rather like the class, and have handled about the same way.