A class for multiclassers (The Dabbler)

[77IM]

First, *YOINK*

I agree with some of the comments of earlier posters. I like mattdm's skill suggestion. 2 skills from multiclass feats + any 2 skills seems like plenty, and Jack of All Trades is very appropriate.

I also see no need to ignore the prerequisites on multiclass feats. I think you could clarify Power Versatility by stating that your highest-level and second-highest-level power in any category must be from different classes (e.g. if you're a fighter/wizard, and your 1st-level Encounter power is a wizard power, then at 3rd level you must select a fighter Encounter power).

I think this also mitigates some of Exen Trik's concerns. The dabbler is numerically better than a wizard (say) but doesn't have his class features like implement mastery and spellbook and is forced to have a non-wizard power as his second-highest pick in every category. I see the point about a defender/defender hybrid, but those guys already multiclass well using the normal rules (because so many of their powers are melee weapon Strength-based).

Dabbler isn't a very sexy name for a class but I can't think of many good ones either (Adventurer? Hero? Yeoman?).

-- 77IM

 

[Kzach]

This class needs a name change. I suggest Red Mage.

 

[ideasmith]

Interesting. Most of the basic stuff seems fine, though I'd put a limit on the number of classes they

can learn powers from... probably 3 at Heroic level, and +1 more at Paragon, +1 more at Epic.

I'm not sure why. Explain?

I tried something similar before the books were out, called the Dual Class. It also had both the

multiclass feats, and other goodies such as limited class features. I never got around to redesigning it though, and

as written it simply doesn't work.

But mine was aiming to be the even split class, you seem to be going for a little bit of everything. You have some of

the same issues though, since your stats are strictly better than a wizards and worse than a fighter's, meaning being

a controller/striker is too good and something like a defender/leader (or worse, defender/defender) is too weak.

Something should be added to take into account what specific classes are involved, or which powers, but I'm not sure

which way to go about that.

With the possible disconnect between the roles of the multiclasses and the role of a particular dabbler, I might as well keep things simple. Especially considering the Dabbler (Fighter/Paladin) who later adds (Wizard).

I do like the power versatility though. It's any elegant way to ensure the character "mixes it up", at least after a

few levels.

Thank you.

Hmmm. So, with this plus the free multiclassing feats, that's eight trained skills to start. I'm not

sure being an expert in all skills should come free with this class. How about far fewer skills — pick two, plus the

two from the multiclassing feats — and then you get Jack of All Trades for free? That fits the "dabbler" concept very

well, I think.

I guess I did overdo the skills.

Making it nix all prereqs is dangerous. It might be okay for the current mutliclass feats, but it's just waiting for

a supplement to come along and break everything. Is there a really strong reason for not just leaving the prereqs as

they are?

Just adding customizability. Will tone down.

How does that work with retraining?

Good question. Will reword.

You might call the class the "Journeyman", since it is close to the Earthdawn class of the same

name. You might want to check it out, since it has some interesting powers of its own that might be appropriate.

Heck, I'll post some of those powers later.

'Dabbler' seems fine to me. So far, I'm sticking with it.

First, *YOINK*

Thank you.

I agree with some of the comments of earlier posters. I like mattdm's skill suggestion. 2 skills from multiclass feats + any 2 skills seems like plenty, and Jack of All Trades is very appropriate.

I also see no need to ignore the prerequisites on multiclass feats. I think you could clarify Power Versatility by stating that your highest-level and second-highest-level power in any category must be from different classes (e.g. if you're a fighter/wizard, and your 1st-level Encounter power is a wizard power, then at 3rd level you must select a fighter Encounter power).

I think this also mitigates some of Exen Trik's concerns. The dabbler is numerically better than a wizard (say) but doesn't have his class features like implement mastery and spellbook and is forced to have a non-wizard power as his second-highest pick in every category. I see the point about a defender/defender hybrid, but those guys already multiclass well using the normal rules (because so many of their powers are melee weapon Strength-based).

Thank you for the suggestion.

Dabbler isn't a very sexy name for a class but I can't think of many good ones either (Adventurer? Hero? Yeoman?).

I don't really look for 'sexy' in character class names, but will listen to suggestions.

This class needs a name change. I suggest Red Mage.

Red Mage? Is this a reference to something I missed?

 

[ideasmith]

First revision up.

There will likely be more revisions. For one thing, a number of suggestions are still being considered.

For some reason, the site wouldn't let me edit unless I changed the category to "General"

 

[Kzach]

Red Mage? Is this a reference to something I missed?

Sigh, kids these days.

 

[Exen Trik]

Red Mage? Is this a reference to something I missed?

The final fantasy version of the "Jack of All Trades" archetype. I guess it's somewhat analogous, but not that good of a fit for this class, especially since magic isn't necessarily part of it (nor are rapiers or overly large, feathered red hats).

The closest alternate names I can come up with that match are Dilettante which isn't too bad, or Polymath that has a closer meaning but doesn't sound as cool.