Another Core Class

[wingsandsword]

In my own games, I've got 4 new base classes (although I do consider the XPH to be a Core Book, and the 4 psionic classes to be available).

Mystic (From DLCS, I've got a copy of the preview they put up for it, haven't shelled out the $40 yet for the actual book though). I really think that a spontaneous divine caster is a good thing, but I don't like the Favored Soul).

Noble (A cross between DMG Aristocrat, Wheel of Time Noble and Star Wars Revised Noble), I might use the DLCS version if I had it.

Master (A fantasy conversion of the Tech Specialist from SW: Revised, it's pretty much a PC version of expert, with lots of skill bonuses and the ability to make simple magic items like potions by just making craft checks (and spending time, XP and money), like a really good alchemist should be able to.

Peasant Hero (A fantasy conversion of the Fringer class from SW: Revised, a PC version of Peasant basically, a flexible jack-of-all-trades type who gets lots of class skills. I'm considering making this the Halfling favored class, especially for tolkien-style Hobbit-Halflings.)

 

[Roman]

Yeah, I'm like you in that aspect.

That said, a WotC stamp is no guarantee of balance (the Pelor PrC in Complete Divine...).

Well, I am also mostly like that, but if you make the class yourself looking at other WotC classes for guidelines as to power level than you are likely to end up with a balanced class.

 

[Frostmarrow]

A civilized warrior. The barbarian's opposite.

 

[Li Shenron]

It's hard for me to think of an empty niche for base classes, since there is already some overlapping among them.

I am much more fond of variants on base classes (e.g. from UA) rather then introducing new ones - although I am not totally against it, unless they are too specific - and I think that with them + multiclassing you can go anywhere.

Actually one of the reasons why players "need" new base classes (-> buy new books) is the multiclassing penalty which I have eliminated from my campaigns long ago.

 

[Roman]

A civilized warrior. The barbarian's opposite.

Wouldn't a knight or a noble be the barbarian's opposite in a fantasy setting mostly based on medieval Europe?

 

[Roman]

It's hard for me to think of an empty niche for base classes, since there is already some overlapping among them.

I am much more fond of variants on base classes (e.g. from UA) rather then introducing new ones - although I am not totally against it, unless they are too specific - and I think that with them + multiclassing you can go anywhere.

Actually one of the reasons why players "need" new base classes (-> buy new books) is the multiclassing penalty which I have eliminated from my campaigns long ago.

That's certainly a valid opinion. I also do not think that there is some kind of absolutely desperate need for new core or base classes, but I am wondering if all niches appropriate for core or base classes have been filled... So far several interesting niches that have not really been filled have been presented by various posters.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

But AU uses a different magic system doesn't it? I'd like to see one that uses regular D&D magic. I may pick up Complete Warrior and tinker with the hexblade a bit.

It should be very easy to change the Mage Blade to the standard D&D spellcasting systems. He would approximately has the same spell level progression as a Bard, just a different spell list and probably a different spells known system (it is up to debate if a Mage Blade should cast spontaneously or have to prepare spells - the AU magic system does - in a way - both)

 

[Roman]

I don't know... seems to me that adapting a class from a different game system would be rather difficult - it would probably be easier to just create a new one.

 

[GlassJaw]

Personally, I think there should be less base classes. I'm really digging the class system in Grim Tales. It's a very generic class system that doesn't pigeon-hole you into an actual class. One of my pet peeves with 3ed is having your character definied by a class or job. I don't like the idea that you are fighter then you become a rogue or whatever.

The Grim Tales is of course still d20 and level-based but it has the feel of a classless sytem in some regards. There are no multiclassing penalties and each class can be customized in and of itself. It really lets the player customize and build a character concept. What's even better is that two players with the same concept can build a completely different character.

I predict this is where 4ed will go. I don't think it will be a classless system but it will definitely be more generic.

 

[CRGreathouse]

I don't think there's a need for new base classes. I'm less likely to buy a book if it has new (not alternate) base classes in it.