C&C -- some new classes (Rake & Druidic Bard)

[Akrasia]

Here are two new classes that I am thinking of introducing to my C&C game. Let me know what you think!

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Inspired somewhat by the rake class from 'Dawn of the Emperors', here is my take on a 'swashbuckler' version of the thief/rogue.

The Rake

Level (experience, BtH and HD) Progression: As Rogue.
Prime Attribute: Dexterity
Alignment: Any nonlawful. Usually nonevil.
Weapons: As Rogue.
Armour: As Rogue.
Abilities:
1. As Rogue -- except no back attack, pick pockets, or sneak attack.
2. Can use dexterity as a bonus to hit with 'light' melee weapons (e.g. rapier, short sword, dagger, etc.). Strength is still used for any damage modifier.
3. Can use two weapons if the 'off hand' weapon is 'small' (e.g. short sword or dagger) at a reduced penalty (-2/-2 to attacks).
4. Can 'taunt' opponents from level 4 onwards once per day (opponent must make WIS check versus 12/18 + Rake level + Rake CHA bonus, or be at -2 to all actions for a number of rounds equal to the rake's level). The rake can use this ability one additional time/day for every four levels therafter (i.e. twice at level 8, etc.).
5. Gains a +1 bonus to armour class when unencumbered at level 6. This improves to a +2 bonus at level 12.

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Here is my attempt to combine the C&C bard with elements of the OAD&D version of the class.

The Druidic Bard

Experience Progression: As Druid.
BtH Progression: As Druid.
Prime Attributes: Wisdom and Charisma.
Hit Dice: d8
Weapons Allowed: As Bard.
Armour Allowed: As Bard.
Abilities:
1. As Bard -- except no exalt or exhort greatness.
2. Druidic Language (Druidic Bard are trained by druids, and know their language).
3. Nature Lore (as Druid, at level 2).
4. Woodland stride (at level 4).
5. Resist Elements (at level 8).
6. Druid spells, acquired at the following progression (with druid bonus spells for high wisdom):

Druidic Bard level (Spells in parentheses; spell level obvious -- first one is level '0')

1 (1,1)
2 (2,2)
3 (3,3)
4 (3, 3, 1)
5 (3, 3, 2)
6 (3, 3, 3)
7 (3, 3, 3, 1)
8 (3, 3, 3, 2)
9 (3, 3, 3, 3)
10 (3, 3, 3, 3, 1)
11 (4, 3, 3, 3, 2)
12 (4, 3, 3, 3, 3)
13 (4, 3, 3, 3, 3, 1)
14 (4, 3, 3, 3, 3, 2)
15 (4, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3)
16 (4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3)
17 (4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3)
18 (4, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3)
19 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 3)
20 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4)

 

[Turanil]

Rake: give it d8 and cleric BtH. Rogues are worthless in combat, slightly worse than in AD&D 2e, where they already weren't worth it and rarely taken as a result. I wanted to play a rogue when 3e appeared, but not before. Now using Dex for bonus to hit should not stack with strength (no bonus to dmg in this case).

Druidic Bard: Remove all druidic abilities, and give it bard abilities from 1e or 3e (Bardic Music). Give it some fast talk abilities.

 

[Akrasia]

Thanks for your suggestions, Turanil. I will post revised versions of both classes in the near future.

 

[Turanil]

Thanks for your suggestions, Turanil. I will post revised versions of both classes in the near future.

These are but suggestions. For one thing, about game balance it appears I tend to like overpowered C&C classes (although the rangers with its +1 to dmag against all marauders-like creatures seems too much to me). Hence, I find that rogues and clerics have too feeble BtH, as these already sucked in 2e, but are even (slightly) weaker in C&C. I will in the near future propose some C&C classes of my own, but fear they will be seen unbalanced by the community

In any case, giving bonus languages to the bard could be interesting?