D&D 4E Directly from a quote- 8 classes in 4e! (well, now subject to much debate)

[Cadfan]

It will be interesting to see what happens to the psion.

Previously, the psion has tended to be a sorceror with a magic point system. Sure, there were some efforts at fluff tossed in, but honestly it wasn't much. The real difference was the point system versus spell slots.

With vancian magic being moved to the endangered species list, I wonder how psionics will work. I'd be happy to see it crafted as something other than pseudo magic for players who want spell points. Something flavorful, and actually distinct from normal magic. If they can pull it off, I'll happily stop being a psionics hater.

 

[Kurotowa]

One thing that's been mentioned more than once is classes assimilating other classes. Since they're using the SAGA style classes with multiple talent trees each, I take that to mean the key elements of the lesser class will end up as a talent tree for the greater class.

For example, they're already specifically said that the Scout has been folded into the Ranger. I can see the Monk features being turned into a Fighter talent tree focused on unarmed combat. And there's been implications that Druids will end up as a nature focused talent tree or two of Clerics. I'd figure that Bards and Barbarians will likely end up in the same situation.

Though that's not always a given. They've also said that Sorcerers will not only remain, but get a work over to make them more distinct from Wizards. Since Paladins are getting the alignment restriction lifted, we may see a general "holy warrior" class remain with Paladin one of the main talent trees.

 

[Jhaelen]

I take it as there will be 8 classes in 4e. I'm wondering what classes will be filling new slots.

I believe you're right. It fits, what I've heard so far. There are four roles and two classes for each of them:

Defender: Fighter, Paladin
Leader: Cleric, Warlord
Striker: Ranger, Rogue
Controller: Wizard, Sorcerer

 

[Pamela]

Based on James Wyatt's interview:

He emphasised the importance of having four core: Fighter, Cleric, Wizard and Rogue. Beyond that, these classes were all mentioned:

Fighter
Paladin
Cleric
Warlord
Wizard
Rogue
Ranger

Now I've seen the screenshot of the laptop team, which included the Fighter; Wizard, Warlord and Ranger. The Ranger according to the interview is supposed to be like the Rogue. I take it that the Warlord is a version of the Cleric.

In other places, I've seen the seen the Barbarian mentioned.

This gives us 8 classes right there. Now, are these all the eight classes? Or are some of these subsets of the core? Barbarian seems to stand alone, since its present prestige classes were also mentioned. Has there been any mention of druids? I think I read about sorcerers somewhere but I'm not entirely certain.

 

[Frostmarrow]

Based on James Wyatt's interview:

He emphasised the importance of having four core: Fighter, Cleric, Wizard and Rogue. Beyond that, these classes were all mentioned:

Fighter
Paladin
Cleric
Warlord
Wizard
Rogue
Ranger

Now I've seen the screenshot of the laptop team, which included the Fighter; Wizard, Warlord and Ranger. The Ranger according to the interview is supposed to be like the Rogue. I take it that the Warlord is a version of the Cleric.

In other places, I've seen the seen the Barbarian mentioned.

This gives us 8 classes right there. Now, are these all the eight classes? Or are some of these subsets of the core? Barbarian seems to stand alone, since its present prestige classes were also mentioned. Has there been any mention of druids? I think I read about sorcerers somewhere but I'm not entirely certain.

I think the druid is out because shape change is out (or very much different). The druids put all their eggs in the wrong basket.

 

[Howndawg]

This is what I've picked up through tidbits:

Barbarian: Mentioned in an interview as being a barbarian, not a berserker. Berserker and bear warrior concepts come later in his career.
Bard: Not a peep.
Cleric: Mentioned quite frequently.
Druid: I didn't hear anything, but someone else on the boards said the druid was mentioned.
Fighter: Mentioned quite frequently.
Monk: Not a peep.
Paladin: Mentioned in an interview as being more fun to play.
Ranger: Mentioned as eating up scout. Name visible in promo video.
Rogue: Mentioned as being a martial class.
Sorcerer: Mentioned as being distinct from wizard.
Wizard: See above comment with sorcerer. Name visible in promo video.
Warlord: Name visible in promo video.


Howndawg

 

[Asmor]

I thought the number 11 was official?

Here's what I expect; Bard and Monk are out. I've heard the Druid is, but not so sure I believe it. Wouldn't be surprised to see the Fighter keep its name, but be replaced by a martial adept.

New to core: Duskblade. Maybe the Warlock, but honestly I doubt it since it sounds like mechanically it's being integrated into the caster classes.

 

[Agamon]

Ah, I may indeed have read too much into it. I apologize for that. I think we'll find out for sure when stream the 'preview' products start coming out at the end of the year.

I should have been more specific when I told you in the other thread that 8 wasn't the firm number. My bad.

 

[Chris_Nightwing]

I think it's a shame they aren't just going with the 4-class (Warrior, Mage, Priest, Rogue) or 6-class (Fighter, Rogue/Archer, Wilderness-types, Mage, Priest, Noble - one for each ability) systems. But if they were going to do 8 I'd suggest:

Warrior
Mage
Priest
Rogue
Warrior/Priest (Paladin)
Warrior/Rogue (Ranger/Scout)
Warrior/Mage (Battlecaster/Sorceror)
Rogue/Mage (Bard)

(I don't think the other two crossovers, Mage/Priest and Priest/Rogue work so well, but for 10 classes that'd be nice..)

 

[Technik4]

So it's four tactical roles (defender, leader, controller, striker) and two classes for each role?

Like someone else said, I wonder if there will be a gish-role in the starting book? It's such a popular combination and they have obviously tried many times to do it in 3e and 3.5 (from as early as Sword and Fist with the PrC Spellsword all the way up till the Duskblade). It seems like their role would be striker, with a dash of controller as most gishes aren't built for tanking.