Easy-Go Classes for Beginners?

[Mouseferatu]

So I don't think anyone reading this will be shocked when I say that, for the most part, I really like 4E. (Pause for gasps of astonishment. ) I enjoy the vast majority of the aspects of gameplay, and many of the omissions I missed were mitigated by PHB2.

But there's one thing about the game that does bug me a little, and it's this. In every prior edition, there were always a few deliberately simple options for someone brand new to the game, who hadn't yet gotten their minds around the rules. You could always hand the newcomer the fighter or the thief/rogue and say "Go." Perhaps they wouldn't be using the class to its full potential, but there was a minimum of difficulty in learning how to use it, and--for those intimidated by character creation (something that I have seen more than once), a minimum of choices to make.

There's no "beginner class" in 4E. Oh, certainly the PHB2 classes are a bit more complex than those in the first PHB, and the wizard is more complicated than, say, the rogue. But there's nothing you can just hand someone who's barely learned the combat rules and say "Play this." The two old standbys, the fighter and the rogue, have their own complexities--the combat challenge, maneuvering for sneak attack, etc.--and, of course their vast array of powers.

So I'm wondering, how would folks go about fixing this? My two instincts would be

A) It might be cool if WotC (or a third party) provided a sample character of each class, of every level, with all the choices already made and having selected the simplest and most intuitive of the powers.

B) I've been wondering if it'd be possible to create a new class whose class features were all very simple, and with a choice of only two powers (or maybe even just one) at every level. The class features would be mostly static bonuses, so the newbie could just add them and be done with it, rather than having to remember to maneuver for sneak attack, or declare his quarry, or choose his spells, or whatever. And while the powers would, of course, be balanced with the average level of powers from the other classes, the lack of choices wouldn't send the beginner into a tizzy. Of course, said class would only have a single build, and all characters of said class would look mostly the same as any other--but that's the point. This is the class that you give someone to "cut their teeth on," before they move on to creating a character of a "real" class, with all the choice that entails.

It would probably have to be a martial character--a fighter-lite or ranger-lite, if you will--just to keep it as dirt-simple as possible.

I'm just curious if anyone else has felt the need for such a thing when introducing new players, and what they think of these--or other--possible solutions.

 

[Mr. Wilson]

IMHO, Archery Rangers are about as easy as you can get in 4E.

Basically, stand in the back, use HQ on the closest bad guy, use twin strike every round you don't use an encounter or daily on said bad guy, profit. You don't even have to worry about prime shot if you do don't want to move.

 

[Fallen Seraph]

Hmm... I would say Class Features are definitely the most complex aspect for classes. Most of the time Powers are nicely self-contained so I think a beginner can fairly easily grasp that thanks to the format. But Class Features can throw a monkey into the wrench with how they bounce off Powers or influence them, or other things, etc.

Perhaps if Class Features became Powers in their own right? They could be added to the bottom of Powers, or put straight into the Power to begin with. Or have their own Powers perhaps as Minor-Actions or something?

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

The easy-go-class is Ranger, in my opinion. Just pick the twin-strike clone powers, and you are set.

Of course, every class introduces some complexity and some tactics you need, but I think Ranger, especially Archery, has the least of it.

Otherwise, I think every player that starts at 1st level will find the classes not so difficult to learn. There is a lot of learning in how to use the right tactics, but honestly - that was always the case. Fighter was mechanically simple, but was it really so easy to know who to attack and how to keep the enemies at bay before they prey on the wizard? When not to charge in the middle of foes? To stay at the choke point in the door and not let yourself surrounded?

I think a big benefit is that everyone is following the same rules structure. There is little "specialist" knowledge on "How do spell slots works!". Everybody has to learn how at-wills, encounters and dailies work, and that gives more synergy effects.

 

[Mouseferatu]

Oh, I agree that the ranger is probably the nearest thing to a 4E "easy-go" class. And I tend to recommend it to newbies.

But I know that even that amount of choice and power selection has intimidated some newcomers I've seen. Some of them really want to start with a "pick-up-and-go" class, without many choices, and without too many options even in a given round of combat.

I know full well that that's opposed to the 4E design philosophy; I just think there's room for a single class, or suite of options, to go that route.

 

[Khaalis]

I personally haven't seen any need for anything simpler than current 4E. IMHO, 4E Character Generation is one of the easier D&D systems (not counting going way back where your only choice was basically race/class).

I've indoctrinated 3 new players since 4E came out, 2 of which had not ever played an RPG and one who hadn't played anything since 2E D&D. The 2E player played a rogue out of the gate and had no problem with it. Due to his wife getting pregnant though, we lost him as a player after one campaign.

The other two, started off their first campaign with a Warlock and 2H Offensive Fighter. Each moved on in the second campaign to more complex choices. The warlock changed to a Ranger/MC Rogue/Battlefield Archer and the Fighter changed to a Rogue/MC Fighter/Shocktrooper Feycharger build. Neither had any problems picking up the basic game system. Granted they had some help in building characters with suggestions from the vets, but they were never "Lost" as to why we made the suggestions we did, and even came up with some good suggestions/choices of their own.

IMHO, there really is no need for anything more simple than what we already have. I don't want to say 4E is 'dumbed down' but it is much less complex IMHO than some of the previous iterations of character building, even when taking into account Hybrid and Multiclass rules.

If you want to make learning easiest for someone, simply make the character for them and then show them how to use it. Some classes are still easier than others. For the most part straight forward Strikers are the easiest to play, especially the ranger and barbarian. Fighters and rogues are also easy. Don't however give a shaman to a newbie.

 

[Rechan]

I know full well that that's opposed to the 4E design philosophy; I just think there's room for a single class, or suite of options, to go that route.

Except that I don't think anyone who has played the game longer than three sessions would enjoy that.

Aside from serious newbies who are intimidated by options, I just cannot conceive of players who want fewer choices.

I mean, no at will, encounter, or dailies? Or 4 options of encounter powers per level? At that point, the person is playing with an NPC statblock, not a PC class. Hand them an NPC statblock, with one or two recharge powers, and be done with it.

It's like wanting to play Champions, but not wanting to bother with the math, or choosing your powers. That's just how the system is built. If that's not for you, then perhaps the game just isn't for you.

 

[Rechan]

For the most part straight forward Strikers are the easiest to play, especially the ranger and barbarian.

To be fair, I've found the Barbarian has a lot to keep track of. All the stuff that triggers when reduces a target to 0 HP, and there is a certain amount of tactics involved - particularly that he hits hard, but is fairly weak, so you have to know when to go in and come out of combat.

 

[FireLance]

B) I've been wondering if it'd be possible to create a new class whose class features were all very simple, and with a choice of only two powers (or maybe even just one) at every level. The class features would be mostly static bonuses, so the newbie could just add them and be done with it, rather than having to remember to maneuver for sneak attack, or declare his quarry, or choose his spells, or whatever. And while the powers would, of course, be balanced with the average level of powers from the other classes, the lack of choices wouldn't send the beginner into a tizzy. Of course, said class would only have a single build, and all characters of said class would look mostly the same as any other--but that's the point. This is the class that you give someone to "cut their teeth on," before they move on to creating a character of a "real" class, with all the choice that entails.

This. Originally posted here.
[SBLOCK]This is the 4E class for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the power choices in 4E or constrained by 4E's power descriptions and just wants simple attacks that may be flavored however the player wants.

The Armsman
"I attack."

Class Traits

Role: Striker. You are able to make damaging attacks with your weapons. You also have high hit points and good armor, so you lean towards defender as a secondary role.
Power Source: Martial. You depend on your fighting skill and the occasional stroke of luck.
Key Abilities: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution.

Armor Proficiencies: Cloth, leather, hide, chainmail, scale, plate; light shield, heavy shield
Weapon Proficiencies: Simple melee, military melee, simple ranged, military ranged
Bonus to Defense: +1 Fortitude, +1 Reflex

Hit Points at 1st Level: 15 + Constitution score
Hit Points per Level Gained: 6
Healing Surges per Day: 7 + Constitution modifier

Trained Skills: Athletics and Endurance. From the class skills list below, choose one more trained skill at 1st level.
Class Skills: Athletics (Str), Endurance (Con), Intimidate (Cha), Streetwise (Cha)

Class Features: Armsman Weapon Talent, Background Skill, Combat Flexibility​

An armsman is a competent warrior that functions well in melee and at range. He focuses on making simple but effective attacks.

Armsman Class Features

Armsman Weapon Talent
You gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls and a +2 bonus to damage rolls when you use a power that has the weapon keyword. The bonus to damage rolls increases to +3 if you use a two-handed weapon or a versatile weapon wielded in two hands.
At 11th level, the bonus to damage rolls increases to +4, or +6 if you use a two-handed weapon or a versatile weapon wielded in two hands.
At 21st level, the bonus to damage rolls increases to +6, or +9 if you use a two-handed weapon or a versatile weapon wielded in two hands.

Background Skill
You gain training in one additional skill.

Combat Flexibility
You may expend an armsman encounter attack power to use any other armsman encounter attack power of lower level, even if it is one that you do not know.​

Armsman Powers

Unlike most other classes, an armsman does not need to choose encounter, daily or utility powers because there is only a single power at each level. An armsman only needs to select two of the three at-will powers available to him at 1st level (a human armsman does not even need to make this choice). When an encounter or daily attack power allows an armsman to use an at-will armsman attack power, he may select an at-will armsman attack power that he does not know.

Most armsman powers allow you to use Strength instead of Dexterity for ranged attack rolls and damage rolls when you use a weapon with the heavy thrown property, and Dexterity instead of Strength for melee attack rolls and damage rolls when you use a light blade. This is indicated in the text of the powers.

Level 1 At-Will Exploits

Weapon Attack
Armsman Attack 1
You attack your opponent.
At-Will * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action
Melee or Ranged weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or Dexterity vs. AC (ranged or melee with light blade)
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier + Dexterity modifier damage.
Increase damage to 2[W] + Strength modifier + Dexterity modifier damage at 21st level.

Weapon Interference
Armsman Attack 1
Your attack interferes with your opponent's attack.
At-Will * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action
Melee or Ranged weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or Dexterity vs. AC (ranged or melee with light blade)
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or 1[W] + Dexterity modifier damage (ranged or melee with light blade), and the target takes a -2 penalty to attack rolls until the end of your next turn.
Increase damage to 2[W] + Strength modifier damage (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or 2[W] + Dexterity modifier damage (ranged or melee with light blade) at 21st level.

Weapon Trick
Armsman Attack 1
Your attack leaves your opponent less able to defend against your next attack.
At-Will * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action
Melee or Ranged weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or Dexterity vs. AC (ranged or melee with light blade)
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or 1[W] + Dexterity modifier damage (ranged or melee with light blade), and you gain a +2 bonus to the next attack roll you make against the target before the end of your next turn.
Increase damage to 2[W] + Strength modifier damage (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or 2[W] + Dexterity modifier damage (ranged or melee with light blade) at 21st level.​

Level 1 Encounter Exploit

Power Surge
Armsman Attack 1
A surge of adrenaline allows you to hit hard.
Encounter * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action
Effect: Use an armsman at-will attack power. If the attack hits, you deal an additional 1[W] damage.​

Level 1 Daily Exploit

Dazing Luck
Armsman Attack 1
A lucky hit hinders your opponent for a short while.
Daily * Martial, Reliable, Weapon
Standard Action
Effect: Use an armsman at-will attack power. If the attack hits, you deal an additional 1[W] damage and the target is dazed until the end of your next turn.​

Level 2 Utility Exploit

Dart and Sprint
Armsman Utility 2
A surge of adrenaline allows you to move quickly.
Encounter * Martial
Minor Action
Personal
Effect: You may shift one square. You also gain a +2 bonus to your speed until the start of your next turn.​

Level 3 Encounter Exploit

Swift Surge
Armsman Attack 3
A surge of adrenaline allows you to make two quick, simple attacks.
Encounter * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action
Melee or Ranged weapon
Targets: One or two creatures
Attack: Strength vs. AC (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or Dexterity vs. AC (ranged or melee with light blade), two attacks. You may make any combination of melee and ranged attacks, and you may target a different creature with each attack.
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or 1[W] + Dexterity modifier damage (ranged or melee with light blade) per attack.​

Level 5 Daily Exploit

Lucky Graze
Armsman Attack 5
A lucky hit gets through your opponent's defences.
Daily * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action
Melee or Ranged weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or Dexterity vs. AC (ranged or melee with light blade)
Hit: 4[W] + Strength modifier damage (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or 4[W] + Dexterity modifier damage (ranged or melee with light blade).
Miss: Half damage.
Special: If the target does not take damage from this power, it is not expended.​

Level 6 Utility Exploit

Combat Vigor
Armsman Utility 6
A surge of adrenaline grants you greater endurance.
Encounter * Martial
Minor Action
Personal
Effect: You gain temporary hit points equal to 5 + your Constitution modifier. If you are bloodied, the number of temporary hit points you gain equals 5 + half your level + your Constitution modifier instead.​

Level 7 Encounter Exploit

Follow-Up Surge
Armsman Attack 7
A surge of adrenaline spurs you to follow up on a successful attack.
Encounter * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action
Effect: Use an armsman at-will attack power. If the attack hits, you may make a melee or ranged basic attack against the target.​

Level 9 Daily Exploit

Devastating Luck
Armsman Attack 9
A lucky hit threatens a vulnerable spot on your opponent.
Daily * Martial, Reliable, Weapon
Standard Action
Effect: Use an armsman at-will attack power. If the attack hits, you deal an additional 3[W] damage.​

Level 10 Utility Exploit

Combat Resilience
Armsman Utility 10
A surge of adrenaline allows you to recover more quickly.
Encounter * Martial
Minor Action
Personal
Effect: You gain a power bonus to all saving throws equal to your Constitution modifier until the start of your next turn.​

Level 13 Encounter Exploit

Furious Surge
Armsman Attack 13
A surge of adrenaline allows you to hit harder.
Encounter * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action
Effect: Use an armsman at-will attack power. If the attack hits, you deal an additional 2[W] damage.​

Level 15 Daily Exploit

Stunning Luck
Armsman Attack 15
A lucky hit leaves your opponent unable to act for a short while.
Daily * Martial, Reliable, Weapon
Standard Action
Effect: Use an armsman at-will attack power. If the attack hits, you deal an additional 2[W] damage and the target is stunned until the end of your next turn. Aftereffect: The target is dazed until the end of your next turn.​

Level 16 Utility Exploit

Combat Evasion
Armsman Utility 16
A surge of adrenaline allows you to reduce the effect of an attack.
Encounter * Martial
Immediate Interrupt
Personal
Trigger: You are hit by an attack
Effect: You take half damage from the attack. If the attack imposes an effect that a save can end, you may make an immediate saving throw against the effect.​

Level 17 Encounter Exploit

Rapid Surge
Armsman Attack 17
A surge of adrenaline allows you to make three quick, simple attacks.
Encounter * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action
Melee or Ranged weapon
Targets: One, two or three creatures
Attack: Strength vs. AC (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or Dexterity vs. AC (ranged or melee with light blade), three attacks. You may make any combination of melee and ranged attacks, and you may target a different creature with each attack.
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or 1[W] + Dexterity modifier damage (ranged or melee with light blade) per attack.​

Level 19 Daily Exploit

Lucky Break
Armsman Attack 19
A lucky hit breaks through your opponent's defences.
Daily * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action
Melee or Ranged weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or Dexterity vs. AC (ranged or melee with light blade)
Hit: 6[W] + Strength modifier damage (melee or ranged with heavy thrown weapon) or 6[W] + Dexterity modifier damage (ranged or melee with light blade).
Miss: Half damage.
Special: If the target does not take damage from this power, it is not expended.​

Level 22 Utility Exploit

Lucky Dodge
Armsman Utility 22
A stroke of luck enables you to avoid an attack.
Daily * Martial
Immediate Interrupt
Personal
Trigger: You are hit by an attack
Effect: The attack misses.​

Level 23 Encounter Exploit

Follow-Through Surge
Armsman Attack 23
A surge of adrenaline spurs you to follow through with a successful attack.
Encounter * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action
Effect: Use an armsman at-will attack power. If the attack hits, you may use the same armsman at-will attack power or another armsman at-will attack power against the target.​

Level 25 Daily Exploit

Deadly Luck
Armsman Attack 25
A lucky hit threatens a vital spot on your opponent.
Daily * Martial, Reliable, Weapon
Standard Action
Effect: Use an armsman at-will attack power. If the attack hits, you deal an additional 5[W] damage.​

Level 27 Encounter Exploit

Destructive Surge
Armsman Attack 27
A surge of adrenaline allows you to hit even harder.
Encounter * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action
Effect: Use an armsman at-will attack power. If the attack hits, you deal an additional 3[W] damage.​

Level 29 Daily Exploit

Incapacitating Luck
Armsman Attack 29
A lucky hit leaves your opponent helpless for a short while.
Daily * Martial, Reliable, Weapon
Standard Action
Effect: Use an armsman at-will attack power. If the attack hits, you deal an additional 3[W] damage and the target is unconscious until the end of your next turn or until it takes damage. Aftereffect: The target is stunned until the end of your next turn. Aftereffect: The target is dazed until the end of your next turn.​

[/SBLOCK]

 

[CubeKnight]

I'd say Dragon Sorcs are quite easy to play as well.