Excited About Race / Class / Theme

[FireLance]

4E Themes work a lot like 2E kits; however, instead of adding abilities on top of the character, a 4e theme replaces core powers with theme-based powers.

Actually, themes give you the option of replacing class powers with theme powers. Most themes also give you an additional power or other additional benefits which do add abilities to your character.

However, it is entirely possible that in 5e, there will be no additional benefits, and that themes simply present more options. I would be in favor of such an approach, actually, as it would mean you could add as many themes as you want (or leave out themes entirely) without changing the default power level of the characters significantly.

 

[Ahnehnois]

We don't know if some of the PHB 1's classes will be actual classes or if some will be turned into themes. I could live with warlord as a theme, but 4e players might not like the class being regulated to theme status.

I think the idea has a lot of merit. What if I want to be a paladin with the inspiring presence of a warlord?

The next question is what else can be reworked into a theme? Can bard be a theme? Or is it too iconic as a class. What about illusionist?

We already know the designers are considering turning other classes that weren't in the PHB 1's into themes. They mentioned it for avenger.

I believe you meant "relegated", but I don't think that's accurate. Conceptually, a member of any class could reasonably fit the common language definition of the word "warlord". Trying to manufacture an entire set of mechanics to fit that name didn't work. Adding a few charisma-based benefits onto any character interested in tactical leadership might be better.

Since they've noted that themes aren't class specific, illusionist won't be one. Trickster, maybe.

 

[MortalPlague]

I don't know enough about the concept to offer an informed opinion. Can you or someone else who knows some of the details explain how you think the concept will work exactly?

Ultimately, we're all grasping at straws here. Nobody who isn't under NDA knows exactly how everything will work. But here's how I'd like to see it break down.

Race - Your cultural identity. Certain things would come from this; ideally you could buy traits or feats to further develop your racial nature. Taking the dwarf from earlier, perhaps he's an especially hardy dwarf, he could buy bonuses against poison or disease. A different dwarf could instead buy a fine sense of direction underground. Perhaps a dwarf could buy a collection of things that reinforce his 'dwarfness'.

Class - How you work in combat. The class would inform whether you swing swords or throw spells, or something else entirely. Most of your direct in-combat abilities would come from class.

Theme - How you interact with the world. Themes would put a spin on your class and race in how they are perceived, and how they perceive the world. WotC mentioned some races will be conceived as a theme; things like Aasimars and Tieflings could be a result of the 'Planetouched' theme. Things like 'Warlord' may show up as a theme; taking that theme would indicate that your character is somehow an example people look to, or an inspiring presence, not just on the battlefield but in social situations too. Themes like Pubcrawler (they mentioned this earlier) give a character a completely different social identity, and a whole different set of potential talents.

 

[FireLance]

I'd also be keen on the idea of themes as a reward.

So you've defeated the evil necromancer and retrieved the Mace of Light for the Church of the Sun? Maybe they'll invite you to join the Order of the Dawn.

 

[Knightfall]

Actually, themes give you the option of replacing class powers with theme powers. Most themes also give you an additional power or other additional benefits which do add abilities to your character.

Right. I'd forgotten the exact details. But I seem to remember the additional powers aren't too overwhelming.

However, it is entirely possible that in 5e, there will be no additional benefits, and that themes simply present more options. I would be in favor of such an approach, actually, as it would mean you could add as many themes as you want (or leave out themes entirely) without changing the default power level of the characters significantly.

Sort of like amped up backgrounds.

Warlord theme lets you access the "warlord module." Pick and choose what you want to replace the basic options.

It would be very cool.

 

[mkill]

I'm very much in favor of the concept. However, no details are known yet (and everything posted here so far is probably wrong), so I'll wait for more tangible info.

 

[The Human Target]

If Warlord gets turned into a theme, I demand rangers and barbarians do as well.

Fair is fair.

 

[Knightfall]

I believe you meant "relegated", but I don't think that's accurate. Conceptually, a member of any class could reasonably fit the common language definition of the word "warlord". Trying to manufacture an entire set of mechanics to fit that name didn't work. Adding a few charisma-based benefits onto any character interested in tactical leadership might be better.

Since they've noted that themes aren't class specific, illusionist won't be one. Trickster, maybe.

Yes, I meant relegated.

Barbarian as a theme, perhaps?

 

[MortalPlague]

Barbarian as a theme, perhaps?

Sure. That theme is "Savage".

A "Savage Fighter" would be a barbarian.

A "Savage Rogue" would be a ranger? Maybe?

 

[Savage Wombat]

So would Wombat be a race or a class in this example?