Hierarchal similarities exist between classes. Here is my take on the hierarchal structure of these similarities, with a nod towards D&D Next:
CLASS
Martial (Uses Martial Dice Mechanic)
DEFENSIVE, OFFENSIVE, skillful (DOs) – Variants based on Tradition
Fighter – Variant Traditions: Great Weapon, Sword and Board, Two Weapon,
DEFENSIVE, offensive, SKILLFUL (DoS) – Variants based on Ethos
Warlord – Variant Ethos: Paladin, Blackguard, Warden
Defensive, OFFENSIVE, SKILLFUL (dOS) – Variants based on Environment
Rogue – Variant Environment: Ranger, Archer, Barbarian (yay Conan Fans), Fencer (One Handed)
Magical (Uses Spellcasting Mechanic)
DEFENSIVE, OFFENSIVE, skillful (DOs) – Variants based on Tradition
Wizard – Variant Traditions: Pyromancer, Sorcerer, Enchanter, Necromancer, etc.
DEFENSIVE, offensive, SKILLFUL (DoS) – Variants based on Ethos
Cleric – Variant Ethos: Clerics of Deity/Ideal
Defensive, OFFENSIVE, SKILLFUL (dOS) – Variants based on Environment
Druid – Variant Environments: Witch, Warlock, Shapeshifter
No obviously some people would take umbrage where I put classes. But the General outline follows three core pillars: Defensive, Offensive, Skillful. Each class has 2 of those pillars as a strength (all caps) and one as simply average. Historically, a class that was DoS (DEFENSIVE, offensive, and SKILLFUL) was Cleric. Clerics vary by Ethos (ie which deity they worship). I asked myself, “what martial classes share either variation in ethos or were also DoS?” I think the answer to that question is clearly Paladin.
DEFENSIVE is pretty clear: Armor for Martial character, defensive spells for spellcasters (whether healing, buffs, or more direct Mage Armor)
OFFENSIVE is pretty clear too: The capacity to hit and do damage.
SKILLFUL is broad based. It could be traditional skills (Jump, Swim, Knowledge, etc), Features such as Backstab, or Maneuvers, or even spells that mimic those or do something else (Knock, Teleport).
Why do this? Well, for starters, We can match mechanics. All martial classes use Martial Dice, eg. However, I would like to see new and Unique mechanics for Each of the 6 categories. In addition you could then have a unique “boon” to each variant.
The “Magical dOS” category (druid) could have a “Channel Spirit” mechanic. This mechanic would be how this class category is unique. While Druids might Channel a Spirit of the Bear, and a Warlock might Channel the Spirit of Cthulu, the mechanic would be the same. Similarly, A Great Weapon Fighter uses maneuvers, but the Blackguard with a Greataxe relies on spell-like powers. I.e the Fighter uses a Cleave maneuver to damage enemies swarming around him while the Blackguard activates his Aura of Decay to damage his enemies.
Barbarian is a rogue? Well, ok, seems weird, but I have a mechanic in mind, like the Magical dOS. Rather than Channel Spirit, Martial dOS has a FOCUS. Barbians Focus Rage, where a Rogue would Focus Knacks and Archer would Focus Shot, etc
At this point I am rambling. If you are still reading, please don’t smash forehead on keyboard.
CLASS
Martial (Uses Martial Dice Mechanic)
DEFENSIVE, OFFENSIVE, skillful (DOs) – Variants based on Tradition
Fighter – Variant Traditions: Great Weapon, Sword and Board, Two Weapon,
DEFENSIVE, offensive, SKILLFUL (DoS) – Variants based on Ethos
Warlord – Variant Ethos: Paladin, Blackguard, Warden
Defensive, OFFENSIVE, SKILLFUL (dOS) – Variants based on Environment
Rogue – Variant Environment: Ranger, Archer, Barbarian (yay Conan Fans), Fencer (One Handed)
Magical (Uses Spellcasting Mechanic)
DEFENSIVE, OFFENSIVE, skillful (DOs) – Variants based on Tradition
Wizard – Variant Traditions: Pyromancer, Sorcerer, Enchanter, Necromancer, etc.
DEFENSIVE, offensive, SKILLFUL (DoS) – Variants based on Ethos
Cleric – Variant Ethos: Clerics of Deity/Ideal
Defensive, OFFENSIVE, SKILLFUL (dOS) – Variants based on Environment
Druid – Variant Environments: Witch, Warlock, Shapeshifter
No obviously some people would take umbrage where I put classes. But the General outline follows three core pillars: Defensive, Offensive, Skillful. Each class has 2 of those pillars as a strength (all caps) and one as simply average. Historically, a class that was DoS (DEFENSIVE, offensive, and SKILLFUL) was Cleric. Clerics vary by Ethos (ie which deity they worship). I asked myself, “what martial classes share either variation in ethos or were also DoS?” I think the answer to that question is clearly Paladin.
DEFENSIVE is pretty clear: Armor for Martial character, defensive spells for spellcasters (whether healing, buffs, or more direct Mage Armor)
OFFENSIVE is pretty clear too: The capacity to hit and do damage.
SKILLFUL is broad based. It could be traditional skills (Jump, Swim, Knowledge, etc), Features such as Backstab, or Maneuvers, or even spells that mimic those or do something else (Knock, Teleport).
Why do this? Well, for starters, We can match mechanics. All martial classes use Martial Dice, eg. However, I would like to see new and Unique mechanics for Each of the 6 categories. In addition you could then have a unique “boon” to each variant.
The “Magical dOS” category (druid) could have a “Channel Spirit” mechanic. This mechanic would be how this class category is unique. While Druids might Channel a Spirit of the Bear, and a Warlock might Channel the Spirit of Cthulu, the mechanic would be the same. Similarly, A Great Weapon Fighter uses maneuvers, but the Blackguard with a Greataxe relies on spell-like powers. I.e the Fighter uses a Cleave maneuver to damage enemies swarming around him while the Blackguard activates his Aura of Decay to damage his enemies.
Barbarian is a rogue? Well, ok, seems weird, but I have a mechanic in mind, like the Magical dOS. Rather than Channel Spirit, Martial dOS has a FOCUS. Barbians Focus Rage, where a Rogue would Focus Knacks and Archer would Focus Shot, etc
At this point I am rambling. If you are still reading, please don’t smash forehead on keyboard.
