How many core classes can we expected in 4th ed?

[Lordgrae]

I also would prefer 0 classes, with a more modular system. But I also don't forsee that happening. So my guess is anywhere between 4-7.

Grae

 

[Dog Moon]

None.

You will have to buy each class separately, along with the corresponding mini.

I'm gonna also say none, but I hope that this isn't how it goes. Besides, one mini can't cover an entire class. If nothing else boy/girl requires two minis for each class, and that doesn't include various races.

If not, I'm hoping for 200 classes in the core book, of course there will be multiple core books, one detailing DM stuff, another for classes, another for monsters, another for playable races, another for feats, another for spells, and another for equipment [the DMG equipment stuff will be replaced by combat stuff and the equipment placed in this book]. Start off strong with 7 books. 7 is a good number. Tired of 3.

 

[Kobold Avenger]

Something around 3 (warrior, caster, expert) to about 6 (if they want classes based off of ability scores) and the possible 'racial' class. However there will be templates for classes and levels which will modify those classes and abilities.

 

[mhensley]

3- warrior, adept, and expert

Playing a pc class will require the purchase of a separate splat book. The more powerful the class, the more expensive the book will be.

 

[jmucchiello]

A classless system with skill groups would be *brilliant*. I'd also love to see a more granular levelling system where you spend experience to buy up smaller parts of a level at a time.

Buy the PDF Buy The Numbers. Exactly what you are asking for.

 

[Cam Banks]

I really like the way EverQuest II handles it. A sort of hybrid of d20 Modern and D&D by way of the MMORPG audience. Four base classes (Warrior, Mage, Rogue, Priest) and then a bunch of advanced classes that spring from those. Talents a la True 20, feat chains, stuff like that. Niche protection by advanced classes but simplification made possible through use of just the four base.

I suppose you could also do the Warrior/Expert/Adept route of True 20, and then add the advanced classes, but I'd want that 2-stage element to it.

If the EQII RPG had only been handled better than it was, I'd be all over that.

Cheers,
Cam

 

[RangerWickett]

If we had a point-based system for 3e, WotC could not sell books like Complete Warrior or Races of ..., because all the material could be fairly easily cloned from a core book. So 4e will not have point buy. It will have classes.

 

[Mercule]

A classless system with skill groups would be *brilliant*.

I agree that it's an excellent idea for games like Hero, GURPS, or even Shadowrun. For D&D, though, I think it'd be very nearly the dumbest thing WotC could do.

 

[drothgery]

I like the small number of highly-customizable classes thing (as per True20 or the UA Generic classes), but I think that's an experienced gamer thing. So I'd say between 7 (ditch monk, ditch sorcerer if you're going all spontaneous casters, merge ranger and barbarian, and make paladin a PrC) -14 (add a cloistered cleric/archivist type, a noble, and a core psion).

 

[Jedi_Solo]

Fighter
Cleric
Rogue/Thief
Wizard/Sorcerer*
Ranger or Scout
Paladin

*Depends on if they drop the Vancian system or not. If they do drop it then it'll be Sorcerer. If they don't drop it then Sorcerer will likely be a seporate class along with Wizard.

So in the base book I'll guess 6 or 7.

I'm guessing Monk will become a set of feats (a la d20 Modern and Star Wars) and I have no idea what they will do about the Bard but if anything gets completely dropped that would be my guess. Once you start adding in splat books everything other class will come back.