Hybrid Rules and DDI subscription

[Kaledor]

I don't have a DDI subscription and I'm thinking of picking one up.

I guess I have two questions:

1) Are hybrid rules outlined enough in there (the character generator and/or compendium) so that my group could play a hybrid character?

2) (briefly) How does a hybrid character work? Is it a feat? It sounds like a dual-class or something closer to the 1st ed multiclass, that you are a mix of both classes and have most of their abilities, but at a lesser strength.

I like the concept, and am just looking for some input.
Thanks.

 

[jbear]

The hybrid rules are given in the character builder and in the latest Dragon Magazine.

You choose the two classes you wish to combine. It is best to synergise classes with shared primary and secondary characteristics, otherwise you will be a sub-par character. You get access to the armour that each class shares and one of their features. You get access to all the weapons and implements each class is proficient in and using implements is interchangeable between different class powers.

You choose one at will power from each class and have to maintain a balance between encounter and daily powers, eg. if your level 1 encounter power is Warlock then your 3rd level will have to be from your other class.

Class powers are limited and you can get access to one feature of one of your hybrid classes via a feat called hybrid talent. you get this feat again at paragon level. People consider them generally weaker than other classes, but I really like them. An Elven Bow Ranger Shaman is awesome for example, and can start with 18 in Wis and DEX, allowing Striker Damage with twin strike and Leader secondary support and opportunity actions via his spirit. My groups ranger/shaman dishes out free ranged attacks to the groups sorceror like they were candy. And all that from far far away!

 

[Stuntman]

1) Are hybrid rules outlined enough in there (the character generator and/or compendium) so that my group could play a hybrid character?

Yes. You can look them up in the compendium and the character builder supports it.

2) (briefly) How does a hybrid character work? Is it a feat? It sounds like a dual-class or something closer to the 1st ed multiclass, that you are a mix of both classes and have most of their abilities, but at a lesser strength.

Unlike multilclassing, you have to choose to play a hybrid charcter at level 1. When you choose to be a hybrid, you choose two hybrid versions of two classes and gain the class features of each of the hybrid classes. For instance, if you want to play a fighter-wizard hybrid, you choose the hybrid fighter and the hybrid wizard. You do not choose the normal versions of these classes. The hybrid versions of the classes contain only a subset of class features of the normal class. Also, some of these class features are powered down versions of normal class features. For instance, the fighter's combat challenge can only be used if you are attacking with a fighter power. You cannot use CC with a wizard power or basic attack.

A hybrid character generally allows you to function as one class/role or the other at any time, but not together. You can choose to be like a fighter one round and then be like a wizard another round. Also, you are likely not going to be as good or be able to sustain the functions or role of that class for as long as a single classed character. What you gain is the flexibility to function like on class or the other whichever you choose. What you lose is the ability to be as good a class as a single classed character.

 

[Kaledor]

Thanks for the detailed replies!

 

[Meeble]

In a somewhat related question, do the DDI hybrid rules include the Hybrid options for the Assassin class?

One of my players is thinking of trying out a hybrid rogue/assassin, and if so I think it would be worth it to pick up a subscription.

 

[ValhallaGH]

In a somewhat related question, do the DDI hybrid rules include the Hybrid options for the Assassin class?

No. I don't think Hybrid Assassin rules exist yet; regardless Hybrid Assassin rules are not in either the Compendium or the Character Builder.

Good luck.

 

[unan oranis]

In a somewhat related question, do the DDI hybrid rules include the Hybrid options for the Assassin class?

One of my players is thinking of trying out a hybrid rogue/assassin, and if so I think it would be worth it to pick up a subscription.

No, but the dragon magazine article states that the assassin will be added in the future...

 

[Meeble]

Thanks for the info. =)

 

[Turtlejay]

For some classes you might be able to fake it, but the assassin is problematic due to the way his shroud works. It would be to easy to spend 3 rounds sneak attacking while you build up your shroud, and then to invoke it on the fourth with an assassin attack. I'm not sure how they will approach this.

jay

 

[CovertOps]

For some classes you might be able to fake it, but the assassin is problematic due to the way his shroud works. It would be to easy to spend 3 rounds sneak attacking while you build up your shroud, and then to invoke it on the fourth with an assassin attack. I'm not sure how they will approach this.

jay

I can see them limiting the shroud "stacks" to only 1 for a Hybrid for just that reason Jay.