I just realized what bugs me about Warlords . . .

[lukelightning]

On level and experience and the implication of names, wasn't a 1st level fighter in 1E AD&D a veteran?

Ah, good old 1e class names, when at 7th level all wizards (sorry, "Magic Users") were necromancers. I used to hate hate hate the name "Magic User" as it seemed so lame. I wanted my first character to be a wizard and I was distresses that the DM mage me a "magic user" whatever the heck that was.

Only much later did I see the intent behind such a bland/akward name. By calling the class a "magic user" you could then let words like wizard and sorcerer serve as personalized/descriptive text, or level titles. Like a first level warlord, a first level mage seems, well, odd... mage for me implies a mighty spellcaster, not a recent graduate from Warthog's.

"Warlord" inspires people to play the class a lot more than commander does.

It inspires me to have a character who sends bands of raiders to burn villages and suppress opposition, as opposed to an adventurer striking out in the world with a band of compatriots.

 

[GreatLemur]

I wouldn't even like Commander...it indicates someone with a lot of experience; something first level characters just ain't!

I dunno about that. Sounds to me more like it could illustrate the role an individual takes in a group, rather than necessarily indicating experience, a military rank, or an official designation as "leader".

What's wrong with Tactician?

I like Tactician a lot, actually. But I think it might fall short of being perfect because the class might have a lot of abilities that focus on merely being inspiring, rather than really giving tactical advice. ...Of course, that's just speculation on my part. If the Warlord is more like the Iron Heroes Hunter than the Bard, then Tactician could certainly describe it well enough for my tastes.

 

[GreatLemur]

Ah, good old 1e class names, when at 7th level all wizards (sorry, "Magic Users") were necromancers. I used to hate hate hate the name "Magic User" as it seemed so lame. I wanted my first character to be a wizard and I was distresses that the DM mage me a "magic user" whatever the heck that was.

Good lord, no kidding. And frankly, I don't really get why "Fighter" didn't get scrapped along with it, in favor or the much more natural-sounding "Warrior".

 

[TheSeer]

I'm having a hard time envisioning, from a purely flavor-text/story perpsective, a first-level Warlord. Seems like a contradiction in terms, somewhat. When I think "Warlord", I think of a huge, grizzled old general who has fought in numerous wars and earned his stripes, so to speak.

What am I missing?

According to Wikipedia one of the definitions of Warlord is:

The term can also mean one who espouses the ideal that war is necessary, and has the means and authority to engage in war.

Doesn't sound from that description that the name Warlord would be any different from 1st to 30th level, it would still apply.

 

[lukelightning]

According to Wikipedia one of the definitions of Warlord is:

The term can also mean one who espouses the ideal that war is necessary, and has the means and authority to engage in war.

Doesn't sound from that description that the name Warlord would be any different from 1st to 30th level, it would still apply.

"And has the means and authority to engage in war generally doesn't apply to low level characters. And often not at all to characters of any level. Most high level characters I know don't go around actively starting wars. At least not on purpose.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

"And has the means and authority to engage in war generally doesn't apply to low level characters.

The PCs conducting hit-and-run raids on goblin encampments are indistinguishable from "war."

 

[lukelightning]

The PCs conducting hit-and-run raids on goblin encampments are indistinguishable from "war."

That's hardly a war. That is a hit-and-run raid. Where are the armies?

 

[Intrope]

So first level Warlords get armies? Sweet! In your face, familiar-having-wizards and animal-companioned druids!

Yah, but they're a troop of minion Commoners, every 4 of which are as powerful as 1 actually commoner!

 

[ShinHakkaider]

And I suppose Duellist bugs you because he doesn't really fight any duels.

A class name is supposed to evoke some sense of images that you want your PC to aspire too, and is not supposed to be an accurate description of the character at first level. "Warlord" inspires people to play the class a lot more than commander does.

That's how I always saw the titles. Not something that you actually were but something that you aspire to be.

 

[lukelightning]

That's how I always saw the titles. Not something that you actually were but something that you aspire to be.

I just got a funny vision of an aspiring barbarian. "I used to be a scribe, but then I thought, hey, why not get an axe!"

Oh, wait, I think I stole that idea from Terry Pratchett....