It Starts (Splatbooks - Martial Power in October)

[Reynard]

I can only see Monk of them being Martial, and even that'd probably fit better in an OA book with the other oriental classes (Samurai, Wu Jen, Ninja, etc), and possibly with (as suggested elsewhere) a Ki power source.

One of the stated design goals is to remove "earth culture analogs" in 4E. I think we're more likely to see a sprinkling of the classes in various splats like we did in the complete books rather than an OA type supplement.

 

[sirwmholder]

Is the Martial power akin to Ki power? If so I could see all of the Martial Oriental classes (Samurai, Ninja, Kensei, Monk, et. al.) appearing... but if not then what is left for Martial? It seems we are operating under the idea that Martial power is high skill (Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Donnie Yen) but all of these examples could fit under Martial Artist or Monk. What is one example of something Martial that can not also be Ki?

I agree that Barbarian and Druid will be Primal. Someone mentioned the Bard as being Musical but an entire power source for one class seems unlikely. I believe the Bard will probably be a Primal Controller... think moving melodies that stirs deep emotions within those who are effected.

Just a thought,
William Holder

 

[Kobold Avenger]

I agree that Barbarian and Druid will be Primal. Someone mentioned the Bard as being Musical but an entire power source for one class seems unlikely. I believe the Bard will probably be a Primal Controller... think moving melodies that stirs deep emotions within those who are effected.

Bard is an Arcane Leader, they've already been mentioned as being leaders in one of the Design and Development articles on the leader role, and one of the designers used the words Arcane Leader with bard somewhere. This Martial Power book might have a martial controller, but really I see it more as a book with a bunch of powers and paragon paths expanding on what was in the PHB1.

 

[sirwmholder]

...This Martial Power book might have a martial controller, but really I see it more as a book with a bunch of powers and paragon paths expanding on what was in the PHB1.

See this is something I would really like... no more classes in splat... just more options for the classes we already have. If this is going to be the new marketing dynamic then sign me up .

William Holder

 

[Steely Dan]

Bard is an Arcane Leader

They could be a Primal Leader – in touch with Fey and all that; bring them back to their kick-ass Celtic roots.

 

[Lizard]

They could be a Primal Leader – in touch with Fey and all that; bring them back to their kick-ass Celtic roots.

Thing is, the more cultural baggage you add, the less generic a class is. Bards in 3e cover a wide range of archetypes; tying them explicitly to the Fay seems to limit them a lot. I'd rather they be Arcane.

 

[Cadfan]

Thing is, the more cultural baggage you add, the less generic a class is. Bards in 3e cover a wide range of archetypes; tying them explicitly to the Fay seems to limit them a lot. I'd rather they be Arcane.

But at the same time, a class' origins (or "cultural baggage") can serve as inspiration and justification for abilities that wouldn't make sense in a generic class. See the Binder as reference.

That being said, I'm pretty sure bards will be arcane. Even if they DO have a connection to the fey, the warlock has already shown that you can have that while still remaining an arcane class. Plus, the statement that they have "planar patrons" would suggest more than just one option.

I wouldn't mind a "fey patron" option though.

 

[Steely Dan]

Thing is, the more cultural baggage you add, the less generic a class is. Bards in 3e cover a wide range of archetypes; tying them explicitly to the Fay seems to limit them a lot.

See, this kind of running away with things irritates the crap out of me – since when did "in touch with Fey" become "tying them explicitly to the Fey”"

Anyone else care to take a shot at my idea without the absolutes?

 

[Lizard]

But at the same time, a class' origins (or "cultural baggage") can serve as inspiration and justification for abilities that wouldn't make sense in a generic class. See the Binder as reference.

That being said, I'm pretty sure bards will be arcane. Even if they DO have a connection to the fey, the warlock has already shown that you can have that while still remaining an arcane class. Plus, the statement that they have "planar patrons" would suggest more than just one option.

I wouldn't mind a "fey patron" option though.

I need to design a bard-ish class who draws spells from ALL lists, because he's a collector of scraps of information and techniques, mastering none but capable of using almost any. This might be easier to do in 4e w/training feats.

 

[Sitara]

Hmm, you giuys have it wrong.

its been stated that only PHB, PHB II Phb III, etc will have new classes. DDI will also have them. Splatbooks such as complete martial, etc won't; they will only expand on maneuvers, powers, feats, etc.