Leader Role: The end of the cleric?

[Nebulous]

Can someone explain to me the rationalization behind the Warlord? I don't mind shaking up the core game, but the term "warlord" strikes me as someone who has elevated himself above others either through a high CHA or fear or intimidation. I have a hard time seeing a 1st level character with an average Charisma doing this very well. However, if the concept is that 1st level characters are already head and shoulders above commoners, maybe it makes sense. Maybe a 1st level warlord can realistically wrangle a tribe of 50 1st level commoners or warriors.

 

[D.Shaffer]

Just because the cleric, a healer, is a leader, it doesnt necessarily follow that all Leaders will be healers. I'd want to get more information on exactly what a warlord can do before putting an endangered species sticker on the on the Cleric. If they cant heal, people might prefer the cleric anyways.

 

[Morrus]

I didn't get the impression that the warlord was a healer. He's more of a militant bard - he can provide bonuses to his allies, while the cleric can heal them.

 

[Glyfair]

Can someone explain to me the rationalization behind the Warlord?

From the playtest reports it seems he is focused on "tactics."

 

[Henry]

I didn't get the impression that the warlord was a healer. He's more of a militant bard - he can provide bonuses to his allies, while the cleric can heal them.

Same impression I got, too. I'm REALLY hoping they don't stick with "Warlord" as the name, because it's confusing the heck out of people. If you see "warlord," think "Marshal" or "Bard", because that's what he sounds like. (And to tweak noses, the iconic character just might be a "she" as well!)

 

[Nikosandros]

I didn't get the impression that the warlord was a healer. He's more of a militant bard - he can provide bonuses to his allies, while the cleric can heal them.

Still, it would be nice to have some non-cleric healers available. AU/AE by Monte Cook solved the issue by making healing spells available to a lot of classes.

 

[Nebulous]

Still, it would be nice to have some non-cleric healers available. AU/AE by Monte Cook solved the issue by making healing spells available to a lot of classes.

True, he did. But that also brought up the trouble (again) of a spellcaster burning his magic on healing his allies, rather than applying his magic in combat, or in any of the other gazillion spells in AE (and the Spell Treasury, you really did have a crapload of spells). I'm hoping for a mechanic where PC's can heal somewhat without always resorting to magic.

Same impression I got, too. I'm REALLY hoping they don't stick with "Warlord" as the name, because it's confusing the heck out of people. If you see "warlord," think "Marshal" or "Bard", because that's what he sounds like. (And to tweak noses, the iconic character just might be a "she" as well!)

Ah, yes, a Marshall sounds somewhat better. This is case where the Warlord sounds like a higher level title, harking back to 1st edition titles at every level. Or even a prestige class called warlord. But even if they keep it i'll get used to it i suppose. Warlord certainly DOES sound like fun to play, with considerable built-in mystique and authority.

 

[Nikosandros]

Same impression I got, too. I'm REALLY hoping they don't stick with "Warlord" as the name, because it's confusing the heck out of people. If you see "warlord," think "Marshal" or "Bard", because that's what he sounds like. (And to tweak noses, the iconic character just might be a "she" as well!)

Yes, the name isn't that great. Marshal is better and after all, it was already used in 3e.

 

[Nikosandros]

True, he did. But that also brought up the trouble (again) of a spellcaster burning his magic on healing his allies, rather than applying his magic in combat, or in any of the other gazillion spells in AE (and the Spell Treasury, you really did have a crapload of spells). I'm hoping for a mechanic where PC's can heal somewhat without always resorting to magic.

Maybe we'll see something akin to the healing reserve feat in Complete Champion.

 

[Nebulous]

Maybe we'll see something akin to the healing reserve feat in Complete Champion.

I think the Second Wind mechanic will help too, although i'm unsure of the details. Possibly having Action Points / Hero Points as core rules will also be great help in saving your bacon.