Mongoose' Power Classes: Assassin

[S'mon]

The main site seems to be down so I'll post this review here.

Just got hold of this £1.99, 16 pp booklet from Leisure Games today. I like the idea of these cheap add-in classes, this one was something - a non-spellcasting D&D 3e Assassin class by Ian Sturrock - I've needed for my campaign world for a long time, if probably only for NPCs. On a first look-over it looks like good work, well-balanced. The class is Rogue-based, with the same BAB, saves, but reduced Skills (4/level) and lacking Rogues' evasion/dodge powers, compensated for by special assassination-related abilities. There are extensive rules on new poisons (a primary feature of assassins) and exotic weapons suited to assassination. If anything it's slightly weak compared to regular Rogues, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I think I'll let Assassins in my game take weapon specialisation instead of an Exotic Weapon proficiency at 6th level, which would also enable them to make use of much of the stuff in Quintessential Fighter. The Assassination rules are good without being overpowered, IMO. 4 stars.

 

[JoeGKushner]

How about some more details on the poisons and exotic weapons?

 

[Crothian]

The review section is up here:

http://enworld.cyberstreet.com/reviews/

Simon Collins also has a review of all the power classes there

 

[S'mon]

How about some more details on the poisons and exotic weapons?

The poisons are of 2 types - those which simulate diseases, and 'loyalty stone' which kills the victim unless he continually receives the antidote, and is used to gain control of important people - but is ridiculously expensive (50,000 gp). The weapons are things like garottes and stilettos (dagger with x4 crit, only if you have the XWP).

 

[Krug]

The main site seems to be down so I'll post this review here.

Just got hold of this £1.99, 16 pp booklet from Leisure Games today. I like the idea of these cheap add-in classes, this one was something - a non-spellcasting D&D 3e Assassin class by Ian Sturrock - I've needed for my campaign world for a long time, if probably only for NPCs. On a first look-over it looks like good work, well-balanced. The class is Rogue-based, with the same BAB, saves, but reduced Skills (4/level) and lacking Rogues' evasion/dodge powers, compensated for by special assassination-related abilities. There are extensive rules on new poisons (a primary feature of assassins) and exotic weapons suited to assassination. If anything it's slightly weak compared to regular Rogues, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I think I'll let Assassins in my game take weapon specialisation instead of an Exotic Weapon proficiency at 6th level, which would also enable them to make use of much of the stuff in Quintessential Fighter. The Assassination rules are good without being overpowered, IMO. 4 stars.

I don't think giving weapon specialization fits at all. Weapon Spec is a very special ability only given to fighters, not even to barbarians or paladins or rangers. Why should a character that relies on subterfuge and subtlety, who probably spends much less time with weapons as compared to the fighter and certainly the Barb and the rest, get weapon specialization? It just doesn't fit and diminshes one of the key abilities of the fighter.

 

[Felon]

As I commented in Simon Collins' review, Mongoose's take on the assassin sounds disappointing IMHO. It was advertised as "one whose special abilities and fighting prowess allow him to match the capabilities of any front-line fighter or barbarian." The image that description conjures is a harder-hitting class, perhaps with a better hit die and BAB. From what I'm hearing now, though, it just sounds like a less versatile variation of the rogue. It certainly doesn't sound like it has any potential to carve its own niche within a party.

 

[S'mon]

Re: Re: Mongoose' Power Classes: Assassin

I don't think giving weapon specialization fits at all. Weapon Spec is a very special ability only given to fighters, not even to barbarians or paladins or rangers. Why should a character that relies on subterfuge and subtlety, who probably spends much less time with weapons as compared to the fighter and certainly the Barb and the rest, get weapon specialization? It just doesn't fit and diminshes one of the key abilities of the fighter.

IMO asassins are trained to strike with precision to do maximum damage - hence their sneak attack & assassination abilities - so it fits to me. Also I'll only let them get it in exchange for the free exotic weapon prof they would otherwise get at levels 6, 12 & 18. YMMV.

 

[S'mon]

As I commented in Simon Collins' review, Mongoose's take on the assassin sounds disappointing IMHO. It was advertised as "one whose special abilities and fighting prowess allow him to match the capabilities of any front-line fighter or barbarian." The image that description conjures is a harder-hitting class, perhaps with a better hit die and BAB. From what I'm hearing now, though, it just sounds like a less versatile variation of the rogue. It certainly doesn't sound like it has any potential to carve its own niche within a party.

I agree, as written it seems weaker than a Rogue and better as an NPC class. A multi-class Fighter-Assassin would be a viable approach, though.