New base classes for D&D coming--what could they be?

[WizarDru]

Personally, I expect that you'll see either:

• Specific Classes from the OA set (mainly the Samurai and Shaman)
• The Psionic Classes
• Classes from Kalamar (such as the Mercenary or Sword Dancer)
• A combination of the Previous Three

There is a good need for a Divine spontaneous caster, and some of the spellcasters that feel different from the existing core. Any additional melee classes need some special focus to 'feel' different. Such as the Samurai's ancestral weapon or the Psionic Warrior's powers.


I don't really see them reinventing the wheel, here, just incorporating proven content.

 

[Kahuna Burger]

Knights have a pseudomystical connection to animals on the same level as druids and rangers? I'm not buying it. Handle Animal.

*snort* yeah, and sense motive is a pseudomystical connection to humans...

I work with animals professionally, and I can tell in general what counts as animal empathy and what as handling. There's nothing mystical about it. A class thematically tied to working with an animal as a partner and not just a beast of burden deserves empathy.

Anyway, your question was answered and you rejected the answer. Your mind is set, and you've made that clear. Personally, I think the fighter is a nice try at a customizable warrior, but not good enough. I'd look forward to more core classes, you wouldn't. *shurg*

Kahuna Burger

 

[Endur]

I'd like base clasesses that use alternative magic systems.

I'm not a fan of D&D magic (memorizing spells, etc.)

So, for instance, a divine spell caster class that prays for miracles. Chance of success based on faith and followers. etc.

Tom

 

[WizarDru]

I'd like base clasesses that use alternative magic systems.

I'm not a fan of D&D magic (memorizing spells, etc.)

So, for instance, a divine spell caster class that prays for miracles. Chance of success based on faith and followers. etc.

Tom

And introduce a radically different and potentially confusing mechanic in a revision of the core rules? I tend to doubt it. There are plenty of third party sources for this...and the concept you describe sounds awfully difficult to adjudicate from a balance standpoint (without losing most of it's unique flavor).

 

[SorroW]

Maybe it's new base classes that have abilities that are specific to minatures?

Well there is Miniature Painter and Modellers. Right?

On a more serius note. I would like to see a knowledge based nonmagical Core Class. As Loremaster but without the magic.

 

[heirodule]

Another thought about miniature-related core classes would be one that grants special movement abilities.

Special miniature *races* that do that make more sense to me though

 

[Darklone]

Personally, I expect that you'll see either:

• Specific Classes from the OA set (mainly the Samurai and Shaman)
• The Psionic Classes
• Classes from Kalamar (such as the Mercenary or Sword Dancer)
• A combination of the Previous Three

Kalamar has the Basiran dancer (bards variant), Brigand (Fighter Rogue variant with outlaw flair), Infiltrator (Spy rogue), Shaman (flair druid), Spellsinger (Sorcerer for non munchkins) and the Gladiator (only core class who can take a fighter in a one to one combat).

Possibly Wizards builds some of their own classes similar to this? I mean, variants of existing classes?

 

[WizarDru]

Well, my gut feeling is that WotC will take one of two different approaches: either using a refined, 3.5e version of a class that has already been created somewhere else (such as the Psi classes) or something that fulfills a perceived need (such as an spontaneous divine caster, a non-combat skills/lore specialist or what have you).

Their stated goal isn't reinventing the wheel, it's smoothing out the existing system, and refining it. Most of the changes are based on 2.5-years of feedback from player groups across the country, and hopefully are designed to "shore up" the system, removing some of the more egregious errors, and addressing players concerns as well as can be deemed reasonable (especially given the fact that the collective player community doesn't share a consensus on ANYTHING).

 

[Assenpfeffer]

Unrelated note: Wizard should be a prestige class because in all the fantasy literature I've read, before you become a book-loving Wizard first you've got to have "the Gift". Or "The Spark". Or "The Shine". Or whatever term is used to describe natural magic talent. Therefore, before you can learn to codify magic (ie, practice book-learnin' Wizardy) you've got to first have innate magical ability (ie, sorcery). That's why I think Wizard should be a prestige class.

It's a cool idea (which is, as you say, well-supported by literature and myth,) but one which would require, I think, substantial development to work properly in a D&D context.

You may want to take a look at Ars Magica, the complete core rules for which are now available for free at www.atlas-games.com.

It's widely regarded as the finest magic system anywhere, and certainly blows D&D's magic system (which is, IMO, the weakest and least sensible part of the game - and not coincidentally, the system that got changed the least by the 3E revision) away.

Johnathan Tweet, Big Guy on the 3E revision, made his name in RPGs with Ars Magica. I can certainly see things in 3E that were conceptually brought over from ArM.

I'd have PM'd you with this, but it seems that's a contributor-only function.