Frostmarrow said:
Yes, we couldn't possibly have invented everything already. The possibilities are endless. In any event, let the authors worry about that. Monte Cook for example seem to release a new core class every odd hour. (Huge exaggeration).
But you mentioned paladin and ranger being a bit narrow. I agree but there it is. An arcane warrior is the next logical step. However, if there were only four classes; mage, thief, priest and warrior I'd agree even more.
I agree that there's plenty to invent....but new core classes would have to add something dramatically new to be worth the effort, and would have to be playtested and balanced against other core classes. Kalamar and OA both have new core classes, most of which are mixing-and-matching of existing classes into what are essentially variants. What is the advantage of a new core class that is a mage/fighter hybrid that couldn't be done with either multi-classing or using prestige classes? What offsets would it have to not outmode existing classes? This was the classic problem with Unearthed Arcana: new classes make the older classes obsolete or far less attractive. Why would I take fighter as a class, if I could take the new arcane warrior, and get mystic powers in addition to martial ability?
No new skills. Perhaps new ways to use old skills but I don't want any new skills. I'd like new example DCs though. Such as Pick Pocket - Check if a dude wears a hair-piece - DC 30.
Here you lose me. Why are new classes, new spells, and new feats all cool, but new skills a no-no? After spending time pointing out how we haven't invented everything above, why would there be no more skills? Kalamar introduces a few dozen new ones (mostly trade skills, but that's not the point), and there's room for plenty more.
Honestly, it sounds like you're asking for an amalgamation of all of the class books into one hardback. You've yet to mention a single feature that hasn't been done, with the exception of new core classes, which can be found in settings books. OA offers some great character classes, if you just ignore the flavor text, they'd fit right into a standard D&D game. The samurai could easily be renamed 'Fionna Spearman' and be celtic, or 'Disciple of Thor' using a hammer or axe, and be considered Nordic. All that's required is a name change and weapon change.
A class like the Shaman needs no direct tie to OA to be used anywhere...it's essentially a clerical version of the sorceror. The Basiran Sword Dancer from Kalamar can be tweaked into that arcane warrior you were mentioning, and the possibilities go on and on.
The other issue is that Worldbook settings make more money than most other supplements, except core rules. I'm not sure how well the hardback supplements are doing, however, so that certainly would be a deciding factor. The question is, though, how many would pay $40 for this book?
