"Playtest PH3 Dual Classing"

[Asmor]

Specially-designed hybrid mini-classes. Pick two, smoosh 'em together.

Each mini-class has its own hit points, defense bonuses, skill list and class abilities. Most only get 1 class ability, and it's usually limited somehow. For example, the strikers all get their bonus damage abilities but they only function for that class's powers, e.g. hunter's quarry bonus damage only works with hunter powers.

The fighter's marking only works with attacks from fighter powers, the paladin's mark does significantly reduced damage, and the swordmage's mark is made sort of like the Avenger's oath where it's 1/encounter, but renews when the target dies or the mark is superseded.

Take 1 at-will from each class. Take your other powers from the two class's power lists however you choose, with the restriction that as long as you have at least two powers of a given type (e.g. two encounter powers), you must take at least one of them from each of your two classes.

 

[Henry]

Can anyone give me an example or two of a really "crippled" hybrid? I've looked at them, and I can't say I see one that is really hopeless, just a little weaker than an equivalent straight-classed character. It's not like a fighter without his +1 to hit is hopeless or a cleric that can only holy word 1 per encounter is useless to the party. I must have missed a really bad pairing in there.

 

[hvg3akaek]

Ranger / warlock?

Each only gets +d6 to their attacks, so each is quite a bit worse off than the straight ranger or warlock.


I think that having a selection of features would have been preferable. Say, three or so for each class. Remove the restriction for features to only work with class powers (and not basic attacks!?). Set up each class list of features as a major, and several minors. Sneak, quarry, cursing, etc (which are at the moment limited) are major, and only one can be taken from the class. So if you choose the warlock's curse, you cannot choose the Ragner's quarry, and instead have to take a weapon training, or beast master.

 

[hvg3akaek]

((forum hiccup, double post))

 

[(un)reason]

So this is essentially the same kinda thing as the half classes 3.0 had to allow you to start off multiclassed at 1st level, only extended upwards to the rest of the game. Well, it's a nice new option, but it still doesn't allow you to properly respec your concept midway through a game if your character really wants to change their life. Ho hum.