D&D 4E Push the Envelope: Use 4e to make the broadest range of archetypes!

[JohnSnow]

First, I'm gonna pre-empting Andy (since he said he'd do Complete Warrior next time):

Swashbuckler
The best fits for the Swashbuckler is the rogue class. Start with Artful Dodger, and then add Weapon Proficiency (Rapier), and choose abilities that emphasize swashbuckling behavior, like Deft Strike, Riposte Strike, Positioning Strike and Trick Strike. Choose movement skills like Athletics and Acrobatics and charisma-based skills like Bluff and Insight.

Alternatively, a two-weapon swashbuckler is a good fit for the ranger class. However, the ranger is more strength-focused than the rogue and so requires a high strength for his attacks. Choose good swashbuckler skills, like Perception, Stealth, Athletics and Acrobatics. Ranger ranged powers can work with thrown weapons as well as bows. Choose Weapon Proficiency (Rapier) and Skill Training (Bluff) as your first feats. Finally, ask your DM about reflavoring Hide Armor as Studded Leather.

 

[hamishspence]

yes, i think the main example was semi-legendary

I was wondering if, mechanics-wise, a katan had more in common with a longsword wielded in two hands than a bastard sword? Given that the blade itself looks a lot shorter than medieval bastard sword.

 

[Cadfan]

If we want this thread to take off, we need someone to suggest archetypes that 4e doesn't do by default.

The best I can come up with is "trenchcoat + big weapon." Because the logical way to do that would be with a fighter, but a trenchcoat guy probably shouldn't have metal armor, and its really tough to make a fighter play well with light armor when scale armor is so phenomenally good. You need an 18 starting dexterity and continual investment in dexterity for Hide armor to be as good as Scale in terms of AC, and in terms of non AC benefits, you're just trading off a -1 skill penalty with -1 movement.

Honestly, its probably best to say "your trenchcoat is just as good as scale armor because you're that awesome," and to train the character in acrobatics.

 

[JohnSnow]

I was wondering if, mechanics-wise, a katan had more in common with a longsword wielded in two hands than a bastard sword? Given that the blade itself looks a lot shorter than medieval bastard sword.

Truth to tell, probably.

A katana blade is relatively short, but it's mostly designed to be used in two hands, rather than one. I suspect it's mechanically identical to a bastard sword because of the "cult of the katana."

A katana is generally thought to be a "Superior Weapon" very much like a longsword. As such, it's probably similar to a bastard sword, but usually used two-handed.

It can be used one handed, but the samurai who started that tradition probably got it by copying European rapier and dagger styles. Twin Samurai swords were used about as often as paired rapiers, which is to say "not very."

However, visually it looks cool, and thus it makes for great fantasy. Basically, you want a katana to be a superior longsword. And that's a bastard sword.

 

[Clawhound]

The trenchcoat guy just needs one more class power.

"When wearing Cloth Armor, increase its AC bonus to +6 and reduce speed by one."

Done.

 

[Clawhound]

I'll try a few Black Company guys for kicks:

Croaker, The Captain - Warlord
Raven - Rogue multiclassed with Wizard/Ritual Casting
One-Eye, Goblin - Wizards
Darling - No equivalent
Lady - Epic Wizard
Ten Who Were Taken - Epic Wizard
Shapeshifter - No Equivalent

I must say, Heroic tier 4e now makes for a pretty good Black Company game.

 

[JohnSnow]

I'll try a few Black Company guys for kicks:

Croaker, The Captain - Warlord
Raven - Rogue multiclassed with Wizard/Ritual Casting
One-Eye, Goblin - Wizards
Darling - No equivalent
Lady - Epic Wizard
Ten Who Were Taken - Epic Wizard
Shapeshifter - No Equivalent

I must say, Heroic tier 4e now makes for a pretty good Black Company game.

Given Croaker and Raven's Longbow skills, ranger (multiclass for Croaker) might be a good class to consider for both. Raven as a Ranger with Thievery as a trained skill and Arcane Initiate (with Ritual Casting) is pretty good.

Okay...let's really push the envelope...

Musketeer
Rogue with Weapon Proficiency (Rapier). Add the following weapon to the equipment list.

Snaplock Pistol (Superior Ranged, One-handed)
Proficiency: +2
Damage: 2d6
Range: 10/20
Price: 50 gp
Weight: 2 lb.
Group: Black Powder (New!)
Properties: High Crit, Load Standard

Since it only fires every other round, its damage is comparable to a hand crossbow. Because it's "Superior," I added the high crit property.

Now, you just need to design a whole passel of firearm powers.

 

[SweeneyTodd]

I must say, Heroic tier 4e now makes for a pretty good Black Company game.

As someone who's run a Croaker type as a cleric in more games than I can remember, seeing the Warlord class in print made me go "Yep, okay, that's what I was going for."

 

[calavera]

there are no necros, any tips

 

[Satori]

I'm trying to come up with a Blackguard through combining Warlock with Warlord or Paladin...but the MAD keeps it from being optimal.

I'll post something once I figure it out.