Swordmage Class

[Yergi]

For argument's sake:
Martial:
Leader - Warlord
Controller - Knight
Defender - Fighter
Striker - Rogue

Divine:
Leader - Cleric
Controller - Druid
Defender - Paladin
Striker - ???

Arcane:
Leader - Bard
Controller - Wizard
Defender - Swordmage
Striker - Sorcerer

?

I got it! Divine Striker = Inquisitor! He'd need to have Stealth and/or Deception as a class skill, as no one ever suspects him...

But seriously, Inquisitor sounds like it would fit nicely into the Divine Striker shtick.

 

[Gundark]

For argument's sake:
Martial:
Leader - Warlord
Controller - Knight
Defender - Fighter
Striker - Rogue

Divine:
Leader - Cleric
Controller - Druid
Defender - Paladin
Striker - ???

Arcane:
Leader - Bard
Controller - Wizard
Defender - Swordmage
Striker - Sorcerer

?

I like this list. Having the 4 types for each category would be awesome. Hopefully the leader (or the controller, striker, defender) from one category (martial, divine, arcane) will function just as well as their conterparts (ie. the arcane leader does just as well at their roles as a marital leader) just that they'll play differently (playing the bard will feel different from playing the Warlord).

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

My hope for 4E is that there are no base classes, ala duskblade, paladin, scout, or even spellthief. Actually, my real hope includes no PrCs that are just there to gird a multiclass. Ultimate magus, eldritch knight, and mystic theurge have to go. Arcane trickster is iffy, but might be acceptable.

Well, arcane tricksters, unlike the other PrCs you mention, actually bring new abilities to the table. Granted, pickpocketing and (I think) opening locks at range isn't super-sexy, but it's something. (Although it might be better handled with a feat chain or even just some spells.)

Likewise, the spellthief has some new tricks that would make for a good rogue feat chain in 4E.

 

[Aaron L]

The inclusion of a martial arcane magic-using base class in the PHB would make me very happy. Very very happy.

And I'll cast a vote for plain old Warmage as the name of the class. That eliminates the inclusion of any specific weapon name from the name of the class, which could possibly make those who want their "Swordmage" to use a glaive or something feel kinda awkward.

Warmage. Short for Warrior-Mage. Also, I might add that it rolls off the tongue very well. I mean, sure, it's no Cellar Door, but it has a nice sound to it.


I hope they include this class in the very first PHB. My DM has already said that all he'll be using is the very first PHB and DMG, and I want to be able to play the class.

 

[Malhost Zormaeril]

For argument's sake:
Martial:
Leader - Warlord
Controller - Knight
Defender - Fighter
Striker - Rogue

Divine:
Leader - Cleric
Controller - Druid
Defender - Paladin
Striker - ???

Arcane:
Leader - Bard
Controller - Wizard
Defender - Swordmage
Striker - Sorcerer

?

Hadn't they told it way back when this whole Role schtick started that the Divine Strikers would be the Rangers? Has that changed?

As for Martial Controller, I probably think that some sort of tripmonkey or grenadier (ninja?) is a better bet than the Knight (who is just a mounted Fighter anyway). Maybe a Swashbuckler, too?

 

[Glyfair]

Hadn't they told it way back when this whole Role schtick started that the Divine Strikers would be the Rangers? Has that changed?

Rangers have been stated to be strikers. Nothing has been said about whether they are Divine or not from WotC. Others have suggested it, but we have nothing concrete.

 

[Tewligan]

...it sounds like multiclassing is greatly improved with the swordmage/gish concept...

You just made my list.

 

[breschau]

Rangers have been stated to be strikers. Nothing has been said about whether they are Divine or not from WotC. Others have suggested it, but we have nothing concrete.

No, nothing official. But, the fact that Rangers had druid spells in AD&D (yes and magic-user spells also), priest spells in 2nd, and divine spells in 3rd... it stands to reason that they are Divine Strikers in 4th.

 

[cignus_pfaccari]

A Divine striker is a cool concept. Don't let it be the Monk, D&D Jesus, don't let it be the Monk! <prays fervently>

Hrm, need some incense and other stuff to outweight RE's prayers. Must have monk as the Divine Striker...

This also allows for four different Psionic classes, which I heartily approve of.

Agreed.

 

[Glyfair]

No, nothing official. But, the fact that Rangers had druid spells in AD&D (yes and magic-user spells also), priest spells in 2nd, and divine spells in 3rd... it stands to reason that they are Divine Strikers in 4th.

However, given that the class has had significant changes in every edition, it stands to reason that more changes are likely in 4E. Who knows what they might be. A number of people have called for rangers to be non-spellcasters, so it might happen.