D&D 4E The New 4e Class Patterns and what is missing

[Phasics]

I could be mistaken but after reading classes and races I've come to relaise there seems to be a bit of a pattern to classes.

Obviously we have the obivous 4 types so far
Defender
Striker
Controller
Leader

The Pattern I see is most strongly seen with the Defender
Defender
Martial Defender - Fighter
Divine Defender - Paladin
Arcane Defender - Spellsword
Other Power Defender - Barbarian

Striker
Martial Striker - Rogue/Ranger (you could split these into melee and ranged strikers)
Archane Striker - Warlock
Divine Striker - No clear Candidate (My Money is on Druid)
Other Power Striker - Monk (could just be non magical, need more info)

Controller
Martial Controller - No clear Candidate
Archane Controller - Wizard
Divine Controller - No clear Candidate
Other Power Controller - Sorceror

Leader
Martial Leader - Warlord
Divine Leader - Cleric
Archane Leader - Bard
Other Power Leader - No clear Candidate

In total this gives us 4 x 4 or 16 potential True base classes which would basically eliminate the need to multiclass in a 4 person party. Which is sweet. Basically you can play whatever flavour you want and you still have the choice to perform any one of the 4 party roles.

Now the missing classes from my list would be a Divine Controller which I cant imagine would be too hard to slap together. A Non Magicall controller honesty I dont think such a thing makes sense. And An Archane Leader which I sure we could all have a few ideas about.

Am I wrong or does that not make alot of sense and really make it possible to play using whatever power type you like while forefilling any role you like ?

 

[IanB]

I believe we already know the bard is an arcane leader, and what you're describing as the "non magical" power source is called "martial".

 

[Rechan]

A while ago, one of the designers said (paraphrased) "The Role/power source grid isn't a set thing that we feel we must fill out every option."

Also, it's spelled Arcane.

 

[Phasics]

A while ago, one of the designers said (paraphrased) "The Role/power source grid isn't a set thing that we feel we must fill out every option."

Also, it's spelled Arcane.

I like my "h" es

 

[Phasics]

I believe we already know the bard is an arcane leader, and what you're describing as the "non magical" power source is called "martial".

Will edit post to reflect


Also the reason I had the 4th "Other Power" in there is some of the desciptions I've read dont lean themsevles clearly to arcane or divine. And as yet I dont think its been confirmed they are the only power courses in the 4e world.

If Druidic power is considered Divine then Barbarian would then be a divine defneder as well

In my mind a Monk seems more Psionic to me, always has , power drawn from within exclusive from gods. I guess when Psionics come out they'll probably offer a Pisionc Defender, Controller and Leader , since a Psionic Striker just screams Monk at me.

 

[Abstraction]

Barbarian fills out Striker much better than Defender. Movement, able to deal high damage to single target...

 

[ashockney]

Controller

I really like your concept, Phasics, and I think it exemplary of truly excellent design.

The definition of a controller from the Races and Classes book:
A character who specializes in locking down multiple foes at once, usually at range. This involves inflicting damage or hindering conditions on multiple targets. The wizard is a shining example of this role. Controllers sacrifice defense for offense: they want to concentrate on taking down the enemy as quickly as possible while keeping a safe distance from them.

Based upon that definition, it seems to me that the logical choices for controller would be:

Martial: Barbarian
Divine: Druid
Arcane: Wizard

The martial controller will still be "fightery" and a great damage dealer, and brawlers. His closer connection to totemic powers though is various rage powers can allow them to control the battlefield by inflicting damage on multiple opponents. Or doing hindering condictions to multiple targes like a multiple NPC bull rush, or possibly even a primal scream that shakes the opponents in the area. I assume the "from range" applies to the barbarians mobility on the battlefield, and their ability to use their powers on multiple opponents or in an area. They sacrifice defense for offense (not being heavily armored).

The divine controller as druid has me picturing an entangling, spike stoning, faerie firing, flamestriking bastard. I've seen this build of the druid in 3e campaigns, and they were wicked tough and still effective healers.

The wizard is detailed at length in the Races and Classes book, and is perhaps the "archtype" for controllers. AoE effects that damage and hinder multiple opponents - all day. Their arcane bend, will allow them the utility, and versatility to "pull the rabbit out of a hat" in any environment and any situation. Presto style!

 

[Rechan]

Anyways.

A martial striker's possible:

Archer. Instead of single-shot kills, think of a multiple-shot arrow-storm type archer. Damage to areas by sending down a volley of arrows, creates difficult terrain by peppering the ground with arrows (thus as effective as caltrops), making opponents move with a "Dance!" shooting at their feet, etc.

Engineer/Machinist. Catapults and other siege equipment, quick traps, and other non-magical equipment-based attacks.

Alchemist. Could get lumped in with the above. Tanglefoot bags, clouds, bombs, etc.

 

[Irda Ranger]

If Druidic power is considered Divine then Barbarian would then be a divine defneder as well.

I think that in 4E parlance Druidic (aka, Fey or Natural) power is not Divine. It's Druidic. Period. Just like Psionic is not a sub-category of Arcane.

The only "hole" in this grid that seems unfillable to me is the Martial Controller. I don't see any way to do that in a non-stupid way. Suspension of Disbelief and all that. A Fighter with a long-reach weapon and lots of Trip/Opp Attacks is as close as you get.

Druid could go Defender, Controller or Striker. I also would not be surprised if we saw two Druid-like classes, emphasizing different Roles.

 

[Rechan]

The divine controller as druid has me picturing an entangling, spike stoning, faerie firing, flamestriking bastard. I've seen this build of the druid in 3e campaigns, and they were wicked tough and still effective healers.

Except that, looking at R&C, we know that the Druid's focused on shapechanging with a few sundry spells, not the other way around.

Now, your suggestion is valid. I just don't see the Druid as we know it doing it. I could see a Geomancer or some other guy handling it. He'd likely also be causing volcanoes, small scale earthquakes, whirlwinds, etc.