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Message: <blockquote data-quote="derbacher" data-source="post: 2426696" data-attributes="member: 23639">Unorthodox Fighters by The Le GamesThis 28 page PDF presents five variants of the fighter class to plug into your d20 fantasy game. These are not Prestige Classes, but full 20 level classes to be used to add variety to the fighters in your game. Each variant is given its own four to five page section laying out the benefits and differences of the class.The document itself comes in three formats all included in the same ZIP file; a PDF formatted to print in portrait mode, a PDF formatted for on-screen reading in landscape mode, and a RTF for cutting and pasting stats to use on character sheets, initiative cards, or whatever else you need them on. I like this a lot, as it made printing and play testing a breeze.Also included is a PDF appendix listing and describing all the spells and feats used for the characters. While not an absolute necessity as it is SRD material, this was a convenient way to remind yourself what a certain feat that your character has does. A brief section on balancing the characters for your campaign is included. It is good advice, and general enough to let you tailor the characters to your game.Artwork is confined to the on screen PDF version, which makes it easier on your printer’s ink supply. Each variant has a portrait, all of which are good solid archetypes of the character presented. The cover art is OK, but it was interesting that the art was in full (normal) color on the print PDF, and in what seemed to be a negative image on the on screen PDF. I prefer the full color one, but that is just personal opinion.The VariantsEach variant begins with some fluff text about his background and development, why he became this way, etc. Each story is plausible and well written, letting you get into the character type. Presented much as the core classes are, there are sections for adventures, alignment, background, and so on. I liked the motivations and story elements; even the one character I would never want to play has an interesting hook for in-game use.The Bastion: This was my favorite. A strong warrior who stands there and dishes out the pain. This class was the easiest to drop right into the game and play. In play testing he held up very well compared to the standard fighter. He loses the fighter bonus feats and gains other special abilities and feats appropriate to his role. He basically becomes an immovable object with great defense bonuses to hold the line against the enemy.The Bully: His name describes him well. An unarmed fighter that gets bonuses to unarmed damage like a monk, better Bull Rush and Overrun attacks, and the ability to deal strike damage during Bull Rush and Overrun attacks. This is a novel character who would fit in an urban campaign quite well. I wouldn’t use him as my primary fighter in a traveling adventuring party. Blow for blow he could not stand up to the normal fighter, who does more damage with his greater weapon selection and feats, but I could see this variant in a Thieves’ World type game.The Dogfighter: the class I wouldn’t play. A good idea and story hook, as a loner who fights with one or more canine companions, but if played true to character would not fit in well with an adventuring party. If you are involved in a solo game, this would be a great character to role-play with the right GM. All the special abilities involve fighting alongside his dog. It’s a nice idea to have a built in flanking bonus traveling with you, and the bonus abilities are interesting. Play testing had this variant (and his dog) on the ground quickly against the fighter, who took out the dog in two swift blows, then easily cut through the lack of armor on the dogfighter (at all three levels).The Legend Seeker: I want to play this variant out in a campaign. The fighter who is concerned about her own story, always seeking to be the center of attention, and who gets bonuses for it! The Legend Seeker is always in the thick of adventure, but only to improve her own glory and fame. Everyone else is secondary, and woe to the traveling companion that comes between the seeker and her fans. Bonuses on a signature weapon and a collection of followers are the primary special abilities of this variant. Getting an ability boost four times a day (Bear’s Endurance, Bull’s Strength, etc.) is a wonderful thing. She holds up well vs. the fighter, due to her inherent buffing ability.The Second Son: The noble scion character, this variant is presented in such a way that you can easily drop him into your game. A wealthy character when he starts, he knows that he has no inheritance coming and wants to maintain his lifestyle. Oh, and to prove his worth to parents, friends, and the populace at large. The second son gains bonuses to horsemanship and sword use at various levels, as well as various motivational and diplomatic bonuses. This may be the most well thought out of the variants, creating a very “realistic” noble character.Overall this small PDF is very useful, and well worth the paltry cost. (I got it on sale at RPGnow for $1.50; regular price is $2.00). The characters are useful as both PCs and NPCs, and inject some nice story elements based on their classes. These additions are going straight into my homebrew!</blockquote>

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