Using classes from Arcana Unearthed in a standard D&D game

[Waylander]

Appologies if this topic has been covered already - I've been away from the boards for a while!

I was reading Arcana Unearthed and it struck me how the non-spell casting classes could be imported to standard D&D.

The Warmain is the epitome of the "Tank" fighter. Or the Knight archetype (in the sense of heavily armoured rather than mounted warrior).

The Unfettered is the Swashbuckler archetype.

There are other examples but I would be really interested in finding out if people think they can be directly imported.

e.g. the Warmain feel slightly overpowered compared to the standard fighter.

Also, would existing classes be made redundant? Would anyone take fighter if they could be a warmain or an unfettered? Does the unfettered overlap too much with the rogue?

 

[Frostmarrow]

I believe it works like a charm. Just remember to restrict spellcasters to their respective lists. I.e. no magisters casting Miracle or clerics taking the Modify Spell feat. Also remember that AU classes have a 10% slower progression.

 

[Darklone]

Be careful... many AU feats work like D&D spells... Rapid Strike for example.

 

[Waylander]

Thanks for the replies. Darklone, I wasn't planning to bring in feats (although this may be done on a case by case basis, e.g. replacing Toughness with Sturdy) just the non-spellcasting classes.

 

[Dinkeldog]

You might check the d20 games forum for more discussion on AU, but this topic should remain here, as its focus is on D&D. Unless it drifts significantly, anyway.

I would think you'd have little trouble with a straight port of the non-spellcasting classes. I would also drop the altered XP chart and just use the standard D&D chart. That'll help ease confusion when someone multiclasses into a spellcasting class.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

I would also drop the altered XP chart and just use the standard D&D chart. That'll help ease confusion when someone multiclasses into a spellcasting class.

I wouldn't. Or at least if I did I would put the kibosh on standard 3e classes.

 

[howandwhy99]

I wouldn't incorporate them either. Many other bits and pieces might work in a normal campaign (i.e. AU races, single spells, magic items, etc.), but the classes are more powerful than D&D standard classes. AU classes and the spell system are balanced for each other, but not for D&D. You're best bet is to pick a system and stay with it tying in smaller bits for flavor.

 

[Nightfall]

I'm certainly am planning on using the non-spellcasting classes from AU. While they might be a bit more powerful, it's no more than other non spellcasting classes.