Reading Necromancer Game's announcement about how they want to try and fill in the gaps and replace the "lost" classes and races for 4e right out of the gate, I started thinking about another area that third party publishers might want to look at entering, and it's one that would not be in conflict with WotC's plans at all.
In terms of the combat role / power source 'grid' Wizards has said that they have no interest in filling it in. However, it does seem that there is at least some interest from some fans to see someone take on Martial Controllers and Arcane Defenders, and all the other empty slots on that 'grid.'
For me, it's more an exercise in creating new ideas for classes or at least new approaches for old ideas. I understand it's not strictly necessary. But I see it as a way to experiment with the new design philosophy and see how well it can stand up in terms of diversity and flexibility. I also have to admit, I like to have all the options. It could also lead to some interesting parties or campaign ideas that remain well-rounded despite eschewing certain sorts of power - the PC group that are all divine-powered by the same god or church, or the PC group from some arcane institution, the anti-magic party, etc.
A product like this could not only provide new classes or reintroduce some old ones in a new way, it could also provide some insight as a homebrew design tool, to gain insight into what makes for balanced 4e class construction. As a supplement to the official PHB, it could be an interesting item focusing on new options and ideas to "fill in the grid." It could even become a regular thing as new power sources come out.
So the past is being staked out by Necromancer until WotC comes back around to claim it for themselves with the PHB2 (3, 4, 5, etc.), but WotC has seemingly passed on at least one aspect of the present/future completely. I'm just wondering what publisher, if any, might take on that challenge.
In terms of the combat role / power source 'grid' Wizards has said that they have no interest in filling it in. However, it does seem that there is at least some interest from some fans to see someone take on Martial Controllers and Arcane Defenders, and all the other empty slots on that 'grid.'
For me, it's more an exercise in creating new ideas for classes or at least new approaches for old ideas. I understand it's not strictly necessary. But I see it as a way to experiment with the new design philosophy and see how well it can stand up in terms of diversity and flexibility. I also have to admit, I like to have all the options. It could also lead to some interesting parties or campaign ideas that remain well-rounded despite eschewing certain sorts of power - the PC group that are all divine-powered by the same god or church, or the PC group from some arcane institution, the anti-magic party, etc.
A product like this could not only provide new classes or reintroduce some old ones in a new way, it could also provide some insight as a homebrew design tool, to gain insight into what makes for balanced 4e class construction. As a supplement to the official PHB, it could be an interesting item focusing on new options and ideas to "fill in the grid." It could even become a regular thing as new power sources come out.
So the past is being staked out by Necromancer until WotC comes back around to claim it for themselves with the PHB2 (3, 4, 5, etc.), but WotC has seemingly passed on at least one aspect of the present/future completely. I'm just wondering what publisher, if any, might take on that challenge.
