Theodoxus
2015-01-22, 06:17 PM
I'm looking at developing four new classes for 5th Ed, using these criteria:
Current classes are split into 4 groups of three classes:
Warrior - Barbarian, Fighter, Ranger
Mage - Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
Priest - Cleric, Druid, Paladin
Knave - Bard, Monk, Rogue
I would like to create the four additional classes, one for each group. They would be:
Knight for the warrior group. I see this as a High HP (d12 HD) defender akin to the 3.5 Knight. However, I would like the archetypes to include Cavalier and Courtesan; neither of which scream high HPs... I see this as a bit of 'A Knight's Tale' meets a magicless Paladin.
Magus for the mage group. I see this a the PF Magus, trading magical knowledge for martial proficiency. A Half Caster in the mage group. To make sure it doesn't step on the EK toes, I'm thinking of modifying the Arcane Pool to use Sorcery Points, have very limited access to Abjuration spells, but have access to nearly all the arcane Bonus Action and Reaction spells; probably some core evocation, but I'd like to stay away from cantrips if at all possible. For archetypes, I'm thinking Kensai, Spellblade and Staff Magus - though I'm not 100% how to incorporate the differences. I think it might have to be at 1st level, akin to the sorcerer, so that the Kensai can be unarmored while the others can have armor proficiency much like a cleric does.
Inquisitor for the priest group. Using the warlock as the chassis for the class, it would use Talents instead of Invocations; but otherwise basically be a refluffed divine warlock. Archetypes I'm thinking of are Inquisition of Truth, Justice and Revenge (trying to stay off the toes of the Paladin, as the two could end up similar in style, if not substance.) Also no 'otherworldly patron' outside of the Inquisitor's god(dess) - so less warlock fluff and more warlock mechanics.
Finally, adding Alchemist to the knave group. Taking the archetypes of Chirurgeon, Grenadier and Vivisectionist - but toning down the Discoveries from the plethora of Pathfinder. This would be another Half Caster, though the mechanic of using infusions would be unique.
It is my hope that producing these classes in a unique way will justify their addition to the game without being a cop-out; I don't want someone to come back and say 'why didn't you just make the alchemist a subclass of Rogue?' - I'd like to be able to point out that the class offers options that would undermine or break a Rogue if offered as a subclass. On the other hand, I don't want these classes to be overpowered and thus 'must haves' to play. A fine line, I completely understand.
Current classes are split into 4 groups of three classes:
Warrior - Barbarian, Fighter, Ranger
Mage - Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
Priest - Cleric, Druid, Paladin
Knave - Bard, Monk, Rogue
I would like to create the four additional classes, one for each group. They would be:
Knight for the warrior group. I see this as a High HP (d12 HD) defender akin to the 3.5 Knight. However, I would like the archetypes to include Cavalier and Courtesan; neither of which scream high HPs... I see this as a bit of 'A Knight's Tale' meets a magicless Paladin.
Magus for the mage group. I see this a the PF Magus, trading magical knowledge for martial proficiency. A Half Caster in the mage group. To make sure it doesn't step on the EK toes, I'm thinking of modifying the Arcane Pool to use Sorcery Points, have very limited access to Abjuration spells, but have access to nearly all the arcane Bonus Action and Reaction spells; probably some core evocation, but I'd like to stay away from cantrips if at all possible. For archetypes, I'm thinking Kensai, Spellblade and Staff Magus - though I'm not 100% how to incorporate the differences. I think it might have to be at 1st level, akin to the sorcerer, so that the Kensai can be unarmored while the others can have armor proficiency much like a cleric does.
Inquisitor for the priest group. Using the warlock as the chassis for the class, it would use Talents instead of Invocations; but otherwise basically be a refluffed divine warlock. Archetypes I'm thinking of are Inquisition of Truth, Justice and Revenge (trying to stay off the toes of the Paladin, as the two could end up similar in style, if not substance.) Also no 'otherworldly patron' outside of the Inquisitor's god(dess) - so less warlock fluff and more warlock mechanics.
Finally, adding Alchemist to the knave group. Taking the archetypes of Chirurgeon, Grenadier and Vivisectionist - but toning down the Discoveries from the plethora of Pathfinder. This would be another Half Caster, though the mechanic of using infusions would be unique.
It is my hope that producing these classes in a unique way will justify their addition to the game without being a cop-out; I don't want someone to come back and say 'why didn't you just make the alchemist a subclass of Rogue?' - I'd like to be able to point out that the class offers options that would undermine or break a Rogue if offered as a subclass. On the other hand, I don't want these classes to be overpowered and thus 'must haves' to play. A fine line, I completely understand.