Post/Author/DateTime	Post
satyre 02-13-07, 01:36 PM	Let's face it, some class combinations don't exactly make sense at first. My purpose for creating this thread is to come up with some basic descriptions of what certain class combos would be like. I left out the Paladin for alignment reasons, and the Monk is restricted likewise. I still included Monk on some of them because they atleast retain their abilities. Please, only basic Player's Handbook classes. It gets too crazy once you start adding other stuff, and people usually have a good idea of what their character is at that point anyhow. Also, a simple paragraph (3-4 sentences) should suffice. A very big thank you to Adrian_Crane, Arcade, Devlonir, Elsydeon, Jear77, Meto30, Moonslayer, Orchomenos, Pavitra, Rathmun, Stardust, and Terjon of the Blue Rose for their generous contributions. Thanks, guys! Barbarian/Bard: This combination can actually have some great flavor. with the right feats you can have a barbarian who charges into battle roaring a battlechant that echoes off the surrounding hillsides for minutes. Very Celt/Pict/... Sometimes known as a Skald. Barbarian/Cleric: A warrior who draws power from the tribe's god in times of need. Barbarian/Druid: A tribal shaman, drawing power from nature's elements. A primal sort of druid. You seek the most basic instinctual attunement with nature. Barbarian/Fighter: Best played as a barbarian who has a few other tricks up their sleeve than just their rage. Slightly trained, gladiator style fighting perhaps. Barbarian/Ranger: You have a good grip on your feral personality. Using your skills to track your prey, they are quickly and furiously taken down. This build tends to go towards the Two-Weapon Fighting style. Barbarian/Rogue: A skirmisher, scout, or brigand. This character is known among her peers for cleverness; she always has an idea when the situation seems hopeless. Barbarian/Sorcerer: A "dragon gifted" tribal warrior or someone who's dragon ancestry manifests itself physically and magically. Barbarian/Wizard: A wild warrior trying to bring knowledge back to his tribe or help bridge the gap within his society. Bard/Cleric: Possibly a chanting monk. Sings songs of praise to their respective deity for aid. Bard/Druid: Some claim you have fey blood in your veins. This might be true, for you feel there's nothing better than leaping about in the fresh air while singing joyful songs! Bard/Fighter: Known as a jack-of-all trades, you decided the best way to remain alive was to hold your own in combat, and singing songs was not always the best way for that! Now you're not the herald annoncing the hero's feats, you're the hero. Bard/Ranger: Better fighting than the bard, an animal companion, a wider spell selection, the ability to influence NPCs/ monster abilities. A version of the wandering minstrel. The person who travels the area (often alone or with a small group of locals) bringing news, entertaining folks, and occasionally lending a hand when trouble breaks out. Bard/Rogue: Quintessential con-man. Using your music and dexterity, you can rob a man of everything... one way or another. Bard/Sorcerer: The pull of magic drawn out by the music has become stronger than ever. Delving deeper into it has unleashed powers far beyond your dreams. Bard/Wizard: Your haphazard, catch-as-catch-can spellcasting is no longer satisfying. You decided to recieve formal training in magic to broaden your range. Cleric/Druid Cleric/Fighter: Something akin to the Paladin, without as stringent a code of conduct. Guards of holy people, places, and things. Cleric/Monk: Members of an ultra-conservative sect of the faith. Followers of a doctrine that claims to offer a path to beome more like the Diety by way of physical, mental, and spiritual training. Best if the Monk special abilities are tinkered with to fall more in line with the portfolio of the Diety. Cleric/Ranger: A more agressive take on the Cleric/Fighter. Used to take the fight to enemies of the faith (chosen enemy reflects this). Cleric/Rogue: There are times when one's God is best served by hiding his influence from the powers that be. A caring healer in hostile lands, where helping those in need (closing the gap between the powerful and the weak) is a direct threat to the leadership. Or a terrible agent of his deity, taking a more... personal route to 'enlightening' those who oppose his god. Cleric/Sorcerer Cleric/Wizard: You're an expert at using magic, be it granted by a divine entity, or borrowed from the arcane weave. Though you might miss higher level spellcaster's flashy style, your versatility will give you your own unique style. Druid/Fighter Druid/Monk: You love nature, and you especially love the order in the nature. Trees growing in lines, well-kept roads in wild forests or wise arrangements of untamed forest and cultivated fields. You like order in your environment, and you want to be an harmonious part of your environment, so you need order in yourself as well. Ranger/Druid: A hunter of prey and explorer of the wilderness for nearly all her life, she comes to understand the balance of nature after being forced to survive with only her wits. For example: A stranded/lost/exiled Ranger gets found by an elder Druid and is taught a deeper understanding of nature. Druid/Rogue Druid/Sorcerer Druid/Wizard Fighter/Monk: A war veteran who retired to a monastic lifestyle after having seen enough war. After training in the monastery for a number of years, he once again felt the pull of adventure and decided to go back to the road. Now a different and calmer man, but even deadlier as he was before. Alternative: A man who loves fighting and bar brawls who got his ass kicked by unarmed, skinny, robed men one day. After finding out they were monks, he decided to learn their lifestyle (Thank NWN2 for that one :-P) Alternative: Trained since your youth to master your body, and develop your unarmed martial skills, you decided to take a shortcut in the ways of defending yourself, at the detriment of your mystical skills... Fighter/Ranger: Part of a special military unit that is used in many ways while fighting in the wilds. Both scouts and excellent marksmen, they are able to hold themselves both in covert operations as well as in high pitched straight battles. (See Faramir and his men in LotR) Fighter/Rogue: The well known mugger. A criminal that uses both subterfuge and force to get what he wants. Unlike normal rogues this archetype is not afraid to throw his weight around to get what he wants. Alternative: Part of a special military unit specialized in covert operations and assassination. He can get into and out of enemy camps without much effort and knows how to handle traps and diplomacy as good as he can handle his weapons. Fighter/Sorcerer: Born in a martial community, he learned how to handle his sword at a very young age and became quite skilled in it. Nearing his adulthood, he learned he had magical abilities and started to forge them into his fighting style. Fighter/Wizard: Although part of a wizard's school from a young age, this archetype was always fascinated by martial combat. He learned to handle himself in man to man combat in his spare time. He is best known as a wizard who can handle himself well when the enemies come to close in. Monk/Ranger: These rare individuals follow the path of perfection, seeking to reach their peak potential in harmony with the dictates of nature. Rigorous and strict enforcers of natural law, they often live as hermits in secluded swaths of wilderness. Monk/Rogue: Stealthy and subtle in comparison to their more-straightforward brethren, monks with an inclination towards silence often go down this path. They tend to be more cosmopolitan and knowledgable of the outside world than the typical monastery-dwellers, and this knowledge has instilled in them a code that acknowledges the corruption of the outside world, and accepts the need for duplicity and manipulation in moving through the world at large. Monk/Sorcerer: Driven and fiery loners, monk/sorcerers seek to tap their inborn abilities and bring themselves to complete perfection. Unlike their studious Carmendine counterparts, these ascetics draw on natural potential, and walk a never-ending path towards the fulfillment of their gifted abilities. Monk/Wizard: Students of both physical mastery, mental preparation, and arcane knowledge, these wanderers fully embrace the power of body and mind, and stand ready to prove their might to any who might underestimate their simple outward appearance. Ranger/Rogue: These silent hunters train to go unnoticed. They stalk their woodland realms with the practiced grace of natural predators, either observing and going unseen, or striking from hiding when necessary. Ranger/Sorcerer: A caster who has abandoned the common, isolated mindset in order to more closely work his magic with the cooperation of natural forces (though Druid fits this better). Ranger/Wizard: A caster who has abandoned the common, isolated mindset in order to more closely work his magic with the cooperation of natural forces (though Druid fits this better). Rogue/Sorcerer Larcenous individuals with a knack for the arcane, these free spirits and thugs turn to magical power to augment their subtler abilities. Rogue/Wizard: Larcenous individuals with a knack for the arcane, these free spirits and thugs turn to magical power to augment their subtler abilities. Harsh background, but by luck/determination/opportunity has managed to gain access to tutoring in the arcane. Sorcerer/Wizard: Not content with their inborn magical abilities, these individuals strive to understand the precise workings of the power they have inherited. Often, they go on to follow the path of the Ultimate Magus, championing magic in all its forms. Alternatively you lack the force of personality or intellect to continue on one path but possess the needed dedication and/or obsession with magic to seek a new one.
Rathmun 02-13-07, 02:09 PM	Barbarian/Bard can actually have some great flavor. with the right feats you can have a barbarian who charges into battle roaring a battlechant that echoes off the surrounding hillsides for minutes. Very Celt/Pict/... Barbarian/fighter is best played as a barbarian who has a few other tricks up their sleeve than just their rage.
satyre 02-13-07, 02:27 PM	Thanks, Rathmun! That is exactly the type of stuff I'm looking for. Feel free to add to ones that have already been described. I'll be adding some descriptions myself as time passes.
Adrian_Crane 02-13-07, 10:01 PM	You left out Wizard o.o EDIT: Ah, nm, I get it.
Arcade 02-15-07, 11:10 AM	Let's see ... Barbarian/Cleric could be a holy warrior who draws power from their god in times of need. Barbarian/Druid could be a tribal shaman Barbarian/Rogue is a skirmisher and scout Barbarian/Sorcerer could be something like a "dragon gifted" tribal warrior or someone who's dragon ancestry manifests itself physically and magically. Barbarian/Wizard? Maybe a tribal warrior trying to bring knowledge back to his tribe or help bridge the gap with society?
satyre 02-15-07, 11:41 AM	Thank you Arcade! We now have Barbarian done, at least. If anyone wants to expand on those definitions let me know. I want to have more than just a single sentance for each one. Thanks again all!!
Adrian_Crane 02-15-07, 02:05 PM	Starting from the bottom, working up Sorcerer/Wizard: Not content with their inborn magical abilities, these individuals strive to understand the precise workings of the power they have inhereted. Often, they go on to follow the path of the Ultimate Magus, championing magic in all its forms. Rogue/Sorcerer, Rogue/Wizard: Larcenous individuals with a knack for the arcane, these free spirits and thugs turn to magical power to augment their subtler abilities. Ranger/Rogue: These silent hunters train to go unnoticed. They stalk their woodland realms with the practiced grace of natural predators, either observing and going unseen, or striking from hiding when necessary. Ranger/Sorcerer, Ranger/Wizard: Honestly, I can't see this being a workable combo from a mechanical standpoint--but in general, it could represent a caster who has abandoned the common, isolated mindset in order to more closely work his magic with the cooperation of natural forces (though Druid fits this better). Druid/Monk, Monk/Ranger: These rare individuals follow the path of perfection, seeking to reach their peak potential in harmony with the dictates of nature. Rigorous and strict enforcers of natural law, they often live as hermits in secluded swaths of wilderness. Monk/Rogue: Stealthy and subtle in comparison to their more-straightforward brethren, monks with an inclination towards silence often go down this path. They tend to be more cosmopolitan and knowledgable of the outside world than the typical monastary-dwellers, and this knowledge has instilled in them a code that acknowledges the corruption of the outside world, and accepts the need for duplicity and manipulation in moving through the world at large. Monk/Sorcerer: Driven and fiery loners, monk/sorcerers seek to tap their inborn abilities and bring themselves to complete perfection. Unlike their studious Carmendine counterparts, these ascetics draw on natural potential, and walk a never-ending path towards the fulfillment of their gifted abilities. Monk/Wizard: (The Carmendine Monk feat, I believe, lets you use INT for your monk abilities) Students of both physical mastery, mental preparation, and arcane knowledge, these wanderers fully embrace the power of body and mind, and stand ready to prove their might to any who might underestimate their simple outward appearance.
satyre 02-15-07, 02:50 PM	Outstanding work, Adrian!! Thanks a lot, buddy. Added those to the lists. I agree with you that some of the combinations are less than optimal, but my purpose with this is to give people an idea of what any pairing might be like.
Stardust 02-17-07, 06:58 PM	An alternate Rogue/Wizard I'm working on is one who was originally a street kid living in poverty, using his wits to survive. He hated the life, however and jumped at the chance when a wealthy family chanced to recognise his wit and adopted him, financing his tutoring in a school of magic. This can of course be generalised to a more generic: Harsh background, but by luck/determination/opportunity has managed to gain access to tutoring in the arcane. Anything/Sorcerer is easy enough to figure out, given that the sorcerer's innate power can manifest itself at any time (although usually around adolescence).
satyre 02-19-07, 04:57 PM	Stardust, I added your description to the Rogue/Wizard. Also you're credited in the original post. Rathmun, sorry I forgot to credit you earlier. :eek:
Elsydeon 02-19-07, 05:29 PM	Cleric/Rogue - The rescue ranger. :D There are times when one's God is best served by hiding his influence from the powers that be. A caring healer in hostile lands, where helping those in need (closing the gap between the powerful and the weak) is a direct threat to the leadership. Or a terrible agent of his deity, taking a more... personal route to 'enlightening' those who oppose his god.
Pavitra 02-19-07, 06:15 PM	An alternative Barbarian/Rogue concept could be the "trickster" archetype found in tribal folklore. This character is known among her peers for cleverness; she always has an idea when the situation seems hopeless.
Devlonir 02-20-07, 09:02 AM	Fighter/Monk: A war veteren who retired to a monastic lifestyle after having seen enough war. After training in the monastery for a number of years, he once again felt the pull of adventure and decided to go back to the road. Now a different and calmer man, but even deadlier as he was before. Also: A man who loves fighting and bar brawls who got his ass kicked by unarmed, skinny, robed men one day. After finding out they were monks, he decided to learn their lifestyle (Thank NWN2 for that one :-P) Fighter/Ranger: Part of a special military unit that is used in many ways while fighting in the wilds. Both scouts and excellent marksmen, they are able to hold themselves both in covert operations as well as in high pitched straight battles. (See Faramir and his men in LotR) Fighter/Rogue: The well known mugger. A criminal that uses both subterfuge and force to get what he wants. Unlike normal rogues this archetype is not afraid to throw his weight around to get what he wants. Also: Part of a special military unit specialized in covert operations and assassination. He can get into and out of enemy camps without much effort and knows how to handle traps and diplomacy as good as he can handle his weapons. Fighter/Sorcerer: Born in a martial community, he learned how to handle his sword at a very young age and became quite skilled in it. Nearing his adulthood, he learned he had magical abilites and started to forge them into his fighting style. Fighter/Wizard: Although part of a wizard's school from a young age, this archetype was always fascinated by martial combat. He learned to handle himself in man to man combat in his spare time. He is best known as a wizard who can handle himself well when the enemies come to close in.
satyre 02-20-07, 09:49 AM	Elsydeon, Pavitra, and Devlonir's descriptions have been added. Thanks!
satyre 03-12-07, 10:36 AM	Just a slight bump. I've been pretty busy as of late, but I promise I'll get to work on some new descriptions soon. In the mean time, if anyone would like to help me out with this project, feel free to post your ideas! :D
Jear77 03-12-07, 03:50 PM	Even tho it would be splitting up the powers even further, what about 3 classes? A classic from 2nd ed AD&D is a Fi/Mu/Th or in 3.5 terms Fighter/ Wizard (Sorcerer)/ Rogue or perhaps Figher/ Rogue/ Cleric Figher/ Cleric/ Druid You also missed one imho, the ranger/ bard, better fighting than the bard, an animal companion, a wider spell selection, the ability to influence NPCs/ monster abilities. I've got some more on the bard listed on "50 bard personalities" thread.
satyre 08-28-07, 01:29 PM	:bump: Wow, I haven't updated this in a while. We still need some more descriptions for: Bard, Cleric, and Druid. I'll work on this a bit and see what I come up with. Also, if anyone has some improvements to an existing description, let me know. Jear77, there is a Bard/Ranger listing. There just isn't a description for it. What I'm looking for is more flavor than mechanics, but I'll put what you wrote down as a placeholder at least. I think three classes is a bit too much, as well.
Moonslayer 08-28-07, 04:56 PM	Hmm, let me toss a few things out and see what sticks. Bard/Ranger or Bard/Fighter: A version of the wandering minstrel. The person who travels the area (often alone or with a small group of locals) bringing news, entertaining folks, and occasionally lending a hand when trouble breaks out. Cleric/Fighter: Something akin to the Paladin, without as stringent a code of conduct. Guards of holy people, places, and things. Cleric/Monk: Members of an ultra-conservative sect of the faith. Followers of a doctrine that claims to offer a path to beome more like the Diety by way of physical, mental, and spiritual training. Best if the Monk special abilities are tinkered with to fall more in line with the portfolio of the Diety. Cleric/Ranger: A more agressive take on the Cleric/Fighter. Used to take the fight to enemies of the faith (chosen enemy reflects this). Bard/Sorcerer: The pull of magic drawn out by the music has become stronger than ever. Delving deeper into it has unleashed powers far beyond your dreams. Bard/Wizard: Your haphazard, catch-as-catch-can spellcasting is no longer satisfying. You decided to recieve formal training in magic to broaden your range. That's all I have for now. Hope it helps
Terjon of the Blue Rose 08-29-07, 12:10 AM	Sorcerer/Wizard: Not content with their inborn magical abilities, these individuals strive to understand the precise workings of the power they have inhereted. Often, they go on to follow the path of the Ultimate Magus, championing magic in all its forms. Alternatively you lack the force of personality or intellect to continue on one path but possess the needed dedication and/or obsession with magic to seek a new one.
Terjon of the Blue Rose 08-29-07, 12:15 AM	Druid/Barbarian A primal sort of druid. You seek the most basic instinctual attunement with nature.
satyre 08-29-07, 08:37 AM	Awesome! Added your descriptions to the OP, Moonslayer and Terjon of the Blue Rose. I'm trying to avoid repeat descriptions so I left out the Bard/Fighter description, Moonslayer. It works best for the Bard/Ranger anyways, I think. Your names have been added to the credits, thanks again!
Orchomenos 09-10-07, 02:05 PM	Alternative to the Fighter/Monk: Monk/Fighter: Trained since your youth to masterize your body, and develop your unarmed martial skills, you decided to take a shortcut in the ways of defending yourself, at the detriment of your mystical skills... Druid/Monk (A very decent choice mechanically): You love nature, and you especially love the order in the nature. Trees growing in lines, well-kept roads in wild forests or wise arrangements of untamed forest and cultivated fields. You like order in your environment, and you want to be an harmonious part of your environment, so you need order in yourself as well. Bard/Druid: Some claim you have fey blood in your veins. This might be true, for you feel there's nothing better than leaping about in the fresh air while singing joyful songs! Bard/Fighter: Known as a jack-of-all trades, you decided the best way to remain alive was to hold your own in combat, and singing songs was not always the best way for that! Now you're not the herald annoncing the hero's feats, you're the hero. Cleric/Wizard: You're an expert at using magic, be it granted by a divine entity, or borrowed from the arcane weave. Though you might miss higher level spellcaster's flashy style, your versatility will give you your own unique style.
satyre 09-10-07, 03:17 PM	Thank you, Orchomenos! I'm fairly ignorant when it comes to Druids so I can really use the help there, thanks again. Please, if anyone has found this guide to be useful, let us know with a reply. Or even if you have some critiques.
meto30 09-13-07, 07:41 AM	Ranger/Druid - a hunter of prey and explorer of the wilderness for nearly all her life, she comes to understand the balance of nature after being forced to survive with only her wits after being stranded in the middle of a feral forest after being swept away by a flash flood. A druid of the forest's circle who was watching her since she arrived decide to teach her more about the way of mother nature... Don't know if this makes sense, but I did my best. I hope this feels right.
satyre 09-13-07, 08:56 AM	Thanks, meto30. I edited the last bit to be more generic.