New Uses for old Archetypes [Archive] - Wizards Community

New Uses for old Archetypes [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Arkonth
07-17-05, 01:07 PM I couldn't find the old thread with this same idea, so I just started a new one.

The idea is to take the core classes and use them in a different context than usual, forsaking the classic archetypes, such as the stupid smashy barbarian, or the haughty, too-mystical for you wizard etc.

For example:

The Dedicated Warrior (Barbarian): The Dedicated Warrior gains his prowess in combat by focussing clearly on his goal to the exclusion of all others. He loses much of his mental processes by entering this state, but gains great strength as a result.

The Bodyguard (Rogue): The Bodyguard is not your traditional fighter. His job is to protect one person from all harm. Thus he becomes an invisible shadow to his patron, disabling traps ahead of him, stealing weapons from his foes, occasionally removing those who would do his patron harm with well placed suprise attacks.
Arkonth
07-19-05, 12:38 AM No takers? Oh come on this thread hti two pages last incarnation!

Oh well, I can always find another old idea to resurrect.
SilverFoxKnows
07-19-05, 04:32 PM The Paladin as a teacher. Can fight with a sword but would rather fight evil with knowledge and wisdom. If he can reach people before fear and hatred take hold in their hearts he wont have to draw a sword on them later. Not pompous and rigid but compassionate and patient. Preaching law and order with a frown doesn't make it look attactive to the common man. Leading by example while staying down to earth is more likely to engender trust among villagers and townsfolk. Teaching kids to read and showing midwives advanced uses of healing herbs goes a long way toward making your church welcome anywhere.

How's that?
Arkonth
07-19-05, 10:26 PM Cool! A good start.

Here's an old one I remember:

The Healer (Monk): The traveling healer armed with a simple healing kit trying to aid the hurt. He soon transcends simply fixing wounds, and using his own body tries to prevent them from ever happening.
WarDragon
07-19-05, 11:45 PM The Inspiring General (Bard): Unlike most bards who sing in taverns for a living, this one uses her natural gift for oratory and tactics to lead her army to one victory after another.

The Humble Gardener (Druid): Not so much a wrathful defender of nature, as a nurturer of all living things. He could either tend to the groves and creatures of a forest, or bring a bit of greenery into the big city, while teaching urbanites to love nature by example.
Starchaserva
07-20-05, 01:00 PM Wild Monk. Based on a character I once playe. Part Sorcerer, becomes a monk after he was shipped off to a monastery because of his inherent magic, and learns to control the magic and use it to enhance his martial prowess. Is not the typical calm monk, but prone to excitement.
Dreaming Bard
07-20-05, 10:10 PM The Seeker of Knowledge (cleric)- Comparable to a wizard in dicapline and maner, this man studies divine magic as if it were a science, trying to figure out what gives a deity his power and a cleric his voice, gaining some of this power for himself in the process.

The Druid (ranger? wait, what?)- A druid who has taken to defending nature to his fullest ability with sword or bow in hand.
Arkonth
07-20-05, 10:37 PM Yay my thread didn't die!

The Trapper/Hunter (Druid/Ranger): This character doesn't really worship nature so much as understand it. Instead of bringing nature's wrath down on nature's foes, the Trapper/Hunter is just trying to survive in the wild, and thus is in tune with nature. Instead of killing those who ravage forests, he simply understands that it's a good idea to plant trees when you cut them down, that trapping in the same spot only leads to all the game dying, etc.
Starchaserva
07-20-05, 10:59 PM Here's another twist on the monk, this time multiclassed with barbarian.

Wild Monk (Mark II) A monk who can channel into deep reserves of physcial emotion in order to use the rage ability to increase his potency in hand to hand combat. The fatigue that occurs after the rage ends could reflect the meditative mood that the monk falls into to put himself back into control of his emotions and reflect on what he did.
Worguron
07-21-05, 03:38 AM Here's another twist on the monk, this time multiclassed with barbarian.

Wild Monk (Mark II) A monk who can channel into deep reserves of physcial emotion in order to use the rage ability to increase his potency in hand to hand combat. The fatigue that occurs after the rage ends could reflect the meditative mood that the monk falls into to put himself back into control of his emotions and reflect on what he did.

Ummm, other than the fact that Monk (req: Lawful) and Barbarian (req: non-Lawful) are antithetical to each other, I like it.

Noble Assassin (Paladin/Rogue): Adept at sneaking into heavily guarded compounds, honorably dispatching the enemies of good (as in not killing them in their sleep), and sneaking out of the compound before anyone ever realizes you were there, you thanklessly and selflessly put yourself on the line night after night to ensure the safety of King and Country (or Good in general). [Note: This works best with the Paladin of Freedom variant, but a normal Paladin can also do this work as long as he remains honorable.]

Preacher (Bard, possibly Evangelist): While you may not be a channel for a god's divine power on this earth, you tirelessly spread the word of your god to people all over the world (or perhaps just in your own little town).

Cult Leader (Bard, possibly Evangelist): Coercing others into following you wherever you may go and whatever you may do is second nature to you. You quickly gain a band of followers willing to do your every whim, and perhaps to follow you into the blackness of death itself.
The Inkheart
07-22-05, 02:36 PM There are several classes that could work for this, Barbarian comes to mind, but in the campaign where this character actually is, the player started out as a druid.

Storm Chaser: A druid in touch with the wilder side of nature. The ultimate adrenaline junky, he lives on the rocky coastline, worshipping the destructive nature of the storm and the wildernesses ability to restore itself following.
Morka
07-22-05, 10:20 PM The Lower-Ward Paladin - This man is the third son from a thieves guild's leader. Because his older brothers always tormented him, the younger one developed a sense of injustice. This changed when the guild captured a cleric of Heironeous; the young boy saw that justice was possible. He left this city for a neighboring one, and engaged himself in the temple of Heironeous. However, he is very uncomfortable with the way the paladins are taught to fight; instead of the heavy armor and big sword, he prefers a leather armor and a dagger. He knows thieves cant, and is very adept at inuendo.

The Good Necromancer (a Cleric) - This cleric takes his power from spirits and ghosts. He can convince spirits to heal his companions (cure wounds), protect them (protection from evil, bless), enhance his equipment (magic weapon, magic vestment) or gather some piece of fog (fog cloud). Som spirits can take a physical form for a short time (summon monster).

EDIT: Corrected thieves can't, thanks VirgilCaine. My first language is French...
Cam S.
07-28-05, 01:27 PM Puck [Warlock]: A Warlock that is the product of dealings with Fey instead of fiends. Probably Elf or Half-Elf, Probably taken Nymph's Kiss from BoED. A trickster who loves nature.

The Mugger [Scout]: An urban variant of the scout, armed with a sap. Meant to approach quickly and knock out victims or simply steal what they have on them, and make a get away.

The Noble Savage [Paladin]: Using the Paladin of Freedom from UA, this "barbarian" is actually a staunch champion of good, appearing to be nothing but a dangerous cannibal, but actually performing many of the deeds that normal paladins do. Filed teeth optional.
VirgilCaine
07-28-05, 02:16 PM He knows thieves can't, and is very adept at inuendo.

He know thieves can't what? :confused:

[You mean thieve's cant. Not the contraction. :rolleyes: ]
guarnasco
07-29-05, 04:28 AM (discworld charachter)the Duck Man (druid - urban druid) al lone, sick, excentric beggar who travels with a duck sitting over his head (animal companion), the terror of the "cloaca maxima"
Amphetryon
07-29-05, 10:26 AM What duck? :twitch:
Cam S.
07-29-05, 02:49 PM Wild Machine (Warforged Warlock/Fighter) -- Specializes in Self-Buffs. A Warforged that has tapped the energies used to animate it, and honed them into a weapon. "He" has learned to crack open the thin, scientific shell on his existence and unleashed the energies that lie within.

Failed Monk (Human Fighter/Barbarian) -- failed an important test and lost nearly all self-control. The Failed Monk is on the run from his monastery, but he is not defenseless against his former breathren. While he hasn't mastered his animalistic side, he has entered into a type of symbiosis with it. He uses his fists to great effectiveness, but in times of need he taps into his Id, and becomes a whirlwind of destruction.

Gunslinger (Samurai or Paladin) -- only available in worlds with Guns. The Gunslinger is a noble warrior who has assumed the trappings of the modern day. They have traded in the sword for the gun, but have not traded their sense of honor in for anything. A fearsome, unswerving foe, the Gunslinger is both a trained killer and a cunning conspirator.
Norhg
07-29-05, 05:52 PM The Athletic (Psion). Wins almost all contests. Only the hardiest people have a chance to compete. Wins as often because those he faces looses hearth (Telepethaic nudges, "you are tired" "no I'm not!" *Will save failed* "ZzzzZzzz") as he himself does well. Mages ascertain the eldritch art isn't involved.

Troubled - Man/mouse? (Barbarian). A person not fitting in society, he is huge but a simpleton. He can't grasp concepts such as writing and reading even when given education. The impressive size of this person makes him hardier than most but woe those who anger him. He doesn't realize when he should stop nor when he is injuring others.

Order of Nature -Incarnate Animal (Druid). Is a much more natural part of life, death and the world than any other class. Given to the animals of the world they are beings who safeguard the sancticity of the lands. Commonly these creatures are marked with odd shaped patches of fur, perhaps taking the shape of the moon or another celestial body. They either fill their role as guardians perfectly or use their powers to their lesuire.
-The Wolf who calls down storms, and leads its pack, against those who are enroaching on nature is an example of this class.

My reasoning is, Divine casters need wisdom. And Animals generally have that in plenty. Acting as a defender would be instinct to these creatures. I recommend using the Avenger Druid variant from the Unearthed Arcana
Nor'Morgwae
07-31-05, 03:30 AM The Cursed (Druid) A gentleman of the highest order and raised to be a courtier is overtaken by an old family curse. He is shaken as he begins to talk to animals and alter the natural world around him. A great bat (dire bat) begins roosting on his grounds and despite his best efforts he cannot rid himself of the beast though he dare not kill it. Eventually it escelates to the point where he finds himself transformed into a bat for hours on end and soon learns he can assume other forms as well.

The Investigater- (Ranger, works best with Urban ranger variant in Unearthed Arcana) Uses his favored enemy bonuses to seek out infiltraters and put an end to them. He fosuses on grappling and unarmed combat or daggers as well as tracking traitors to their point of origin. He dwells in the masqurades and royal functions rather than forests and wild places.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Arkonth 07-17-05, 01:07 PM	I couldn't find the old thread with this same idea, so I just started a new one. The idea is to take the core classes and use them in a different context than usual, forsaking the classic archetypes, such as the stupid smashy barbarian, or the haughty, too-mystical for you wizard etc. For example: The Dedicated Warrior (Barbarian): The Dedicated Warrior gains his prowess in combat by focussing clearly on his goal to the exclusion of all others. He loses much of his mental processes by entering this state, but gains great strength as a result. The Bodyguard (Rogue): The Bodyguard is not your traditional fighter. His job is to protect one person from all harm. Thus he becomes an invisible shadow to his patron, disabling traps ahead of him, stealing weapons from his foes, occasionally removing those who would do his patron harm with well placed suprise attacks.
Arkonth 07-19-05, 12:38 AM	No takers? Oh come on this thread hti two pages last incarnation! Oh well, I can always find another old idea to resurrect.
SilverFoxKnows 07-19-05, 04:32 PM	The Paladin as a teacher. Can fight with a sword but would rather fight evil with knowledge and wisdom. If he can reach people before fear and hatred take hold in their hearts he wont have to draw a sword on them later. Not pompous and rigid but compassionate and patient. Preaching law and order with a frown doesn't make it look attactive to the common man. Leading by example while staying down to earth is more likely to engender trust among villagers and townsfolk. Teaching kids to read and showing midwives advanced uses of healing herbs goes a long way toward making your church welcome anywhere. How's that?
Arkonth 07-19-05, 10:26 PM	Cool! A good start. Here's an old one I remember: The Healer (Monk): The traveling healer armed with a simple healing kit trying to aid the hurt. He soon transcends simply fixing wounds, and using his own body tries to prevent them from ever happening.
WarDragon 07-19-05, 11:45 PM	The Inspiring General (Bard): Unlike most bards who sing in taverns for a living, this one uses her natural gift for oratory and tactics to lead her army to one victory after another. The Humble Gardener (Druid): Not so much a wrathful defender of nature, as a nurturer of all living things. He could either tend to the groves and creatures of a forest, or bring a bit of greenery into the big city, while teaching urbanites to love nature by example.
Starchaserva 07-20-05, 01:00 PM	Wild Monk. Based on a character I once playe. Part Sorcerer, becomes a monk after he was shipped off to a monastery because of his inherent magic, and learns to control the magic and use it to enhance his martial prowess. Is not the typical calm monk, but prone to excitement.
Dreaming Bard 07-20-05, 10:10 PM	The Seeker of Knowledge (cleric)- Comparable to a wizard in dicapline and maner, this man studies divine magic as if it were a science, trying to figure out what gives a deity his power and a cleric his voice, gaining some of this power for himself in the process. The Druid (ranger? wait, what?)- A druid who has taken to defending nature to his fullest ability with sword or bow in hand.
Arkonth 07-20-05, 10:37 PM	Yay my thread didn't die! The Trapper/Hunter (Druid/Ranger): This character doesn't really worship nature so much as understand it. Instead of bringing nature's wrath down on nature's foes, the Trapper/Hunter is just trying to survive in the wild, and thus is in tune with nature. Instead of killing those who ravage forests, he simply understands that it's a good idea to plant trees when you cut them down, that trapping in the same spot only leads to all the game dying, etc.
Starchaserva 07-20-05, 10:59 PM	Here's another twist on the monk, this time multiclassed with barbarian. Wild Monk (Mark II) A monk who can channel into deep reserves of physcial emotion in order to use the rage ability to increase his potency in hand to hand combat. The fatigue that occurs after the rage ends could reflect the meditative mood that the monk falls into to put himself back into control of his emotions and reflect on what he did.
Worguron 07-21-05, 03:38 AM	Here's another twist on the monk, this time multiclassed with barbarian. Wild Monk (Mark II) A monk who can channel into deep reserves of physcial emotion in order to use the rage ability to increase his potency in hand to hand combat. The fatigue that occurs after the rage ends could reflect the meditative mood that the monk falls into to put himself back into control of his emotions and reflect on what he did. Ummm, other than the fact that Monk (req: Lawful) and Barbarian (req: non-Lawful) are antithetical to each other, I like it. Noble Assassin (Paladin/Rogue): Adept at sneaking into heavily guarded compounds, honorably dispatching the enemies of good (as in not killing them in their sleep), and sneaking out of the compound before anyone ever realizes you were there, you thanklessly and selflessly put yourself on the line night after night to ensure the safety of King and Country (or Good in general). [Note: This works best with the Paladin of Freedom variant, but a normal Paladin can also do this work as long as he remains honorable.] Preacher (Bard, possibly Evangelist): While you may not be a channel for a god's divine power on this earth, you tirelessly spread the word of your god to people all over the world (or perhaps just in your own little town). Cult Leader (Bard, possibly Evangelist): Coercing others into following you wherever you may go and whatever you may do is second nature to you. You quickly gain a band of followers willing to do your every whim, and perhaps to follow you into the blackness of death itself.
The Inkheart 07-22-05, 02:36 PM	There are several classes that could work for this, Barbarian comes to mind, but in the campaign where this character actually is, the player started out as a druid. Storm Chaser: A druid in touch with the wilder side of nature. The ultimate adrenaline junky, he lives on the rocky coastline, worshipping the destructive nature of the storm and the wildernesses ability to restore itself following.
Morka 07-22-05, 10:20 PM	The Lower-Ward Paladin - This man is the third son from a thieves guild's leader. Because his older brothers always tormented him, the younger one developed a sense of injustice. This changed when the guild captured a cleric of Heironeous; the young boy saw that justice was possible. He left this city for a neighboring one, and engaged himself in the temple of Heironeous. However, he is very uncomfortable with the way the paladins are taught to fight; instead of the heavy armor and big sword, he prefers a leather armor and a dagger. He knows thieves cant, and is very adept at inuendo. The Good Necromancer (a Cleric) - This cleric takes his power from spirits and ghosts. He can convince spirits to heal his companions (cure wounds), protect them (protection from evil, bless), enhance his equipment (magic weapon, magic vestment) or gather some piece of fog (fog cloud). Som spirits can take a physical form for a short time (summon monster). EDIT: Corrected thieves can't, thanks VirgilCaine. My first language is French...
Cam S. 07-28-05, 01:27 PM	Puck [Warlock]: A Warlock that is the product of dealings with Fey instead of fiends. Probably Elf or Half-Elf, Probably taken Nymph's Kiss from BoED. A trickster who loves nature. The Mugger [Scout]: An urban variant of the scout, armed with a sap. Meant to approach quickly and knock out victims or simply steal what they have on them, and make a get away. The Noble Savage [Paladin]: Using the Paladin of Freedom from UA, this "barbarian" is actually a staunch champion of good, appearing to be nothing but a dangerous cannibal, but actually performing many of the deeds that normal paladins do. Filed teeth optional.
VirgilCaine 07-28-05, 02:16 PM	He knows thieves can't, and is very adept at inuendo. He know thieves can't what? :confused: [You mean thieve's cant. Not the contraction. :rolleyes: ]
guarnasco 07-29-05, 04:28 AM	(discworld charachter)the Duck Man (druid - urban druid) al lone, sick, excentric beggar who travels with a duck sitting over his head (animal companion), the terror of the "cloaca maxima"
Amphetryon 07-29-05, 10:26 AM	What duck? :twitch:
Cam S. 07-29-05, 02:49 PM	Wild Machine (Warforged Warlock/Fighter) -- Specializes in Self-Buffs. A Warforged that has tapped the energies used to animate it, and honed them into a weapon. "He" has learned to crack open the thin, scientific shell on his existence and unleashed the energies that lie within. Failed Monk (Human Fighter/Barbarian) -- failed an important test and lost nearly all self-control. The Failed Monk is on the run from his monastery, but he is not defenseless against his former breathren. While he hasn't mastered his animalistic side, he has entered into a type of symbiosis with it. He uses his fists to great effectiveness, but in times of need he taps into his Id, and becomes a whirlwind of destruction. Gunslinger (Samurai or Paladin) -- only available in worlds with Guns. The Gunslinger is a noble warrior who has assumed the trappings of the modern day. They have traded in the sword for the gun, but have not traded their sense of honor in for anything. A fearsome, unswerving foe, the Gunslinger is both a trained killer and a cunning conspirator.
Norhg 07-29-05, 05:52 PM	The Athletic (Psion). Wins almost all contests. Only the hardiest people have a chance to compete. Wins as often because those he faces looses hearth (Telepethaic nudges, "you are tired" "no I'm not!" Will save failed "ZzzzZzzz") as he himself does well. Mages ascertain the eldritch art isn't involved. Troubled - Man/mouse? (Barbarian). A person not fitting in society, he is huge but a simpleton. He can't grasp concepts such as writing and reading even when given education. The impressive size of this person makes him hardier than most but woe those who anger him. He doesn't realize when he should stop nor when he is injuring others. Order of Nature -Incarnate Animal (Druid). Is a much more natural part of life, death and the world than any other class. Given to the animals of the world they are beings who safeguard the sancticity of the lands. Commonly these creatures are marked with odd shaped patches of fur, perhaps taking the shape of the moon or another celestial body. They either fill their role as guardians perfectly or use their powers to their lesuire. -The Wolf who calls down storms, and leads its pack, against those who are enroaching on nature is an example of this class. My reasoning is, Divine casters need wisdom. And Animals generally have that in plenty. Acting as a defender would be instinct to these creatures. I recommend using the Avenger Druid variant from the Unearthed Arcana
Nor'Morgwae 07-31-05, 03:30 AM	The Cursed (Druid) A gentleman of the highest order and raised to be a courtier is overtaken by an old family curse. He is shaken as he begins to talk to animals and alter the natural world around him. A great bat (dire bat) begins roosting on his grounds and despite his best efforts he cannot rid himself of the beast though he dare not kill it. Eventually it escelates to the point where he finds himself transformed into a bat for hours on end and soon learns he can assume other forms as well. The Investigater- (Ranger, works best with Urban ranger variant in Unearthed Arcana) Uses his favored enemy bonuses to seek out infiltraters and put an end to them. He fosuses on grappling and unarmed combat or daggers as well as tracking traitors to their point of origin. He dwells in the masqurades and royal functions rather than forests and wild places.