They are:
D, R, B, W, I, T, S, S
A hot tip to all sleuths is that only about 3 or so classes are reprints - the rest are brand new classes. One observation from me: The presence of only one B may cause a few heart flutters.
I for Illusionist is a popular choice, but I'm not so sure. I think the illusionist will be bundled with the necromancer, representing the shadow power source. I'm picking at least two classes will represent Psi. Telepath seems to be a quite viable choice for one of those.
Heh. Copy Cat.
Well, y'know, great minds and all that...
As for R, I, W, T, and S.
I think S will be Shaman.
As for the others, I am not sure.
R could possibly be "Rager" instead of Barbarian.
Why wouldn't they Just call it a Barbarian? Or a Berserker? Something iconic..."Rager" sounds like something you do with a few dozen friends and a keg.
Hmm, well, it could be that they just decided they didn't like the word "barbarian" for whatever reason, but also possible that "Rager" is a distinct class which just happens to be thematically similar and they didn't want it inextricably linked with the old class. Also, "Barbarian" implies a certain culture and background, whereas "Rager" is a bit more vanilla and just describes the fighting style. Assuming the class even exists. :P
Yeah...but "Berserker" would be similarly culture neutral...
I'm just getting a little tired of WoTC's nomenclature conventions.
Yeah...but "Berserker" would be similarly culture neutral...
I'm just getting a little tired of WoTC's nomenclature conventions.
Well, not to be insensitive, but what's in a name? Just change the name for your campaign. Or, do like we do, and ignore the class names when actually RP'ing. I've never heard someone refer to themselves as a Barbarian before, or claim his brother in arms fought differently because he was a Fighter.
Yeah...but "Berserker" would be similarly culture neutral...
I'm just getting a little tired of WoTC's nomenclature conventions.
Before you get tireder, keep in mind that WotC haven't done this yet, as far as we know. The "Rager for Barbarian" swap is pure fan conjecture.
You left out some of the spoilers, the second letter of a few of the races was given as well, which can be combined with the first letters given earlier.
This is enough for either the familiar psionic set (Wilder, Soulknife) or more 3.x PHB stuff (Barbarian, Sorcerer). But probably not both.
Are we even sure Psionic is going to be in the PHB series rather than in a separate book? I remember a lot of discussion about that before, but I don't know how it turned out.
We may very well see only one new power source in this book: Primal. Which would mean probably 3-4 Primal classes, and the rest additional Martial, Divine, and Arcane.
The big hint here is the I. There aren't a whole lot of usable D&D class terms that could start with an I. Illusionist is the easy guess, but this suggests Shadow, and the lack of an N (for Necromancer) counters the idea of Shadow. Are there any other terms anyone could foresee for I? About the only thing that comes to mind for me would be Incarnate, and I really don't see that happening -- don't expect to see Incarnum, which it sounds too much like (even though it could theoretically be a name for a Primal class that's the incarnate of some primal force... yeah, a real stretch).
Are we 100% sure Illusionist is Shadow and not Arcane?
The fighter who got angry did alot more than act angry...he became incredibly strong and resilient on top of all the angst. The current fighter,or any other martial class just doesn't evoke that "Conan" type feeling. We need a Barbarian. E--GADS not a "Rager" though that is the dopiest name i have ever heard.
I look forward to the new bard powers "Stage Dive" and "Charm Groupie". Awesome!
If B is for 'figher who gets angry' instead of bard, someone will bleed.
Then I want to bleed.
Second interesting tidbit: One of the really fun things I've had a chance to play with in the last couple of weeks is a little bit of development assistance on the Player's Handbook II. The part that I got to get my hands dirty on is the sorcerer--an old friend, since I created the first draft of the sorcerer back in the early days of my work on 3rd Edition. The 3rd Edition sorcerer was spurred by the simple observation that an enormous hunk of valuable real estate in the Player's Handbook was devoted to the support of a single class--the wizard. I asked the question, "Is there some other way we can utilize all these spells?" That and the idea of cast-on-the-fly from a limited list was enough to get the sorcerer into the book, and it became one of the most popular innovations of the 3rd Edition game. In 4th Edition, we don't want to design classes for this sort of reason anymore; since every class is in effect a spellcaster, we don't want to see a 99% overlap of the power lists between two classes. That mean taking the sorcerer back to the broad story concepts (concepts that evolved later in the sorcerer's original 3e design, since the sorcerer began with mechanics in 3e) and thinking hard about what it *could* be and how it could occupy the same role and power source as the wizard but be a different class. I think we've got some great ideas cooking up on that score. (Hint: It might involve some wild magery.)
-So far the Sorcerer looks to be an Arcane Controller.
Where was it "confirmed" that sorcerer would be Arcane?
A WotC dude (I'll try to find the link).
Supposedly with wild magic action.
Since the wizard is an arcane controller, I doubt that the sorcerer will be. I doubt there will be any arcane classes in the PHB2, and that it will instead be devoted to three different power sources (just as the PHB1 is devoted to arcane, divine and martial classes). It looks like the goal is for each new class to represent a different combination of role + power source than what has come before. (As long as they continue to roll out new power sources, which I don't doubt they will, they will have plenty of new classes to last until 5E.)
For your reading pleasure:Second interesting tidbit: One of the really fun things I've had a chance to play with in the last couple of weeks is a little bit of development assistance on the Player's Handbook II. The part that I got to get my hands dirty on is the sorcerer--an old friend, since I created the first draft of the sorcerer back in the early days of my work on 3rd Edition. The 3rd Edition sorcerer was spurred by the simple observation that an enormous hunk of valuable real estate in the Player's Handbook was devoted to the support of a single class--the wizard. I asked the question, "Is there some other way we can utilize all these spells?" That and the idea of cast-on-the-fly from a limited list was enough to get the sorcerer into the book, and it became one of the most popular innovations of the 3rd Edition game. In 4th Edition, we don't want to design classes for this sort of reason anymore; since every class is in effect a spellcaster, we don't want to see a 99% overlap of the power lists between two classes. That mean taking the sorcerer back to the broad story concepts (concepts that evolved later in the sorcerer's original 3e design, since the sorcerer began with mechanics in 3e) and thinking hard about what it *could* be and how it could occupy the same role and power source as the wizard but be a different class. I think we've got some great ideas cooking up on that score. (Hint: It might involve some wild magery.)
Then again, I could be wrong....
Agreed. I would love to see Totemist for the T but as for the R and W, I have no clue.
Edit: Was looking around and perhaps the R could be Runecaster? I always loved the idea but think it was poorly executed in the FRCS.
Maybe Robot Chicken. T = Terminator. W = War Correspondent.
Oy, maybe I should lay off the late-night cable TV....
It would be annoying if we got Scout and Swashbuckler :P
How would Scout be annoying?! They can double jump! And I for one hope that D is for Demoman, not some stupid tree-hugger!
Seriously though, an S may be for Summoner.
Thing is, there has never been a straight up Shaman class in 3.5. There have been Dragon Shaman's and Spirit Shamans, but none that were just Shamans.
For my predictions:
I Predict that there will only be 2 power sources in this book. With a Total of 8 power sources, one of the PHB's has to have 2 power sources, and it may as well be the middle one so you're still waiting for 3 more sources in the end.
I believe it will be Primal and Psionic (Primal because so many things have been written about it already) and Psionic (To go with the release of Ebberon)
D-Druid (Primal Hybrid Striker/Controller) {Think WoW, Wild Shaping Damage, Nature/weather based controlling}
R-Rager (Primal Defender) {Renamed Barbarian}
B-
W-Warmind (Psionic Defender) {Renamed Psychic Warrior}
I-
T-Telepath (Psionic Hybrid Leader/Controller) {Use Telepathy to guide the actions of your team mates, and also to control enemies and conscript them to your cause}
S-Shaman (Primal Leader)
S-Soulknife (Psionic Striker)
That leaves 2 open spots, one which could be used for a reprinted class too. (Only reprints shown above are Druid and Soulknife)
R-Rager (Primal Defender) {Renamed Barbarian}
B-
Why make the leap that they'll rename the barbarian when you don't have another candidate for the "b" class?
Why make the leap that they'll rename the barbarian when you don't have another candidate for the "b" class?
Just a feeling with the way that 4e has shaped up so far. All of the other classes are region neutral, and are very open to the way that you want to design a character. Barbarian just feels like it has too much back story written into the class design (As does monk, but thats a whole other can of Worms).
A Rager can be a Barbarian, or a Hulk Like character (Regular person until you make them angry). They can also fit into the role of a Person who uses their rage and channels it for a specific purpose, such as revenge (think Kill Bill).
Barbarian, once you step out of the Nomad clans, not wearing very much but has a ton of hit points berserker, what do you have? Plus a wizard or a warlord could step out of a Barbarian Clan too, but not actually be a Barbarian.
Question is will they make them two similar power sources, like elemental and primal to tie the book together, or two different ones, like primal and psionic to show range?
My guesses:
Primal
Druid (controller)
Rune Priest (leader)
Barbarian (defender)
Repeats
Inquisitor (Divine Striker)
Sorcerer (Arcane Controller)
Elemental
Wu-jen or Wilder (Elemental Striker)
Totemist (Elemental Controller)
Shaman (Elemental Leader)
For now anyhow...
Edit: Druid could be a defender if they go with a more shape shifter WoW route, which would make barbarians strikers.
Bard (arcane leader)
Sorcerer (arcane controller)
Inquisitor (divine striker)
Theurge (divine controller)
Druid (primal ?)
Shaman (primal leader)
Ravager (primal defender)
Warden (primal striker)
My reasoning:
From what I heard, new classes will not be introduced in splatbooks, thus new classes for existing power sources will most likely appear in PHB's.
It has been mentioned that the designers want to fill out the arcane and divine power sources before taking on new power sources thus filling out the arcane and divine classes will probably priority over introducing new power sources.
Primal and psionics have been mentioned as the power sources most likely to appear first. Given the absence of P's, I wouls say they decided to put psionics on hold and give it full coverage in PHB III.
My guess is that the barbarian will evolve into a new class just as the marshal evolved into the warlord. Thus the "R", which could be ravager, rager, reaver, reaper, raider, rampager, etc. I think they want to remove the tribal warrior baggage from the barbarian, thus you could have barbarians who are fighters or rangers and members of the new class who are civilized bear cultists or fanatical peasants.
Then again, I can't recall where I heard it, so I've got no backup for this. Although it would be one way of viewing the "wild magery" comment in Rich Baker's post.
If so sorceror, swordmage (FR book) and bard are mentioned (maybe swordmage will be warrior-mage or some such) that is 3 arcanes and 3 re-prints
Primals druid, barbarian (rager?, or maybe it was changed after interview to a B), shaman (totemist?) I recall them say fighter could add dex to AC and that has changed.
Could be Illusionist, and a shadow class with W, T, or S
D=Druid (Primal Hybrid/striker)
R=BaRbarian (Primal Defender)
B=Bard (Aracane Leader)
W=Warder of Shadows (shadow defender or striker) this also keeps the good guy theme
I=Illusionist (Shadow Controler)
T=Totemist (shaman) (Primal leader)
S=Sorceror (A hybrid/controler)
S=Swordmage (Arc Def)
Controlers (wizard, illusionist, sorcerer)
Defenders (Fighter, paladin, Swordmage, Barbarian, Warder?)
Strikers (Rogue, ranger, druid, warlock, Warder)
leaders (Warlord, Cleric, Shaman, Bard)
D=Druid (previous class) (primal)
R=Rager (new Barbarian) (primal)
B=Bard (previous class) (arcane)
W=War Mind (new Soul Knife) (psionic)
I=Illusionist (new class) (shadow)
T=Telepath (new Psion) (psionic)
S=Shaman (new class) (primal)
S=Sorcerer (previous class) (elemental)
Old classes that are listed as new are basically reworked from the ground up.
My guesses for races were;
Doppelganger
Genasi
Gnome
Hobgoblin
Shadar-kai
Bel
D: Druid -primal
B: Barbarian-primal
S: Sorcerer-arcane
Highly Likely:
S: Shaman-primal
Speculative(mine):
R: something shadow source. (Can't find a synonym for Necromancer)
W: Wilder/Warmind-Psionic
T: Telepath-Psionic
I: Illusionist-shadow
I can easily see 3 new sources with 2+ classes each and an "old source" class making the cut. They need to fill out material for PHBs 3 to X as well so other classes of these sources will eventually appear. Ebberon(sp? I don't play it so I may be off) leans heavily on psionics from what I hear and is out next year so Psionics are a given for this PHB at least.
Bard (Primal Leader)
Druid (Primal Controller)
Savage (Primal Defender)
Sticking with the Primal theme. It puts a sort of spin on the Bard which is a bit truer to history, and lets the Druid fulfill a role which I think it could do very well at. Savage would be the Barbarian redux, obviously.
Radiant Soul (Divine Striker)
Willbreaker (Arcane Leader)
Illusionist (Shadow Controller)
Theurgist (Divine Controller)
My Theories here: While the W might seem odd, I envision the Arcane Leader functioning as a Leader in Reverse....where as the Cleric focuses on buffing and healing, and the Warlord works as a Movement/Attack micromanager, I picture the Willbreaker as a Debuff/Buff user. It gives each Leader a distinct play style and methodology.
The Illusionist, you'll note, is the only Shadow Type. Why? Because I think Wizards will want to give a preview of what Shadow Type powers do, and how they'll function, while still having time to develop them further for other roles. Noticeably absent is the Swordmage, our Arcane Defender character. Why? I think Wizards will avoid reprinting it so as to give people a reason to get the FR book. Call me cynical, but if I were them, its what I would do.
Assuming they stick to established fluff, the barbarian isn't very armored (compared to other tanks) and hits harder then other fighters. Or by definition a striker! They really are not known for their armor, just their power!
A druid could be a defender, again assuming they stick to established fluff and do as the druid did in 2E where they healed every time they change shape. A spell such as bark skin could easily armor them beyond the other primal classes, when they add it to a tank shape such as the bear.
I don't know just something to think about!
OK this is just speculation here, but I see a ton of posts saying the barbarian is the primal defender, and I am not so sure I agree with that.
Assuming they stick to established fluff, the barbarian isn't very armored (compared to other tanks) and hits harder then other fighters. Or by definition a striker! They really are not known for their armor, just their power!
I don't know just something to think about!
It's actually possible to tank in light armor now though, so I think the suit fits just fine.
Admittedly, I could also see things working out your way, but I think WotC might shy away from the idea of Druids as the Defender type, if only to try and alleviate some of the ever popular but untrue "This game is just like WoW!" criticisms.
The mention of the druid in my last blog entry was semi-intentional. I finished my design work on the druid over the weekend.
Now before anyone gets completely crazy, it’s worth noting what my job is: mechanical designer. That means I’m sometimes (but not always) the very first person to work on a particular design. But I’m no means the last. At this point, the druid class I wrote up has a conceptual buy-off from the immediate members of my team and the lead developer. But it could—and maybe should—change radically as it works its way through the design/development/ playtesting/editing /folding/spindling/ mutilating process. So keep that in mind.
(As an aside, my stuff gets altered beyond recognition all the time—that’s part of the business. I’m the department’s Harlan. Nothing wrong with that. Heck, I wrote the original Ninja of the Crescent Moon. Some of my stuff should get altered beyond recognition.)
So what’s the druid look like right now? Some tidbits:
• Call his role “hybrid.” But don’t assume that he can cover all roles. Just a couple of ‘em.
• If you like what the 3.5 Player’s Handbook II did to the 3.5 druid, then you’ll probably like this guy, too.
• He doesn’t do much with the classical Greek elements (air/fire/earth/wat er), but he’s got a lot of weather-related magic. Again, that’s the direction we were taking the class in latter-day 3.5 products.
• Not a lot of animal summoning. Plenty of wild shape.
And what’s in my druid file? The class description, of course, and all the powers (eighty of ‘em at this point, give or take). Plus there are some druid (and druid-friendly) feats, four paragon paths, an epic destiny (available to those who aren’t druids, too), and some rituals. Oh, and some druid-friendly magic items.
In other words, he’s ready for playtesting. Anyone wanna DM?
This is all we seem to have on the druid unless there is something I missed (very possible). From this I could easily see striker,defender, or controller.
Fairly well. As Richard Byers' series illustrates, Thay is very self-absorbed in the years following the Spellplague.
Interestingly enough, we've got some new spellcaster classes in 4e that might better model the hathrans than anything we had in 3e. Specifically, the warlock with the fey pact is a pretty good fit. Or the shaman class (we're working on one for a future product, and it includes some neat mechanisms for dealing with nature spirits). So I'd be inclined to say that a lot of the witches are warlocks (heh, that's kind of funny, English is a silly language) or shamans. But others could still be clerics or wizards. I wouldn't blink if a player who wanted to run a hathran picked any of those classes, really. [emphasis added]
Just some possible support for inclusion of the Shaman.
Over at ENWorld is a GRZ video from D&D Gameday in Seattle, Washington. During his interview with Mike Mearls, GZ coaxes from the Mikester the first letters of PHB2's classes.
They are:
D, R, B, W, I, T, S, S
A hot tip to all sleuths is that only about 3 or so classes are reprints - the rest are brand new classes. One observation from me: The presence of only one B may cause a few heart flutters.
Those are my possible guess:
D: Druid (Primal Controller) (Primal Striker if a lot of shapeshifting abilities)
R: Ravager or Rager (Renamed Barbarian) (Primal Defender)
B: ?!?
W: Wilder (Psi Controller) or Warmind (Renamed Psychic warrior)(Psi Defender)
I: ???
T: Totemist (Primal striker or controller) or Telepath (Psi Leader or Controller)
S: Shaman (Primal leader)
S: Soulknife (Psi Striker) or Skirmisher? (Possible Primal striker?)
Since the title of PHb is martial, divine and arcana heroes, I hope that the second will be given to entirely new power source (in my guess: primal and psi) Shadow and ki are still to come (but i don't see a lot of class using ki as a power source)
I am telling you it is for barbarian, and I would put lots of money on it. And if someone bleeds, so be it.:P
Bard, as said, will likely be a ddi class. Maybe it will show up in the arcane power source expansion book also.
God be darned....
I have been going over this in the other thread. here, copy and paste...
They are not going to be "issues" but a collection of articles that happened to be put on that month. But that aside, the mags will not be "CORE" and the Bard has been confirmed as a CORE class. It will be in a PHB, though if that would be the PHB2 or the PHB3 is another story.
Another thread has it to where there is only one class that starts with B, and it is a question on whether it would be the Barbarian (or Berserker) or the Bard. I would say the Bard, but the Barbarian is said to be using the Primal power source so it would either be pushing the Bard back to PHB3, or renamed.
Dragon magazine has always been optional material, in case you didn't know, stuff that put more spice into the rules (WOW your players!!) and added some content that would enhance the game. Some of the classes that were put in for the previous edition before made a splash and was used in later splat books, but most was like the glut of PrC's and didn't mesh well with the CORE setting.
Most of the stuff in the past two years has been stellar, from what I hear.
So, no, having a class "Published" in DDi will not preclude them from having the same class in the PHB. I will wait for the book.
Berserker is equally cultural. Surely someone can give me the entomology of the word.
"Bear shirt" ragers from Norway, anyone?
"Bear-shirted", actually - or, to be more precise, "clad in bear skin".
In particular, Druid, Barbarian, and Sorcerer have all been confirmed for PHB2; while it's possible things have changed, they're the obvious bets for the returning classes. There will be more Arcane and Divine info, and Primal and Psionic were the two new power sources highest on the list to be added, though they weren't sure how much would fit.
My guesses: Druid, Barbarian, and Sorcerer, obviously. Shaman is another obvious guess. That leaves R, W, I, and T. There should be some divine classes - Inquisitor and Theurge seem like good guesses. W and R? No idea. I'd guess at least one is primal, to give it a fourth class.
A Witch class seems possible, but I'd expect it to be Shadow (and thus probably not in PHB2), as Worlds and Monsters mentions "Shadar-kai witches command shadow magic".
Repeats
Inquisitor (Divine Striker)
Inquisitor sounds great for a divine striker, but how can Inquisitor be a repeat, there has never been a class called Inquisitor, aside from funky PrCs?
I dig the rest of your list.
My take?
Bard (arcane leader)
Sorcerer (arcane controller)
Inquisitor (divine striker)
Theurge (divine controller)
Druid (primal ?)
Shaman (primal leader)
Ravager (primal defender)
Warden (primal striker)
Hm, I like this list, and when i think about it more, why not change the druids name to remove the baggage it comes with. When i think druids i think stone henge but no one else seems to have a problem with it. Warden seems like a good fit. So that would free up D. The other thing I would change on that list is the Theurge. How about Templar? Then again that brings up medieval christian imagery...
Inquisitor sounds great for a divine striker, but how can Inquisitor be a repeat, there has never been a class called Inquisitor, aside from funky PrCs?
I dig the rest of your list.
Sorry, meant repeat as in repeat of power sources in PHB 1.
This post over on ENWorld has all the info on upcoming classes I've found, complete with sources.
In particular, Druid, Barbarian, and Sorcerer have all been confirmed for PHB2; while it's possible things have changed, they're the obvious bets for the returning classes. There will be more Arcane and Divine info, and Primal and Psionic were the two new power sources highest on the list to be added, though they weren't sure how much would fit.
My guesses: Druid, Barbarian, and Sorcerer, obviously. Shaman is another obvious guess. That leaves R, W, I, and T. There should be some divine classes - Inquisitor and Theurge seem like good guesses. W and R? No idea. I'd guess at least one is primal, to give it a fourth class.
A Witch class seems possible, but I'd expect it to be Shadow (and thus probably not in PHB2), as Worlds and Monsters mentions "Shadar-kai witches command shadow magic".
THANK YOU for that resource! Great work. So--drastic developmental changes aside--the monk is a Ki Striker then, yes? (Since we know it's Ki and the interviewer was 50% right....)
If they're trying to "pack a lot in there," I imagine the squeeze is introducing Primal and Psionic both; the additional Arcane and Divine stuff is priority as it's hold-over from PH1. Only 2 Psi classes would be fine as the EberronCG can add more soon after. Assuming (and hoping) they fit both new sources in, and that they are putting the Bard on paper, here are my guesses now:
D - Druid (primal striker)
R - Rager (primal defender; renamed Barbarian)
B - Bard (arcane leader)
W - psi (I liked the "Warmind" idea as a psi defender)
I - psi (prolly the reworked psion as a psi controller)
T - Theurge (divine controller)
S - Sorcerer (arcane controller)
S - Shaman (primal leader)
I'd consider the Rager, Bard, and Sorcerer as "old" with all others, regardless of name, completely overhauled and thus "new." (A stretch? :confused
Technically, any combo of RWI can be the psi classes and the renamed Barb.If the Bard doesn't go on paper and the Barb is not renamed, then B goes to Barb (obviously) and R goes to a psionic class. Hm...lots of possibilities. Let's not think about how far away this all is....
My guesses:
Primal
Druid (controller)
Rune Priest (leader)
Barbarian (defender)
Repeats
Inquisitor (Divine Striker)
Sorcerer (Arcane Controller)
Elemental
Wu-jen or Wilder (Elemental Striker)
Totemist (Elemental Controller)
Shaman (Elemental Leader)
For now anyhow...
Edit: Druid could be a defender if they go with a more shape shifter WoW route, which would make barbarians strikers.
I'm pretty sure Druid is a Leader. They've mentioned this in several different places. Druid was always talked about as a Leader with elements of other things. They also mentioned a focus on wildshape.
Additionally, your list includes 5 things that have been in the game before (Druid, Barbarian, Sorcerer, Wu-jen/Wilder, Totemist), when it was specified that 5 of the classes had never been seen in D&D before. Plus, Shaman and Inquisitor both sort of have as well...
Anyway, I really think Barbarian (and I agree Rager would be a better name) will be a striker, or I'd prefer, controller. Likewise, I predict their Rage will not be a feature, but rather a set of conditional bonuses on your powers get when you're bloodied. Maybe a normal attack that becomes AoE when you're bloodied. Stuff like that.
I also find it odd that Totemist would be elemental and not Primal, but that Rune Priest was Primal. I don't know, Runes seem a little advanced for Primal, while Totems seem to fit perfectly. I don't think either is correct though. I predict only the 2 primal classes that we already have confirmed (Druid and Barbarian/Rager).
I like the idea of an Inquisitor though. I really wanted a Divine Striker, just couldn't come up with a name.
Character Classes
D
Divine Bard
Divine Mind
Domain Wizard
Druid
Druidic Avenger
Dragon Shaman
Dragonfire Adept
Duskblade
R
Ranger
Rogue
B
Barbarian
Bard
Bardic Sage
Battle Sorcerer
Binder
Beguiler
W
Warblade
Warlock
Warmage
Warrior
Wilder
Wilderness Rogue
Wizard
Wu Jen
I
Incarnate
T
Thug
Totem Barbarian
Totemist
Truenamer
S
Samurai
Savage Bard
Scout
Shaman
Shadowcaster
Shugenja
Sohei
Sorcerer
Soulborn
Soulknife
Spellcaster
Spellthief
Spirit Shaman
Swashbuckler
Swordsage
D
Divine Bard
Divine Mind
Domain Wizard
Druid
Druidic Avenger
Dragon Shaman
Dragonfire Adept
Duskblade
R
Ranger
Rogue
B
Barbarian
Bard
Bardic Sage
Battle Sorcerer
Binder
Beguiler
W
Warblade
Warlock
Warmage
Warrior
Wilder
Wilderness Rogue
Wizard
Wu Jen
I
Incarnate
T
Thug
Totem Barbarian
Totemist
Truenamer
S
Samurai
Savage Bard
Scout
Shaman
Shadowcaster
Shugenja
Sohei
Sorcerer
Soulborn
Soulknife
Spellcaster
Spellthief
Spirit Shaman
Swashbuckler
Swordsage
Just to throw my own speculation in, I'm think each PHB will cover 2 or 3 power sources without delving into past power sources. So the PHB II will be for Primal, Shadow, and Elemental Power sources.
D = Druid (Primal) - wildshaping hybrid
R = Reanimator (Shadow) - shadow leader
B = Barbarian (Primal) - raging striker w some defender
W = Witch (Shadow) - shadow striker
I = Illusionist (Shadow) - shadow controller
T = Transmuter (Elemental) - elemental leader or hybrid
S = Shaman (Primal) - primal leader
S = Sorcerer (Elemental) - elemental striker
Now this list is just as much speculation as any other but it does follow the pattern of the PHB I of 3 sources and no full attempt to fill the role grid. I think a tighter interpretation could replace the witch with another primal class thus having a 4/2/2 class result like in the PHB I. I think it pretty much follows the idea of 3 re-used (Druid, Barbarian, Sorcerer) and 5 new even though they are not all entirely new. Illusionist and Transmuter were specialty wizards before and not their own classes. Someone else pointed out that there really hasn't been a straight shaman. Witch showed up as an example of making your own class and Reanimator is my own creation.
Now, back to continued guessing.
d
I'm pretty sure Druid is a Leader. They've mentioned this in several different places.
Where, I repeat, where has anyone from WoTC mentioned anything about druids being leaders, I mean really just one mention. All I've seen is a bunch of people hopefully begging for it to be so despite no evidence for it what so ever. Enough people wishing is not going to make it happen.
Nor do I want it to happen if their emphasis is on shapeshifting, there are far better primal concepts such as Shaman that fits better for leader than anything wildshape focused which would be like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.
Over at ENWorld is a GRZ video from D&D Gameday in Seattle, Washington. During his interview with Mike Mearls, GZ coaxes from the Mikester the first letters of PHB2's classes.
They are:
D, R, B, W, I, T, S, S
A hot tip to all sleuths is that only about 3 or so classes are reprints - the rest are brand new classes. One observation from me: The presence of only one B may cause a few heart flutters.
My 2cents
Druid
Rune-caster
Barbarian
Wu-Jen
Invoker
Tempest
Shaman
Story-teller
Primal:
Druid (striker/defender)
Shaman (leader)
Barbarian (Defender)
Sorcerer (Controller)
Psi:
Telepath (Leader OR Controller, maybe hybrid)
Warmind (Defender)
The I and R I dunno. I want to say shadow classes, though having two 'filled-out' sources, role-wise, would be neat...
I've seen gnome fans like gnomes but not how the old rules realized them, and I'd highly suspect that's the case with many bard fans (me being one of them). Even if DDI gets the Bard first, I thought PHBs were the only place for new classes now without all the 3e splatbook clutter.
At the Seattle game day event, I did an interview with Gamer Radio Zero and was asked about the classes in the PH 2. It was a long, hectic day, and I had very little sleep, so I managed to get some of the initials wrong. Anyway, here are the correct ones:
B
B
D
I
S
S
T
W
There is no R class. I have no idea how my brain inserted that letter into the sequence.
Well that basically confirms there will be a Barbarian and Bard. Add Sorcerer and Druid for S and D, and we're left with:
WITS. I really want I to be Inquisitor, and T to be Telepath, and W & S to be .. umm, Witch and Shaman. That'll do.
B - Bard
B - Barbarian (maybe changed to Berserker?)
D - Druid
I - psionic (Ironmind, psi defender/OR/Infiltrator(?), psi striker)
S - Shaman
S - Sorcerer
T - psionic (Telepath, psi controller)
W - psionic (Wilder, psi striker/OR/Warmind, psi defender)
That's 3 primal, 3 psionic, plus the bard and the sorcerer. Did they really say there would be a divine class? If so, subtract one psionic and add one divine (controller probably) for my guess.
Oh well. At least Andy Collins gave us what is in my opinion a solid patch until Summer 2010...
As for the revised list: Besides the four 3/3.5 locks...
I-- Illusionist, Shadow Leader
S-- Soulknife, Psionic Striker
T-- Telepath, Psionic Leader or Controller
W-- Witch, Shadow Controller or Striker
Now, this assumes that the next three are Primal, Psionic, and Shadow, but I think that is a reasonably safe assumption. Those are the three which have been most hinted at, and which have the most traction.
I-- Illusionist. A seperate class from way, way back in the day, which explains why it was so comparatively prominent in comparison to the other seven specialist wizard classes. It is old enough and obscure enough that a new 4E take may be fairly said to be new.
S-- Soulknife. I'm not too sure of this one, because it does not count as new, but it has proven to be incredibly tenacious. Prestige class in 3E, full class in 3.5... it, like its inspiration (the X-Man Psylocke) is hard to keep down for long. If I am wrong, then the class will probably be the Shaman, a Primal Leader.
T-- Telepath. One flavour of psion, but one of the two with the most traction (the other being the Psychokineticist). This class or one like it is almost guaranteed for any class that features psionics, and it is very important to have this class because the Eberron CS will also be released in 2009.
W-- Witch. A wild guess, and I'm not afraid to say so. An update of the Wilder is more likely, but that would leave the Illusionist as the only representative of Shadow in the book, and that is definitely not happening.
We also have word on something called a "Shaman" so thats pretty assuredly the second S (keeping in mind it will be fundamentally different from the Oriental Adventures Shaman and the Spirit Shaman), unless its a two word name like "Totemic Shaman" or something weird like that.
We know Primal is in the book, because its explicitly the power source of the Druid. Petty much any psionic thing we can think of has been done before in previous editions, so they can't be in the book. Monk/Ninja/Samurai/Sohei have been in previous editions, and I just don't think they would introduce Ki without at least one of them.
That leaves Shadow and Elemental. Sorcerers are not elemental. The Shaman might be, but it might also be Primal.
Witch is a damn nice guess for the "W." Especially given what someone said earlier about Shadar-Kai Shadow Witches. Looking at the races, we see a first letter S, and a second letter H, which can only be paired pronounceably together. Thats probably assurance that the Shadar-Kai are in, and I think that will mean that Shadow is the other power source.
So now we have:
B - Bard (Arcane Leader)
B -
D - Druid (Primal Hybrid, probably Leader/Striker or Leader/Defender)
I -
S - Sorcerer (Arcane Controller)
S - Shaman (Primal Leader)
T -
W - Witch (Shadow Strikers? Maybe Controllers?)
We can't have barbarian, as thats been done before (and is a bit silly of a name) but nothing stops a raging concept (I predict bonuses when bloodied as the likeliest system). We can't have an Illusionist unless the devs are stretching "Never seen before" because the Beguiler is pretty damn close, as are the previous editions specialist wizards. I even remember an AD&D PHB I have with Illusionist (and only Illusionist, not even other specialists) listed separately from other classes, even Wizard.
So, personally, I hope the I is Inquisitor. I really want a Divine Striker.
At least one of the T, I, and second B has to be Shadow or else there's only one Shadow source. Its likely that the sources will go either 4, 2, 2 as the PHB1 does; 2, 2, 2, 2 because its symetrical (two new sources: Primal and Shadow, two old ones: Divine and Arcane); or 2, 3, 3 (the 2 arcane we already know and 3 of each Shadow and Primal.
Totem Warrior could work as a raging type maybe?
Blacksomething something could be a shadow source?
Eh, its a lot to guess.
The other S is probably the Swordm(s)age that will appear in the FR book.
of the three power sources looks like primal and arcane are certain.
W-I-T are left and an undeclared power source.
I doubt it is Psonics (class letter don't make sense) its most like shadow.
Witch and illusionist fit with shadow
Over at ENWorld is a GRZ video from D&D Gameday in Seattle, Washington. During his interview with Mike Mearls, GZ coaxes from the Mikester the first letters of PHB2's classes.
They are:
D, R, B, W, I, T, S, S
A hot tip to all sleuths is that only about 3 or so classes are reprints - the rest are brand new classes. One observation from me: The presence of only one B may cause a few heart flutters.
R = Rocker
I = Idol
S = Supermodel
So no bard but we keep our Barbarian
:D
For more clues, you can watch the full interview with Mister Mearls, which was just posted today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNtc4sJTdWc
Will it never end?? :D So we have a divine controller in there, at least one defender (no surprise), and a new "deadly and dangerous" but "not like the rogue" striker. After hearing Mearls describe the primal power source style, I think the barb is getting overhauled (recall the lightning panther strike rage power from R&C) and am thus considering a more "beastly" name for it.
B – Bard* (arcane leader)
B – Beastmaster (primal defender; the new barb)
D – Druid* (primal striker-->note devs suggest a mobility power for 3.5e conversion)
I -
S – Shaman (primal leader; overhauled from previous versions)
S – Sorcerer* (arcane controller)
T – Theurge (divine controller)
W –
[indent]*classic[/indent]
IW: I think IW--one of which is a striker--are both from Psionic (first choice, but see question below) or both from Shadow. The idea of an Inquisitor as a "deadly and dangerous" divine striker is VERY intriguing; however, I would think they'd intro more than one new power source. "Deadly and dangerous" makes me think Shadow, but the point that the EberronCG is coming out subsequently makes me lean toward Psionic.
QUESTION: Do you guys think they could intro Psionics fully in the EberronCG instead of a PH? They did say CGs would be a resource for all DM's to pull from, even if they don't use the setting as a whole. Will CGs be considered core material?
People have mentioned a couple of times that there is a class coming out on DDi soon, and that it may be the Bard. Is there a link to anything about this? Or is it just speculation? Cos if its true then it will make some of my players (very) happy.
There's also mention of the artificer class coming out in DDI....
Re: Mearls.......LOL! That is hilarious. :P
B - Bard
B - Barbarian (maybe changed to Berserker?)
D - Druid
I - psionic (Ironmind, psi defender/OR/Infiltrator(?), psi striker)
S - Shaman
S - Sorcerer
T - psionic (Telepath, psi controller)
W - psionic (Wilder, psi striker/OR/Warmind, psi defender)
That's 3 primal, 3 psionic, plus the bard and the sorcerer. Did they really say there would be a divine class? If so, subtract one psionic and add one divine (controller probably) for my guess.
What about swordmage in there somewhere? Perhaps coming out in the new FRCG, so perhaps not in the PHB2.
What about swordmage in there somewhere? Perhaps coming out in the new FRCG, so perhaps not in the PHB2.
You've got it.
Swordmage will be in the FRCG. Btw, you quoted my pre-Theurge list. They keep giving us new info.You will note that psionic also exist in FR (but quite less common and less vital), by the way... I think it will be in a generic core book, at least.
Good point, Ubber. Maybe some kind of mind flayerery creepy lovecraftian psionic striker thing. :coolcthul
I'm hoping R is for Rage Mage. It'll never happen, but I can hope. I love the image of the scrawny guy in the group suddenly buffing up and shooting lasers from his eyes while foaming at the mouth.
You know what, people?
What this guy said.
Rage Mage: The Str 18 magic missile-casting guy with a greatsword and cleave.
Barbarian
Bard
Druid
Illusionist
Shadowmancer
Sorceror
Telepath
Wildmind(or some other name for a wilder)
God be darned....
I have been going over this in the other thread. here, copy and paste...
They are not going to be "issues" but a collection of articles that happened to be put on that month. But that aside, the mags will not be "CORE" and the Bard has been confirmed as a CORE class. It will be in a PHB, though if that would be the PHB2 or the PHB3 is another story.
Except that they have stated several times that the mags will be "core".
I thought the new DDI is inbetween mandatory and optional, like there's going to be a few things that appear first in the DDI, then sooner or later they're going appear elsewhere... like either DDI compilations or possibly in other books...
They are completely optional, but they are calling the content in the mags "core".
Though it appears that they are still using multiple definitions for core, even though they said it meant non-campaign specific. Just look at the 3 "core" books, which say core rules on them.
In short, there will be many things that people will likely want(such as the warforged full pc race write-up or the artificer class write-up coming up), but they are still just as optional as anything outside the core 3 books have ever been.
Bard (Arcane Leader or Leader/Controller) - Pretty obvious.
Berserker (Primal Defender or Defender/Striker) - Retooled Barbarian, with enough changes to justify the new name. May straddle the line between Defender and Striker (maybe rage increases damage at the expense of defense).
Druid (Primal Striker/Controller) - Also pretty obvious.
Illusionist (Shadow Controller) - Deals with illusions and mental tricks. May be adept at enchantment, as well, though not as much as psionic classes. Will probably be inspired by the Beguiler, and may have some thievery skills.
Shaman (Primal Leader) - An offshoot of the Druid which covers the healing and summoning parts rather than the shapeshifting. May be inspired by the spirit shaman.
Sorceror (Arcane Controller) - Hopefully they'll find a way to make the sorcerer unique, since wizard and warlock cover the 'blaster mage' quite well. Wild magic is a possible direction.
Theurge (Divine Controller) - Will represent the missing 'robed priest/prophet' archetype better than the Cleric. Less healing, and more smiting enemies with holy wrath. May be a summoning class, as well.
Wraithblade (Shadow Striker) - The new striker class may be shadow-based. Basically, a ninja-type with a lot of dark powers and shadow-warping abilities. May be inspired by the Hexblade or the Shadowdancer prestige class from 3.5 edition.
My money's on Sorc, since we've seen them mentioned in 4E (related) stuff, most notably Swordmage. People like to see characters expressed in game terms, and as of yet, there is no way to describe said character in 4E.
Couldn't the swordmage be part of the Player's Guide for Forgotten Reamls?
Except that they have stated several times that the mags will be "core".They are completely optional, but they are calling the content in the mags "core".
Though it appears that they are still using multiple definitions for core, even though they said it meant non-campaign specific. Just look at the 3 "core" books, which say core rules on them.
In short, there will be many things that people will likely want(such as the warforged full pc race write-up or the artificer class write-up coming up), but they are still just as optional as anything outside the core 3 books have ever been.
The mags are not CORE just the same as the third party supplements are not CORE. If there is material that is produced for the mag that should be CORE material, it will be published inside of the relavent CORE product (Bard put in the PHB2, for example)
Bard
Barbarian
Druid
Illusionist
Shapeshifter
Sorcerer
T??
W??
My guess is the 3.5 druid will get broken up into Druid and Shapeshifter, with the Druid being a Leader-class employing healing and buff powers, and the Shapeshifter being a melee Striker employing polymorph powers.
I don't think there will be psionic classes in the PHB II; I think they will be held for a new Psionics book that will also include a selection of psionic races, feats, monsters, etc.
B Bezerker (primal Defender)
D Druid (Primal Striker)
I Incantrix (Arcane _______)
S Shawman (Divine Controler)
S Soul Knife (Psi Striker)
T Telapath (Psi leader)
W ????
I still hope for a TK based PSi, and the shadow power source in general
Obvious (3 classes we have seen before):
Druid (primal/hybrid)
Barbarian (primal/guardian)
Sorcerer (elemental/striker) a nuker, if you will.
Not so obvious (with clues in the video):
Ritualist (divine/controler)
I... Don't Know (could be anything, but I can go with Illusionist)
Skulk (shadow/striker) (he said something about a sneaky guy, kind of like an assassin... So, I am guessing here)
Silly ideas (pulling them from you know where):
Telecommuter (primal/striker)
Wuzzler (shadow/hybrid)
Anyway, I am tired, and I can't think straight anymore, so... yeah.
B – Bard* (arcane leader)
B – Barbarian* (primal defender)
D – Druid* (primal striker)
I – Infiltrator (psionic striker)
S – Shaman (primal leader)
S – Seer (psionic leader)
T – Theurge (divine striker)
W – Warmind (psionic defender)
*previous classes
Bel
Update:
I think I now know why he said that B, R, D would be the obvious ones, while he was saying B, B, D he was thinking on the BaRD.
That leaves the 3 known classes/concepts to be:
Barbarian
Druid
Illusionist
Sorceror would be nice but unless its primal or elemental I doubt it'll be in the PHB2 and again might crop up in the FRCS since it's new 'look' as a wild mage fits with the spellplague that sets FR up for 4e.
If they're not putting classes from 'older' power sources in the PHB2 and Bard is arcane as everyone is saying I doubt it will be in the PHB2. It could very well end up in the FRCS since they've only named one class there (swordmage) and in FR bards play a major role.
That leaves the 3 known classes/concepts to be:
Barbarian
Druid
Illusionist
Sorceror would be nice but unless its primal or elemental I doubt it'll be in the PHB2 and again might crop up in the FRCS since it's new 'look' as a wild mage fits with the spellplague that sets FR up for 4e.
The Bard needs to be CORE, not Core. It needs in the PHB. I think like some others, that the Berserker is taking over the Barbarian and the name "Barbarian" is being retired, like it should be. Let it represent a culture, not a class.
The Bard needs to be CORE, not Core. It needs in the PHB. I think like some others, that the Berserker is taking over the Barbarian and the name "Barbarian" is being retired, like it should be. Let it represent a culture, not a class.
I will note that out of the 4 classic roles, the other classes are not vital. Because at the end, ESPECIALY for somethign like the Barb, it's much all variations and modifications of those archetypes.
So, and as D&D"s clases offering changed, the Barbarian don't have an automatic ticket place.
Similar issues with races and Gnomes and Half-orcs.
A few other notes:
- Classes and Races that appear in a Player's Guide will not be reprinted in a Player's Handbook.
- Classes and Races that are published in Dragon maybe later printed in a Player's Guide or Handbook.
- The following classes have been confirmed:
- Bard - Arcane Leader
- Druid - Primal Hybrid
- Shaman - Primal Leader
- Sorcerer - Arcane Controller
- Illusionist - Shadow (unknown role)
- Bard - Arcane Leader
- Due to complaints about the name Barbarian, it may have been changed to something like Berserker.
- While all WoTC powersources are known, not all of them will make their appearances before PH3 or 4.
The newest info is that when asked how many PHB2 classes were new on his blog, Mike Mearls replied "Three are completely and utterly new. The rest are either classes or old concepts revisited."
So--drastic developmental changes aside--the monk is a Ki Striker then, yes? (Since we know it's Ki and the interviewer was 50% right....)
Actually, we don't know the interviewer was 50% right - he was "at least" 50% wrong - completely wrong is still a possibility. However, Races & Classes does say the Monk will likely be a Striker.
barbarian (proably called beserker (the name of alot monster types in MM)
This is exactly how we know they won't rename Barbarians Berserkers. There are no monster types in the MM that are also class names - they use Warrior and Soldier instead of Fighter, Mage instead of Wizard, and so on.
Classes and Races that appear in a Player's Guide will not be reprinted in a Player's Handbook.
Could you point me to the source for this? I'd like to include in my compilation of info, but I need a source first.
Witch is a damn nice guess for the "W." Especially given what someone said earlier about Shadar-Kai Shadow Witches.
That was me. Looking at it again, the quote from Worlds & Monsters about Shadar-kai witches comes just after a discussion of Shadar-kai warriors; since both of those show up in the Monster Manual, that's probably all they were talking about.
Looking at the races, we see a first letter S, and a second letter H, which can only be paired pronounceably together. Thats probably assurance that the Shadar-Kai are in, and I think that will mean that Shadow is the other power source.
My guess is that the Sh race will actually be Shifters. There are a few reasons - for one, it seems odd that PHB2 has 5 races and 8 classes when the original had 8 of each. If one of the races is Shifter that could explain it, as the multiple varieties of Shifter could mean we're effectively getting 8 races. Also, it's reasonable to expect PHB2 to support Eberron somewhat. And finally, because Shadar-kai will probably be in the same book as Shadow, and there are other reasons to think that won't be the PHB2.
The mags are not CORE just the same as the third party supplements are not CORE. If there is material that is produced for the mag that should be CORE material, it will be published inside of the relavent CORE product (Bard put in the PHB2, for example)
Except that's not what they said. That may be what you want. What you want is not what they said.
That aside, I think they will publish all the "core" classes from 3e in a physical book.
Except that's not what they said. That may be what you want. What you want is not what they said.
That aside, I think they will publish all the "core" classes from 3e in a physical book.
"They" said that the DDi is an optional service, ergo it isn't CORE.
Druid seems a safe bet.
As does Bard and Barbarian
Wildshifter, Wilder, Wu Jen, Witch
Illusionist, Inquisitor
Telepath, Tempest
Sorcerer, Shaman, Savant, Swashbuckler, Soulknife, Scout
Also can someone update original message to reflex -R +B?
Actually, the Sorcerer had been confirmed as Primal power source, or so I thought.
No, there's been rampant fan speculation that Sorcerer might be Primal. But the closest to confirmation we've gotten is that it will be an Arcane Controller, same source and role as a Wizard, but differently implemented.
B - Bard, almost definitely, prolly arcane leader.
B - Well, there's a big brawly guy on the cover. Barbarian? Hopefully redone as "Berserker". A raging shape-shifting a la 2e's Viking Sourcebook would be awesome, but I won't hold my breath. Primal source, striker or defender.
D - Druid, almost definitely. Shapeshifter, going by what I've read on the forum. Primal striker?
W - Don't know. No psionics this book, so not wilder.
S - Sorcerer, I guess. Arcane striker, or controller?
S - Hmm. Shaman, maybe? Or spirit master? There's an elf on the cover summoning some ghostly wolves. Divine controller or leader?
T - Don't know. Totem-something maybe.
I - Not illusionist, if indeed illusionist uses shadow power. No gnome in PHB, no illusionist in PHB II...WotC wants me to cry
Maybe something like Invoker, a divine controller?Well, as I said, we know which three power sources are in PHBII. Anyone want to change their bets?
B - Barbarian = Primal Defender
B - Bard = Arcane Leader
D - Druid = Primal Striker (hybrid)
I - Invoker = Divine Striker
S - Shaman = Primal Leader
S - Sorcerer = Arcane Controller
T - Theurge = Divine Controller
W - Witch = Primal Controller
What do ya think?
My current speculation:
B - Barbarian = Primal Defender
B - Bard = Arcane Leader
D - Druid = Primal Striker (hybrid)
I - Invoker = Divine Striker
S - Shaman = Primal Leader
S - Sorcerer = Arcane Controller
T - Theurge = Divine Controller
W - Witch = Primal Controller
What do ya think?
that you are right!
that you are right!
Thanks for the vote of confidence – we'll see!
My current speculation:
B - Barbarian = Primal Defender
B - Bard = Arcane Leader
D - Druid = Primal Striker (hybrid)
I - Invoker = Divine Striker
S - Shaman = Primal Leader
S - Sorcerer = Arcane Controller
T - Theurge = Divine Controller
W - Witch = Primal Controller
What do ya think?
i, too, think/hope that you have hit the nail on the head
Theurge could be Templar, which was a class back in the day in Dark Sun, but otherwise, I think Steely_Dan's got as solid an idea as speculation's going to get to.
if templar bears any semblance to real history, then the templar would be a defender, much like the paladin. and since we already have a divine defender, but no divine controller, i am inclined to believe that the theurge is more likely to occur than the templar.
just my 2 cents.
I'd say Druid and Sorcerer, definitely. One intriguing suggestion from ENWorld was that R could stand for Rager, a Barbarian replacement, leaving room for B to be the Bard.
I for Illusionist is a popular choice, but I'm not so sure. I think the illusionist will be bundled with the necromancer, representing the shadow power source. I'm picking at least two classes will represent Psi. Telepath seems to be a quite viable choice for one of those.
The 4E Illusionist sub-class was outlined in Dragon not long ago.
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/drfe/20080616
My current speculation:
B - Barbarian = Primal Defender
B - Bard = Arcane Leader
D - Druid = Primal Striker (hybrid)
I - Invoker = Divine Striker
S - Shaman = Primal Leader
S - Sorcerer = Arcane Controller
T - Theurge = Divine Controller
W - Witch = Primal Controller
What do ya think?
I think that looks pretty damn likely.
Personally I hope for Inquisitor instead of Invoker (just because it seems a little cooler to me) and also that Shaman WON'T be in there. Shaman just seems like it will be more fuel for the people who claim that D&D is turning into World of Warcraft. And to be honest, I guess the fact that a lot of people seem VERY confident about it just makes me rebel a little.
Then again I don't really have any better suggestions... Spirit Wrangler? Summoner?
Also... the fact that both of the next two campaign setting books extra classes are arcane seems a little strange to me... When do you think we'll get any new martial classes?
1.) Personally I hope for Inquisitor instead of Invoker (just because it seems a little cooler to me)
2.) and also that Shaman WON'T be in there.
3.) When do you think we'll get any new martial classes?
1.) But we do already have a Paragon Path called Something Inquisitor, but of course this "I" class could end up as Inquisitor. I just think Invoker works for striking dudes down, divine style!
2.) The Shaman has been confirmed as a Leader class (most likely Primal). And the Shaman has been a class in 3rd Ed (OA Shaman and Spirit Shaman) and 2nd Ed (The Shaman accessory).
3.) Never, I think Martial is done. PHB III will most likely contain 3 new power sources out of the remaining (Elemental, Ki, Psionic and Shadow).
And thanks to all of you who gave me the vote of confidence on my speculations…what do I win/get if I'm right?!
W for Wilder?
No psionics in 4e.
I hope you Psi haters are happy.
and you can all rot in hell.
Edit: This proves it. I will not purchase any 4e material in the future. WotC has proven that they are adept at crushing the hopes of fans. They killed off the gnome and psion. What is next? Eberron being merged with Faerun?
No psionics in 4e.
Wouldn't you rather wait and have them do it right, then do it half-assed and rush it to get it out?
I am a big fan of the primal classes, however I am waiting for the PHB2 for them, not complaining that they didn't come out in the PHB1. I just hope the wait was worth it!
Edit: This proves it. I will not purchase any 4e material in the future. WotC has proven that they are adept at crushing the hopes of fans. They killed off the gnome and psion. What is next? Eberron being merged with Faerun?
Or perhaps you hit the nail on the head, and they are waiting to come out with the Psion power source until closer to the Eberron campaign, where they happen to have the most impact, and thus being the most sensible solution to the issue.
No psionics in 4e.
I hope you Psi haters are happy.
and you can all rot in hell.
Edit: This proves it. I will not purchase any 4e material in the future. WotC has proven that they are adept at crushing the hopes of fans. They killed off the gnome and psion. What is next? Eberron being merged with Faerun?
Psionics is a confirmed power source in the PHB just no classes for it yet. It won't make PHB2 but might make PHB3.
Gnomes are playable now they're just not as well rounded as the PHB races since they don't have any racial feats. We'll likely see a full writeup for them in PHB2 or Eberron next year.
Eberron and FR so far are the only old campaign settings confirmed to come out and FR is coming out this year and Eberron next year. We also know that Eberron will have the Artificer class in it (Dragon has a playtest version of it up now that only covers one build option for it but is playable through level 30). Warforged have also gotten a full writeup in Dragon already including 2 paragon paths restricted to warforged (the first race to have race-specific paths).
A person a while back posted about visiting a WoTC artist's website and linked to art he had done for characters labeled "Artificer", and "Psion". Both of these images were circa 2005 or newer but were not showing up in people's memory as art seen in print before. Speculation fell aside into obscurity until they released the trial version of the 4e artificer, sporting artwork of the same dwarven artificer from that artist. You could call it coincedence and continue to recycle your corn and potatoes, or you could consider the possibility that, as an artist, he was paid money to produce art for WoTC intended to push upcoming materials. The Psion looks very Eberron, and I would be comfortable assuring you that it is on the way.
In the end though, your complaints were likely stemming from the developed need to play overpowered and broken characters who are more fun to make, then to ever role play (And I am an Artificer fan myself), and as such will probably continue towards infinity when you realize that words like "overpowered" and "broken" have been added to WoTC's "Bad Design Ideas" list since day one of 4e.
Edit: This proves it. I will not purchase any 4e material in the future. WotC has proven that they are adept at crushing the hopes of fans. They killed off the gnome and psion. What is next? Eberron being merged with Faerun?
What proves it? Where's your evidence? You might have to wait a little longer. That's not 'Gone forever', that's, 'Having to wait a little longer than the first month the game's out.'
I am still getting used to the idea that in D&D we control the battlefield with our front line fighters instead of robed casters who throw mezz and stun at the enemy...too used to games where there is no collision control I suppose. This is really unexplored territory, and I think that WoC could have a lot of fun with a shifty striker/controller.
Wouldn't you rather wait and have them do it right, then do it half-assed and rush it to get it out?
Yes, but it is supposed to be part of campaign settings that are going to be released apparently before the system itself.
No psionics in 4e.
They killed off the gnome and psion.
You are talking out of your bunky – see above.