With WotC revisiting old sourcebooks for new ideas, here are some old classes that might be worth taking a look at again.
The history of D&D is littered with classes beyond just the standard 11 (now 12) that people know from 5E. In fact, during the heyday of the Player’s Option: Skills And Powers, there were all sorts of ways to customize your character. With a bunch of new books on the horizon, here’s a look at what WotC might return to, in order to unearth some new arcana.
Avenger
The Avenger was a concept first explored in 2nd Edition as an alternative to the Druid. But it found purchase in the hearts and minds of D&D players with 4th Edition. There, the Avenger was a damage-dealing class powered by divine energy and wielding a 2-handed weapon. Unlike the Paladin, Avengers were given divine purpose and powers that made them mobile, lightly-armored killers. And I think it’s a concept that D&D could really revisit, especially with the new emphasis on fighting style and the tactical mobility tech of something like the Echo Knight Fighter.
Shaman
Shamans were first fleshed out in 2nd Edition as well. Only there, they had their own distinct identity. They used the Cleric as a sort of chassis, but were their own class, focused on “spirit powers” which would let them access high-level magic that wasn’t normally available to player characters of whatever level they were. Something like the Shaman would really shine with a treatment like the Warlock’s Eldritch Invocations.
Ninja
Ninjas have been around since the early days of D&D. Though they were originally an extension of the Thief, they eventually found their own identity. In 3rd Edition and 3.5, Ninjas were a much more combat-focused Rogue. They fought similarly, though instead of Sneak Attack they had sudden strike, and like the Monk they made use of Ki Powers. I think it would be an interesting niche to explore, Focus and something like Sneak Attack for a light, mobile attacker.
Eidolon
If you never had the chance to check out the Ghostwalk book, you are missing out on some of the weirdest, most creative stuff that WotC’s design teams have done. It’s not necessarily balanced, or everyone’s cup of tea. But take the Eidlon – this was a class designed to be the ghost of your player character after they died, so that you could keep playing, looking for vengeance.
Warden
Finally, the Warden. Another 4th Edition classic and one that I think there’s plenty of room for. This was meant to be a “defender” focused on heavy armor and defensive abilities, but they accomplished this through primal power, or nature magic. We need a warrior that feels beefy but that wields magic. Unlike the Ranger, who are more attack-focused, it’d be interesting to see what a defensive nature warrior looks like.
Happy Adventuring!
Don’t Miss:
Source: Bell of Lost Souls
