New Class -- Warlord

[bestialwarlust]

So this is just something I came up with. An anti paladin of sorts I wanted something that would be playable. Much like when people play "lawful stupid" it bothers me just as much when people who play evil means you are just an not a very nice person. I'm sure there's better versions then what I've come up with I just thought I'd throw this out there.


The Warlord
Fighters with an evil disposition may also opt to become a Warlord. The philosophy of a Warlord peace through power. Some basic guidelines of thought – respect authority figures as long as they have the strength to rule over the weak, act with discipline (not engaging in random slaughter, keeping firm control over those beneath his station, and so forth), help only those who help him maintain or improve his status, and punish those who challenge authority (unless, of course, such challengers prove more worthy to hold that authority), treachery and assassination are perfectly acceptable as long as it serves a goal. Torture and interrogation are preferred to killing though killing to make a point or send a message is something that a Warlord would do. It's easier to spread fear with a live person than a dead one. Though they can't turn undead they are immune to their level draining ability. Similar to the paladin the Warlord gains a supernatural companion but in this case a hell hound – AC 4 HD 5 stealth, detect hidden and invisible 75% of the time.
Class Requirement: Fighter
alignment requirement: non good
Prime requisite: Charisma (no experience bonus for a high score)
Ability score requirement: Charisma 17+
Basic advantages: lay on hands (2 points per level, self only) , cause fear (as spell but with a +2 on the attack roll for this power), immune to disease, +2 saving throws, immune to undead level drain
Advanced advantages (level 8+): dispel good at will, detect good 6” range
Expulsion: any good act

[Deleted]

Like most anti-paladins, your class is not differentiated enough from the paladin.

[bestialwarlust]

That's why I didn't really want to call it an anti paladin. Suggestions are welcome though. I'm trying to come up with something that isn't a stupid caricature of evil. I'm going for more of a lawful evil vibe of evil and some moronic maniac because evil always has to look stupid.

[waysoftheearth]

It's an interesting concept bestialwarlust... I'll need to think on it a bit before replying more intelligently, but right off the bat it might be interesting to focus more on the warlord's unique abilities to better "use" mercenary fighters, to lead them in battle, and to intimidate enemy by his fearsome reputation/presence. Just a thought, but maybe worth thinking about?

More later...

[bestialwarlust]

Thanks I look forward to more responses. I'm trying to go for a Darth Vader vibe to it. I want a supernatural aspect powers/abilities that would be used to strike fear in his mercenaries. Similar to how I think a paladin would inspire bravery and courage in his troops. As well as any under his rule much like the SS did in WW2 power through fear, intimidation and executions/torture if need be.

[sulldawga]

Focus on his high Charisma (maybe STR, too) as the source of his abilities. Get rid of the Lay on Hands and the immunities (he's not a servant of the gods), as well as the anti-good powers (he's not a mirror image of the Paladin). Like Ways said, focus more on his abilities to instill fear in his opponents and motivate his minions the same way.

Maybe even steal a little bit of the 4e Warlord's ability to "heal" by inspiring others. "You're worried about that slash on your arm? Pick up your weapon and fight or I'll give you a wound to really worry about!" Not the version of Lay on Hands they were looking for!

Also dump the rule about expulsion for any good act. Why make the evil version of Lawful Stupid? "Hmm, if I bring this enslaved maiden back to her father, I'll get a huge reward! Ehh, might as well just slit her throat." The warlord would do the right thing, even if it was for the wrong reasons.

[bestialwarlust]

Aug 15, 2013 12:59:40 GMT -6 sulldawga said:

Focus on his high Charisma (maybe STR, too) as the source of his abilities. Get rid of the Lay on Hands and the immunities (he's not a servant of the gods), as well as the anti-good powers (he's not a mirror image of the Paladin). Like Ways said, focus more on his abilities to instill fear in his opponents and motivate his minions the same way.

Maybe even steal a little bit of the 4e Warlord's ability to "heal" by inspiring others. "You're worried about that slash on your arm? Pick up your weapon and fight or I'll give you a wound to really worry about!" Not the version of Lay on Hands they were looking for!

Also dump the rule about expulsion for any good act. Why make the evil version of Lawful Stupid? "Hmm, if I bring this enslaved maiden back to her father, I'll get a huge reward! Ehh, might as well just slit her throat." The warlord would do the right thing, even if it was for the wrong reasons.

Good suggestions thanks.

[bestialwarlust]

Ok so I've dropped the immunities and the anti good, I guess I need a name change to I didn't realize 4th had a class called a warlord. I didn't really want to call it a dark knight or blackguard. I've kept the cause fear and the hell hound, what better way to spread fear then having a fiery hound of hell at your side. So in keeping with the "sith" idea what about adding something like an ability called:

Focus Hatred -- by using your inner reserves of anger you can add your level to your damage rolls. This can only be against once chosen target and must be called at the beginning of the round before initiative is rolled. Once you've chosen you cannot switch this ability to use on another target,though you still attack others, until your chosen target is dead or out of combat.

Thoughts? too strong? too cheesy?