Late 19th century soldiers and the fighter class:

[cranewings]

So I'm thinking of making a new fighter class or two: one that exalts the virtues of Napoleonic Warfare and one the doesn't, like a Veteran of the Boer War kind of guy.

The British Soldier is going to basically fight standing up, without using cover (thinking hiding or taking shelter is cowardly). This guy is going to rely on discipline and brute strength to win fights. Initiative will be important for him because he pretty much needs to win initiative and kill his opponent to avoid being shot.

The Veteran is going to be a more modern fighter with modern ideas, such as using Stealth, looking for cover, and being fast.

Any ideas to throw out? I'm working on them now, so I'll check back periodically. I'm only writing them up to level 6.

[lordzack]

You might consider using the Enforcer for at least the latter one.

[cranewings]

lordzack wrote:

You might consider using the Enforcer for at least the latter one.

Good call; I'll check it out.

[cranewings]

The Officer

Hit Dice: d10
BAB: Full
Fort: Good
Ref: Poor
Will: Poor

Skill Points per Level: 4 + Int Modifier

Class Skills: The Officer’s class skills are Climb (Str), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (Engineering, Local, Nobility) (Int), Linguistics (Int), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), Survival (Wis), and Swim (Str).

Weapon and Armor Proficiency

The Officer is proficient in all light and medium armor, simple weapons, swords, and firearms. Officers are not proficient with shields.

Class Abilities

Horsemanship

At first level, the Officer gains the feats, “Mounted Combat,” and, “Skill Focus – Ride.”

Stalwart

At 2nd level, the Officer can add his Constitution Bonus to his Combat Maneuver Defense against Trip, Bullrush, and Overrun attacks.

Fearless Charge

At 3rd level, the Officer doesn’t suffer a penalty to his AC when making a charge attack, either on foot or on horseback due to its speed and ferocity, as well as his superior situational awareness.

Weapon Specialization

At 4th level, the officer gains the feat, “Weapon Focus” for a weapon of his choice. If he already has Weapon Focus, he instead gains “Weapon Specialization” with that weapon.

Command Decision

At 5th level, the Officer gains a +2 bonus to initiative. This bonus extends to everyone in his group or under his command provided he is within earshot of them.

Honorable Stand

At 6th level, the officer gains the “Ferocity” ability, allowing him to remain conscious and fighting until he reaches negative HP equal to his Con score.

[cranewings]

I'm not super concerned with making the class balanced. So long as I think I can make a stronger druid, I don't care if the class is better or worse than the fighter or rogue: only that it conveys the feeling that I want it to.

[proftobe]

napoleonic=cavalier with its serial number filed off. Lose the animal companion and give them a broader choice of bonus feats.

Sneaky fighter=ranger lose the animal companion and spells or buy the new spell less ranger download I here it amazing.

[Owly]

That "not using cover because it's cowardly" is a bit of a myth, historically. Late 18th-early 19th century featured slow-loading rifles, so firing en masse was the most effective use of your men, especially if you were seizing your objectives in conjunction with cavalry charges. Artillery barrages would later discourage this (but not stop it) and then would come the era of trench warfare, machine gun emplacements, and then close air support.

You might check out the Mel Gibson movie "The Patriot" and the "dragoon" played by Jason Isaacs. A dragoon would be a neato version of the fighter you talk about (and more cut out for independent fighting). A leader, good on a horse, good with a sword from horseback, and can use a musket or pistol, possibly with a bayonet. (the bayonet was a history-changer, btw).

[cranewings]

Owly wrote:

That "not using cover because it's cowardly" is a bit of a myth, historically. Late 18th-early 19th century featured slow-loading rifles, so firing en masse was the most effective use of your men, especially if you were seizing your objectives in conjunction with cavalry charges. Artillery barrages would later discourage this (but not stop it) and then would come the era of trench warfare, machine gun emplacements, and then close air support.

You might check out the Mel Gibson movie "The Patriot" and the "dragoon" played by Jason Isaacs. A dragoon would be a neato version of the fighter you talk about (and more cut out for independent fighting). A leader, good on a horse, good with a sword from horseback, and can use a musket or pistol, possibly with a bayonet. (the bayonet was a history-changer, btw).

Look at the class I just posted above. What would you change about it to make the Dragoon?