Archetypical hero class

[My Self]

If we were to take select elements of 2-5 classes and turn them into a single archetypical martial hero, what classes would we insert, and what would the final combination look like? This is a sort of supergestalt, although we're aiming for thematic value over gestalt power (a wizard//cleric//monk//barbarian//paladin is powerful, but not exactly an archetypical hero)

[christos gurd]

my guess is something like this

[Corvino]

In terms of Fantasy Archetypes I think we're pretty well served without gestalting. Rangers and Paladins do a good job of filling traditional "Hero" roles. They have a mix of martial prowess and at least one decent mental stat, limited magic and a set of either nature/guile hero or "leader" skills. Bloodragers do a similar thing for a more specific willpower/anger based hero - they work for a lot of Anime characters, for example.

Remember that most fantasy stories do differentiate between warriors, scholars, magic types etc. There are a few all-rounder/good at everything Gish but even so, with the Magus, Alchemist, Investigator, Hunter etc the options are there.

[Jack of Dust]

A Ranger/Fighter hybrid works pretty well for an archetypical hero. My personal favourite is the dragonslayer kind but I'm sure others have their own ideas. A Cavalier with a Dragonkin from bestiary 5 as a mount also gives the impression of a hero. The cavalier's challenge ability in particular is fitting.

[VM mercenario]

Start with a base of Slayer. The archetypical martial hero is smart and not above some sneaking about. Add full Brawler and full Barbarian with some refluffing, so Rage is more of a battle focus. Add the Samurais challenge and resolve and the Swasbucklers panache and deeds. Give him a good Will save, the archetypical fantasy hero can out willpower mages and gods, it's weird that no martial class has a good will save.
This the archetypical euro-american/fantasy hero, tough, charismatic and smart, with lots of tricks under his sleeve and amazing willpower.
If 3pp allowed I would add some Warlord instead of Swashbuckler, not even for maneuvers, but because his class abilities are better at representing the inspirng leadership heroes normally have.
Ranger and Paladin are too supernatural for the archetype and gishes are right out, the archetypical martial is as Ex as possible. You could also trade Barbarian and Swashbuckler for Fighter and Gunslinger for a more Western/WWII/Modern archetype.

[Remco Sommeling]

VM mercenario wrote:

Start with a base of Slayer. The archetypical martial hero is smart and not above some sneaking about. Add full Brawler and full Barbarian with some refluffing, so Rage is more of a battle focus. Add the Samurais challenge and resolve and the Swasbucklers panache and deeds. Give him a good Will save, the archetypical fantasy hero can out willpower mages and gods, it's weird that no martial class has a good will save.

This the archetypical euro-american/fantasy hero, tough, charismatic and smart, with lots of tricks under his sleeve and amazing willpower.
If 3pp allowed I would add some Warlord instead of Swashbuckler, not even for maneuvers, but because his class abilities are better at representing the inspirng leadership heroes normally have.
Ranger and Paladin are too supernatural for the archetype and gishes are right out, the archetypical martial is as Ex as possible. You could also trade Barbarian and Swashbuckler for Fighter and Gunslinger for a more Western/WWII/Modern archetype.

paladins have good will saves and are immune to fear

[Ciaran Barnes]

christos gurd wrote:

my guess is something like this

Looks like LRG had this idea and wrote it up before I did, but HERE is my take I wrote earlier this year.