List of alternate Dungeons & Dragons classes
Encyclopedia
This is a list of alternative base character classes
to the Dungeons & Dragons
role-playing game. As base classes rather than prestige classes, they can be taken by newly created characters without need for any prerequisites.
, Supplement II - Blackmoor
, Supplement III - Eldritch Wizardry
and the Strategic Review.
. Among other changes, it included the thief-acrobat
, a Thief subclass, and the barbarian
, a Fighter subclass which had abilities such as summoning a horde of fellow barbarians to any location. Unearthed Arcana also included the cavalier
class as "alignment champions" and reworked Paladins to be a subclass of Cavalier. The thief-acrobat, barbarian, and cavalier had previously appeared in Dragon
magazine. Many existing classes were also drastically reworked and given different abilities. The other major book that offered new base classes was the 1985 version of Oriental Adventures
; it included the Bushi, Kensai, Ninja, Samurai, Shukenja, Sohei, Wu Jen, and Yakuza. Dragonlance Adventures presented alternative classes for Knights of Solamnia (Knight of the Crown, Knight of the Sword and Knight of the Rose) and Wizards of High Sorcery, as well as the Tinker class, which is exclusive to Gnomes
.
).
was introduced as a wizard kit, but it had very different abilities from other wizards, and an alternative system of spellcasting, which warranted it being a class, and not a mere kit. Possibly for these reasons, it was promoted to a class in the release of The Complete Sha'ir's Handbook
. As can be seen on the lists below, 2nd Edition had far more alternative classes than 1st Edition, and provided significant flexibility with dozens of kits.
The most common type of variant class was the specialty priest, which applied to almost all settings. Rules for specialty priests were in the 2nd edition Player's Handbook, with the druid offered as an example, and many campaign settings offered detailed abilities and domains for specialty priests of their deities.
!Sourcebook
!Classes
|-
|Arabian Adventures
|Sha' ir
|-
|Celts Campaign Sourcebook
|Manteist
|-
|Chronomancer
|Chronomancer, Temporal Champion, Temporal Raider
|-
|Cult of the Dragon
|Incantatrix
|-
|Dark Sun Campaign Setting
|Defiler, Elemental Cleric, Gladiator, Para-elemental Cleric, Templar, Trader
|-
|Domains of Dread
|Anchorite, Arcanist, Avenger, Gypsy
|-
|Faith and Avatars
|Crusader, Monk, Mystic, Shaman
|-
|Legends and Lore
|Ascetic, Pious Knight
|-
|Shaman
|Solitary Shaman, Spiritualist, Tribal Shaman
|-
|Skills & Powers
|Alchemist, Geometer, Shadow Mage, Song Wizard
|-
|Spells & Magic
|Artificer, Crusader, Dimensionalist, Force Mage, Mentalist, Monk, Shaman
|-
|The Complete Barbarian’s Handbook
|Barbarian Fighter, Shaman
|-
|The Complete Druid’s Handbook
|Arctic Druid, Desert Druid, Gray Druid, Jungle Druid, Mountain Druid, Plains Druid, Swamp Druid
|-
|The Complete Ninja’s Handbook
|Ninja (Spy/Killer)
|-
|The Complete Psionicist’s Handbook
|Psionicist
|-
|The Complete Sha’ir’s Handbook
|Elemental Mage, Sha’ir, Sorcerer
|-
|Tome of Magic
|Elementalist, Wild Mage
|-
|Vikings Campaign Sourcebook
|Berserker, Runecaster
|-
|Masque of the Red Death Sourcebook
|Adept, Soldier, Mystic, Tradesman
Kit repetition was also not unheard of. Some kit names were used multiple times, occasionally with different descriptions, such as the diplomat. Kits and classes also sometimes duplicated themselves. For example, the shaman appeared in at least six products.
{| class="wikitable"
!Sourcebook
!Kits
|-
|Age of Heroes Campaign Sourcebook
|Companion, Hero, Hoplite
|-
|Arabian Adventures
|Askar, Barber, Beggar-Thief, Cleric of the Faith Pragmatic, Cleric of the Faith Ethical, Cleric of the Faith Moral, Corsair, Desert Rider, Elemental Wizard, Faris, Hakima, Holy Slayer, Kahin, Mamluk, Matrud, Mercenary Barbarian, Merchant-Rogue, Mystic, Rawun, Sa’luk
|-
|Chronomancer
|Guide, Historian, Seer, Traveler
|-
|Defilers and Preservers - The Wizard of Athas
|Advanced Being, Arena Wizard, Cerulean, Chasseur, Earth Defender, Exterminator, Free Wizard, Illusionist, Mercenary, Restorationist, Shadow Wizard, Tribal Wizard, Necromancer
|-
|Diablo II: The Awakening
|Amazon, Barbarian, Necromancer, Paladin, Sorcerer
|-
|Elves of Evermeet
|Elven Knight, High Mage, Skinwalker, Totem-sister, Unicorn Rider, Windrider
|-
|Masque of the Red Death
|Cavalryman, Charlatan, Dandy, Detective, Explorer/Scout, Journalist, Labourer, Medium, Metaphysician, Parson, Physician, Qabalist, Sailor, Scholar, Shaman, Spiritualist
|-
|Skills & Powers
|Acrobat, Amazon, Animal Master, Assassin, Barbarian, Beggar, Cavalier, Diplomat, Explorer, Gladiator, Jester, Mariner, Merchant, Mystic, Noble, Outlaw, Peasant Hero, Pirate, Pugilist, Rider, Savage, Scholar, Scout, Sharpshooter, Soldier, Smugger, Spy, Swashbuckler, Thug, Weapon Master
|-
|The Complete Barbarian’s Handbook
|Brushrunner, Brute, Dreamwalker, Flamespeaker, Forest Lord, Islander, Medicine Man, Plainsrider, Ravager, Seer, Spiritist, Witchman, Wizard Slayer
|-
|The Complete Bard’s Handbook
|Blade, Charlatan, Gypsy-bard, Herald, Jester, Jongleur, Loremaster, Meistersinger, Riddlemaster, Skald, Thespian
|-
|The Complete Book of Dwarves
|Animal Master, Axe For Hire, Battlerager, Champion, Clansdwarf, Crafts Priest, Diplomat, Entertainer, Ghetto Fighter, Hearth Guard, Highborn, Locksmith, Outcast, Pariah, Patrician, Pest Controller, Rapid Response Rider, Ritual Priest, Sharpshooter, Temple Guard, Trader, Vermin Slayer, Vindicator, Wayfinder
|-
|The Complete Book of Elves
|Archer, Bladesinger, Collector, Elven Minstrel, Herbalist, Huntsman, Infiltrator, Spellfilcher, Undead Slayer, War Wizard, Wilderness Runner, Windrider
|-
|The Complete Book of Gnomes & Halflings
|Bandit, Bilker, Breachgnome, Buffoon, Burglar, Cartographer, Forestwalker, Goblinsticker, Healer, Homesteader, Imagemaker, Leaftender, Mercenary, Mouseburglar, Oracle, Rocktender, Sheriff, Smuggler, Squire, Stalker, The Archer, Trader, Traveler, Treetender, Tumbler, Tunnelrat, Urchin, Vanisher
|-
|The Complete Book of Humanoids
|Hedge wizard
, Humanoid Bard, Humanoid Scholar, Mine Rowdy, Oracle, Outlaw Mage, Pit Fighter, Saurial Paladin, Scavenger, Spellsword, Shadow Shaman, Tramp, Tribal Defender, Tunnel Rat, Wandering Mystic, War Priest, Wilderness Protector, Witch Doctor
|-
|The Complete Book of Necromancers
|Archetypal Necromancer, Anatomist, Deathslayer, Philosipher, Undead Master
|-
|The Complete Druid’s Handbook
|Adviser, Avenger, Beastfriend, Guardian, Hivemaster, Lost Druid, Natural Philosopher, Outlaw, Pacifist, Savage, Shapeshifter, Totemic Druid, Village Druid, Wanderer
|-
|The Complete Fighter’s Handbook
|Amazon, Barbarian, Beast-Rider, Berserker, Cavalier, Gladiator, Myrmidon, Noble Warrior, Peasant Hero, Pirate/Outlaw, Samurai, Savage, Swashbuckler
|-
|The Complete Gladiator’s Handbook
|Arena Champion, Beast Trainer, Blind fighter, Convict, Gladiatorial Slave, Jazst, Montare, Professional Gladiator, Reaver
|-
|The Complete Ninja’s Handbook
|Consort, Eliminator, Intruder, Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Punisher, Ravager, Shadow Warrior, Shinobi Bard, Shinobi Fighter, Shinobi Illusionist, Shinobi Mage, Shinobi Priest, Shinobi Ranger, Shinobi Thief, Spirit Warrior, Stealer-In
|-
|The Complete Paladin’s Handbook
|Chevalier, Divinate, Envoy, Equerry, Errant, Expatriate, Ghosthunter, Inquisitor, Medician, Militarist, Skyrider, Squire, Votary
|-
|The Complete Priest’s Handbook
|Amazon Priestess, Barbarian/Berserker Priest, Fighting-Monk, Nobleman Priest, Outlaw Priest, Pacifist Priest, Peasant Priest, Prophet Priest, Savage Priest, Scholar Priest
|-
|The Complete Ranger’s Handbook
|Beastmaster, Explorer, Falconer, Feralan, Forest Runner, Giant Killer, Greenwood Ranger, Guardian, Justifier, Mountain Man, Pathfinder, Sea Ranger, Seeker, Shinobi Ranger, Stalker, Warden
|-
|The Complete Sha’ir’s Handbook
|Astrologer, Clockwork Mage, Digitalogist, Ghul Lord, Jackal, Mageweaver, Mystic of Nog, Spellslayer
|-
|The Complete Spacefarer’s Handbook
|Aperusa, Arcanist, Astrologer, Astronomer, Corsair, Courier, Crusader, Diplomat, Evangelist, Frontiersman, Geomancer, Harlequin, Impostor, Marine, Medicus, Merchant, Missionary, Privateer, Salvager, War Mage
|-
|The Complete Thief’s Handbook
|Acrobat, Adventure, Assassin, Bandit, Beggar, Bounty Hunter, Buccaneer, Burglar, Cutpurse, Fence, Investigator, Smuggler, Spy, Swindler, Thug, Troubleshooter
|-
|The Complete Wizard’s Handbook
|Academician, Amazon Sorceress, Anagakok, Militant, Wizard, Mystic, Patrician, Peasant Wizard, Savage Wizard, Witch, Wu Jen
|-
|The Glory of Rome Campaign Sourcebook
|Charioteer, Charlatan-Thief, Christian Priest, Gladiator, Military Tribune, Mithraic Priest, Philosopher-Mage, Priest of the Mysteries, Priest of the State Religion, Roman Legionary, Roman Politician, Roman Witch, Street Fighter
|-
|The Will and the Way
|Auditor, Beastmaster, Mercenary Psionicist, Noble Psionicist, Psionicist, Sensei, Tribal Psionicist
|-
|City of Gold
|Clown, Fetishist, Trader, Hunter, Azupozi Healer, Bent Priest, Pueblo Priest, Sunwatcher
, 3rd edition introduced five NPC
classes not intended for player use. These were the first official alternative base classes, and still the only ones detailed in the core 3 books. All five of these classes were retained in the 3.5 edition Dungeon Master's Guide.
{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Description
!Statistics
|-
|Adept
|Adepts are practitioners of divine magic, similar to Clerics
, but are less formally trained. They typically arise in poorer or frontier areas, and are common among bestial humanoids as their link to their deity. Unlike Clerics, who possess decent physical combat ability, Adepts' physical combat capabilities are poor.
|OGL stats
Image
|-
|Aristocrat
|The Aristocrat class reflects those of a wealthy and refined upbringing. While nobles commonly meet the description, rich and educated commoners can as well. Due to their extensive education, good diet, and reasonable medical care, Aristocrats possess a wide variety of skills, are reasonably tough, and possess familiarity with combat and martial weapons.
|OGL stats
Image
|-
|Commoner
|Commoners are unskilled average folk and comprise the bulk of the non-player characters of most settings, existing as peasants and laborers. They possess practically no skill at combat and have no special abilities.
|OGL stats
|-
|Expert
|Experts are skilled common people, such as tradesmen, scholars, and educated merchants. They possess considerable acumen at their areas of expertise, and receive a large amount of skill points to reflect this. While more familiar with combat than Commoners, Experts are only familiar with the simplest of weapons.
|OGL stats
|-
|Warrior
|Warriors are trained for combat, similar to Fighters
. However, they possess more casual training, similar to that given to a town guard or low-ranking army recruit. This is reflected in their lesser rate of hit point growth than fighters and their lack of special abilities.
|OGL stats
{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Description
!Source
|-
|Archivist
|Archivists are wielders of divine magic who learn and cast spells through diligent study rather than direct communion with their deity. They study and learn spells with a prayerbook, analogous to a wizard's spellbook, and their magic's strength is based on Intelligence. Archivists also have the Dark Knowledge class feature, which allows them to draw on their knowledge of aberrations, elementals, magical beasts, outsiders or undead with a successful skill check, most Dark Knowledge abilities grant allies an offensive or defensive bonus.
|Heroes of Horror
|-
|Beguiler
|Beguilers are similar to rogues, but possess a small suite of spells cast spontaneously, like a Sorcerer. Their spells are primarily focused on stealth and the manipulation of others; they also have the Cloaked Casting class feature, which raises the save DC and gives them a bonus on rolls to overcome spell resistance when casting a spell on an unaware target.
|Player's Handbook II
|-
|Binder
|Binders derive their power by making pacts with "vestiges," souls of legendary beings who have been "evicted" from the universe. Binders then fuse with the vestige, which affects their appearance (and possibly their personality) but grants them powers that can usually be used an unlimited number of times per day. This pact-making is despised by most clerics, because the gods were the ones who exiled most of the vestiges in the first place. Binder is the favored class of karsites, a new race introduced in Tome of Magic.
|Tome of Magic
|-
|Crusader
|Crusader is a martial adept class, meaning it utilizes the various boosts, counters, strikes, and stances in Tome of Battle
. They may learn the Devoted Spirit, Stone Dragon, and White Raven styles; Devoted Spirit is exclusive to Crusaders alone. Crusaders may only use a randomized selection of maneuvers at the start of battle; they gain the rest one round at a time.
|Tome of Battle
|-
|Dragon Shaman
|Dragon Shamans earn their power by making a pact with a specific breed of dragon. Over time, they slowly begin to grow more like their chosen Totem dragon: they gain a draconic aura, can heal wounds similar to a Paladin's Lay on Hands ability, their skin becomes scales, they gain a dragon's breath, and lastly a dragon's wings. They must remain within one step of their chosen Dragon's alignment.
|Player's Handbook II
|-
|Dragonfire Adept
|Dragonfire Adepts receive spell-like invocations through some form of draconic tie, such as in-born talent, study, or from a deal with a dragon. This includes the ability to use a variety of elemental breath attacks. Despite not casting magic, their abilities are still hindered by armor.
|Dragon Magic
|-
|Dread Necromancer
|Dread Necromancers are focused students of undeath, fear-inducing magic, and evil-aligned spells. They cast spells spontaneously like a Sorcerer and do not have the breadth of a specialist wizard necromancer. Dread necromancers are also more combat-oriented than most arcane spellcasters, able to wear light armor without impacting their spells and possessing numerous abilities. Eventually, a Dread Necromancer can become a lich
.
|Heroes of Horror
|-
|Duskblade
|Duskblades combine combat prowess with the ability to cast arcane magic while in light or medium armor. Their spell selection is limited and generally focused on a single target; however, their spells get a bonus against enemies whom they have struck in melee combat. They cast spells spontaneously, like a Sorcerer, but their spells are based on Intelligence, like a Wizard.
|Player's Handbook II
|-
|Factotum
|Factotums are jacks-of-all-trades and possess a variety of abilities. They can imitate other classes for a short time.
|Dungeonscape
|-
|Favored Soul
|The favored soul is similar to a cleric, but they may cast divine spells they know spontaneously, similar to a Sorcerer. They also acquire characteristics similar to their patron deity, such as expertise in their deity's favored weapons, and eventually grow wings. Favored Soul is one of the few classes with three good saves.
|style="font-size:85%"|Miniatures Handbook
, Complete Divine
|-
|Healer
|Healers are divine spellcasters similar to clerics. Their spells focus on healing and removing conditions such as fatigue, fear, and paralysis. Healers also gain similar supernatural abilities and the services of a celestial companion, usually a unicorn. Like druids, healers are prohibited from wearing metal armor; healers are further prohibited from using shields. Healers must be of good alignment and may not refuse to heal an ally or good-aligned creature.
|Miniatures Handbook
|-
|Hexblade
|Hexblades are warriors who possess some arcane magic ability, which they may use while wearing armor and cast spontaneously. They may also curse their opponents and, at higher levels, inflict an aura of unluck upon them. Hexblades are only evil or neutral in alignment, never good.
|Complete Warrior
|-
|Incarnate
|Incarnates are characters that have learned to form soulmelds, magical items made from Incarnum, the material of souls. They gain the ability to shape soulmelds and bind them to different chakras, or body regions. This binding grants them additional abilities based on the soulmeld and chakra combination. Incarnates must be either Lawful Neutral, Chaotic Neutral, Neutral Good, or Neutral Evil, and some of their abilities change with alignment. It is the favored class of the Rilkan and Skarn race.
|Magic of Incarnum
|-
|Knight
|Knights are dedicated melee combatants based around protecting other characters, distracting enemies, and high resilience. Their main ability is the "Knight's Challenge," which can boost the morale of allies, goad strong enemies into fighting him or her, and scare weak enemies. Knights must be of lawful alignment and maintain a specific code of conduct.
|Player's Handbook II
|-
|Marshal
|The marshal is a military commander whose abilities are focused on leading others into battle and inspiring them to victory. They project auras that grant a variety of bonuses to nearby allies based on the marshal's Charisma.
|Miniatures Handbook
|-
|Ninja
|A 1st edition character class loosely based on the Japanese ninja
in the 1985 Oriental Adventures
, the Ninja was introduced into 3rd edition in Complete Adventurer
. Ninjas are focused on stealth and mobility, and possess a sudden strike special attack on unprepared foes. They also use ki similar to a monk and can turn invisible.
|Complete Adventurer
|-
|Samurai
|Loosely based on the Japanese samurai
, the Samurai in Oriental Adventures are those who learn a particular martial style from their clan. They possess a number of bonus feats, which must be taken from styles favored by their clan. Samurai may also sacrifice and empower their ancestral daisho
, turning their family's weapons into magical ones in their hands. Samurai must be of lawful alignment. The class was revisited in Complete Warrior, but in a markedly different style dedicated to two-weapon combat.
|style="font-size:85%"|Oriental Adventures
(3rd), Complete Warrior
|-
|Scout
|Scouts are experts at tracking and natural lore, and are similar to a more wilderness-oriented rogue. They possess a skirmish ability that allows them to do extra damage when moving.
|Complete Adventurer
|-
|Shaman
|Shamans are divine spellcasters who draw their spells from the spirit world.
|Oriental Adventures
(3rd)
|-
|Shadowcaster
|Shadowcasters are spellcasters that draw power from the Plane of Shadow. They learn "mysteries" which start out similar to spells, though over time simpler mysteries become spell-like abilities and can be used more often per day. Eventually shadowcasters become immune to poisons and disease and no longer need to eat, sleep, or breathe.
|Tome of Magic
|-
|Shugenja
|Shugenja are loosely based on Asian mythology and are mechanically similar to traditional Clerics. Typically members of the noble class, Shugenja are spontaneous casters of magic. Shugenja are attuned to one of the four classical element
s in particular; they are barred from learning spells of the opposed element. Through concentration, they can sense any element nearby in a radius that grows with experience.
|style="font-size:85%"|Oriental Adventures
(3rd), Complete Divine
|-
|Sohei
|Sohei are militant religious warriors; they usually act in groups and are primarily employed by large temples and monasteries. They can shrug off a certain amount of damage and deflect arrows, and may also enter a "ki frenzy" of focused fury. Soheis must be of lawful alignment.
|style="font-size:85%"|Oriental Adventures
(3rd), Dragon
#318
|-
|Soulborn
|Soulborns utilize magic items called "soulmelds" to increase their own skills and abilities, though they have a more limited selection than Totemists or Incarnates. Soulmelds are made from Incarnum, the material of which souls consist. Soulborns must be of an "extreme" alignment: one of Lawful Good, Chaotic Good, Lawful Evil, or Chaotic Evil. Azurin have Soulborn as a favored class.
|Magic of Incarnum
|-
|Spellthief
|Spellthieves are a rogue-like class that acquires slightly fewer skills than rogues, but their sneak attack ability can steal spells or magical abilities from others. They also can detect magic and have a small chance of absorbing enemy magic harmlessly.
|Complete Adventurer
|-
|Spirit Shaman
|Spirit Shamans are similar to druids in that they use the druidic spell list, but they cast spells spontaneously like a Sorcerer. Spirit Shamans have their own spirit guide and possess special abilities that affect spirits (such as incorporeal undead, fey, and elementals). Unlike Sorcerers, Spirit Shamans may change their spell selection whenever they meditate to regain their daily allotment of spells.
|Complete Divine
|-
|Swashbuckler
|Based on a 2nd edition kit for Fighters and Thieves, Swashbucklers are a combat-oriented class that emphasizes finesse, style, and flair. They are surprisingly tough and have a Fighter's rate of attack bonus advancement, but can only wear light armor. Swashbucklers also gain a fair number of skills.
|Complete Warrior
|-
|Swordsage
|Swordsage is a martial adept class, meaning it utilizes the various boosts, counters, strikes, and stances in Tome of Battle
. They may learn the Desert Wind, Diamond Mind, Setting Sun, Shadow Hand, Stone Dragon and Tiger Claw styles. Swordsages may only use light armor and have a slightly slower attack bonus progression, but are the most versatile of the martial adepts. They must spend a full round to recover one special maneuver.
|Tome of Battle
|-
|Totemist
|Totemists revere magical beasts, such as worgs and unicorns, whom they see as the most powerful forces of nature. They shape incarnum, the material of souls, to make magical items based around magical beasts, such as Displacer Mantles. Totemist is the favored class of Dusklings.
|Magic of Incarnum
|-
|Truenamer
|Truenamers are a type of wizard whose magic revolves around a primordial language that describes the universe. As they learn the true name
of entities, they become able to affect them by "rewriting the universe." Mechanically, they are similar to sorcerers, except a Truenamer's skills affect the DC of their spell.
|Tome of Magic
|-
|Warblade
|Warblade is a martial adept class, meaning it utilizes the various boosts, counters, strikes, and stances in Tome of Battle
. They may learn the Diamond Mind, Iron Heart, Stone Dragon, Tiger Claw and White Raven styles. The Warblade focuses on melee combat and can utilize light and medium armors and shields. They may acquire fighter-exclusive feats as if they were a fighter two levels lower than their Warblade level and recover maneuvers with a simple attack or by spending a turn.
|Tome of Battle
|-
|Warlock
|Warlocks are users of spell-like abilities either in-born or granted through a pact with some unearthly being such as a demon or a fey. Since a warlock's invocations are not normal spells, they may be used while wearing light armor and any number of times. Warlocks can later acquire energy resistance, toughened skin, fast healing, and the ability to force magical items to do their bidding.
|Complete Arcane
|-
|Warmage
|Warmages are battle-oriented mages associated with large army battles who focus on damage-dealing spells. They may cast spells while wearing light (and later, medium) armor.
|style="font-size:85%"|Miniatures Handbook
, Complete Arcane
|-
|Wu Jen
|Wu Jen are Eastern-style wizards introduced in both versions of Oriental Adventures. They are similar to normal wizards statistically, but with slightly different spells and some additional meta-magic abilities. Wu Jen is the favored class of the shapeshifting Hengeyokai, also introduced in Oriental Adventures.
|style="font-size:85%"|Oriental Adventures
(3rd), Complete Arcane
{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Description
!Source
|-
|Bardic Sage
|Bard variant focused on knowledge.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Battle Sorcerer
|Combat oriented sorcerer variant.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Cloistered Cleric
|Variant cleric focused on knowledge and lore.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Divine Bard
|Divine spellcaster bard variant.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Domain Wizard
|Wizard variant with arcane domains.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Druidic Avenger
|Variant druid focused on combat.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Paladin of Freedom
|Chaotic good paladin variant.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Paladin of Slaughter
|Chaotic evil paladin variant.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Paladin of Tyranny
|Lawful evil paladin variant
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Planar Ranger
|Ranger variant focused on survival on other planes rather than wilderness survival.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Savage Bard
|Variant bard focused on combat.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Specialist Wizard Variants
|Wizard variants focused on specific schools of magic.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Thug
|Urban variant fighter with less armor proficiencies and starting feats and more class skills and skill points.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Totem Barbarian
|A barbarian variant with class features which vary depending on which totem animal is chosen.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Urban Ranger
|Urban focused ranger variant.
|Unearthed Arcana
|-
|Variant Paladin
|Variant paladin without spellcasting.
|Complete Warrior
|-
|Variant Ranger
|Variant ranger without spellcasting.
|Complete Warrior
|-
|Wilderness Rogue
|Wilderness focused rogue variant.
|Unearthed Arcana
campaign setting update for 3rd edition includes 2 alternative base classes (Mystics and Nobles), while further sourcebooks developed by Sovereign Press/Margaret Weis Productions ltd. introduce Masters (in War of the Lance
), Mariners (in Age of Mortals and Legends of the Twins), and Nighstalkers (in Races of Ansalon):
{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Description
|-
|Mariner
|Mariners are flamboyant sea-going people, a cross between swashbucklers and sea pirates. They are a cross between rogues (for skills and dirty tricks) and fighters (attack bonus) who have developed at skills specific to those on board ships.
|-
|Master
|Masters are Krynn's enhanced version of experts. More talented, with skills unmatched in their chosen fields, masters are on par with other PC classes. They must specialize in a set of broad skills (craft, knowledge, perform or profession). They receive bonus skill-related feats and special talents akin to feats.
|-
|Mystic
|Mystics are capable of casting divine spells without need of being a cleric; they are mechanically similar to a Sorcerer in that they cast spontaneously, but from a fixed spell list chosen from the spell list for clerics. This ability was important when Krynn was isolated from the gods for a time.
|-
|Nightstalker
|Nightstalkers create magical effects, find traps, and see dead people.
|-
|Noble
|Nobles are charismatic manipulators who leverage skills and connections to advance their goals. They are mechanically similar to rogues without the ability to sneak attack, and can call in favors they earn.
Alternative base classes presented in the 3.5 edition Eberron
campaign setting include:
{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Description
!Source
|-
|Artificer
|Artificers are tinkerers and architects skilled at creating and modifying items. They cast "infusions" onto ordinary items and constructs so that they grant a bonus to themselves or their wielders. They also are familiar with security, able to tinker with traps and locks. House Cannith is known for their skill in this class.
|Eberron Campaign Setting
|-
|Magewright
|Magewrights are crafters of magical items. They are familiar with some magic, especially that which would aid the creation of other items. The Magewright class is intended for non-player character
s.
|Eberron Campaign Setting
|-
|Psionic Artificer
|Psionic variant of the artificer class.
|Magic of Eberron
|-
|Urban Adept
|Urban variant of the adept NPC class.
|Sharn: City of Towers
The Al-Qadim
setting was not extensively supported in 3rd edition, but issue 315 of Dragon Magazine
includes an update to the Sha' ir
base class from earlier editions.
The 3rd edition version of Oriental Adventures
was set in Rokugan
, the setting of Legend of the Five Rings. However, many of the classes in Oriental Adventures were used in other settings as well, and some were reprinted in other books independently. Alternative classes created for that book include the Samurai, Shaman, Shugenja, Sohei, and Wu-Jen; see above.
for 3.5 edition included 3 "generic" base classes: Warrior, Spellcaster, and Expert (no relation to the DMG's Warrior and Expert). These classes cover three basic stereotypes without any frills and are easily modified. However, these classes were not recommended for use with the standard base classes. The Warrior is similar to the Fighter, with hit points and a strong attack but few skills; the Expert has a large variety of skills but middling combat capabilities (similar to a Rogue); and the Spellcaster has little combat capabilities but the ability to cast spells (similar to a Wizard). Many class features from the core base classes, such as Familiar, Sneak Attack and Turn Undead, are available to the three generic base classes as bonus feats.
in 3rd edition were originally detailed in Psionics Handbook
. 2nd edition had only one character class, the psionicist; 3rd edition renamed it the psion and introduced various new alternative classes based on psionics usage. Psionics Handbook was later updated for version 3.5 with the Expanded Psionics Handbook, and new material was added in the Complete Psionic
book.
{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Description
!Source
|-
|Ardent
|Ardents derive their powers from a focus on primal truths or concepts ("mantles"); different mantles offer different abilities to an Ardent. They possess a smaller selection of powers than the more versatile Psion, but enjoy greater martial abilities.
|Complete Psionic
|-
|Divine Mind
|The Divine Mind is a character who chooses to serve a deity using psionic powers; they are thus somewhat similar to Clerics. Like clerics, they may choose mantles a deity represents, similar to domains. They may also exude Attack, Defense, or Perception auras that grant bonuses to nearby allies.
|Complete Psionic
|-
|Erudite
|Rather than learn powers upon level gain like Psions, Erudites may theoretically use any psionic ability by "copying" another person or a psionically-infused item. In exchange, they may call upon only a limited selection of powers per day. Mechanically, they are thus somewhat similar to unspecialized wizards rather than Psions.
|Complete Psionic
|-
|Lurk
|Lurks are similar to rogues who call upon psionic powers to aid them. They may perceive the weaknesses of enemies and make sneak attacks, as well as use psionic augments to their abilities.
|Complete Psionic
|-
|Psion
|Psions are dedicated to the usage of psionic power. Mechanically, they are similar to Sorcerers; however, like Wizards, they can (and in fact must) choose a specialization of their school of psionics. In 3rd edition the various disciplines were each linked to a statistic; for instance, clairsentience is linked to Wisdom and Psions who specialize in it are known as Seers. This was changed in 3.5 so that all disciplines are linked to the Intelligence statistic. Psion is the favoured class of the elan
race.
|Psionics Handbook
, Expanded Psionics Handbook
|-
|Psychic Warrior
|Psychic Warriors are a blend between Fighters and Psions. Like fighters, they gain bonus feats, and like psions, they wield psionic powers, though at a slower rate than either specialized class. Their attack bonus and hit point growth is similarly in the middle.
|Psionics Handbook
, Expanded Psionics Handbook
|-
|Soulknife
|Soulknives are warriors who have learned to channel psionic power into "Mindblades", or swords composed of psionic energy. Their broad training allows them to take many occupations and be a "jack of all trades." It is the favoured class of the Xeph race. Soulknives were a prestige class in the original Psionics Handbook, but made into a base class with version 3.5.
|Expanded Psionics Handbook
|-
|Wilder
|Wilders can use "wild surges", which allow them to augment their psionic powers to a greater extent than normal. Doing so is dangerous and there is a chance every time a wild surge is used that the wilder will suffer from "psychic enervation" causing them to become dazed and lose power points. They are slightly tougher than psions, but gain fewer abilities and slower. Wilder is the favored class of the maenad
race.
|Expanded Psionics Handbook
! Class || Primary role || Secondary role || Power source || Description || Sourcebook || Playtest/Preview
|-
| Ardent
|| Leader || Defender or Striker || Psionic || Ardents use their psionic power to use emotions to their advantage. They fill their enemies' minds with negative emotions, creating gaps in their defenses. At the same time, ardents fill their allies minds with encouraging thoughts and strengthen their resolve. || "Player's Handbook 3" ||
|-
| Artificer
|| Leader || None || Arcane || The artificer acts to contain magic energy within vessels, whether it's animated constructs or infusing magic into his/her allies. || Eberron Player's Guide (July 2009) || Dragon Magazine #365 (July 2008)
|-
| Assassin
|| Striker || ? || Shadow || Assassins make a deal with Death, displacing part of their soul with a reflection from the afterlife. The deal struck gives them the power to move through shadows and gather power to strike at a creature's weakness. || Dragon Magazine #379 (September 2009), Heroes of Shadow (March 2011) || None Available
|-
| Avenger || Striker || Controller || Divine || Avengers act as the avenging agent of their faith, vowing enmity against a particular foe and gaining power from that vow. || Player's Handbook 2 || None Available
|-
| Barbarian
|| Striker || Defender or Leader || Primal || Rage is the main weapon in the barbarian's arsenal. By driving themselves into a state of primal chaos, they can crash through a battlefield and deal heavy damage. || Player's Handbook 2 (March 2009) || Dragon Magazine #368 (October 2008)
|-
| Bard
|| Leader || Controller || Arcane || Bards perform music that taps into arcane energies, imbuing allies with power and harming enemies. || Player's Handbook 2 (March 2009) || Dragon Magazine #369 (November 2008) (Ampersand Preview)
|-
| Druid
|| Controller || Leader or Striker || Primal || Druids control powerful flora and fauna to attack at long range. They also transform themselves into agents of primal power, such as bears, monkeys, wolves, cheetahs, boars, treants, etc. || Player's Handbook 2 (March 2009) || Dragon Magazine #370 (December 2008) (Levels 1-3 Preview)
|-
| Invoker || Controller || Leader or Striker || Divine || The Invoker channels the divine magic of their gods directly to castigate their foes and control the battlefield. They wear light to medium armor and can use simple weapons but they usually rely on divine spells to weaken, slow, or otherwise hamper their enemies while aiding their allies. || Player's Handbook 2 || Dragon Magazine #370 (December 2008) (Levels 1-3 Preview)
|-
| Monk
|| Striker || Controller || Psionic || Focusing psionic energy, monks act with little armor and usually unarmed. This energy also allows them to move about the field of battle quickly and in unexpected ways. || Player's Handbook 3 (TBA) || Dragon Magazine #375 (May 2009)
|-
| Psion || Controller || None || Psionic || Psions are the archetypical channels of psionic energy. They use either telekineses or telepathy to control and befuddle their foes. || Player's Handbook 3 (TBA) || Dragon Magazine #377 (July 2009)
|-
| Runepriest|| Leader || Defender or Controller || Divine ||... to be added...|| Player's Handbook 3|| None Available.
|-
| Seeker || Controller || Defender or Striker || Primal || ... to be added ... || Player's Handbook 3 (TBA) || Dragon Magazine #380 (October 2009)
|-
| Shaman
|| Leader || Defender or Striker || Primal || Shamans gather spirits to intervene in the material world, healing their allies and disabling their foes. These spirits group under grand marshals like the World Serpent, tied to specific abilities. || Player's Handbook 2 (March 2009) || Dragon Magazine #372 (February 2009) (Levels 1-3 Preview)
|-
| Sorcerer
|| Striker || Controller || Arcane || Sorcerers are wielders of raw arcane power. Where a wizard wields magic like a fighter wields a sword, a sorcerer wields magic like a barbarian swinging a greataxe. The magic they use is hardly controlled and may have some chaotic side effects. || Player's Handbook 2 (March 2009) || Dragon Magazine #371 (January 2009) (Levels 1-3 Preview)
|-
| Swordmage || Defender || None || Arcane || The sword is used as an arcane focus for the swordmage's abilities, including aegis
es of shielding, ensaring, and attacking. They ward themselves and enchant their blades to combat any foe. || Forgotten Realms Player's Guide (September 2008) || RPGA Forgotten Realms Player's Guide preview (July 2008)
|-
| Warden || Defender || Controller or Striker || Primal || The warden uses the power of the primal spirits to protect their allies. They are defenders of the wilderness and make moving around the battlefield very troublesome for their enemies. || Player's Handbook 2 || Dragon Magazine #371 (January 2009) (Levels 1-3 Preview)
|}
{| class="sortable wikitable"
! Class || Role || Power source || Description || Sourcebook || Playtest/Preview
|-
| Spellscarred || None || Arcane || Those who were touched by the wild Spellplague may have developed a spellscar. The spellscar manifests as wild lines of blue that may ignite when the subject is under the effect of a certain emotion. They can bestow weird magical powers but a small few attempt to master the gifts they bestow. || Forgotten Realms Player's Guide (September 2008) || None available
|}
Character class (Dungeons & Dragons)
A character class is a fundamental part of the identity and nature of characters in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. A character's capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses are largely defined by his or her chosen class; choosing a class is one of the first steps a player takes in order to...
to the Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy role-playing game originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. . The game has been published by Wizards of the Coast since 1997...
role-playing game. As base classes rather than prestige classes, they can be taken by newly created characters without need for any prerequisites.
OD&D
Two new classes were introduced during the history of OD&D: Thieves in Supplement I - Greyhawk and Bards in The Strategic Review. New subclasses were introduced in Supplement I - GreyhawkGreyhawk (supplement)
Greyhawk is a supplementary rulebook written by Gary Gygax and Robert J. Kuntz for the original edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
, Supplement II - Blackmoor
Blackmoor (supplement)
Blackmoor is a supplementary rulebook for the original edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game written by Dave Arneson...
, Supplement III - Eldritch Wizardry
Eldritch Wizardry
Eldritch Wizardry is a supplementary rulebook by Gary Gygax and Brian Blume, written for the original edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, which included a number of significant additions to the core game.-Contents:...
and the Strategic Review.
| Sourcebook | New classes and subclasses |
|---|---|
| Supplement I - Greyhawk | Thief, Paladin (Fighting Man) |
| Supplement II - Blackmoor | Assassin (Thief), Monk (Cleric) |
| Supplement III - Eldritch Wizardry Eldritch Wizardry Eldritch Wizardry is a supplementary rulebook by Gary Gygax and Brian Blume, written for the original edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, which included a number of significant additions to the core game.-Contents:... |
Druid (Cleric) |
| The Strategic Review - Volume 1, Number 2 | Ranger (Fighting Man) |
| The Strategic Review - Volume 1, Number 4 | Illusionist (Magic-user) |
| The Strategic Review - Volume 2, Number 1 | Bard |
AD&D
Five standard base classes and five subclasses were offered in the Player's Handbook, with an optional 6th base class, the Bard, presented in an appendix. Additionally, various alternative base classes, subclasses and rule changes were offered in the magazine Dragon and elsewhere, such as the Mystic and the Witch. Eventually, some of these alternative rules came to be compiled in 1985 in the volume Unearthed ArcanaUnearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
. Among other changes, it included the thief-acrobat
Thief-acrobat
The thief-acrobat is a playable character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition :...
, a Thief subclass, and the barbarian
Barbarian (Dungeons & Dragons)
The barbarian is a playable character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-Creative origins:The barbarian is based on Robert E...
, a Fighter subclass which had abilities such as summoning a horde of fellow barbarians to any location. Unearthed Arcana also included the cavalier
Cavalier (Dungeons & Dragons)
The cavalier is a playable character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, and the related Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.-Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition :...
class as "alignment champions" and reworked Paladins to be a subclass of Cavalier. The thief-acrobat, barbarian, and cavalier had previously appeared in Dragon
Dragon (magazine)
Dragon is one of the two official magazines for source material for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game and associated products, the other being Dungeon. TSR, Inc. originally launched the monthly printed magazine in 1976 to succeed the company's earlier publication, The Strategic Review. The...
magazine. Many existing classes were also drastically reworked and given different abilities. The other major book that offered new base classes was the 1985 version of Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures is the title shared by two hardback rulebooks published for different versions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game...
; it included the Bushi, Kensai, Ninja, Samurai, Shukenja, Sohei, Wu Jen, and Yakuza. Dragonlance Adventures presented alternative classes for Knights of Solamnia (Knight of the Crown, Knight of the Sword and Knight of the Rose) and Wizards of High Sorcery, as well as the Tinker class, which is exclusive to Gnomes
Gnome (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, gnomes are one of the core races available for play as player characters. Some speculate that they are closely related to dwarves; however, gnomes are more tolerant of other races and of magic, and are skilled with illusions...
.
BD&D
"Basic" Dungeons & Dragons introduced two alternative classes: the Druid and the Mystic (counterpart to AD&D's Monk, in the Rules CyclopediaDungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia
The Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia was published by TSR, Inc. in 1991, as a continuation of the basic edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, which ran concurrently with Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. Its product designation was TSR 1071...
).
NPCs
Most NPCs did not technically have a class in 1st and 2nd edition; they were, instead, "0th level characters" or "hirelings." Most classes gained the ability to attract and recruit hirelings at 9th level and later; others could be hired for a fee. Their abilities weren't normally laid out very specifically, leaving more to the Dungeon Master's improvisation. First Edition did have a few "quasi-classes" which acted in a similar fashion. For example, humanoids could become shamans and witch doctors, which were functionally equivalent to clerics and cleric/magic-users except highly limited in terms of maximum level advancement.2nd edition
2nd edition introduced a large number of alternative classes in various supplemental handbooks, which also introduced a variety of "kits" to customize each base class. These kits would grant certain new special abilities at the cost of various restrictions. On occasion the concept of class vs. kit seemed to blur, for example, the Sha'ir of Al-QadimAl-Qadim
Al-Qadim is an Arabian Nights-themed campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. The setting was developed by Jeff Grubb for TSR, Inc., and was first released in 1992. Al-Qadim is set in the land of Zakhara, called the Land of Fate...
was introduced as a wizard kit, but it had very different abilities from other wizards, and an alternative system of spellcasting, which warranted it being a class, and not a mere kit. Possibly for these reasons, it was promoted to a class in the release of The Complete Sha'ir's Handbook
The Complete Sha'ir's Handbook
The Complete Sha'ir's Handbook is an accessory for the 2nd edition of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, published in 1994....
. As can be seen on the lists below, 2nd Edition had far more alternative classes than 1st Edition, and provided significant flexibility with dozens of kits.
The most common type of variant class was the specialty priest, which applied to almost all settings. Rules for specialty priests were in the 2nd edition Player's Handbook, with the druid offered as an example, and many campaign settings offered detailed abilities and domains for specialty priests of their deities.
2nd edition alternative classes
{| class="wikitable"!Sourcebook
!Classes
|-
|Arabian Adventures
Al-Qadim: Arabian Adventures
Arabian Adventures is an accessory for the 2nd edition of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, published in 1992....
|Sha' ir
Sha' ir
The Sha' ir is a character class originally introduced in the Al-Qadim campaign setting for Dungeons and Dragons 2nd Edition. Based on Arabian folklore, the sha' ir is a mysterious and powerful wizard that gains their power from genies, and often acts as an ambassador on behalf of mortals to...
|-
|Celts Campaign Sourcebook
Celts Campaign Sourcebook
Celts Campaign Sourcebook is an accessory for the 2nd edition of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, published in 1992....
|Manteist
|-
|Chronomancer
|Chronomancer, Temporal Champion, Temporal Raider
|-
|Cult of the Dragon
|Incantatrix
|-
|Dark Sun Campaign Setting
|Defiler, Elemental Cleric, Gladiator, Para-elemental Cleric, Templar, Trader
|-
|Domains of Dread
|Anchorite, Arcanist, Avenger, Gypsy
|-
|Faith and Avatars
|Crusader, Monk, Mystic, Shaman
|-
|Legends and Lore
|Ascetic, Pious Knight
|-
|Shaman
Shaman (accessory)
Shaman is an accessory for the 2nd edition of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, published in 1995....
|Solitary Shaman, Spiritualist, Tribal Shaman
|-
|Skills & Powers
|Alchemist, Geometer, Shadow Mage, Song Wizard
|-
|Spells & Magic
|Artificer, Crusader, Dimensionalist, Force Mage, Mentalist, Monk, Shaman
|-
|The Complete Barbarian’s Handbook
|Barbarian Fighter, Shaman
|-
|The Complete Druid’s Handbook
|Arctic Druid, Desert Druid, Gray Druid, Jungle Druid, Mountain Druid, Plains Druid, Swamp Druid
|-
|The Complete Ninja’s Handbook
|Ninja (Spy/Killer)
|-
|The Complete Psionicist’s Handbook
|Psionicist
|-
|The Complete Sha’ir’s Handbook
|Elemental Mage, Sha’ir, Sorcerer
|-
|Tome of Magic
|Elementalist, Wild Mage
|-
|Vikings Campaign Sourcebook
|Berserker, Runecaster
|-
|Masque of the Red Death Sourcebook
|Adept, Soldier, Mystic, Tradesman
2nd edition kits
Character kits were conceived as a way for players to customize a class. Like any kit, a character kit is a collection of things, in this case, minor modifications to the standard rules (generally involving bonus languages, changes to forbidden/permissible weapons, bonus non-weapon proficiencies, et cetera). They tended to reflect culture, race, social class, or vocation.Kit repetition was also not unheard of. Some kit names were used multiple times, occasionally with different descriptions, such as the diplomat. Kits and classes also sometimes duplicated themselves. For example, the shaman appeared in at least six products.
{| class="wikitable"
!Sourcebook
!Kits
|-
|Age of Heroes Campaign Sourcebook
|Companion, Hero, Hoplite
|-
|Arabian Adventures
|Askar, Barber, Beggar-Thief, Cleric of the Faith Pragmatic, Cleric of the Faith Ethical, Cleric of the Faith Moral, Corsair, Desert Rider, Elemental Wizard, Faris, Hakima, Holy Slayer, Kahin, Mamluk, Matrud, Mercenary Barbarian, Merchant-Rogue, Mystic, Rawun, Sa’luk
|-
|Chronomancer
|Guide, Historian, Seer, Traveler
|-
|Defilers and Preservers - The Wizard of Athas
|Advanced Being, Arena Wizard, Cerulean, Chasseur, Earth Defender, Exterminator, Free Wizard, Illusionist, Mercenary, Restorationist, Shadow Wizard, Tribal Wizard, Necromancer
|-
|Diablo II: The Awakening
|Amazon, Barbarian, Necromancer, Paladin, Sorcerer
|-
|Elves of Evermeet
|Elven Knight, High Mage, Skinwalker, Totem-sister, Unicorn Rider, Windrider
|-
|Masque of the Red Death
|Cavalryman, Charlatan, Dandy, Detective, Explorer/Scout, Journalist, Labourer, Medium, Metaphysician, Parson, Physician, Qabalist, Sailor, Scholar, Shaman, Spiritualist
|-
|Skills & Powers
|Acrobat, Amazon, Animal Master, Assassin, Barbarian, Beggar, Cavalier, Diplomat, Explorer, Gladiator, Jester, Mariner, Merchant, Mystic, Noble, Outlaw, Peasant Hero, Pirate, Pugilist, Rider, Savage, Scholar, Scout, Sharpshooter, Soldier, Smugger, Spy, Swashbuckler, Thug, Weapon Master
|-
|The Complete Barbarian’s Handbook
|Brushrunner, Brute, Dreamwalker, Flamespeaker, Forest Lord, Islander, Medicine Man, Plainsrider, Ravager, Seer, Spiritist, Witchman, Wizard Slayer
|-
|The Complete Bard’s Handbook
|Blade, Charlatan, Gypsy-bard, Herald, Jester, Jongleur, Loremaster, Meistersinger, Riddlemaster, Skald, Thespian
|-
|The Complete Book of Dwarves
|Animal Master, Axe For Hire, Battlerager, Champion, Clansdwarf, Crafts Priest, Diplomat, Entertainer, Ghetto Fighter, Hearth Guard, Highborn, Locksmith, Outcast, Pariah, Patrician, Pest Controller, Rapid Response Rider, Ritual Priest, Sharpshooter, Temple Guard, Trader, Vermin Slayer, Vindicator, Wayfinder
|-
|The Complete Book of Elves
|Archer, Bladesinger, Collector, Elven Minstrel, Herbalist, Huntsman, Infiltrator, Spellfilcher, Undead Slayer, War Wizard, Wilderness Runner, Windrider
|-
|The Complete Book of Gnomes & Halflings
|Bandit, Bilker, Breachgnome, Buffoon, Burglar, Cartographer, Forestwalker, Goblinsticker, Healer, Homesteader, Imagemaker, Leaftender, Mercenary, Mouseburglar, Oracle, Rocktender, Sheriff, Smuggler, Squire, Stalker, The Archer, Trader, Traveler, Treetender, Tumbler, Tunnelrat, Urchin, Vanisher
|-
|The Complete Book of Humanoids
|Hedge wizard
Hedge wizard
In fantasy literature, a hedge wizard or hedge magician is a wizard of low ability, generally self-taught or with a low education background as opposed to the common examples of being apprenticed to a mentor or studying though a structured educational system. Some fictional backgrounds identify...
, Humanoid Bard, Humanoid Scholar, Mine Rowdy, Oracle, Outlaw Mage, Pit Fighter, Saurial Paladin, Scavenger, Spellsword, Shadow Shaman, Tramp, Tribal Defender, Tunnel Rat, Wandering Mystic, War Priest, Wilderness Protector, Witch Doctor
|-
|The Complete Book of Necromancers
|Archetypal Necromancer, Anatomist, Deathslayer, Philosipher, Undead Master
|-
|The Complete Druid’s Handbook
|Adviser, Avenger, Beastfriend, Guardian, Hivemaster, Lost Druid, Natural Philosopher, Outlaw, Pacifist, Savage, Shapeshifter, Totemic Druid, Village Druid, Wanderer
|-
|The Complete Fighter’s Handbook
|Amazon, Barbarian, Beast-Rider, Berserker, Cavalier, Gladiator, Myrmidon, Noble Warrior, Peasant Hero, Pirate/Outlaw, Samurai, Savage, Swashbuckler
|-
|The Complete Gladiator’s Handbook
|Arena Champion, Beast Trainer, Blind fighter, Convict, Gladiatorial Slave, Jazst, Montare, Professional Gladiator, Reaver
|-
|The Complete Ninja’s Handbook
|Consort, Eliminator, Intruder, Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Punisher, Ravager, Shadow Warrior, Shinobi Bard, Shinobi Fighter, Shinobi Illusionist, Shinobi Mage, Shinobi Priest, Shinobi Ranger, Shinobi Thief, Spirit Warrior, Stealer-In
|-
|The Complete Paladin’s Handbook
|Chevalier, Divinate, Envoy, Equerry, Errant, Expatriate, Ghosthunter, Inquisitor, Medician, Militarist, Skyrider, Squire, Votary
|-
|The Complete Priest’s Handbook
|Amazon Priestess, Barbarian/Berserker Priest, Fighting-Monk, Nobleman Priest, Outlaw Priest, Pacifist Priest, Peasant Priest, Prophet Priest, Savage Priest, Scholar Priest
|-
|The Complete Ranger’s Handbook
|Beastmaster, Explorer, Falconer, Feralan, Forest Runner, Giant Killer, Greenwood Ranger, Guardian, Justifier, Mountain Man, Pathfinder, Sea Ranger, Seeker, Shinobi Ranger, Stalker, Warden
|-
|The Complete Sha’ir’s Handbook
|Astrologer, Clockwork Mage, Digitalogist, Ghul Lord, Jackal, Mageweaver, Mystic of Nog, Spellslayer
|-
|The Complete Spacefarer’s Handbook
|Aperusa, Arcanist, Astrologer, Astronomer, Corsair, Courier, Crusader, Diplomat, Evangelist, Frontiersman, Geomancer, Harlequin, Impostor, Marine, Medicus, Merchant, Missionary, Privateer, Salvager, War Mage
|-
|The Complete Thief’s Handbook
|Acrobat, Adventure, Assassin, Bandit, Beggar, Bounty Hunter, Buccaneer, Burglar, Cutpurse, Fence, Investigator, Smuggler, Spy, Swindler, Thug, Troubleshooter
|-
|The Complete Wizard’s Handbook
|Academician, Amazon Sorceress, Anagakok, Militant, Wizard, Mystic, Patrician, Peasant Wizard, Savage Wizard, Witch, Wu Jen
|-
|The Glory of Rome Campaign Sourcebook
|Charioteer, Charlatan-Thief, Christian Priest, Gladiator, Military Tribune, Mithraic Priest, Philosopher-Mage, Priest of the Mysteries, Priest of the State Religion, Roman Legionary, Roman Politician, Roman Witch, Street Fighter
|-
|The Will and the Way
|Auditor, Beastmaster, Mercenary Psionicist, Noble Psionicist, Psionicist, Sensei, Tribal Psionicist
|-
|City of Gold
|Clown, Fetishist, Trader, Hunter, Azupozi Healer, Bent Priest, Pueblo Priest, Sunwatcher
Dungeon Master's Guide
In its Dungeon Master's GuideDungeon Master's Guide
The Dungeon Master's Guide is a book of rules for the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons...
, 3rd edition introduced five NPC
Non-player character
A non-player character , sometimes known as a non-person character or non-playable character, in a game is any fictional character not controlled by a player. In electronic games, this usually means a character controlled by the computer through artificial intelligence...
classes not intended for player use. These were the first official alternative base classes, and still the only ones detailed in the core 3 books. All five of these classes were retained in the 3.5 edition Dungeon Master's Guide.
{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Description
!Statistics
|-
|Adept
|Adepts are practitioners of divine magic, similar to Clerics
Cleric (Dungeons & Dragons)
The cleric is one of the standard playable character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. In the game, clerics are versatile figures, both capable in combat and skilled in the use of divine magic. Clerics are powerful healers due to the large number of healing and curative...
, but are less formally trained. They typically arise in poorer or frontier areas, and are common among bestial humanoids as their link to their deity. Unlike Clerics, who possess decent physical combat ability, Adepts' physical combat capabilities are poor.
|OGL stats
Image
|-
|Aristocrat
|The Aristocrat class reflects those of a wealthy and refined upbringing. While nobles commonly meet the description, rich and educated commoners can as well. Due to their extensive education, good diet, and reasonable medical care, Aristocrats possess a wide variety of skills, are reasonably tough, and possess familiarity with combat and martial weapons.
|OGL stats
Image
|-
|Commoner
|Commoners are unskilled average folk and comprise the bulk of the non-player characters of most settings, existing as peasants and laborers. They possess practically no skill at combat and have no special abilities.
|OGL stats
|-
|Expert
|Experts are skilled common people, such as tradesmen, scholars, and educated merchants. They possess considerable acumen at their areas of expertise, and receive a large amount of skill points to reflect this. While more familiar with combat than Commoners, Experts are only familiar with the simplest of weapons.
|OGL stats
|-
|Warrior
|Warriors are trained for combat, similar to Fighters
Fighter (Dungeons & Dragons)
The fighter is one of the standard playable character classes in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. A fighter is a versatile, weapons-oriented warrior who fights using skill, strategy and tactics....
. However, they possess more casual training, similar to that given to a town guard or low-ranking army recruit. This is reflected in their lesser rate of hit point growth than fighters and their lack of special abilities.
|OGL stats
Other sourcebooks
The following base classes were introduced in other sourcebooks. Unless otherwise specified, all sourcebooks are for 3.5 edition.{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Description
!Source
|-
|Archivist
|Archivists are wielders of divine magic who learn and cast spells through diligent study rather than direct communion with their deity. They study and learn spells with a prayerbook, analogous to a wizard's spellbook, and their magic's strength is based on Intelligence. Archivists also have the Dark Knowledge class feature, which allows them to draw on their knowledge of aberrations, elementals, magical beasts, outsiders or undead with a successful skill check, most Dark Knowledge abilities grant allies an offensive or defensive bonus.
|Heroes of Horror
Heroes of Horror
Heroes of Horror is a hardcover supplement to the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game.-Contents:It is intended for use by Dungeon Masters who want to incorporate elements of horror into their game...
|-
|Beguiler
|Beguilers are similar to rogues, but possess a small suite of spells cast spontaneously, like a Sorcerer. Their spells are primarily focused on stealth and the manipulation of others; they also have the Cloaked Casting class feature, which raises the save DC and gives them a bonus on rolls to overcome spell resistance when casting a spell on an unaware target.
|Player's Handbook II
|-
|Binder
|Binders derive their power by making pacts with "vestiges," souls of legendary beings who have been "evicted" from the universe. Binders then fuse with the vestige, which affects their appearance (and possibly their personality) but grants them powers that can usually be used an unlimited number of times per day. This pact-making is despised by most clerics, because the gods were the ones who exiled most of the vestiges in the first place. Binder is the favored class of karsites, a new race introduced in Tome of Magic.
|Tome of Magic
Tome of Magic
The title was reused for a 3.5 Edition supplement published in 2006. The new Tome of Magic is devoted to new forms and styles of magic as a path to power...
|-
|Crusader
|Crusader is a martial adept class, meaning it utilizes the various boosts, counters, strikes, and stances in Tome of Battle
Tome of Battle
Tome of Battle: The Book of Nine Swords is a rules supplement for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, published by Wizards of the Coast in 2006.-Contents:...
. They may learn the Devoted Spirit, Stone Dragon, and White Raven styles; Devoted Spirit is exclusive to Crusaders alone. Crusaders may only use a randomized selection of maneuvers at the start of battle; they gain the rest one round at a time.
|Tome of Battle
Tome of Battle
Tome of Battle: The Book of Nine Swords is a rules supplement for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, published by Wizards of the Coast in 2006.-Contents:...
|-
|Dragon Shaman
|Dragon Shamans earn their power by making a pact with a specific breed of dragon. Over time, they slowly begin to grow more like their chosen Totem dragon: they gain a draconic aura, can heal wounds similar to a Paladin's Lay on Hands ability, their skin becomes scales, they gain a dragon's breath, and lastly a dragon's wings. They must remain within one step of their chosen Dragon's alignment.
|Player's Handbook II
|-
|Dragonfire Adept
|Dragonfire Adepts receive spell-like invocations through some form of draconic tie, such as in-born talent, study, or from a deal with a dragon. This includes the ability to use a variety of elemental breath attacks. Despite not casting magic, their abilities are still hindered by armor.
|Dragon Magic
Dragon Magic
Dragon Magic is an optional supplemental source book for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game.-Contents:...
|-
|Dread Necromancer
|Dread Necromancers are focused students of undeath, fear-inducing magic, and evil-aligned spells. They cast spells spontaneously like a Sorcerer and do not have the breadth of a specialist wizard necromancer. Dread necromancers are also more combat-oriented than most arcane spellcasters, able to wear light armor without impacting their spells and possessing numerous abilities. Eventually, a Dread Necromancer can become a lich
Lich (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the lich is an undead creature; a spellcaster who seeks to defy death by magical means.-Dungeons & Dragons :...
.
|Heroes of Horror
Heroes of Horror
Heroes of Horror is a hardcover supplement to the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game.-Contents:It is intended for use by Dungeon Masters who want to incorporate elements of horror into their game...
|-
|Duskblade
|Duskblades combine combat prowess with the ability to cast arcane magic while in light or medium armor. Their spell selection is limited and generally focused on a single target; however, their spells get a bonus against enemies whom they have struck in melee combat. They cast spells spontaneously, like a Sorcerer, but their spells are based on Intelligence, like a Wizard.
|Player's Handbook II
|-
|Factotum
|Factotums are jacks-of-all-trades and possess a variety of abilities. They can imitate other classes for a short time.
|Dungeonscape
Dungeonscape
Dungeonscape is a supplement for the 3.5 edition of Dungeons & Dragons.-Contents:It focuses on the finer points of the dungeon, the medium for adventure and danger in the Dungeons & Dragons game....
|-
|Favored Soul
|The favored soul is similar to a cleric, but they may cast divine spells they know spontaneously, similar to a Sorcerer. They also acquire characteristics similar to their patron deity, such as expertise in their deity's favored weapons, and eventually grow wings. Favored Soul is one of the few classes with three good saves.
|style="font-size:85%"|Miniatures Handbook
Miniatures Handbook
The Miniatures Handbook is an official supplement for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying game.-Contents:It includes information about the Dungeons and Dragons Miniatures Game, new base classes, prestige classes, feats, spells, and monsters, including aspects of deities and...
, Complete Divine
Complete Divine
Complete Divine is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy role-playing game published by Wizards of the Coast...
|-
|Healer
|Healers are divine spellcasters similar to clerics. Their spells focus on healing and removing conditions such as fatigue, fear, and paralysis. Healers also gain similar supernatural abilities and the services of a celestial companion, usually a unicorn. Like druids, healers are prohibited from wearing metal armor; healers are further prohibited from using shields. Healers must be of good alignment and may not refuse to heal an ally or good-aligned creature.
|Miniatures Handbook
Miniatures Handbook
The Miniatures Handbook is an official supplement for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying game.-Contents:It includes information about the Dungeons and Dragons Miniatures Game, new base classes, prestige classes, feats, spells, and monsters, including aspects of deities and...
|-
|Hexblade
|Hexblades are warriors who possess some arcane magic ability, which they may use while wearing armor and cast spontaneously. They may also curse their opponents and, at higher levels, inflict an aura of unluck upon them. Hexblades are only evil or neutral in alignment, never good.
|Complete Warrior
Complete Warrior
Complete Warrior is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game, published by Wizards of the Coast. It replaces and expands upon an earlier rulebook entitled Sword and Fist.-Contents:...
|-
|Incarnate
|Incarnates are characters that have learned to form soulmelds, magical items made from Incarnum, the material of souls. They gain the ability to shape soulmelds and bind them to different chakras, or body regions. This binding grants them additional abilities based on the soulmeld and chakra combination. Incarnates must be either Lawful Neutral, Chaotic Neutral, Neutral Good, or Neutral Evil, and some of their abilities change with alignment. It is the favored class of the Rilkan and Skarn race.
|Magic of Incarnum
Magic of Incarnum
Magic of Incarnum is a supplemental book for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. It was first printed in 2005 to be applied to 3.5 D&D rules.-Contents:...
|-
|Knight
|Knights are dedicated melee combatants based around protecting other characters, distracting enemies, and high resilience. Their main ability is the "Knight's Challenge," which can boost the morale of allies, goad strong enemies into fighting him or her, and scare weak enemies. Knights must be of lawful alignment and maintain a specific code of conduct.
|Player's Handbook II
|-
|Marshal
|The marshal is a military commander whose abilities are focused on leading others into battle and inspiring them to victory. They project auras that grant a variety of bonuses to nearby allies based on the marshal's Charisma.
|Miniatures Handbook
Miniatures Handbook
The Miniatures Handbook is an official supplement for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying game.-Contents:It includes information about the Dungeons and Dragons Miniatures Game, new base classes, prestige classes, feats, spells, and monsters, including aspects of deities and...
|-
|Ninja
|A 1st edition character class loosely based on the Japanese ninja
Ninja
A or was a covert agent or mercenary of feudal Japan specializing in unorthodox arts of war. The functions of the ninja included espionage, sabotage, infiltration, and assassination, as well as open combat in certain situations...
in the 1985 Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures is the title shared by two hardback rulebooks published for different versions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game...
, the Ninja was introduced into 3rd edition in Complete Adventurer
Complete Adventurer
Complete Adventurer is a supplemental hard-cover rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons game system published by Wizards of the Coast.-Contents:...
. Ninjas are focused on stealth and mobility, and possess a sudden strike special attack on unprepared foes. They also use ki similar to a monk and can turn invisible.
|Complete Adventurer
Complete Adventurer
Complete Adventurer is a supplemental hard-cover rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons game system published by Wizards of the Coast.-Contents:...
|-
|Samurai
|Loosely based on the Japanese samurai
Samurai
is the term for the military nobility of pre-industrial Japan. According to translator William Scott Wilson: "In Chinese, the character 侍 was originally a verb meaning to wait upon or accompany a person in the upper ranks of society, and this is also true of the original term in Japanese, saburau...
, the Samurai in Oriental Adventures are those who learn a particular martial style from their clan. They possess a number of bonus feats, which must be taken from styles favored by their clan. Samurai may also sacrifice and empower their ancestral daisho
Daisho
The is a Japanese term for a matched pair of traditionally made Japanese swords worn by the samurai class in feudal Japan.-Description:...
, turning their family's weapons into magical ones in their hands. Samurai must be of lawful alignment. The class was revisited in Complete Warrior, but in a markedly different style dedicated to two-weapon combat.
|style="font-size:85%"|Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures is the title shared by two hardback rulebooks published for different versions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game...
(3rd), Complete Warrior
Complete Warrior
Complete Warrior is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game, published by Wizards of the Coast. It replaces and expands upon an earlier rulebook entitled Sword and Fist.-Contents:...
|-
|Scout
|Scouts are experts at tracking and natural lore, and are similar to a more wilderness-oriented rogue. They possess a skirmish ability that allows them to do extra damage when moving.
|Complete Adventurer
Complete Adventurer
Complete Adventurer is a supplemental hard-cover rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons game system published by Wizards of the Coast.-Contents:...
|-
|Shaman
|Shamans are divine spellcasters who draw their spells from the spirit world.
|Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures is the title shared by two hardback rulebooks published for different versions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game...
(3rd)
|-
|Shadowcaster
|Shadowcasters are spellcasters that draw power from the Plane of Shadow. They learn "mysteries" which start out similar to spells, though over time simpler mysteries become spell-like abilities and can be used more often per day. Eventually shadowcasters become immune to poisons and disease and no longer need to eat, sleep, or breathe.
|Tome of Magic
Tome of Magic
The title was reused for a 3.5 Edition supplement published in 2006. The new Tome of Magic is devoted to new forms and styles of magic as a path to power...
|-
|Shugenja
|Shugenja are loosely based on Asian mythology and are mechanically similar to traditional Clerics. Typically members of the noble class, Shugenja are spontaneous casters of magic. Shugenja are attuned to one of the four classical element
Classical element
Many philosophies and worldviews have a set of classical elements believed to reflect the simplest essential parts and principles of which anything consists or upon which the constitution and fundamental powers of anything are based. Most frequently, classical elements refer to ancient beliefs...
s in particular; they are barred from learning spells of the opposed element. Through concentration, they can sense any element nearby in a radius that grows with experience.
|style="font-size:85%"|Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures is the title shared by two hardback rulebooks published for different versions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game...
(3rd), Complete Divine
Complete Divine
Complete Divine is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy role-playing game published by Wizards of the Coast...
|-
|Sohei
|Sohei are militant religious warriors; they usually act in groups and are primarily employed by large temples and monasteries. They can shrug off a certain amount of damage and deflect arrows, and may also enter a "ki frenzy" of focused fury. Soheis must be of lawful alignment.
|style="font-size:85%"|Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures is the title shared by two hardback rulebooks published for different versions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game...
(3rd), Dragon
Dragon (magazine)
Dragon is one of the two official magazines for source material for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game and associated products, the other being Dungeon. TSR, Inc. originally launched the monthly printed magazine in 1976 to succeed the company's earlier publication, The Strategic Review. The...
#318
|-
|Soulborn
|Soulborns utilize magic items called "soulmelds" to increase their own skills and abilities, though they have a more limited selection than Totemists or Incarnates. Soulmelds are made from Incarnum, the material of which souls consist. Soulborns must be of an "extreme" alignment: one of Lawful Good, Chaotic Good, Lawful Evil, or Chaotic Evil. Azurin have Soulborn as a favored class.
|Magic of Incarnum
Magic of Incarnum
Magic of Incarnum is a supplemental book for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. It was first printed in 2005 to be applied to 3.5 D&D rules.-Contents:...
|-
|Spellthief
|Spellthieves are a rogue-like class that acquires slightly fewer skills than rogues, but their sneak attack ability can steal spells or magical abilities from others. They also can detect magic and have a small chance of absorbing enemy magic harmlessly.
|Complete Adventurer
Complete Adventurer
Complete Adventurer is a supplemental hard-cover rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons game system published by Wizards of the Coast.-Contents:...
|-
|Spirit Shaman
|Spirit Shamans are similar to druids in that they use the druidic spell list, but they cast spells spontaneously like a Sorcerer. Spirit Shamans have their own spirit guide and possess special abilities that affect spirits (such as incorporeal undead, fey, and elementals). Unlike Sorcerers, Spirit Shamans may change their spell selection whenever they meditate to regain their daily allotment of spells.
|Complete Divine
Complete Divine
Complete Divine is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy role-playing game published by Wizards of the Coast...
|-
|Swashbuckler
|Based on a 2nd edition kit for Fighters and Thieves, Swashbucklers are a combat-oriented class that emphasizes finesse, style, and flair. They are surprisingly tough and have a Fighter's rate of attack bonus advancement, but can only wear light armor. Swashbucklers also gain a fair number of skills.
|Complete Warrior
Complete Warrior
Complete Warrior is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game, published by Wizards of the Coast. It replaces and expands upon an earlier rulebook entitled Sword and Fist.-Contents:...
|-
|Swordsage
|Swordsage is a martial adept class, meaning it utilizes the various boosts, counters, strikes, and stances in Tome of Battle
Tome of Battle
Tome of Battle: The Book of Nine Swords is a rules supplement for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, published by Wizards of the Coast in 2006.-Contents:...
. They may learn the Desert Wind, Diamond Mind, Setting Sun, Shadow Hand, Stone Dragon and Tiger Claw styles. Swordsages may only use light armor and have a slightly slower attack bonus progression, but are the most versatile of the martial adepts. They must spend a full round to recover one special maneuver.
|Tome of Battle
Tome of Battle
Tome of Battle: The Book of Nine Swords is a rules supplement for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, published by Wizards of the Coast in 2006.-Contents:...
|-
|Totemist
|Totemists revere magical beasts, such as worgs and unicorns, whom they see as the most powerful forces of nature. They shape incarnum, the material of souls, to make magical items based around magical beasts, such as Displacer Mantles. Totemist is the favored class of Dusklings.
|Magic of Incarnum
Magic of Incarnum
Magic of Incarnum is a supplemental book for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. It was first printed in 2005 to be applied to 3.5 D&D rules.-Contents:...
|-
|Truenamer
|Truenamers are a type of wizard whose magic revolves around a primordial language that describes the universe. As they learn the true name
True name
A true name is a name of a thing or being that expresses, or is somehow identical with, its true nature. The notion that language, or some specific sacred language, refers to things by their true names has been central to philosophical and grammatical study as well as various traditions of magic,...
of entities, they become able to affect them by "rewriting the universe." Mechanically, they are similar to sorcerers, except a Truenamer's skills affect the DC of their spell.
|Tome of Magic
Tome of Magic
The title was reused for a 3.5 Edition supplement published in 2006. The new Tome of Magic is devoted to new forms and styles of magic as a path to power...
|-
|Warblade
|Warblade is a martial adept class, meaning it utilizes the various boosts, counters, strikes, and stances in Tome of Battle
Tome of Battle
Tome of Battle: The Book of Nine Swords is a rules supplement for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, published by Wizards of the Coast in 2006.-Contents:...
. They may learn the Diamond Mind, Iron Heart, Stone Dragon, Tiger Claw and White Raven styles. The Warblade focuses on melee combat and can utilize light and medium armors and shields. They may acquire fighter-exclusive feats as if they were a fighter two levels lower than their Warblade level and recover maneuvers with a simple attack or by spending a turn.
|Tome of Battle
Tome of Battle
Tome of Battle: The Book of Nine Swords is a rules supplement for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, published by Wizards of the Coast in 2006.-Contents:...
|-
|Warlock
Warlock (Dungeons & Dragons)
The warlock is a playable character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. It was introduced as a non-core base class in the supplemental book Complete Arcane for the 3.5 edition of Dungeons & Dragons...
|Warlocks are users of spell-like abilities either in-born or granted through a pact with some unearthly being such as a demon or a fey. Since a warlock's invocations are not normal spells, they may be used while wearing light armor and any number of times. Warlocks can later acquire energy resistance, toughened skin, fast healing, and the ability to force magical items to do their bidding.
|Complete Arcane
Complete Arcane
Complete Arcane is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game. It expands upon and replaces an earlier soft-cover rulebook entitled Tome and Blood.-Contents:...
|-
|Warmage
|Warmages are battle-oriented mages associated with large army battles who focus on damage-dealing spells. They may cast spells while wearing light (and later, medium) armor.
|style="font-size:85%"|Miniatures Handbook
Miniatures Handbook
The Miniatures Handbook is an official supplement for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying game.-Contents:It includes information about the Dungeons and Dragons Miniatures Game, new base classes, prestige classes, feats, spells, and monsters, including aspects of deities and...
, Complete Arcane
Complete Arcane
Complete Arcane is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game. It expands upon and replaces an earlier soft-cover rulebook entitled Tome and Blood.-Contents:...
|-
|Wu Jen
|Wu Jen are Eastern-style wizards introduced in both versions of Oriental Adventures. They are similar to normal wizards statistically, but with slightly different spells and some additional meta-magic abilities. Wu Jen is the favored class of the shapeshifting Hengeyokai, also introduced in Oriental Adventures.
|style="font-size:85%"|Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures is the title shared by two hardback rulebooks published for different versions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game...
(3rd), Complete Arcane
Complete Arcane
Complete Arcane is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game. It expands upon and replaces an earlier soft-cover rulebook entitled Tome and Blood.-Contents:...
Core class variants
These are alternative versions of core base classes.{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Description
!Source
|-
|Bardic Sage
|Bard variant focused on knowledge.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Battle Sorcerer
|Combat oriented sorcerer variant.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Cloistered Cleric
|Variant cleric focused on knowledge and lore.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Divine Bard
|Divine spellcaster bard variant.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Domain Wizard
|Wizard variant with arcane domains.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Druidic Avenger
|Variant druid focused on combat.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Paladin of Freedom
|Chaotic good paladin variant.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Paladin of Slaughter
|Chaotic evil paladin variant.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Paladin of Tyranny
|Lawful evil paladin variant
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Planar Ranger
|Ranger variant focused on survival on other planes rather than wilderness survival.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Savage Bard
|Variant bard focused on combat.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Specialist Wizard Variants
|Wizard variants focused on specific schools of magic.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Thug
|Urban variant fighter with less armor proficiencies and starting feats and more class skills and skill points.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Totem Barbarian
|A barbarian variant with class features which vary depending on which totem animal is chosen.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Urban Ranger
|Urban focused ranger variant.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
|-
|Variant Paladin
|Variant paladin without spellcasting.
|Complete Warrior
Complete Warrior
Complete Warrior is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game, published by Wizards of the Coast. It replaces and expands upon an earlier rulebook entitled Sword and Fist.-Contents:...
|-
|Variant Ranger
|Variant ranger without spellcasting.
|Complete Warrior
Complete Warrior
Complete Warrior is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game, published by Wizards of the Coast. It replaces and expands upon an earlier rulebook entitled Sword and Fist.-Contents:...
|-
|Wilderness Rogue
|Wilderness focused rogue variant.
|Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
Campaign-setting specific
The DragonlanceDragonlance
Dragonlance is a shared universe created by Laura and Tracy Hickman, and expanded by Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weis under the direction of TSR, Inc. into a series of popular fantasy novels. The Hickmans conceived Dragonlance while driving in their car on the way to TSR for a job application...
campaign setting update for 3rd edition includes 2 alternative base classes (Mystics and Nobles), while further sourcebooks developed by Sovereign Press/Margaret Weis Productions ltd. introduce Masters (in War of the Lance
War of the Lance
The War of the Lance is a fictional war in the Dragonlance setting, created by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman.-Publication history:The War of the Lance is the prime conflict in the Dragonlance saga....
), Mariners (in Age of Mortals and Legends of the Twins), and Nighstalkers (in Races of Ansalon):
{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Description
|-
|Mariner
|Mariners are flamboyant sea-going people, a cross between swashbucklers and sea pirates. They are a cross between rogues (for skills and dirty tricks) and fighters (attack bonus) who have developed at skills specific to those on board ships.
|-
|Master
|Masters are Krynn's enhanced version of experts. More talented, with skills unmatched in their chosen fields, masters are on par with other PC classes. They must specialize in a set of broad skills (craft, knowledge, perform or profession). They receive bonus skill-related feats and special talents akin to feats.
|-
|Mystic
|Mystics are capable of casting divine spells without need of being a cleric; they are mechanically similar to a Sorcerer in that they cast spontaneously, but from a fixed spell list chosen from the spell list for clerics. This ability was important when Krynn was isolated from the gods for a time.
|-
|Nightstalker
|Nightstalkers create magical effects, find traps, and see dead people.
|-
|Noble
|Nobles are charismatic manipulators who leverage skills and connections to advance their goals. They are mechanically similar to rogues without the ability to sneak attack, and can call in favors they earn.
Alternative base classes presented in the 3.5 edition Eberron
Eberron
Eberron is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, set in a period after a vast destructive war on the continent of Khorvaire...
campaign setting include:
{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Description
!Source
|-
|Artificer
|Artificers are tinkerers and architects skilled at creating and modifying items. They cast "infusions" onto ordinary items and constructs so that they grant a bonus to themselves or their wielders. They also are familiar with security, able to tinker with traps and locks. House Cannith is known for their skill in this class.
|Eberron Campaign Setting
Eberron Campaign Setting
Eberron Campaign Setting is a hardcover accessory for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-Contents:The Eberron Campaign Setting book introduced Eberron, and is the core campaign setting, providing the campaign specific rules and details on the continent of Khorvaire...
|-
|Magewright
|Magewrights are crafters of magical items. They are familiar with some magic, especially that which would aid the creation of other items. The Magewright class is intended for non-player character
Non-player character
A non-player character , sometimes known as a non-person character or non-playable character, in a game is any fictional character not controlled by a player. In electronic games, this usually means a character controlled by the computer through artificial intelligence...
s.
|Eberron Campaign Setting
Eberron Campaign Setting
Eberron Campaign Setting is a hardcover accessory for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-Contents:The Eberron Campaign Setting book introduced Eberron, and is the core campaign setting, providing the campaign specific rules and details on the continent of Khorvaire...
|-
|Psionic Artificer
|Psionic variant of the artificer class.
|Magic of Eberron
|-
|Urban Adept
|Urban variant of the adept NPC class.
|Sharn: City of Towers
The Al-Qadim
Al-Qadim
Al-Qadim is an Arabian Nights-themed campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. The setting was developed by Jeff Grubb for TSR, Inc., and was first released in 1992. Al-Qadim is set in the land of Zakhara, called the Land of Fate...
setting was not extensively supported in 3rd edition, but issue 315 of Dragon Magazine
Dragon (magazine)
Dragon is one of the two official magazines for source material for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game and associated products, the other being Dungeon. TSR, Inc. originally launched the monthly printed magazine in 1976 to succeed the company's earlier publication, The Strategic Review. The...
includes an update to the Sha' ir
Sha' ir
The Sha' ir is a character class originally introduced in the Al-Qadim campaign setting for Dungeons and Dragons 2nd Edition. Based on Arabian folklore, the sha' ir is a mysterious and powerful wizard that gains their power from genies, and often acts as an ambassador on behalf of mortals to...
base class from earlier editions.
The 3rd edition version of Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures
Oriental Adventures is the title shared by two hardback rulebooks published for different versions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game...
was set in Rokugan
Rokugan
Rokugan is the fictional empire which is the main power in the Legend of the Five Rings setting, the basis for the Legend of the Five Rings Collectible Card Game, Legend of the Five Rings Role-Playing Game, the board game Art of War and the now out of print Clan War Miniatures game, all from...
, the setting of Legend of the Five Rings. However, many of the classes in Oriental Adventures were used in other settings as well, and some were reprinted in other books independently. Alternative classes created for that book include the Samurai, Shaman, Shugenja, Sohei, and Wu-Jen; see above.
Generic classes
The 2004 release of Unearthed ArcanaUnearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
for 3.5 edition included 3 "generic" base classes: Warrior, Spellcaster, and Expert (no relation to the DMG's Warrior and Expert). These classes cover three basic stereotypes without any frills and are easily modified. However, these classes were not recommended for use with the standard base classes. The Warrior is similar to the Fighter, with hit points and a strong attack but few skills; the Expert has a large variety of skills but middling combat capabilities (similar to a Rogue); and the Spellcaster has little combat capabilities but the ability to cast spells (similar to a Wizard). Many class features from the core base classes, such as Familiar, Sneak Attack and Turn Undead, are available to the three generic base classes as bonus feats.
Psionics-related
PsionicsPsionics
Psionics refers to the practice, study, or psychic ability of using the mind to induce paranormal phenomena. Examples of this include telepathy, telekinesis, and other workings of the outside world through the psyche.-History and terminology:...
in 3rd edition were originally detailed in Psionics Handbook
Psionics Handbook
The Expanded Psionics Handbook is a sourcebook by Bruce Cordell for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game that contains a multitude of rules and options for integrating psychic powers into the D&D game...
. 2nd edition had only one character class, the psionicist; 3rd edition renamed it the psion and introduced various new alternative classes based on psionics usage. Psionics Handbook was later updated for version 3.5 with the Expanded Psionics Handbook, and new material was added in the Complete Psionic
Complete Psionic
Complete Psionic is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game published by Wizards of the Coast released in April 2006...
book.
{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Description
!Source
|-
|Ardent
|Ardents derive their powers from a focus on primal truths or concepts ("mantles"); different mantles offer different abilities to an Ardent. They possess a smaller selection of powers than the more versatile Psion, but enjoy greater martial abilities.
|Complete Psionic
Complete Psionic
Complete Psionic is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game published by Wizards of the Coast released in April 2006...
|-
|Divine Mind
|The Divine Mind is a character who chooses to serve a deity using psionic powers; they are thus somewhat similar to Clerics. Like clerics, they may choose mantles a deity represents, similar to domains. They may also exude Attack, Defense, or Perception auras that grant bonuses to nearby allies.
|Complete Psionic
Complete Psionic
Complete Psionic is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game published by Wizards of the Coast released in April 2006...
|-
|Erudite
|Rather than learn powers upon level gain like Psions, Erudites may theoretically use any psionic ability by "copying" another person or a psionically-infused item. In exchange, they may call upon only a limited selection of powers per day. Mechanically, they are thus somewhat similar to unspecialized wizards rather than Psions.
|Complete Psionic
Complete Psionic
Complete Psionic is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game published by Wizards of the Coast released in April 2006...
|-
|Lurk
|Lurks are similar to rogues who call upon psionic powers to aid them. They may perceive the weaknesses of enemies and make sneak attacks, as well as use psionic augments to their abilities.
|Complete Psionic
Complete Psionic
Complete Psionic is a supplemental rulebook for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game published by Wizards of the Coast released in April 2006...
|-
|Psion
|Psions are dedicated to the usage of psionic power. Mechanically, they are similar to Sorcerers; however, like Wizards, they can (and in fact must) choose a specialization of their school of psionics. In 3rd edition the various disciplines were each linked to a statistic; for instance, clairsentience is linked to Wisdom and Psions who specialize in it are known as Seers. This was changed in 3.5 so that all disciplines are linked to the Intelligence statistic. Psion is the favoured class of the elan
Elan (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, the elan is a type of fictional creature for player characters to encounter. Players can also use the elan as a player character race.-Publication history:...
race.
|Psionics Handbook
Psionics Handbook
The Expanded Psionics Handbook is a sourcebook by Bruce Cordell for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game that contains a multitude of rules and options for integrating psychic powers into the D&D game...
, Expanded Psionics Handbook
|-
|Psychic Warrior
|Psychic Warriors are a blend between Fighters and Psions. Like fighters, they gain bonus feats, and like psions, they wield psionic powers, though at a slower rate than either specialized class. Their attack bonus and hit point growth is similarly in the middle.
|Psionics Handbook
Psionics Handbook
The Expanded Psionics Handbook is a sourcebook by Bruce Cordell for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game that contains a multitude of rules and options for integrating psychic powers into the D&D game...
, Expanded Psionics Handbook
|-
|Soulknife
|Soulknives are warriors who have learned to channel psionic power into "Mindblades", or swords composed of psionic energy. Their broad training allows them to take many occupations and be a "jack of all trades." It is the favoured class of the Xeph race. Soulknives were a prestige class in the original Psionics Handbook, but made into a base class with version 3.5.
|Expanded Psionics Handbook
|-
|Wilder
|Wilders can use "wild surges", which allow them to augment their psionic powers to a greater extent than normal. Doing so is dangerous and there is a chance every time a wild surge is used that the wilder will suffer from "psychic enervation" causing them to become dazed and lose power points. They are slightly tougher than psions, but gain fewer abilities and slower. Wilder is the favored class of the maenad
Maenad
In Greek mythology, maenads were the female followers of Dionysus , the most significant members of the Thiasus, the god's retinue. Their name literally translates as "raving ones"...
race.
|Expanded Psionics Handbook
4th edition
{| class="sortable wikitable"! Class || Primary role || Secondary role || Power source || Description || Sourcebook || Playtest/Preview
|-
| Ardent
Ardent (Dungeons & Dragons)
An ardent is a character class in the Dungeons & Dragons, a psionic practitioner that derives its powers from its focus on primal truths or concepts .-Dungeons & Dragons 3rd edition :...
|| Leader || Defender or Striker || Psionic || Ardents use their psionic power to use emotions to their advantage. They fill their enemies' minds with negative emotions, creating gaps in their defenses. At the same time, ardents fill their allies minds with encouraging thoughts and strengthen their resolve. || "Player's Handbook 3" ||
|-
| Artificer
Artificer (Dungeons & Dragons)
An artificer is a skilled mechanic in the armed forces, chiefly British. It may also refer to:* A person who makes artifacts* Artificer Sergeant Major, an appointment held by a Warrant Officer Class 1 in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers...
|| Leader || None || Arcane || The artificer acts to contain magic energy within vessels, whether it's animated constructs or infusing magic into his/her allies. || Eberron Player's Guide (July 2009) || Dragon Magazine #365 (July 2008)
|-
| Assassin
Assassin (Dungeons & Dragons)
The assassin is a playable character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. It first appeared in 1975 in the Blackmoor supplement, as a thief sub-class. It next appeared in the first edition of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons again as a thief sub-class...
|| Striker || ? || Shadow || Assassins make a deal with Death, displacing part of their soul with a reflection from the afterlife. The deal struck gives them the power to move through shadows and gather power to strike at a creature's weakness. || Dragon Magazine #379 (September 2009), Heroes of Shadow (March 2011) || None Available
|-
| Avenger || Striker || Controller || Divine || Avengers act as the avenging agent of their faith, vowing enmity against a particular foe and gaining power from that vow. || Player's Handbook 2 || None Available
|-
| Barbarian
Barbarian (Dungeons & Dragons)
The barbarian is a playable character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-Creative origins:The barbarian is based on Robert E...
|| Striker || Defender or Leader || Primal || Rage is the main weapon in the barbarian's arsenal. By driving themselves into a state of primal chaos, they can crash through a battlefield and deal heavy damage. || Player's Handbook 2 (March 2009) || Dragon Magazine #368 (October 2008)
|-
| Bard
Bard (Dungeons & Dragons)
The bard is a standard playable character class in many editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. The bard class is versatile, capable of combat and of magic . Bards use their artistic talents to induce magical effects...
|| Leader || Controller || Arcane || Bards perform music that taps into arcane energies, imbuing allies with power and harming enemies. || Player's Handbook 2 (March 2009) || Dragon Magazine #369 (November 2008) (Ampersand Preview)
|-
| Druid
Druid (Dungeons & Dragons)
The druid is a playable character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Druids wield nature-themed magic. Prior to 4th edition, they gain divine magic from being at one with nature, or from one of several patron gods of the wild, while in 4th edition, they gain primal magic...
|| Controller || Leader or Striker || Primal || Druids control powerful flora and fauna to attack at long range. They also transform themselves into agents of primal power, such as bears, monkeys, wolves, cheetahs, boars, treants, etc. || Player's Handbook 2 (March 2009) || Dragon Magazine #370 (December 2008) (Levels 1-3 Preview)
|-
| Invoker || Controller || Leader or Striker || Divine || The Invoker channels the divine magic of their gods directly to castigate their foes and control the battlefield. They wear light to medium armor and can use simple weapons but they usually rely on divine spells to weaken, slow, or otherwise hamper their enemies while aiding their allies. || Player's Handbook 2 || Dragon Magazine #370 (December 2008) (Levels 1-3 Preview)
|-
| Monk
Monk (Dungeons & Dragons)
The monk is a playable character class in most editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. A D&D monk is a fantasy martial artist, specializing in unarmed combat.-Dungeons & Dragons :...
|| Striker || Controller || Psionic || Focusing psionic energy, monks act with little armor and usually unarmed. This energy also allows them to move about the field of battle quickly and in unexpected ways. || Player's Handbook 3 (TBA) || Dragon Magazine #375 (May 2009)
|-
| Psion || Controller || None || Psionic || Psions are the archetypical channels of psionic energy. They use either telekineses or telepathy to control and befuddle their foes. || Player's Handbook 3 (TBA) || Dragon Magazine #377 (July 2009)
|-
| Runepriest|| Leader || Defender or Controller || Divine ||... to be added...|| Player's Handbook 3|| None Available.
|-
| Seeker || Controller || Defender or Striker || Primal || ... to be added ... || Player's Handbook 3 (TBA) || Dragon Magazine #380 (October 2009)
|-
| Shaman
Shaman (Dungeons & Dragons)
The shaman is an alternate playable character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-Dungeons & Dragons :The Orcs of Thar covers orcish shamans...
|| Leader || Defender or Striker || Primal || Shamans gather spirits to intervene in the material world, healing their allies and disabling their foes. These spirits group under grand marshals like the World Serpent, tied to specific abilities. || Player's Handbook 2 (March 2009) || Dragon Magazine #372 (February 2009) (Levels 1-3 Preview)
|-
| Sorcerer
Sorcerer (Dungeons & Dragons)
The sorcerer is a playable character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. A sorcerer is weak in melee combat, but a master of arcane magic, the most generally powerful form of D&D magic. Sorcerers' magical ability is innate rather than studied...
|| Striker || Controller || Arcane || Sorcerers are wielders of raw arcane power. Where a wizard wields magic like a fighter wields a sword, a sorcerer wields magic like a barbarian swinging a greataxe. The magic they use is hardly controlled and may have some chaotic side effects. || Player's Handbook 2 (March 2009) || Dragon Magazine #371 (January 2009) (Levels 1-3 Preview)
|-
| Swordmage || Defender || None || Arcane || The sword is used as an arcane focus for the swordmage's abilities, including aegis
Aegis
An aegis is a large collar or cape worn in ancient times to display the protection provided by a high religious authority or the holder of a protective shield signifying the same, such as a bag-like garment that contained a shield. Sometimes the garment and the shield are merged, with a small...
es of shielding, ensaring, and attacking. They ward themselves and enchant their blades to combat any foe. || Forgotten Realms Player's Guide (September 2008) || RPGA Forgotten Realms Player's Guide preview (July 2008)
|-
| Warden || Defender || Controller or Striker || Primal || The warden uses the power of the primal spirits to protect their allies. They are defenders of the wilderness and make moving around the battlefield very troublesome for their enemies. || Player's Handbook 2 || Dragon Magazine #371 (January 2009) (Levels 1-3 Preview)
|}
Multiclass-only classes
These classes are only available through multiclassing. They cannot be chosen as a character's main class.{| class="sortable wikitable"
! Class || Role || Power source || Description || Sourcebook || Playtest/Preview
|-
| Spellscarred || None || Arcane || Those who were touched by the wild Spellplague may have developed a spellscar. The spellscar manifests as wild lines of blue that may ignite when the subject is under the effect of a certain emotion. They can bestow weird magical powers but a small few attempt to master the gifts they bestow. || Forgotten Realms Player's Guide (September 2008) || None available
|}