Player’s Handbook 2: New Classes

The PHB2 introduces eight new playable Classes to 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons. Four of these are old favorites — Bard, Barbarian, Druid, and Sorcerer. Four of these are brand new. X of them rely on the new Primal Power Source.

Avenger
Av Avenger is a specially trained holy warrior, “imbued with the power to smite your god’s foes”. Where Paladins are shining noble warriors, these guys are just killers and assassins. This class fill the Role of Striker and uses the Divine Power Source.

Barbarian
As with prior editions, Barbarians get bonuses for not wearing heavy armor, and get Rage-based powers. Most of their abilities center around getting angry and hitting things, as is apropos. This class fill the Role of Striker and uses the Primal Power Source.

Bard was covered in a previous post. This class fill the Role of Leader and uses the Arcane Power Source.

Druid
The Wild Shape ability carried over from 3rd Edition, and Druids get Ritual Casting. All of their Powers are nature-based, of course. This class fill the Role of Controller and uses the Primal Power Source.

Invoker
More than a Cleric, the Invoke channels a god’s power directly. They’re a diety’s chosen, and are kind of like Divine combat mages. This class fill the Role of Controller and uses the Divine Power Source.

Shaman
The Shaman is kind of like a Druid, but focused on spirits rather than nature. They can speak with spirits, and call upon spirits to aid them in battle and healing. Rather than Spells or Prayers, their Powers are called Evocations. This class fill the Role of Leader and uses the Primal Power Source.

Sorcerer
The analogy made in the book is that wizards are like fighters, and sorcerers are like Barbarians — one uses skill, the other relies on raw power. That’s pretty close to the 3rd Edition description. Sorcerers tap into the elemental power of dragons, or Elemental Chaos. This class fill the Role of Striker and uses the Arcane Power Source.

Warden
The Warden is a defender of nature. While the Druid’s Powers are animal-themed, the Warden has earth and storm themed Powers. This class fill the Role of Defender and uses the Primal Power Source.

There are, of course, new Paragon Paths, one for each of these classes.

Buy Player’s Handbook 2: A 4th Edition D&D Core Rulebook (Bk.2)