Classes of Artheria (PHB II edition)

(UNIVERSAL UPDATE! I am linking directly to webpages with the class information, so there is a easy frame of reference, this should make comparing the classes a lot easier.)

Next book in line for some revamps, the Players Handbook II. Overall, probably one of the most balanced books. It has really good core classes, and a lot of really good feats, (like two weapon rend...) and affiliations and groups are another way to add extra depth to a game. The four new classes are all very good, and this update is actually the least work for me.

We start with the Beguiler, a mix between the rogue and an enchanter/illusionist. They specialize in using surprise and spells to overcome their opponents.  They get access to 9th level spells, (unlike the hexblade or duskblade) and while they aren't as tough as either of those classes, they are a great core class that has properties of both rogues and wizards. If I didn't buff the other classes, I wouldn't even have to buff them. Even so, I'm only changing two things, the first thing is the advanced learning can be from any school, not just illusion or enchantment. The next, every 5 levels after 10, the beguiler gets a bonus feat, this must be chosen from the wizard bonus feat list. This will enhance the flexibility of the class, and as we are playing gestalt, the beguiler will only be made stronger depending on the class combination.

Simplified: Advanced learning may select any wizard spell, and a bonus feat every 5 levels after 10, (15, 20, etc.)

(The power to manipulate thought, and wield blade, the beguiler is an impressive force.)

Dragon Shaman: One of the genuinely most unique support classes in any book, the Dragon Shaman, while stylistically nothing like the bard, with its auras, great hit points and combat ability, fills the 'help out the group/4th or 5th member' slot significantly better than a bard ever would. And yes, I realize drawing a connection between these two classes is rather odd, but hear me out. The bard has many kinds of songs, some of which you won't unlock until level 16, with all manner of buffing/debuffing capabilities, increasing bonuses on skill checks, and the like. The dragon shaman has auras that don't require skill points, and by level 9 you will have 7 to choose from. You can give everyone in your party, (that is 30 feet from you) bonuses to damage, elemental resistance, even healing. So, the dragon shaman is pretty much as effective in the support role as the bard. Then the dragon shaman has natural armor and breath weapons and energy immunity. This class is great. The only change I'm making to them is increasing the HD from d10 to d12. They're already great, they don't need anything else. (Pondering the idea of a dragon shaman/bard... stack auras and song, now that is an idea...)

Simplified: HD is now d12.

(Dragon Shaman use their connection with draconic power to project auras of power.)

Duskblade: The duskblade is a fantastic class. Spell casting warrior wearing armor and channeling spells through their blades. There have been many prestige classes attempting to do just this since 3rd edition began. A core class that has fighter BAB, decent HP, and casts spells in mithril full plate? Yep, that is the duskblade. This is one of my favorite classes, and the only one that actually needs an overhaul in the PHB II, and the reason? The spell progression is really weird. First off, they use intelligence as the primary casting stat, but they learn and cast spells like a sorcerer. (UPDATE: you can choose to have either charisma or intelligence as your primary casting stat, duskblade/paladin go!) Then, they only learn very very few spells. They start with 4 at level 1, +1 per intelligence mod, then they gain 1 per level, (sounds fine so far...) until level 5. Then every 2 levels, they get the option of losing a spell to learn another. Then it gets stranger, as duskblades get more spells per day than any spell casting class in the game. They top out at 10 (!) per level, the most other classes get is 6, so it is a huge difference, and with incredibly limited spell selection. So keep using the exact same spells over and over and over again... My changes to duskblade then? Change the stupid spell progression. Instead of having to sacrifice a new spell after level 5, you now gain a new spell every level, and not sacrifice an old spell anymore. (The spell list is really long for duskblade as well, I don't know what they were thinking with it.)

Simplified: No longer have to sacrifice an old spell to gain a new one after level 5, and new spells every level instead of every other level. Can choose intelligence or charisma for primary casting stat.

(Masters of blade and sorcery, the duskblade can channel spells through a weapon.)

Knight: The knight is a really good class in PHB II. They have great HP, wonderful crowd control abilities, and great fighting ability. I have a theory with this class, they made it too strong. They have willpower as their only good save, and they get a lot of mounted combat style feats, but they don't get any sort of mount. I feel like if they did that, the knight would just be so much better than the paladin as to really over shadow it. The new additions I'm adding are two fold, first off, primary saves are now fort and will, and they gain a special mount, like a paladin. (NOTE: Check the PHB post again, adding a boost to paladin mounts to change them from knight mounts!) Overall, the knight is a phenomenal class, and gestalt wise, it is only better. (Paladin/knight is the embodiment of holy mounted warrior.)

Simplified: Fort and Will now strong saves, and gain a special mount, (using the paladin table) at level 5. 

(The prototypical knight in shining armor is an incredible warrior.)

Thus concludes my easiest post yet. All the PHB II classes are really good, as I've said, you can't really go wrong with having any of these classes in your gestalt combo. 

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” Sun Tzu, The Art of War