When I first stated playing D&D it was the basic red boxed set, now known as OD&D. My character was an elf. I have always had an affinity for characters with an aloof attitude and pointy ears. And until till the latest version of the halfling (3.5e -4e),I played only elves and half-elves.
One of the really cool features of the OD&D elves was the ability to multi-class easily, they could be both fighter and magic user. They were the only race that didn't not have armor restrictions for casting. Now granted many DM's had house rules on how to handle the multi-classing bit and some just let go. In either case the OD&D elves were very useful to a party, especially to a small party like ours; It was a party of three, fighter, Cleric and elf.
Now with multi-classing all races can be of two classes, which can fill out a party greatly. In 4e's attempt to balance out the classes and stop the rampant power gaming in D&D; they have developed a more restrictive form of multi classing. This system works well and for the most part is well done. However it later became more apparent that players needed more and thus the creation of the Hybrid Class rules, but that is another blog.
Back to the elf of OD&D and how to add it to 4e, without creating an imbalance or generating a lot of crazy rules.
First of all, there are now two types of elves in 4e, Eladrin and Elves. However since I am going for the feel of the OD&D elf, I am going to say the Eladrin with its higher intelligence potential and connection with the fey would fit the fighter/magic-user model better. Where as the Elf would be better for the Fighter/Thief or Fighter/Cleric model better.
So here is my attempt at creating a balanced template for the OD&D Elven Fighter/Magic User, without using the Multi-class or Hybrid Rules (PHB3). Now since the fighter has changed from its original intent from OD&D to 4e, fighter in this cause represents any role that was not a Controller.
Eladrin Fighter(?)/ Magic-UserAn Eladrin choosing from the role of Defender, Striker or Leader, may depending on intelligence ability may opt to switch powers from the wizard class for primary role powers.
| Intelligence Score | May Exchange |
|
| 12 or below | None |
| 13 | May Exchange one At Will power |
| 14-15 | May Exchange one At Will power and Encounter power |
| 16-17 | May Exchange one At will power, one Encounter power, and one Utility Power |
| 18 or Higher | May Exchange one At Will power, one Encounter power, one Utility power and one Daily power |
So how does this differ from using multi class feats? Well first it doesn't require feats and it doesn't add additional powers. It allows the party to have some from of Controller, without have a character dedicated solely to this role. True it creates a character that isn't really strong in either class,but neither was the original OD&D elf.
