Variant Fighter Classes

The fighter as presented in the Player's Handbook is a rather stereotypical soldier. The skills and feats of that class are direct and unsubtle. But in many cases, this does not fit the cultural role of fighting men in different societies. Many cultures might demand only physical provess and obedicene from their fighters, pretty much leaving them out of civilian life. Other cultures might allow only part-time fighters, so they are encouraged to have a civilian profession. Others might require social graces, stealth or some other abilities the normal fighter lacks. The same is true of feats; all cultures do not encourage the same feats for their fighters.

To include this in the game without introducing a bewildering array of new classes, the variant fighter is introduced. This is a standard fighter, as introduced in the Player's Handbook, only with a different list of skills and bonus feats and a different role in society.

It can be argued that this removes one of the major obstacles of the fighter class; the limited skill list. This is partially true, but no variant fighter should be allowed without a role in society and a good framework to operate in. And as long as the variant fighter fits within a context, it is rarely too unbalanced. But always remember; fighters are professional warriors and combat is their primary occupation, and no variant fighter class should be allowed to poach on the territory of another class, such as the paladin, barbarian or ranger.

A few of these cvariant fighter classes can have more variant rules, but ordinarily, only the skill list and selection of bonus skills differ.

• Amazon - warriors of style.
• Askar - the arabian militiaman.
• Corsair - nomad of the waves.
• Desert Rider - master of the open land.
• Mamluk - Slave-soldiers to run empires.