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Lost Classes - aka - The Avenging Justice League of D&D

For all my complaining about D&D 3.5 (which for the most part is unfounded and just the ravings of an "older gamer") I am a big fan of the concept of Prestige Classes, which are similar to Kits from AD&D 2nd edition. However, unlike the aforementioned Kits, Prestige Classes tend to be better balanced within the context of the game and do prevent more character depth beyond role-playing flavor. Although the influx on 3rd party publishers is making Prestige Classes more and more common, they can be, if handled properly, a unique addition to any gaming table. While Wizards of the Coast, Malhavoc Press, Green Ronin, and Mongoose dominate the bulk of the 3.5 material out there, I still make a point of seeking out the small press folks... Most of it is crap. However, as has been stated many times before. 90% of everything is crap. That just makes the gems stand out all the more. The Lost Classes from Devils Workshop is one of those gems.

Even if it is a little rough and unpolished...

The Brotherhood of the Spider - See, this is what happens when you make generalities. You are stumped right out of the gate. A class focused on ending the oppressive matriarchal rule within Drow society, Brotherhood of the Drow doesn't seem to parallel any traditional character. Well, maybe Spiderman, but since this class requires a PC to be evil, it is hard for me to swallow.

Chaos Witch - A class dedicated to, you guessed it, the power of chaos. Chaos Witch follows the path of Bendis' "internet breaking" Scarlet Witch, long time member of Marvel’s The Avengers. Interesting class, though very over-powered in the higher levels when she can completely alter other characters and creatures. Allowing a player the chance to, quite literally, alter another players very existence you are playing with fire.

Crescent Occultist - Tapping powers of a mysterious dark diamond, the Crescent Occultist is Devils Workshop’s good aligned answer to long-time DC villain: Eclipso. Again, fun concept to play but leans a little on the powerful side with his ability to completely dominate another character.

The Dark Avenger - Martial based prestige class. The Dark Avenger is compelled by past events to right wrongs and punish those who would harm the innocent. Earning abilities including signature weapons, low-light vision, non-lethal strikes, and analyze foe... The literary inspiration for this character is very blatant. Not that I mind. Long live the Bat!

Defender of the Realm - Another martial based class, the Defender of the Realm uses her abilities to protect her kingdom. In addition to traditional weapons, the Defender of the Realm has an uncanny ability to take out her foes with a shield that can be used in melee and ranged combat. Like the Dark Avenger above, I shouldn't have to tell you fine readers which American icon this class is based upon.

Djinni Sage - This class reminded me of the classic Al’Qadim class, the Sha’ir... Only taken to 11. The Djinni Sage uses the power of genies to cast spells and can, over time, summon Djinnis to fight his battles for him. Not knowing any Marvel character that can do such a thing, I am guessing this class is inspired by Johnny Lighting. Props to Devils Workshop for tapping a JSA character.

Dreadnought - For the player that thinks their barbarian just doesn't do enough damage when angry... The Dreadnought draws his power from his own rage and channels it into even greater acts of violence. Although very strong, Devils Workshop prevents damage reduction from stacking with the Dreadnought. Although not the most imaginative class, I am certain players will take much joy in screaming, "Player SMASH" whenever they enter a rage.

The Emerald Warlock - "In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall"... Um, sorry about that. Anyway, yes, a Prestige Class that draws mystical power from an emerald lantern. This class can graft weapons and armor of greater power as they master the emerald lantern. While perhaps a little high on the cheese factor, I would be lying if I said this wasn't the class I most want to play someday. Woe to the DM that has to put up with me then.

Emissary - Dang, this one stumped me as well. The Emissary is a highly skilled class, trained in dealing with just about any situation. Similar in skills with the Rogue core class, the Emissary feels a little unnecessary. Still, the class is well written and could make an interesting change for a Bard or Paladin that has strayed from their path.

Frost Mage - I have always liked the idea of the spell caster that becomes so in tune with their favorite element, they slowly take that form. The Frost Mage is just such a caster. Clearly inspired by original X-Man, Ice Man, the Frost Mage also increases in physical strength as she increases in mystical power. However, I would be concerned that there does not appear to be a daily limit to a Frost Mage’s class abilities. Some of which are quite powerful; like the Cone of Cold which has the potential to inflict 15d6 points of damage.

Inferno Magus - There are so many fire based characters, even from the big 2; it is hard to decide just which character this class is based upon. The exact opposite of the Frost Mage, the Inferno Magus channels the raw power of flame to combat his enemies. Like so many of the classes listed within Lost Classes, the Inferno Magus becomes extremely powerful at the higher levels. Players should work closely with their DM... Try not to yell, "Flame on" too often at the table, even Geeks have their limit.

Lord of Chaos - Of all the classes within the Lost Classes grouping, the Lord of Chaos feels the most like a generic villain, doomed to repeatedly fail. Magic, in most D&D games, is a relatively orderly part of nature. Although strange and mysterious to most classes, magic still follows rules. The skills and abilities of the Lord of Chaos are founded in the breaking of those rules. While not very suitable for a player, the Lord of Chaos is the perfect villain to play hell on players.

The Obsidian Warlock - Cloak and Dagger has always been one of the few Marvel books I regularly followed (when it is published). While Dagger is missing from these classes, Cloak is alive and well in the form of the Obsidian Warlock. Able to manipulate shadows, create darkness, control emotions, and drain energy; the Obsidian Warlock is the perfect class for the player who wants to play the hero with a decidedly dark bend. Although strong, the Obsidian Warlock is one of the few classes that do not become overly strong in the higher classes.

Sword of Khonshu - An agent of their deities’ wrath, the Sword of Khonshu gives up her personal freedom and even sacrifices a small portion of her soul in order to punish the guilty and wicked. A source of vast power, the Sword of Khonshu is the closest a player will ever get to playing DC’s The Spectre without dipping into the Epic rules. However, the skill listing of the Sword of Khonshu can be misleading. Although impressive, the class lacks extra feats, and any creative player could get more out of the standard Fighter class.

Thunderer- Each comic company has a hero who is based upon myths. The Thunderer is inspired by Marvel’s God of Thunder, Thor. Although saddled with a large amount of prerequisites, the Thunderer is still a very strong and potentially over-powered Prestige Class. Mixing the ability to use Call Lighting, Dimension Door, and Control Weather along with Fighters hit points and BA progression is very potent. DMs take care in allowing this class.

The Warrior Queen - If the Thunderer is Devils Workshop homage to Marvel, the Warrior Queen is the same to DC. Clearly inspired by Wonder Woman, the Warrior Queen uses her skill and reputation to lead faithful followers into battle. Unlike many Prestige Classes (within this and other supplements), the Warrior Queen has abilities that boost her allies as well as herself. Although fun to play a blatant powerhouse, the Warrior Queen provides the enjoyable challenge of a character that also must think about others in her tactics.

It is very clear that the writers and artists at Devils Workshop are fans of comics and the colorful character that inhabit that world. It is also clear they wanted to inject some of that 3-color fun into the world of epic fantasy fun. Not any easy task when you consider the concepts behind superheroes require the characters to be, well, super. While characters in D&D are heroic, the character progression of D&D doesn't really allow for such a PC until the very high levels. The folks at Devils Workshop do a great job in bridging the gap between exciting comic book character concepts and the Prestige Class system within D&D.

The art is top-notch and I would love to see what Devils Workshop could do with a traditional book. The writing is clear, crisp, and unlike many small press game companies, lacking in typos and grammatical errors. Although not a good idea for a gritty or even high fantasy game, at $1.10 a shot, they are a solid investment for a DM looking to ad some high-powered superhero style gaming to their table. Each PDF is high quality and prints well in color or black and white. Looking at their website, it is clear that Devils Workshop focuses on modern and sci-fi based D20 settings. That is a shame, because their foray into fantasy characters is a hoot.

Not all the classes are equal, running the ratings gamut from 2 - 5 Critical hits. However, as a grouping I give Lost Classes 3.5 out of 5 Critical Hits.

Update - I've been informed that The Emissary is Black Widow, the Obsidian Warlock is Obsidian from Infinity, Inc. (and brother to Jade), and the Sword of Khonshu is Moon Knight (something I really should have remembered). Much thanks to Louis Porter Jr. of LPJDesign for correcting your friendly neighborhood Geek. Also, be on the look out for Lost Classes 2... Can't wait to see what they have planned.