MMO Class Ideas

Here's a bunch of ideas for classes for an MMO. Inspiration comes from everywhere and anywhere as I try to create original classes which could be fun to play. The reason I'm posting this one is MMOs seem to be stuck in a loop when it comes to class types and are generally unwilling to take chances or to denigrate types of players. After all, it is easier to get into a game if the classes available are similar to the ones we've played before in other games.

So, no healer, no tank, no rogue class, no pure caster. Welcome to Hybrid Land. :)

The Runeblade

Not a magic user per se but capable of storing magical energies in a special runic blade, the Runeblade are dreadful to pure casters. By placing the blade into the path of an incoming fire ball, ice shard or lightning bolt, the Runeblade then stores the magical energy to add magical damage to their blows or throws it back to their enemies. The elemental magic stored into the blade can also be used to nullify additional incoming attacks of an opposing element (i.e. Fire cancels Ice).

Used mostly as secondary tank, the Runeblade wears heavy armor and is capable of withstanding more magical damage than other classes. Some Runeblades even develop the capacity of wielding their own magics, as residual magical energies from their blade eventually accumulates into their bodies.

The Sagittarian

Capable of extraordinary telekinetic powers, the Sagittarian archers use a single arrow which they throw at the enemy, then recall back like a boomerang. They can control the arrow in mid-flight to hit their targets, or hit their targets many times in one shot. Some Sagittarian archers are even known to teleport their magic arrow through walls or across vast distances back to them.

Each Sagittarian archer crafts his magical arrow and uses it for several years until broken or lost. It is even believed that the Sagittarian and his arrow develop an unbreakable bond, as the magically infused arrow develops a personality. After death, Sagittarians are buried with their trusty magical arrow, as any other way would be a great dishonor.

The Stargazer

Stargazers utilize the alignments of celestial spheres, stars and weather patterns against their enemies. By fetching and channelling the magical energies of a star or planet and re-directing it to their enemies, they act as a sort of reflecting mirror. Their spells are usually more potent if their enemies are placed between the desired celestial phenomenon and the casting Stargazer.

Different stars and planets have different powers. Ares, the planet associated with war, inflicts wounds to the enemy and boost the caster's bloodlust. Turan, the star associated with love and compassion, will revive a fallen ally or otherwise boost their morale and vitality. Stargazers can also predict the future to a certain extent, therefore giving them an edge in battle. They thus make excellent commanders.

The Naturalist

Naturalists have an innate bond with Nature. As they protect the woods, the fauna and the cycles of nature, they are also protected by the woods and the elements. Most MMOs have featured classes such as Druids, Foresters and Shamans which were based on the concept, but the Naturalist would play based on a Karmic equilibrium of helping nature and getting helped equally in return.

By planting trees and seeds, healing injured animals or cleaning the waters of a stream, the Naturalist's natural Karma would increase, thus ensuring that, in times of desperate need, Nature would return the favor. Naturalists would have a full range of healing spells, buffs and offensive spells, but in addition, as their Karma increased, they could summon swarms of animals, charm a pet wolf or animate a flesh-eating tree to defend them. Naturalists would fare much better in wooded areas, as there would more surrounding Nature to fend off their enemies and protect them.