Sages and Specialists [2nd Ed]

[Beelzebub1111]

Has anybody ever played a character using one of the classes in this book? I'm getting sick of the same old classes, but I don't want to play some cheesy overpowered class. I just want to know if these things are playable.

I was thinking either Engineer specializing in traps, or perhaps an appraiser.

[Matthew]

I always thought they were more non-player character classes, maybe for use as a henchman or something? If you are just looking for a change, they are probably fine, but I have no idea how they might work out long term in a campaign. The various classes published in Dragon and White Dwarf might be good alternatives, as well. Here is a link to a discussion thread listing them by issue: NPC Classes. If you are willing to spring a few dollars, there are a few AD&D compatible character classes for OSRIC that Vigilance Press have put out:

OSRIC Unearthed
Old School Psionics
Old School Magic

[Beelzebub1111]

Those Dragon magazine articles seem interesting, I'll have to track down those issues.

[fusilier]

It's been many years since I've played 2nd Ed, and I never understood the rules terribly well when I played -- but:

One of my most favorite characters of all times was an Engineer built right out of that book. He was definitely a playable character, and certainly was more interesting to me. So I would have to disagree with Matthew. It's been so long, and I was never a power player or anything, but I don't remember feeling that the character was underpowered or always at a disadvantage.

[Matthew]

Just to be clear I am not saying that any of those classes would not work in a long term campaign, I just have no experience of doing so. :smallwink