When I heard that D&D 4e was going to contain a Warlord class, the concept just immediately clicked. Here was a class that represented all kinds of characters from movies and TV. This wasn't just the military commander leading a mercenary band. This was the guy who gave the crucial speech to turn the tide of battle, while on the front lines himself, battling and inspiring others. This was William Wallace or Aragorn, stirring the troops into battle against a seemingly undefeatable foe and keeping his allies going when the chips were down.
In the campaign I run, I've had a Warlord in the party since the beginning of the campaign at level 1 (he's made it to 15 so far.) Perhaps it's because of my feelings towards Warlords that I make him take some extra steps while playing. Whenever he uses "Inspiring Word" or a similar power, he has to tell me what his character is saying to inspire his allies. Now, if the Cleric uses a healing power I don't make her tell me what prayer she is saying to invoke her deity's blessing, and if the Fighter marks someone I don't require him to describe how he's getting the bad guy's attention. Those would certainly contribute to creating a more in-depth scene in combat, but for some reason, I am just hung up on hearing the Warlord give epic speeches.
Martial Power 2 has some great Warlord power names. "We Will Not Fail" and "No Gambit is Wasted" both put cinematic images into play. And of course, in a published book, Wizards can't actually use lines from movies without some legal questions. However, that doesn't stop me. Thus presented here are some new Warlord utility powers named from some of my favorite inspiring movie quotes. Can you name what movie they are each from (without Googling)?
There's plenty of other movies quotes that would work as powers too. "You Shall Not Pass" almost seems like a must for a Wizard (or Invoker) power.
There's also the untapped powers of 80's songs: "Shot Through the Heart (And You're To Blame)" has all kinds of possibilities.
Dave "The Game" Chalker is a long-time DM and editor-in-chief of the Ennie Award-nominated blog Critical Hits. Only once has he told a cat that "the line must be drawn here!"
