I have to be honest, I got a bit distracted from building the 3.5 Ed characters when the new Players Handbook 3 and Martial Power 2 was released.  One of the largest features there (besides new races/classes) was the Hybrid Character option…

Hybrid Characters are the real Multi-class ability for 4th Edition.  Most people were complaining that the [Multiclass] Feats had too many requirements and not enough benefits.  Now you are able to get the abilities and features of two classes, though at a cost.  Though this can be off-set with new feats in PH3.

Here is a short list of the drawbacks of Hybrid:
- Only keep weapon and armor proficiencies that are common between the two classes.  (Fighter + Wizard = only Cloth)
- Only get basic Class Features with special Hybrid Restrictions
- If you Hybrid a Psionic and Non-Psi Class, you loose a lot of Power Points.
- Forced Balance of abilities: Unlike the Multiclass feats where you can just switch out one power, you are forced to keep your powers balanced between the two classes.

Now for the wonderful Benefits:
- Hybrid Talent Feat grants a Class Feature or Proficiency from one class (some abilities are still restricted due to being Hybrid).  Giving you some of the best customization yet.
- You aren’t required to take two feats just to get another class’s Power.
- Expand the capabilities of your Job

My first inspiration for a Hybrid character is actually a Defender.  I always found it difficult to both Mark targets and deal enough damage to get them to keep their attention.  I found an interesting solution to this, which I will post the character soon in a separate post.  As a side note, the 3.5 characters are coming along.  Though I will have to cut down on the numbers to just a 5 man group as they are more complex (and harder to note and explain) than 4th Ed Characters.