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View Full Version : Talent based Classes (3.5e)



Yora
2010-02-13, 09:13 AM
I really like how classes are handled in Star Wars Saga, so I got the idea to combine the basic 3.5e rules with d20 modern to create Talent based classes for D&D.

Here's what I start with:

If you're not familiar with Talents, think of them as class features, which you can pick as you like. At 1st, 3rd, 5th, and any other odd numbered class level, you can pick one Talent from the classes list, which the character qualifies for. This works very much like the Rogues or Monks special abilities. On every even level (2nd, 4th, 6th, and so on) you can pick one bonus feat that works exactly like a fighters bonus feats.

As it's still basically D&D, I start with four classes: Warrior, Rogue, Priest, Mage. You might notice that it's not exactly a 3.5e conversion, as there are more skill points overall and Druids and Clerics would have to be made as Warrior/Priest multiclass characters.

I plan to use psionic rules for magic, so most supernatural abilities are low level spells that require for example a shadowdancer or a monk to take one or three levels in the Mage class in addition to their rogue or warrior levels.

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Warrior
Base Attack Bonus: Equal to class level.
Hit Points: d10.
Good Save: Fortitude.
Poor Saves: Reflex, Will.
Skill Points: 4 + Int modifier.

Starting Feats: Armor Proficiency (Light, Medium), Weapon Proficiency (Simple, Martial).

Barbarian Talent Tree
(The Barbarian talent tree includes the barbarians Fast Movement and Rage abilities, and some other abilities that represent a savage warrior.)

Fighter Talent Tree
(The Fighter talent tree includes abilities of exceptional mastery over weapons and armor.)

Hunter Talent Tree
(The Hunter talent tree includes abilities like wildernes survival, tracking, and archery.)

Rogue
Base Attack Bonus: 3/4 class level.
Hit Points: d6.
Good Save: Reflex.
Poor Saves: Fortitude, Will.
Skill Points: 8 + Int modifier.

Starting Feats: Armor Proficiency (Light), Weapon Proficiency (Simple).

Assassin Talent Tree
(The Assassin talent tree includes abilities like Sneak Attack and other abilities for Dexterity based fighting.)

Scout Talent Tree
(The Scout talent tree includes abilities that improve perception and stealth.)

Thief Talent Tree
(The Thief talent tree includes abilities that allow the character to get out of tough situations and get around doors and locks.)

Priest
Base Attack Bonus: 3/4 class level.
Hit Points: d6.
Good Save(s): Will.
Poor Save(s): Fortitude, Reflex.
Skill Points: 6 + Int modifier.

Starting Feats: Armor Proficiency (Light), Weapon Proficiency (Simple).
Spellcasting: As a Druid (3.5e) or as a Psion (spell point variant).

Druid Talent Tree
(The Druid talent tree includes abilities that grant special powers over plants and animals, or allow the character to use mind effecting spells against them.)

Priest Talent Tree
(The Priest talent tree includes abilities that improve the characters healing spells and grant power over undead and outsiders.)

Shaman Talent Tree
(The Shaman talent tree includes abilities that grant power over fey and other spirits.)

Mage
Base Attack Bonus: 1/2 to class level.
Hit Points: d4.
Good Save(s): Will.
Poor Save(s): Fortitude, Reflex.
Skill Points: 6 + Int modifier.

Starting Feats: Weapon Proficiency (Simple).
Spellcasting: As a Wizard (3.5e) or as a Psion (spell point variant).

Elemental Talent Tree
(The Elemental talent tree improves the characters elemental spells)

Mind Talent Tree
(The Mind talent tree improves the characters enchantment and illusion spells.)

Shaper Talent Tree
(The Shaper talent tree improves the characters transmutation spells.)

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As you see, it's still very basic. As you can still be make as full casters, and other classes end up with effectively fewer class features, the Talents of Warriors and Rogues have to be much more powerful than those of Priests and Mages. Rogues will obviously get much lower Sneak Attack damage, but the class is meant more like a supporting class than a direct combat class. For combat rogues, one can still make Warrior/Rogue characters that take only those Talents from both classes that actually support this style.