Knave
2010-07-15, 11:13 AM
Heya!
Been a while since I posted (or lurked, really), but I've had this idea after reading Unearthed Arcana a bit, especially the "generic classes" optional rule.
In short:
No Class features
No BaB, Save, Skill points, HP, Caster level advancement per level
In fact, no classes at all
Feats only
FINAL DESTINATION!
The idea is that looking at the classes (especially martial PrC but), you can break down each into a set of feats rather easily. then have a generic "no class" that acts basically as a restriction-less fighter... with even more feats.
You may think "That sounds rather nice Knave. I can already picture it, welcome to generic character-ville, population EVERYONE HAS THE SAME HIT/SKILL-POINTS, SAVES AND BAB ASDFAGASDF".
AHA! I knew you'd think that, and have already thought of the answer. The solution is that feats, on top of giving a new ability to the character, also give an assorted set of bonus to class features. For example, feats like weapon proficiencies, focus/specialization would give bonus to health, BAB, and fort saves, whereas feats that mimic class features such as back stab/trap finding would give lesser bonuses to the previous stuff, but more extra skill points and reflex saves. Finally, feats that can be used to learn spells give + to will saves and caster levels.
Okay, so now you may ask "Y DO DIS? D:"
Ease of character building, flexibility, and equal number of options.
With no classes there's no multi-classing, no stupid PRCs only worth dips. When you advance, you just pick the next feat that you want, add up the bonuses it gives and you're done.
This also ensures you get some actual useful goodies each level (hemhem fighter), even if you are not a caster. In fact, since casters will have to spend their feats on getting spells, this means that they'll be probably a bit more balanced towards non-caster classes when it comes to the number of options.
Also, no tables. Though, the statblock would be a bit more expanded.
Anyway, I'll start dissecting the classes and doing the math later, till then feel free to comment.
Been a while since I posted (or lurked, really), but I've had this idea after reading Unearthed Arcana a bit, especially the "generic classes" optional rule.
In short:
No Class features
No BaB, Save, Skill points, HP, Caster level advancement per level
In fact, no classes at all
Feats only
FINAL DESTINATION!
The idea is that looking at the classes (especially martial PrC but), you can break down each into a set of feats rather easily. then have a generic "no class" that acts basically as a restriction-less fighter... with even more feats.
You may think "That sounds rather nice Knave. I can already picture it, welcome to generic character-ville, population EVERYONE HAS THE SAME HIT/SKILL-POINTS, SAVES AND BAB ASDFAGASDF".
AHA! I knew you'd think that, and have already thought of the answer. The solution is that feats, on top of giving a new ability to the character, also give an assorted set of bonus to class features. For example, feats like weapon proficiencies, focus/specialization would give bonus to health, BAB, and fort saves, whereas feats that mimic class features such as back stab/trap finding would give lesser bonuses to the previous stuff, but more extra skill points and reflex saves. Finally, feats that can be used to learn spells give + to will saves and caster levels.
Okay, so now you may ask "Y DO DIS? D:"
Ease of character building, flexibility, and equal number of options.
With no classes there's no multi-classing, no stupid PRCs only worth dips. When you advance, you just pick the next feat that you want, add up the bonuses it gives and you're done.
This also ensures you get some actual useful goodies each level (hemhem fighter), even if you are not a caster. In fact, since casters will have to spend their feats on getting spells, this means that they'll be probably a bit more balanced towards non-caster classes when it comes to the number of options.
Also, no tables. Though, the statblock would be a bit more expanded.
Anyway, I'll start dissecting the classes and doing the math later, till then feel free to comment.