Elves
2021-01-30, 02:43 AM
The thing that sets 3.5 apart from other editions of D&D is its open multiclassing, which allows more complex character creation than is typical for class-based games. But one constraint it brings is that classes have to be designed so they're not too dippable. Dip concerns mean it's hard to start characters out with a complete gameplay kit, especially when you move toward a more modern class design, as they did in later splats like TOB and incarnum, where characters get an indefinite and comprehensive gameplay loop instead of some per day abilities and passive boosts like favored enemy. There's a balance issue and also an ease of play issue that arises from this: a ranger 1/fighter 1/barbarian 1 (early 3e multiclass) is a warrior who can rage once per day and gets +2 damage vs goblins, while a warblade 1/incarnate 1/binder 1 (late 3e multiclass) is continuously juggling three different subsystems.
Anyway, so here's a thought. What if the class you enter at 1st level is designated as your primary class, and certain class features are notated as primary, meaning you don't get them if you enter the class as a secondary class, or at least work differently as secondary features? These changes could be put in a "multiclassing" section in every class description, and primary features could be marked in the class table with an obelus or something. Perhaps certain feats, called hybrid feats, would allow you to unlock specific primary features of your secondary class.
This is basically a partial implementation of 4e hybrid rules. The problem it would bring to 3e, which 4e doesn't have, is to privilege prestige class multiclassing over base class multiclassing. But FTSOA that's part of the point -- base classes would offer a complete gameplay kit, while PRCs don't.
If you were making a d20 game or a "6e" that brought back open multiclassing, what changes might you make to 3e's multiclassing rules? Does free multiclassing in 3e go too far?
Anyway, so here's a thought. What if the class you enter at 1st level is designated as your primary class, and certain class features are notated as primary, meaning you don't get them if you enter the class as a secondary class, or at least work differently as secondary features? These changes could be put in a "multiclassing" section in every class description, and primary features could be marked in the class table with an obelus or something. Perhaps certain feats, called hybrid feats, would allow you to unlock specific primary features of your secondary class.
This is basically a partial implementation of 4e hybrid rules. The problem it would bring to 3e, which 4e doesn't have, is to privilege prestige class multiclassing over base class multiclassing. But FTSOA that's part of the point -- base classes would offer a complete gameplay kit, while PRCs don't.
If you were making a d20 game or a "6e" that brought back open multiclassing, what changes might you make to 3e's multiclassing rules? Does free multiclassing in 3e go too far?