Halrax
2021-12-14, 04:13 PM
So this is an idea I had a while back, and I can't tell if it's brilliant or stupid. To be honest it probably serves better as a model for balance than as an actual class, but you can probably use it in your campaigns. Goal is to be a super simple mid Tier 3 class with no class features.
Chassis: d8 HD, Medium BAB (3/4 class level), 2 + INT skill points at each level (or x4 at 1st). At 1st level chooses one save to have a good progression (1/2 class level + 2), the other two have a slow progression (1/3 class level). Also chooses any six skills as class skills. Has proficiency with simple weapons, light armor, and shields (but not tower shields).
Bonus Feats: Gets one bonus feat that you meet the prerequisites for at each level at levels 1-5. This improves to two per level at levels 6-10, three per level at levels 11-15, and four per level at levels 16-20.
Is this a dumb idea? Is it balanced at Tier 3? What options does it have that would push the optimization ceiling (or floor)? Would anyone in their right mind ever consider using this, even as a DM for a one-off character?
I think it actually takes a lot more work to create one of these than a typical character (at least with wizards you only have to know their highest level spells most of the time) and if you wanted to create a palette of genericists (meaning a group of NPCs for different roles that you can slot in when necessary) you would just use different normal classes.
Another thing about this class is that balance greatly depends on having enough feats available that are worth taking. I'm the sort of person that finds having hundreds or even thousands of different feats to choose from (including both official and homebrew) a really exciting thing rather than an overwhelming nightmare, but campaigns with more restricted options will find this class more or less useless.
I genuinely see the only real use for this is when making or evaluating homebrew classes, in which case you can use this as a benchmark. That or as part of a meta-discussion on how good class design gives both flavor and a variety of options within that flavor. But if you have any other ideas I'm excited to hear them.
Edit: added proficiencies.
Chassis: d8 HD, Medium BAB (3/4 class level), 2 + INT skill points at each level (or x4 at 1st). At 1st level chooses one save to have a good progression (1/2 class level + 2), the other two have a slow progression (1/3 class level). Also chooses any six skills as class skills. Has proficiency with simple weapons, light armor, and shields (but not tower shields).
Bonus Feats: Gets one bonus feat that you meet the prerequisites for at each level at levels 1-5. This improves to two per level at levels 6-10, three per level at levels 11-15, and four per level at levels 16-20.
Is this a dumb idea? Is it balanced at Tier 3? What options does it have that would push the optimization ceiling (or floor)? Would anyone in their right mind ever consider using this, even as a DM for a one-off character?
I think it actually takes a lot more work to create one of these than a typical character (at least with wizards you only have to know their highest level spells most of the time) and if you wanted to create a palette of genericists (meaning a group of NPCs for different roles that you can slot in when necessary) you would just use different normal classes.
Another thing about this class is that balance greatly depends on having enough feats available that are worth taking. I'm the sort of person that finds having hundreds or even thousands of different feats to choose from (including both official and homebrew) a really exciting thing rather than an overwhelming nightmare, but campaigns with more restricted options will find this class more or less useless.
I genuinely see the only real use for this is when making or evaluating homebrew classes, in which case you can use this as a benchmark. That or as part of a meta-discussion on how good class design gives both flavor and a variety of options within that flavor. But if you have any other ideas I'm excited to hear them.
Edit: added proficiencies.