OT: D&D and multi-classing.

[Jack Simth]

If you want to seriously cross the line with classes, go with G.U.R.P.S., as it has no classes at all. No levels or experience, either - it runs a point system; you purchase skills, abilities, and stats with points; a certain number are given to a starting character (dependant on the world, campaign, and GM; usually about 100 points) to initially build the character; after that, they are awarded based on the adventures. You would need to have some explanation (background) for the character - but the (theoretically, anyway) for what skills, abilities, and spells you choose is based on the character concept (and limits of the campaign world, as set by the Game Master). If you want a fighter-style character with some lockpicking abilities, you can - just hold out some points from the fighter design to add the lockpicking skill, and note that your fighter had a misspent youth (where (s)he picked up the skill, of course). Or perhaps the character dabbled as an escape artist. As long as it fits the character concept, fits the campaign world, and won't unbalance the campaign, it's fine.

[Fyron]

And I may want to role-play a dwarven cleric/druid without being penalized.

Then keep the levels of each class within 4 levels of each other, no penalty at all.

Multi-classing is still limited except for some specialized purposes.

The goal is to create an interesting character, not to tweak out the most powerful character you possibly can... being more diverse and flexible can definitely be a plus. This is why they have classes such as ranger and bard...

Plus, why should I be penalized if I don't want to?

Because there are rules... I don't want to be penalized in spell-casting from wearing heavy armor, but it still happens... And again, you don't have to be penalized. Just keep the levels within 4 difference.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:

quote:

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And I may want to role-play a dwarven cleric/druid without being penalized.

Then keep the levels of each class within 4 levels of each other, no penalty at all.

(Ok.)

Multi-classing is still limited except for some specialized purposes.

The goal is to create an interesting character, not to tweak out the most powerful character you possibly can... being more diverse and flexible can definitely be a plus. This is why they have classes such as ranger and bard...

(Well, I admit I am a munchkin. But not a horrid munchkin and I'm also a roleplayer. I'm quite willing to multi-class and accept that I'll have to take the good with the bad. I just don't want a weaker character than I otherwise would have if I pursued one class.)

Plus, why should I be penalized if I don't want to?

Because there are rules... I don't want to be penalized in spell-casting from wearing heavy armor, but it still happens... And again, you don't have to be penalized. Just keep the levels within 4 difference.

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And I don't have a problem with armor penalties. As a munckin, I want the best character I can get within the rules, as long as the rules are reasonable. And I don't think the multiclassing rules for D&D are reasonable because in most cases, they seem to result in weaker characters than I would have if I pursued one class. Sure, it might be realistic, but this is roleplaying and that should be about choices.

I see multi-classing as trading one thing for another and I don't want to get ripped off or have to choose to multi-class in a certain way, at a certain time to still have an equivelant character.

[ June 18, 2004, 05:44: Message edited by: narf poit chez BOOM ]

[Fyron]

Not all multi-classing combinations are very viable... some work great, others do not. Fighter/mage can work as long as you are not trying to be an evocation mage. If you just want to do lots of damage from spells, don't take any fighter levels, stick with pure wizard or sorcerer. But if you want to use magic to enhance your fighting abilities (bonuses to armor class, abilities, etc.), it works out fairly well and you don't need more than 4th or 5th level spells for this. This also frees up the party's real wizard from worrying about using spell slots to beef up your character, allowing him/her to concentrate on other spells, such as more fireballs.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

Hmm...That would only work with a DM that allowed you to put on your armor instantly, or by using a lot of spells. But, ok.

D&D is still to multi-classing restrictive in my opinion though.

Guess we just want different gameplay.

Back to the original question. Anyone come up with D&D multi-classing that's closer to what I want?

Side note, I once came up with a fighter/slash wizard class that got no bonus feats and could choose a feat when all classes get feats that would subtract -5% from armor and shield spell failure. Saves an average of both and max 3 spell slots, i think.

What do you think?

[ June 18, 2004, 06:24: Message edited by: narf poit chez BOOM ]

[Fyron]

Or just use light armor and have a really low arcane spell failure chance for that fighter/wizard... A bit of dexterity covers up the lowered AC from the armor (I just love how plate mails kill your dexterity bonus to armor... ).

It is not all that restrictive, unless you really want to have levels in 5 or 6 different classes...

[ June 18, 2004, 06:53: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

[narf poit chez BOOM]

Did you know that plate mail actually doesn't restrict your dexterity if it's well-made?

From what I heard, medieval knights could do cartwheels.

I think you convinced me on the multi-classing thing. Except for druid's. What are they supposed to multi-class as?

For those of you who are wondering 'What??', you missed the #se4 discussion. Go on #se4 more.

[ June 18, 2004, 07:15: Message edited by: narf poit chez BOOM ]