A new way to handle XP

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I’m thinking about creating a set of rules eliminate classes in D&D. I and my players believe that they are too constraining. I would like to enable my players to choose the abilities they wish their character to possess. I would remove the level-up as well since they will use their XP to buy abilities at the end of each game session. I will change the way XP is gained since I want the XP gain at each level to be constant (A level 2 character will have 1 000 XP and a level 20 character will have 19 000 XP). Of course, I will keep track of players’ CR, but they will be relative to the attributes they use. Example: in my system a mage that beats up a pig (hand to hand combat) will gain more XP than a fighter of the same level would while doing the same thing. After all, it is not logical for level 10 mage not using any spells to be considered level 10. I believe it would be possible and in my humble opinion, better than the actual D&D system. I still bought most of the 3rd Edition books for they contain the ideas, but I wish to transfer all the special abilities and feats in buyable abilities.

What got me into this is seeing how 3rd edition rules for handling multi-classing are not logical.
Example #1: A rogue 1/ bard 1, will have more skill points if he got his rogue level first.
Example #2: A mage 10/ fighter 10, has a base attack bonus equivalent to a cleric while having less spells, less powerful ones and not being able to wear an armour.

Does anyone has a suggestion that could help me? Is anyone interested in my suggestion? If you think it is not feasible please, do not tell me to forget about it, tell me why. I’m pretty there is a way around.

Note: I am not going to create rules to give out to people so that they don’t need to buy D&D books. I may use the abilities name but won’t give out their description and while I wish that people benefit from this, I understand that the books are for personal use only.

Note#2: If Wizards did not do it my way, it is probably to keep it simple. I know that this system will have its flaws.

 

a mage10/fighter10 will be able to wear armor in 3E and will have 6 more feats than the cleric.

as for the rogue/bard, well, depends what you consider most important to have at first, skills vs spell abilities

but else, I don't know, there are some guidelines to the old multiclassing way in the DMG, about having a multiclass at lvl 1. As for the idea, well I don't know, I think the rules are excellent and freedom bringing. You could try to make more classes instead if you want more diversion in special abilities.

But, alas, I love 3E the way it is hehe


[This message has been edited by Lokken (edited July 27, 2002).]

 

Well, naturally DnD has lots of inherent flaws. Many of them do not stem negligence or disregarding realism factors, buth rather to bring a game that the masses will enjoy easily with a streamlined gameplay.
Your ideas sound good. Have you by any chance looked at GURPS? It is close to what you're mentioning and is a very nice system imo.

 

I understand that you may not like the way that the game system handles all things, but if you want to change the game that drastically, why don't you simply design your own game. If you change the D&D system that much it wouldn't be D&D anymore. Some of the inconsistancies you noted are part of the game and cause a player to think about what they want their character to be like. They can take all these things into account before making a character and choose a path that best suits their untimate goals.

 

Gurtha a'coia, you have every right ot play D&D any way you want. I just unclear what your issue is with the standard rules. In 3E players DO get to select their ability scores, skills, feats, etc. How will your system give them more freedom?

In your two example I'm unclear what your point is.

#1 a rogue 1/bard 1 is still a secdon level character no matter which class you take first. True if you take the rogue class first you'll get that night 32 skill points at first and less if you take the bard class first. But who cares it's not about how many skills you have as much as the character concept. Don't be a power gamer.

#2 a mage 10/Fighter 10 has a base attack bonus of 15 just like a Cleric 20. I don't see an issue here. The M/F has 6 additional feats plus martial weapon prof. The M/F can wear armor they just have to take into account the spell failure % when casting. I think the two are rather well balanced.

If you want a more free form system than D&D may I suggest GURPS. In GURPS all aspects of the character are based on points. This maybe more what you are looking for.

 

I guess you are right Baldak, I realised it during the week-end. I was changing the whole system and it was not my intention. I tested my system on a plain fighter. Since my system is based on balance and a fighter is a lot less powerful than a mage at 20th level, a fighter level 20 was considered level 11 in my system. So it all went wrong and I would have to change just about everything. I will keep with the book rules and I will create my own classes. You are right too, Voltric, although my intention was not power gaming but balance, I will simply ask my players to forget about the numbers. Anyway, roleplaying is more interesting when played instinctively.

 

I'm glad to hear it's for balance reasons. I think the classes and races in 3E are well balanced for the most part. At least you are not dealing with all those different XP scales for each class like in 2E. If you feel something is not fair, or you don't like it, you're the DM - change it. But I think the 3E rules are a good road map to follow.