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There would less disagreement if there was more consistency of argument.

Combat roles are just groupings of related combat activities, and they are not unique. For example we could call an archer and a great weapon using barbarian strikers or we could call the archer artillery and the barbarian a brute or a 'Sturdy Brawler'. Either is completely correct, it is just...

This is the crux of it. The central question is: In the design process, does thinking about how a class will function or be used, mean that it must be designed around a specific role. And the answer is no. This is the choice that 5e makes. Because considering how the fighter or wizard or warlock...

Can you explain this point more fully? I don't understand it as written.

Because the philosophy of 4e was design a class for a particular role. (Note that this is different than saying that 4e classes are limited to a certain role.) In 4e a class begins with a combat role and then the powers and class features given to that class are chosen to accentuate that given...

1) Niche protection. a 4e rogue has no exclusive skills that a non-rogue can't have. The 1e thief is the unique source for some types of non-combat utilities. 2) Reliability of damage. As you've agreed, a 1e thief is only likely to sneak attack once per combat. Moreover, compared to the 1e...

Stat increases, magic weapons (or inherent bounuses) and the half-level bonus do not scale with monster defenses. If you don't use your feats to improve your accuracy the amount of damage you can do will go down dramatically as you level, never mind the difference with a character built to...

Not really, you're talking 5d8 damage with almost certainly no Strength bonus, so average 22.5 + magic. At that same level you're non-specialized fighter with the same longsword is attacking twice with, probably, a slightly greater chance to hit (even including the +4, and probably a higher...

Well first I'd disagree with your definition from the last paragraph, in particular 'burst'. In my experience the thief in AD&D and 2e was not a striker at all, because sneak attack is damn hard to get; it was generally only once per encounter if that. After that the thief was the least...

Neonchameleon The difference between pre-3e and 4e is how roles fit into class definition. In 4e classes are (largely) defined by a combination of power source and default role. Martial Striker vs Arcane Controller, etc. In the pre-3e classes are largely defined by power source(s) alone. The...

One thing about roles is that they're isn't a unique set. For example, in 4e you can have the 4 PHB class roles, but you can just as easily reclassify the classes into the more expansive DMG monster roles (i.e.: Sorcerer as Artillery, Rogue as Lurker). Neither is right or wrong, there just isn't...

I like the way it's currently implemented. Combat bonuses for a favored enemy always are too campaign and DM dependent. Here the favored enemy is fluffy stuff that doesn't bother you too much if your campaign doesn't let you use them. The Hunter's prey, Defensive Tactics, etc chain seems a much...

This is really excellent analysis!! I look forward to reading your notes for the other archetypes of the Rogue.

I can definitely understand being put off by the lack of high modifiers in 5E. I do think that the monsters are tough enough relatives of the power levels of the players. It might not seem so at first glance. But it actually playing the game it's definitely not easy. Slightly off-topic but I...

This spell can be directly countered by Counterspell (as it is cast), or Mislead can be used as means to facilitate escape. For the mildly higher level wizard Contingency is an even better form of escape. And of course Move and Dash can also be used to escape. Every now and then, a party will...

Note the wording: (emphasis added) You don't need to reapply the Hex right away, as long you don't lose your concentration or let your cursed target escape, you can reapply to a new target in the next combat before the time period ends. It does become less useful at higher levels because...

Polymorph only allows you to take the form of a beast. This also limits you to CR8 according to kerbarian

C'mon man, don't do that to this thread. The only relevant topics would be what spells or powers would need editing in 4e to prevent game breakage, not yet another why edition x.xx isn't cool for me threadjack.

After playing more, I'm starting to change my mind on polymorph. Concentration is really tough unless you take War Caster AND Resilient (Con). Even with War Caster any degree of focus fire and you can't maintain the polymorphed beast form for more than 2-3 rounds (on average). The druid has a...

I've been working on this character myself. It seems very similar overall to the Ranger. Not quite as much AC or melee damage as the fighter and paladin, but more utility and versatility. The Fiend is definitely the best patron, for a pact lock. Also keep a close eye on your spell list. I feel...