3.5e -- What REALLY needed fixing?

[Voadam]

I think doghead has a very good point: you can change a system all you want, and it still may never meet your expectations. In my case I find D&D too restrictive to my concepts, and like point-buy systems better. No matter what changes may be made to D&D, short of making it point-buy it will never come close.

Point buy D&D

 

[Woas]

I hear yea on that. I read some of the changes in this thread and I think jeez why not just cut to the chase and make 4e? There really isn't that much to fix. A lot of it could be 'fixed' by just being more clearly re-written.

Wow, looking over this thread, I can only be glad you folks didn't design the game. . . The only thing I can think of that really needed fixing is the number of skill points for the classes, and some tweaks to the skill lists. Otherwise, I've never had any of the problems mentioned, and I simply disagree with many of the proposals that don't seem like things in need of fixing, but rather, simple personal rules preferences (a completely different thread I think, for which, I'd have more suggestions).

 

[cignus_pfaccari]

I hear yea on that. I read some of the changes in this thread and I think jeez why not just cut to the chase and make 4e? There really isn't that much to fix. A lot of it could be 'fixed' by just being more clearly re-written.

Honestly, that'd be the primary thing, tightening up the writing.

Brad

 

[Silvercat Moonpaw]

Point buy D&D

The abilities offered don't feel open enough.

 

[Voadam]

The abilities offered don't feel open enough.

My understanding from talking with Spencer (the author) is that Buy the Numbers is exactly D&D point buy advancement using xp. I never got it as that is not something that appeals to me but it always sounded perfect for those who wanted D&D with point buy instead of levels.

If the ability to buy individual feats, skill points, class abilities, spells, HD, save bonuses, and BAB with xp instead of in levels is not open enough then I don't think point buy in D&D is what your looking for. Sounds like you are desiring different open ended mechanics such as say spontaneous spell formulae in Elements of Magic but expanded out into other areas of D&D beyond spell casting. Guidelines for creating character abilities.

The closest I can think of is the Expeditious Retreat Monster Builder book that provides guidelines for new monster creation using OGC monster abilities.

 

[Rodrigo Istalindir]

They should have done a SAB (Spell Attack Bonus) type thing, wtih wizards and clerics getting a full progression, and fighters and barbarians getting the worst. Spells known and spells per day would be based on the total SAB, and class abilities would determine spellbooks, etc. It would have neatly solved the whole multi-classed caster issue, and used a consistent mechanic that they were already using for saves and attacks.

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

They should have done a SAB (Spell Attack Bonus) type thing, wtih wizards and clerics getting a full progression, and fighters and barbarians getting the worst. Spells known and spells per day would be based on the total SAB, and class abilities would determine spellbooks, etc. It would have neatly solved the whole multi-classed caster issue, and used a consistent mechanic that they were already using for saves and attacks.

That sounds like a fine idea to me.

 

[Voadam]

They should have done a SAB (Spell Attack Bonus) type thing, wtih wizards and clerics getting a full progression, and fighters and barbarians getting the worst. Spells known and spells per day would be based on the total SAB, and class abilities would determine spellbooks, etc. It would have neatly solved the whole multi-classed caster issue, and used a consistent mechanic that they were already using for saves and attacks.

From Unearthed Arcana

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/magic/magicRating.htm

 

[Silvercat Moonpaw]

If the ability to buy individual feats, skill points, class abilities, spells, HD, save bonuses, and BAB with xp instead of in levels is not open enough then I don't think point buy in D&D is what your looking for. Sounds like you are desiring different open ended mechanics such as say spontaneous spell formulae in Elements of Magic but expanded out into other areas of D&D beyond spell casting. Guidelines for creating character abilities.

I probably shouldn't have said what I said about D&D and point-buy the way I said it. You're probably right: I don't like buying D&D-style character pieces. I prefer Mutants & Mastermind's style where pretty much every character piece can be reduced to nearly a few key effects and built up from there.

 

[jmucchiello]

My understanding from talking with Spencer (the author) is that Buy the Numbers is exactly D&D point buy advancement using xp. I never got it as that is not something that appeals to me but it always sounded perfect for those who wanted D&D with point buy instead of levels.

Yes, it is completely freeform. He reverse engineered every SRD character ability plus feats, bab, saves, ability boosts, etc and turned it all into an a la carte xp spending system. Want a feat? When you spend x xp, you gain it. Want +1d6 sneak attack, pay the cost. No levels, no classes. Just earn xp. Spend xp.