D&D 4E 4E With Three Classes: Martial, Arcane, Divine?

[MarkB]

Anyone trying taking a "gestalt" approach and merging the classes down into the various power sources?

One of the issues I have with 4E is the limited choices, per level-up, of powers. And I also dislike that our two 5th level fighters are nearly identical (i.e., there's always an 'optimal' choice at each level).

What if we greatly increased the number of available powers by merging classes? A fighter could then, for example, select from the Fighter powers, Ranger powers, etc. A Cleric would have access to both the Cleric stuff and Paladin stuff. Yada yada.

Since the number and level of your powers doesn't change, I would think there would not be a huge impact on balance.

Any ideas? Anyone try that?

WP

If you're considering something like this, I say don't limit yourself. Go for a true classless system, and allow characters to pick out level-appropriate powers from any class at each level.