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Message: <blockquote data-quote="FraserRonald" data-source="post: 2568853" data-attributes="member: 7892">Actually, thanks for the explanation of the specific problems you find with Talent Trees Assembled. I think I better understand your aversion of the product. I'll try to address the concerns you've raised.I guess I could have called them "class ability trees" or something similar, but because of the fine example of a linked group of abilities presented in the core rulebook, I believed using the term "talent trees" would actually avoid confusion. If at least one person is confused by the term applied to talents outside the basic classes, it is likely there are more. That is unfortunate. I honestly don't think using another term would avoid that confusion, as the term would have no point of reference, whereas talent trees does.Part of what has happened with Roles and Classes is a change in how we at SEP are approaching the idea of classes. The specialized classes are a departure from the strictures of class laid down in the core rulebook. They change, perhaps only tweak, class progression, as now there is a step between basic and advanced. Some people won't like it, some people do. I imagine it will be the same with these talent trees. Some people don't like talent trees outside of the basic classes, some people--hopefully--will.I'm afraid I don't agree with this, but I believe it is in part the application of the term "powermongering." I don't think the talents presented, along with their prerequisites, are particularly unbalancing. As in the example above, I don't think having CQD at 3rd level or having Clear the Room at 9th is unbalancing or powermongering. As illustrated, it would need the player to complete focus the character in order to achieve that, ignoring other possible and beneficial talents, not to mention the feats and skills necessary to obtain the talent. If a player wishes to have a character that tightly focused, the character will be top heavy, aimed at a specific situation, and outside of that situation, the character will be weak. There are those who won't agree and they won't purchase the product.I would completely agree with you if this were a feat. However, the Assault talent tree explicitly states: "The Assault talent tree is based on the room-clearing and hostage rescue training most special operations forces undergo." Part of that training, and therefore part of the prerequisites for entering the talent tree is accessing areas and facilitating that entry. As such, I would argue that Disable Device is a proper prerequisite.You are absolutely right. This is a design flaw in the product and one I committed believing brevity was important. It is one I can, and will, correct. I apologize (this is not sarcasm). I had not thought instructions would be necessary, but you are correct in stating that they are. There will certainly be individuals unsure of how to apply these new talent trees, and I have failed to provide a complete product by not addressing that.There will be an update, there will also be a web enhancement discussing the application of talent trees outside of the classes presented in Roles and Classes. If this is an issue for anyone reading, you can refrain from purchasing the product until this deficiency has been addressed, or you can purchase it now as RPG Now has a revision system whereby customers will receive revisions of products they have purchased. Further, the web enhancement will be free, so it may be worth your while to wait until that come out, look at how the product approaches use of the talent trees, and make your decision from that.As we were in the final stages of a big product right now, the web enhancement and update may take a few weeks. For that, I again apologize.In that the basic classes are generic, lacking a core focus, I would agree. However, in my game, and maybe in the games of others, I like to give my players the option of adding a focus or at least of doing something different, beyond what is presented in the core rulebook. That thinking directly led to the specialized classes. It is something that others will avoid, and that's fine. Everyone has a different style of play. If added talent trees available to basic classes is something that one feels would unbalance one's campaign, do not purchase Talent Trees Assembled.And I can understand that, which is why we will expand the product and offer a web enhancement outlining our approach to including talent trees into a campaign.Well, the product description does not hide the fact that these talent trees come from specialized and prestige classes, all of which are listed. I'm not trying to fool anyone as to its contents. I honestly don't think a more explicit warning is necessary, but others may disagree. What does everyone think the product page should have on it to indicate the origins of the talent trees, to help customers in their purchase decision?I will attempt to address some of your concerns with an update and web enhancement, though as I don't agree with all of your concerns, this will not change your opinion of the product. That's unfortunate, but expected, as not everyone has the same tastes. As for individuals being displeased, if they email me or anyone at SEP and let us know, we'll find a way to compensate them.Thanks for outlining your concerns so completely. I hope I've addressed at least some of them.</blockquote>

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