Are Racial Classes a bad idea?

[Coredump]

While in theory do-able; I think it would be WAY easy to make them overpowered. Any time you add a bonus to a bonus, it gets dangerous

The reason is because it leads to specialization, and since you are only playing one person, and not the whole race, it never balances out.
For instance, you pick a race that gets a +2 dex to be a thief. Well, as they go up in 'race' levels, they get another +4 dex, -2 str, -1 con, -1 wis. For the race as a whole, this mostly balances out. But since you are only playing one thief, it is pretty much all benefit.

It can be done, and could be cool, just make sure the disadvantages in theory, are also disadvantages in practice.

I would lean more towards PrC's that have a racial pre-req.

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[I'm A Banana]

I would make them PrC's, and call them 'Epitomes,' probably.

It's a cool idea....the races gaining more ability to make them more 'race like.' But I'd probably require about 5 levels in their favored class before giving them kewl powers (which is a really nice idea).

* Elves get speed, stealth, and spellcasting levels (but poor HD and BAB)

* Dwarves get combat prowess, stone-skills, and magic resilience, and perhaps the ability to forge magic weapons.

* Gnomes get illusion-like powers, nature-like powers.

* Halflings get extra save bonuses, and a bunch of stealth.

* Orcs get the highest HD, and a LOT of strength/rage abilities.

* Humans, as befits their versatile nature, can take ANY racial path.

SOunds sweet....I'm workin' on these now.

 

[Angcuru]

I like the idea of being able to haste myself a few times per day, Leto II-style. But would this have to be a straight progression, or would one be allowed to alternate say, a level of ELF with a level of Ranger or Fighter? And really, why would the elf suffer in terms of BAB? Any particular reason?

 

[blackshirt5]

They don't suffer too badly in terms of the BAB(you'll lose maybe one or two if you go all the way in it), but you do suffer for HD. And yes, you can alternate a Racial class with a regular one.

 

[The Proconsul]

I can't quite see the reasoning behind that one. Elves are great archers. Great, take an archer PC! Elves are also great wizards... Great, so take a wizard PC. [both of them can be Race-specific, of course.]

I would rather suggest racial feats. After all, if someone asks you about your profession, nobody's gonna answer "human" (or "elf").

 

[Bean 2.0]

the elves and dwarves have more prcs than the rest already try something for orcs, gnomes or even for creation's sake halflings

 

[kenjib]

Morningstar has just that. Even though they only go up to 5th level, they help to set the path that a given dwarf or elf will take for the rest of his life. Morningstar handles this as sort of a combination subrace/Prc.

Cool. Thanks!

 

[Kahuna Burger]

I would make them PrC's, and call them 'Epitomes,' probably.

too bad "paragon" has already been taken.

A human path I guess would be based on versatility. lots of skill points, bonus languages, bonus feats, adaptation to different environments...

Kahuna Burger

 

[Kahuna Burger]

the elves and dwarves have more prcs than the rest already try something for orcs, gnomes or even for creation's sake halflings

Halfling would be great. For starters they should get more speed. And massive escape artist bonuses. And evasion and slippery mind... paragon halfling....

 

[kreynolds]

So, what do you think?

I love the idea. I've played around with Prestige Races using both the Focus format and the class format. I've been tweaking a prestige race (flame freak) for the fire genasi' for a while now, but I think I've just about got it finished. I believe the old version is still up here.