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Message: <blockquote data-quote="FireLance" data-source="post: 2444961" data-attributes="member: 3424">I think there are two different issues here. First is linearity, which I would define as the idea that the increase in power that a PC gains at each level is approximately equal. The second is inter-class balance, which I would define as the idea that PCs of a given character level (or ECL, for PCs with a level adjustment) are approximately equal in power regardless of the combination of classes they possess.Linearity is one way to achieve inter-class balance, but it is theoretically possible to have inter-class balance without linearity. As several posters have commented, D&D is currently not linear. Nonetheless, D&D tries to achieve inter-class balance, but has not been entirely successful.For example, some people (including myself) think that multi-classed spellcasters tend to be less powerful than pure-classed characters, or characters that multiclass between non-spellcasting classes. One way to adjust for this is to have a Magic Rating (MR) that determines spellcaster level, which stacks with the MR from other spellcasting classes, and which increases even with levels in non-spellcasting classes (similar to how BAB, saving throws, hit points, skill points, etc. stack even if they come from different classes). The next logical setp is to have a unified spells per day table, where the number and level of spell slots gained by a spellcaster depends on his MR, so that a Clr20, a Wiz20 and a Clr10/Wiz10 have access to the same number and level of spell slots (barring class abilities such as a cleric's domain spells, or a sorcerer's extra spell slots, say). A Clr10/Wiz10 will thus have access to less powerful spells (up to 5th level), but is able to use his higher-level slots to enhance them with metamagic feats (Empower, Maximize, Quicken), and can cast them at the same caster level as his single-classed counterparts. This will make him more equal (perhaps) to other 20th-level characters. I believe Gez has fleshed out a system along that does this.As for the problem with level adjustment, one way I can think of to "fix" the system is for powerful races to grant level-based advantages as well. For example, the half-celestial template grants additional and more powerful spell-like abilities as the base character gains levels. Similarly, the half-dragon template could base the natural armor bonus and breath weapon damage on the base creature's hit dice instead of a flat number, and provide an extra ability score increase, perhaps increasing Strength by 1 point every 4 levels. I recognize it would be a massive effort to define level-based advantages for every powerful race, though.</blockquote>

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