Classes ... Much Less Flexible than Advertised

[devoblue]

So Elves should play Rangers not Rogues? I thought we got rid of racial restrictions with 2nd Ed?

You say that like its a bad thing? Should all races be balanced with all classes? 3e had a whole lot of them anyway, like half-orc isn't supposed to play a wizard, etc.

 

[Bagpuss]

Let's not get carried away with labels that have no actual in-game significance, yes?

If they hand made the restriction hand crossbows, and allowed shuriken then perhaps I could get the reason for the restriction as it needs to be an easily concealable weapon. But you could still use a heavy crossbow but not a shortbow? You can't use a sap or light club, but you can a sling? Just seems arbitrary and illogical.

It's not all rogue weapons, which would have made some sense.

It's not even all concealable weapons, which could have made some sense.

It's not all piercing weapons, which might have made sense.

It's not all weapons which would have maintained the status quo.

It just seems a weird list for no particular reason, other than to limit character options. That's the sort of thing I thought went away with 2nd Ed.

 

[Pale Jackal]

Even if there is a feat called "use clubs as a weapon for your rogue powers" I still think it's a bad solution, having to spend feats on something like that. Also, I doubt the "rogue weapon talent" class ability, can be feat'ed.. And what about sneak attack? Another feat?

Why? If it gives your rogue a feat-worthy mechanical advantage under the new rule set... then why not? It allows you your concept, and keeps the game balanced.

 

[MaelStorm]

Halfling should make good Rogue

 

[hong]

In any case, we'll see full stats for the fighter at least at D&D XP, I'm sure. That might help answer questions on how easy it is to create a <100% ninja rogue.

 

[Thaumaturge]

In any case, we'll see full stats for the fighter at least at D&D XP, I'm sure. That might help answer questions on how easy it is to create a <100% ninja rogue.

But will it enlighten us on how to create a >100% ninja rogue? That's what I want to know.

Mmmmm ninja.

Thaumaturge.

 

[JosephK]

Why? If it gives your rogue a feat-worthy mechanical advantage under the new rule set... then why not? It allows you your concept, and keeps the game balanced.

Unless the club has been transformed into a mighty weapon of DOOM(tm) in this edition, I cant think of any mechanical advantage it would have over a light blade. Nor a hammer or handaxe (longtime favorite of dwarven rogues everywhere).. It's mainly a fluff thing really, and it seems very arbitrary and nonsensical to disallow shortbows or clubs from sneak attack. Having to spend a feat on a using a club for sneak attack (possibly another on using rogue powers), seems pretty silly, considering it's mainly about wanting to play a slightly different style of rogue, than the pigeon-hole one presented in the write-up.

 

[hong]

>100% ninja

Now I want that on a T-shirt.

 

[Thaumaturge]

Now I want that on a T-shirt.

/agree

Thaumaturge.

 

[Li Shenron]

I dunno, I'm a brutally honest person who has never shoplifted in his life, but I'm quick enough with my hands and good at distracting people that I regularly lift stuff from them and return it as a joke. I also find myself sneaking up on people accidentally.

That concept is rendered simply by the 3e idea that each skill has a key ability score. Never "practiced" stealing? To a certain extent you can do it pretty well just by using your dexterity. But potentially you will never be Arsene Lupin just because of a high Dex. It's a system that rewards dedication into something, rather than just finding yourself at level 30th being a top-notch thief, or cook, or athlete.

However I understand the reason why they made skills climb up even without you spending points. It's the "avoid non-fun situations". And I understand the reason why they make some skills automatic: lots of gamers simply think that every Rogue must be stealthy & good at stealing, the Wizard must be also a sage, the Fighter must be an athlete. It makes sense, as long as you don't want to stray too far from cliches (which personally sometimes I do).