Classless Character System for d20 Modern

[Malacoda]

I have written up a first draft for a classless, point-based character system for d20 Modern, and am hoping for some feedback.

I have converted all the talents to feats, for a total of 48 feats. Only Robust wasn't converted. It is quite simple and straightforward, but includes a number of options to explore, such as leveless advancement.

The nice thing is, it is still 100% compatible with the rest of d20 Modern, or at least very close. It won't require a bunch of conversion or cross-reference during play. And, in theory, it is all closely balanced with the normal standard character rules. I am not saying it can't be abused, but you shouldn't be able to abuse it too much. Besides, that is one of the inherent problems with point-based systems. You risk some abuse in trade for flexibility.

The system is too large to post here. If anyone is interested, let me know and I will send you the file.

Thanks.

 

[Malacoda]

It is quite simple and straightforward, but includes a number of options to explore, such as leveless advancement.

I should point out that the basic classless system still uses levels. It offers up leveless as an optional idea.

 

[Hollywood]

I have converted all the talents to feats, for a total of 48 feats. Only Robust wasn't converted. It is quite simple and straightforward, but includes a number of options to explore, such as leveless advancement.

Why convert the talents to feats? Especially if you keep levels, why not just allow characters to choose the different talent trees they want to take and progress through them?

 

[Malacoda]

Re: Re: Classless Character System for d20 Modern

Why convert the talents to feats? Especially if you keep levels, why not just allow characters to choose the different talent trees they want to take and progress through them?

Well, for multiple reasons...

1) It narrows down the traits that characters need to deal with. Simplicity and consistency.

2) Once you take away classes, what is the real difference between a talent and a feat? What is the reason to have two traits that nearly do the same thing and have the same cost?

3) If you take away class level, a number of the talents have problems. They offer bonuses and benefits based on class level, and since there is no class level, this is problematic.

4) It allows talents to be given prerequisites that include a level-based component. Otherwise, you have the problem with people taking talents before they would otherwise be able to. With some of them that actually isn't a big deal, but for others it would not be a good idea.

5) Did I mention simplicity and consistency? When everything feat-like is a feat, it makes for a cleaner, internally consistent system.

6) Excepting a couple of them, it was easy to do, so I had no reason not too. I had the SRD to edit directly.