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Message: <blockquote data-quote="FireLance" data-source="post: 1773353" data-attributes="member: 3424">The thread on <a href="http://www.enworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=101697" target="_blank">Foresight</a> and the recent discussions on having a simpler version of D&D got me thinking: the various elements of D&D - classes, races, skills, feats, spells, combat tactics, etc. do have varying degress of complexity. For example, feats such as Weapon Focus and spells such as Fireball are easier for players to use and DMs to adjudicate than feats such as Leadership and spells such as Foresight.So I was thinking, if we really wanted to have a simpler version of D&D, we could just rate the complexity of each element, and throw out those which are too complex. Anybody interested in such a project?I'm going to start this thread for the classes. If anyone else wants to start other threads for the races, feats, skills, spells, etc., please go ahead. My only request is that you put [Complexity] in the thread title so those who are interested in this project overall can find them easily.In rating the classes, I considered the following: how many choices the player has to make, whether special knowledge of tactics and tricks is necessary to play an effective character of the class, and whether the class is difficult to DM. The classes are rated on a scale of 1 (least complex) to 4 (most complex). Please feel free to comment on my analysis in subsequent posts.Barbarian: 1The player only needs to allocate a moderate number of skill points in character creation. During play, most class features come into effect automatically (though the player needs to remember to apply the effects); the player only needs to decide when to rage. The player can get by on simple tactics. DMing this class is also relatively simple.Bard: 4The player needs to allocate a large number of skill points and choose spells known during character creation. During play, the player needs to make decisions on when to use skills, bardic music and spells, and which skill, bardic music effect or spell to use. The player needs to use fairly advanced strategies to be effective. DMing the class is also more complicated due to the open-ended nature of Bardic Knowledge.Cleric: 2The player needs to allocate a small number of skill points and choose two domains during character creation. During play, the player needs to choose prepared spells and when to cast them. The player needs to use basic tactics to be effective. DMing the class is also relatively simple, but there could be issues related to alignment and portfolio.Druid: 3The player needs to allocate a moderate number of skill points and choose an animal companion during character creation. During play, the player needs to choose prepared spells and when to cast them. Wild Shape can be a complicated class ability due to the number of possible forms. The player needs to use basic tactics to be effective. DMing the class is also relatively simple, but there could be issues related to alignment and revering nature.Fighter: 1The player needs to allocate a small number of skill points and choose a bonus feat during character creation. During play, the player may not need to make complicated decisions if he has chosen simple feats. The player can get by on fairly simple tactics. DMing the class is also relatively simple.Monk: 4The player needs to allocate a moderate number of skill points and choose between two bonus feats during character creation. During play, the player has to decide when to use his special abilities. The player needs to use fairly advanced strategies to be effective. DMing the class is relatively simple, but there could be issues related to alignment.Paladin: 4The player only needs to allocate a small number of skill points during character creation. During play, the player has to decide when to use a small number of special abilities. The player needs to use basic tactics to be effective. DMing the class can be complicated because of the code of conduct and alignment issues. Ranger: 3The player needs to allocate a large number of skill points and choose a favored enemy during character creation. Subsequently, the player will also have to choose a combat style and an animal companion. During play, the player has to decide when to use a small number of special abilities. The player needs to use basic tactics to be effective. DMing the class can be complicated because the usefulness of the Favored Enemy is DM-dependent. Camouflage and Hide in Plain Sight can also be difficult to adjudicate.Rogue: 2The player needs to allocate a very large number of skill points during character creation. During play, the player needs to remember to use his skills and abilities. The player needs to use basic tactics to be effective. DMing the class is relatively simple.Sorcerer: 2The player needs to allocate a small number of skill points, select a familiar and choose spells known during character creation. During play, the player needs to decide which spell to use. The player needs to use basic tactics to be effective. DMing the class is relatively simple.Wizard: 3The player needs to allocate a small number of skill points, select a familiar and choose spells known during character creation. During play, the player needs to choose prepared spells and when to cast them. The player needs to use basic tactics to be effective. DMing the class is relatively simple.</blockquote>

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