Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="FireLance" data-source="post: 1774991" data-attributes="member: 3424">Thanks for all the input so far. Perhaps I can try to get a better handle on what I'm thinking about when I use the term "complexity". The basic idea is that some elements of D&D ought to come with a warning label: if you're new to D&D (or you're a new DM), you might want to ignore this option for now because there are potential pitfalls. It's not just a question of balance between classes, but that does come into the picture. An ineffectively played bard, or a ranger that never gets to encounter his favored enemy may not be enjoying the game as result.Here's another attempt at trying to break down complexity, after taking in some of the comments above:1. Complexity of character creation/advancement- Number of choices during character creation/advancement- Long-term significance of poor choices at character creation/advancement2. Complexity of class in play- Number of choices during play (passive or active class features, number of active class features)- Need for special tactics to play effectively- Need for special tactics to optimize effectiveness3. Complexity of DMing- Need for special attention to make class ability effective- Potential to lose class abilities</blockquote>