Excerpt: Paragon paths (merged)

[Kordeth]

I like the idea of paragon paths, and that they're putting a significant number of them in the initial PH. I think I'd prefer that they'd put a bit more power into the paragon path versus the heroic class (perhaps more abilities that could be selected from either, as opposed to only from one or the other), but my opinion may differ on play.

What do you mean by abilities that can be selected from either? You don't lose out on any class powers in exchange for paragon path powers.

 

[Plane Sailing]

The exact quote is:

"The problem with defending the purity of the English language is that English is about as pure as a cribhouse whore. We don't just borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat them unconscious and rifle their pockets for new vocabulary." - James D. Nicoll

It's in my sigblock on the WotC site. With trollop substituted in for whore because their censor is nuts. Incidentally, Nicoll is "one of us." He's an RPG and sci-fi reviewer, and used to own a game store. The quote was posted on a newsgroup back in 1990 and has been erroneously attributed to many people, but actually originated with Nicoll.

Thanks for the attribution information - I've loved that quote ever since I first came across it; it seems to capture English so... well

 

[Campbell]

If we're going to use tradition as a guide the kensai has existed in a similar form for 15 years (it initially appeared as a kit in Dragon 189 - The Other Orientals [January 1993]).

 

[Kahoots]

I think this discussion has officially gone off topic.

Severely.

So, about Paragon Paths....

 

[FireLance]

Thanks for the attribution information - I've loved that quote ever since I first came across it; it seems to capture English so... well

English seems ideally suited for 4e, given how it kills beats up other languages and takes their stuff words.

 

[Fifth Element]

I'm about to win "Ridiculous Linguistic Debate 2008"

You must be joking. This is the internet. At best you'll win "Ridiculous Linguistic Debate, April 23, 2008".

 

[Andor]

 

[ThirdWizard]

For those who are mourning the loss of 剣聖 as a future oriental base class, it really shouldn't be one. 剣士 ("Kenshi") would likely be more appropriate for a base class. Kenshi loosely translates to "Swordsperson", although the weapon classification is a bit more specific than "sword".

Yeah, but then the DM would have to yell "FINISH HIM!" before every PC kill.

 

[FireLance]

I imagine that it will be possible to great a generic Paragon Path (perhaps called simply "Paragon") which instead of giving paragon-specific abilities gives a slightly broader range of class abilities by extending the pattern of heroic ability gains into the paragon levels.

One other way to "multiclass" within your own class might be:

At 11th level, you pick one other option from your base class, e.g. if you picked Artful Dodger for your rogue at 1st level, you can now pick Brutal Scoundrel at 11th. The encounter, utility and daily power you get at 11th, 12th and 20th level are simply selected from your class power list.

Not sure what you could get in place of the 11th level action point ability and the 16th level class feature, though.

 

[FireLance]

Purple Octopus Eats Bananas Attack

This makes me want to sic mind flayers on that dancing banana smiley.