Feat Buys & XP

[Xaositech]

These days, there seems to be a bunch of feats numbering up into the thousand(s) range and there are so many choices to choose from. I've been considering the opportunity to present additional feats to be learned in addition to the standard level raises and character class bonuses, but only to a point that it wouldn't overrun the fighter's position to acquire the most amounts of feats (like a rogue would be able to gather the most amount of skills).

I've read scenarios about using 'training time' and 'gp' to trade in for a new feat, but it doesn't always curb excessive attempt to acquire new feats. I thought about also using the character's xp to be included in a feat buy similar to how arcane characters have to spend xp for certain spells and item creations. I realize that for a number of people, accummulating your xp is sacred and unless penalty of death, one shall not be tempted to spend earned xp outof concern that it might decrease their chances of leveling along with the other folks in the campaign.

Does anyone have any good ideas for a middle ground to be able to encourage to try out more / unique feats, but to avoid the munchkin min/max catastrophe? I've read concepts of offering separate 'xp' pool to be used specifically for this manner, but I'm not sure that using the term 'xp' would refrain from the players to issue ideas that if they don't spend those separate xp points on feat buys, item creation, spell 'fueling', can they just roll it over to actual character xp leveling instead? The questioni is bound to surface.

I'm definitely open to suggestions. Thanks!

 

[DonTadow]

I feel you. I hate that there are a billion feats, but the average hero only gets 5 or 6 feats in in lifetime... if its a superlong campaign.

You can go a few rights.

1. Introduce Iron heroes similiar rules where pcs get feats every 2 levels, and reduce the magical content of the land.

2. use the buy the numbers system that can be purchased at enworld. Allows your players to builld or level their character as they wish.

The easist method for me was to have characters build their character in the traidiontal leveling system, and then have them add to their character ala iron heroes.

 

[Tequila Sunrise]

If you want your PCs to have more feats, tell them to play humans and the basic BASIC classes that give bonus feats instead of more munchkin power (fighters and wizards instead of barbs and sorcs). As to the number of feats that exist, they don't have to. Even if you own 30 official WotC books like I do, you don't have to use them as I don't. Just because you or one of your players own a supplemental book doesn't mean that you have to allow ANYTHING in it.

I have no sympathy for anyone who complains that 'waaaa, I only have 7 feats at 20th level!'. Here's the world's smallest smily face crying for you .

 

[DonTadow]

If you want your PCs to have more feats, tell them to play humans and the basic BASIC classes that give bonus feats instead of more munchkin power (fighters and wizards instead of barbs and sorcs). As to the number of feats that exist, they don't have to. Even if you own 30 official WotC books like I do, you don't have to use them as I don't. Just because you or one of your players own a supplemental book doesn't mean that you have to allow ANYTHING in it.

I have no sympathy for anyone who complains that 'waaaa, I only have 7 feats at 20th level!'. Here's the world's smallest smily face crying for you .

Think about it though, in all the years of adventuring to 20th level, theyve only learned 20 tricks that no other warrior knows... beggessh. Thats why Im in favor of the true 20 system. Only three clases and you can replace any ability with a feat of your choice.

 

[genshou]

Myself, Crothian, and a few others give a feat every character level in place of the standard progression. It works great, even for human Fighters.

 

[DonTadow]

Myself, Crothian, and a few others give a feat every character level in place of the standard progression. It works great, even for human Fighters.

In some cases feats are very overrated. Having more than the normal amount of feats shouldnt overpower a charcter too much, its jsut another option that he may or ma not take.

 

[dvvega]

Having more than the norm does accelerate learning of certain combat trees, or allow a truly munchkin character to develop.

However if your group are decent enough you won't see much abuse.

The concept of only learning a few feats in 20 levels is pretty valid, though. As you get higher in level, further along the path you have chosen, you are more set in your ways and you've focused your energies in your feat selections. This is doubly true of the Fighter who gets a lot more combat feats to focus his combat skills.

That aside, I've been thinking that rewarding players for sticking to their character class by giving them an extra feat might be an idea. This should stop munchkin-ing in the form of lots of classes to get certain abilities and getting a prestige class that breaks things.

This would take the form of a bonus feat every 4 or 5 levels - thus someone who sticks to the full 20 levels will get a bonus 4 or 5 feats, while someone who sticks to one Prestige Class would receive a bonus 2 or 4 feats.

 

[Land Outcast]

My idea: Give a non-combat feat every 2 levels, starting at 1st. On top of that give the normal feats.

By non combat I mean: not directly enhancing specific combat prowess or spellcasting defense/offense. (examples: Endurance, Die hard, Iron Will, Lighting Reflexes, Great Fortitude, Skill focus, Run, Spell Mastery, Toughness, Track)

 

[ceratitis]

My idea: Give a non-combat feat every 2 levels, starting at 1st. On top of that give the normal feats.

By non combat I mean: not directly enhancing specific combat prowess or spellcasting defense/offense. (examples: Endurance, Die hard, Iron Will, Lighting Reflexes, Great Fortitude, Skill focus, Run, Spell Mastery, Toughness, Track)

we use something similar, on top of normal feats every player can add "flavour" feats at a rate of one every X levels depending on the settings. flavour feats can be "run in high heels" or "chug-dring potions with no aoo" or feats that give you a local benefit which will have a mild impact on building combat trees ect...
Z

 

[Nyaricus]

Myself, Crothian, and a few others give a feat every character level in place of the standard progression. It works great, even for human Fighters.

I've taken the "middle ground" and am now in the practice of giving out a feat every odd level (1, 3, 5, etc). You only have 3 more feats at 20th, but my players love it already

Buying feats using GP is non-sensible (well, to me anyways ) if you are only held back by how many more orcs you can kill. AND rogues would become very popular - thievery skillz, and all

However, giving more feats out in a regular game is a great way to do it, and not really a problem, so long as NPCs and monsters with levels get them at the same rate as the players do (note: this is a key balancer in this idea). Try it out, adn tell us how it goes