Jens,
The special abilities were purposely not accounted for. If you took into consideration the class abilities, then the average number of Class Points used to create each core class would be much higher. By not including the special abilities of the core classes, it ensures that the Journeyman class does not exceed the core classes in "power".
And yes, a Fighter is not a Fighter without bonus feats, a Rogue isn't a Rogue without his special abilities, a Bard isn't a bard without his, a Druid without hers, etc. But thats the other part of the point, the Journeyman class is
NOT a replacement for the core classes.
You can come close to replicating the core classes with the Journeyman class, but in most cases you come up short and are minus a few of the things that are unique to the core class you are replicating, i.e. replicating a Wizard with a Journeyman doesn't give you the ability to specialize in magic. Replicating a Cleric doesn't give you the turn undead ability. You simply can't replicate a Paladin or Monk or Druid or even Bard. Sorcerers since they are so lifeless are probably the one sticking point, but eh, oh well.. nothings perfect.
But if you have suggestions on balance, I'll gladly listen... but as it is, it should be fairly balanced and should play well with the other core classes. But as always, the individual DM should have the final say.
Jens said:
I can't find where the special abilities of the PHB classes are accounted for in the Balance Testing. If they are not there, what's the point? Most of the classes (well, not sorcerers
) get a large part of their abilities as special abilities. A fighter without feats isn't much of a fighter, is he? If you add the specials, the comparison will be useul. (Now, I may just have missed it... if that's the case, please tell me where it is)