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Message: <blockquote data-quote="MonkeyDragon" data-source="post: 4725227" data-attributes="member: 23929">I agree about halfway.On the one hand, trying to force characters into fullfilling an archetype sucks.  Let people build the characters they want and play the characters they want and don't get cranky because one of the "roles" isn't being filled.  Also, with all the options out there, the same class can be built many different ways and a character shouldn't be pidgeonholed.On the other hand, the system DOES work the smoothest (IME) when the basic roles are covered.  The problem arises when there IS someone to fill the role, and they refuse to do it.The rogue who refuses to search for traps.  He's the only one who can do it, and he won't.  The cleric who refuses to heal the party.  This one I've seen firsthand.  The cleric was a combat-monkey, all well and good.  He would bust out his good healing for himself and one other person in the party.  But there was one more front-line fighter, plus the people who stood in the back, and that's where things got stingy.  I was a backup healer and I tried to take care of what I could.I'm not saying that the cleric has to save all her spells for healing.  But when you have a character that fills a role, FILL THE ROLE.  Contribute your skills to the group.As far as characters not pulling their weight, THAT gets really frustrating.  I think it's every player's responsibility to make a character that can contribute on a mechanical level and WILL contribute on a roleplaying level.  Not necessarily a min-maxed overpowered munchkin machine.  Just pick what you want your character to be able to do, and build a character that's good at that schtick to the best of your ability.  Then when it comes time for combat (or another challenge), do what you've built your character to do well.  Mistakes happen, poor judgement happens.  But as far as combat goes, the game is about group skills and group tactics.  A person who consistantly fails to pull their weight brings down the overall effectivness of the group, which lessens the fun for everyone.  Ideally, a party should function as a well-oiled machine.  Teamwork teamwork rah rah rah!</blockquote>

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