OSR Let's make Shadowdark classes!

[Scribe]

I'm not sure that creating a new multiclassing system and making sure it's balanced is easier than the very easy process of creating new Shadowdark classes.

That doesn't mean that's not a worthy goal, but I disagree with "easier."

100%

Feature from A, Feature from B. Blend up Talents. Average HP gains. Bob's your uncle.

 

[overgeeked]

I'm not sure that creating a new multiclassing system and making sure it's balanced is easier than the very easy process of creating new Shadowdark classes.

That doesn't mean that's not a worthy goal, but I disagree with "easier."

Or you don't bother worrying about the balance. Most OSR/NSR game don't bother with balance, Shadowdark included. Nothing's easier than a simple, "sure, let's use a la carte multiclassing."

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Or you don't bother worrying about the balance. Most OSR/NSR game don't bother, Shadowdark included. Nothing's easier than a simple, "sure, let's use a la carte multiclassing."

I would be interested to see the results from a safe distance.

 

[Scribe]

Or you don't bother worrying about the balance. Most OSR/NSR game don't bother with balance, Shadowdark included. Nothing's easier than a simple, "sure, let's use a la carte multiclassing."

I think there is a difference between the balance of OSR, and 'yeah I'm just a full on Fighter/Thief/mage at level 1'.

Especially when a basic framework could likely get knocked out in minutes.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

100%

Feature from A, Feature from B. Blend up Talents. Average HP gains. Bob's your uncle.

Here's a quick and dirty Conan-style barbarian, which took about 10 minutes to do, using exactly this method. Contrary to the Unearthed Arcana barbarian back in the day, this guy isn't beefier than fighters, but splits the difference between fighters and thieves. A good class for climbing the towers of decadent priest-kings in corrupt cities, etc.

Reaver Class

A thief and a slayer, given to gigantic melancholies and gigantic mirth, treading the jeweled thrones of the world under their sandaled feet.

Weapons: Bastard sword, dagger, greataxe, longsword, shortbow, spear

Armor: Leather armor, chainmail, shields

Hit Points: 1d8 per level

Grit. Choose Strength or Dexterity. You have advantage on checks of that type to overcome an opposing force, such as kicking open a stuck door (Strength) or slipping free of rusty chains (Dexterity).

Thievery. You are adept at thieving skills and have the necessary tools of the trade secreted on your person (they take up no gear slots).

You are trained in the following tasks and have advantage on any associated checks:

• Climbing
• Sneaking and hiding
• Applying disguises
• Finding and disabling traps
• Delicate tasks such as picking pockets and opening locks

REAVER TALENTS

2d6 Effect
2 Gain advantage on initiative rolls (reroll if duplicate)
3-6 +1 to melee and ranged attacks
7-9 +2 to Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution stat
10-11 Grit applies to both Strength and Dexterity checks
12 Choose a talent or +2 points to distribute to stat

 

[Scribe]

I dropped the Thief part on mine, but yeah thats all it takes imo @Whizbang Dustyboots

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I dropped the Thief part on mine, but yeah thats all it takes imo @Whizbang Dustyboots

This kind of homebrewing is a great way to make something bespoke for an individual campaign or the player who always wants something unique for just them. As long as none of the new classes are better at the core classes are in their niches, it's hard to screw things up too badly.

I went back and forth on the greataxe for the barbarian, since Kelsey correctly calls out that fighters being the only class that can use a greatsword is part of their balancing, but the greataxe does slightly less damage and is extremely iconic for Conan-style barbarians.

 

[Scribe]

I went back and forth on the greataxe for the barbarian, since Kelsey correctly calls out that fighters being the only class that can use a greatsword is part of their balancing, but the greataxe does slightly less damage and is extremely iconic for Conan-style barbarians.

She hasn't stuck with that though. She broke her own rule with Scroll 1.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

She hasn't stuck with that though. She broke her own rule with Scroll 1.

I believe Cursed Scroll #1 was done before the core book was completely finished, so it may have been something she realized after creating the Knight of St. Ydris.

I do think it's worth the niche protection for the fighter, which otherwise seems the class most likely to get dropped in favor of new shiny classes, based on D&D players historically.

 

[Scribe]

I believe Cursed Scroll #1 was done before the core book was completely finished, so it may have been something she realized after creating the Knight of St. Ydris.

I do think it's worth the niche protection for the fighter, which otherwise seems the class most likely to get dropped in favor of new shiny classes, based on D&D players historically.

I don't know, the last draft of Paladin had Greatsword, not sure on Pit Fighter.

I get it, but if she's not following it, a big honking sword is just too common a trope for too many melee options to tie to just Fighter.