Non-Ranger 3.5E Changes

[Tarrasque Wrangler]

So many threads on these boards are concerned with changes made to the ranger in 3.5. While I agree that the ranger could use some work, I'm hoping WOTC doesn't put all their eggs in that basket. I think all of the classes, to some extent, could use some work. Anyone have any notions along those lines, or knowledge about what we should expect?

Some random thoughts:

I'd like to see Familiar made into a feat rather than an automatic class ability. Familiars always seemed like a very campaign-flavor intensive thing, and I've run campaigns where it doesn't really fit. Plus a lot of players find having a familiar to be a drawback at times, and they shouldn't be penalized (by not getting some Familiar bonus) for not summoning one.

Paladins and monks need more options. They tend to be very vanilla, and they're the most restrictive in terms of multiclassing, which is how you can add a lot of flavor to other classes.

Druid weapons should be eased up on. The fact is, I've yet to see a player of mine play a druid and NOT get a scimitar. It's the best weapon of the bunch by far. Why can't they use a scythe? That seems to be a very druidy type of weapon, at least as much as a scimitar is.

Barbarian illiteracy, once again, seems like something that should be handled in-campaign. Why should an INT 7 fighter be able to read, and an INT 15 barbarian can't, just because he's from the sticks?

I'm not sure what should be done, but sorcerers really need something to make them more than fireball machines. A feat that lets them change spells known, maybe?

Just throwing this all out there. Any thoughts?

 

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

Druid weapons should be eased up on. The fact is, I've yet to see a player of mine play a druid and NOT get a scimitar. It's the best weapon of the bunch by far. Why can't they use a scythe? That seems to be a very druidy type of weapon, at least as much as a scimitar is.

I actually tossed in a house rule for my campaigns that allow Druids to uses a scythe. Easy fix, really, but I do understand that some people like an "official" voice on the issue. Wouldn't mind it, but it wouldn't affect my games if they didn't change it.

 

[Staffan]

I'd like to see Familiar made into a feat rather than an automatic class ability. Familiars always seemed like a very campaign-flavor intensive thing, and I've run campaigns where it doesn't really fit. Plus a lot of players find having a familiar to be a drawback at times, and they shouldn't be penalized (by not getting some Familiar bonus) for not summoning one.

Not so sure about this. I think the familiar is somewhat similar to the paladin's warhorse or the druid's animal companion - something that's usually an advantage but sometimes a liability. Those who don't want a familiar can just live without the bonus as well.

Paladins and monks need more options. They tend to be very vanilla, and they're the most restrictive in terms of multiclassing, which is how you can add a lot of flavor to other classes.

Just dropping the multiclass restrictions would go a long way. That, and giving the paladin something interesting at higher levels, like more Smites. Monte Cook's paladin does just that.

Druid weapons should be eased up on. The fact is, I've yet to see a player of mine play a druid and NOT get a scimitar. It's the best weapon of the bunch by far. Why can't they use a scythe? That seems to be a very druidy type of weapon, at least as much as a scimitar is.

I think the weapon list is rather OK, possibly with the addition of the scythe, but what I'd really like to see is a removal of the actual restriction. The druid list should be like the rogue or wizard list, just explaining what the druid is proficient in. If the druid gets proficiency somewhere else, she shouldn't have problems using those weapons.

Barbarian illiteracy, once again, seems like something that should be handled in-campaign. Why should an INT 7 fighter be able to read, and an INT 15 barbarian can't, just because he's from the sticks?

I'd actually like to see illiteracy a bit more widespread.

 

[Tarrasque Wrangler]

I'd actually like to see illiteracy a bit more widespread.

Well, OK, I know that realistically most people didn't read in the Middle Ages. But this isn't the SCA. It just seems like a weird restriction to place on one class, regardless of the individual PC, as I noted in my example above.

 

[Merlion]

well they are saying all the spell lists are going to get some work especialy those of the bard druid ranger and paladin. Sounds good to me...the druid spell list does seem a bit short, and bards could use more unque spells. same for Paladins.
Bards are supposed to be getting more skill points(definitly a good thing) and some more Bardic music abilities, and general clarfication on bardic music and bardic knowledge. I love bards and I like the sound of the changes. I'd like to see them get a couple more sonic attack spells. some non mind affecting bardic music abilities would be nice to.
Monks are aparently going to be able to bypass DR with their unarmed attacks at earlier levels which I think is the one thing the monk class really really needed. Some expanded monk options would be nice to....even just a few more unarmed combat feats would be a nice start.
My only beefs with druid weapons: They should be able to use bows. and yea now you mention scythe is a VERY druidy weapon. its also basicaly a big sickle which they can use anyway.
Paladin well first and foremost I would like to see the paladin alignment restriction(and all the others) done away with. Most likely not going to happen tho. They basicaly just need some more stuff at high and mid levels. Monte's paladin does seem a good alternative.
At the absolute bare minmum sorcerers need to be able to use Quicken Spell. even if they full round cast time on metamagic remains, Quicken needs to be made the expetion to the rule. More class skills(cha based) and skill points would be nice. And sorcerers requiring material components to me is just silly. Personaly I like Monte Cooks sorcerer...I dont even think it really needs the reduced spell list allthough I havent gotten a chance to test that.
Thats pretty much my deal as far as classes.

 

[fba827]

I don't know why, I just really want to see a new Energy Type [Solar] descriptor - it will make judging spells that have a dramatic effect on sun-averse creatures a bit easier... I know, probably won't happen. And may not come up as much in other ppl's games.. just seems to always come up in ours (yes, spells that DO have it noted in the description, just some people like to interpret certain other spells that should even though it does not say it does).

 

[Someone]

I'm not sure what should be done, but sorcerers really need something to make them more than fireball machines. A feat that lets them change spells known, maybe?

Perhaps allowing them to trade spells per day for spells know (that is, when they gain another spell per day in a given level, they can choose another spell known of that level instead; that would only work with base spells, not bonus spells)

 

[Chun-tzu]

I think the best way to improve the Monk would be to classify most of their abilities as "chi powers." Instead of a set progression, Monks choose a chi power at every level. Instead of having spell levels, chi powers would have a minimum Monk level as a prerequisite. In addition to making Monks much more customizable, we would begin to see new chi powers in d20 supplements.

Then, throw in martial arts styles and a bonus martial arts feat every 5 levels or so, and you've got a pretty cool Monk.

 

[ForceUser]

I am of the opinion that druids kick butt and need no loving, and my player group feels the same. We are mystified by the fact druids are getting love. And for the record, the best druid weapon is the longspear. Not the scimitar. Reach weapons own joo.

 

[Anabstercorian]

I don't know why, I just really want to see a new Energy Type [Solar] descriptor - it will make judging spells that have a dramatic effect on sun-averse creatures a bit easier...

I actually really like this idea - It's very cool, and strikes me as the sort of thing that 3e is about, i.e., standardization and simplification.