D&D 4E Point-based D&D 4E?

[firesnakearies]

Has anyone thought about trying to convert 4E D&D into a point-based and classless or mostly-classless system? Keeping everything else the same as far as gameplay, mechanics, and so on, but simply alter the way characters are made and advance, so that players have every option available, and can choose how to prioritize and allocate their "pool" of possible abilities.

I really want to. I'm not sure how to do it without upsetting the carefully designed balance of the game, though.

Anyone interested in discussing the idea here? I'd love to hear some thoughts on it.

 

[generalhenry]

without upsetting the carefully designed balance of the game

not possible.


which isn't to say it can't be done, just that it would have to be completely rebalanced if you want balance.


The real questions are: What would a point based system improve? What would a point based system break? Are the benefits worth the costs?


I'd say no. I think you'd just end up with power gaming.

 

[mattador]

I thought about it only briefly from the powers aspect. I was wondering if R&D used some sort of formula to point-balance the cost of powers based on their level. A base value for damage vs ac, +x points for conditions, +x for ongoing damage, +x for added keywords, etc...
Personally I'd like to have a handy power-generator tool so I could make a bard, barbarian, druid, and monk in one sitting and have them be mostly balanced without having to playtest every power at every level.
But, yes, such a thing would be abused by power-gamers. Although that doesn't mean that we, the responsible gamers, shouldn't have it.

 

[generalhenry]

Although that doesn't mean that we, the responsible gamers, shouldn't have it.

You'll shoot your eye out.



but seriously, what's the benefit? 4E is flexible enough to support character concepts.

 

[Ferdil]

I thought about it only briefly from the powers aspect. I was wondering if R&D used some sort of formula to point-balance the cost of powers based on their level. A base value for damage vs ac, +x points for conditions, +x for ongoing damage, +x for added keywords, etc...
Personally I'd like to have a handy power-generator tool so I could make a bard, barbarian, druid, and monk in one sitting and have them be mostly balanced without having to playtest every power at every level.
But, yes, such a thing would be abused by power-gamers. Although that doesn't mean that we, the responsible gamers, shouldn't have it.

I am working on a similar thing, you will hear of my team soon.