Questions to Ask About a Class:

[jaldaen]

When developing a new class for 4e, what are the questions we should ask about the it?

This thread is inspired by a response in the Which Class Would You Like to See? thread.

1) What does this class bring to the table that no one else can do? (Quote from Andy Collins)

 

[Sir Brennen]

What role(s) will the class fill in a party?

 

[Khaalis]

Off the top of my head...

* Why am I designing this class?
* What role does this class fill in a group?
* What power source is this class and why?
* Why is this class needed?
* What does it provide that another class doesn't already?

 

[fba827]

Could what I am trying to create already be easily accomplished with the existing classes after one or two minor swaps of powers?
(basically, Will it be different enough from existing classes already available?)

 

[DreamChaser]

--> Will an effective implementation of this class make one or more existing classes redundant or reduced in efficacy.

--> Would this class be more easily created as a new "build" and set of powers for an existing class.

DC

 

[Quickleaf]

--> Is the class more than a one-trick pony? Are there enough power ideas to fill heroic, paragon, and epic levels?

--> Is the class a universal enough fantasy concept to gain traction?

--> Do new paragon paths spring to mind when you think of the class?

 

[katahn]

--> Will an effective implementation of this class make one or more existing classes redundant or reduced in efficacy.

It could be argued that a warlord makes a cleric redundant and vice-versa already. Both are leader classes and each capable of substituting for the other. Along the same lines this applies to fighter/paladin and to ranger/rogue/warlock. The entire point is that a class in a given role should be as valid an option for a party as any other class in that same role, the differences should be flavor and player preference.

My questions would include:
* Does this class adequately fulfill one of the core roles?
* Does this class try (or succeed) to fill more than one role at a time?
* Is this class as distinct from others in its role as cleric/warlord are for leaders, fighter/paladin are for defenders, and ranger/rogue/warlock are for strikers?

 

[fba827]

Oh, and another --

Is it practical for a typical D&D type adventure? (i.e. if it is 100% social type based then it won't see as much use/practicality as one that has some combat etc applications since combat does make up a large portion of _typical_ d&d sessions)