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<blockquote data-quote="thecasualoblivion" data-source="post: 4654049" data-attributes="member: 59096">Roles are an improvement from a game design perspective. Every edition of D&amp;D has been a combat game first and foremost. Without clearly defined roles the game was built around, problems arose. For example:1. The AD&amp;D Thief, who largely failed at life in combat as a stand alone class.2. AD&amp;D muticlassing, which was completely overpowered until after level 9-10.3. 3E classes like Bard, Monk, Soulknife who failed to do anything well in combat.4. 3E classes like Wizard, Cleric and most of all Druid who could do most everything well, often at the same time.Having clearly defined roles accomplishes two things. First, it prevents creating character classes that fail at life(adventuring). You're an adventurer, you put yourself in harm's way and kill things. You have to be good at some aspect of that. Second, it prevents uber characters who can do it all at the expense of those who can't. The rule for this is that while you can dabble in other roles(A well built Fighter can come real close to being a Defender/Striker/Controller and do all of them well and at the same time), there are no full hybrids.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="thecasualoblivion, post: 4654049, member: 59096"] Roles are an improvement from a game design perspective. Every edition of D&D has been a combat game first and foremost. Without clearly defined roles the game was built around, problems arose. For example: 1. The AD&D Thief, who largely failed at life in combat as a stand alone class. 2. AD&D muticlassing, which was completely overpowered until after level 9-10. 3. 3E classes like Bard, Monk, Soulknife who failed to do anything well in combat. 4. 3E classes like Wizard, Cleric and most of all Druid who could do most everything well, often at the same time. Having clearly defined roles accomplishes two things. First, it prevents creating character classes that fail at life(adventuring). You're an adventurer, you put yourself in harm's way and kill things. You have to be good at some aspect of that. Second, it prevents uber characters who can do it all at the expense of those who can't. The rule for this is that while you can dabble in other roles(A well built Fighter can come real close to being a Defender/Striker/Controller and do all of them well and at the same time), there are no full hybrids. [/QUOTE]

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