TerraDave
5ever, or until 2024
I agree with John Snow, part of the issue is just game desingers doing their job.
But I also think the real problem in practice isn't even "balance", its domination. Players have such strong prefrences that they will play, happily, builds that are somewhat underpowerd. Heck, I bet there where even some human theives in AD&D campaigns (to take an extreme case).
But the extreme case is the problem. When a cleric can buff himself up to fight better then the fighter, and then use spells out of combat to outstealth and outscout the rogue. He has now dominated both those classes. And that is not good.
But I also think the real problem in practice isn't even "balance", its domination. Players have such strong prefrences that they will play, happily, builds that are somewhat underpowerd. Heck, I bet there where even some human theives in AD&D campaigns (to take an extreme case).
But the extreme case is the problem. When a cleric can buff himself up to fight better then the fighter, and then use spells out of combat to outstealth and outscout the rogue. He has now dominated both those classes. And that is not good.