Simplifying D&D - variant humans?

[Ry]

OK, so I'm thinking of simplifying D&D some more, and for me, that means reducing some of the interdependence of the systems. Anyone have ideas for a variant generic "human" race, that would be balanced with the core races, but not require a feat system to exist?

 

[Doomhawk]

I hope you're not removing the feat system entirely, right? Because it sure seems like that would gut D&D right there; a LOT of things are accounted for by feats...

But it sounds like you're just reducing interdependence, so nevermind, things should be fine. My idea is to allow humans to choose a single skill and have it always count as a class skill for them. This synergizes nicely with their extra skill point, although you may see a massive increase in characters with Use Magic Device.

 

[Turanil]

My idea is to allow humans to choose a single skill and have it always count as a class skill for them. This synergizes nicely with their extra skill point, although you may see a massive increase in characters with Use Magic Device.

Good idea, but why Use Magic Device? I would rather say Spot or Listen would be the skill mostly chosen.

Also you could add this: a human character can decrease any ability score by two points, then add that two points to any other ability score of their choice. This would make a great advantage.

 

[AeroDm]

A simple solution is to allow them to choose a single ability from a list of say five or six... I'd suggest some of the more common feats (but don't phrase them as feats). Say +4 to initiative, +2 to any save, +3 to any skill, or +3 hit points.

 

[Cheiromancer]

Take away the bonus skill points and feats, but let the player add +2 to any one ability score.