Single Stat Classes

[BobTheNob]

I was looking at a Paladin and just how MAD they are. Them and some other classes (Cleric, Ranger) are cursed with having multiple primary stats and I was contemplating what it would take to get them in line with all the other classes in so far as a single primary stat with secondary rider stats (linked to build).

Has anyone ever undertaken an exercise like this and do you have a link?

 

[FireLance]

Possibly the simplest fix would be to allow each character to attack with either ability score, so that a paladin could use either Strength or Charisma to attack with any power.

Alternatively, you could tweak the restrictions slightly, as follows:

Ranger
A ranger can use Strength for ranged attacks with heavy thrown weapons.
A ranger can use Dexterity for melee attacks with light blades and weapons with the offhand property.

Cleric
All weapon keyword powers use Strength, and all implement keyword powers use Wisdom.
However, a cleric can use Wisdom for weapon keyword powers if he uses a weapon from the mace, hammer or staff group (alternatively, if he uses his deity's favored weapon).
A cleric can use Strength for implement keyword powers if he uses a weapon that can be used as a holy symbol implement (and you may allow his deity's favored weapon to be used as a holy symbol implement for such clerics).

Paladin
All weapon keyword powers use Strength, and all implement keyword powers use Charisma or Wisdom.
However, a paladin can use Charisma for weapon keyword powers if he uses a one-handed weapon.

 

[eriktheguy]

Firelance has the right idea. This isn't generally an issue for rangers, though it can be. Getting -1 to hit because you only have weapon expertise with sword (not bow) is annoying. A further -1 because his sword is more magical than the bow adds to the pain. There is no need to add another -1 because the player took strength ahead of dex. You might as well go ahead and tell the player his ranger can only ever use swords.
I let multiple attack stat classes use one ability score for everything. I realize this is a little silly when a ranger uses strength for a bow, but you can explain that away with your years of DM experience.
"With a bit of extra pull on the bow you manage to put the arrow right through her shield. The goblin reels in pain as your arrow digs a good few extra inches into her flesh."
Really, is there anything so ridiculous that you can't RP it away!

 

[BobTheNob]

Yea, I can see how that would work to a degree. The thing I would say is that Rangers and Clerics are not challenged classes in terms of power levels (though I would not say the same for Paladins...yet) and the proposed changes would loosen up the rules, but I think they lend power to classes that already have enough IMHO.

What I am really looking for is something to get rid of the MAD frustration at the same time as not boosting these classes. I want the standardised more than anything else.