Starting with advanced classes

[Biohazard]

For my upcoming Modern campaign (well, on-again, off-again, but that's another thread ), I'm thinking of starting characters as 1st level Advanced classes, skipping the basic classes. The way it will work is quite simple:

1. Ignore Advanced class prerequisites.
2. Full HP + CON modifier (as usual).
3. Everything else follows instructions given for advanced class chosen: class skills, bonus feats, special abilites, etc.

Am I missing anything? It seems too easy to me...are there mechanics problems looming ahead?

 

[jaerdaph]

Am I missing anything? It seems too easy to me...are there mechanics problems looming ahead?

Hmmm, let's see. Essentially you want to make the advanced classes into core classes. If you eliminate the basic classes, note that you would lose talents in the game. Looking at the various attack, defense etc. progressions and other class features in advanced classes, you should be able to do this, but you might want to make sure class level access (as opposed to cross-class level access) to all the skills in the game are covered by at least one advanced class's class skills lists before you begin (i.e. make sure that every skill in the game appears on a least one advanced class's skill list). Also note that some advanced classes get more action points than others do, and some get more than the basic classes do, and since there are no talent activations to spend them on, they become more plentiful. I'd also take a look at any feat requirements for the advanced classes - a character without them might be "crippled" for a couple of levels until he or she earns that feat.

By default, I usually start characters in my d20 games at 3rd level. This is especially nice in d20 Modern because it allows the characters to get at least 1 level of an advanced class if they like. You might want to consider that option.

 

[Spatula]

Also note that some advanced classes get more action points than others do, and some get more than the basic classes do,

All advanced classes get 6 + 1/2 lvl. All base classes get 5 + 1/2 lvl.

and since there are no talent activations to spend them on, they become more plentiful.

Most advanced classes have abilities that require action points to activate.

I'd also take a look at any feat requirements for the advanced classes - a character without them might be "crippled" for a couple of levels until he or she earns that feat.

This is the one potential problem that I can see. The advanced classes are built with the assumption that the character has the skill & feat prereqs. If the prereqs are removed entirely, you could end up with some odd situations, like a martial artist without the combat or defensive martial arts feats. CMA would actually not be very useful to the character, since the 1st level 'living weapon' ability already surpasses it.

By default, I usually start characters in my d20 games at 3rd level. This is especially nice in d20 Modern because it allows the characters to get at least 1 level of an advanced class if they like.

Well, they could *qualify* for an advanced class at that point. The first level of an advanced class would be, at a minimum, a character's 4th overall level.

 

[jaerdaph]

All advanced classes get 6 + 1/2 lvl. All base classes get 5 + 1/2 lvl.

Don't soldiers get 5 + 1/2 lvl? I'm at work now or I'd check...

Most advanced classes have abilities that require action points to activate.

Oh yeah, duh - thanks for pointing that out.

 

[jaerdaph]

...

 

[jaerdaph]

Well, they could *qualify* for an advanced class at that point. The first level of an advanced class would be, at a minimum, a character's 4th overall level.

Well that explains why it hasn't actually happened yet!

Seriously though, you're right - I wasn't thinking, and don't have my book here with me.

Action points - again, never mind - I was thinking of the skill points/level.