What did we do before feats, skills, and prestige classes?

[Quasqueton]

There have been many discussions about how to make certain characters -- archtypes, specific novel/movie characters, and just new and unusual characters. For instance, there's a thread on this forum right now talking about how to make a Legolas-like character, using two base classes and two prestige classes. Some folks are even suggesting non-core base classes.

I remember when Legolas would have been called a "Fighter 12", or some such. A "war priest" was just a straight cleric, an "abby priest" was just a straight cleric, a "traveling pilgrim" was just a straight cleric.

What did we do to make our archtypes, specific novel/movie characters, and new and usual characters before having feats, skills, and prestige classes? Back before we even had kits.

Quasqueton

 

[green slime]

We used something else. I just can't remember what it was called.....

Hang on.....

It's coming back to me now....

Yes, we used something called "Imagination". I have no idea where we got it from, or where it has gone today, or just exactly how it was used, but it was definitely involved somehow.

 

[Ambrus]

I started in 2e so back then it was all multi-classing, proficiencies and kits. Different tune, same dance.

 

[The_Gunslinger658]

I guess I'm one of the few that still use my "Imagination". I play a LG Elf Fighter but I play him like a Knight. I dont need no stinkin Prestige class or Base class Knight to RP my character.


Scott

We used something else. I just can't remember what it was called.....

Hang on.....

It's coming back to me now....

Yes, we used something called "Imagination". I have no idea where we got it from, or where it has gone today, or just exactly how it was used, but it was definitely involved somehow.

 

[JoeGKushner]

Well, I used to play Hero.

Or was it GURPS?

Maybe Elric?

Nah, must have been Warhammer 1st ed FRPG.

 

[Tonguez]

Personally - I played GURPS

 

[Hussar]

Or, back then, the character was called Fighter and had no personality since all we did was kill stuff and take their lunch money.

 

[The_Gneech]

HERO System. GURPS. Homebrew. "Anything but AD&D," basically, 'cause AD&D characters sucked.

-The Gneech

 

[diaglo]

We used something else. I just can't remember what it was called.....

Hang on.....

It's coming back to me now....

Yes, we used something called "Imagination". I have no idea where we got it from, or where it has gone today, or just exactly how it was used, but it was definitely involved somehow.

quoted for truth.

 

[Piratecat]

You know, as much fun as it is for old-timers to heap scorn on a more detailed rules set, I've got to disagree. That attitude strikes me as intellectual elitism, and it gives nostalgia too heavy a weight for my own personal taste.

I use my imagination as much or more in 3e than I did in 1e. I very clearly remember making up a dwarven fighter in 1st edition, and being incredibly frustrated that mechanically he was like every other fighter out there. Sure, I had an elaborate backstory for him, just like I do for my characters nowadays, but I always had the nagging feeling of so much lost potential.

That's no longer true for me. Maybe its because I play with DMs who respect the rules without being shackled to them (as my favorite DMs always are), but I now can match my character's abilities to the intricate vision I have in my head. I love that about D&D nowadays.