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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Hussar" data-source="post: 5899270" data-attributes="member: 22779">So, the solution to not having a given class is to bring in an NPC of that class?  Well, that's one solution sure.  But, it doesn't really address the idea that a given class is a necessity.  Balance, at least how I understand it, means that no given choice is inherently better than all other choices.  Yes, in some circumstances, one choice might be better than another (in a ranged combat, having a ranged attack of some sort is an obviously better choice, but hardly unbalanced) but, overall, there should not be one choice that is just better.2e two weapon fighting is my poster child for this.  TWF in 2e was just flat out better than all other melee fighting styles.  You doubled your attacks, which likely did more than double your average damage, at the cost of 1 point of AC and a couple of proficiencies.  There was no other choice that could come close.  So, IME, in 2e, every character that could, took two weapon fighting.  Why wouldn't you?  Not doing it was deliberately playing with a handicap.How does this apply to classes?  Well, that's pretty obvious.  If one class is just better (or worse) than other classes, then it becomes pretty obvious that chosing that class is a better idea.  That's the whole point of the idea of the Tiered classes analysis.  The casters are on top with everyone following.Yes, in your group, you might have seen lots of fighters.  Not everyone worries about it.  True.  But, it's still bad game design.  Let me put it this way.  If I came to you and said that humans gain no bonuses.  None.  And, all other classes gain nothing but bonuses, would that be good game design?  Why or why not?  If balance doesn't matter, then you'd still see lots of humans being played wouldn't you?  Or, reverse it.  All non-humans are now limited to 5th level.  Humans can advance unlimited levels.  Good design?  Not likely.  You're not likely to see a non-human PC.  If you want everyone to be human, I suppose this is a good way to do it.  But, generally, if you want a given option to be taken, it has to be at least in the same ballpark as other options.</blockquote>

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