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Thanks for the invite I'm guessing that it's my classless D&D system that I posted that got me the invite to this group :p Yeah, a working D&D framework that would allow just about any type of gameplay would be nice, sorta like a D&D version of GURPS I guess ^^

Being a 4E fan though, it's expected that my system would be centralized on two things (one iconic to the game, and one loathed by 4E-haters): ability scores, and powers.

I firmly believe that ability checks should be the norm, with skills being optional tweaks, since reprinting every skill + ability modifier and other rarely-existing modifiers seem to be a waste of print space and a potential waste of character building time if the group isn't into specifying what aspect of what stat is to be affected.  I wouldn't mind changing the +/- stats from +/- every 2 points to +/- every 3 points and flatten the DC curve and all that

I like the fact that powers are effectively class-exclusive feats + class features + spells (all different ways of saying the same thing).  I don't like the fact that people tend to forget that they can use their powers in various ways depending on the scenario, like using Thunderwave to knock tables and chairs over enemies [dealing small damage but primarily knocking them prone], or slicing a giant stone to demonstrate how deadly the group is [situational bonus via a powerful melee power], or coordinate a combo attack with one PC throwing a couple of vials of oil flask, another PC shooting a volley of arrows at the flying oil flasks, and another PC light setting the whole thing ablaze with an instant explosion of sorts (and all three walking away in slow motion while a conflagration ensues).  I haven't figured out how to make a compromise on that, although I suppose an in-game example should be apparent. 

Feb 2, 2012 -- 11:39AM, Qmark wrote:

You're a group moderator now.

A lego-kit approach to 4E's framework may have saved it from its impending extinction.  Instead, we just ended up with at least a couple dozen heavily overlapping classes for some reason.
Really, that's a problem all the Es eventually wandered into as well.

Wow, I'm quite honored Thanks

Yeah, I'm thinking that the classless 4E approach -- diluting every fluff-based aspect (including the difference between arcane and divine spells, etc.) and allowing DMs, players, and entire groups to have 100% control over their fluff, as well as the mechanical implementation of that fluff (through the "core" feat system, as well as optional add-ons like classes, power sources, paragon paths, epic destinies, themes, kits or whatever) -- would be a very good approach in preventing overlap + spell/feat/power bloat, and emphasizing how 4E embraces refluffing because all the fluff aspects are simply that: fluff.

I'm also thinking it could be an interesting jump off point for just about any campaign setting, especially since it has the same precepts as Gamma World 4E (which is race-based instead of class-based).

Personal Rant That Has Nothing To Do With This Group Or Post Show

 

Thanks for the invite.

Speaking of reverse-engineering 2E, I did the same thing with 3e starting 9 years ago. It's been a work in progress this whole time too. The same guy who designed 3e has his hands all over 5e and I get the feeling he's going to give the George Lucas treatment to it all over again. I remember reading the threads in 2003 on everything having to do with 3e and it was nothing short of an unmitigated disaster. The more you dug into the thinking behind the rules, the less they made any sense. Back then I had a thread called 4.0 Open Class System which was based on exactly what my recent thread was based on. The creative ideas and fantasy details are wonderful additions in 4e but it immediately felt more like World of D&D than just D&D. I was already playing WoW and I didn't need to play a board game version of it. I apologize if that comes off as insensitive to any 4e players

An Open Class System will never be the primary character creation method of D&Dn because it won't have enough fluff to be worth selling as a product. What I'm interested in, as a DM with 19 years DMing experience, is freedom but not in the form of a billion and one home-brew-rules. Honestly, I don't trust the Devs involved with 5e to do anything but cherry pick the features everyone liked and then try to cram it into one package.

Seems interesting. I've joined to keep an eye on what you come up with but I might chip in to help too, who knows.

Things will start picking up rather soon.