Hello,
Brad Thompson wrote:
> 'Expert' NPCs are a great example of one of the shortcomings of 3e D&D - D&D
> doesn't model people well if there isn't a class (or mix of classes) that
> models them. Since pure skill-based games do this well, it's no surprise
> that this is the most common argument I hear about the advantage of pure
> skill-based systems. But comparing one game's strengths to another's
> weaknesses isn't really fair.
Ok, what are a class based games strengths? :-)
> I must surely acknowledge that the d20 System is not a pure skill-only
> system, because it has grouped some skills (like combat) into packages
> called Levels and packages called Classes, but 3e D&D is still skill-based
> at its heart. This was not true of prior editions, but it is now.
I see where you are coming from, but considering that skills are based on the
class you take, I would have to disagree and say that it is a Class based system
that makes good use of skills. :-)
> In combat, Jeric is limited to Light armor and Simple weapons. He chooses a
> Chain Shirt for maximum protection, and a Shortspear for it's superior
> Damage and Critical Hit multiplier. ............ If he were more of a fighter,
> well, he'd
> be more of an adventurer than clocksmith.
>
> ......... A
> single orc will cut him to ribbons.
>
> At 12th level ......... He
> is a match for a single orc, but two will bring him low when they flank him.
>
> At 20th level He will
> kill three normal orcs every round other round, and has a reasonable chance
> of beating a gang of 4. If his back is to the wall and 5 surround him, he
> is lost.
Not too bad for an old clock maker. :-) Now tell me again why an old clock maker
knows how to use a weapon effectively enough to kill that many well trained
orcs? :-)
Have Fun,
Darren
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