Classless Systems [Archive] - Wizards Community

Classless Systems [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
MacsBug
11-23-03, 09:22 AM I'm looking for homebrew rules on variants for the class based system in DnD. Specifically, I'm looking for a system that uses more of a skill tree based approach, preferably with a general "skill tree" that everyone has access to, allowing players more control over their character's development. Does anyone know of (or have created) a system like this?

Thanks,
MacsBug
pointyears
11-23-03, 01:06 PM I don't know of any homebrew like that but there are plenty of point buy rpgs out there with almost limitless customization for characters. My favorite if the HERO system 5th edition. Once you understand it you can create any character you can think up. Then there's GURPS from Steve Jackson games.
Stuntman
11-26-03, 01:26 AM The Hero system is a classless system that I played before as well. Not sure what version, but it was in the mid 90's. You can pretty well create any type of character you can imagine. The down side is that there is a lot of arithmetic. I had to build a spreadsheet to keep track of all of the points that I spend on various powers. When you choose a power or ability, you also choose how many points you put into that power or ability. If you spend 40 points, it is twice as powerful as if you spent only 20 points. On top of that, you can also take advantages or limitations to a power that changes the cost of the power by a certain factor. Armour piercing makes a power more expensive, so you have to multiply it by a certain amount.

It's a trade off. The character creation is very complex, but allows for ultimate flexibility.
Dire Otter
11-26-03, 01:40 AM BESM is also a good 'classless' point-buy system. There's a d20 hybrid version now that should fill the role nicely.
ThorvaldHafgrimsson
11-26-03, 02:27 AM Harnmaster might be a good place to look for "Skill Trees" as they use starting professions to determine your original skills (theres a lot of leeway and after creation the field is wide open)
Greyman
11-26-03, 03:46 AM Originally posted by Dire Otter
BESM is also a good 'classless' point-buy system. There's a d20 hybrid version now that should fill the role nicely.Anime d20 (http://www.guardiansorder.com/d20/srd/#anime) is not exactly classless, but it uses Character Points to purchase skills, feats, and attributes (just as does the original BESM) as the classes level. As Dire Otter said, its a hybrid, but a rather good one.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
MacsBug 11-23-03, 09:22 AM	I'm looking for homebrew rules on variants for the class based system in DnD. Specifically, I'm looking for a system that uses more of a skill tree based approach, preferably with a general "skill tree" that everyone has access to, allowing players more control over their character's development. Does anyone know of (or have created) a system like this? Thanks, MacsBug
pointyears 11-23-03, 01:06 PM	I don't know of any homebrew like that but there are plenty of point buy rpgs out there with almost limitless customization for characters. My favorite if the HERO system 5th edition. Once you understand it you can create any character you can think up. Then there's GURPS from Steve Jackson games.
Stuntman 11-26-03, 01:26 AM	The Hero system is a classless system that I played before as well. Not sure what version, but it was in the mid 90's. You can pretty well create any type of character you can imagine. The down side is that there is a lot of arithmetic. I had to build a spreadsheet to keep track of all of the points that I spend on various powers. When you choose a power or ability, you also choose how many points you put into that power or ability. If you spend 40 points, it is twice as powerful as if you spent only 20 points. On top of that, you can also take advantages or limitations to a power that changes the cost of the power by a certain factor. Armour piercing makes a power more expensive, so you have to multiply it by a certain amount. It's a trade off. The character creation is very complex, but allows for ultimate flexibility.
Dire Otter 11-26-03, 01:40 AM	BESM is also a good 'classless' point-buy system. There's a d20 hybrid version now that should fill the role nicely.
ThorvaldHafgrimsson 11-26-03, 02:27 AM	Harnmaster might be a good place to look for "Skill Trees" as they use starting professions to determine your original skills (theres a lot of leeway and after creation the field is wide open)
Greyman 11-26-03, 03:46 AM	Originally posted by Dire Otter BESM is also a good 'classless' point-buy system. There's a d20 hybrid version now that should fill the role nicely.Anime d20 (http://www.guardiansorder.com/d20/srd/#anime) is not exactly classless, but it uses Character Points to purchase skills, feats, and attributes (just as does the original BESM) as the classes level. As Dire Otter said, its a hybrid, but a rather good one.