Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 leetz Nov 10, 2008 22:24:39	In the campaign I run, we use a very light-handed version of 3rd/3.5. However, when creating and then developing a character, we have toyed with the idea of the PCs starting off using NPC classes for the first several levels (no more than 3.) We figured that this was both a more realistic and interesting route to take. For example, if the PCs story was that she was a guard or hired muscle for someone/something, chances are he has no Fighter levels. Same thing with a PC who may have assisted the local witch (for casting classes) or the locksmith for Rogue-ish classes. As the story progresses, the PCs will encounter different NPCs who train/teach/show the PCs something that enables them to take PC classes. For example, if a PC wants to be Wizard, would they really just pick up some random magical tome of whatever and all of a sudden understand magic missile or would they hear of the old crotchety Wizard who may teach the PCs. Same thing with the Fighters academy, Monks monastery, Thieves guild, etc. We also pondered the same thing with feats to an extent. If you want Cleave, for example, go look for Gornock Big-Arms and he'll show you how to follow through correctly. It just made no sense to us that upon killing X number of goblins, a PC would learn something out of the blue. Plus, it gives great opportunities for quests and to flesh out the setting. Any feedback would be well appreciated.
#2 nielennielow Nov 12, 2008 0:43:24	The problem with NPC classes especially at the lower levels is almost a certain death sentence. The reason the PC classes have a lot of the abilities and feat they do at level one through 3 is so they hopefully wont get killed in one hit if things go right. If you or the DM doesn't mind fudging almost every roll not to kill characters and off sets the lost of abilities and feats with gear I'd say it might work but it's probably going to be more of a hassle then its worth and looking at the DMG there's only really one NPC class that is even suggested as a possible PC class and that's aristocrat. lol but that's my opinion.
#3 leetz Nov 12, 2008 9:45:35	That's very true when it comes to characters dying very fast, but we balanced that by having the party pulled into the story-arch by higher level NPCs for the first few levels, giving the PCs a chance to fight with some back-up. We also thought of the idea of giving Feats as rewards for quests instead of treasure and waiting every X levels and having everything mapped out at level 1. Thoughts?