Currently Adopted 4E Houserules - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Currently Adopted 4E Houserules

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
thecasualoblivion
Jun 07, 2008 17:11:24 After reading through the books, I adopted a few houserules. These are nothing compared to the books of houserules I produced for 3E. They are:

1. Ability Scores--I like point buy, but I also like the randomness of rolling dice. Ability Scores are generated by the standard 22 point buy, followed by rolling 3d6 once for each stat, and keeping the result if it is higher than what you placed in the stat with point buy.

2. Half-Elf--Half Elves gain the trait: Improved Multiclassing, which allows the Half-Elf to swap out an At-Will for one of the second class when taking a multiclass feat.

3. Feats: I added a few feats:

Improved Dilettante--requirement Half-Elf, replaces Dilettante power with a 1st level Encounter power of the class the Dilettante power was from.

Paragon Dilettante--requirement Half-Elf, Improved Dilettante, replaces Dilettante power with a level 7 encounter power of the class the Dilettante power was from.

Paragon Versatility--requirement level 11+, choose an additional At-Will power

4. I changed two of the multiclass feats, Student of the Sword(Fighter) and Soldier of the Faith(Paladin). Instead of granting a class skill, they provide a weapon, armor, or shield proficiency the character meets the prerequisites for.

5. I made some minor modifications to the Enchant Magic Item feat. In addition to resizing magic armor, you can use the ritual to make minor cosmetic changes to items at no cost. For the cost of 1/5 of the item's total value, you can change a weapon to another of the same type(ex. change a magic longsword into a magic bastard sword as both are heavy blades). You can also use this ritual to improve an existing enchantment without changing the base enchantment(ex. making a +2 vicious longbow into a +3 vicious longbow) by paying the difference in item value.
#2
scion9x_dup
Jun 07, 2008 19:15:53 Number 4 is definitely a good call.
#3
SoulCatcher78
Jun 08, 2008 7:43:21 2 and 3 read like winners. I'd like to see them in play before permanently adopting them though.
#4
eldritch_lord
Jun 08, 2008 22:00:00 I don't think 1 is a good idea; that encourages people to go for 18s in their primary scores, 16s in secondaries, and dump the rest in hopes of rolling above an 8. The others look great, though--I might have to steal 4 and 5.
#5
thecasualoblivion
Jun 08, 2008 23:46:42
I don't think 1 is a good idea; that encourages people to go for 18s in their primary scores, 16s in secondaries, and dump the rest in hopes of rolling above an 8. The others look great, though--I might have to steal 4 and 5.

Its a gamblers choice, that is for certain. Rolling 3d6 you really aren't assured of any sort of results. I don't have much issue with the rule since none of my players abuse it(I've used it for a while now, for the last three 3E games I ran). It definitely isn't for universal use, but I like how it gets the character you want(point buy) while keeping the opportunity for random surprises from the dice.
#6
eldritch_lord
Jun 08, 2008 23:59:12
Its a gamblers choice, that is for certain. Rolling 3d6 you really aren't assured of any sort of results. I don't have much issue with the rule since none of my players abuse it(I've used it for a while now, for the last three 3E games I ran). It definitely isn't for universal use, but I like how it gets the character you want(point buy) while keeping the opportunity for random surprises from the dice.

Well, if it works for your group, go for it. However, the average of 3d6 works out to 10.5, so if you're starting with 5 10s and an 8 as per the standard it's in your best interest not to bump your 2-3 lower stats and hope the dice work out in your favor.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 thecasualoblivion Jun 07, 2008 17:11:24	After reading through the books, I adopted a few houserules. These are nothing compared to the books of houserules I produced for 3E. They are: 1. Ability Scores--I like point buy, but I also like the randomness of rolling dice. Ability Scores are generated by the standard 22 point buy, followed by rolling 3d6 once for each stat, and keeping the result if it is higher than what you placed in the stat with point buy. 2. Half-Elf--Half Elves gain the trait: Improved Multiclassing, which allows the Half-Elf to swap out an At-Will for one of the second class when taking a multiclass feat. 3. Feats: I added a few feats: Improved Dilettante--requirement Half-Elf, replaces Dilettante power with a 1st level Encounter power of the class the Dilettante power was from. Paragon Dilettante--requirement Half-Elf, Improved Dilettante, replaces Dilettante power with a level 7 encounter power of the class the Dilettante power was from. Paragon Versatility--requirement level 11+, choose an additional At-Will power 4. I changed two of the multiclass feats, Student of the Sword(Fighter) and Soldier of the Faith(Paladin). Instead of granting a class skill, they provide a weapon, armor, or shield proficiency the character meets the prerequisites for. 5. I made some minor modifications to the Enchant Magic Item feat. In addition to resizing magic armor, you can use the ritual to make minor cosmetic changes to items at no cost. For the cost of 1/5 of the item's total value, you can change a weapon to another of the same type(ex. change a magic longsword into a magic bastard sword as both are heavy blades). You can also use this ritual to improve an existing enchantment without changing the base enchantment(ex. making a +2 vicious longbow into a +3 vicious longbow) by paying the difference in item value.
#2 scion9x_dup Jun 07, 2008 19:15:53	Number 4 is definitely a good call.
#3 SoulCatcher78 Jun 08, 2008 7:43:21	2 and 3 read like winners. I'd like to see them in play before permanently adopting them though.
#4 eldritch_lord Jun 08, 2008 22:00:00	I don't think 1 is a good idea; that encourages people to go for 18s in their primary scores, 16s in secondaries, and dump the rest in hopes of rolling above an 8. The others look great, though--I might have to steal 4 and 5.
#5 thecasualoblivion Jun 08, 2008 23:46:42	I don't think 1 is a good idea; that encourages people to go for 18s in their primary scores, 16s in secondaries, and dump the rest in hopes of rolling above an 8. The others look great, though--I might have to steal 4 and 5. Its a gamblers choice, that is for certain. Rolling 3d6 you really aren't assured of any sort of results. I don't have much issue with the rule since none of my players abuse it(I've used it for a while now, for the last three 3E games I ran). It definitely isn't for universal use, but I like how it gets the character you want(point buy) while keeping the opportunity for random surprises from the dice.
#6 eldritch_lord Jun 08, 2008 23:59:12	Its a gamblers choice, that is for certain. Rolling 3d6 you really aren't assured of any sort of results. I don't have much issue with the rule since none of my players abuse it(I've used it for a while now, for the last three 3E games I ran). It definitely isn't for universal use, but I like how it gets the character you want(point buy) while keeping the opportunity for random surprises from the dice. Well, if it works for your group, go for it. However, the average of 3d6 works out to 10.5, so if you're starting with 5 10s and an 8 as per the standard it's in your best interest not to bump your 2-3 lower stats and hope the dice work out in your favor.