Guidelines for designing classes? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Guidelines for designing classes?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
quickleaf_dup
Feb 22, 2009 18:24:17 Looking through the class compilation I've been impressed by the work folks have done, though it seems the most common criticism is "over-powered."

I'm curious if anyone has guidelines for designing a new class?

For example, levels 1-5 effects should only last till end of your next turn.
Or, here is a list of conditions in increasing order of drastic effects.
#2
tequila_sunrise
Feb 22, 2009 18:36:49 At-will and Encounter effects should last until the end of your next turn. Daily effects should last until a successful save.

Encounter powers should deal 1[X] damage plus 1[X] per tier. For example 1-10 powers should deal 2[X] damage while 21-30 powers should deal 4[X] damage. And all that is assuming that the power doesn't have any major status conditions or other effects; if the power does, it should deal less.

Daily powers should deal 2[X] damage plus 1[X] per sub-tier. For example 1-5 powers should deal 3[X] damage while 26-30 powers should deal 8[X] damage. And all that is assuming that the power doesn't have any major status conditions or other effects; if the power does, it should deal less.

Hope that helps,
TS
#3
pigknight
Feb 22, 2009 22:40:34 Playtest the hell out of it.
#4
eldiran
Feb 22, 2009 23:46:00 Base your new class off of pre-existing classes; if your new power is comparable to another class' power, then it is probably balanced. Of course, be sure not to compare to anything the CO board talks about. (Example: don't design a paragon path by basing it off of the Blood Mage.)

Typical severity of status effects: (from least to most severe)
Deafened, Slowed, granting Combat Advantage, Prone, Immobilized, Dazed, Weakened, Blinded, Restrained, Petrified (assuming it is as temporary as any other effect), Stunned, Dominated, Unconscious.

Naturally each is more useful than the others in certain situations, and some statuses I didn't feel the need to, or couldn't decide how to, list.

Generally at-wills should not go beyond Slowed.
#5
quickleaf_dup
Feb 27, 2009 18:31:10 Thanks Eldiran for that list of conditions!

Any other advice on creating new classes?
#6
pigknight
Feb 27, 2009 23:23:42 Work on it a lot.

I've been working on my death knight since 4e came out.
#7
eldiran
Feb 28, 2009 2:51:42 Get a friend to play it for you! A excellent way to see what's too good and what's too weak, and hear about it from another's perspective firsthand.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 quickleaf_dup Feb 22, 2009 18:24:17	Looking through the class compilation I've been impressed by the work folks have done, though it seems the most common criticism is "over-powered." I'm curious if anyone has guidelines for designing a new class? For example, levels 1-5 effects should only last till end of your next turn. Or, here is a list of conditions in increasing order of drastic effects.
#2 tequila_sunrise Feb 22, 2009 18:36:49	At-will and Encounter effects should last until the end of your next turn. Daily effects should last until a successful save. Encounter powers should deal 1[X] damage plus 1[X] per tier. For example 1-10 powers should deal 2[X] damage while 21-30 powers should deal 4[X] damage. And all that is assuming that the power doesn't have any major status conditions or other effects; if the power does, it should deal less. Daily powers should deal 2[X] damage plus 1[X] per sub-tier. For example 1-5 powers should deal 3[X] damage while 26-30 powers should deal 8[X] damage. And all that is assuming that the power doesn't have any major status conditions or other effects; if the power does, it should deal less. Hope that helps, TS
#3 pigknight Feb 22, 2009 22:40:34	Playtest the hell out of it.
#4 eldiran Feb 22, 2009 23:46:00	Base your new class off of pre-existing classes; if your new power is comparable to another class' power, then it is probably balanced. Of course, be sure not to compare to anything the CO board talks about. (Example: don't design a paragon path by basing it off of the Blood Mage.) Typical severity of status effects: (from least to most severe) Deafened, Slowed, granting Combat Advantage, Prone, Immobilized, Dazed, Weakened, Blinded, Restrained, Petrified (assuming it is as temporary as any other effect), Stunned, Dominated, Unconscious. Naturally each is more useful than the others in certain situations, and some statuses I didn't feel the need to, or couldn't decide how to, list. Generally at-wills should not go beyond Slowed.
#5 quickleaf_dup Feb 27, 2009 18:31:10	Thanks Eldiran for that list of conditions! Any other advice on creating new classes?
#6 pigknight Feb 27, 2009 23:23:42	Work on it a lot. I've been working on my death knight since 4e came out.
#7 eldiran Feb 28, 2009 2:51:42	Get a friend to play it for you! A excellent way to see what's too good and what's too weak, and hear about it from another's perspective firsthand.