Poll: Measuring Interest in Possible Addition: Semi-Classes (poll closed)

For the last hour I've been thinking about a way to add in scripted (non-hak) extra classes that would stack on top of the normal classes.

I'm going to, for the moment, call each of these a "Semi-Class". Suggestions for a better generic name are welcome.

The basics:
- Each PC could take 1 of these.
- You would actually have to manually put XP into the semi-class to advance it.
- The classes would only have 5 levels each.
- There would be several requirements to access the classes (like, level 10 minimum, maybe ability/deity/class requirements).
- The classes would not behave like normal classes (adding to BAB, feat progression, skill points, etc.).
- Some might grant "bonus feats" like the subraces do (as properties, so they won't help qualify for later feats).
- Some might rely heavily on the VC system for using their special abilities (so that new feats don't have to be added via hak additions).

So, what do you think?

Call them "class focuses" or "class specializations".

Very neat idea. I think a BIG advantage of this might be the ability to dump XP into them to gain skill points/bonuses in cross-class skills, or maybe improve bad save categories.... or make good ones better.

Also would be cool to be able to get feats that normally would only be available at 1st level.

Intitiative bonuses, save bonuses, skill bonuses, maybe a one time stat bonus (+2 or so), bonus feats (item creation feats or such)...

Lots of things would be possible. Selecting good "themes" and dividing the class focus choices between classes or making them generic enough to be avilable to all classes, or making some of each... lots of potential.

Customizing one's character even further = winsauce.

I say, this idea gets the green light! As daveyeisley said, "customizing one's character even further = winsauce." Adding semi-classes to Aenea would be like taking a delicious dish and making it even more deliciouses! And the idea of tying its functions to the vc commands - that is pure genius! I love the vc commands! Epic win everywhere!


Ok, I'm done deliriously gushing for now. But in all seriousness, it's a great idea, and it shows the level of care and intensity that Amethyst has for Aenea - and that is the main reason why I keep coming back.

Huzzah, Amethyst, Huzzah!

Sounds like a great idea to help specialize your characters a bit more, I agree with the green light.

The idea isn't so much of a class focus/specialization, as it is a "limited prestige class".

Here are a few I'm considering at the start:
Initiate of the Flame: can create some fire effects
Dead Stalker: good at fighting undead and winning
Storm Caller: has a...shocking personality
Dasher: very, very good at moving fast
Death Mechanic: trap specialist

Basically, talk to the right person to be initiated into the "class" after completing a quest, then put in the minimum xp, end up with the 1st level in the class. Keep putting xp in, move up through 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and finally 5th level.

You'd be limited to only being able to put xp in if you're not in xp debt, so it'd only be surplus xp you could use.

Since these are merely scripted "classes" and not actually tied into the character file, they would not give skill points or give access to feats you can only get at 1st level. All information would be stored as variables in the database and on your character, so any bonus feats I add would be those I can give as item properties.

It looks like there is interest, so I'll have to start planning things out and adding in the quests to gain the "classes".

I understand about the "no feats that could only be taken at 1st level", but what about bonuses to skills? (to simulate skill points gained from advancement)

Skill bonuses are a possibility. It just depends on if I think such a bonus would fit the "theme" of a particular class.

What about "pseudoclasses" as a name for them? (Yes, I still haven't decided).

I dunno. I kinda like Semi-Classes a little better than psuedoclasses. Makes them sound a bit less ... scientific.

Shall we vote on the name?

That's part of the reason for this thread...both to judge interest and try to come up with a good name.

Professions?
Trades?

Sub-Classes, sort of like sub-races?

Agreed on the "skill bonus" needing to fit the "theme", for example, Dead Stalkers would likely become more knowledgeable about their prey, so a bonus to Knowledge(religion).... which if they also took the creature lore fear, would end up being a nice synergy... especially if the feat's benefit scales with higher skill bonus, etc...

I went with Semi-Classes as a general term for these. Dead Stalkers are in, more on the way in the near future.

Woot!

Do Semi-Classes count towards total character level limits (i.e. no more than 40 levels of classes)?

Are Semi-Classes included in a Character's total Level count calculation (10 lvl Ftr + 5 Lvl Undead Stalker = 15th level Character) when determining XP gain for monsters killed, or able to use some weapons which have level restrictions, etc...?

Semi-Classes do not count toward the 40 level limit of the game, since they're not "real" (aka hard-coded) classes.

They are not included when determining xp calculation or when dealing with level restrictions.

I am a firm believer in Options.
Options are Bad, and Options are Good.

Options can make bugs harder to find and cludge up code.
They can also make the game experience that much more awesome.

In this case, of course, I'd love to see them in, and I'd really like to play a Dasher Ranger, with lots of Spot and Listen. Scouting FTW!

Hmm. Vampire, Monk/Dasher.

With haste.

Dear gods..!

Eventually, speed caps out when you hit the same speed as DMs. But it sure makes going overland a short trip.

Even better..... A vampire monk dasher with haste(or boots of S&S)...


......on horseback...

... now that's a combination I'd like to see... overland movement would be faster then Transference... lol

horse speed doesn't stack with monk speed

Hmm okay.. having not played a monk (ever) I didn't know that... maybe I should branch out and actually try all the classes... I just kinda get one PC, fall in love with them (flaws and bad choices included) and stay with them... I call it loyalty.. .. I've only played through the OC inc Expansions twice.. once was with a Ftr/Rog/CoT, second was a er.. Rog/Ftr ..lol....
... My two PC's in Aenea are a Ran/Rog/SD and a Sor/Ftr/PM... and I've not felt the need to try ANY other PW (Aene has me hooked)... so I'm not really diverse in the knowledge of the classes or how they affect things or even all the different special abilities..
.. in my old PnP days I was mainly a "grunt-like" Ftr (with some Sor and Rog thrown in).... so... yeah... I need to expand a little.. ... .... ....