Matt LeityJul 26, 2023
Dungeons and Dragons players: I don't really know how this website works, but if you see this send me your opinion on feats, or Vancian magic, or ... something.
Show threadAndyJul 30, 2023

@DMWolffy

Feats are my least favorite part of 3e+ and the #1 reason I'm trying to quit Pathfinder! So bloated.

Show threadBrandon Webster

@andy I’d be curious to hear your opinion on a game that completely removes classes/class abilities for characters defined entirely by “feats” instead of classes (especially considering I know you’re interested in #OSR/#NSR type stuff). The question being, is it feats that are the issue, or feats + classes/class abilities?

@DMWolffy

Jul 31, 2023 at 5:25pmWeb
Show threadAndyJul 31, 2023

@bwebster @DMWolffy

I'm unsure what you mean, could you rephrase the question?

My thoughts on class-less feat-based systems? Not sure I'm familiar with any.

Show threadBrandon WebsterAug 1, 2023

@andy @DMWolffy it’s sort of a hypothetical, because to my knowledge that system doesn’t currently exist. The closest would be #StarsWithoutNumber, which has three classes but most character differentiation comes from foci (basically more impactful feats).

To rephrase the question though: is your issue with open-ended character building through feats, or with the complexity that feats bring to a system that already has a pretty complex class system?

Show threadBrandon WebsterAug 1, 2023
@andy @DMWolffy I should admit, part of the reason I’m asking this is because I’m working on a class-less, “feat-based” system right now, which I would describe as a middle ground between 5e and the OSR/NSR in terms of complexity.
Show threadAndyAug 2, 2023

@bwebster

Got it. Or maybe another example is stunts in FATE? I don't really like those either and FATE is classless. (I still prefer stunts to feats though!)

Show threadBrandon WebsterAug 2, 2023
@andy maybe I need to go read FATE, I’ve never actually read it 😅 thanks for humoring me on what turned out to be a hard-to-convey question!
Show threadAndyAug 2, 2023

@bwebster

It's definitely worth a read! (Even though I just complained about it lol)

You are very welcome!