Post by Wolfgar on Jan 22, 2009 14:14:16 GMT -5
I am wondering whether it would be more fair to change how hit points are done for dual classing. Currently hit points stay constant until the level of the previous class is exceeded. It seems unfair that choosing which class to be first should impact the future hit points exclusively. Currently it is better to be a fighter first and then switch to anything else. I see hit points as analogous to savings throws. They indicate your ability to avoid damage. With dual classing you get the better savings throw once you exceed the level of the first class. However, no such benefit accrues to hit points. Basically, why should a 5/5 MU/F have less hit point possibility than a 5/5 F/MU.
I could see several other possible mechanisms for handling hit points while not above the level of the first class.
Mechanism 1:
Roll hit points for the second class at each level. If the total in the new class exceeds the old class at any point then the new class hit points are used. For example, a 3rd level MU with 9 hit points becomes a fighter. He rolls a 10 at first level. He would use this roll and fighter hit points for all future levels.
Mechanism 2:
Roll hit points for the second class at each level. Average them with the hit points from the old class. This would likely lower a fighter turned magic user hit points, which would indicate no longer practicing fighting full time. For example, a 3rd level fighter with 17 hit points (8+4+5) becomes a magic user. He rolls a 2 at first level. The 2 would be average with the 8 and his hit points would drop to 14. They would continue to drop at 2nd and 3rd level, further evidence of his less martial behavior.
Mechanism 3:
Roll hit points for the second class starting from 0. The new hit points are used regardless of the previous hit points. Once the level of the first class is passed then the maximum hit points is used.
I could see several other possible mechanisms for handling hit points while not above the level of the first class.
Mechanism 1:
Roll hit points for the second class at each level. If the total in the new class exceeds the old class at any point then the new class hit points are used. For example, a 3rd level MU with 9 hit points becomes a fighter. He rolls a 10 at first level. He would use this roll and fighter hit points for all future levels.
Mechanism 2:
Roll hit points for the second class at each level. Average them with the hit points from the old class. This would likely lower a fighter turned magic user hit points, which would indicate no longer practicing fighting full time. For example, a 3rd level fighter with 17 hit points (8+4+5) becomes a magic user. He rolls a 2 at first level. The 2 would be average with the 8 and his hit points would drop to 14. They would continue to drop at 2nd and 3rd level, further evidence of his less martial behavior.
Mechanism 3:
Roll hit points for the second class starting from 0. The new hit points are used regardless of the previous hit points. Once the level of the first class is passed then the maximum hit points is used.