I can swing my sword?

[galahad]

I'm not sure if others have had similar thoughts but don't you all feel it's a bit unfair that we're restricted by our archtypes to what exactly we can use physically?

I'm not speaking of the whole concept of course because I agree and like how the archtypes are broken down; However I think it's a bit unfair to some degree that those that choose to go Defender, for example, are now entirely without the use of a 2 handed weapon, as is say a Paladin is entirely without the use of a shield.

To "fix" this I've thought why not simply allow some Archtypes to be linked to another? I'm not talking about players being able to cherry pick from each Archtype but simply if one was to choose a Paladin as their archtype, they would also be allowed to construct a Cleric sheet for when they chose to go with a shield instead of a 2 handed weapon.

There would be no change what so ever to how the stats are placed or in fact the system at all. All it would give is a little more freedom to those that wanted it within their "linked Archtypes" and it would be expected of their "2nd sheet" to be as akin to their first as possible. For example a Melee focused Paladin would not suddenly become a Magic focused Cleric, they would have to be melee focused again.

I personally would link them as follows..

Defender - Warrior
Cleric - Paladin
Marksman - Ranger - Skirmisher - Assassin

Obviously you can see I've only considered the melee classes because the Magic Archtypes are defined on what they can do rather than their physical traits.

Now what are the real cons of this or in fact the downsides? Well I can only truly see two.

1.) Surely this makes it more complex? My answer to that being ..how? All this would mean is that where we would be used to seeing Baowin flail around with a 1 Hand and Shield (working from his Defender Sheet) he could now be seen swinging about with a 2 handed weapon. (Working from his secondary warrior sheet.) There would be no great change to his own stats other than the odd higher or lower stat due to those with a second sheet having to keep it as ICly close to their first as they can.

2.) Just because you're good with a shield and a one handed weapon does not mean you're as good with a 2 handed weapon! In most cases, yes. I can't out rightly disagree but what of those characters that have ICly trained with both? It gets very deep into the nitpicking but I still stand by that it's not the end of the world and would give those that wanted it a bit more freedom in their roleplay.

Thoughts?

[Shonn Bayerleyn]

This is not going to happen for one simple reason: customization and specialization.
If someone was to be so versatile about dishing damage, or withstanding punishment, or stealthing ... well the characters could simply be flex over one another too simply.

Technically I could as well copy the full Rolemaster or GIRSA system in and have you all syrup it, which is the top notch of customization of a character, letting even a warrior turn into a mage (which admittedly this sheet system is a very simplified version since in Rolemaster a Warrior has a cost list of 1 / 3 / 5 / 7 etc for weapon skills - and EACH type of weapon has its category apart, 1h bludgeon, 2h bludgeon, 1h edges, 2h edges, etc - and 80 / 80 / 80 / 80 / 80 for his spellcasting stuff.)

But pratically one can ICly swap to other weapons without having changes of char sheet overall to preserve a constant of how a char is.
If you know Baowin Sungrace is one who can take loads of damage - that's what Sungrace is.
If someone is a skilled Marksman - suddenly won't turn into a professional stealther.

[galahad]

Well there's no need to go to exaggerations over it Shonn, you've also ignored the point I was trying to make. It's not about suddenly becoming amazing at something you sucked at before.

For example a Melee focused Paladin would not suddenly become a Magic focused Cleric, they would have to be melee focused again.

The archtypes are labelled as..

Defender: "Requires use of a shield."

And so on with the rest of the melee classes. Always requirements, never a "specialty". As the melee classes are defined on the use of using an item rather any an actual trait of the person it just seems unfair. But as you said..

But pratically one can ICly swap to other weapons without having changes of char sheet overall to preserve a constant of how a char is.

So I'll drop it. I just thought it was a worth while point to make.