From: kinsler@physics.uq.oz.au (Paul Kinsler)
Subject: Re: Law-Makers
Organization: Physics Dept. The University of Queensland
Date: Sun, 27 Dec 1992 23:44:27 GMT

In article <BzvpAq.E83@CAM.ORG>, gelinas@CAM.ORG (Daniel Gelinas) writes:
|> Class: Law-Maker
|> 
|> Hit dice: 1D8             Armour: Chain or worse
|> Alignment:Lawful Neutral  Weapons: Size M or smaller.(No two handed swords)
|> Race:Human                Ability requirements: STR 12 INT 12 DEX 13
|> THACO: Warrior            Prime requisites:  INT DEX
|> 
|> # of attacks: Warrior
|> Weapon specialization: Available.
|> Saving throws: best of wizard/warrior
|> Proficiencies: 4 weapon 4 non-weapon  progression: 1/3 weapon  1/3 non
|> Proficiency groups: General, warrior, wizard.

Gee. This class has everything: fighter attack capabilities, "best-of" 
saving throws, spells, thief abilities, ... if you take up the suggestions
of clerical abilities it *will* do everything.

I must confess to being a little puzzled about the rationale/background 
of this class, I don't really understand the reason you want it. Not that
this matters particularly, but it is easier to comment on something if I
know what you are looking for. Perhaps it is based on a book, or a combination
of books. Or do you want a magic-capable policeman?

I really think the cleric class is the best basis for this class, even if 
they do use MU spells. How about a cleric exp table, your spell table and
thief ability table, cleric weapon abilities, mu spells restricted as you
want? This is where I would start. Or maybe a monk-variant?

Detailed comments: 

Attacks:               Make this cleric at best. Leave the fighters their edge.
Weapon specialization: Limited to a max of one specific weapon - eg "short sword"
Saving throws:         Perhaps just cleric?

|> Experience:   H.D      Spell Progression       *M.S    H.I.S    H.N
|> 2      2400    2                               21      15      10
I do not believe a tough exp table entirely makes up for myriad abilities.
I think you really should resist the temptation to make this class too
powerful.

Special abilities: mostly seem ok. 
Restrictions:
|> Can only size M or smaller weapons            : a good restriction
|> Cannot own more than 6 magic items.           : Six is a fair few. how about 4?

|> Law-Maker: [...]
|>         Although they are all part of a secret underground, there is
|> no specific leader, but they act collectively in order to spread
|> order as quickly and as safely as possible.
Umm. A lawful neutral organisation/group *without* a hierarchy!? This
doesn't seem likely to me.

[...]
|> ***Meditation: [...]
A bit complicated for my tastes - how about an "in effect" drop
in level, one per day of no meditation, regained at one level
per day max?
|> 
|> ***Spell casting: [...]
|> ***Limited Polymorph: [...]
The polymorph should be once per day, (perhaps once/few days at lower
level). I would restrict it to *no* change in mass, or at most +-10%.

|> ***Magic Items: [...] ***Law and actions*** [...]
|> ***Hierarchy*** [...]
Again - *non-organised* lawfuls!?
|> Additional Spell [...]
-- 
+soluble fish+
"You people, you do not see the grandeur in the wind and stone and stars,
 in the blood and fire and iron - but paint only the flowers."