I noticed that 5e D&D starting setting up relative values for different parts of the system (1 feat = 2 Attribute points = 3 skill proficiencies = some class features that are also feats, etc.) This got me thinking: What if 5e was a classless, point-buy system? What if you could build your own class as you went by spending XP r each class feature?

For example: you could purchase the extra attack of a fighter and the Eldritch Blast cantrip, but you would have no armor proficiency unless you purchased that later on. You could be a cleric with the mechanics of a warlock, or a wizard with the spell slots of a sorcerer.

Thoughts?

I think that character classes are so deeply ingrained in D&D, that if you remove classes, the resulting game isn't really D&D any more. As an analogy: Tennis isn't tennis if you don't have a net in the middle of the court, right?

If you're not worried about losing the "D&D-ness" of D&D, then sure—why not go for point-buy mechanics? You could do worse than look at existing fantasy RPGs with point-buy mechanics; Fantasy Hero (the fantasy-flavored version of Hero System) is the one which first occurs to me, and there's any number of others, as well.

Guardians of Order took a swing at this idea with 3.X. There was a breakdown of the costs of class features in the BESM d20 book, which functioned decently enough. I'd say if it could be done with 3.X, it could be done with 5.

In the early development logs, several of the devs mentioned that this would be relatively simple to do. Off and on I've played with the idea myself, but don't have the time to really do a complete hack, but if you start working on one, I'd be willing to help out a bit.

It may have to be a long term project as time is kind of tight right now. I'll have to rmail you. But thank you!

True20 streamlined 3e down to three classes - fighty type, skilly type, and brainy/magic type, with the more exotic and specialised class abilities acquired by a more diverse menu of feats gained at every level. (They also did this in Unearthed Arcana - the 3e book, not the 5e playtest articles).

It wouldn't be a huge leap from there to work out one 'class' that you can calibrate the HD, skills/profs on to start with.

In reply to Dirigible (msg # 6):

Interesting. I hadn't thought of paring down classes but still having them.

You could also expand this to include Background benefits in the points buy system.

In reply to mickey65 (msg # 8):

True. I've often find myself wishing I could tweak the backgrounds.
This message was last edited by the user at 04:07, Sun 16 July 2017.

The 5 e backgrounds are already fully adjustable.  Right out of the PHB the only part of backgrounds that even requires a nod in the direction of custom mechanics is the 'feature' everything else is just a conveniently prearranged set of 2 skill proficiencies and 2 tool/language proficiency all of which can be adjusted as needed to fit the specific details of your character's actual background, if different from the standard format.