Here is a new review of Old School Feats:
Check it out!
The review touches some interesting points. "Multi-classing feats" for example, that look too powerful to some readers. They might be - I might even tone them down in a future revision (if play-testing and feedback point this way) - but I have been trying them and I haven't found them too powerful, ESPECIALLY if compared to the classic multi-classing rules from AD&D (or OSE advanced for that matter).
Here they are: let me know if you can make an unbalanced PC taking one of this feats, and I'll try to fix it (the goal of these feats is to easily create paladins, war clerics, thugs, gishes, shadow mages, etc.).
1. Dilettante cleric. You can cast spells and turn undead as a cleric half your level (e.g., if you are level 10 you can turn undead and cast spells as a 5th level cleric), but you’re limited to 3rd level cleric spells (See notes on page 19).
2. Dilettante fighter. You can use any weapon and armor. You can cast spells and even use thief skills in armor, although your ability to climb, move silently and hide is halved in plate armor.
3. Dilettante mage. You can cast spells as a magic-user half your level.
4. Dilettante thief. You have access to all the skills of a thief half your level, including read languages (when you get to level 8).
The most powerful of the bunch, IMO, is Dilettante mage, but at most it still weaker than a 10th level elf (same for dilettante fighter). The ability to wield any weapon might make the cleric a bit more powerful... but clerics can raise dead from level 7, so wielding magic swords is a minor feature in comparison!
By the end of the review, he also mentions a couple of other books on OSR feats. I'll have to check those too - they look very good!
Anyway, a good review overall, take a look... and if you like the idea of OSR feats, get the book and see for yourself!
Compare your dilettante cleric/mage to the WoTC feat, they get 2 cantrips and 1 1st level spell.
ReplyDeleteOff the cuff, I'd say all of these are kind over powered. Perhaps with a prerequisite of being 5th level, you get the 1st level abilities of that class, advancing to the 2nd level when you are 10th.
Magic Initiate
Choose a class: bard, cleric, druid, sorcerer, warlock, or
wizard. You learn two cantrips of your choice from that
class’s spell list.
In addition, choose one 1st-level spell from that same
list. You learn that spell and can cast it at its lowest
level. Once you cast it, you must finish a long rest before
you can cast it again.
Your spellcasting ability for these spells depends
on the class you chose: Charisma for bard,
sorcerer, or warlock; Wisdom for cleric or druid: or
Intelligence for wizard
Well, that is an interesting take; I think you should be comparing B/X PCs, not 5e. In 5e, you have many more feats, powers, and classes, and XP/levels work differently.
DeleteOS Feats is balanced for B/X (and other LL/OSE/OSR) games; I'll admit it is not perfectly compatible with 5e.
Thanks for the shout-out - I appreciate it. It's a fun supplement, and currently in my DM bag in case a feat might fit one of my players...
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, glad you like it!
Delete