That's cool, but imho your still thinking inside the box, and that box is dead. Has been since AD&D went skill based, and clung (unwisely) to a D20. To each their own.
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No, I don't think "max" ranks is the real issue here. The problem is once AD&D became a skill inclusive system, it bombed the whole concept for starting characters. Using a flat D20 means needing THE ABILITY to get a starting character to about +10, +11 with stat mods for a class skill. If it's a fighter, that means HAVING the skill points, and not being restricted to level plus 3. Strength 16, max ranks in Str skills is 5, +1 for lvl, +3 for stat mod = +9. Much better. You have used 5 of 16 Str skill points to be a decent swimmer at start. You still have 11 points to spend on Str related skills.
Are the classes balanced? No. What are you looking for? Get a copy of "Buy the Numbers" from RPG.Now. It's not a cure-all, but it helps.
How far out do you want to go? I give every starting character a number of skill pts equal to their stat to spend on skills in that stat. Max is Level + Stat/3 at start. A fighter with an 18 Str could have 1 + 6 = 7 ranks in swim at start. |