I've decided to create a thread entirely for the discussion of these concepts, especially in terms of their replacement of the preferred class abilities and their replacement of racial characteristics.
So far, discussions have included using "cafeteria style" (I like that image) racial traits or feats to replace characteristics of the races deemed "cultural." Racial traits, feats, and sub levels have also been discussed as an alternative to the preferred class bonuses.
I'd love to get designer comments on these ideas as to whether or not they are feasable. In the discussions I've seen over this past week, I've seen a growing level of support for them, and I'm curious if James and Co. find them at all feasable.
-Steve
I'd also like more designer feedback on some of the ideas that have been floating around here. Though I have a feeling this may be delayed until the official forum for Feats discussion opens.
That's true, but it really does tie into the basic qualities of the races, so some general insight would be useful.
-Steve
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One of the things I would really like to see is character race having an impact on the development of the PC, throughout the PC's adventuring career (rather than just at 1st level).
That being said, I don't think that racial substitution levels, bloodline levels (which are similar), or racial paragon class levels are the way to go here. My take as a player and a DM is that players are somewhat unwilling to sacrifice class levels for racial bonuses (particularly if, as with bloodlines levels, they don't come with HP attached to them).
Racial feats (or traits, I think) are in my estimation, full of win. The only thing lacking is a strong library of OGL race-specific feats.
Another thing I am playing around with as a thought experiment is having race-specific bonuses that kick in automatically at certain character levels. These would replace (and reuse) the kind of race-specific bonuses that a PC could receive from racial paragon class levels (as if each character were leveling in their paragon class at the same time as their actual classes). This would also allow more careful balancing of racial bonuses.
Criticism/comments?