More (and permanent) differences for races and/or classes
Suggestion:
I would like to see more permanent differences in classes and races, it seems that now only class powers make any "final" difference. For example now an elven wizard is as good in for example melee combat than a troll warrior, if their stats, weapon skills, equipment etc. are the same. Also, for example the troll regeneration bonus can be gained with potions and/or corpses. Maximum age can be adjusted also. The only thing that makes any difference in the end are the class powers. So, i suggest some ideas for your evaluation:
- Limit stats, weapon skills, healing/mana rates, age (any, some or all of these or more) by race and/or class, so for example a troll could have 99 str and 40 learning at maximum, with ANY means available or a drakeling could only have a maximum dexterity of 50. These values could be adjusted by both race and class, like values start at maximum 99 and the race/class factor would adjust these maximum values for like wizard -40 max str, troll -60 max learning etc. These values are made up without any further thoughts of balance etc., just to demonstrate the idea. These limits could not be raised by any means available, not even wishes. So the final result would be that for example a hurthling could not ever get as strong as the strongest troll. That hurthling could be stronger than the troll, but if these two were at the peak of their power, you would see the difference. Same for for example weapon skills. So a wizard could ever learn only max 10 levels for melee weapons, or a semi-caster could not ever learn some spells. So that even after infinite training the wizard could not fight as good as the greatest warrior in melee. Also maybe restrict certain armor or weapons by class (like the beastfighter now). So no shield when casting or something like that.
- Character traits, that make permanent differences. Chosen at character generation, optional. Made up examples (not concerning balance etc., just made up to demonstrate the idea):
"Magic disability: Can not ever learn any spells by any means available, but potions and wands have increased effect. (more damage etc.) "
"Sluggish: Movement costs 120% normal energy. Food costs only 25% of normal values."
"Reckless: Cannot ever use shields. Melee weapons always do +15% damage."
"Short sighted: Maximum visibility radius 2 squares. Permanent automatic searching."
"Bodybuilder: Maximum carrying capacity +30%. Can not ever learn how to read."
"Gladstone Gander: Permanent good luck. Cannot ever get any companions / summons to his/her side."
The idea of these traits would be to make permanent differences, in a way that the differences are not "repairable" by for example potions. So no ideas like "+10str, but -10dex" since this could be negated with items. Or no "+15spd, but -25% max age" for the same reason.
I apologize for language issues in advance.