Post originally by Polaris at 2005-01-20 19:09:09
Converted from Phorums BB System

Everyone,

The problem I have with B5, Star-Wars, d20 Future and the rest that try to use the d20 system with a sci-fi (or space opera) setting is that in d20 skills are almost an afterthought. In this respect, d20 shows it's DND roots all too clearly.

I grant that d20 (and DND for that matter) handle skills a lot better than they used to, but skills are still pretty strictly an afterthought where even the most skilled class gets only 8 skills (or skill points) per level and most classes get less...often much less. In fact in a skill-heavy setting, the hero's SKILLs are what define him and not his "class" (which often can't be described).

This is why I have come down so hard on FRED as a system for B5. While FRED is certainly classless, it shows it's 4-color superheros (or champions) roots all too clearly. Like DND and d20, in FRED skills are strictly afterthoughts to fill in your character after your powers and stats have been chosen. [Look at the rules and sample characters...not to mention relative costs!...and you will quickly see what I mean.]

To do B5 right, you need a system that does /NOT/ treat skills as an afterthought.

-Polaris