I guess I fail to see the difference of it being ok to have new spells and magic items...and new monsters....but not ok for new classes...or for people to have themes for their character (i.e. can only cast fire spells...but somehow thats a cheat code? Seems more of a restriction to me). Maybe Ill talk to our current player who is playing an Alchemist about this ( I chuckled when I saw that).
Finding spellbooks is exciting? Yeah..so is finding new alchemy recipes or special ingredients. Those damn cheat codes...why cant everything just be another Scroll with Magic Missile on it to keep things safe and....fun?
I think Beoric is right, I am saying too much simultaneously.
Here's a break down:
(a) I like a minimal list of classes, that's why I don't add them. I also personally don't see the point of over-specialization. To each his own. Here's an example of a class I like, but you all seem to hate: thieves. I can think of no other that holds any appeal---not even one of the 1 million archer classes I've bumped into.
(b) some uber-classes seem to me like disguised cheat codes---not all classes. Others (to me) just seem superfluous (see (a)).
(c) There is no dissonance in adding new campaign items and playing BtB. (In response to Prince.)
(d) the anti-paladin is in a "class" all it's own -- like crack cocaine
To that list I'll add:
(e) Your friend is playing an Alchemist? --- you dudes must be really bored of D&D...
Thinking about it, I think I answered my own question.
*points finger at Squeen* I accuse you sir, of attempting to take the creative process away from players. That you as DM, are frightened to let any power seep through your fist. That you only allow yourself to make new spells to use against players, or new monsters, or new magic items...and that if PLAYERS, those nasty folk, attempt in any way to do anything with characters (the only thing they control in the game) that you preach this is wrong and that they should go to hell!!!
Players get to DO everything. They get to be creative in their play. The also get to (and I LOVED doing this as a player) research new spells, make potions, etc. Thieves get to design traps. Fighter design and built castles. There are all sorts of off-line things for a player to do. They could be Heroes! (if just for one day)
You just don't get to play God in the world. It's part of the implicit pact of choosing to be a player instead of the DM, to my mind. Sorry.
The DM does get that creative outlet perk, but he also gets a whole lot of donkey work to do...AND, he doesn't get the joy of discovery, or any glory for the victories---so it balances out.
We can't have it all, all the time. Choose.
You can see what lies behind the curtain, but then do don't get to be surprised by what's there too.
Knocks over Squeen's basket of fries.....Ketchup is a cheat code!
French fries are just a vehicle for getting
ketchup into the mouth. Let's keep our perspective here and not shout obscenities.