AD&D 1E 1E-style dual-classing?

[Quartz]

Would you allow 1E-style dual-classing in 5E? If so, how would you limit it? Allowing someone to dual-class from 1 level of Barbarian or Warlock to Fighter seems a mite good. OTOH Ftr 12 / Wiz 20 seems much more reasonable.

 

[Joe Liker]

I'm not sure what there is to be gained from dual classing that the existing multiclass rules don't already cover. Isn't dual-classing basically a more restrictive version of modern multiclassing?

If this is about the level cap, why not just use a house rule to do away with the cap instead of introducing this whole new (old) system?

 

[Theovis]

5E multiclassing is so very much like 1E dual classing, I'm not at all sure what system you are actually proposing.

 

[aramis erak]

I'm not sure what there is to be gained from dual classing that the existing multiclass rules don't already cover. Isn't dual-classing basically a more restrictive version of modern multiclassing?

If this is about the level cap, why not just use a house rule to do away with the cap instead of introducing this whole new (old) system?

Not really.

The AD&D Dual Classed Character...

(Upper case is class, lower case is level)

Starts in class A. Progresses to level a.
He then switches to class B, with level b. Until level b is higher than level a, he cannot use A's abilities at all, except for saves & HP. (If he does use A's abilities, he gains no XP for the adventure.)
Then from b≥a on, he can use both, but still only gains levels in B.
Unless A is fighter with a within a certain range, and B is thief, with b in a different range, the DC character cannot add a third; if he does meet those restrictions in AD&D1E, and is a half-elf, elf or human, he can become a bard as class C.
HP were based upon whichever class was higher level. Level drains affected the highest class level, and were the only exception to leveling up in class A.


Dual-classing both used a cost by class-level mode.
So, Human Fighter makes it to 5th level, and takes the several years downtime (yes, that's buried in the rules) to become a wizard, he's now an XP0, but somewhere around 30-40 HP, level 1 wizard, who saves as the better of Wiz 1 or Fighter 5. He then adventures to level 5 as a wizard, and now can wield swords without penalty, and cast magic, but can't cast in armor.

 

[rjfTrebor]

that sounds like something that would be in the DMG

 

[Quartz]

5E multiclassing is so very much like 1E dual classing, I'm not at all sure what system you are actually proposing.

Umm... no. Per Chapter 6 of the PHB, 5E multiclassing is like 3E multiclassing, not 1E's dual classing.

Not really.Dual-classing both used a cost by class-level mode.
So, Human Fighter makes it to 5th level, and takes the several years downtime (yes, that's buried in the rules) to become a wizard, he's now an XP0, but somewhere around 30-40 HP, level 1 wizard, who saves as the better of Wiz 1 or Fighter 5. He then adventures to level 5 as a wizard, and now can wield swords without penalty, and cast magic, but can't cast in armor.

IIRC you had to exceed the level of the first class, not merely equal it.

 

[Theovis]

Umm... no. Per Chapter 6 of the PHB, 5E multiclassing is like 3E multiclassing, not 1E's dual classing.

Ummmm....yeah. 3E multiclassing was a also a fair bit like 1E dual-classing, but the XP penalties when your classes drifted apart made it hew a lot like 2E mc'ing as well. But you're right, like 3E, 5E removes most of the punitive elements in favour of elegant integration of abilities.

Dual-classing was something that was horrible while you were enduring it and overpowered in the long run, so if that's what you like about it I would be interested to see what you propose. Certainly porting it from 1E as-is doesn't work for me.

 

[Wrathamon]

But, why would you want to do 1E dual-classing? We get what it was. But, it's being more restrictive to the player and making them pretty gimpy till they caught up? Do you think multiclassing is OP or something? I feel 5e because of how extra attacks and added ability scores are gained it is pretty balancing. Or, are you trying to emulate 1e? I can see this if Humans were the only one that could do this and other races had class level limitations ...

You are asking how we would limit something that is already pretty restrictive with the only benefit that I see being (which I wouldnt allow) is breaking the lvl 20 level cap.

 

[the Jester]

Would you allow 1E-style dual-classing in 5E? If so, how would you limit it? Allowing someone to dual-class from 1 level of Barbarian or Warlock to Fighter seems a mite good. OTOH Ftr 12 / Wiz 20 seems much more reasonable.

I'd need to hear a very good, clear pitch as to what, exactly, the intention was; why the existing multiclass rules wouldn't support the concept in question; and why dual class style multiclassing would work for it.

 

[Wrathamon]

They are suppose to have Gestalt rules in the DMG (unless this got cut) which is also want you're talking about just not as restrictive as 1e dual classing. I would also not allow that unless the entire game was based on everyone using those rules.