2nd & 3rd level Prestige Classes?

[Emirikol]

Most PrC's start at 5th+ equivalent. Are there any lower level ones such as ones that could start at 2nd or 3rd character level?

Is there a pressing reason why there aren't more?

[edit: I think it would add more diveristy to those "fun" middle levels]

jh

 

[BiggusGeekus]

Most PrC's start at 5th+ equivalent. Are there any lower level ones such as ones that could start at 2nd or 3rd character level?

Yeah, the racial ones.

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/races/racialParagonClasses.htm

Is there a pressing reason why there aren't more?

1) They're supposed to reflect that your character has acquired some experience and is worthy of being a part of a higher ranking order

2) Because we already have multiclassing

3) Because any 5 level PrC that was balanced for levels 2-7 would be kinda weak.

 

[Emirikol]

Thanks for the tips on the racial ones.

jh

 

[Zerovoid]

Dragonmarked Heir from the EBCS can be taken at 5th level, which is one lower than most.

There are several PRC's in Dragonmarked that can also be taken at 5th level or below. The Silver Key (House Kundarak class) can be taken at 4th level.

 

[Zerovoid]

The lowest level class that I was aware of was the Forsaker, which was in Masters of the Wild for 3.0, but hasn't been reprinted for 3.5 that I know of. The forsaker requries Great Fortitude, Lightning Reflexes, and Iron Will. A human can have all those feats by 3rd level and take Forsaker at 4th. Alternately, if you have the Elf or Dwarf cleric domains, you can get Lightning Reflexes or Great Fortitude from those Domains. That would allow you to take the class at 2nd level. The only problem is that having both the Elf and Dwarf domains is really stupid...

 

[Nonlethal Force]

The only problem is that having both the Elf and Dwarf domains is really stupid...

I don't know why, but this comment just struck me as hysterical. So ... blatantly true and delivered with such seriousness that it has to be funny!

Back on topic, I think that if a PrC were available at 2nd level it'd probably make a better base class than PrC. After all, they are called Prestige classes. I don't think there is anything inherently broken about PrCs happening at lower levels so long as they do truly maintain game balance. But as a DM and as a player, I'd rather whoever is putting together such a class would just give me a base class. Rather than switch gears after one level, just let me start there!

 

[JustKim]

Survivor from Savage Species could be taken at 2nd level if your 1st level was commoner.

 

[EvilGM]

Master Specialist (Complete Mage)

 

[Glyfair]

Dragonmarked Heir from the EBCS can be taken at 5th level, which is one lower than most.

Master Inquisitive can be taken at 4th level, in fact. The only level critical requirements are two skills (Gather Information and Sense Motive) that must have 6 ranks.

 

[blargney the second]

A changeling can take Warshaper at 5th.