Building a character concept with core classes X The PrCs dogma

[Shadow64]

One of my problem with PrCs is that people seem to multiclass in those more so then with normal classes. How many examples have you seen on the boards (both Smackdown threads and non-Smackdown threads) with one or two base classes and two or three prestige classes.

Yes, I can see some stuff where multiple prcs can fit, other times I can't. Especially when i *know* the reason they are taking the various prcs is to combine all the special abilites to do some uber-tactic(s). I shouldn't leave myself out of this group, because i'm guilty of it everyonce in a while.

Rant On

It seems lots of people will jump up and start to "rules-lawyer" when you start to think about a third base class; ie - remind you about the xp hits (which if i recall is the only hit you take when you multiclass about two base classes).

On the other hand, few say anything if you start to think about a second PrC. About the most I've heard at the various tables i've gamed at is "do you fit the requirements" and if they meet the reqs then it's ok.

I think this mentallity comes from the fact that in the RAW it states that while you take penalties from multiclassing with base classes, but you don't take any penalties from taking multiple PrCs (as long as the PrCs don't conflict at all).

This is a problem.

Rant Off

Now that i've had that little rant here's something I've been thinking about doing: Limiting PrC-class taking abilites by using the characters INT bonus as a limiter. You could take at least one PrC (i see no reason to not allow someone to take at least 1(PrC), but after that you need to be smart enough to take any more PrCs. I mean, you can have the best sword arm in the lands, but if you are dumb as rocks you might have a problem being a Sword Swinger PrC, a Battle Rager Prc, Tough as Nails PrC as well as a Destroyer of all Things Evil Prc. That's a lot of knowledge to cram into your braincase.

I'm still working on the "systemese" of something like that for D&D. While my gut says that since INT is supposed to be the general "brainy-ness" it seems it would hurt most of the classes (since really only the wizard if i recall uses that as a prime stat). It would probably be a bit more easier with D20 modern and it's archetypes (sp?). Maybe grouping it by "prime" stat for each class (STR for fighters and barbs, WIS for Clr, Drd, Pal, Monk, CHA for Sorcers, Int for Wiz and Rog) would be better.

Like I said, still working on it.

Or, I could just go with Rule 0. Maybe 2 Base and 2 PrCs. That's it. Whine and Complain to much and you can only use the Core Books for Classes and PrCs. Maybe the splat books if I'm in a good mood.

 

[shouit]

. The one exception is the paladin (one of the reasons for which I think it should be a PrC); paladins have some stringent roleplaying requirements.

Been trying to work on that one as well. I am using the Holy Warrior from the BoTR and have said that people need to work into it, not just start there... So far, I have one taker, my fiancee and she is trying to Paksnarrion from Elizabeth Moon's series.

 

[Bendris Noulg]

This is why I am thinking of not allowing PrC in my upcoming game. To much meta-game thinking is involved I think.

First, I agree with your Rant (posted later).

Second, tell the Players there aren't any Prestige Classes, than introduce them in-game via groups, guilds and secret organizations. Let them learn about and pursue the prerequisites through role-play.

That's how I do it, although I didn't have to "hide" my use of Prestige Classes, since my Players prefer learning things in game.

 

[Geron Raveneye]

Hmmm...

...I think it's partly that some base classes represent an "occupation" one can learn in virtually every background (like the fighter, or rogue), there are some you simply need a certain cultural background for to learn them...like the barbarian. While nobody really needs an excuse for having learned to use weapons, armor and shields and train himself to be better with them, learning some of the barbarian's tricks requires, by the imagination that was put into the PHB class, a character to "fall back" into a lesser civilized culture. While multiclassing from barbarian into fighter is easily explained, the other direction is a bit tougher if the character doesn't come from the same background to begin with.

It's different with PrCs, as there are prereqs to begin with, fully described, partly with cultural background implemented, while the base classes are more or less hinting at what was imagined when they were created. So taking a PrC means you already want to go along, or fit into what the class means, and all you now have to fulfill is the prereq list.

And multiclassing..well, if the player makes a nice story out of it for his character, that's great. Socalled "powergaming" is easily assumed when the player is more after the advantages...but, if we're honest...if WE had the chance to grab a second job, which would pay us better for something we are already specializing in, which would offer better support etc...while we could still go along in our old one as well...who'd decline, saying "that's nothing to do with interest, I'd be only after the money, so NO!" ?