classes

[punkorange]

I have some thoughts on classes. One would be making wizard a prestigue class with prereqs unless chosen at first level.
Another Idea I have had that I might try with the next game I run would be to use the core classes from d20 modern which are based on a stat for the core classes, then have all of the other classes be prestigue classes. Do you think this would work with 3.5, and even if it did, would it be fun?

 

[Turanil]

Do you think this would work with 3.5, and even if it did, would it be fun?

You could of course use the arcane mage and divine adept prestige classes from d20 Modern, for prestige wizards. Note however that Advanced d20M mages do get more hit-points and much more skill-points than regular wizards. I think you can work all the basic D&D classes into advanced classes indeed, and that it could be interesting, especialy with the d20 Past set of rules that will be released in a few months.

 

[Buttercup]

This is similar to an idea I've been kicking around. I'd like to transform any of the core classes I allow into prestige classes. I think I'd have everyone start as a warrior, expert or aristocrat, and move to an advanced class at around 5th level. However, this doesn't make sense (IMO) for the barbarian core class, since I'd say you're either born one or not. Maybe I just won't use that class.

Comments?

 

[Li Shenron]

(my comments don't apply to d20 Modern classes, because I've only heard of them)

I think the ideas of yours are all feasible and interesting. If the target is to achieve a lower magic level in your setting, you could just do as simple as allowing the Wizard (or others) only after a certain level. This is the sort of thing that you won't see in a 3ed book, but there's no problem in doing that in your own game.

I think Buttercup is looking forward for a different aim: that of emphasising character's pre-heroic development (maybe even youth) instead of going immediately into the PHB classes which start with supernatural albeit weak powers. Am I right? I seem to remember that you have been using 0th-level apprentice characters for example....

Anyway, for both targets it is possible to just keep the class as it is and put a level requirement. In a straight "not before level 5" doesn't sound nice, it can be substituted with a Knowledge skill rank, what do you think?

Or another possibility to try... but this is going pretty out of the normal You may just not have the Wizard and Sorcerer base classes, and instead allow all those PrCls with "+1 level in a spellcasting class" to actually GRANT spellcasting, either like Wiz or Sor (chosen at 1st level).

So there will be no generic Wiz/Sor, but there will be e.g. Elemental Savants, Loremasters, Mindbenders... Obviously there's need to change the prerequisites, and not every PrCl would work. The effect is that the setting doesn't have (arcane) casters of character level 5 or less, but each is prestigious since its start.

 

[JimAde]

Check out Classically Modern. It's a set of rules that do exactly what you suggest. It starts with the d20 Modern classes, and changes all the PHB base classes into 10-level advanced classes. It rocks.

http://www.merlinsworkshop.co.uk/

 

[Myth]

Check out Classically Modern. It's a set of rules that do exactly what you suggest. It starts with the d20 Modern classes, and changes all the PHB base classes into 10-level advanced classes. It rocks.

http://www.merlinsworkshop.co.uk/

WAY cool!

Thanks!

 

[punkorange]

I wasn't neciserally thinking a low magic campaing, but I see no reason why a barbarian could simply "pick up" a level in wizard and gain the ability to not only read and write, but to decipher spells and cast them as well.

I would allow a wizard at first level, but if you wanted to pick it up at say third level or so you would have to meet the prereqs. Going with the fifth level idea I would give it the prereqs:
skills: Knowledge(arcana) 8 ranks, spellcraft 8 ranks.
languages: draconic (going on the assumption most ancient magical tomes are writtin in draconic)

 

[Buttercup]

I think the ideas of yours are all feasible and interesting. If the target is to achieve a lower magic level in your setting, you could just do as simple as allowing the Wizard (or others) only after a certain level.

Not just low magic, but maybe lower power all around. I like the idea of heroism being based on things other than a character's ability to cleave or throw lightening bolts, for instance.

I think Buttercup is looking forward for a different aim: that of emphasising character's pre-heroic development (maybe even youth) instead of going immediately into the PHB classes which start with supernatural albeit weak powers. Am I right? I seem to remember that you have been using 0th-level apprentice characters for example....

Yes and no. I'm not the one using apprentice characters, though several have suggested it to me. I do want to emphasize the character's development from average Joes into larger-than-life heroes, hence the idea of starting them all as experts, warriors and aristocrats (and I've even wondered about the aristocrat).

Anyway, for both targets it is possible to just keep the class as it is and put a level requirement. In a straight "not before level 5" doesn't sound nice, it can be substituted with a Knowledge skill rank, what do you think?

I think this is a good idea.

Or another possibility to try... but this is going pretty out of the normal You may just not have the Wizard and Sorcerer base classes, and instead allow all those PrCls with "+1 level in a spellcasting class" to actually GRANT spellcasting, either like Wiz or Sor (chosen at 1st level).

So there will be no generic Wiz/Sor, but there will be e.g. Elemental Savants, Loremasters, Mindbenders... Obviously there's need to change the prerequisites, and not every PrCl would work. The effect is that the setting doesn't have (arcane) casters of character level 5 or less, but each is prestigious since its start.

You know, I never thought of this. It's a WONDERFUL idea! Thanks so much for suggesting it. I'll have to sit down this weekend with a bunch of books and hunt up the prestige classes that have the flavor I'm looking for. Wow. This is just the inspiration I needed. Thanks, Li!

 

[Li Shenron]

Thank you for the thanks

Let us know which PrCls you have chosen, and how the idea turns out to work in your fantasy setting.

 

[EnglishScribe]

WAY cool!

I'm glad you think so. Can I quote that on my website?