Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="EzekielRaiden" data-source="post: 8422672" data-attributes="member: 6790260">For my part, if Prestige Classes return, I want them to have either very simple requirements (so that many classes potentially qualify), or very specific but easy requirements (so only a few classes qualify, but you barely need to go deep into them).I designed a 5e implementation of the Silver Pyromancer. Its requirements are pretty simple: some base stat stuff (Wis 13, and Cha or Int 13), proficiency in both Arcana and Religion (they're religiously-trained arcane spellcasters), and the ability to cast 3rd level spells from an arcane class, excluding Warlocks. (The specific phrasing nixes upcasting as a valid entry, but in principle even that isn't necessary.) IOW, Wizard 5, Bard 5, or Sorcerer 5 would be the usual entry, though EK 13 and AT 13 are also valid options, and I guess so is Artificer 9. Nothing else qualifies. (There are a couple other fluff requirements, but nothing major: sponsorship, completing a fluff ritual, and an oath.)Basically, if I were in charge of bringing PrCs back, they'd always follow these rules:0) Don't make a PrC if you can, with equal effectiveness, achieve it some other way. There needs to be an actual benefit. This DOES NOT mean "sacrifice whatever you need to so it doesn't have to be a PrC," but you should always consider other options first.1) Never larger than 5 levels, and usually no smaller either. Make it punchy and quick, focused on getting to "the good stuff" ASAP. Most games are too short to hit level 15, but a too-short PrC is much harder to balance.2) An appropriate single-class char should qualify by the time they take their 6th level (so "Wiz 5/PrC1"). Rare exceptions that require 2 feats might be acceptable...but, again, very rare.3) Any stat prereqs should be easily met at chargen, and should never be particularly onerous--but, ideally, they should be at least a minor cost, e.g. Bard/Sorc/Wiz don't really care about Wisdom.4) Leverage existing systems, mechanics, etc. A Swordmage PrC should take cues from War Wizardry and EK, a class that emphasizes fire magic should learn from Elemental Affinity/Dragon Sorc, etc.5) No dead levels: make each level a real temptation. Sacrificing more levels of your original class is always a cost in 5e--there needs to be a commensurate reward, but not one that is unbalanced.6) If the PrC has at least four levels, the fourth level gives an ASI or equivalent (e.g. Rune Scribe UA with its flexible ASI feature), no exceptions. This means 4th level will be light on other features.7) All fluff requirements should be easy to meet, assuming player and DM have discussed it in advance. Such things should only exist to make sure the char makes sense, NEVER an RP limit on non-RP power.</blockquote>

Verification