Feats : Core Class vs Prestige Class.

[Hackenslash]

Hi all,

Here is a burning question I have had since playing third edition DnD. If a player starts in a core class, say a Fighter for example, and then enters a Prestige Class, say a Weapon Master, then what Feat rules and advancement does the character follow ? For instance, the Fighter gains Bonus Feats as he progresses in level, but does he still get these bonus feats as he gains levels in his prestige class, or does he just get the benefits listed in the prestige class and get the normal Character Feat Advancement. The reason for me asking this question is that I noticed that certain spell caster prestige classes do not gain spells or item creation feats from their prestige classes, or maybe a spell level every other level, but get other abilities instead. So I was wondering if the Prestige Class over rode any existing Core Class abilities ? Does it maybe depend on the type of prestige class ? For instance does the Bonus Item Creation Feats still apply to a Wizard who has taken a specific Wizardly Prestige Class that does advance in Spell Levels eg. The Alienist. Likewise for a Fighter to take a level in a prestige class, that is specifically Fighter orientated, and then get the Fighter Bonus Feats. Thanks again in advance for any forthcoming advice or suggestions. Cheers !!!!!

 

[hong]

Hi all,

Here is a burning question I have had since playing third edition DnD. If a player starts in a core class, say a Fighter for example, and then enters a Prestige Class, say a Weapon Master, then what Feat rules and advancement does the character follow ? For instance, the Fighter gains Bonus Feats as he progresses in level, but does he still get these bonus feats as he gains levels in his prestige class,

No.

 

[Skinwalker]

You need to be careful not to confuse character level with class level. A character gains only the class benefits for the respective level attained in each class. Character level grants its own feat and attribute progression. Class level dictates all other progression.

To elaborate, say you have a 5th level character with 5 levels of fighter; he has earned enough XP to become a 6th level character. If you take the new level in fighter, he gains two bonus feats (one as a character level bonus, one as a class level bonus). If you instead branch off to another class (or PrC), he instead gains one bonus feat (for character level) and all the class benefits listed for the 1st level of that class (or PrC) - progression as a fighter halts until such time as you invest another level in that class.

Some PrC's specifically advance a portion of a class's abilities - such as those that advance the character's caster level. Note that this does not advance every aspect the the former class (e.g., bonus feats, skills, BAB, saves, familiar advancement), just those specifically mentioned by the PrC (in this case, caster level).

Hope this helps clarify things.

 

[Hackenslash]

Thanks for Clarification, SKINWALKER

Hiya all,

Thanks to Skinwalker for clearing this Question up for me. It is a little confusing as to what advancement ladder applies to what class etc...but I think it's a lot clearer now. That was a great explanation Skinwalker, thanks again.....