for the "core only" purists - availability of PrCs by class

[Grimstaff]

But not around here. We don't bash other members on the boards.

Back on topic, or the thread will be closed.

Wow -- I can't believe you took that seriously. My talent for satire keeps getting better!

 

[Quasqueton]

...

 

[Grimstaff]

There are too many people on this board trying to paint me as as something I'm not, in nearly every thread I post in, for me to take it as funny from a neighbor.

Quasqueton

Is there a Prestige Class for Prima Donna?

Kidding!!! Sheesh...

 

[MoonZar]

We've had a couple of threads recently where the joys of playing with only the core rulebooks/srd were expounded upon, and it was claimed even by some of those who enjoy using extras that you could have a full and enriching game with just the core.

My problem with this idea is that by my reconning, the core prestige classes available just aren't evenly geared to the various classes. If you are a rogue, aside from your normal progression, there are a good 4 prestige classes that are easy for you to get into (one multiclassed) and take the rogue idea in interesting new directions. If you are a druid - sorry, you're gonna be the phb druid. If you want to combine arcane spellcasting and fighting, the SRD has 2 different models to follow with PrCs. If you want to combine being a monk and well, anything... sorry, better decide how many monk levels you will ever want and get them all out of the way at once. EIGHT of the 15 available PrCs represent a way to explore the arcane casting characters.

I don't mind that the PrCs in the core books don't cover a wide variety of character types because there are all sorts of other options out there. But I do think it means that "core only" games are biased towards certain classes and character concepts.

Hello,

I think that most people who play only with the core book, usually don't use prestige class at all. You don't need them to have fun...

 

[Grimstaff]

Yet, calling two members a jackass is apparently all kosher with the mods.

Quasqueton

Apparently!

 

[Breakdaddy]

Yet, calling two members a jackass is apparently all kosher with the mods.

Quasqueton

I wasn't calling you cats jackasses, I was saying that it was like watching an episode of the show "Jackass", kinda like watching a train-wreck. I know you have thick skin Quas, so please don't mistake the intent of my quip (which was intended to be humorous).

 

[painandgreed]

As for the game that I run soemtimes in my homebrew (which is just the core three books), most of the PrCs are special organizations with specific goals and such. Classes, including PrCs, are a matter of training, and to get PrC training, you must usually join that special organization which can supply such training. When doing so, the main motivation should be wanting to belong to that organization and fullfilling their goals rather than min-maxing builds for the best powers, because there is no guarantee they'll even let you in. Even in the case of PrCs like the Dragon Disciple which is not associated with an organization, the main reason for becoming one should be role playing rather than trying to make the best build and a little adversity or few extra levels in a core class reaching the goal should make it a sweeter victory once done. In any case, after deciding to join such a PrC and asking to do so, it might take a level or two of performing duties for them before they allow you training.

 

[delericho]

Usually, when playing "core only", I don't allow PrCs, or only allow those that exist to plug holes in the multiclassing system (Mystic Theurge, Eldrith Knight, Arcane Trickster). To be fair, I also tend to use a very small number of house rules (fixed hp/level, a couple of tweaks to multiclassing, that sort of thing).

Does this make my game not-core? I don't care.

When I'm running a game, it is my preference to play core-only, or to use only a small number of carefully chosen supplements. When playing, I'll go with whatever the group uses, and not complain either way. Certainly, the full spectrum of games can be enjoyable, dependent on the DM, the players, and the circumstances of the campaign. (It's also worth noting that if I were DM, and my group as a whole came to me and said they really wanted to play with supplements allowed, I would be willing to compromise on that.)

One thing I do object to is when people choose to look down on those running core-only (or supplement-light) games as being somehow inferior. I expend a fair amount of effort running the best game I possibly can, and am constantly looking for ways to improve my game. The suggestion that I'm somehow shorting my players simply because I choose to exclude the vast majority of the published material isn't really fair, IMO.

 

[maggot]

So in a "core rules only" game, can the players take the leadership feat without DM permission?

 

[delericho]

So in a "core rules only" game, can the players take the leadership feat without DM permission?

No, but then the PHB states that the player should check with the DM before selecting the feat, and the DMG states that the DM should not allow characters to acquire cohorts if he feels the party is large enough without.