How do you handle PCs wanting to level in PrCs?

[Presto2112]

I know the answer to this question depends largely on the PrC in question, but overall, how do you handle it when PCs want to start leveling in a Prestige Class? I'm personally leaning toward option 3, mainly because a lot of these PrCs would possibly not be commonly known to exist, and the exploits of powerful adventurers in certain parts may draw the eyes of some influential folks. Plus it is yet another RPing avenue.

 

[Telperion]

Like you said: it depends.

Most of the time I require the players to roleplay finding a suitable tutor, mentor, trainer or reliable source of information to get them started. Once the PC has gained at least one level of any particular PrC I usually leave it at that and assume that the PC can find whatever he needs in order to advance in that particular PrC from that point on.

 

[Quasqueton]

<waves hand> There are no prestige classes in this game.

Quasqueton

 

[Starglim]

I regard some prestige classes more as a specialisation that could derive from legendary tales, cultural assumptions and training methods just as easily as an actual organisation. I would want to discuss it with the player and see it foreshadowed in game events for at least two levels in advance, not merely meeting the prerequisites.

 

[Mercule]

Depends. Some PrCs just represent a sort of uber-specialization or field of study. Duelist is a good example, as in Thief-Acrobat (IMO). Others, like the Red Wizard or Knight Protector represent perks from joining an order. For the former, you just need to meet the pre-reqs, just like most feats. For the latter, you need to join the order, whether you petition them or vice-versa.

 

[Wombat]

We have about eighter PrCs in our game world, all of which are specific organizations. To join a PrC, then, the player must petition the group to join (though in specific circumstances the group might petition the PrC, but that is very rare).

The idea is that these groups are, well, prestigious. Not just everyone gets in and there are many non-mechanical requirements to be able to join one of them.

 

[GuardianLurker]

Overall, if my players state they want to enter a PrC I usually work to give them the opportunities they need.

The mechanical stuff they need is their responsibility. It's my responsibility to ensure that they meet someone from the organization, or have an opportunity to have peaceful contact with an Air Elemental, or whatever. Within the limits of the story of course, and the limit of which PrCs are actually available to them.

 

[Jdvn1]

Overall, if my players state they want to enter a PrC I usually work to give them the opportunities they need.

The mechanical stuff they need is their responsibility. It's my responsibility to ensure that they meet someone from the organization, or have an opportunity to have peaceful contact with an Air Elemental, or whatever. Within the limits of the story of course, and the limit of which PrCs are actually available to them.

That's about my take on it too. I try not to discourage PrC's since they can add a lot of color to the game. I've seen too many Kensai's that don't really follow the code, though, so I try to make sure they follow the color of the PrC (within reason, at least) and not just gain the mechanical benefits.

 

[shilsen]

Depends. Some PrCs just represent a sort of uber-specialization or field of study. Duelist is a good example, as in Thief-Acrobat (IMO). Others, like the Red Wizard or Knight Protector represent perks from joining an order. For the former, you just need to meet the pre-reqs, just like most feats. For the latter, you need to join the order, whether you petition them or vice-versa.

What he said.

 

[Lord Morte]

Depends on the prestige class.

If it is based on a basic enough archetype then there's no reason someone can't just start taking levels in it, such as a Duelist or Arcane Trickster.

If the flavour involves an organisation though, the player has to make contact with that organisation, as with the Order of the Bow Initiate or Harper Scout.

A player can also start out a member of the organisation, even if they haven't got levels in the appropriate PrC, which is helpful when they're the only member with any reason to be anywhere near by. A Cleric certainly shouldn't be denied the possibility of becoming a Divine Champion of his god by the fact he's the only church member in a hive of scum and villiany.