Multiclassing Limitations

[baconcow]

I wanted to avoid taking over the other n00b topic with a question that is not of the same idea. I read in the core rules that instead of choosing to go to another level (say level 6), I could choose to go to level 1 in another class. My character would still be a level 6 character. There is only one paragraph in the core rules about this and, while I have not read through it all to see if there are other limitations, I have some questions.

1) How many different classes can you add when multiclassing? Can I be a level 8 Wizard with level 1 of each of the other available classes (assuming I am the appropriate character level)?

2) When I level up and choose another class, I remain the same level in my other class(es). However, my "character level" still advances. So, does that mean if I am character level 6 (Level 5 Wizard, Level 1 Ranger), I need the XP points of a 7th level character just to progress another level?

3) Once I am at character level 20, this is it, correct (assuming I do not homebrew my own rules for advancement beyond 20). So if I am a Wizard (preferred) and Ranger multiclass, the max level the Wizard could be is 19 (Level 19 Wizard, Level 1 Ranger)?

4) I know this may sound obvious, but I could not understand if possible from the core rules alone. Can I put further levels in the other mulitclass class(es)? For example, can I eventually be a level 20 character with a level 10 Wizard and level 10 Ranger? It only mentions that you can make a level 1 class instead of leveling up the other class, but I didn't know if they meant the other classes from before (through multiclassing previously), or just your preferred class.



Thanks in advance for all the help.

 

[paradox42]

1) How many different classes can you add when multiclassing? Can I be a level 8 Wizard with level 1 of each of the other available classes (assuming I am the appropriate character level)?

As many as you have character levels. The way it effectively works is, you have X character levels, but you spend Y levels out of X for specific classes. So if your character is 8th level, you could be Wizard 8, or Wizard 7/Ranger 1, or Wizard 6/Ranger 2, or Wizard 6/Ranger 1/Paladin 1, or... you get the idea.

2) When I level up and choose another class, I remain the same level in my other class(es). However, my "character level" still advances. So, does that mean if I am character level 6 (Level 5 Wizard, Level 1 Ranger), I need the XP points of a 7th level character just to progress another level?

Correct. XP depends on character level; the classes you "spent" those levels on don't matter at all.

3) Once I am at character level 20, this is it, correct (assuming I do not homebrew my own rules for advancement beyond 20). So if I am a Wizard (preferred) and Ranger multiclass, the max level the Wizard could be is 19 (Level 19 Wizard, Level 1 Ranger)?

The Core Rulebook actually does have rules for advancement beyond 20, but they're optional- and anyway most DMs don't let games get even that far. So, for most purposes, you are correct.

4) I know this may sound obvious, but I could not understand if possible from the core rules alone. Can I put further levels in the other mulitclass class(es)? For example, can I eventually be a level 20 character with a level 10 Wizard and level 10 Ranger? It only mentions that you can make a level 1 class instead of leveling up the other class, but I didn't know if they meant the other classes from before (through multiclassing previously), or just your preferred class.

You can be Wiz 10/Rgr 10, no problem.

 

[Gorbacz]

Also, what might be good to point out for a newbie, multiclassing mostly sucks. With some exceptions, a multiclass character will always be weaker than a straight class character. Especially if one of the multiclasses is a caster.

In other words: better make sure you know what you are doing. Multiclassing is good if you are shooting for a prestige class (eg. Eldritch Knight, Mystic Theurge, Battle Herald or Rage Prophet), but it can be a fatal trap too.

 

[Kvantum]

Also, what might be good to point out for a newbie, multiclassing mostly sucks. With some exceptions, a multiclass character will always be weaker than a straight class character. Especially if one of the multiclasses is a caster.

In other words: better make sure you know what you are doing. Multiclassing is good if you are shooting for a prestige class (eg. Eldritch Knight, Mystic Theurge, Battle Herald or Rage Prophet), but it can be a fatal trap too.

For example, the idea of the Ranger 10/Wizard 10. That results in a character that can only cast up to 5th level spells with a caster level of 10th, and a BAB of only +15, costing them their fourth attack per round. Much better (at least in terms of BAB and caster level) to go for Ranger 2/Wizard 8/Arcane Archer 10 or R2/W8/Eldritch Knight 10 if you want a multiclass ranger/mage build.

 

[IronWolf]

Also, what might be good to point out for a newbie, multiclassing mostly sucks. With some exceptions, a multiclass character will always be weaker than a straight class character. Especially if one of the multiclasses is a caster.

In other words: better make sure you know what you are doing. Multiclassing is good if you are shooting for a prestige class (eg. Eldritch Knight, Mystic Theurge, Battle Herald or Rage Prophet), but it can be a fatal trap too.

I would agree with this. As a new player to the game I would recommend avoiding multiclassing and going with a straight character class. Multiclassing can work and end up with a good character but you usually have to go into it with a solid plan.

I would recommend choosing a character class you like and that sounds fun to play and fits your concept. Then focus on learning that class as you continue.

 

[Gorbacz]

Also, make sure to check out the class archetypes from Advanced Player's Guide. Many of them cover areas which people used to multiclass for.

 

[paradox42]

Also, make sure to check out the class archetypes from Advanced Player's Guide. Many of them cover areas which people used to multiclass for.

The archetypes are a great addition to the game.

I do wonder, though, whether some of them don't change the multiclass equation a bit- for example, has anyone tried a Zen Archer combined with Fighter or Ranger for their archery boosts? A game I'm in now has a Monk/Inquisitor archer; I don't know whether he specifically went Zen Archer on the Monk but I think it's a better-than-even bet.