Multiclassing Mania

[The_Gneech]

I'm working on an article about multiclassing, and I'm interested in folks' opinion on the subject. Do you like multiclassing? Hate it? When do you think it works well, and when does it fall down? How about the "favored class" concept?

Inquiring minds like mine want to know!

-The Gneech

 

[Crothian]

I think it works very well for concept building. I like players that work in the rules to build their characters. There are too mnay people min maxing the system, but that is the DM's job to deal with.

 

[The_Old_one]

Multiclassing as a character concept still works just as well, if not better, mechanically as it did in 2nd edition, especially now that Human's are not restricted from doing so IMO. The main benefit my group has commented on however in 3E has to be the prestige class concept. Multiclassing into a more powerful, and more "idea-based" class than the generics does help a PC's development, in both game and roleplay terms...as the PC becomes more powerful, H/She also becomes more of an intricate, in-depth person to play. A Blood Magus or Alienist makes for a more interesting PC than a standard Sorceror or Illusionist IMHO. Of course there will always be the Munchkins who couldn't play a Fighter well without a Hackmaster +12 to hand, but for the most part players seem to be diving into the multiclassing concepts available now, and making the most of them..and anything that expands the games boundaries and potential is a good thing as far as I am concerned.

Edited for spelling- D'oh!

 

[Psion]

I think in many cases the balance comes off a little weak, unless the classes have good synergy. If you are 10th level in a class, usually it's just not worth it to pick up a new set of abilities at first level over 11th level abilities (for example). This goes doubly for arcane spellcasters.

 

[Flexor the Mighty!]

I kind of liked class restrictions from earlier editions. I like multiclassing, but it's almost too freely done in 3e.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

I've heard of some people going wild and multi-classing three or four classes. In the long run, that hurts.

That being said, the fighter and rogue multi-class very well, IMHO.

 

[smetzger]

I like it and I encourage it with my players.

In fact I am running a campaign in which the players are members of an independant martial order in the church. So all players have to have at least one level of Cleric, Paladin, or Druid.

 

[Orryn Emrys]

I've gotta admit... I used to despise multi-classing in previous editions of the game. It made for some cool character abilities, but IMO it never seemed to balance out quite right. In 3E, however... I was floored! Multi-classing is now so easy and well-balanced that it becomes entirely unnecessary to think of a character in terms of a "class". Any PC can generally pursue the skills they feel appropriate to their advancement and/or the level of interest provided by their personal experiences. The fact that they can do so at later levels is something of a Godsend to some of my players.

That being said, I agree that their are serious drawbacks to some combinations. Any non-spellcaster acquiring a level in a spellcasting class at higher levels simply gains access to a few spells highly inadequate to their needs. Though fighters and rogues combine well at most any level, at higher levels they can be a very disillusioning path of advancement... especially for PCs accustomed to gaining significant powers from their initial class choice.

And now...with the ELH rules...unless you advance with strictly combat-oriented classes (i.e. those which gain +1 BAB every level) almost straight to 20th level, you may never gain the maximum 4 attacks/round. It's kind of like choosing your limitations before you really get started.

Nevertheless, I am a steadfast fan of the 3E multiclassing system, favored classes and all, and especially the prestige classes. Very few of the PC's in my current campaigns are single-classed.

 

[Squire James]

As quoted from one of my players:

"I have a character with at least 1 level in every class and prestige class my True Neutral alignment allows. I'm now an 11th level character, I can't do a thing, but boy I sure got good saving throws!"

 

[Zog]

Multi-classing? I like it.

What I have done with over half of my 3e PCs is to take 1 level of something, then a main class. If you do it immediately, it makes sense, and you can work it into your background. The rogue who decided to join the monk order, the fighter who is trying to leave his barbaric heritage behind, the wizard whose father raised him as a fighter, etc.

In terms of favorite combinations - 1 level of fighter, barbarian or ranger is always nifty for extra fighting prowess. Ranger for the twf - barbarian for movement and rage, fighter for a feat!

If you have a decent wisdom, and are a wizard, sorcerer or bard, a level of monk can go a long way. A small boost to your AC, a few hit points, hand to hand combat for emergencies and Evasion! to help you survive those fireballs when you don't have magical defenses in place. The bonus to all saves is nifty as well!

Most combat classes could also benefit from a level of rogue - extra d6 damage on surprise or flanking, great skill points - for cross-class skills mostly - almost make up for missing out on one Bab progression. Ranger/rogue or monk/rogue make especially nice combos.

A level of cleric, with the right domains, can round out a character as well. The ability to heal yourself in emergencies is not to be overlooked! The travel, luck or war domains also add some great abilities.

One level of bard gives you the perform skill and bardic music. Plus some handy cantrips - detect magic, light, etc. You'd only be able to your your bardic song once - unless you picked up that feat from Song & Silence.... Can be handy, but tends to slow down most classes without adding great benefits.

Sorcerer gives you two spells - if well chosen can be powerful. But watchout for spell failure. A Monk/sorcerer - level 2. AC: 30. 20 Dex, 18 wis, +7 shield, +4 mage armor. The key is to take spell that are *not* level dependant - the reverse of building a straight sorcerer if you will. Exped. retreat is a good one - but you can also get this from the Travel domain....

And while all of this is powergaming and min-maxing - Just ask yourself WHY does the character have a level of this class? And an interesting character is born. Did they find religion? Loose religion? Are they trying to 'get out and go straight' (one level of rogue) - Did they get kicked out of the monastery for something bad? Etc.


And that was my mini-article on multi-classes.