Power Assessment of the Prestige Classes (A List)

Emirikol

Adventurer
Here is a general assessment of the power of each of the prestige classes (by 5th level). Most of these assume that the various classes are WEAKER or equal to a character just taking another level in their core class.

Am I wrong on any of these? Opinions are wanted!

Em


Power Estimation and Minimum Character Levels Required for Each Prestige Class
by Jay A. Hafner jayhafner@qwest.net

Corrections and additions by: Mike Haakstad, Scott Schimmel, Kevin Elmore, Dave Butler, Brendan Robertson, Talen, Donald Tsang, John Collins, DakezDarkenblood, Ryan Collins, SkyDrake, Ghent, AlteredEgo, Xeviat-DM, Andorax, Littlesaltz, Temo Vryce, Cwsylclgh, John Baker, Dan Hott, Glyn Dewey, endurstonehelm, Kevin Elmore, and Joe Ipsen, Mornir, ENWorld Polls by Smetzger, Endur, Demiurge1138, drothgery, wormwood, GrandTransmuter, Yuri the Druid,

Version: March 29, 2003

Created for scenario authors, DM’s, and players.


MINIMUM LEVELS: The first listing is the quickest way to gain the PrC. Most feat-requiring classes are assumed to be human characters (add a level for all fighter-based listings that are non-human). Fighter was chosen over paladin or barbarian in most circumstances for feat-based PrC’s.

POWER RANKING (CR modifier): The second listing is the estimated POWER gained by 5th level in the PrC, graded 1-3 stars in comparision to taking an additional level in their main core class. Coolness may be included, but power is the main factor.
(*) = weaker than taking a level in a core class (CR-1)
(**)= the same as taking a level of a core class (CR+0)
(***) = more powerful than a level in a core class (CR+1)


**Dungeonmaster’s Guide**
Arcane Archer-elfblood, Ftr6+Wiz/Sor1; **
Assassin-Rog1+Any4; **
Blackguard-Ftr/Rng/Bbn/ex-Pal6; **
Dwarven Defender-dwarf, Ftr/Rng/Bbn/Pal7; **
Loremaster-Wiz/Clr/Drd/Sor7; **½ arcane / * divine
Shadowdancer-Rog1+Any6; **

**Sword & Fist**
Cavalier-Ftr8 +int;**
Devoted Defender-Ftr5;***
Drunken Master-Mnk6;***
Duelist-Ftr7 or Ftr4 + Rog3;**
Fist of Hextor-Ftr5 +int;**
Ghost Walker-Ftr6;**
Gladiator-Ftr5;**
Halfling Outrider-Ftr5 +int or Rng5;**
Knight o/t Great Kingdom-Ftr4+int;**
Lasher-Ftr5;**
Master of Chains-Ftr4 + int or Ftr4 +Rog1;**
Master Samuari-Ftr5;**
Ninja o/t Crescent Moon-Mnk8, Ftr6+Mnk1, Rog3/Ftr4 or Ftr4/Mnk3;**
Order o/t Bow Initiate-Ftr5;**
Ravager-Ftr5+int;**
Red Avenger-Mnk7 or Ftr8+int;**
Tribal Protector-Ftr5;**
Warmaster-Ftr7;*
Weapon Master-Ftr6, Ftr4+Rog2 (Spring Attack requirement for Whirlwind Attack) ;**

**Tome & Blood**
Acolyte o/t Skin- Wiz5 or Sor6+int; **
Alienist-Wiz5/Sor6; **
Arcane Trickster-Wiz5/Sor6+Rog4 or Rog 4/Wiz 4/Lore 1 or Brd7+Rog3; ** or ***(for sorcerers)
Bladesinger-elfblood, Errata'd: Ftr4/Wiz2 or Ftr2/Sor6 due to feats. (Old: F/Rng5+W/S1 or F4 +W/S2); **
Blood Magus-Wiz5/Sor6;**
Candle Caster-Wiz5/Sor6;*
Dragon Disciple-Sor/Brd5 or Bbn2+Sor4 or Bbn2+Brd4;**
Elemental Savant-Wiz5 or Sor6+int or+Clr1; or Wiz5+Clr1;***
Fatespinner-Wiz5/Sor6; **
Mage o/t Arcane Order-Wiz5 or Sor5+Arcane Prep feat; **
Mindbender-Wiz5/Sor6;**
Pale Master-Wiz5/Sor6;**
Spellsword-Wiz3+Ftr3 or Sor4 + Ftr2 or Bbn2 +Sor4;**
True Necromancer-Wiz5/Sor6+C5 with death domain;**
Wayfarer Guide-Wiz/Sor9;*

**Defenders of the Faith**
Church Inquisitor-Pal9 or Clr5;***
Consecrated Harrier-Clr7int, Pal5+int,Rng5;**
Contemplative-Any10;**
Divine Oracle-Any7;**
Holy Liberator-Brb5, Rng5;**
Hospitaler-Ftr/Pal/Rng/Brb4;***
Hunter o/t Dead-Pal5 or Clr7;**
Knight o/t Chalice-Pal7+Rng1;**
Knight o/t Middle Circle-Ftr6+int;**
Master of Shrouds-Clr5;**
Sacred Exorcist-Clr7 (knowledge domain), Clr11, Wiz9, Sor10, or Clr5/Church Inquisitor 2 (or PrC combo with int bonus) ;***
Sacred Fist-Ftr3+Clr1 or Mnk6+Clr1 or Pal4;**
Templar-Ftr5+Int, Pal1+Ftr4, or Clr1+Ftr5;***
War Priest-Clr7;**

**Song & Silence**
Dread Pirate-Rng5+int; Rog6;**
Dungeon Delver-Rog7;**
Fang of Lolth-Ftr/Brb/Rng/5+int or Brd/Rog7;**
Outlaw o/t Crimson Road-Rng4+int or Brd/Rog6;**
Royal Explorer-Rng3+ Rog2 or Brd/Rog5;**
Spymaster-Rog7;**
Temple Raider of Olidammara-Rng5 or Rog7;**
Thief-Acrobat-Rog5;**
Vigilante-Rng/Rog/Brd5;**
Virtuoso-Brd7 or Rog6+Wiz/Sor1 or Rog1+Wiz6;**

**Masters of the Wild**
Animal Lord-Drd/Rng1 + 4 Drd/Rng levels;**
Bane of Infidels-Drd/Clr 6;**
Blighter-Drd5;**
Bloodhound-Rng4;**
Deepwood Sniper-Ftr/Rng5;***
Exotic Weapon Master-Ftr/Rng5+Brb1 or Brb6 (waste) ;*
Eye of Grummish-any race; Ftr/Rng/Brb6 + ‘heritage’;**
Foe Hunter-Rng7 or Ftr/Brb6+Rng1;***
Forsaker-Ftr3 or any3;**
Frenzied Berserker-Ftr/Rng5+Brb1 or Brb6;***
Geomancer-Wiz3/Sor4+Drd/Clr3;***
Hexer-Adept8+wis;***
King o/t Wild-Rng/Brb/Ftr5;**
Oozemaster-Clr/Drd5 or Wiz5/Sor6;***
Shifter-Wiz5, Sor6, or Druid5;**
Tamer of Beasts-Drd/Rng4+ 3 Drd/Rng levels;**
Tempest-Rng/Brb/Ftr9 ( wasted) ;*
Verdant Lord-Drd7 or Rng11;***
Watch Detective-Rng5 or Any5;**
Windrider-Brb/Ftr/Rng5;**

Living Greyhawk Journal
Darkhagard (#2)-Rhenee;**
Veth(#2)-Rhenee;**
Knight of the Chase (#297)-F8;**
Mask of Johydee (#302)- Brb/Ftr/Sam/Pal/Rng 5;**
Silent One (#4)-Wiz5;**
Glaive of Azharadian (#293)-Ftr5;**
Knight of the Watch/Dispatch(LGcampaign);**



Overlap in Requirements (discovery list):
Animal Lord/Tamer of Beasts
Bladedancer/Weaponmaster
Loremaster/Arcane Trickster
Loremaster/Wayfarer Guide
Deepwood sniper/Cat lord
..

Oriental Adventures:
Battle Maiden - Ftr/Pal/Sam/Rng 7
Bear Warrior - Brb 7 or Brb 1 + Ftr/Pal/Rng/Sam 6
Blade Dancer - Rng 8 or Ftr/Pal/Sam 7 + caster 1 or Brd 10
Eunuch Warlock - Wiz 7 or Sor 8 or Wuj 7
Henshin Mystic - Mnk 10 or Mnk 5 + any (lawful) 5
Iaijutsu Master - Sam6 or Ftr/Rng/Pal 5 + Sam 1 or Soh 8
Kishi Charger - Ftr/Pal/Sam/Brb/Rng 6
Ninja Spy - Rog 7 or ex-Monk 1 + any 6
Shadow Scout - Rog 6 or Rng 6
Shapeshifter - Wiz 7 or Sor 8 or Wuj 7 or Sha 7 or any (with natural shapechanging ability) 7
Shintao Monk - Mnk 6 or Mnk 4 + Ftr/Pal/Sam/Rng 1
Singh Rager - Ftr/Sam/Pal/Rng 7
Tattooed Monk - Any (except Wiz, S, Wuj, Shu) 5
Void Disciple - Caster 7 (multiclass 6?)
(Weapon Master was covered under Sword and Fist)
Witch Hunter - Caster 5 + Ftr/Sam/Pal/Brb/Rgr 2 or Sha/Clr 7(*)
Yakuza - Rog 7

* - This assumes that the listed Witch Hunter requirement for Magic Circle Against Evil/Taint is valid. The example witch hunter is not capable of casting this spell, so the intended requirement may have been Protection From Evil/Taint, which lowers the requirements for the multiclass.

Rokugan Clan PrCs from OA:
Hida Defender - Ftr/Sam/Pal/Rng/Brb 5
Daidoji Bodyguard - Ftr/Sam/Pal/Rng 5
Mirumoto Niten Master - Ftr/Sam/Pal/Rng 5
Akodo Champion - Ftr/Sam/Pal/Rng 5
Shiba Protector - Ftr/Sam/Pal/Rng 5
Bayushi Deceiver - Rog 5 or Rog 3 + Ftr/Rng/Brb 2
Moto Avenger - Ftr/Sam/Pal/Rng/Brb 5
Mantis Mercenary - Ftr/Sam/Rng/Brb 5

Psionic’s Handbook
Metamind-Psn4
Pyrokineticist-Psn4
Slayer-Psw4
Soulknife-Psn6 or Psw6
Mind’s Eye PrC’s should be done by someone who knows psionics better than I.

Manual of the Planes
Divine Agent-Ftr/Rng/Bbn/Pal1+Clr4 or Clr6
Gatecrasher-Rog5+Ftr/Rng1
Planar Champion-Ftr6
Planeshifter-Wiz9/Sor10

Deities & Demigods
Berserk-Ftr/Rng/Brb5
Justiciar of Taiia-Ftr/Rng/Brb4 + int
Soldier of Light-Ftr/Rng/Brb5

Book of Vile Darkness
Cancer Mage-Rng/Clr/Drd6
Demonologist-Wiz5/Sor6
Diabolist-Clr6/Wiz/Sor15
Disciple of Asmodeus-Any6
Disciple of Baalzebul-Any7
Disciple of Dispater-Ftr/Rng/Bbn6
Disciple of Mammon-Any4
Disciple of Mephistopheles-Ftr/Bbn/Rng6
Lifedrinker-vampire + Any3
Mortal Hunter-Rng5
Soul Eater-non-humanoid +Ftr/Bbn/Rng5 (or plus natural)
Thrall of Demogorgon-Ftr/Rng/Bbn4 + caster1 or + Rog1
Thrall of Graz’zt-Wiz6+Clr1 or Wiz5+Clr1
Thrall of Juiblex-Clr8
Thrall of Orcus-Wiz/Sor1+Any2
Ur-Priest-Clr/Drd5
Vermin Lord-Wiz5
Warrior of Darkness-Ftr/Bbn/Rng5

Forgotten Realms Campaign Sourcebook
Arcane Devotee – Wiz7/Sor8; ***
Archmage – Wiz13/Sor14;***
Divine Champion - Ftr/Bbn/Rng/Pal7;***
Divine Disciple – Clr7/Dru7; ***
Divine Seeker – Mnk/Rng/Rog7;***
Guild Thief – Rog5;***
Harper Scout – Brd5;***
Hathran – Wiz3/Sor4 + Clr/Drd3;***
Hierophant – Clr/Dru13; ***
Purple Dragon Knight - Any6;***
Red Wizard – Wiz 5;***
Runecaster – Clr/Dru5;***
Shadow Adept – Clr/Dru/Wiz5 or Sor6;***

Magic of Faerun
Gnome Artificer – Ilu1/Rog4;**
Guild Wizard of Waterdeep – Wiz5/Sor6;***
Harper Mage – Wiz5/Sor6; ***
Harper Priest – Clr/Dru5;***
Incantatrix - Wiz5/Sor6; ***
Mage-Killer - Clr/Dru/Wiz7 or Sor8; ***
Master Alchemist - Clr/Dru/Wiz7 or Sor8; ***
Mystic Wanderer - Clr/Dru5;***
Spelldancer – Ftr1 + Clr/Dru/Wiz5/Sor6; ***
Spellfire Channeler - Wiz/Sor5; **
War Wizard of Cormyr – Wiz7/Sor8; ***


Epic Level Handbook
Agent Retriever-Rog21
Cosmic Desryer-Wiz/Sor21
Divine Emissary-Ftr/Rng/Pal/Bbn-25
Epic Infiltrator-Rng/Rog/Brd21
Guardian Pramount-Ftr/Bbn/Rog/Pal15
High Proselytizer-Clr/Drd21
Legendary Dreadnought-Bbn/Ftr/Rng/Pal25
Perfect Wight-Rog21
Union Sentinel-Ftr/Pal/Rng21


Dragon Magazine (Backwards from 306)
306 – None
305 – None
304 – None
303 - Gladiators
Invisible Blade – Brb/Ftr/Sam/Pal/Rng 5
Occult Slayer – Brb/Ftr/Sam/Pal/Rng 5
Reaping Mauler - Brb/Ftr/Sam/Pal/Rng 5
302 The Tainted & Greyhawk
Tainted Warrior or Spellcaster: Any 3 except Wiz/Sor 4
Maks of Johydee - Brb/Ftr/Sam/Pal/Rng 5
301 – None
300 Vile Content + Other
Faceless One: Wiz 3 + Rog 2
Deep Thrall: Any 5
Shoal Servant: Clr/Dru1 + Brb/Ftr/Sam4 or Pal/Rng5
Tiger Mask: Any 2 + Clr/Wiz 3
Flesheater: Halfling; Rog 5


Comments, corrections and feedback are welcome.
 
Last edited:

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I can't imagine anyone saying that a Sorcerer who qualifies for taking a level of loremaster would be better off taking a level of Sorcerer.

Loremaster levels are better than sorcerer levels in every way except advancing the power of the character's familiar (who is obviously just a toad that hides in his pocket anyways).
 

Angcuru said:
wooohooo...the excitement.:o

I think this list would only be truly useful to powergamers.

My mom used to say, "if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything." I'm not sure he asked how this list would be useful; he asked if it were accurate. Personally, I find it very useful when taking a look at what classes I may want to allow unchanged into my campaign.

Jay, have you been following the polls in the Rules forum that rate the prestige classes?
 

Loremaster: Thanks for the tip. Keep 'em coming. I'll give the Loremaster three stars then.

This list isn't for powergamers actually, it's for DM's; DM's who want to accurately gauge the power of the PrC's so they can decide what is an acceptable challenge against the PC's.

I suppose it is also useful for powergamers :) Heh, heh.

Thanks!

Em
 

HellHound said:
I can't imagine anyone saying that a Sorcerer who qualifies for taking a level of loremaster would be better off taking a level of Sorcerer.

Loremaster levels are better than sorcerer levels in every way except advancing the power of the character's familiar (who is obviously just a toad that hides in his pocket anyways).

Heck, it's borderline whether it's better than levels of wizard. For four levels out of five Loremaster is certainly better (more skill points, better special abilities, same spellcasting). And I don't know that 1 feat/5 levels is worth it.
 

And it is probably LESS useful for clerics than levels of core class.

So it would read

Sor ***, Wiz **, Clr *, Drd *
 



Forgotten Realms Campaign Sourcebook
Arcane Devotee – Wiz7/Sor8; ***
Archmage – Wiz13/Sor14;***
Divine Champion - Ftr/Bbn/Rng/Pal7;***
Divine Disciple – Clr7/Dru7; ***
Divine Seeker – Mnk/Rng/Rog7;***
Guild Thief – Rog5;***
Harper Scout – Brd5;***
Hathran – Wiz3/Sor4 + Clr/Drd3;***
Hierophant – Clr/Dru13; ***
Purple Dragon Knight - Any6;***
Red Wizard – Wiz 5;***
Runecaster – Clr/Dru5;***
Shadow Adept – Clr/Dru/Wiz5 or Sor6;***

Magic of Faerun
Gnome Artificer – Ilu1/Rog4;***
Guild Wizard of Waterdeep – Wiz5/Sor6;***
Harper Mage – Wiz5/Sor6; ***
Harper Priest – Clr/Dru5;***
Incantatrix - Wiz5/Sor6; ***
Mage-Killer - Clr/Dru/Wiz7 or Sor8; ***
Master Alchemist - Clr/Dru/Wiz7 or Sor8; ***
Mystic Wanderer - Clr/Dru5;***
Spelldancer – Ftr1 + Clr/Dru/Wiz5/Sor6; ***
Spellfire Channeler - Wiz/Sor5; **
War Wizard of Cormyr – Wiz7/Sor8; ***
 

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