D&D 5E Prestige classes in Next?

[I'm A Banana]

I like the idea of an inbaked part of the character (so not magic item) that can be strived for in game and given as a reward in game.

3e did it with prestige classes, 4e did it with the special powers that were inborn instead of magic items (boons). I would love to see a mix.

If you go to the mountain of the high master you can learn at his feet, and when you do you have access to something that no one that didn't do that has access.

I could easily see 4e-style boons killing Prestige Classes that are too big for feats and taking their stuff.

I'm thinking even Artifact-level boons that task you with certain quests or responsibilities.

Gameplay-wise, they work like a magic item: a reward for a quest. Only rather than a +1 sword, the reward is a +1 to all attack rolls...or somesuch.

 

[Thank Dog]

I'd be ok with prestige classes but only if they altered ways in which a subclass worked. And by alter, I don't mean adding more powers, or making existing powers more powerful, I mean more subtle things that have more to do with the flavour and feel of the subclass. For instance, altering an Eldritch Knight to be divine instead of arcane and calling it the "Cavalier" prestige class, or changing Archfey warlocks so that their "patron" is actually all the Spirits of Nature.

I don't mind mechanical changes to reflect such flavour, but what I want specifically to be avoided is power-creep. If I start seeing that in prestige classes, then they will earn an instant ban at my table.

 

[Falling Icicle]

I think that prestige classes would be better replaced by feats, like the arcane archer feat in the playtest. Most prestige classes were only slight variants on normal classes, with just two or three unique features (if that). They could just take those special features and make them a feat instead.

 

[CapnZapp]

Let's not kid ourselves. Power creep is what sells splatbooks.

 

[Thank Dog]

Let's not kid ourselves. Power creep is what sells splatbooks.

They've said that they're not going to do splatbooks.

 

[Jeff Carlsen]

There could be a place for Prestige classes, but I think I'd rather have Prestige Feats for special organizations, or a additional boon system.

 

[SkidAce]

That would be great if that was the were made to be used but that's not what a prestige class is. A prestige class is more powerful abilities that are delayed a few levels till the character gets some mechanical requirements. All the added fluff and story to a prestige class had little to know meaning.

Thats the way they were.

Hopefully that changes.

 

[the Jester]

I don't mind mechanical changes to reflect such flavour, but what I want specifically to be avoided is power-creep.

Absolutely. That's one of the reasons I favor implementing prcs via feats- you can pay the price for the specialized training and get appropriate benefits without altering the normal power curve.

I like the idea of prerequisites for such feats/hypothetical prestige classes like "Must be a member in good standing of the Black Avengers" vs. "+4 BAB, Dodge, Mobility, and Power Attack."

 

[Jeff Carlsen]

I like the idea of prerequisites for such feats/hypothetical prestige classes like "Must be a member in good standing of the Black Avengers" vs. "+4 BAB, Dodge, Mobility, and Power Attack."

I agree with this completely.

The only downside I see with Prestige Feats like this is that you have to wait up to four levels to take them. A prestige class could be entered with your next level if you qualify. I consider that a minor issue, though.

 

[Authweight]

I really like the idea of prc's being replaced by new abilities that are like innate magic items. They are a clean, clear bonus you get exactly when and if the DM says you do. Like all magic items in 5e, you aren't entitled to them, you get them when the DM decided it is appropriate.

That gets rid of a lot of the problems with people working it into their character build and removing all the cool rp stuff.