Prestige Classes

[Mark CMG]

Use them or not and why?

 

[EricNoah]

I do not use them. As DM, trying to figure out how to meet each little prerequisite is a pain. I do use a lot of normal multiclassing though.

What I do sometimes do is use the class features as inspiration for custom-made feats.

 

[smootrk]

I really like the idea of PRCs as they can accomplish things that basic multiclassing cannot. Specifically, they make very good ways to differentiate different organizations, cults, or special niche endeavors not possible with the basic class mechanics.

That being said, I am also a big fan of Base Classes, including additions of new Base Classes. Basically, if a particular role/profession/concept can be envisioned to work from character origins all the way to the theoretical end of a character's career, then a base class ought to be available for that role. If the particular endeavor is more of a sideline to the basic role, or something that is more organizationally based, then a PRC is more appropriate.

So I use both, but to answer the poll, I use PRCs some.

 

[Umbran]

I use them rarely. They are a fine tool for solving a particular problem - when you need an elite person in a niche that is mechanically different from standard multiclassed characters. It isn't a need I've had in my recent games.

 

[Kralin Thornberry]

Only occasionally, because trying to find a PrC that fits my character concept isn't always easy.

 

[el-remmen]

I have only used them for NPCs so far, though I think in my current game one or two characters are likely to try to qualify for one.

I consider PrC requirements to be a guideline - and if I think the PC has suitable alternatives for some of them, I will allow it - but all of this is handled in-game anyway - as for me PrC represent a cultural or organizational ideal.

 

[drothgery]

Sometimes a PrC lines up very well in mechanics and flavor with where I'm going with a character, so it's a no brainer (Silver Pyromancer matched up pretty much exactly what I wanted for my first character in the Eberron campaign I'm playing in now). And sometimes it seems like a PrC is mechanically necessary for a concept (it's hard to do an effective multiclass spellcaster without one, and bard/sublime chord is one of the better ways to build an effective bard). But I haven't used a lot of PrCs, and kind of prefer to grab a more focused base class and play it for as long as that works.

 

[Jedi_Solo]

Our group uses them all the time.

They give fun new abilities that base classes don't get. They help set the PCs apart from the rest of the world (beyond the fact that they are the PCs).

From a player stand point they help me build who the PC is before the first session starts. I admit I am a Power Gamer. When creating a new character I quite often turn to a PrC that I remember and want to try out. That gives me a target to shoot for. Sometime the PC gets into the PrC and sometimes something happens along the way and they never enter the class. But it gives me a starting point for building a new character.

 

[Vyvyan Basterd]

Lots!

Alomost every character in our group has at least one prestige class (assuming they live long enough). As DM I don't use them as frequently, but will if a PrC seems to fit the story.

 

[awayfarer]

I haven't gotten a chance. I've played two characters with PRC's as their ultimate goal; an Asaathi ranger/fighter who would have eventualyl been an Ancetral Warrior, and an Aberration-blooded sorc/barbarian who was intended to become a dragon disciple. Both were "neutralized" the level before they would have qualified.

I ended up playing a straight-up orcish barbarian after that. It was nice not to have to worry about things like "build" or "pre-requisites" or "anything that doesn't involve hitting stuff."