D&D 5E Prestige Paths

[77IM]

I have just uploaded Prestige Paths to the downloads area.

This is a little thought-experiment for an alternative to Prestige Classes. It combines several ideas from this forum to build something that is distinctly not a class, and not tied directly to leveling, yet still having enough mechanical impact for players to care.

You can find the file here in the downloads section. Please use this thread for comments.

 

[CapnZapp]

I have just uploaded Prestige Paths to the downloads area.

This is a little thought-experiment for an alternative to Prestige Classes. It combines several ideas from this forum to build something that is distinctly not a class, and not tied directly to leveling, yet still having enough mechanical impact for players to care.

You can find the file here in the downloads section. Please use this thread for comments.

If you have the time, could you please write a short summary of what your proposal contains, so we don't need to download a file just to see what it's all about, that'd be great! [emoji3]

Sent from my C6603 using EN World mobile app

 

[77IM]

Sure, here are the opening paragraphs, which are a pretty good summary:

Prestige paths represent high-level character archetypes as a set of special abilities. These archetypes are inherently tied to the setting, and reflect your actions in the campaign. No amount of training or XP will earn you ranks in a prestige path; you can only get them by performing fantastic feats of heroism and prowess.

A prestige path does not replace your class or your levels; prestige path abilities are in addition to your levels and class features. You can think of a prestige path as a formalized system for Other Rewards (DMG, p.227). Or, consider them a high-level equivalent to a background; your background is where you are from, your prestige path is where you are going.

Each prestige path is divided into five ranks. When you first gain a prestige path, you are rank 1. Further acts of heroism will increase your rank. You get the special abilities associated with your rank, and with all lower ranks.​

 

[Tormyr]

My first concern upon reading your post was that this would just make the PCs more powerful since it was not trading levels in another class. After reading the document, I was pleasantly surprised to see that (at least for the Archmage) had interesting options without necessarily adding much power to the PC.

 

[mtws25]

Download link not working for me. Could you please check it? Would love to take a look.

 

[CapnZapp]

Download link not working for me. Could you please check it? Would love to take a look.

The original post is from 2017, before The Great Forum Upgrade.

I believe the OP needs to reupload.