Relaxing PrClass Prereq restrictions (sort of)

[The Sigil]

I am experimenting with the following house rule for my campaign and would like some reaction to it...

Let me set this up by pointing out that I use none of the "standard" PrClasses in my game... the PCs have no idea what the requirements are for a particular PrC.

With this in mind, I have chosen to use the following House Rule...

A PC who does not meet the "requirements" of a PrC in Skill Ranks and Feats may enter a PrC provided (a) s/he allocates *all* Skill Ranks and Feats received from that time forward toward qualifying for the PrC and (b) the player must be able to meet the prerequisites within one more level advancement after entering the PrC (IOW, you can take PrC level 1, and then when you level again, you must fulfill the requirements after allocating the Skill Points et al for that level - even if it means levelling in another class such as Ftr to get bonus Feats or Rogue to gain sufficient skill points or what have you). BTW, the character cannot "back out" - if he takes the first level in the PrC, he MUST take appropriate Feats/Skills to meet the prereqs after his next level advancement whether he likes it or not... it's part of the choice of taking a PrC.

Does this seem fair to everyone? I feel that if I am withholding the Prereqs for the class, it will be tough for PCs to know what they have to do to qualify - instead levels 1 and 2 of the PrC are like "initiatory levels" where those with sufficient "basic skills" are taught the skills essential to the higher mysteries of the PrC.

Just looking for some feedback...

--The Sigil

EDIT: Spells Known, BAB, Save bonuses, and so forth must still be met BEFORE taking a level in a PrC - the requirements are relaxed ONLY for Feats and Skills.

 

[Crothian]

If your not going to tell the PCs what skills and feats they need, then that's fine. My question is why not tell them? In my games, I at least give the PCs an idea of what they would need. They can also talk to people with the prestige class to get ideas of what may be needed. You don't have to give them exact numbers, but you can allow them to figure things in in a role play situation.

 

[Chacal]

That sounds ok to me. As reasons for not telling them all the skills/feats prereq:

-Some might be difficult to be obtained as in-game information.
-Some might not even be known by the DM a t the time the PC have to make the correct feats&skills allotment. It's quite nice for the DM to avoid having the PC "pay" a level just for that.


Chacal

 

[Jerrid Al-Kundo]

I'm not entirely for this, the reason being that the prereqs are the basic abilities that the PClass builds off of.

Now, if the PC used the 1st Level PClass gains to make the requirements (BAB, Skill Ranks, etc.), I could see it (wouldn't do it, but it's a sensible alternative).

For the record, I too keep PClasses and their prereqs something to be learned in-game, so I understand what you're trying to do. But if the PC is two-levels away from qualifying, the PC isn't really "good enough" for the PClass yet. If anything, their mentors/trainers/etc. should point them at the right class first.

Just my thoughts.