Roleplay and PrC

[trilobite]

Do you roleplay it out when a character gains a prestige class or a new core class? Do you have the character try to convince the head of the Order of the Purple Knights to let him join? So far in all the games that I have played in, its been "Oh I want to take a level in *insert PrC*." and that was that.


Edited so not to confuse people between Prestige Class and Peoples Republic of China

 

[Goddess FallenAngel]

I try to, for most prestige classes... but there are others in my gaming group who don't. I think it depends on personal roleplaying style and the DM. I have a DM that won't let you take anything (multiclass, new feat, skill, etc) without roleplaying working your way up to it first - while another DM I play under doesn't require that.

 

[Nightfall]

Most prestige classes I accept I try to have a group or race closely associated with it. Thus it makes it easier to have access to it as well as roleplay out mentoring aspects for other players. Some times though you do have to make your own.

 

[Volaran]

Generally if there is an organization attached to a prestige class, there is some amount of role playing involved. Whereas, if it is just a mechanical thing, and a logical progression for the character (a fighter/wizard taking levels in Eldritch Knight for example) then it can be done without a roleplaying requirement.

For core classes, generally progression into a vastly different class is handled in game. For instance, one of my GMs insists that multiclassing into the sorceror class have a trigger, usually exposure to something unusual that gets the character's magical blood pumping.

Multiclassing into wizard can take some time in game, though if the character already has a few ranks in knowledge (arcana) and spellcraft, I think a case could be made for a shorter time training.

Religious training, weapon instruction, ect. is a great way to get the PCs involved with mentor types, or ever build a closer bond with each other.

 

[Nightfall]

Also for me, when role playing sorcerers, it helps to figure out just what sources of magic are available. I mean if you're a tielfling sorcerer, it's obvious that you'd consider the Lower/Infernal Planes as possible source for arcane magic.

 

[Arnwyn]

Do you roleplay it out when a character gains a prestige class or a new core class? Do you have the character try to convince the head of the Order of the Purple Knights to let him join?

Yes, I definitely have this IMC - it's the only way to get a PrC. The PC must find an appropriate person to train him/her (another PC or otherwise), and must be a "suitable" candidate if the PrC is organization-based. Most of the PrCs IMC are organization-based or regional.

So far in all the games that I have played in, its been "Oh I want to take a level in *insert PRC*." and that was that.

That is anathema to the type of game I care to run.

 

[Henry]

In my games, yes. Characters do not require training for classes they already have (to me, it's just getting better in that skill-set), but to add a new class, or to add a PrC, they have to undergo a game-reason for it.

To be a barbarian, they have to either suffer a traumatic psyche-shattering experience that causes them extreme mania, or they have to spend time living alone in the wild in a very dangerous day-to-day environment.

To be a PrC, they have to seek out and find someone who can teach them the novice secrets.

To be a sorcerer, they have to strike a deal with an extrapalanar creature, because I won't let it simply "manifest." They've already passed puberty, so no earth-shaking changes at age 24 and a half.

To be a wizard, they have to undergo many months of training in the Art by someone qualified enough to teach (at least 5th or 6th level).

You get the idea. But there HAS to be an in-game reason, other than "I suddenly became this."

 

[diaglo]

Do you roleplay it out when a character gains a prestige class or a new core class? Do you have the character try to convince the head of the Order of the Purple Knights to let him join? So far in all the games that I have played in, its been "Oh I want to take a level in *insert PRC*." and that was that.

while i like to think that an in game reason is required, i have had a similar experience to yours.

the character ran across a spot on the map and suddenly got his power up in one campaign i played.

in another, a player just invented his own PrC. which was at first a cool thing. but in game there was nothing. his character suddenly had all this background for a power he gained when he "levelled up". yet, no explanation as to why it was not there previously.

 

[jgsugden]

In my campaign worlds, with only a few exceptions, every prestige classis attached to one or more organizations. I ask players to give me advance warning when they are interested in a prestige class so that I can present them with an opportunity to become affiliated with that organization.

This is a really valuable tool, btw, to give a different feel to different locations in your campaign world. By placing certain game options in only certain locations, it gives an identity to that place that stands out for players even if they ignore your wonderful flavor descriptions. Players may not be able to remember which country used bricks in their architecture, but they'll likely remember which country's military leaders all have levels in Cavalier.

 

[Reprisal]

Heh,

For some reason I thought you were gonna ask something about Roleplaying and the People's Republic of China.

I guess the difference between PrC and PRC is quite large, at least for me.

But, of course, I'm into Political Science,

- Rep.