Should Some Prestige Classes have Attribute Requirements?

[Pax]

I voted for option 3. As per our previous discussion, I think it depends on the specific PrC being created, and the idea behind it.

Chalk up a "mee, too".

Besides, indirectly at least, some PrC's FROM SQUARE ONE, have had attribute requiremetns.

Able to cast 3d-level spells? That's a roundabout Attribute requirement (an attribute of the right sort, at 13+) -- and the Loremaster requires that.

Feat with an attribute requirement? Well, if you require the feat, you require the attribute. Cleave requires a Strength of 13+, so the Blackguard (which requires you to have Cleave), already requires you to have a Strength of 13 or more.

Those two are right form the DMG PrC's, so attribute requirements for PrC entry has been around form the very beginning -- wether clearly stated or not.

So ... as said above: it depends entirely on the prestige class in question. Shoudl it ever be the SOLE entry requirement?

Well, of course not.

Can an additional requirement, specifically of a particular attribute (either a minimum OR a maximum), be a viable option? Of course!!

Do most Prestige Classes already require various specific attribute minimums, if only by way of spelclasting and feat prerequisites? Absolutely!!!

 

[Epametheus]

It's fine if it's indirect -- requiring a feat with an attribute requirement or something similar, but a prestige class should never straight out require something like "14 Wisdom."

 

[Spatzimaus]

Don't have attributes limit directly. Instead, have them require Feats that require stats (so if you can find a way to get that ability without having the appropriate stat, more power to you.) Or, require a class ability linked to a stat ("must be able to cast 3rd-level arcane spells" means INT of 13+).

The problem, though, is that most Feats aren't linked to a stat, even when they probably should be.

 

[Someone]

It's fine if it's indirect -- requiring a feat with an attribute requirement or something similar, but a prestige class should never straight out require something like "14 Wisdom."

I fail to see why not, -unless it´s the only requisite. Then, plain no.-

 

[MarauderX]

Yes.

Well, you can't multiclass into cleric unless you have WIS>10, so I think that's a basic restriction that ought to stay, and just like any others it is kinda important to have at least the prerequisite(s) to have the class.

Although I must admit I do it for NPCs to add the comedy relief, such as the bard with CHA=8 that ends up singing his way into a fight. I guess none of my players want to the that comedic relief guy...

 

[Spatula]

Re: Yes.

Well, you can't multiclass into cleric unless you have WIS>10, so I think that's a basic restriction that ought to stay,

There are only restrictions on multiclassing into a base class are alignment restrictions. There are no attribute restrictions whatsoever.

 

[CRGreathouse]

I think that attribute requirements are generally bad form. I would consider it for some classes, though -- a "William Tell"-type trickshooter PrC should require high Dex, IMO.

 

[AEtherfyre]

It's fine if it's indirect -- requiring a feat with an attribute requirement or something similar, but a prestige class should never straight out require something like "14 Wisdom."

I feel the same way. The requirements for PrC's, in my opinion, should be by trained skill; the only reason an attribute should enter the picture is if it is necissary for the skill.

My opinion stems from style raather than rules, here, though. It's my opinion that, given what PrC's are supposed to represent, ability scores are irrelevant, in a direct sense. Skill with magic is defined by Spellcraft, caster levels, and Skill/Spell Focus, after all, not 13+ Int. Someone who is a crafty defensive fighter is such, again, because they have Expertise, not because they have 13 Int. Same with Power Attack or Cleave for a axe-weilder PrC; the class isn't about strength, it's about using an axe.

What I'm trying to say is that class levels, IMO, are representative of aquired skill, and as such the requirements for a PrC should be based on skill - not on statistics.

YMMV.

 

[Li Shenron]

I voted no. I would never allow in my campaign a PrCl which has an attribute requirement. There are too many chances that those requirements are lowered for some reason (spells, poisons, diseases...), and according to the DMG you would lose access to the PrCl's special features if you lose the requirements.

Anyway I considered that rule a bad design move, and many published PrCls seem not to have taken that into account when requiring feats that themselves require minimum ability scores.