Test-Based Prerequisites for Prestige Classes

[Felon]

So, has anyone ever taken a stab at using Unearthed Arcana's test-based prerequisites for prestige classes? Would love to hear what experiences you guys have had.

I'm interested in using them, and would love to hear some imaginative ideas. Right now, I'm entertaining possibilities for a Tempest and a Sacred Fist. The Tempest is heavily feat-oriented (Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attac, 2WF, Imp 2WF), while the Sacred Fist requires KS (religion), 1st-level divine spellcasting, and a few feats as well (Imp Unarmed Strike, Stunning Fist, Combat Reflexes, Combat Casting).

 

[Mark CMG]

I've experimented with their use, as I like things to happen in-game as much as possible. It's a pretty simple concept. The final section should get you started. What exactly have you come up with so far on your own? Given the brief sentence you have at the end of your post, you seem to be focused purely on the mechanics and I think the best approach is a nod to the mechanics but to ground it as much as possible in the flavor of the PrC. How are they integrated into your particular campaign world? What do the players know about these PrCs and how do they relate to the world at large?

 

[Piratecat]

I did this with the Loremaster class, and it worked out wonderfully. I required a metamagic spellcasting and 'I made this magic item' show and tell. I also gave the player three or four campaign-related or philosophical questions he had to answer, and used "discuss it with the rest of the players" as a simulation of having a high knowledge skill. (I also gave the option of making a particular DC knowledge check for the questions, but this was more fun.)

 

[Felon]

Interesting, Pcat. For me, a lot of the interest would be in figuring out how to gear the test so that the requirements are a big help in making the grade.

So, for instance, if Combat Reflexes is a requirement for the Sacred Fist, then the test might involve being attacked by a higher-level NPC (an old-school staple of monk progression). The NPC might be able to beat the aspirant in a straight-up fight, but he tests the monk with maneuvers that provoke attacks of opportunity.

Of course, I want to customize this somewhat according the organization. For isntance, the test of a Sacred Fist of the FR god Ilmater (god of martyrs and healing) might have a stage that requires the monk to endure tremendous pain and heal himself constantly.

 

[SWBaxter]

So, for instance, if Combat Reflexes is a requirement for the Sacred Fist, then the test might involve being attacked by a higher-level NPC (an old-school staple of monk progression). The NPC might be able to beat the aspirant in a straight-up fight, but he tests the monk with maneuvers that provoke attacks of opportunity.

Yeah, for martial artsy prestige classes you can get a lot of mileage out of old kung fu movies, where the hero often goes through bizarre training sessions without realizing what they're trying to teach/test him.

From the prestige classes you're interested in, the Tempest could have a quick test reminiscent of those scenes: give the aspirant a red stick and a blue stick, and have them stand in a courtyard. 10' away are instructors holding red and blue targets, 10' beyond that is a doorway. The applicant has to hit each target with the appropriate stick and move through the doorway, without getting hit by the instructors. Somebody with the prereqs should have a fairly easy time (unless they roll badly), while somebody who's lacking some or all of them will need to be creative or lucky to succeed.

 

[Remathilis]

Never got to use it but...

Thief Acrobat: The Second Story Job. The PC must enter a "safehouse" and retrieve a golden statue. There are no doors, just windows. The PC must make a climb check (DC 22) to get to an outside ledge, then balance his way to the window (DC 20). From there, he must descend down a labrynth of trapped halls that require the PC to jump chasms (DC20), tumble under falling pillars (DC 24) and evade jets of flame (4d6, DC 19 Ref). If the character retieves the Idol, the "door" to the room swings open and the guildmaster welcomes the candidate into the Thief-Acrobats.

 

[Piratecat]

Interesting, Pcat. For me, a lot of the interest would be in figuring out how to gear the test so that the requirements are a big help in making the grade.

I agree. This was a little easier for me, because the PC was already 20th lvl; he was so over-qualified it was scary. I still wanted to make it a memorable challenge, so I tried to challenge the player as well as the PC.

One of the best reasons for me to use the test-based pre-requisites is that it helps mitigate the "I have to plan my hero out from lvl 1-20" syndroms. With tests, if you shoot for the right feel, he has a chance of qualifying. I love that.

 

[Aries_Omega]

Help Needed

I need a test for the prestige paladin. Has anyone made up a test for one?

 

[Abdiel Tirimas]

For the Prestige Paladin, consider that the Paladin is the ultimate devotion to valor and good. Not just some simple test would do, it would be something of utter devotion and self sacrifice, like being sent on a quest that will deliberately put the applicant in situations that could be easier solved by less than lawful good methods, such as dealing with shady guilds, etc... But unbeknownst to the paladin to be, they are being watched, and if they have proved their loyalty, they are given the divine blessing of their God, and undergo the final test of having (god's name)'s symbol branded onto an important place, be it arm, neck, chest, etc.

Something of that sort, Paladin's are more about morals and codes than simple fighting.

And beyond Pallies, it can be interesting to create tests to gain the prestige.

In my current campaign, the PrC I wrote and will be using, Master of Blades, in order to become the class, you have to exemplefy your style of fighting by combining the requirements to attack several opponents while avoiding damage yourself, not necessarily kill anyone, but remain on the move and hitting nontheless, while showing a devotion to the sword. So, take roleplay elements related to the PrC, and combine them with the mechanics of the requirements, makes it flow smoothly.

 

[Piratecat]

I also would pick a difficult moral decision, and have them justify their answer. You'll also want the obvious - proficiency with swords, etc.