The Death of the PrC?

[KrazyHades]

This is all hope and speculation, NOT real info, so don't get too worked up.

I've been hoping that new base and prestige classes can be created through the power trees that they keep talking about. This could (hopefully) be done by making specialized power chains on the tree.

This would let a DM create what are effectively new classes by simply making up a new chain, and it would make it easier to make balaced trees because one can simply compare varies steps along the chain with other ones of the same level on other chains.

All, of course, IMHO

Discuss.

 

[hazel monday]

I hope they get rid of PrCs entirely.
Those things really dim my enthusiasm for high level play.
...Well, that and the fact that the game stops working post 12th level.

 

[GoodKingJayIII]

I don't mind PrCs per se, but in addition to severely reducing the number, I'd like to see them made a lot more generic.

 

[Lackhand]

Also, I believe we've heard that the prestige part comes in during the "end of a character's carreer" -- implying that there are a few in the core rules already, and that through some arcane mumbo-jumbo, one of the requirements to unlock them is being "high" level.

20+, possibly?

 

[Wednesday Boy]

I don't mind PrCs per se, but in addition to severely reducing the number, I'd like to see them made a lot more generic.

I'm of the opposite opinion. I enjoy PrCs when they give abilities that are tied to a more specialized niche. If PrCs are more generic, I would probably just stick with a base class.

As for whether to get rid of PrCs or not, I don't see any basic difference between having a PrC that gives specific abilities or having a talent tree that gives the same specific abilities. To me it's a half dozen one way, six the other.

So as long as there is some sort of option to fill a specialized niche (with specialized abilities for that niche), I don't mind if it's a talent tree or a PrC.

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

Also, I believe we've heard that the prestige part comes in during the "end of a character's carreer" -- implying that there are a few in the core rules already, and that through some arcane mumbo-jumbo, one of the requirements to unlock them is being "high" level.

20+, possibly?

I would be more open to the idea of a Prestige Class if it were limited to high level play. The thing I would like to see with it is an easing of some of the mechanical prerequisites that PrCs have, so you don't have to try and map out your character development many levels in advance in order to reach it. A simpler mechanical requirement coupled with story based requirements would be my preference. This gives the DM a little more control over the introduction of PrCs into a campaign.

 

[Knight Otu]

From designer quotes, it appears that there will be a functional equivalent of prestige classes, potentially called paragon paths (and perhaps epic paths?), a term that was tossed around in a blog. It has been mentioned that someone taking such a "prestige class" will continue advancing in their respective base class (so a frenzied berserker would continue to advance as a barbarian). Presumably, taking a "prestige class/paragon path" will open up a different set of powers for the character, perhaps choosable in addition to the old set, perhaps replacing it. That isn't very clear yet.
If multiclassing works as advertised, prestige classes like the mystic theurge should die a swift death, leaving room for actual prestige classes/paragon paths.

 

[GoodKingJayIII]

I'm of the opposite opinion. I enjoy PrCs when they give abilities that are tied to a more specialized niche. If PrCs are more generic, I would probably just stick with a base class.

Sorry, I probably should've been a little clearer. What I meant by "more generic" was more in reference to the title and descriptive text than any abilities granted. The Star Wars Saga Edition book does this well. A character can have levels in Crime Lord--which has very specific skills an abilities--but is not necessarily tethered to being a crime lord. Make sense?

 

[FadedC]

The problem with prestige classes being too narrow is that you end up having to release 50 prestige classes in order for any one player to find a single one that fits their character. When you release that many new classes you can be pretty sure that their overall quality control will be pretty low. That's why you end up with so many broken ones and so many completely lame ones.

 

[an_idol_mind]

I for one like the concept of prestige classes. I'm not so keen on where the designers took prestige classes during the life of 4th edition. I prefer prestige classes to reflect unique groups or training found within a specific setting.

Ideally, I'd like the DM's Guide to include a handful of sample setting-specific prestige classes, as well as some actual guidelines for creating your own. I much prefer the option to use the mechanic as a way of emphasizing setting flavor.