Tweaking Core Classes

[sinmissing]

these are all really interesting replies. Let me say though, Rogues can't get wildshape, neither can clerics. While I set it up for each class to be able to buy certain abilities, I suppose you could open the gates wide, and let classes purchase any ability, but I haven't given it as much thought.

Well, I can see some problems, right off... With the Barbarian, you need to limit abilities gained from passing on DR to being gained at the same level as DR would have been, like you did with the Ranger's powers being invoked at 4th. Otherwise, I could take one level of Barbarian for my Ranger (to get the Fast Movement), give up the Rage once/day and the DR that I'll never get, and pick up some cool new abilities, basically for "free".

I'm not seeing the problem. None of the abilities you can buy for a Barbarian, other than TWF, kick in at 1st level. Your point regarding DR is well noted. I think you are right to say that giving up DR gives you a new ability that begins its progression at 11th level.

While not explicitly stated in my first post; I didn't see why this was necessary at the time; the golden rule is:

The Progress of new abilities follows the progression that the core class owning that ability follows. If a Druid takes Rage, he gains Rage abilities at the same rate that a Barbarian would.

As far as stacking is concerned, I'm using a rule that says when two classes have the same ability progression, you add the class levels together and follow one class' progression. Example: Rogue 3/Ranger 7. That adds up to 7 levels of sneak attack progression. Since Sneak Attack is an ability that belongs to Rogues, you gain the Sneak Attack ability of a 7th level Rogue.

Also, on the Ranger, how does the Sneak Attack work? Begins at 4th level as a first-level Rogue, then advances as a Rogue of Level-3?

Sneak attack stacks, just like with PRC, or you can use my progression above. It adds up the same either way.

And what about "stacking" problems? Suppose I take Barbarian, lose Rage and DR, and take Track, then become a Ranger and get it, again. Do I get anything for it?

If you look at the rulings regarding PRC, you don't get anything when a PRC gives you an ability you already have. My house rules differ, but that is not exactly the topic here.

And if a Ranger/Rogue shifts spells for Sneak Attack, how many dice damage do they get, anyway? ("Can you say 'OUCH!', boys and girls? Sure you can... I knew you could!") Things like that...

You would lose out on 1d6 worth of sneak attack damage over the long run. a 10/10 Rogue Ranger has a 9d6 attack. 1 die less than a straight rogue.

Compared to a canon 10/10 Fighter/Rogue: same hit points, even less skill points, 5d6 sneak attack, but add 5 Fighter Feats.

Compared to a straight Rogue/20: less hit points, 10d6 sneak attack, lots more skill points, +3 special abilities, better uncanny dodge.