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| Brandon Hodge |
 Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 9:54 pm Post subject: Prestige Class Conundrum |
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Hey folks!
Working on the new Illuminated Brotherhood and Silent Priesthood prestige classes. For those not working on Halls, let's keep it simple and say that it is for members of a secret society like the Freemasons.
I wanted to structure it along the lines of the Loremaster, with a number of "degrees" and "secrets" that are learned at each level, chosen from a list.
Easy enough. Don't worry about the details (It's a SECRET!)
The problem is, I want the PrC to be open to ALL CLASSES. While it is easy enough to change the requirements, the trouble comes with BAB, Saves and, especially, the "+1 level to existing spellcasting class."
If you have a general PrC, you want to still offer that last option to spellcasting players, but those without spellcasting ability don't get the full benefit of the class, and should be offered something in return for balance.
Are there any common PrC examples I might reference that anyone can think of?
My idea was to offer ONE of the following options:
GOOD BAB
OR
TWO GOOD SAVES (as opposed to two poor)
OR
SPELL LEVEL PROGRESSION
That way, if a fighter joins the secret society, he gets the secrets AND his nice BAB, but two poor saves and no spell level progression. A rogue could get two good saves, but a poor BAB, no spell progress and and the secrets. A wizard, of course, would probably choose the spell level increase and get the goods, too.
Thoughts? Input? Too unwieldy?
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| Zherog |
| Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 8:17 am Post subject: |
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I don't think it's too unwieldy. However, you'd have to be sure to make it clear, because not everybody understands the math behind good saves, or high/medium/low BAB.
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| Kevin Andrew Murphy |
| Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 11:50 am Post subject: |
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Most people do it at two linked classes, because if you make one class that gives bonuses to two or more classes, then multiclassed characters will take it because it pumps everything.
And how is your secret order going to attract people who are multiclassed into two different casting classes and already taking some special prestige class that gives +caster level bonuses to both? |
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| R.C, Jr |
| Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:47 pm Post subject: |
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The problem with what you're proposing is the format for prestige classes.
The way BAB and saves are set up, there is no flexibility. You want a class feature that alters the information given on the class chart. I'm not saying you can't, I'm just wondering if there is an easier solution to reinventing the wheel.
Kevin Anthony Murphy's linked prestige classes is a good option. Complete Adventurer has two pairs of linked prestige classes: the Nightsong Enforcer and Nightsong Infiltrator; the Shadowbane Inquisitor and Shadowbane Stalker. In both cases they are two prestige classes that share one flavour, one designed for warriors and one designed for rogues. You could have a Secret Society Warrior and a Secret Society Caster (you'll obviously choose better names) prestige class.
Another option is building the class on middleground and then offering class features with options. So a Cleric BAB, one good Save, and +6 caster level by class level 10. Then have a class feature something like this:
Variable Bonus: Beginning at 2nd level, choose one of the following: +1 bonus to hit; +2 bonus to Fort save; +2 bonus to Ref save; +2 bonus to Will save; +1 to caster level. You can choose the same or another bonus at 5th level and again at 8th level.
That simulates having a better BAB or save progression or spell progression. It gives players the option to optimize one option (ending up with +10 to hit, +12 to one save, or +9 caster level by class level 10) or mix and match. Casters end up a bit behind (+9 to caster level instead of +10) but trades up to a cleric BAB.
I'm not sure what hit dice you would give to a class like this. d6 seems too low for the fighter types, d8 seems too high for the dedicated arcane casters. |
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| Kevin Andrew Murphy |
| Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:55 pm Post subject: |
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Joined: 05 Mar 2009
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Another option is to just do secret societies like Guilds from the DMG II or like the various dragonmarked houses in Eberron, with feat chains that give you more perks with your secret society and occasional kewl powerz.
The question is, what do you want your secret society to do? |
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| Amy Carrier |
| Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 6:50 am Post subject: |
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| Zherog wrote: |
| I don't think it's too unwieldy. However, you'd have to be sure to make it clear, because not everybody understands the math behind good saves, or high/medium/low BAB. |
Indeed, I've been playing the game for three decades and don't even know what BAB is! |
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| Zherog |
| Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 7:08 am Post subject: |
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Base Attack Bonus. 
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| Amy Carrier |
| Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 8:05 am Post subject: |
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| Aha! So BAB is what we used to call "To Hit" in 1E, which then became THAC0 in 2E. Got it. Thanks. |
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| Zherog |
| Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 9:52 am Post subject: |
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Yep.
There's three "progressions" for BAB -- Good, average, and poor.
Good This is the progression classes such as fighter and paladin have. It's equal to your class level.
Average This is the progression classes such as cleric and rogue have. It's equal to your class level x .75 (rounded down).
Poor This is the progression classes such as sorcerer and wizard have. It's equal to your class level x .50 (rounded down).
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