Introduction
Prestige Classes were introduced in the third edition of Dungeons & Dragons as a new form of multiclassing with requirements that had to be met by characters before they could enter into the class. I always appreciated this concept but, unfortunately, not the execution. In this document, I am re-envisioning the Prestige Class as a single achievement that activates a bundle of abilities, skills, or other enhancements with requirements based on fictional accomplishments in the game rather than meta character prerequisites.
Anatomy of a Prestige Class
A Prestige Class features a very simple structure: a Title, generally the name of the class but also usually what a member of the class is called; a Requirement, what must be accomplished by the character to achieve the class; and, finally, a set of Powers, the skills, abilities, or other enhancements that a character gains when they achieve the class.
Achieving a Prestige Class
A character achieves a Prestige Class by first completing its Requirement. They may then, on their next level advancement train with someone capable of inducting them into the ranks of the class. When they complete the training, the character emerges with the Title and the Powers of the class.
How long does it take to train?
Training is a downtime activity. A good starting point is at least a month of intense training under a capable teacher and master. Of course, adjust this number to suit the pace of your particular game.
How many Prestige Classes can a character achieve?
I wouldn’t want to commit to a hard number and it would depend upon the nature of the class. Some Requirements might stipulate pledging allegiances and keeping faith to certain gods, organizations, leaders, or other factions. How many such oaths can a character make to different powers before they are hemmed in by conflicts of interest?
Can a character lose a Prestige Class?
Depending upon the class, yes, it can be lost. The Requirements of a class may be ongoing, such as a pledge of fealty to a great lord. The breaking of such a Requirement may cause the character to lose the class.
Example Prestige Classes
Here are two examples that consist of my reimagining of a paladin class, split into two. No longer tied specifically to fighters, they are open to any who can meet the entry requirements.
The Templar
The templar class is a military religious order. Those who join a faith as a templar commit to being both a paragon of the faith and a military champion. They may be called by religious leaders to serve in battle or other conflicts on behalf of the faith.
Title: Templar
Requirements: The character must be invited to pledge their loyalty and service to a faith that shares their same alignment; the maxims of the faith must be followed strictly and the loyalty be kept or else the class is lost.
Powers: Detect Opposite Alignment; upon reaching 8th level, Dispel Evil or Good (depending on faith); if wielding a Holy weapon, Immune to Magic.
Notes: The Templar’s powers are not passive in nature but active actions in which the Templar brandishes their faith’s holy symbol and beseeches their god loudly; roll on the Turn Undead table to determine the amount of success.
The Hospitaller
The hospitaller class is a defense and support religious order. Those who join a faith as a hospitaller commit to being both a paragon of the faith and a defender and aide. They may be called by religious leaders to serve in those capacities on behalf of the faith.
Title: Hospitaller
Requirements: The character must be invited to pledge their loyalty and service to a faith that shares their same alignment; the maxims of the faith must be followed strictly and the loyalty be kept or else the class is lost.
Powers: Lay on Hands (cures wounds or disease); Immune to Disease; +1 to all Saving Throws.
Notes: To lay on hands, the Hospitaller must brandish their faith’s holy symbol and beseech their god loudly; they must save versus Magic; on a success, they roll their hit dice and apply that much healing to their patient OR successfully cure their patient’s disease; on a failure, they cannot lay on hands again for a day.
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