PDA

View Full Version : Favorite Prestige Class (3.5)



Count Dravda
2009-11-29, 05:37 PM
There are a lot of prestige classes out there. A LOT. Some of them are chock-full of interesting flavor, others are bland and uninteresting. Some are amazingly powerful, others will actually make you weaker if you take a level. I was wondering what everyone's favorites are. Flavor-wise, power-wise, or otherwise, I'd like to hear back (and maybe get some tips on cool PrC's).

My favorite is the one I'm playing right now: Eternal Blade from the Tome of Battle. It plays up the idea of elves as not being just pretty boys, but actually powerful martial warriors with millenia of experience. I especially like the blade guide, which trains with my character each night as he trances, allowing him to pull off stunts unmatched by other warriors.

-Count Dravda

nekomata2
2009-11-29, 05:52 PM
I'm a fan of the Abjurant Champion. It makes shield (and luminous armor if you can swing it) much better, doesnt hurt your casting, gives full BAB, d10 hitdice...all great. No reason not to take at least 4 levels in it.

I'm also a fan of the Jade Phoenix Mage, getting some maneuvers while increasing spellcasting, nice...I wish it got diamond mind though, as good as Devoted Spirit is.

Pyro_Azer
2009-11-29, 06:02 PM
Silver Key.

How did you bypass my arcane locks and get in here?

Uhh... The door was open?

Gnorman
2009-11-29, 06:28 PM
Malconvoker, hands down. Mechanically powerful, oozing with flavor.

Wings of Peace
2009-11-29, 06:38 PM
Tel-Flammar Shadowlord. I love Shadowpouncing. I love it so.

jokey665
2009-11-29, 06:52 PM
Cerebremancer. With or without early entry tricks.

Optimystik
2009-11-29, 06:52 PM
Divine Oracle would be my favorite, both flavor- and power-wise. Super Evasion, Super Divination, Bonus Domain (Oracle), 10/10 casting, and I get to act maddeningly all-knowing to the other party members.

And the ability to say "I knew this would happen" during every surprise round has to be the most fun capstone ever. :smallbiggrin:

Salanmander
2009-11-29, 06:54 PM
I'm sorta conflicted.

If it weren't for the fact that shapeshifting in D&D is very complicated and easy to abuse for someone who likes pouring through books (me), I would go with Master of Many Forms, hands down. I love shapeshifting thematically, and prefer mobile melee characters in general, making it a great choice. However, it's complicated to keep track of, and I don't like using it if I'm in a group that doesn't optimize a lot.

Another prestige class that I enjoy a lot, and have used more than once, is master thrower. It is lovely for dex-based precision damage characters, which I enjoy. One of the more amusing characters I've made was a ninja/master thrower who would just throw millions of shuriken at people, ideally hitting flat-footed touch AC (which is pretty low for most enemies). Definitely not the most devastating thing I could have done at that level, but hilarious.

sonofzeal
2009-11-29, 06:59 PM
Daggerspell Shaper, Hexer, Zerth Cenobite, Soulbow, Master of Nine, Sentinal of Bharrai.

Not all powerful stuff, but all fun and interesting and distinctive in play.

Sila Prirode
2009-11-29, 07:02 PM
Ruby Knight Vindicator (but with Paladin entry, not Cleric) and Abjurant Champion. What can I say, I love gish characters :smallbiggrin:
There are some others, but these two are always welcome at my table.

CockroachTeaParty
2009-11-29, 07:06 PM
I'm not usually big on prestige classes, but the Ultimate Magus from Complete Mage is extremely fun to play.

I'm also a fan of the Extreme Explorer class from the Eberron Campaign Setting. It's a class that focuses on Action Points, basically making it an Indiana Jones sort of class. I've never had the chance to play one, though. Someday, someday...

I've always really liked the artwork for the Spellsword.

My vote for best prestige class ever, though: Storm Disciple

Get this: by the end of the class, any weapon you wield counts as Thundering, and you get to deal an extra 1 point of electricity damage with each attack. You also get the power to move through storms without difficulty, and electricity resistance. I know a lot of DMs think it's too cool, and almost broken it's so powerful, but you'd be a fool not to allow it in your game. I mean, just look at that artwork! That guy's dedicated to St. Cuthbert, but you need to be chaotic to qualify for the class! That's how bad-ass he is! I'm feeling so amped just talking about it, I think I'm going to run outside and kick that tree out back.

ex cathedra
2009-11-29, 07:12 PM
Eternal Blades? I think that they're pretty okay. :smallwink:

My favorite prestige class? Hm. That's almost certainly the Swiftblade (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/prc/20070327).

I'm also fond of the Dervish, Blade of Orien, Jaunter, and Revenant Blade. A lot of these aren't absurdly powerful, but I think that they're all very fun to play for various reasons.

The Dark Fiddler
2009-11-29, 07:16 PM
Eternal Blade, hands-down.

Before that, Dragon Disciple's flavor was my favorite, and I was too much of a noob before I got ToB to give a damn mechanically about PrCs. :smalltongue:

Count Dravda
2009-11-29, 08:12 PM
Aethernox, your avatar wins. Congratulate Edwin for me. Lots of sweet ones: I agree with the love for Malconvoker and Ultimate Magus. I haven't played either of them but both are the kind of prestige class that you look at and go "Woah. MUST PLAY."

Oh, and one class that deserves special mention for its excess of AWESOME: Drunken Master. I've never played it, but I want to. Badly.

-Count Dravda

arguskos
2009-11-29, 08:17 PM
Man, my favorite hasn't shown up yet. Ya'll suck. :smalltongue: Doesn't anyone love the Mystic Theurge? It's my favorite, that's for sure.

Zeta Kai
2009-11-29, 08:34 PM
The Dungeon Lord from Dungeonscape. The BBEG just got so much Badder. :smallamused:

Tackyhillbillu
2009-11-29, 08:39 PM
Warshaper! It is awesome!

Hulking Hurler and Bloodstorm Blade, simply because the classes are just outright ridicioulous.

arguskos
2009-11-29, 08:40 PM
What about Force Missile Mage? Master of Many Forms? Planar Shepard? (Ok, that last one is a joke) All good stuff there. :smallamused:

Akal Saris
2009-11-29, 08:45 PM
Malconvoker is definitely one of my favorites. I also like the Anima Mage from ToM, it's what I think just about every dual progression PrC should be like.

Beast Heart Adept from Dungeonscape is another PrC I'd love to play sometime - the owlbear is my favorite D&D monster, so a PrC that gives me a pack of them and then gives me bonuses to flanking and stuff is just my cup of tea.

AslanCross
2009-11-29, 08:45 PM
1. Ruby Knight Vindicator. Holy assassin for the Church.
2. Shadowbane Inquisitor. Same reasons.
3. Dervish. I like TWF. I really do.
4. Silver Flame Pyromancer. Who says fire spells are weak?
5. Renegade Mastermaker. I can has Automail?

Chaelos
2009-11-29, 08:45 PM
Hellfire Warlock and Mage of the Arcane Order have to be my top two. I like the flavor and mechanical applications of each.

Amphetryon
2009-11-29, 08:49 PM
Fochlucan Lyrist, Anima Mage, and Jade Phoenix Mage, in that order.

Dusk Eclipse
2009-11-29, 08:51 PM
Hellfire Warlock FTW, improves my favorite base class (guess which one), gives a nice adition, and an INCREDIBLE flavor.

Assassin, flavorful and in my RL campaings I have (succesfully) used Death Attack

Ninja spy from OA

drengnikrafe
2009-11-29, 09:41 PM
I don't generally get the chance to play prestige classes. Heck, I generally don't get to play as a PC.
Really, I have no idea. Just thought you should know.

Dracomorph
2009-11-29, 09:52 PM
I've never gotten the chance to play one, but Knight Phantom always seemed pretty super-cool.

Casting and BAB? With a decent hit die? Yes, please. And I'll take a side order of actual class features, too. Not like the Eldritch Knight in that respect.

Foryn Gilnith
2009-11-29, 10:06 PM
Divine Oracle, because it's easy to use. It's the only prestige class I've taken more than twice. And it isn't half bad in the flavor part, although I care little for the canned flavor of PrCs, preferring backstories of my own creation.

Kylarra
2009-11-29, 10:30 PM
Swiftblade and JPM.

AirGuitarGod32
2009-11-29, 10:42 PM
Two Words: Soul Eater.

I love how easy it is to become one too.

Any Evil: Done.
Any Non-Humanoid with natural weapon(s): Warforged FTW

seriously, I can fufill all other requirements by 7th level and then enjoy ripping the life from my foes...Bwahahahahahaha

Sstoopidtallkid
2009-11-29, 10:48 PM
Two Words: Soul Eater.

I love how easy it is to become one too.

Any Evil: Done.
Any Non-Humanoid with natural weapon(s): Warforged FTW

seriously, I can fufill all other requirements by 7th level and then enjoy ripping the life from my foes...BwahahahahahahaKobolds do it better. In fact, a Kobold Monk 1/Whirling Frenzy Barb 6/Soul Eater 1 with Boots of Speed, Snap Kick, and Multiattack attacks at +1/+1/+1/+1/+1/-4/-1/-1/-1. Fairly terrible, until you realize each of them adds a negative level. Then it's good.

AirGuitarGod32
2009-11-29, 10:52 PM
Kobolds do it better. In fact, a Kobold Monk 1/Whirling Frenzy Barb 6/Soul Eater 1 with Boots of Speed, Snap Kick, and Multiattack attacks at +1/+1/+1/+1/+1/-4/-1/-1/-1. Fairly terrible, until you realize each of them adds a negative level. Then it's good.

hey. A Warforged monk could do it to...I use my slam and unarmed.

and Kobold is a humanoid...unless its a dragonwrought, then it'd work.

Sstoopidtallkid
2009-11-29, 10:54 PM
hey. A Warforged monk could do it to...I use my slam and unarmed.

and Kobold is a humanoid...unless its a dragonwrought, then it'd work.Warforged loses 2 attacks out of that chain, however, and has a lower AB and AC than the Kobold.

AirGuitarGod32
2009-11-29, 10:57 PM
Warforged loses 2 attacks out of that chain, however, and has a lower AB and AC than the Kobold.

whatever. its still cool overall.

HOLD ON!!!

ALIGNMENT SHENANNIGANS!!!! you can't be both a barbarian and a monk. the alignment is off! to b monk, you have to be lawful, which a barbarian can't be! HAH!

sambo.
2009-11-29, 11:07 PM
one day, i should like to use the Arcane Duellist PrC in a Gestalt setting.

Amphetryon
2009-11-29, 11:08 PM
whatever. its still cool overall.

HOLD ON!!!

ALIGNMENT SHENANNIGANS!!!! you can't be both a barbarian and a monk. the alignment is off! to b monk, you have to be lawful, which a barbarian can't be! HAH!

So it's Ex-Monk 1, or Chaos Monk... I fail to see the problem.

Sstoopidtallkid
2009-11-29, 11:09 PM
Monk was first, alignment change, then Barbarian.
RP, since someone will yell about that being an unrealistic build: I was an orphan, raised in a monastery with several from my nest after adventurers wiped out our colony but could not bear to kill us. When I was a teenager, my monastary was attacked and burned for the crime of harboring "monsters". I escaped, but not before seeing those that had raised me tortured and killed. I spent several years living in the forests, practicing my skills and nursing my hate. Now I travel, drawing the raw life out of all who oppose me and my kind.

It even has the elements I care about in a backstory. No friends/relatives to be kidnapped, a reason to travel around killing stuff instead of doing something safe, like testing shark suits, decent flavor, and a couple plothooks the DM can choose to use and I can choose to refuse.

dyslexicfaser
2009-11-29, 11:13 PM
Divine Oracle would be my favorite, both flavor- and power-wise. Super Evasion, Super Divination, Bonus Domain (Oracle), 10/10 casting, and I get to act maddeningly all-knowing to the other party members.

And the ability to say "I knew this would happen" during every surprise round has to be the most fun capstone ever. :smallbiggrin:
"Just! As! Planned!"

For myself, Dervish, Swiftblade and Arcane Duelist (well, just the capstone, really) are all pretty cool.

GrassyGnoll
2009-11-29, 11:28 PM
Runner up goes to Zerth Cenobite. You can punch people into next week. Almost.

See.

My vote for best prestige class ever, though: Storm Disciple

Get this: by the end of the class, any weapon you wield counts as Thundering, and you get to deal an extra 1 point of electricity damage with each attack. You also get the power to move through storms without difficulty, and electricity resistance. I know a lot of DMs think it's too cool, and almost broken it's so powerful, but you'd be a fool not to allow it in your game. I mean, just look at that artwork! That guy's dedicated to St. Cuthbert, but you need to be chaotic to qualify for the class! That's how bad-ass he is! I'm feeling so amped just talking about it, I think I'm going to run outside and kick that tree out back.

Storm Disciples make me UNCOMFORTABLY ENERGETIC! The only purpose I can divine of the classes' fluff are that they are burly men who follow storms so they can beat up the things 200 mph winds and cyclones leave behind.

Take that, Helen Hunt!

Zovc
2009-11-29, 11:44 PM
I don't think I have a favorite, but I do like some a lot.

Abjurant Champion is just really cool to me, full BAB and casting progression... and some swift actions? Yes, please!

Sand Shaper works really neatly with any classes that cast spontaneously, getting more spells known is always a good thing.

The Elocater is not a very good prestige class, but boy do I like the flavor.

deuxhero
2009-11-29, 11:47 PM
So it's Ex-Monk 1, or Chaos Monk... I fail to see the problem.

Or "DM gets rid of that silly system" or Unarmed Swordsage.

CockroachTeaParty
2009-11-30, 12:27 AM
Ooh, I second Soul Eater. That's a bad-ass prestige class.

Can you imagine a vampire character who has just become one against his will?

You are weak. You must feed.
"The old hunger has left me. I have no desire for blood."
Your blood-thirst has been replaced by a deeper need. You have become... a devourer of souls...

Aldizog
2009-11-30, 12:44 AM
I find it amusing that several people have used the phrase "hands down" in their posts. There are so many PrCs that I can't even say there is one absolute best for me.

I'd love the chance to try out a Bear Warrior, because you can get so angry that you turn into a bear. Drunken Master, for the movie. Cavalier, if the DM and other players are such that the thunderous charge of heavy horse can once in a while be the OMGWTFBBQ!! moment that it should be. Fochlucan Lyrist for one of the few things I miss about never really being a 1E player. Seeker of the Song because I'd love being able to say "I use ANTHEM OF THUNDER AND PAIN!!"... or just go Metal Bard. Geomancer for picking fun drifts (in a game where I was worried about being overpowered). Enemy-focused foes like Hunter of the Dead, Master of Radiance, Knight of the Chalice, or Keeper of the Cerulean Sign, because it's fine with me to be 90% effective 90% of the time, and 200% effective 10% of the time. Nature's Warrior if I ever play a druid again. War Chanter because battle bards are awesome. Death Delver with certain "actually, I do get a save" feats. Dirgesinger if I can call him "Emo Kid." A pair of 5-level PrCs in Fortune's Friend and Thief-Acrobat to make an "action movie rogue," who isn't a deadly Cuisinart-ninja, but is stealthy, skillful, nimble, and incredibly lucky.

If I have to pick one, though, I'll go with Prestige Paladin. It's a better way to model the archetype of the paladin, and it's good game design since it's an actual tradeoff in that you get full BAB but not full casting.

DragoonWraith
2009-11-30, 12:53 AM
Malconvoker
Dervish
Abjurant Champion
Mage of the Arcane Order
Sublime Chord
Tenebrous Apostate
Ur-Priest
Suel Arcanamach
Master Specialist
Ultimate Magus
Cerebremancer
Elocator
Psion Uncarnate
Pyrokineticist
War Mind
War Weaver
Totem Rager
Chameleon
Recaster
Champion of Corellon Larethian
Ruathar
Wildrunner
Ashworm Dragoon
Lord of Tides
Sand Shaper
Walker in the Waste
Fiendbinder

AirGuitarGod32
2009-11-30, 01:13 AM
I also would like to add Red Wizard. I know its just a pumped wizard, but it is possibly one of the most flavorally relavent classes. If a Red Wizard is involved, there's some major crap going on, eh?

Akal Saris
2009-11-30, 01:22 AM
Yeah, Red Wizard is the only core PrC that I really like a lot.

AirGuitarGod32
2009-11-30, 01:31 AM
Yeah, Red Wizard is the only core PrC that I really like a lot.

I mean, I like Archmage and Hierophant too, but Red Wizard is just Red Wizard God Damnit! Its cool BECAUSE its a Red Wizard

Forevernade
2009-11-30, 01:47 AM
Kobolds do it better. In fact, a Kobold Monk 1/Whirling Frenzy Barb 6/Soul Eater 1 with Boots of Speed, Snap Kick, and Multiattack attacks at +1/+1/+1/+1/+1/-4/-1/-1/-1. Fairly terrible, until you realize each of them adds a negative level. Then it's good.

What do you do after that? I want to use this as an npc to annoy the duck out of my players :smallbiggrin:
ECL 15

AirGuitarGod32
2009-11-30, 02:09 AM
What do you do after that? I want to use this as an npc to annoy the duck out of my players :smallbiggrin:
ECL 15

Rinse, lather, repeat?

Eldariel
2009-11-30, 02:16 AM
What do you do after that? I want to use this as an npc to annoy the duck out of my players :smallbiggrin:
ECL 15

You add levels that allow you to actually hit with that flurry. And probably Dispelling-property to get past Death Wards, Soulfire Armor and so on. In other words, pimp out the Dex (with Weapon Finesse), pimp out per-attack abilities and go to town.

Krazddndfreek
2009-11-30, 02:17 AM
I love the Dune Walker (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Dune_Walker_(3.5e_Prestige_Class)) PrC honestly. It might not be built the best mechanically, but being Sandman is freaking awesome.

Optimystik
2009-11-30, 02:24 AM
Favorites in Core - tie between Thaumaturgist (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/prestigeClasses/thaumaturgist.htm) and Loremaster. (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/prestigeClasses/loremaster.htm) Loremaster wins due to broader application and longer progression.

Also Archpsion (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20021122b), just because it should have been in the damn book/SRD.

BooNL
2009-11-30, 02:34 AM
Mystic Theurge. What? *scurries away*
I do love the flavor of the Theurge classes though, too bad dual advanced casting isn't as good as in 2e.

Other PrC's include:
Beastmaster (that wonderful 1 lvl dip)
Soulbow (that class that makes Soulblades actually work...)
Wild Plains Outrider (Pounce-like ability at 3rd level, yup)
Halfling Outrider (dual advancing both companion and mount, yes please)

Samb
2009-11-30, 07:59 AM
I hope storm disiple was a joke, that PrC sucks.

Elocater, invisible blade, master of masks and warmind are all PrC that have decent flavor but lack punch. Although elocater with 8/10 ML progression (as my DM allows it) makes it an amazing PrC.

Mechanicaly I love the anachaic initate, cognition thief and thrallherd. AI gives you wild surge without being a wilder, cognition thief makes you into a telepath without being a telepath, and thrallherd gives slaves (way better than cohorts).

Pharaoh's Fist
2009-11-30, 08:31 AM
I hope storm disiple was a joke, that PrC sucks.


It's a 10/10 casting class either way.

Optimystik
2009-11-30, 08:45 AM
It's a 10/10 casting class either way.

I think you're mixing up Stormlord and Storm Disciple. Hint to finding the one that sucks: SD is in Complete Psionic.