[3.5] Saving throw help...

[questionmark693]

So I'm aware of the problems that arise when you multiclass, in terms of your saving throws going out of whack. So...is that the intended way for it to happen, or is the fractional method the intended way? Either way, can somebody explain to me exactly how the fractional method works?

[herrhauptmann]

I'm not going to talk about 'intended.'

Fractional. When you start a class or PrC, you get a 2.5 in your good saves, and a .333333 (One third) in your bad saves.
When you get a second level in a class or PrC you've already started, you get +0.5 in your good saves, and +0.33333 (One third) in your bad saves.

This generally makes your good saves better. Fighter1/barb1 gets +5 on his fort saves instead of +4. It also boosts your bad saves, a Fighter1/Barb1/Rogue1 still gets +1 on his will save.
Even if your save is somehow at 1.95, you still round down to 1.

[questionmark693]

Ok, that makes sense :) I take it this is another example of WotC making a poor design choice?

[Namfuak]

Ok, that makes sense :) I take it this is another example of WotC making a poor design choice?

Not really. Fractional saves add some math to the game that requires a level above 3rd grade, which for some would be too complicated.

[TuggyNE]

The discussion on why first-level good save boosts stack should probably go in the thread I already started for the exact purpose, no?