PhoenixPhyre
2018-06-17, 08:23 PM
I like the concept of 3e's prestige classes. Advanced powers that require specific actions or status with in-universe organizations to attain.
I hate the implementation (as classes with mechanical entry requirements where the base concept and its surrounding fluff can be easily stripped off). I also don't think that multi-classing-based implementation works in 5e.
So what about a different approach? This is more of a thought about a possible framework for designing these "Prestige Paths"--world-builders would add the details for organizations or actions that fit the metaphysics or political/social scene of their world.
Each Prestige Path would be a sequence of linked, cumulative boons (much like the Epic boons in the DMG, except less powerful). Each one would have specific, in-universe requirements. Levels of status with X organization. Completion of Y ritual. Etc. Each Path (of which a single organization may have several) would represent powers/honors/respect granted by that organization or that school of thought. Some of these would be non-mechanical, others mechanical. Ideally, this would provide a framework for DMs to grant boons (or players to seek boons) that integrate into the world and reflect the actual events that occurred to the character.
Spit-balled examples from my world
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The Scale Balancers are the paladins/clerics/organized clergy of the goddess of justice and law):
Scale Balancer Neophite
Requirement: Friendly relationship with the SB organization, a sponsor of Knight rank or higher, and a witnessed act of valor.
Benefit: Can pass judgement on minor crimes (with punishment no more than a Y sp fine) within the Council Lands. Right of immediate appeal to a Knight of the Order on your own behalf or that of another.
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The Order of the Seeking Tentacle are a group of Far-Realms obsessed (mainly how to defend against incursions) arcanists.
Void Survivor
Requirement: Survived exposure to Far Realms incursion. Vouched for by member of the Order of the Seeking Tentacle.
Benefit: You are instructed in techniques to withstand mental incursion. You have advantage on saving throws made to resist charm, compulsion, or domination effects.
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Does this idea make sense to anyone? Is it interesting? Is it worth developing further?
I hate the implementation (as classes with mechanical entry requirements where the base concept and its surrounding fluff can be easily stripped off). I also don't think that multi-classing-based implementation works in 5e.
So what about a different approach? This is more of a thought about a possible framework for designing these "Prestige Paths"--world-builders would add the details for organizations or actions that fit the metaphysics or political/social scene of their world.
Each Prestige Path would be a sequence of linked, cumulative boons (much like the Epic boons in the DMG, except less powerful). Each one would have specific, in-universe requirements. Levels of status with X organization. Completion of Y ritual. Etc. Each Path (of which a single organization may have several) would represent powers/honors/respect granted by that organization or that school of thought. Some of these would be non-mechanical, others mechanical. Ideally, this would provide a framework for DMs to grant boons (or players to seek boons) that integrate into the world and reflect the actual events that occurred to the character.
Spit-balled examples from my world
-------------------
The Scale Balancers are the paladins/clerics/organized clergy of the goddess of justice and law):
Scale Balancer Neophite
Requirement: Friendly relationship with the SB organization, a sponsor of Knight rank or higher, and a witnessed act of valor.
Benefit: Can pass judgement on minor crimes (with punishment no more than a Y sp fine) within the Council Lands. Right of immediate appeal to a Knight of the Order on your own behalf or that of another.
--------------------
The Order of the Seeking Tentacle are a group of Far-Realms obsessed (mainly how to defend against incursions) arcanists.
Void Survivor
Requirement: Survived exposure to Far Realms incursion. Vouched for by member of the Order of the Seeking Tentacle.
Benefit: You are instructed in techniques to withstand mental incursion. You have advantage on saving throws made to resist charm, compulsion, or domination effects.
---------------------
Does this idea make sense to anyone? Is it interesting? Is it worth developing further?