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View Full Version : Max Wertheimer would be proud (D&D 3.5 Gestalt Rules Clarifications)



Duke of URL
2008-08-01, 11:35 AM
Clarifying Gestalt Rules

Background: Gestalt, as defined in open content from Unearthed Arcana, is a variant high-powered character building system that allows characters to select two classes at each level, taking the best aspects of each class. However, the rules are vague in some places, and gestalt games tend to each have their own interpretation of the rules.

Purpose: To identify any ambiguous rules or rules frequently changed by houserules and to provide a list of the reasonable interpretations for each. Ideally, a set of suggested rule sets derived from the various options would be identified for easier use; e.g., a PbP game could link to this thread and specify that the rules for that game would use rule set #2 (possibly with exception and additions). This is an open discussion, please feel free to make suggestions, point out corrections, and in general point out other possibilities.

Methodology: As each variable rule is discovered, a new list will be created for that rule, with the various options/interpretations included in the list. Each list will be numbered, for ease of reference, with the most "permissive" option having the lowest number and the most "strict" option having the highest number. As the rule lists become stable, composite rule sets that make sense can be proposed and cataloged.

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Variant Rules

Level Adjustment and Racial Hit Dice

Racial hit dice are pretty simple -- they pretty much act the same as class levels in all respects, except that all "levels" have to be taken at character creation, the exception being if racial progressions are being used.

Level adjustment is trickier -- it's already painful enough in normal games, imposing the full level adjustment to both sides of the gestalt can be seen as pretty much telling players to not use level adjustments.

Also, how level adjustment and racial hit dice work together is important.


LA and RHD may be applied to either side, independently or stacked on the same side. LA from races and inherited templates must always be applied first (before RHD and/or class levels on that side). Racial hit dice are applied before any class levels on the same side. LA from acquired templates may be applied at any time.
LA and RHD must be applied to the same side. LA from races and inherited templates must always be applied first (before RHD and/or class levels on that side). Racial hit dice are applied before any class levels on the same side. LA from acquired templates may be applied at any time.
LA is applied to both sides as follows: divide the LA by 2, round up for one side, round down for the other. RHD are applied to side with the lower LA (or either side, if LA is evenly split). LA from races and inherited templates must always be applied first (before RHD and/or class levels on that side). Racial hit dice are applied before any class levels on the same side. LA from acquired templates may be applied at any time.
Full LA is applied to both sides, however LA buyoff is in effect. LA from races and inherited templates must always be applied first (before RHD and/or class levels on that side). Racial hit dice are applied before any class levels on the same side. LA from acquired templates may be applied at any time.
Full LA is applied to both sides, no LA buyoff. LA from races and inherited templates must always be applied first (before RHD and/or class levels on that side). Racial hit dice are applied before any class levels on the same side. LA from acquired templates may be applied at any time.



Class Progressions


You may advance any class on either side of the gestalt at any time.
Taking the same class on both sides of the gestalt results in a separate progression for each side.
Once a class is taken on one side of the gestalt, it cannot be taken on the other side.


Prestige Class Progression


You may advance prestige classes on both sides of the gestalt simultaneously; advancement of previous classes can advance classes on either side of the gestalt (but remember that only the best progression at each level is kept -- no "stacking"!)
You may advance prestige classes on both sides of the gestalt simultaneously; advancement of previous classes can only advance classes on its side of the gestalt
You may only advance a prestige class on one side of the gestalt at a time; advancement of previous classes can advance classes on either side of the gestalt (but remember that only the best progression at each level is kept -- no "stacking"!)
You may only advance a prestige class on one side of the gestalt at a time; advancement of previous classes can only advance classes on its side of the gestalt


"Dual Progression" Prestige Classes


Allowed, no restrictions
Allowed, but only if one of the classes is simultaneously taken on the other side of the gestalt.
Allowed, but takes up both sides of the gestalt.
Not allowed.


List of "Dual Progression" Classes (WIP)


Arcane Trickster, Mystic Theurge, Cerebemancer, Eldritch Theurge, etc.
As above, plus Eldritch Knight, (TBD)
As above, plus (???)



Multiclassing Penalties


None. Go nuts.
Each side is treated independently; MC penalties are -10% per difference
Both sides are treated independently, however an "any" or "1st" favored class can only be applied to one side; MC penalties are 10% per difference



BAB and Save Progressions

I may catch flak for this, but the only rule that makes sense in gestalt is to use fractional BAB and fractional saves -- anything else is an accounting nightmare and just asking for abuse.


Fractional BAB and saves are used, using the best progressions at the current level.



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Rule Sets

TBD.

Baron Corm
2008-08-02, 02:39 AM
For the sake of completion, since that's what this seems to be about, another rule for BAB and base saves progression:

2. Use medium progressions for BAB and base saves, unless both sides have the same in any area, in which case use that progression for that area.

Medium base save progressions have been published or hand-made numerous times before... I think they have them in SW Saga.