Any news on whether they're going to finally do away with this unfortunately craptacular concept?

RPGPundit

I'm assuming they'll have to, since they're dropping multiclassing.

Quote from: BrantaiI'm assuming they'll have to, since they're dropping multiclassing.

Or they could replicate the effect by having talent tree offshoots that are keyed to special feat and power access, with the proviso that the character has to become a member of the organisation in question or find a tutor.

That way "Prestige Classes" becomes more of a titular phenomenon-- once you've reached a certain point along the offshoot chain you're officially recognised by both system and setting as a Warbastard, or whatever.

Quote from: Brantaisince they're dropping multiclassing.

I don't think they are. At least, that's something I haven't read yet. Got a link or quote?

Quote from: ColonelHardissonI don't think they are. At least, that's something I haven't read yet. Got a link or quote?

Second quote box, third paragraph from the bottom.  Reading it again it's less a sure thing that I seemed to recall, but it's still at the least a possibility.

Quote from: BrantaiSecond quote box, third paragraph from the bottom.  Reading it again it's less a sure thing that I seemed to recall, but it's still at the least a possibility.

Good catch, regardless. That's interesting. Still, I think Prestige Classes could still exist, based on what was said there.

By the way, I think the Prestige Class is a good concept. Here's something I just posted elsewhere: "A great concept buried under a pile of shit that has accumulated over the years. I blame WotC for it, really. Instead of really pushing the flexibility of the basic system by showing how most, if not all, character concepts can be achieved via judicious skill and feat choice and multiclassing, they basically dropped promoting that aspect of the game after some really good articles in Dragon by James Wyatt. They did this in favor of leading the Prestige Class charge. Sure, many of them were good at the outset, and seemed to illustrate the concept well, but then every would-be game "designer" just had to come along and make a Prestige Class that could easily be covered with the base classes. It was a deluge of Biblical proportions, and really rubbed people the wrong way. I'm guessing they'll retain the concept for 4e, but I also imagine they'll try to address the proliferation of them, as well. Not that it'll do them any good."

You know, I'd actually like to see the Paladin become a "Prestige Class", or however they handle such things in the new rules: it'll mean more if people have to earn it, and it means that people will have to prove that their characters can behave in a consistently Lawful Good manner before they get the snacky rewards being a Paladin brings.

I don't think they will drop multiclassing or prestige classes. They have to publish supplements remember... There will just be less incentive to multiclass just to cast spell or so...

I wonder, with the change to multiclassing, whether we're looking at something like Rolemaster 2nd edition, where it's cheaper to buy things skills and talents closely related to your character class and somewhat more expensive to buy skills and talens not related to your class - but having every class feature open to this sort of purchase, from "turn undead" to "climb walls" to "1st level spellcasting".

Quote from: DrewThat way "Prestige Classes" becomes more of a titular phenomenon-- once you've reached a certain point along the offshoot chain you're officially recognised by both system and setting as a Warbastard, or whatever.

Man, I'd love to play a Warbastard!

Quote from: AlnagI don't think they will drop multiclassing or prestige classes. They have to publish supplements remember... There will just be less incentive to multiclass just to cast spell or so...

I'm sure the talent trees (or however they handle that sort of thing) could spawn a whole heap of supplements. More trees for clerics/fighters/thieves/wizards! More trees for different types of elves/dwarves/tieflings/weird variant non-core races! More trees for evil/good/chaotic/lawful/apeshit characters! Setting-specific trees!

Now I want to play a Warbastard of Apeshit alignment.  If 4e does not support this option I'll be pissed.

Quote from: WarthurI'm sure the talent trees (or however they handle that sort of thing) could spawn a whole heap of supplements. More trees for clerics/fighters/thieves/wizards! More trees for different types of elves/dwarves/tieflings/weird variant non-core races! More trees for evil/good/chaotic/lawful/apeshit characters! Setting-specific trees!

Think of all the trees that will be cut down!!!

Oh wait, you'll have to have a subscription to DDI to get it all...nevermind...

Quote from: WarthurI'm sure the talent trees (or however they handle that sort of thing) could spawn a whole heap of supplements. More trees for clerics/fighters/thieves/wizards! More trees for different types of elves/dwarves/tieflings/weird variant non-core races! More trees for evil/good/chaotic/lawful/apeshit characters! Setting-specific trees!

For some reason, that's reminding me of the old Rolemaster supplements.  I was never into it that much, but I had a roommate who was swimming in the supplements, and I remember glancing through them.

Quote from: jrientsNow I want to play a Warbastard of Apeshit alignment...

:haw: