Overhauled Prestige Classes (5e Variant Rule)
Overhauled Prestige Classes[edit]
Foreword[edit]
When the Unearthed Arcana was released for prestige classes in 5th edition and was quickly met with hatred. In fact it is one of the least liked Unearthed Arcana articles to date. Many people cited that subclasses had already replaced prestige classes (Assassin, Arcane Archer, Beastmaster, Cavalier, Eldritch knight, Horizon walker and Purple Dragon Knight were all prestige classes in 3.5 that are subclasses in 5th edition). However, another potential reason that people disliked the concept of taking levels in a prestige class is the same reason some people do not multiclass: the level cap.
Example: Rob has a paladin and wants 3 levels in fighter for the Champion archetype. At 20th level, Rob has Oath of Conquest paladin 17 and Champion fighter 3. By multiclassing, Rob is missing the following paladin benefits:
- 1 Ability Score Increase.
- 1 5th level spell slot.
- An aura improvement.
- The 20th level Sacred Oath feature.
This may seem small, but it is a reason many people turn down multiclassing or prestige classes. This rules brings a solution.
Prestige Classes[edit]
This introduces separated normal class and prestige class progression. The following apply to prestige classes:
- Requirements
You must meet the criteria listed in the requirements. Possible requirements include: race, alignment, class, Spellcasting ability, religion, ability scores, proficiencies and others. So, fighters cannot take levels in a spell casting prestige class unless that prestige class is similar to the 3e eldritch knight.
- Uniqueness
A prestige class should fill a precise niche thematically and mechanically, and shouldn’t be as thematically broad as a subclass (The Eye of Gruumish from 3.5e is a great example) unless it is flavored as a more powerful version of a class (Archmage).
- Balance
No prestige class shall be too strong to the point of breaking the game, and no prestige class shall be too weak to the point where there are better alternatives to choose.
- Fullness
The prestige class should have things from normal classes such as: proficiencies gained (if any), hit dice, spell slots and class features. This does not mean that they will get any ability score increases (unless said prestige class revolves around a certain ability).
Leveling Up[edit]
- In order to advance a level in a prestige class, you must pay the amount shown in table below. You must must have enough experience points so that you would not lose a level because of the experience point payment. The experience point progression for each prestige class is separate.
| Level | Experience Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 1,000 XP |
| 2nd | 2,000 XP |
| 3rd | 3,000 XP |
| 4th | 4,000 XP |
| 5th | 5,000 XP |
| 6th | 6,000 XP |
| 7th | 7,000 XP |
| 8th | 8,000 XP |
| 9th | 9,000 XP |
| 10th | 10,000 XP |
Example: After reaching 20th level, Rob wants to have 1 level in 2 different prestige classes. After meeting the requirements for said classes, he must also reach 356,000 experience points to spend 1,000 experience points to gain 1 level in a chosen prestige class. Once he does this twice, he will have completed his character. Alternatively, he could reach 357,000 experience points, while meeting the requirements of both prestige classes, and gain both prestige class levels together.
Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Rules