DM Q&A:Rdd NEW RULES

[nura]

OK got a few questions here, the new requirements for rdd and the new take a prc at a min of 11th level rules, will mean that rdd can really only be reached by single class sorcerors at the minimum 11th level, and bards by 14th lvl meaning sorceror builds can reach dragon apotheosis by 20th and bards 23rd.

Even if the ideas to force pure sorceror and bard rdd builds its unfair to tell bards to wait till their third epic level to get their dragon wings no other prestige class cannot be attained by any class open to it by 11th.

A quick perusal of the relevant attack bonuses will show that pure bard and sorceror rdds will be pretty hampered in combat alongside the older rdds that almost invariably used a few fighter levels to toughen up the characters. I imagine this is to try to level out the perceived advantages that rdds have in combat, I could argue that those advantages are not truly realisable under the previous rules and can prove it if needed.

I also have a personal problem here as I made a character aiming for the rdd class under the old rules for the class and he had spent a lot of skill points and chose the bard class route to the rdd prestige class, but now finds that the minimum level he could achieve his first rdd level would be 18th instead of the previous 10th Im wondering what if anything can be done about this character or should I simply put it down to life's little hiccups and retire him?

[kalbaern]

Rules in general here have been an ongoing process. We recently changed many of them. That's why we've been in an open "Beta" here. So we could play test the various options and finalise rules. To be honest, we almost decided during our recent DM meeting to simply not allow RDDs, Shifters and SDs due to the problems they present on soooo many other servers. Our original rules were intended to have folk pursue RDD as it was originally intended. Not a curse of blood, but an arcane path of study to heighten their bloodlines. I had actually proposed a higher caster level, but we settled on 5th in the end. This means that sorcerors can take the class at 11th level (no change since you are required to have 10 non-prestige classes first here) and 13th level if a bard.

Complaining a bard can't get their wings until 23rd level is unfair is well, look at a pure elven mage ... without any extra restrictions they still can't become an AA until 13th. Most that persue the WM class cannot meet the requirements until 12th or 13th often.

RDDs here will represent folk with a draconic heritage. That heritage is enhanced and evolves through discipline and force of will. We here agreed that enforcing a spell level minimum was the best way to portray this.

When rules change here, we gladdly "grandfather" those previously created under the old ones. If you've a Prestige Class request posted for this PC already then we'd likely allow it. If not, then a remake can be done instead.

[nura]

ok I get it rdd bad so cripple it no biggie from my point of view havent built one wanted to try it out was all, Id like a chance to rebuild the char though since I have only made two prc requests though was building four chars towards prc's.

As for the point wizards cant take aa until 13th and most classes cant weaponmaster until 13th or higher well lets be honest weaponmasters a pure fighter class quickest route is a human fighter who can achieve all requirements for the class by 7th thats 8th for non human fighters and anybody with a non human fighter or non fighter pc knows this well in advance of rolling up their character and choosing feats they have actively chosen a very difficult route for their character. As for arcane archer a quick perusal of the nwn handbook or the dungeon masters guide will tell you its a martial class and those taking it are very likely to be multi class wizard fighter types I mean why would a pure wizard with all his advantages want to be an arcane archer no its the fighter wizards who go for that class.

[mageblood]

Nura makes several good points, actually. I've never seen a straight caster/AA build, to my knowledge. Probably because its a martial class and doing so would make a weaker build instead of a stronger one (not that it wouldn't make a good RP build). But if you're already a level 12 wizard, what good does a level of AA do you? Instead of building up your already awesome spells, you're suddenly going to focus on the bow? It doesn't make much sense, to me.

Anyway.

I had no idea you had to join a guild to take a PrC. I had no clue that it had to be DM approved. I certainly didn't place a request for Van, so does that mean I'm out of luck?

[kalbaern]

Jan 29, 2010 7:04:13 GMT -5 mageblood said:

Nura makes several good points, actually. I've never seen a straight caster/AA build, to my knowledge. Probably because its a martial class and doing so would make a weaker build instead of a stronger one (not that it wouldn't make a good RP build). But if you're already a level 12 wizard, what good does a level of AA do you? Instead of building up your already awesome spells, you're suddenly going to focus on the bow? It doesn't make much sense, to me.

Anyway.

I had no idea you had to join a guild to take a PrC. I had no clue that it had to be DM approved. I certainly didn't place a request for Van, so does that mean I'm out of luck?

My own PC "Eowomir" was a straight mage of 13th level and his 14th level was AA actually. Not everyone builds based on what is the best PvP build and instead lets RP influence their choices. While I myself do often plan a character in the beginning, I'm not sure I've ever had one where the build actually progressed adhering to the plan. Just about any PC I've created in an RP environment has taken clases/skills.feats that were a result of RP and not a "master build plan".

In regards to RDDs though, there have been so many issues with them in NWN as a whole that many servers outright ban them along with shifters and shadow dancers. We certainly have considered it ourselves.

So instead we've placed restrictions on them that reflect the spirit of the class as an arcane course of study. Is it a martial class too? Yes, but it's original intent was to add versatility and staying power to casters. It has no martial requirements afterall.

As for anything regarding "Van's" build, PM me. I'd rather not discuss a players builds in public. We hid the classes and levels folk usually see from the login screens, so why blow it by discussing your build on the forum too We've not denied any requests to date. We do have some back logged we'll need to get DMs involved in some RP for though.

[starjumper]

So where do I post my comments about the PrC rules? Here, under the thread in the rules or make a new one?