User:Red Leg Leo/Prestige Class Design
Prestige Classes
Introduction
Prestige classes were introduced with 3rd edition Dungeons and Dragons. They represent a way to combine two or more classes in a harmonious way, letting players enjoy some benefits of either or both their previous classes while introducing some new features. In 5th edition, subclasses sort of represent prestige classes but they're more of a specialization than an elite representation of multiple talents. Listed below are features that should be consider as prerequisites when combining multiple classes.
When adding features to a prestige class, they should be new just like when creating a new class. Your prestige class should bring a new element, dynamic, or role to the game. But, part of prestige classing is also being able to carry on some of your previous training and experience. Find a way to advance one or two of the previous classes features.
Prerequisite suggestions
When deciding on a prerequisite, not all of the options need to be used. These are ideas to select. Maybe you want to pick a specific subclass, something that would add more flavor to the prestige class.
Barbarian: Primal Path
Bard: Bardic College
Cleric: Channel Divinity, 2nd level cleric spells
Druid: Wild Shape, Druid Circle, 2nd level druid spells
Fighter: Martial Archetype
Monk: Monastic Tradition
Paladin: Paladin Spells, Divine Smite, Sacred Oath
Ranger: Favored Enemy, Ranger Spells, Ranger Archetype
Rogue: Sneak Attack 2d6/Roguish Archetype
Sorcerer: Metamagic Spells/2nd level sorcerer spells
Warlock: Eldritch Invocations, Pact Boon
Wizard: Arcane Tradition, 2nd level wizard spells
Other options: Racial or Feat requirements