Prestige Classes

[Burning666]

Hi Guys

How exactly do prestige classes work.
What level can you take them?
What happens to your xp , how is it then calculated?
Do you stop gaining levels in your core class?

I apologise for my ignorance but i`m confused.

Thanks

[Malfus]

It is just like multiclassing.
You can take them whenever you qualify for one (typically starting at level 6).
You add all of your class levels together to figure out your character level, then look at the xp chart.
Yes, until you take another level in your core class.

[Chapmage]

Adding Prestige Classes works like multiclassing.
You can take them when you meet the requirements.

For example, in order to take a level of Battle Herald you must first have the following;
-------
Base Attack Bonus: +4.

Special: Challenge and inspire courage class features.

Skills: Diplomacy 5 ranks, Intimidate 5 ranks, Perform (oratory) 5 ranks, Profession (soldier) 2 ranks.
-------

After you meet those requirements, you can add a level of Battle Herald the next time you level up.
Let's say that when you gained enough experience to become level 8, you met all the requirements, so you take a level of Battle Herald (thus becomeing a Core Class:7/Battle Herald:1 character). Then when you've gained enough experience for level 9, you could choose to add another level of Battle Herald, or you could opt to take another level of your core class (at which point you'd be Core Class: 8/Battle Herald: 1)

Hope this helps.

[Xexyz]

Chapmage wrote:

you could choose to add another level of Battle Herald, or you could opt to take another level of your core class (at which point you'd be Core Class: 8/Battle Herald: 1)

Hope this helps.

Or any class, prestige or core, for which you qualify.

Your character level is the sum of all the levels of the various classes you have. Your character level determines how many experience points you need to advance. When you gain enough experience points to gain another character level, you can choose any class that you qualify for to put that new character level into.

[MattR1986]

For a prestige class can you take it at the level you would qualify?

Like if it requires 7 skill ranks and a feat could you take it at 7th character level by putting a skill rank in it and taking your 7th level feat (as the one required) when you level. Or would you have to do it at 8th?

[Ipslore the Red]

You would have to do it at 8th. You must meet the requirements before you take a level.

[MattR1986]

Ok ty I couldn't find it on the PRD.

[MattR1986]

For anyone else wondering:

PRD CRB Classes wrote:

When adding new levels of an existing class or adding levels of a new class (see Multiclassing, below), make sure to take the following steps in order. First, select your new class level. You must be able to qualify for this level before any of the following adjustments are made. Second, apply any ability score increases due to gaining a level. Third, integrate all of the level's class abilities and then roll for additional hit points. Finally, add new skills and feats.