Our table has ruled a way to add more flavor to our games without missing out on our core class capstones. I never got how one had to outright stop their career in order to get a fun build (either by multiclassing several times or pick an interesting Prestige Class). Would a Paladin stop gaining auras and other favors from his Deity just because they decided to become a Battle Herald (to further the cause of the church)? It just never made sense to me.
Step 1 - Assign Background Class (Level 0):
Select a Non-Player Class that explains their upbringing and the transition that changed them from an average citizen to what we see now.
Step 2 - Assign Core Class (Level 1-20):
Select a Core/Base/Alternate Class that will be what you want to play. The background should help compliment it in some way (like an Adept/Cleric, Expert/Rogue, Aristocrat/Inquisitor), or it could be wacky as long as you can explain how it happened.
Step 3 - Assign Prestige Class (Level 10-20):
Select a Prestige Class that has a direct relationship with your Core Class choice. A class with good synergy is always recommended (Battle Cleric/Holy Vindicator), but as long as you can justify it you can be it with a DMs approval.
Final Product:
You end up getting a fun/logical mesh of classes that don't make you much more powerful then a standard character. Any differences in HPs, Skills, and Saves for the Core and Prestige Class should be handled like a Gestalt character. If the Prestige Class would progress the spellcasting of your core class, just ignore it (you are getting the other features for free afterall). You can get a Expert/Wizard/Eldrich Knight, a Commoner/Sorcerer/Dragon Disciple, or any combination!
Example of How This Works - My Character:
I want to play a Chaotic Evil Human that uses profane energy to make himself all-powerful on the battlefield.
I first select the Background Class, A Warrior. This helps explain his motives as he grew up fighting and was already able to handle a blade. This character would of had to simple pick up a blade in the name of a Chaotic Evil church (or descended) and be awarded with a Deity's favor. The actual backstory could be much longer; since you gain HPs, Skills, and Abilities of a basic Warrior, you are mechanically backing their upbring too.
I would then select the Core Class, An Antipaladin. He progress as an Antipaladin thorwing himself into battle again and again for his sinister generals. His deity sees him growing and keeps rewarding him with new spells and abilities. This Antipaladin one day (Level 10 in Games Terms) proves to be a true champion of their cause, and they reward him with the ability to go into a Prestige Class linked to the church.
My final choice would be for the Prestige Class, An Unholy Vindicator. The church begins to teach my character the ways of hurting himself in a way to further allow the profane deity he worships to aid him in his conquest of the world. He would still gain everything an Antipaladin would because he is still continuing his path, he just has a handful of secrets only higher ranking members know in addition.
Any feedback on your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
