Semi-AD&D Style multiclass PrC in D&D3.x

[csmaros]

I was going through a system monkey phase and wanted to throw this out since I've been rereading some old AD&D stuff and remembered how much a hit multiclass spellcasters (IMO) under D&D 3.x took. So I built this under the assumption that taking a 3 level hit would (hopefully) balance out the gains of taking this option.

Forgive any crazy wording, this was just thrown together on notepad. Also forgive any terrible balance problems as I haven't played D&D proper in about 3yrs. (Note: This would negate the Mystic Theurge Prc.)

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True Dual-Classed Prestige Class

True dual-classed characters are characters who specialize in two classes.

Requirements: The True Dual-Classed character must be 3rd level or higher in at least two classes. One of the classes selected must be the favored class for the character's race.

Hit Die: Vary, see below

Class Skills: Vary, see below

Skill Points: Vary, see below

Class Features
When a new True Dual-Classed(TDC) level is gained, the character gains any special abilities, spells per day, and anything else normally associated with class benefits gained with a increase in level in both selected classes. (Such as familiar bonuses, etc.) This essentially means that she adds the level of TDC to the level of whatever other arcane spellcasting class and divine spellcasting class the character has, then determines spells per day and caster level accordingly if one or both of her selected classes is a spellcaster. If a character had more than one arcane spellcasting class or more than one divine spellcasting class before she became TDC that meet the necessary requirements, she must decide to which class she adds to TDC for the purpose of determining spells per day and final level determination.

BAB, BSB, SRs, & HD
Each of these is averaged according to its type (detailed below.) If they are both the same, then they remain the same for the TDC. If the average is not even, this results in a "push" the player may later use as described below. Any unused pushes are lost.

BAB
This bonus is averaged according to a rating of Good, Average, or Poor. (rPHB p22) Thus, a good, average, or poor rating in both classes results in the same. A mixed good and poor rating results in a average and anything else results in the lower of the two and a push.

BSB
This bonus is averaged according to a rating of Good or Poor for each of the three types of saves. The number of good and poor are then averaged and the result is the number of good save columns the TDC has.

If a character has matching bonuses in save types in each class, those bonuses must be chosen first. any remains result in a push.

For example, a fighter/cleric (saves G/P/P and G/P/G, respectively, as a TDC would have G/P/P and a push.)

SRs
Ranks available are averaged in 2s ([1,2,3,4], 1 for fighters up to 4 for rogues). The result is the TDC SR(+INT) bonus per level.

For example, a bard/rogue would gain 6+INT SRs per level and a push.

HD
The HD is averaged according to type on an accending scale of d4,d6,d8,d10. The average result is the TDC HD used.

For example, a Ranger/Druid would use a d8 for HD and have a push.

Pushes
After all the above items are averaged, the player may be left with one or more pushes. Two of these may be used to "push" the average up to the higher average of the two classes in a category. Only one such bonus may be used per category and they must match one of both classes.

Example 1: Fighter/Rogue
BAB is Good and Average, which averages to "average" with a push,
BSB is G/P/P and P/G/P so the player may choose G/P/P or P/G/P with no push,
SRs are 2+INT and 8+INT, averaging to 4+INT and a push,
HD is d6 and d10, averaging to a d8, with no push

Player may either increase the BAB to good or increase the SRs to 6+INT

Example 2: Cleric/Monk
BAB is Average and Average, which averages to "average" with no push,
BSB is G/P/G and G/G/G so the TDC has G/P/G and a push,
SRs are 2+INT and 4+INT, averaging to a 2+INT and a push,
HD is d8 and d8, averaging to a d8, with no push

Player may either increase BSB to G/G/G or increase the SRs to 4+INT

(Note that "Flurry of Blows" follows the matching Monk BAB column, regardless of level.)

Example 3: Monk/Sorcerer
BAB is Average and Poor, which averages to "poor" with a push,
BSB is G/P/G and P/P/G so the TDC has P/P/G and a push,
SRs are 4+INT and w+INT, averaging in w+INT and a push,
HD is d4 and d8, averaging to a d6, with no push

Player may either increase BSB G/P/G or increase SRs to 4+INT
Player loses the extra push

Once the TDC is created, it should be noted and its level effects for bonuses do not change.
Characters may take up to 10 levels in this prestige class.

Class Skills: Class skills for the TDC include all skills from both classes selected.

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Characters who lose a push might get a feat every x/levels? Also thought of adding an "excluded class" for each race other then humans and half-elves but decided against it, etc.

[rabkala]

Well as for AD&D, dual class and multiclass characters had it far worse than they do in 3.x. It was even harder to be effective.

Your prestige class would be far more powerful than others, which was admittedly your plan. Picking any prestige other than yours would be suboptimal, if not foolish.

The six levels you need to get into yours is about the same for many. The attempt at averaging does little to balance anything, as most prestige classes have done this type of thing already. Try stacking a fighter with anything and you get a virtual feat/ability monster for only a three level hit. Try stacking two spellcasting classes. With a few good feats like practiced spellcaster, you are so far beyond the Mystic Theurge that it could overwhelm a game. Compare a wimpy 20 level regular build with your prestiged monster. No contest. Staying true to one class wouldn't be the power gamers choice (read: everyone who isn't a sniveling role elitist looking purely for flavor).