Prestige Classes Foundations

thoughts on immersion through rules

I like adding little bits to customize a setting. In a previous post I noted some of my opinions on the use of prestige classes to flavor a setting. One of the ways to immerse a DnD player is to make his character an integral part of the rules set. The characters' playing mechanics become entwined with the flavor of the world. The Player's method of play thus becomes integrated as well. To achieve this means tweaking existing Prestige Classes or custom building one form scratch.

This is the first guideline from the DnDWiki:

Prestige classes should be campaign/setting/race/occupation/role/organization specific, and designed around a clear theme. (Example: Sherwood Bowman, Dutch Trader, Damascus Smith, Naval Officer)

Prestige Classes on DnDWiki

Lets expound:

Campaign
The campaign means the thematic focus of the current series of games. It is a narrower definition of Setting. Think of it as "what is important for this series of scenarios."  When playing the One Well game we could have very specific classes like Liberation Army Veteran or perhaps Bakluni Archaeologist. Contrast these to broader concepts like Myrmidon or Loremaster. They may be similar but the former generate more impact in the campaign's flavor. This is done my focusing on the specific characteristics of the campaign.

Setting
The Setting refers to the game world. It should offer several ideas based on history, current events and location.

Race
Racial archetypes can be further enhanced by adding Prestige Classes. Highlight what each culture values.

Occupation
Similar to race but more focused on a broader social grouping. Seafaring nations may have a Mariner Prestige class that can be taken by all races.

Role
Perhaps you need a type of character that fulfills a specific role in gameplay. The ultimate ranged combatant as a combat role could go to Deepwood Sniper or Bow Initiate.

Organization
The more the characters interact with society the more important is this criteria. A prestige class can highlight what is important to these groups.