Prestige Classes Again

Gamer once again asks for official prestige classes:

BioWare:

I was reading the recent chat log from Stratics and would like to make suggestion on implementation of Prestige Classes with in NWN. (I realize they will not be in the initial release)

It was mentioned in the chat log that after the release of NWN we should provide feedback on what prestige class we would like to see implemented and you would see what you could do (not a direct quote by any means:)

Rather then implement individual Prestige Classes, would it be possible to approach it as an addition to the tool set? Like an editor GUI. You could provide a base set of special abilities that the DM could mix and match for there own Prestige Classes. This could also include script hooks for DM created special abilities.

If it is at all feasible, perhaps you would consider looking at the idea.

…here’s an old bit from BioWare on the custom class issue in general, that may shed some light on their thinking for you. Note, this isn’t meant as a yea or nay of any kind, it’s just offered for information purposes only ;-).

Quote(Rob Bartel, NWN Co-Lead Designer):

1) Prestige Classes:

The Prestige Classes listed in the DMG are there as suggestions only and DMs are in fact encouraged to create their own unique Prestige Classes appropriate to their campaigns and worlds. In other words, its doubtful that any pre-defined Prestige Classes we create will satisfy the actual needs of our end users anyway. It is with that in mind that we have decided to focus our efforts on the core classes, on the DM tools, and on the scripting language, making sure that all of you have a solid foundation with which to make your worlds, whatever they may be, come to life.

2) DM-Created classes:

There are some unexplained technical issues that lie at the root of Trent’s response here. Class definitions really are a fundamental part of the code structure. When you hop into a game, both you and the server (not to mention everyone else playing) have to have the same definition of what it means to be a fighter or a wizard or a rogue. This definition also has to correspond with the core character creation process (if you make your character in one place, level up in a second place, and adventure in a third, all of those have to agree) and with the interface (character sheets, radial menus, multiclass situations, etc., etc). If we allowed everyone to muck around with the fundamental class structures at their whim, there’d be chaos. That being said, the scripting language is a powerful thing, as is the DM client. We’ve still left you plenty of room to maneuver.

Should we choose to add further classes in future products (be they prestige classes or otherwise), we’ve set up our code structure to make that as easy as possible. The key point is that those changes will be made in a standardized, systematic fashion, not scattered across the NWN metaverse.

:End Quote

Cord Grimwinder