[Kayless]

Okay folks, for those of you who are unfamiliar with 3E rules (or just looking for some cool ideas) this should help you in customizing characters that are both effective as well as true to your indivisual character-concept. So here it goes.

Rule # 1: The classes should always complement each other. A single level of Ranger is excellent for a Rogue since it allows them get free Ambidexterity, Two-Weapon Fighting, Tracking, and a favorite enemy. Since TWF is only really effective in 3E when it’s combined with Sneak Attack, I highly advise giving your Rouge a pair of short swords, since you don’t need to double up on weapon feats (i.e. you only need to take Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus, etc. once instead of twice like a longsword/dagger or other combination would require). The Barbarian is also a great class to only take a single level in since it gives Fast Movement and Rage. The Fighter is another great class to take a couple of levels in since it grants bonus feats (and access to Weapon Specialization at fourth level). A no-no is combining magic using classes. A single-classed level 8 Wizard will beat a Wizard 4/ Cleric 4 multi class any day.

Rule #2: Beware experience penalties. When a character switches classes he takes a 20% exp. hit if the classes are more than one level apart, unless it’s his favored class (fighter for dwarves, barbarian for half-orcs, and so on). So logically speaking you’ll want to design characters whose multi-classing will reflect their favored class. Humans are most flexible since their favorite class is whatever their highest class is. This allows them much more versatility then the other classes.

Rule #3: Pace yourself. Think about how you’re going to survive from encounter to encounter, not how badass your character will be once he/she reaches that magic level when all that multi-classing pays off. Certain multi-classing options take a while to be effective (Fighter/Wizard types come to mind) so it’s important to have thought your level progression through. There are some powerful combos, but it can be profoundly frustrating getting your character to the point where all the planning comes to fruition. So be prepared and have at least a few characters in your party who are good at lower levels to pick up the slack.

Tips: Here are a few effective combos. Take three levels of Rogue before multi-classing to a Fighter (Note, if you have a multi-class combo that includes the Rogue always be sure to take the Rogue class first, since he has the most skill points at the beginning). The three Rogue levels will give you 2D6 Sneak Attack, Evasion and Uncanny Dodge and you’ll only be down one BAB point from a single classed Fighter. You’ll be missing a couple of feats, but at higher levels the difference is marginal, so overall you’ll be better in the long run. A Druid can take a single level of Barbarian and gain Rage which, when combined with Wild Shape, is truly scary (A raging bear kicks ass!). http://www.soccerforums.com/images/s.../ferocious.gif The Barbarian's Uncanny Dodge stacks with the Rogue's so these classes mesh well too (especially since the Barbarian's Fast Movement skill only works in medium or lighter armor, and Rogues tend to go with lighter armors).

I'm sure I'll think of more stuff to add in later. Feel free to share your cool multi-classing tips with everyone. http://www.smilies.org/basesmilies/biggrin.gif