Class Balance (D&D class)

Unofficial rules compendium

Prestige Class Balance

• Prestige Class Balance
  • Table
  • Examples

Example Classes

• Alchemist - 21
• Barbarian - 21
• Bard - 21
• Beguiler - 22
• Cleric - 20
• Courtier - 18
• Dragon Shaman-
• Druid - 22
• Duskblade - 21
• Favored Soul - 20
• Fighter - 20
• Hexblade - 21
• Knight - 22
• Monk - 21
• MysticDancer - 20
• Ninja-
• Paladin - 24
• Philosopher - 22
• Prodigy - 19
• Ranger - 21
• Rogue - 20
• Savage Species-
• Scout - 20
• Shugenja - 12 (20)
• Sorceror - 16 (19)
• Spellthief-
• SpiritShaman - 20
• Swasbuckler - 19
• Warlock-
• Warmage - 23
• Wizard - 20
• Wu Jen - 20

Class Balance Table

The following system is a rough guide to balance between the classes. Each class ability costs one or more points, with typical classes ending up at 20 or 21 points. The system is highly subjective, and does not include synergy effects.

Ability	Example Classes	Points
Spells
Minor Spell ability: Maximum spell level 4 or one level of magic per 2 levels	Hexblade, paladin	1
Moderate spell ability: Maximum of spell level 6 or 2 levels of magic use per 3 levels	Bard	2
Major spell ability: Maximum spell level 9	Druid	3
Major spell list: Access to many spells and to the most important spells, such as miracle and wish.	Cleric, wizard	1
Major offensive spells	Arcane magic	x3
Combat Ability
Per point of base attack bonus at level 4		1
Proficiency with all martial weapons	Fighter	1
Armor class
Each armor proficiency (light, medium, heavy, shield, tower shield)		1
Attribute-based armor bonus	Monk	1
Level-based armor bonus	Monk, Swashbuckler	1
No more than two armor proficiencies, and loses no class abilities when wearing armor	Suggenja	1
Severe armor limitations	Druid	-1
Hit Dice
Per point of average die roll (rounded down)		1
Saving Throws
Each good saving throw category (Fortitude, Reflex, Will)		1
Skill Points
Every 2 skill points per level		1
Bonus Feats and Class Abilities
Every 5 entries in the Special column not covered elsewhere; extra-powerful entries (sneak attack) count twice		1
Turn undead	Cleric, Paladin	1
Clerical domains	Cleric	1
Familiar/Companion/Special Mount	Druid, Paladin	1
Lay on hands	Paladin	1
Increased unarmed damage	Monk	1
Great speed bonus	Monk	1
Bardic knowledge	Bard	1