Dual-Classing the Greyhawk way
Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2014 12:58 pm
By the book, dual-classing can be a bit awkward. The dual-classed player really needs three sets of stats; one set for each of his two classes, and a third set--a merged "best of" set--which he actually uses in play. It's fiddly. And there's no XP penalty for carrying a "capped" class!
Greyhawk (1975) introduced a fresh look at dual-classing (as well as some treble-classed options) that is, arguable, more sound. With the Greyhawk method there is no switching back-and-forth between classes, and no becoming a dual-classed figure later on. A figure is simply dual- (or treble-) classed from the get-go.
Furthermore, experience is always divided evenly between the classes, even when no further progress is possible in a class. So--because the player is no longer deciding which class is earning XP--it becomes possible to "chart" the XP progressions of the dual- (and treble-) classed types in exactly the way as for the standard classes.
Here are the Elf and Dwarf options, as well as an "unofficial" Halfling fighter/thief option (using the DD XP requirements and retaining the original level limits where they exist):
Here is the Elf Fighter/Magic-User in detail:
Here is the Halfling Fighter/Thief in detail:
Greyhawk also added another iconic dual-classed option: the Druid!
The combination magic-user/cleric is disallowed by the 3LBBs, but enters play as the (NPC) Druid with Greyhawk. I've detailed the Druid progression and spells per day by merging the features of the (DD) magic-user and cleric classes:
Enjoy!
Greyhawk (1975) introduced a fresh look at dual-classing (as well as some treble-classed options) that is, arguable, more sound. With the Greyhawk method there is no switching back-and-forth between classes, and no becoming a dual-classed figure later on. A figure is simply dual- (or treble-) classed from the get-go.
Furthermore, experience is always divided evenly between the classes, even when no further progress is possible in a class. So--because the player is no longer deciding which class is earning XP--it becomes possible to "chart" the XP progressions of the dual- (and treble-) classed types in exactly the way as for the standard classes.
Here are the Elf and Dwarf options, as well as an "unofficial" Halfling fighter/thief option (using the DD XP requirements and retaining the original level limits where they exist):
Here is the Elf Fighter/Magic-User in detail:
Here is the Halfling Fighter/Thief in detail:
Greyhawk also added another iconic dual-classed option: the Druid!
The combination magic-user/cleric is disallowed by the 3LBBs, but enters play as the (NPC) Druid with Greyhawk. I've detailed the Druid progression and spells per day by merging the features of the (DD) magic-user and cleric classes:
Enjoy!