Hybrid Experience Penalties

[Casezilla]

Originally Posted by Goobles [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

To clarify exp penalties..

In Dungeons and Dragons, a 'multiclass' is possible, but at a penalty. The complete ruling is at the following link: http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Multiclass_Characters

The brief overview:
Levels are based on exp gained. Once a character reaches ECL (effective character level), he may choose to increase his class level to 2, or multi class level (say rogue/wizard) to 1rogue/1wizard. He would gain experience at a level 2 character, but the only reason a rogue might take a class in wizard is to read scrolls and learn level 0 wizard spells. He will gain exp as a level 2 character in the case.

How this applies to EQ: Every MMoRPG is based off of D&D. Classes, races, etc... you get bonuses, and have negatives based on your race. Your class is pretty much your profession. Using the explanation above - instead of levelling each of your class levels individually, EQ has the following multiclasses: Paladin (Cleric/Warrior), Shadowknight (Necro/Warrior), Ranger (Druid/Warrior). It imposes an exp penalty to make up for levelling each class individually, and it's faster than the penalty of levelling two classes to the same level in D&D.

And what classes is a Bard multiclassing [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]? And what about a monk's penalty, or an INT caster's penalty. How can you relate those to D&D?

The hybrids in EQ are not multiclasses. They have class abilities that define them as a unique class. They also do not receive every spell or ability that their supposed parent classes receive. If a Paladin, for example, was a true War/Cleric multiclass, taking some percentage of levels as a warrior and some as a cleric, a level 50 paladin would be able to gate, bind, dual wield, etc.

On top of that, even in D&D at least Paladins, Rangers and Bards have been distinct classes for a long time. No cleric/warrior multiclassing required.