OT: D&D and multi-classing.

I think there are several ways to benefit from multi-classing before level ten (though your example of progressing on to a Prestige class is often a good option if you want something different). As I said previously, you can make a powerful warrior out of a Cleric by starting him with a single level of Barbarian. Or make for a very versatile dex-based fighter by starting with three levels of Thief.

Spell-casters often lose out the most by multi-classing, if they see spellcasting as their primary function. But if their "other" class is their main focus, then a few spells can oftern be a real boost.

[gregebowman]

One of the best Groups I had was when we went "outside the box", and started playing other games besides AD&D (this was back in the 80's). One of other games I fell in love with, and wish I could still play, was GURPS from Steve Jackson Games. It's a skill based system, where you have points and then can buy whatever skills you need. What makes this game system so versatile is that they make supplemental books for just about anything. Fantasy, sci-fi, modern weapons and vehicles, futuristic stuff. I really want to buy their WWII book that came out a couple of years ago. Anyway, some of my best sessions came when we played a fantasy game using this system. There's no multiclass per se; you can be a sword-fighting mage if you want to be. You just have to have enough skill points to buy your skills. I highly recommend it as an alternative to D&D.

[Fyron]

what are you going to do when a huge dragon is in from of you?! Eliminate it!!! That's the whole purpose of the dragon in the quest, it has to DIE!!

Not true. There are plenty of scenarios where the Dragon sends you on a quest. They are afterall very intelligent beings, not just big brutes like cave trolls...

[narf poit chez BOOM]

Don't mind me, just cross-linking: http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin...;f=23;t=011924