Non-Canon Dual Class Options

[jaymz]

I think there was an article that touched on this quite a while ago but it was part of another article....maybe try looking over the Rifter Index here on the forums?

Personally I never understood the reluctance to come up with a canon way to do this since, as you said above, there are a multitude of NPC's that have....

[barna10]

I think the problem with multi/dual classing in Palladium is skills, and I think this is where most people get hung up.

The freezing of skills is a strange, unnecessary mechanic IMO. After all, "normal" characters can have skills they never use that still advance every level. For instance, a Rifts character rifted to PF would still increase his Computer Ops skill every level. So, why would a Cyber-Doc that became a Mage not increase his MD skill every level?

Then there are H-to-H skills. According to the cannon rules, h-to-h skills are also frozen/reset, but why? Does the character suddenly forget how to fight or suddenly become unable to progress to the next belt (if a martial artist)?

I think there is too much emphasis put on play balance and not enough reliance on logic.

If I were to create a multi/dual class system, I would probably separate skill progression from class ability progression. I would keep the skill progression constant, halt the progression the old class abilities, and start the new ones at level one.

If dual classing, I would require split XP (part going to each class) based on what abilities the PC used, and I would have the "skill" level equal the higher of the two classes. You'd have to figure out how to handle skill progression, but I'm sure something could be figured out.

[The Dark Elf]

Get writing then!

[MaxxSterling]

Considering the scope of rifts, I need to know how to do multiple occ changes over time, not just 1 change. Characters that live over 1000 years surely aren't going to be the same occ that entire time, especially if they reach level 15...

[gaby]

Well I think it,s ok if ther two different Occ types like a Magic/Man at arms.
Have two Magic Occ is a bit too much,so I keep it to only God level beings.

[drewkitty ~..~]

Considering the scope of rifts, I need to know how to do multiple occ changes over time, not just 1 change. Characters that live over 1000 years surely aren't going to be the same occ that entire time, especially if they reach level 15...

For immortal (super-long lived) chars (see PU2, MC, RCB2, PFD&G, and others for immortal char details) I would have them just learn more skills. This because those that live super-lon lives tend to get distracted by "living" or have a "I will get to it later" mentality.

While yes, they might do different jobs during their lives. This does not mean they have to change their class.

So I would use the HU:PU2 ed bonus for age to enhance a older immortal.

Or as an option use the one I've written up for Alchemical Immortals in MC.(below)

*For every 50 years of age (over 50) the Alch. Im. may have learned a new skill, spell, MA power, Psi power. Limited to mages, Martial Artists, and Psychics respectively.
*However, when living in a modern society (like between 1912 and 2005) the Alch. Im. may have learned a new skill every 5 years. (This section only covers skills. Excluding spells (see the Spell creation rules for replacement rules), MA powers, and psi powers.)
*[note: have not written anything up to cover skills that would represent the last 7 years (2005-2012). But will give some thought about it.]