Trying to create a prestige class

[viana_qoh]

I've been trying to create a custom prestige class for my own use, but I'm stymied by the fact I can't find any useful instructions on how to create classes like this. I've gotten some things kind of working through trial and error and examining existing files, but I'm still confused.

I'm trying to make a level 10 arcane prestige class for my own use, with a special ability of a caster level bonus that increases every other level and another set of special abilities that enhances some saving throws, plus a couple of other extra abilities. Also trying to figure out how to require a prerequisite of specialist wizard.

The setting up of the class isn't the hard part, it's getting it to recognize the special abilities and at the proper level - and of course I also have no idea how to make the abilities actually take effect on the character as I'm a n00b at best regarding XML.

I would really appreciate if someone could either point me in the direction of instructions or help me figure out how to do this.

[Kendall-DM]

You create the prestige class under Class, which also creates an entry under Class Level. You set the pre-requisites for the prestige class under the Class Level tab. My suggestion for this is, load an actual prestige class data file, otherwise copying won't give you any hints on how to do a pre-requisite (they are not copied). To actually load a prestige class for viewing, open a data file from the d20 data folder, it will be named something like "srd_prestige_xxx" where xxx is the name of the class. Just look it over, Class, Class Level, and Class Special. Class Special is where you make the class abilities, in which you will set the source (the prestige class) and level in which it is acquired. In the Class tab, there is a button on the Class that says Class Special Abilities, add the ones you created under Class Special for the prestige class will be available for selection here.

Until you give a more concise idea of what you are trying to achieve, that's about all I can help you with.

[viana_qoh]

Well, I used the Arcane Trickster as template. I renamed the class & levels and changed all UIDs as appropriate. Then I took the class special abilities and I renamed them to what I needed to be, changed bootstraps and ids and all, and removed the scripts that pertained to increasing sneak attacks, but now they're not working.

The class has two tracks of special abilities at differing levels. One increases saves vs. a specific school of magic, the other increases caster level by 1. Then there are two other abilities. However, I'm only seeing the first level, first track of 1st ability, and one ability added at level 5. So it looks like I'm just missing how to make an ability level up.

[Kendall-DM]

Make sure under Class Specials you are giving it the right tag (the prestige class) and the right level it gets it at. Then make sure the prestige class has those newly created Class Specials abilities selected under Class Special Abilities (found in the Class tab). Once those are tied together, they should be showing up at the appropriate levels.