multi- and prestige class question

[pejsaboy]

The normal rules for multiclass PCs is at least 5 levels in each class before 20th level. Is the same also required for PrC's? Further, what is the rule for multiclassing *after* 20th level [both normal and PrC], at least 5 levels by 30th?
And finally [] if a character were to apply for a multiclass after 15th, would they just be denied since they could not make the 5 by level 20?

[Force_of_Will_]

Depends on the class to began with.A lot of power combos have been kept apart.

[osxmallard]

Yes, the same is required for all PrC's.  You cannot start a new class or PrC after level 16 since the 5 level rule applies.

There is no real hard rule for classes taken after 20, but it is similar in that you must have 5 levels in the class by 40.

[minerva]

Actually there was some discussion within the team awhile back about multiclassing after 20 and I believe it was strongly recommended that the 5 levels be taken consecutively or almost consecutively but no hard and fast rule that they must be.

[Drizzlin]

What if you don't meet the minimum requirements to take a prestige class until you are level 18? Do you have to wait until you are level 20 to take the prestige class?

A prime example is someone who wants to become a weaponmaster, but didn't pick fighter as their base class. It could take a long time to pick up all the feats. That is not a powergamer build, it is just the long road.

[Weeblie]

You would most probably have to wait until level 20 to take that PrC. The rules are quite strict about "minimum of 5 levels on each class before level 20".