Best non-combat Base/Prestige classes

[TerraDave]

I will second the bard as a non-combat oriented class, though that may be part of the problem with that class. There is also diviner, illusionist, enchanter...

UA has a cloistered cleric that is less combat oriented, and more knowledge oriented. Has more of a "priest" feel. Our version is here (scroll down to studious cleric)

 

[Psion]

Courtier from Rokugan/Swashbuckling adventures

Jack of All Trades from Black Company

All the classes from Dynasties and Demagouges.

 

[Remathilis]

Noble (Dragonlance), Healer (Minis HB), Witch (Green Ronin).

A Properly Built Bard, Sorcerer or Mystic (DL again).

Any Character with the Vow of Peace Feat from Book of Exalted Deeds

 

[Grunk]

Off the top of my head, some of these PrC have skills that could be useful in combat, but most are just based in knowledge.
From Complete Divine:
Church Inquisitor
Contemplative
Divine Oracle
Evangelist
Rainbow Servant
Void Disciple
Traps and Treachery:
Courtesan
Roofrunner

 

[DMH]

Enchirdion of Mystical Music has several PrCs that aren't combat machines- one for druids and rangers, a couple for summoners, one for sound based arcane spells and three for bards.

But the one book I strongly suggest is Dynasties and Demagogues from Atlas. It has the following PrCs- bodyguard, chieftain, conspiracy leader, demagogue, diplomat, discreet companion, information mage, politician and religious leader. Sadly this is the only book that I have read with a diplomat class.

 

[BigFreekinGoblinoid]

There are two really good books from ATLAS that each have several core classes and PrC's that are good for skill based roleplaying,: Dynasties and Demogogues, and Crime & Punishment (Written by Keith Baker ! )

edit: just saw DMH's post! So, yeah, check out C&P too...

 

[nothing to see here]

Thanks for all the help. My goal in asking the question was not to find classes with no combat usefulness (most games have conflict at some statge) -- just ones that focus abilities towards other situations without feeling the need to add combat specific abilities to compensate.

As for Atlas' Dynasties and Demagogues. I already own it. Outside of the Core, WOTC's Unearthed Arcana, and Malhavoc's Arcana Unearthed, it's the best product I've purchased. Is it true Atlas have suspended the penumbra line?

I first felt this unease around this when I read D20 modern and noticed how the majority of the talents for Smart or Charismatic heroes were applicable only in combat situations. I thought it a missed opportunity for that game. It also opened my eyes to the fact that in fantasy d20, there's not a lot different.

 

[TerraDave]

Another thread and a new review reminded me of the Medieval Player's Handbook, which has base classes like Artist and Philosopher. I don't have my copy in front of me, but I remember a lot of combat alternatives in that book.