Characters from Savage Species (need a feat)

[Wycen]

I've been playing a Rakshasa from Savage Species and now that I've leveled up past 2nd level, I'm curious if I'm missing something in the level progression scheme.

First, I'm talking strictly 3.0 - I don't want to confuse the issue with 3.5 mechanics, though everyone else in the group is 3.5.

If I have read and understand the rules correctly, then I progress expressly as the chart indicates. So I only get skills at the levels indicated, feats when indicated, etc. But I'm wondering how my ranks for skills work out. Can I have as many ranks in a skill as my character level or do I use hit dice? I believe it is based on HD, just like normal, but there is room for the other argument in my mind.

Do I get to increase a stat every 4 levels?

Also, how does one handle the fact a Rakshasa can cast 1st level divine spells. So far I've been spontaneously casting any first level cleric spell in place of one of the sorcerer spells, but closer reading of the text makes me think I can choose divine spells as possible choices, just expanding the sorcerer spell list, rather than "free spontaneously casting any cleric spell I think I need at the moment".

Thanks

 

[Sound of Azure]

For feat acquisition, maximum skill ranks, and level-based ability score increases, you use the hit dice, yes.

So, you'd get your level-based ability score increase at 7th level (when you get your 4th hit die).

Spellcasting:
The section on spells states

you can also choose 1st-level cleric spells as known spells and cast them as arcane spells

meaning that you can choose any 1st level cleric spells to add to your spells known... when you have new spells known. That is, the cleric spells are added to your list of potential spells known, the list you choose from.

Hope this helps.

 

[Wycen]

In my reading of Savage Species I've been jumping around, rather than reading from front to back, so thanks. I'm wondering where that is in the text, I guess I'll have to take some time out for serious reading.

 

[Wycen]

Ok, now I'm wondering if anyone can suggest a feat for a rakshasa? I was thinking of one of the "cast 3 zero level spell" feats from Complete Arcane, but I'm betting somewhere someone has a better idea.

 

[Machiavelli]

I've found those "three 0- or 1st-lvl spell" feats to be useful for flavor and some rare PrC's (like Dragon Disciple) that require arcane casing ability but don't specify what level. Otherwise, there are FAR better feat choices out there, for ANY character.

 

[irdeggman]

Ok, now I'm wondering if anyone can suggest a feat for a rakshasa? I was thinking of one of the "cast 3 zero level spell" feats from Complete Arcane, but I'm betting somewhere someone has a better idea.

Then you are really not talking strictly 3.0 are you?

Savage Species was suppposed to be forward compatable so it should not be hard to ensure it meshes with 3.5 in most cases.

What type of spells are you focusing on?

If they are weapon like then weapon feats can be appropriate.

 

[Wycen]

Then you are really not talking strictly 3.0 are you?

Savage Species was suppposed to be forward compatable so it should not be hard to ensure it meshes with 3.5 in most cases.

What type of spells are you focusing on?

If they are weapon like then weapon feats can be appropriate.

I am using the 3.0 mechanics for level/class/hit dice/etc., but using 3.5 rules, so I'm using the 3.5 spells, feats, etc. I don't find it confusing, but I know what's going on in my head.

I was considering spells that make a rakshasa a good manipulator or overlord, but upon reflection this campaign really doesn't benefit that style of play. So Charm Person would be ok, but not as useful as an attack spell or cure light wounds. We are going through one of Goodman Games Dungeon Crawl Classics.