Dipping in Prestige Classes

[Dross]

I disagree. If you are going to spend the time to build up to a PrC and then find out the the DM does not allow that optional class? Too easy to get into arguments and drama. I much prefer a player to approach me and say "I am trying to accomplish this with my character and the best way I can see is to grab just 1 level of this PrC..."

I just might have recently read a cool option that would work better for the character concept... or I might really not want to deal with the special ability the player is seeking to exploit...

I'll make an assumption here: Mindbender is from an allowed book or has already been allowed. On that note, the OP can go for it (DM has "already" given permission).

If that is not the situation then OP needs to talk to the DM.

As an aside, I personally do not like 1 level dips, but sometimes it's the only way for a concept to work.

 

[irdeggman]

I'll make an assumption here: Mindbender is from an allowed book or has already been allowed. On that note, the OP can go for it (DM has "already" given permission).

If that is not the situation then OP needs to talk to the DM.

As an aside, I personally do not like 1 level dips, but sometimes it's the only way for a concept to work.

Even if it is an "allowed book" that does not mean that all prestige classes contained in it are also "allowed" unless the DM also spedified that all prestige classes are included a well as feats. Prestige classes are specifically stated as only being allowed if approved by the DM.

DMG pg 176

"Prestige classes are purely optional and always under the purvew of the DM."

 

[Dross]

Even if it is an "allowed book" that does not mean that all prestige classes contained in it are also "allowed" unless the DM also spedified that all prestige classes are included a well as feats. Prestige classes are specifically stated as only being allowed if approved by the DM.

DMG pg 176

"Prestige classes are purely optional and always under the purvew of the DM."

Hence my "assumption" clause and the "already been allowed".

I may have needed to say: "what is in the book is allowed" but do we need to be that specific about it?

Aside 1, given some RP requirements (I don't know that the MB has such a pre-req) it's always good to see the DM about it, since you might be waiting 10 levels to meet the RP pre-req.

Aside 2: If a DM says, I allow book X, but does not mention anything about a PrC, how safe is it to ASSUME that PrC Y is available? If there are no PrC's at all there is the argument, but otherwise? :\

 

[czak808]

DMG pg 176

"Prestige classes are purely optional and always under the purview of the DM."

What a completely useless bit of information.
Do you generally take classes or options without telling your DM what they are? To find if he's comfortable with your concept or if they feel it fits in their game?

To the original question of this post; are you taking options or classes that fit the concept of your character or are you just "dipping" for a cool option with no intention of pursuing anything further?

If it's the latter, ask yourself if you are sliding down that slippery slope of "twinking, min-max, RAW for game breakage..." It may seem/ be cool initially, but down the road tends to become unbalanced and a detriment to the game.

Fools are made to suffer, not to be suffered