Elf Scout to Dervish, with one small snag...

[Felon]

I'm playing an elf scout and am considering the dervish prestige class as a possible career path. I know that won't score any points for originality with ENWorlders, so I'd like to solicit some advice. I'd like to gain proficiency with the scimitar while not running afoul of any multi-classing experience penalties. Since dervish is feat-intensive already, I don't really have a feat to burn on Martial Weapons Proficiency.

I figure my best bet is a prestige class. Are there any that actually grant profiiciencies that a character can enter with only the following feats: Combat Expertise, Dodge, Improved Initiative, Mobility, Weapon Focus (any slashing)?

 

[Legildur]

I don't know of any off the top of my head that fit that bill. But why do you need Wpn Prof (scimitar) so badly? Dervish works just fine with any slashing weapon. Sure, you don't get the two-weapon fighting advantages from wielding scimitars, but nor do you lose the option of using Power Attack (which is technically what happens with the Dervish ability with scimitars).

Just use a two-handed weapon, or maybe a one-handed weapon in two hands.

 

[comrade raoul]

I was just about to note that the scout's in trouble as far as that goes, since they don't get proficiency with any martial slashing weapons other than the throwing axe and the handaxe, and that this was the only time I can think of in which the elf's longsword proficiency is actually useful for a combat character. But, if you really want that scimitar:

You can get into the occult slayer (also in Complete Warrior) with Improved Initiative and Weapon Focus (any), plus a few skill ranks that will be cross-class for you, and a base attack bonus of +5. This won't help, though, unless you want to use the scimitar without having taken Weapon Focus with it. That's the only one in any of the Complete or Races books that would help, I think.

It's all about the longsword.

 

[Felon]

Well, if it's light, I can finesse it. Currently I have 13 Str and 20 Dex.

Hardly a "must-have" situation--the scout class is sufficiently cool that I might not multi-class at all--but I just wanted to figure out how to scratch that itch.

 

[wmasters]

I'm probably missing the point, but if you're looking for a level which doesn't need extra requirements and grants proficiency in Scimitars, what's wrong with a level of Fighter?

 

[brehobit]

I'm probably missing the point, but if you're looking for a level which doesn't need extra requirements and grants proficiency in Scimitars, what's wrong with a level of Fighter?

He's worried about multi-classing XP penalties. A PrC doesn't have that problem, fighter does.
Yet another silly thing about those multi-classing rules.

Mark

 

[Mordane76]

I'm probably missing the point, but if you're looking for a level which doesn't need extra requirements and grants proficiency in Scimitars, what's wrong with a level of Fighter?

Fighter, being a core class, would cause an XP penalty, while Occult Slayer, being a PrC, would not, because PrC do not invoke XP Penalties due to multiclassing. It's an out that would allow him to pick up the weapon proficiencies without having to sack 10% XP or several levels in Fighter to get what he wants. However, Fighter is also a good choice if you have a few more levels to sacrifice before going into Dervish - it being feat intensive, and Fighter giving you a bunch of feats, might not be a bad road to pursue if you can afford the levels before entering Dervish.

 

[Shadeus]

You don't need that feat to get the dervish PrC. Just take it after you make Dervish. So you don't get it at first level of the PrC; pick it up later.

 

[Bagpuss]

Well, if it's light, I can finesse it. Currently I have 13 Str and 20 Dex.

Sickle - a light slashing weapon, that being a simple weapon scouts are proficient in. It's same damage as a Scimitar as well. If you want the really good 18-20 crit range of the Scimitar you are going to have to use a Feat.

 

[werk]

You don't need that feat to get the dervish PrC. Just take it after you make Dervish. So you don't get it at first level of the PrC; pick it up later.

This is pretty much my advice, most PrCs don't provide proficiencies.

I'd first try to talk the DM into including scimitar on the elf weapon list. IMC, it would depend on how much you've used the 'standard' elf weapons...if you've used a longsword until now, it wouldn't fly, but if you use a rapier or other non-elf weapon primarily, I'd probably allow you to sub out.

Second, assuming you are playing a standard core elf with wizard as the favored class, I'd ask to retro a sub-race, like wood elf, who's favored class would provide the prof and take a one-level dip.

Third and finally, spend the feat.