Fochlucan Lyrist PrC [CA] character build

[ScottB]

I am trying to pull off a jack of all trades build, and for such I stumbled upon the Fochlucan Lyrist prestige class, in CA pg. 47. I see only a few downsides, and it is on these which I have questions (I want to be better armed before I see my DM).

First, and most doubtful, is there any way to take levels in this PrC before character level 11? It requires 13 ranks in Perform, which is why I ask. Is there some shady but letter legal way of routing around this? If I can’t take levels in this until 11, what should I do in the meantime?

Second, since the class requires Evasion, I am interested in unique ways of getting this. I don’t really want 1d6 of sneak attack, and Monk is less useful as I plan on (with DM approval) using the alternate Druid class variant found in UA, pg. 58 (this gives a mix of monk and ranger abilities in exchange for wild shape, armor and shield proficiency; check it out). I’ve checked for Evasion from OA, but I didn’t see anything so useful. Dishearteningly, Ninja doesn’t grant Evasion either. Are there any PrC’s providing Evasion in the first two levels for which I would qualify (as a Bard 1/(arcane caster) 1/Druid (variant) 1+)? How about other basic classes?

Last, does anyone have any suggestions for an arcane caster class to take with this? I have been thinking Wizard (because I want to be able to do everything), but I would more enjoy something offbeat or unusual, or at least some interesting variant rules.

I’m not sure why, but I want to play a character as bizarre and unexpectedly able as possible. Thanks for the help, everybody.

 

[Demoquin]

Shadowdancer gets evasion at lvl 2 and i believe Master Thrower gets evasion as well.

 

[the Jester]

I love the FL and so want to play one! 1st edition bard, here I come!

 

[Urbanmech]

The extreme explorer from Eberron gains evasion at lv 2 I believe. The FL is tough to get into using only the core classes. You could also go ranger 9/Bard 2 or something like that for a more combat ready FL character.

 

[Particle_Man]

The extreme explorer from Eberron gains evasion at lv 2 I believe. The FL is tough to get into using only the core classes. You could also go ranger 9/Bard 2 or something like that for a more combat ready FL character.

Nope. You have to speak Druidic, and that means you need a level of Druid or a REALLY nice DM.

 

[ScottB]

The extreme explorer from Eberron gains evasion at lv 2 I believe. The FL is tough to get into using only the core classes. You could also go ranger 9/Bard 2 or something like that for a more combat ready FL character.

That's an interesting idea. However, the class requires druidic as a language known, so there's at least one minimum level of druid in there. At least, as I read it (in the skill section), druidic is Druid only. If that isn't true, I'd like to know. Also, I am not limmited to only the core classes. Far from it. What could you suggest using non-core material?

Edit: You said it, P-Man

 

[Rkhet]

Considering the steep requirements, I'd say you'll be better off with a Mystic Theurge build.

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

MT isn't good with JoaT, though; they suck at combat and skills.

 

[Rkhet]

Combat can be fixed with the divine metamagic cheese + polymorph. There's also this level 2 cleric spell in one of the complete books that boosts a skill for a single use.

 

[Anti-Sean]

Second, since the class requires Evasion, I am interested in unique ways of getting this. I don’t really want 1d6 of sneak attack, and Monk is less useful as I plan on (with DM approval) using the alternate Druid class variant found in UA, pg. 58 (this gives a mix of monk and ranger abilities in exchange for wild shape, armor and shield proficiency; check it out).

The Rogue variant also found on pg. 58 of UA replaces sneak attack with a Fighter's bonus feat progression. Two levels would give you Evasion and a boatload of skill points that would come in handy for a JoaT - the two bonus feats are just gravy.