High Diplomacy

[takasi]

What is the best race to optimize diplomacy?

Let's assume at 20th level (ECL):

+4 from base charisma of 18
+2 from level stat boosts to charisma
+3 from magic item enhancement bonus to charisma
+3 from Skill Focus feat
+2 from Negotiator feat
+5 from magic item competence bonus to Diplomacy

Half Elves could receive
+23 from max class level skill ranks
+2 from racial bonus to Diplomacy

Spellscales could receive
+23 from max class level skill ranks
+1 from racial bonus to Charisma

Half-Celestial Half-Elf could receive
+19 from max class level skill ranks
+2 from racial bonus to Diplomacy
+2 from racial bonus to Charisma

Any other races?

Also, any other ways to increase the diplomacy skill? Is there something like owl's insight that will grant an insight bonus to charisma?

 

[RigaMortus2]

What books are allowed? Using RoD, MiniHB, PHB, CA, CV, UA, BoED, and the DMG you could make a decent 6th level "Diplomancer" build as such:

Race: Magic-Blooded Half Elf
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Flaws: Inattentive, Noncombatant
Traits: Polite, Honest

Build: Half-Elf Bard 1 (Substitution Level)/Marshal 1/Bard +2/Warlock 1/Cleric 1/Half-Elf Paragon 1

Feats
(1) Sacred Vow, Negotiator (from flaw), Extra Music (from flaw)
(2) Skill Focus (Diplomacy) (from Marshal)
(3) Item Familiar
(6) Vow of Non-violence, Complementary Insight (B)

Charisma 18
Intelligence 16 or higher

Equipment:
Cloak of Charisma +2 (4,000gp)
Circlet of Persuasion (4,500gp)
Mwk Diplomacy Tool [makeup kit] (500gp)
Anything Else (4,000gp)

Breakdown
9 ranks
6 Charisma
9 Synergy
3 Skill Focus
6 Motivate Charisma
2 Racial
2 Mwk tool
6 Beguiling Influence
5 Friendly Face
9 Item Familiar
4 Herald Domain
2 Mind Domain
2 Sacred Vow
2 Negotiator
3 Circlet of Persuasion
1 Polite trait
1 Honest trait

+72 Total

At a mere 6th level, you have +72 on his diplomacy check. You have soothing voice, so you can stop fights as soon as they start, a constant Calming Aura around yourself, and tons of class goodies. Even with a -20 circumstance penalty on your check, you still automatically convert a creature from hostile to friendly. 6 times per day, you can stop fights that have already started just by talking with your Soothing Voice ability (Will DC 86 average negates).

Stolen from here:

http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?referrerid=406019&t=452425

 

[IanB]

You missed the +2 synergy bonuses from Bluff, Knowledge (nobility and royalty), and Sense Motive, so add another +6.

EDIT: How does the build presented in post #2 get 9 from synergy instead of 6?

 

[RigaMortus2]

You missed the +2 synergy bonuses from Bluff, Knowledge (nobility and royalty), and Sense Motive, so add another +6.

EDIT: How does the build presented in post #2 get 9 from synergy instead of 6?

+2 synergy (bluff)
+2 synergy (sense motive)
+2 synergy (knowledge: religion and nobility)
+3 synergy (complementary insight)

 

[takasi]

Impressive. Most impressive.

How many of these are buffs though? And circumstantial?

What is the base diplomacy modifier as it would look on a stat block (outside the parens)?

 

[Hedgemage]

In Song and Silence there was a three-feat chain (Trustworthy -> Persuasive -> Alluring)
Both Trustworthy and Alluring gave a +2 bonus each to Diplomacy.
Has this little chain appeared in any 3.5 material?