D&D 3E/3.5 How do I qualify a Warlock for spellcasting PRCs? (3.5)

[Bungo_Underhill]

So I am aware that being a Warlock means I can't qualify for prestige classes that say "able to cast Xth-level [arcane] spells". But if I want to take such a class and use it to advance my warlock "casting" what is the best way to do this?

Is there some way of getting the ability to cast 1st level spells without taking a class level? What about 2nd or 3rd level?

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

Is there some way of getting the ability to cast 1st level spells without taking a class level? What about 2nd or 3rd level?

Races of the Dragon p.43 has a ritual for Kobolds called Draconic Rite of Passage. It reads, in part:
"Upon completing this rite, a kobold chooses any 1st-level sorcerer spell. He can now use that spell once per day as a spell-like ability, using his character level as his caster level. Each day, a kobold must complete the Searching for the Dragon meditation (see above) in order to recharge this spell-like ability for the day. No kobold can benefit from this rite more than once."
I think this should fulfill your requirement, if you're a Kobold. (I'd recommend Nerveskitter as your 1 spell, but whatever you like)

Now, depending upon how you interpret the wording of the feat, Precocious Apprentice feat might work next, granting you a 2nd level spell. Prereqs are: arcane caster level 1st, Spellcasting ability (Int or Cha) 15.
If your class is Warlock, you might qualify for the Arcane caster level 1st. Meet the stat requirement.
The feat reads, in part:
"Choose one 2nd-level spell from a school of magic you have access to. You gain an extra 2nd-level spell slot that must be used initially to cast only the chosen spell."
Choose a 2nd level spell of the same school as your Draconic Rite.

It's got the strong hint of cheese to it, but I think the RAW works. I wouldn't argue with any DM that hit me with a rulebook over this however. I'm not sure you'd actually be permitted to cast your 2nd level spell, since you gain a spell slot but not really the class mechanic to prepare the spell, or cast 2nd level spells per day.

 

[Bungo_Underhill]

Thanks RUMBLETiGER!

Definately some food for thought!

If anyone has any ideas that don't require being a Kobold that would be awesome as well!

 

[udalrich]

Unfortunately, that feat won't work. It grants you a spell-like ability, not a spell.

He can now use that spell once per day as a spell-like ability

AFAIK, the way to qualify is to take a level of sorcerer (or some other class). And read the prestige class carefully, to be sure that it does not say something like "+1 level in the class used to qualify for this class".

 

[James the Newbie]

I dont know if this helps but there are some you can take anyway

from the Complete Arcane
Acolyte of the skin
Blood magus
Enlightened fist (Non caster)
Green star adept
Mind bender
Suel arcanamach
Wild mage

from the Complete Mage
Eldritch disciple (Needs divine spells though)
Eldritch theurge (Needs arcane spells though)
Enlightened spirit

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

Unfortunately, that feat won't work. It grants you a spell-like ability, not a spell.

Ok, this is totally me mincing words, and I'd not argue with a DM this way and expect to win, but the OP asked for a way of "getting the ability to cast 1st level spells without taking a class level"
You're casting a spell, as a spell-like ability. And you're doing so as a Sorcerer, so as an Arcane caster. It's dicey, I know, I'm just sayin, it fulfills RAW, even if obviously not RAI.

 

[Bungo_Underhill]

Okay, lets assume I don't want to be a Kobold or that the ritual trick doesn't work.

So I have to take a Class level of a spell casting class to qualify (although I'll never advance that casting further) what is the best class to choose?

Duskbade, Beguiller? Are there any good PRCs that grant casting [at first level] but don't require it for entry?

 

[Samloyal23]

There has got to be a prestige class somewhere designed for Warlocks that uses Invocations or spell-like abilities as prerequisites...

 

[Trouvere]

So I have to take a Class level of a spell casting class to qualify (although I'll never advance that casting further) what is the best class to choose?

Duskbade, Beguiller? Are there any good PRCs that grant casting [at first level] but don't require it for entry?

A single level (Cloistered) Cleric dip is so good, it even has a handbook.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

So I am aware that being a Warlock means I can't qualify for prestige classes that say "able to cast Xth-level [arcane] spells". But if I want to take such a class and use it to advance my warlock "casting" what is the best way to do this?

Is there some way of getting the ability to cast 1st level spells without taking a class level? What about 2nd or 3rd level?

Do you have a specific PrC in mind? Perhaps if you let us know what you want to do, we can help you brainstorm options?