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[Nail]

The Monk should do the Rog dip. Then take the Asectic Rogue feat.

 

[matthewajg]

2nd level Cleric spell: Find Traps - http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/findTraps.htm

 

[Someone]

Get your hands on wands of Detect Secret doors and Summon Monster I. Celestial monkeys make great trap detectors, and if you're not of Good alignment the flying monkey bits are quite amusing. IIRC there's also an spell that grants you scent; since smelling things don't depend on any skill it may allow you to detect many things, depending on how your DM.

 

[Nail]

Celestial monkeys make great trap detectors, and if you're not of Good alignment the flying monkey bits are quite amusing.

That mental image made my day. Thanks!

 

[Christian]

Also, a dip into rogue for one person would give 8 skill points and the trapfinding class feature. The paladin probably has the least to lose from it, with the monk second.

Well, except for the bit about never getting to take paladin or monk levels again. :\

 

[Nail]

@ Christian: Check out the feat Ascetic Rogue.

 

[Darklone]

Or respectively Ascetic Knight.

 

[Alpha Polaris]

Or respectively Ascetic Knight.

Hey, the paladin would want to dance the roguish foxtrot, not the monk disco...

 

[RedFox]

Don't forget that you can hire a rogue. It won't have 100% loyalty like cohorts and the like do, but you can get it right now rather than waiting for a level-up.

Don't forget that spellcasters can use detect traps, locate object, knock, and the like to great effect. If it's cutting back on your firepower, invest in scrolls and wands.

 

[Piratecat]

I need to get out more. I read the thread's title, and my first thought was "Community supporter memberships are $20!"...