obtaining ranks faster...just a quick question here

[emanresu]

need 8 ranks for prest Bard, how any "sneaks" for early entry?

thanks

Eman

 

[Ahnehnois]

Skill ranks are limited to 3+level, which is hard-coded into the system. The point of using them as prestige class prerequisites is that you cannot get them any faster, meaning that you must be level 5.

 

[emanresu]

Designing a gestalt build with Beguiler, rogue with mindbender, wanted to max out fear somehow?

I was just hoping that perform had some special easy button..oh well, I read that Beguiler and Prestigious bard were a great coupling

eman

 

[Ahnehnois]

The prestige bard is a variant class for DMs seeking an alternative approach to class design that restricts access to generic base classes (fighter/cleric/rogue/wizard and perhaps a few others) and makes everything else into a prestige class. It really is not appropriate in a game that allows specialized base classes like the beguiler.

 

[delericho]

I'm not aware of any way around the limit on ranks, but I did once see a claim it was possible. Sadly, the poster who made that claim has since left the site (I think), and as it was an aside to the debate at hand (which was already over-heated), I didn't ask.

Edit: I've done a little research, and it appears that the 'trick' is to use something like the Bard's "Inspire Greatness" ability to gain extra HD, then use something like Psychic Reformation to reallocate your skill points (to the new, higher limit), and the job's done. However, the big problem with this is that it doesn't actually remove the "max ranks is level +3" limit, which means that when those bonus HD wear off your number of ranks drops back to normal. So the exploit doesn't actually work.

 

[emanresu]

in your opinion is a 1 level dip into Prest Bard worthy in any build? Considering the +2 CL with enchantment, illusion and diving spells? and all the 1st lvl Bard 'stuffs n fluffs'

 

[delericho]

No idea, sorry.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

There is no legitimate way to do it, only cheese. If the DM is allowing it, they're either letting you walk all over them or are planning a really hard campaign.