Ultimate self-sufficiant char.

[StreamOfTheSky]

(Note that the OP called out planar travel, so spellcasting seems practically required.)

Multiple people have named Monk. Druid has gotten the most votes and doesn't even get planar travel. So clearly, more than one interpretation of what it means to be survivable. Not to mention how situational. City overrun by gangs or lifeless wilderness, for example. Requires completely different abilities. For overcoming and survivng the nastiest fights imaginable, I'll put my money on the Crusader. Hey, some enemies even lay down dimensional anchors and such, so you can't just run away!

 

[prospero63]

First thread I could find on google was this one: http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=369436

IIRC, the archivist has bumped the psion out of the top five.

Awesome. Thanks for the link, and thanks to all for the explanation on the druid. I guess indeed it's a case of my just never having seen them played effectively.

 

[blargney the second]

Master of Masks

This is indeed a versatile PrC. I just ran a great villain for my party on Saturday with some levels in Master of Masks. There are some surprisingly potent abilities squirrelled away in those masks.

 

[Darklone]

This is indeed a versatile PrC. I just ran a great villain for my party on Saturday with some levels in Master of Masks. There are some surprisingly potent abilities squirrelled away in those masks.

Yes, the class seems to be made for BBEGs.