Virtual feat and PrC

[Dark Dragon]

Hi,

a simple question, but in my group, we're not sure about the answer.

My elven rogue / wizard wants to become an arcane archer. He meets all requirements except precise shot. He uses a +1 frost precise bow (so he has the precise shot feat when using the bow).

Can he take the arcane archer prc when advancing to the next level?

Thanks for help,

the Dark Dragon

 

[Viktyr Gehrig]

I'd say no.

 

[Gilwen]

Hi,

a simple question, but in my group, we're not sure about the answer.

My elven rogue / wizard wants to become an arcane archer. He meets all requirements except precise shot. He uses a +1 frost precise bow (so he has the precise shot feat when using the bow).

Can he take the arcane archer prc when advancing to the next level?

Thanks for help,

the Dark Dragon

I might allow it but if I did they would only be able to use the AA's special abilities when using only that bow. That alone could be a big draw back.

Bryan

 

[gariig]

I would say no, too. If a class gave a virtual feat(only the ranger does by core) I would allow that. However, having an item give a virtual feat would be a no-no IMC, why not just buy your way into a class.

Gariig

 

[isoChron]

Any official rule about that ?

 

[Kae'Yoss]

I'd say no: There's no real rules about losing the benefits of a PrC when losing a feat (AFAIK it's handled that you keep the PrC even after you use the use of a feat.), and also feats as prerequisites are there to require a dedicated character, not someone who has an item.

You could use gauntlets of ogre power to qualify for power attack and ultimately for the Blackguard PrC (keeping the PrC even if your str drops to below 13 - causing you to lose the benefits of the feat - due to poison or loss of the gauntlets), but you'd still have to spend a feat slot. This way, you spend no feat slot for that feat.

BTW: carrying an item that gives you the use of a feat doesn't give you a "virtual feat" IMO: virtual feat means that you have a (permanent, inherent) ability, like a class ability, that does the same as Feat XYZ (often only under certain circumstances, like the 3.0e ranger's two-weapon fighting class feature which doesn't work with armor more heavy than light armor or with double weapons).

 

[DarkMan]

I'd say no: the description for a precise weapon doesn't give you a feat, it allows you to do something that mimics a feat. In order to have a virtual feat, your 'feat' must be a class feature or special ability.