Who/what can take class levels?

[RUMBLETiGER]

So there really isn't any RAW on this? I'm surprised, because this concept seems incredibly elementary.

By RAI we can pretty well assume any creature with an Int of 3 or more can take class levels.

That's how I deduced it.

Of special note is any magical item granting an Int bonus with an indefinite time period, like the staple Headband. So long as a creature wears the item and has an Int of 3 or more with the bonus, it can take class levels because it is indeed intelligent enough.

Now, you need to support this with some sort of precedent for me, because if this is true, I'm going to destroy the multiverse as we know it by eventually giving into the temptation to make an intelligent Rust Monster that spawns a new race that would make the Formicans shudder. And I'll do it by accident, and feel reeeealy bad about it.

 

[Vegepygmy]

So there really isn't any RAW on this? I'm surprised, because this concept seems incredibly elementary.

Oh, there are definitely "rules as written" on this. See Chapter 4 of the Monster Manual.

But it pretty much boils down to DM's discretion, which is the most elementary D&D concept of them all.

 

[Jackinthegreen]

Now, you need to support this with some sort of precedent for me, because if this is true, I'm going to destroy the multiverse as we know it by eventually giving into the temptation to make an intelligent Rust Monster that spawns a new race that would make the Formicans shudder. And I'll do it by accident, and feel reeeealy bad about it.

That rule is in Savage Species as I recall.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

Oh, there are definitely "rules as written" on this. See Chapter 4 of the Monster Manual.

Thank you, this is exactly what I was looking for under the "Class levels", "Increased Hit Dice" and "Templates" sections when I created this post.

That rule is in Savage Species as I recall.

Still looking, can't seem to find it in Savage Species.

 

[jefgorbach]

RAW states “An animal has an Intelligence score of 1 or 2. A creature of humanlike intelligence has a score of at least 3.” and elsewhere under Improving Monsters states “each of the monster entries describes a typical creature of its kind. However, there are several methods by which extraordinary or unique monsters can be created using a typical creature as the foundation: by adding character classes, increasing a monster’s Hit Dice, or by adding a template to a monster. These methods are not mutually exclusive—it’s possible for a monster with a template to be improved by both increasing its Hit Dice and adding character class levels.(SRD, Improving monsters)” and while “Intelligent creatures that are reasonably humanoid in shape most commonly advance by adding class levels.(ibid)”

Therefore ANY creature with at least a Intelligence(3) has the capability of taking whatever Classes are suitable for its body shape … as confirmed by Domino’s link to the Unicorn(Celestrial Charger) having 7 clerical levels.

[btw thanks, as this likewise confirms my long-standing opinion Familiars and Special Mounts CAN be Classed since the process transforms them from mundane animals to Magical Beasts for the duration of their service]

Fortunately default rust monsters have a intelligence(2) making them unable to become Classed -- although I suppose anyone deranged enough to conceive, let alone breed, the suckers wouldn't balk at increasing their intelligence. evil thought: Rust monster/Troll hybreds.

 

[domino]

Take an animal, make it a half dragon animal, and you've got a creature smart enough to take character classes, and with a breath weapon.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

Fortunately default rust monsters have a intelligence(2) making them unable to become Classed -- although I suppose anyone deranged enough to conceive, let alone breed, the suckers wouldn't balk at increasing their intelligence.

This:

Of special note is any magical item granting an Int bonus with an indefinite time period, like the staple Headband. So long as a creature wears the item and has an Int of 3 or more with the bonus, it can take class levels because it is indeed intelligent enough. A creature who consumes a Potion of Fox's cunning couldn't take a class level because the bonus isn't "permanent."

And yes, Deranged indeed.

Take an animal, make it a half dragon animal, and you've got a creature smart enough to take character classes, and with a breath weapon.

Those dragons, they'll sleep with anybody!
.....Crap. Now I need to expand the template section to my Rust Monster guide, based upon additional templates that a trainer/breeder might actually be able to influence. Half-dragon is possible, assuming you could convince the dragon to participate with your crazy scheme. Or get it drunk enough.

 

[domino]

I'm just saying, if they'll procreate with people, they're already sleeping way outside of their species anyways. So why not, if they see a comely rust monster, or bullette.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

Of special note is any magical item granting an Int bonus with an indefinite time period, like the staple Headband. So long as a creature wears the item and has an Int of 3 or more with the bonus, it can take class levels because it is indeed intelligent enough.

That rule is in Savage Species as I recall.

Page 23, I found it!

This is the Beginning of the End... The Horde of Half-Dragon, Intelligence 12 Rust Monsters shall decent upon the Multiverse!!!