What´s a good PrC for a Scout? [Archive] - Wizards Community

What´s a good PrC for a Scout? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Pablius
06-05-07, 05:15 AM Are there any good PrCs for this base class?

I was building a cohort for my Paladin/Templar and thought that a "recon/light infantry" companion would be fun...And didn´t want a Ranger...So, what would be a good path for further develop of the character after a few levels of just going ahead waiting for a trap to kill him?

If he survives 3 or 4 levels, I guess he deserves a prestige class:D
Garonak
06-05-07, 08:41 AM For Skirmish you'd best be off with either Highland Stalker or Peregrine Runner.
Other than that: Dervish and Ranger
goawayugh
06-05-07, 08:44 AM If he survives 3 or 4 levels, I guess he deserves a prestige class:D

Why does everyone think that you should get a PrC just because you have done the same class for 3 or 4 levels?

Scout is one of the few base classes that is good all the way up to 20th. I wouldn't change a thing.
The_Shaman
06-05-07, 08:53 AM Are there any good PrCs for this base class?

I was building a cohort for my Paladin/Templar and thought that a "recon/light infantry" companion would be fun...And didn´t want a Ranger...So, what would be a good path for further develop of the character after a few levels of just going ahead waiting for a trap to kill him?

If he survives 3 or 4 levels, I guess he deserves a prestige class:D

Anything about race, alignment, deity etc? I presume that since you're a paladin, s/he will probably be LG, but still...
Pablius
06-05-07, 07:08 PM Anything about race, alignment, deity etc? I presume that since you're a paladin, s/he will probably be LG, but still...

Haven´t decide on alignment, but most likely "good" in any variant, deity is not from published material but from the head of the DM, but nothing too complicate, race is probably human, possibly elf...other wouldn´t fit with the setting of the campaign

Thanks for the answers, I haven´t decide to give him a PrC, but I have to build a 4th level character, so, it is better to think ahead, and it can add to the story later...you know, "travel with the Templar, learn, become something else...."...we`ll see
Cala, Legend Reborn
06-06-07, 04:58 AM Does Lion Totem barbarian (Complete Champion) seem like much of a suggestion? >.>;;
The_Shaman
06-06-07, 05:40 AM From what I've heard, Complete Scoundrel has a feat that makes the oft-underestimated Handbook Ranger a very decent scout PrC... Full BAB, casting, favored enemy bonuses, plus a helper for tracking or transport, no prerequisites except possibly having to worship a nature deity... Could be worse, I have to say, and if you take it at Scout 4, you needn't have to look back.

However, if you are determined not to get any ranger levels, there are a few other options. Elves can look to the Wild Runner for a Barbarian-ish class whose pounce ability can be very nice for scouts. Lawful humanoids and the OA book mix for the pretty decent Singh Rager (yes, another barbie hybrid), for a similar ability and some extra staying power. Newer books offer PrCs some versatility in what type of precision damage you can get, and the Hand of the Winged Masters (could work if the scout worships Bahamut) or Dragon Devotee can both help. Aside from that, I remember the Peregrine Runner (nice if the scout is a goliath) and the Highland Stalker.

Races... humans are classical. Half-orcs are a bit inferior mechanically, and half-elves seem more useful for urbane characters such as rogues. From the elves, ironically the "default" type may be a bad idea. However, Wood and Wild Elves might be much better - scouts have skill points enough, and a bonus to strength - or no penalty to constitution - can be worth it. Gnomes and halflings... I'd rather not, although both can be extremely stealthy. Dwarves can make interesting scouts, since the extra speed offsets their racial penalty, and they can easily wear heavier armors.
TamianTheRanger
06-06-07, 07:43 AM My scout was a wild elf Ranger and he did fine the +2 Dex was a great addition. :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf:
The_Shaman
06-06-07, 07:49 AM I'm a bit ambivalent to wild elves. I guess technically they might be quite good, but somehow they just sound weird to me. The strangest thing is, I like wood elves even with their senseless ability modifiers. Oh well, sometimes the fluff makes all the difference.
Cala, Legend Reborn
06-06-07, 10:39 PM The feat you speak of, is Swift Hunter. It needs no religious prereqs, and the kicker is, being able to skirmish your favored enemies. O_O!

Undead and constructs begone?
Encard
06-07-07, 01:19 AM Scout is one of the few base classes that is good all the way up to 20th.
Quite true. Frankly, if you don't have a very specific role in mind, straight Scout is quite good - and it's certainly great for actual scouting. You might want to take a look at the Scout's Handbook link in my sig, though - you might see something you like.
Merryadocc
06-07-07, 01:38 AM I am with The_Shaman and Cala. Legend Reborn, the feats Swift Hunter and Swift Ambusher makes playing a scout alot more interesting. I can't wait till I can make use of one of these feats, none of my current characters are able to.

You can view the feats here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20070105a&page=4) if you don't have a copy of the book. The preview doesn't mention what Carla. The Reborn said even though that is what the feat also does.
Lotus Crane
06-07-07, 03:42 AM Indeed, pure scout 20 is very viable, because blindsight (which you get at scout 20) is an amazingly useful ability.

That being said, ranger might now arguably be the best "PrC" for scout, thanks to the Swift Hunter feat from Complete Scoundrel, which lets ranger levels count towards skirmish, and scout levels count towards favored enemy, among other things.

You want your final build to be somewhere between scout 16/ranger 4 (BAB +16) and scout 8/ranger 12 (BAB +18), with Swift Hunter, Improved Skirmish, and Greater Manyshot. The Champion of the Wild alternate class feature for rangers is highly recommended in this build. And of course we're going archery style here, since Greater Manyshot is the single easiest way to get multiple skirmish attacks per round.
Pablius
06-07-07, 05:27 AM Well, thanks to all, it´s all very interesting

I was thinking about the favored enemy thing, and since this guy is a cohort of a Paladin/Templar, he is probably going to see many undead in his (hopefully long) life, so a level in Ranger from the start with undead as favored enemy may be extremely usefull...now I have to come up with a good combination of the first 4 levels to take adventage of it from the begining...

Again, thanks
Cala, Legend Reborn
06-07-07, 07:17 AM Ranger 1/Scout 4.

It's the fastest way (that I'm currently aware of) to get Swift Hunter, due to its requirements (which involve at least one ranger level and three scout levels).
The_Shaman
06-07-07, 09:27 AM Of course, since SH is not on the scout bonus feat list, you might as well take the 2nd ranger level and take it as a 6th level feat (it requires 3 scout and 1 ranger levels). BTW, if you're an elf, the RotW elven ranger has better bonuses vs undead and a few other types (orcs and Lolth-affiliated creatures might also come up regularly). Is that what you meant by Champions of the Wild, Lotus Crane?
Largegnome
06-07-07, 09:53 AM Swift hunter can be taken as a scout bonus feat, it's noted in the feat description :)
The_Shaman
06-07-07, 10:07 AM Ah, so in this case it can be Ranger 1 scout 4, preferably with a scout lvl for a start (d8 and 8+int skill points, iirc). However, this is not advisable with a race that does not have "any" or "ranger" as a favored class.
The_Geek
06-07-07, 01:54 PM Scout as Cohort of a Paladin?

One of the best prestige classes out there - Arcane Hierophant!

You've got the 'Trackless Step' prereq from Scout.
You need to attain lvl 2 in Arcane/Divine

Take 4 levels of Cleric (meshes well with the Paladin), and ... oh, what's that feat that allows you to cast one type as 1/2 the other? Southern Magician?
(Or 3 Cleric/3 Wizard)
--------
On an alternate track, a couple of levels of Swordsage (not PrC, but anyway)works really well, too. More important, add Wis bonus to AC in light armor. Next is the added damage (and options). And gets a comparable number of skill points.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Pablius 06-05-07, 05:15 AM	Are there any good PrCs for this base class? I was building a cohort for my Paladin/Templar and thought that a "recon/light infantry" companion would be fun...And didn´t want a Ranger...So, what would be a good path for further develop of the character after a few levels of just going ahead waiting for a trap to kill him? If he survives 3 or 4 levels, I guess he deserves a prestige class:D
Garonak 06-05-07, 08:41 AM	For Skirmish you'd best be off with either Highland Stalker or Peregrine Runner. Other than that: Dervish and Ranger
goawayugh 06-05-07, 08:44 AM	If he survives 3 or 4 levels, I guess he deserves a prestige class:D Why does everyone think that you should get a PrC just because you have done the same class for 3 or 4 levels? Scout is one of the few base classes that is good all the way up to 20th. I wouldn't change a thing.
The_Shaman 06-05-07, 08:53 AM	Are there any good PrCs for this base class? I was building a cohort for my Paladin/Templar and thought that a "recon/light infantry" companion would be fun...And didn´t want a Ranger...So, what would be a good path for further develop of the character after a few levels of just going ahead waiting for a trap to kill him? If he survives 3 or 4 levels, I guess he deserves a prestige class:D Anything about race, alignment, deity etc? I presume that since you're a paladin, s/he will probably be LG, but still...
Pablius 06-05-07, 07:08 PM	Anything about race, alignment, deity etc? I presume that since you're a paladin, s/he will probably be LG, but still... Haven´t decide on alignment, but most likely "good" in any variant, deity is not from published material but from the head of the DM, but nothing too complicate, race is probably human, possibly elf...other wouldn´t fit with the setting of the campaign Thanks for the answers, I haven´t decide to give him a PrC, but I have to build a 4th level character, so, it is better to think ahead, and it can add to the story later...you know, "travel with the Templar, learn, become something else...."...we`ll see
Cala, Legend Reborn 06-06-07, 04:58 AM	Does Lion Totem barbarian (Complete Champion) seem like much of a suggestion? >.>;;
The_Shaman 06-06-07, 05:40 AM	From what I've heard, Complete Scoundrel has a feat that makes the oft-underestimated Handbook Ranger a very decent scout PrC... Full BAB, casting, favored enemy bonuses, plus a helper for tracking or transport, no prerequisites except possibly having to worship a nature deity... Could be worse, I have to say, and if you take it at Scout 4, you needn't have to look back. However, if you are determined not to get any ranger levels, there are a few other options. Elves can look to the Wild Runner for a Barbarian-ish class whose pounce ability can be very nice for scouts. Lawful humanoids and the OA book mix for the pretty decent Singh Rager (yes, another barbie hybrid), for a similar ability and some extra staying power. Newer books offer PrCs some versatility in what type of precision damage you can get, and the Hand of the Winged Masters (could work if the scout worships Bahamut) or Dragon Devotee can both help. Aside from that, I remember the Peregrine Runner (nice if the scout is a goliath) and the Highland Stalker. Races... humans are classical. Half-orcs are a bit inferior mechanically, and half-elves seem more useful for urbane characters such as rogues. From the elves, ironically the "default" type may be a bad idea. However, Wood and Wild Elves might be much better - scouts have skill points enough, and a bonus to strength - or no penalty to constitution - can be worth it. Gnomes and halflings... I'd rather not, although both can be extremely stealthy. Dwarves can make interesting scouts, since the extra speed offsets their racial penalty, and they can easily wear heavier armors.
TamianTheRanger 06-06-07, 07:43 AM	My scout was a wild elf Ranger and he did fine the +2 Dex was a great addition. :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf: :elf:
The_Shaman 06-06-07, 07:49 AM	I'm a bit ambivalent to wild elves. I guess technically they might be quite good, but somehow they just sound weird to me. The strangest thing is, I like wood elves even with their senseless ability modifiers. Oh well, sometimes the fluff makes all the difference.
Cala, Legend Reborn 06-06-07, 10:39 PM	The feat you speak of, is Swift Hunter. It needs no religious prereqs, and the kicker is, being able to skirmish your favored enemies. O_O! Undead and constructs begone?
Encard 06-07-07, 01:19 AM	Scout is one of the few base classes that is good all the way up to 20th. Quite true. Frankly, if you don't have a very specific role in mind, straight Scout is quite good - and it's certainly great for actual scouting. You might want to take a look at the Scout's Handbook link in my sig, though - you might see something you like.
Merryadocc 06-07-07, 01:38 AM	I am with The_Shaman and Cala. Legend Reborn, the feats Swift Hunter and Swift Ambusher makes playing a scout alot more interesting. I can't wait till I can make use of one of these feats, none of my current characters are able to. You can view the feats here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20070105a&page=4) if you don't have a copy of the book. The preview doesn't mention what Carla. The Reborn said even though that is what the feat also does.
Lotus Crane 06-07-07, 03:42 AM	Indeed, pure scout 20 is very viable, because blindsight (which you get at scout 20) is an amazingly useful ability. That being said, ranger might now arguably be the best "PrC" for scout, thanks to the Swift Hunter feat from Complete Scoundrel, which lets ranger levels count towards skirmish, and scout levels count towards favored enemy, among other things. You want your final build to be somewhere between scout 16/ranger 4 (BAB +16) and scout 8/ranger 12 (BAB +18), with Swift Hunter, Improved Skirmish, and Greater Manyshot. The Champion of the Wild alternate class feature for rangers is highly recommended in this build. And of course we're going archery style here, since Greater Manyshot is the single easiest way to get multiple skirmish attacks per round.
Pablius 06-07-07, 05:27 AM	Well, thanks to all, it´s all very interesting I was thinking about the favored enemy thing, and since this guy is a cohort of a Paladin/Templar, he is probably going to see many undead in his (hopefully long) life, so a level in Ranger from the start with undead as favored enemy may be extremely usefull...now I have to come up with a good combination of the first 4 levels to take adventage of it from the begining... Again, thanks
Cala, Legend Reborn 06-07-07, 07:17 AM	Ranger 1/Scout 4. It's the fastest way (that I'm currently aware of) to get Swift Hunter, due to its requirements (which involve at least one ranger level and three scout levels).
The_Shaman 06-07-07, 09:27 AM	Of course, since SH is not on the scout bonus feat list, you might as well take the 2nd ranger level and take it as a 6th level feat (it requires 3 scout and 1 ranger levels). BTW, if you're an elf, the RotW elven ranger has better bonuses vs undead and a few other types (orcs and Lolth-affiliated creatures might also come up regularly). Is that what you meant by Champions of the Wild, Lotus Crane?
Largegnome 06-07-07, 09:53 AM	Swift hunter can be taken as a scout bonus feat, it's noted in the feat description :)
The_Shaman 06-07-07, 10:07 AM	Ah, so in this case it can be Ranger 1 scout 4, preferably with a scout lvl for a start (d8 and 8+int skill points, iirc). However, this is not advisable with a race that does not have "any" or "ranger" as a favored class.
The_Geek 06-07-07, 01:54 PM	Scout as Cohort of a Paladin? One of the best prestige classes out there - Arcane Hierophant! You've got the 'Trackless Step' prereq from Scout. You need to attain lvl 2 in Arcane/Divine Take 4 levels of Cleric (meshes well with the Paladin), and ... oh, what's that feat that allows you to cast one type as 1/2 the other? Southern Magician? (Or 3 Cleric/3 Wizard) -------- On an alternate track, a couple of levels of Swordsage (not PrC, but anyway)works really well, too. More important, add Wis bonus to AC in light armor. Next is the added damage (and options). And gets a comparable number of skill points.