Is Paladin the only option for a full BAB class with the ability to channel energy? Or is there an archetype out there for another class that can pick it up. Interested in the flavor of a Prestige Class that requires BAB +5, and I would like to enter it as quickly as possible.
I assume you're referring to Holy Vindicator. Great PrC. Honestly though, in this case, I don't think speed is the way to go. You want your time in Holy Vindicator to count, since you gain channeling levels for every class which has channel. A Cleric or Life Oracle mixed with Paladin will enter the PrC a bit later, lvl 8, but you'll be much stronger in the end for it by gaining both Cleric/Oracle channeling, on top of your Paladin channeling. You could also have Holy Vindicator progress your Paladin casting, or have it progress the Cleric or Oracle casting.
If Variant Multiclassing is an option, a Life Oracle VMC could do it pretty easily.
I didnt realize the channel advancement stacked. Heres an odd question: if I played a neutral character and rolled a Life Shaman and Cleric into the Holy Vindicator PrC, could I select Positive Channeling for the Shaman, and Negative Channeling for the Cleric? This is also for PFS play.
So four levels of Life Shaman gets me +3 BAB, and then three levels of Cleric gives me +2 BAB for the +5 BAB requirement.
That's an answer I unfortunately don't know. I'd guess no, but I don't know what the ruling would really be. PFS kind of makes it a rather important question as well as if it's wrong, then your char is illegal.
Even so, I'd recommend dropping the Cleric and just going 3 Life Oracle/Shaman, then 4 Paladin. Paladin will get you CHA to saves which is always big, and Smite is tough to argue with, etc. I feel like splitting Shaman and Cleric kind of leaves you a bit weak without a strong core, which Paladin provides.
Yes, you could have two different types of channel one positive and one negative. Now the thing I don't know is if you'd progress all your channel with the PrC or if you'd have to pick one each level. I believe it'd progress both/all your channeling each level, but I'm not sure.
Yes, you could have two different types of channel one positive and one negative. Now the thing I don't know is if you'd progress all your channel with the PrC or if you'd have to pick one each level. I believe it'd progress both/all your channeling each level, but I'm not sure.
It's pretty explicit that you progress any other classes channeling each level.
"The vindicator’s class level stacks with levels in any other class that grants the channel energy ability."
Well, taking any levels in Paladin means I need to be Lawful Good and would not have the option (if its available to channel both positive and negative. Plus as a rule I dislike playing Lawful Good. Though the CHA to all saves is significant.
What is it about LG you dislike? Even Paladins can murderhobo when they worship Ragathiel.