@lamplighter: that's pretty much what i was figuring would be the case. The games do run a rather tight schedule when i've played. I'm not a big fan of being the center of attention in a campaign, i just like creating off the wall characters(not that i think you were implying that was my intent). I have, in fact, been talking with one of the DMs i currently run with.
@Deussu: yeah, i was considering going the scent route to overcome some of the difficulties behind it, and run it that way. how well that would work at lower levels, i don't know.
The oracle option seems the best.
@Kestler Gunner: Hey! I know! I take Dual-Cursed Oracle and do both Clouded Vision and Wasting! :) j/k