Does the class skill bonus count as ranks when looking to qualify for prestige classes? In the Beta they addressed this concern by saying if you had the skill as class skill the requirement was -3 or double if didn't have the class skill. I can't seem to find any rules on this.
So for example the Dragon Disciple requires 5 ranks of Knowledge (Arcana). In the Beta that meant a sorcerer could would only need 2 ranks as Knowledge (arcana) was a class skill. So now in the core rules they require 5 but no mention who class skills affects that so it looks like they have to wait till 6th level before becoming a Dragon Disciple. Not a big deal here but I want to make sure that I'm doing this right when I create an upcoming NPC bad guy who is Red Dragon Disciple
Does the class skill bonus count as ranks when looking to qualify for prestige classes? In the Beta they addressed this concern by saying if you had the skill as class skill the requirement was -3 or double if didn't have the class skill. I can't seem to find any rules on this.
So for example the Dragon Disciple requires 5 ranks of Knowledge (Arcana). In the Beta that meant a sorcerer could would only need 2 ranks as Knowledge (arcana) was a class skill. So now in the core rules they require 5 but no mention who class skills affects that so it looks like they have to wait till 6th level before becoming a Dragon Disciple. Not a big deal here but I want to make sure that I'm doing this right when I create an upcoming NPC bad guy who is Red Dragon Disciple
I believe they got rid of that for PF Core prestige classes, it's just ranks now.
I think the -3 or double is only for converting 3.5 at this time. I can't point you to anything that specifically says that except the 3.5 conversion document (which is the only place I've seen the -3 vs double language since PF Core came out).
I don't think so.
Ranks needed to qualify for a PrC are ranks invested. Maximum one per HD.
PrCs are designed for PC's with a certain level, early entry would lead to unbalanced PCs.
Ranks mean ranks. The class skill bonus does not count.