this is more of a semantics question for a character I'm thinking of playing.
If a variant class replaces an ability required for a prestige class, is that class still able to qualify for said prestige class?
Example: Inspire courage is listed as a requirement for the Battle Herald prestige class. However, if one plays a variant Bard where inspire courage is replaced... You get the picture.
I'm supposing said character wouldn't qualify, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
RAW, the character does not qualify.
Talk with your GM about it. If the replaced ability is similar, it is a reasonable house rule to allow the character to qualify, possibly with minor variations.
For example, I would have no problem allowing a Archivist bard (loses Inspire Courage for Naturalist granting bonuses to AC, to hit and saves after a knowledge check) to qualify for Battle Herald. The Battle Herald boosts to Inspire Courage would instead improve Naturalist).
OTOH, I wouldn't let a Sandman bard qualify, since the replacement ability (steal a spell) is not at all similar to Inspire Courage.
RAW, the character does not qualify.
Talk with your GM about it. If the replaced ability is similar, it is a reasonable house rule to allow the character to qualify, possibly with minor variations.
For example, I would have no problem allowing a Archivist bard (loses Inspire Courage for Naturalist granting bonuses to AC, to hit and saves after a knowledge check) to qualify for Battle Herald. The Battle Herald boosts to Inspire Courage would instead improve Naturalist).
OTOH, I wouldn't let a Sandman bard qualify, since the replacement ability (steal a spell) is not at all similar to Inspire Courage.
RAW: Darnit. There goes my idea of a Street Performer-turned-Hero of the people (with a martyr complex; distracting performance to lure enemies away from fellow soldiers).
Thank you for your response!
