Dips, Dips everywhere!

[Dragonsoul]

After so much looking at builds that "dip" other classes, I had a crazy idea.

Build a character out of dips, the flavour of this is the character is the embodiment of chaos, so is unable to stay at one thing for any length of time.
10th Level Gestalt.32 Point Buy 14,13,14,16,11,10
Tam Manyblades The Dark Scarlett Grey Knight Ranger, Dariel Swift, T-Dog, Belor the Wise, Tom Cruise
Senor Montoila
Chaotic Neutral, Human
Tam had never had a great attention span, he could never be trusted at any task as he would be liable, when sent out to Fetch Firewood- To return with a freshly caught deer, or designs for an automatic woodchopper, or on one occasion a wanted fugitive, bored of back story time for the build
Feats- Improved Unarmed Attack, Alertness
1. Factotum/Duskblade Skills ranks,Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge, Duskblade Casting in light Armor +1BAB, +2+2+2
This is just to drag up my Skill Ranks for Prestiting, then combining it with a full BAB that gives me perfect Saves, Feats aimed at IoDM
2. Barbarian/Favoured Soul-Clerical Casting, ,Raaaage!, , Fast Movement, +2 BAB , +4,+4,+4
Gets me Weapon focus for Pious Templear, and Rage for Bear Warrior, also Perfect BAB + saves, If your wondering who he's the favoured soul of? Changes weekly, he's very Devout though
3. Binder/Ninja (Sudden Strike +1D6, Ki Power, Manuevers + Stances Character Level feat-Iron Will +2 BAB +6,+6,+8
Perfect saves again, +1D6 Is nice too,
4. Fighter/Sword Sage- Manuevers, Stances,Weapon Focus(Changable),+1 initiative Bonus Fighter Feat(Power Attack) +1 Dex,+3BAB +8,+8,+10
Continues Perfect BAB +saves, Power Attack for Bear Warrior,
5. Warblade/Human Paragon More Manuevers + Stances,Bonus to Reflex, Skills +4 BAB , +10,+8(+3),+12
C-C-C-Combo Breaker!, Yeah lost reflex Saves, but gain Int Bonus to saves to make up for it, at this stage I have pretty much all the 1st level Manuevers+Stances, Human Paragon to fix up any problem with Skill Reqs
6. Initiate of the Draconic Mysteries/Soulborn Evasion , Smite Law
Feat:True Believer+5BAB +12,+13,+14,
Evasion!, now I can dodge a fireball in a 5ft square room, Perfect BAB, Saves
True Believer for Pious Templear: Requirements state he has to worship a god: He does, no Polytheism for this guy, he is a devout follower of {rolls} Olidammra
7.Pious Templear /Rogue Mettle ,Sneak Attack +6 BAB, +14,+15,+16
Mettle, Now if anything offers a Save for Partial, if I pass it: I'm unaffected, what if I get a one?
8. Master of Masks/Cleric (Domains:Luck,Pride), Mask Powers+6/7BAB , +16,+17,+18
Oh, Two Opportunities to reroll 1's, Mask Powers too,
9. Bear Warrior/Crusader Bear Form!,3rd Level Stances +7/8 BAB,+20,+19,+20 (+1 Dex) Feat:Great Fortitude.
Bear!!!!!!!!, Binder Power are Cute too
10. Warshaper /Warlock ImmunityStunning+ Critical Hits,Natural Weapons, Eldritch Blast, Invocations +9BAB (8, if you don't count Fractional BAB) +22,+21,+22.
No Crits K thx, Invocations: I'd probably go for see invisible, that seems the best

In the end what do I have?
+ 8/9 BAB +22 Fort, +21 Reflex, +22 Will , Evasion, Mettle
Proficincy in all Armors,Shields, Simple and Martial Weapons
1st Level Divine spells x 2
Duskblade Casting, Spell-like abilities
Binding
1 Invocation +1d6 Eldritch Blast
1D6 Sneak Attack, 1D6 Sudden Strike
Bear Form
Rage
Fast Movement
Masks[Angel, Assassin]
Immunity: Critical Hits, Stunning
Trapfinding
Cunning Strike, Cunning Insight

At least I won't have to worry about Multiclass Penalties...

I may take this to Twenty at a later date...

[ThirdEmperor]

u MAD bro?:smalltongue:

But seriously, as long as you allocate skills and feats carefully, your character should be reasonably competent, albeit unoptimized. I'd suggest selected a few things you want this character to be good at, and choosing spells that help with that specialty.

[Dragonsoul]

I'm not in a party of optimisers, I don't have to worry:smalltongue:

The main problem I have is getting a caster level high enough to qualify for Gish PrCs... any ideas?

[Ryu_Bonkosi]

A one level dip of Tainted Scholar is amazing. Two level (gasp) dips in, Fighter, Monk, Unearthed Arcana's Warrior are good for feats, and a two level dip in Chameleon is the best two levels of just about any class I can think of. That changing feat and class abilities are just what you need in something this chaotic. Take Planar Touchstone for a feat that can change its abilities (and also nets you up to 8th level spells from any class due to Chameleon) if you meet the conditions described with the feat. So anything 5/Tainted Scholar 1/Chameleon 2 will allow you to do something well in the sea of chaos that is the rest of the build.

[erikun]

Fighter 2/Psychic Warrior (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/classes/psychicWarrior.htm) 2/CW Samurai 2/Warrior (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/genericClasses.htm#warrior) 2 should net you 8 feats and +7 BAB in 8 levels. Human Paragon would be another free feat, +2 BAB (assuming partial) and Adaptive Learning.

+9 BAB and 9 feats for 10th level doesn't look too bad, assuming we're not trying for spellcasting. Add Lion Totem Barbarian and perhaps Rogue 2 (for evasion) and have fun!


The main problem I have is getting a caster level high enough to qualify for Gish PrCs... any ideas?
If we're only going up to two levels in a class, it will be tricky. Sorcerer 2/Paragon 2 gets you 2nd level spells, which may qualify for some PrCs. I'm not sure how you can enter a PrC with only one level in a class though, without feat cheese.

Any particular PrC you're looking at?

[big teej]

chaos incarnate?

[Devmaar]

Sorcerer 1 with Heighten Spell, Versatile Spell and Earth Spell meets the casting requirements for most fullcasting PrCs, add 1 level of Cleric and you qualify for dual-progression.

[ericgrau]

Anything with full BAB is nice since it keeps your BAB going and makes your saves ridiculous. I mean done 20 times on the same save it'd be +40 at level 20 instead of +12. If that save is something other than fort (the easiest to get on full BAB), even better. Consider as options ranger 1, duelist 1, dwarven defender 1, paladin 2 (cha to saves) or blackguard 2 and maybe arcane archer 1, just for the saves. Barbarian 1 (possibly with the extra rage feat when you can afford it), assassin 1 (1d6 sneak attack from only 1 level, arcane casting access for pre-reqs, scrolls and wands), dragon disciple 4, shadowdancer 1 (hide in plain sight) and horizon walker 1 (fatigue immunity) are also good dips for other reasons. It may seem like a lot of pre-requisites to meet but with careful planning you can use them to qualify for eachother. Assassin casting to qualify for dragon disciple, for example.

[Dragonsoul]

Cheers, I'll post the build tomorrow, it's 1am here atm, any other cute abilities a Level 1? I don't really want to dip 2 levels unless it's really nice (The thought of a level 20 character where his classes take up half the page is too funny to pass up)

EDIT: Could you tell me where those sorc. feats come from?

[Dragonsoul]

OK so here goes, I dumped the idea of arcane casting(Mostly) as Arcane Spell failure is a pain.I decided no two level dips, this guy has the attention span of a spoo-. I decided to go with Psionics and Clerical Magic...

10th Level Gestalt.32 Point Buy 14,13,14,16,11,10
Tam Manyblades, Chaotic Neutral, Human
Tam had never had a great attention span, he could never be trusted at any task as he would be liable, when sent out to Fetch Firewood- To return with a freshly caught deer, or designs for an automatic woodchopper, or on one occasion a wanted fugitive, bored of back story time for the build
Feats- Dodge, Mobility
1. Factotum/Duskblade <Skills ranks,Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge, Duskblade Casting in light Armor> +1BAB, +2/+2/+2
2. Barbarian/Swordsage <Manuevers, Stances,Raaaage!, +1 initiative, Fast Movement, Weapon Focus(Changable)> +2 BAB , +4,+4,+4
3. Crusader/Psion< More Manuevers+Stances, Psionic Powers, Bonus Psionic
Feat(Psionic Dodge)> Character Level feat-Endurance.+3 BAB +6,+4,+6
4. Fighter/Favoured Soul-< Clerical Casting, Bonus Fighter Feat(Spring Attack) +1 Dex,+4BAB +8,+6,+8
5. Warblade/Human Paragon <More Manuevers + Stances,Bonus to Reflex, Skills> +5 BAB , +10,+6(+3),+10
6. Elocator/Soulborn < Levitate,Bonus Feat:Sidestep Charge, Smite Law> Feat: Combat Reflexes> +6BAB +12,+11,+12
7.Terrain Walker/Rogue <Terrain Mastery,Sneak Attack> +7BAB, +14,+13,+14
8. Bear Warrior/ Binder <Bear Form!,Binding> +8BAB,+16,+13,+16 (+1 Dex)
9.Shadowdancer / Cleric <Hide in plain Sight,Domain Powers, Cleric Casting> (Any Ideas on good Domains?) +8BAB, +18,+15,+18 Feat: Natural Spell
10. Warshaper/ Warlock <Immunity:Stunning+ Critical Hits,Natural Weapons, Eldritch Blast, Invocations> +9BAB(+8BAB if you don't do fractional BAB) , +20,+17,+20.

Looking at this, I think it could be quite fun to play , +9BAB is reasonable and all the Low level casting is quite nice for small buffs.
Fighting in light armor, but with the option to gear up with heavier stuff if it's called for, not to mention pretty much all the 1st level Manuevers/Stances.
Any ideas for Refinement? I'm not happy with Horizon Walker, but I needed a Full BAB class I could get in to at that slot.:smallsigh:

[ericgrau]

Make your cleric domain the magic domain and you can use any wizard wand of any level. Wands have no spell failure chance. Likewise consider wands / dorjes in any other classes you have. They may also be any level, even if its above the level you can cast or even if your class can't cast until higher levels (like paladin).

You have rage right? Rage leads to fatigue. Use the horizon walker level for fatigue immunity.

[Hiro Protagonest]

Oh god...

RUN FOR THE HILLS! HE'S GOT +17 IN HIS REFLEX SAVE AND +20 IN HIS FORTITUDE AND WILL! AT 10TH LEVEL!

[Dragonsoul]

....Duskblade is Arcane, in the bardic kind of way...I meant no full Arcane caster dips that got hit with ASF, hmm I should Probably be more clear in future.

Question: If I now take three levels in a class, does Multiclass Penalties cause me to lose Experience when I kill a mook?

Also, run? Fast Movement, you'll never Escape!
MUHAHAH<Thunder>AHAHAHA!!-waaah!

Where'd that net come form?

[ericgrau]

RUN FOR THE HILLS! HE'S GOT +17 IN HIS REFLEX SAVE AND +20 IN HIS FORTITUDE AND WILL! AT 10TH LEVEL!
A good save is supposed to be +7 at that level. I think pretty soon you'll be immune to anything with a save, if you aren't already. You really need evasion and mettle (evasion for will saves IIRC), to get rid of those pesky save for halfs. From there you might as well pump your AC.

[Hiro Protagonest]

A good save is supposed to be +7 at that level. I think pretty soon you'll be immune to anything with a save, if you aren't already. You really need evasion and mettle (evasion for will saves IIRC), to get rid of those pesky save for halfs.

Yeah, this guy's saving throws are overpowered big time. Get another level of rogue and then three levels of hexblade for evasion and mettle. Immunity to anything that allows a save!

[Veyr]

Need to do something about rolling 1's. Steadfast Determination is one...

[ericgrau]

Yeah, this guy's saving throws are overpowered big time. Get another level of rogue and then three levels of hexblade for evasion and mettle. Immunity to anything that allows a save!
I don't think he'll go for that. Know any way to get those at level 1 of any class? A long-shot, I know, but a PrC might have it. Or if he does then he should grab shadowdancer 2 instead of rogue 2 to get both evasion and uncanny dodge. Get UD from 1 more class, such as barbarian 2, and it becomes improved uncanny dodge. But ya, a PrC dip would be better.

[Hiro Protagonest]

Need to do something about rolling 1's. Steadfast Determination is one...

Luckblade let's you reroll a saving throw once per day.

[Amnestic]

Not my build, but I thought I should share.


Early entry, but no Rainbow Servant yet? Come on!

Human Conjurer with two flaws and the Spontaneous Conjuration ACF
1 Wizard, take Spell Focus (Conjuration), Heighten Spell, Sanctum Spell and Precocious Apprentice.
2 Rainbow Servant
3 Master Specialist, take Southern Magician
4 Ruathar
5 Mystic Theurge (can enter due to Southern Magician)
6 Mindbender, take Iron Will
7 Incantatrix, use the bonus feat to take Cooperative Spell.
8 Mage of the Arcane Order
9 Sacred Exorcist, take Skill Focus (Knowledge [Religion])
10 Divine Oracle
11 Loremaster
12 Wayfarer Guide, take Energy Substitution (any)
13 Elemental Savant
14 Ultimate Magus (can enter due to Spontaneous Conjuration)
15 Geometer, take whatever
16 Fatespinner
17 Paragnostic Apostle
18 Unseen Seer, take Enlarge Spell
19 Arcane Devotee
20 Visionary Seeker

There. 20 levels of full casting. 0 BAB.

:smallcool:

[Andion Isurand]

Need to do something about rolling 1's. Steadfast Determination is one...

The granted power of the Pride domain can help there.

Granted Powers: Whenever you roll a 1 on a saving throw you may immediately reroll the save. You must keep the result of the second roll, even if it results in the roll of another 1.

[veven]

I can't think of a way to get evasion with only a 1 level dip but the Pious Templar PRC (complete divine) gets mettle at first level

[tyckspoon]

I don't think he'll go for that. Know any way to get those at level 1 of any class? A long-shot, I know, but a PrC might have it. Or if he does then he should grab shadowdancer 2 instead of rogue 2 to get both evasion and uncanny dodge. Get UD from 1 more class, such as barbarian 2, and it becomes improved uncanny dodge. But ya, a PrC dip would be better.

Would feats do? Shape Soulmeld: Impulse boots -> Open Least Chakra: Feet gets you both Evasion (bind effect) and Uncanny Dodge (Shape effect), as well as a bonus to your Ref save if you happen to actually have any essentia to invest in them.

[ericgrau]

Well he specifically said he wouldn't take 2 levels in a class. So if he has the feat slots, there's his evasion.

[Devmaar]

Initiate of the Draconic Mysteries (Draconomicon) gets Evasion at 1st level, but has annoying pre-reqs

[Dragonsoul]

Updated with the tips you've given See First Post

[Andion Isurand]

I would go with the Cloistered Cleric variant from UA, so you can also pick up the Knowledge Domain and more skill points. Then trade that Knowledge Domain for the Knowledge Devotion feat from Complete Champion.

[NNescio]

Remember to call your character "Señor Vorpal Kickass'o".

[Douglas]

Remember to call your character "Señor Vorpal Kickass'o".
Ah, but this guy's combination of classes is actually good and powerful - and it's full levels in each class rather than some weird crazy homebrew fractions of each class.

[Siosilvar]

I'd like to point out that if you take that Warblade level at 5th, you're entitled to choose 2nd level maneuvers, because your IL will be 4/2 + 1 = 3.

EDIT: :smalleek: at the saving throws. This is why Fractional BAB and Saves was invented.

[Dragonsoul]

*Actually reads that part of Tomb of Battle*
Sweet, That'll count for all the other Martial Adept classes too!

[Siosilvar]

*Actually reads that part of Tomb of Battle*
Sweet, That'll count for all the other Martial Adept classes too!

If you want third-level maneuvers, move one of the other classes up to 9th level.

[Douglas]

EDIT: :smalleek: at the saving throws. This is why Fractional BAB and Saves was invented.
Actually, no it isn't. The official writeup of the fractional saves in Unearthed Arcana does not affect getting multiple one-time +2s for first level in each class with the save on the good progression, and that's the reason this build is getting them so high. Bringing in fractional saves rules here would just make the saves even higher by adding in a bunch of +.5s that would otherwise be dropped by rounding.

[Dragonsoul]

If you want third-level maneuvers, move one of the other classes up to 9th level.

Dragged Crusader up to 9- Huzzah for 3rd level Stances! also buffed the Saves a bit with spare feats-Wouldn't want to be failing on a 2, would I?

[Douglas]

Dragged Crusader up to 9- Huzzah for 3rd level Stances! also buffed the Saves a bit with spare feats-Wouldn't want to be failing on a 2, would I?
Actually, the wording on base class stance progression indicates that the stance you get at class level 1 is a level 1 stance no matter what your Initiator Level is.

Your other maneuvers and any stances from higher class levels or PrCs can be anything your IL qualifies for, but the base class level 1 stance is level 1.

[Siosilvar]

Actually, the wording on base class stance progression indicates that the stance you get at class level 1 is a level 1 stance no matter what your Initiator Level is.

Your other maneuvers and any stances from higher class levels or PrCs can be anything your IL qualifies for, but the base class level 1 stance is level 1.
"You begin play with knowledge of one 1st level stance."

Reading it that way, one could argue that you don't even get a stance known at the 1st level of a martial base class if you've already got one. You might not even get a stance if your martial class doesn't come at your first level.

Personally, I don't think that makes sense. Strictly by RAW, that might be how it reads, but since you're not required to pick 1st-level maneuvers at the first level of the class, I don't think you should be required to pick 1st-level stances.

Without that lovely Complete Mage errata, we might have an actual ruling on this. :smallannoyed:[hr]Reread Fractional Saves. You're right, there isn't actually a restriction against getting multiple +2s. I've always played it with the restriction, and I'd imagine a lot of people that play fractional do to. Way to go partway but not all the way with your fixes, WotC.

[herrhauptmann]

If you want to save a feat/level, there's a tabard in Complete Champion that lets you BUY mettle.
If you've already got Mettle, it grants you improved Mettle. Which works just how you think it would.
I think it costs about 40k.

What's Terrain Walker? You've got it at level 7.
Is it Horizon Walker from the SRD/DMG? If so, I'd probably recommend the cavern terrain mastery, humans with darkvision for the win.

I'd suggest playing as a half elf. Take a level in half elf paragon (free feat), then a level in either human or elf paragon. Could've sworn that would work to help advance casting, but none of those three boost casting at level 1. Drow would boost cleric or wizard, but you'd have to then take the lesser drow from Players Guide to Faerun to play this guy at level 1.

Trying to think of other easy entry PrC that would boost your casting a little. But all I've got off the top of my head is Abjurant Champion which only needs 1st level arcane spells (and a feat). If you can get that high, I'd recommend a level in Mystic Theurge, it'll boost Arcane and Divine by one. Sacred Exorcist would work as well, but requires an even high level in arcane OR divine casting (4th level spell I think). Also skill ranks.

[veven]

If you want to save a feat/level, there's a tabard in Complete Champion that lets you BUY mettle.
If you've already got Mettle, it grants you improved Mettle. Which works just how you think it would.
I think it costs about 40k.


It's 16k actually, not too bad. It should be noted however, that it only functions when the wearer is at half (or less) of his max HP. Still a rad item for sure.

[dextercorvia]

"You begin play with knowledge of one 1st level stance."

Reading it that way, one could argue that you don't even get a stance known at the 1st level of a martial base class if you've already got one. You might not even get a stance if your martial class doesn't come at your first level.

Personally, I don't think that makes sense. Strictly by RAW, that might be how it reads, but since you're not required to pick 1st-level maneuvers at the first level of the class, I don't think you should be required to pick 1st-level stances.

Without that lovely Complete Mage errata, we might have an actual ruling on this. :smallannoyed:<hr>Reread Fractional Saves. You're right, there isn't actually a restriction against getting multiple +2s. I've always played it with the restriction, and I'd imagine a lot of people that play fractional do to. Way to go partway but not all the way with your fixes, WotC.

It is consistent with the wording of a Wizard's spellbook and Sorcerer's spells known. At later levels, a Wizard may learn any spell he can cast, but at first level that just isn't the case, even if feats etc. would allow him to cast 2nd level spells.

[Veyr]

It is consistent with the wording of a Wizard's spellbook and Sorcerer's spells known. At later levels, a Wizard may learn any spell he can cast, but at first level that just isn't the case, even if feats etc. would allow him to cast 2nd level spells.
What are you talking about? A Sorcerer or Wizard always has it dictated to him what level of spell he can take, he never gets to take a spell that's simply "the highest level he can cast". And it's not unique to 1st level.

Sorry, but this example simply fails; it is not a similar enough situation for the comparison to work.

The "begins play" line does not make any sense as anything other than a description, trying to explain how a new character who takes his first level as an initiator works. As a proscription, it would not mean that your first stance has to be 1st-level — that's not what it says it. It says "begins play". So if you "begin" the game at 15th level as a Crusader 15, you have one single 1st-level stance. You cannot have more until you level up, in the game. That's what that description says. This makes no sense; personally I would never play with a DM who "enforced" this non-rule. It's a description, a clarification, not a rule.

[dextercorvia]

What are you talking about? A Sorcerer or Wizard always has it dictated to him what level of spell he can take, he never gets to take a spell that's simply "the highest level he can cast". And it's not unique to 1st level.

Sorry, but this example simply fails; it is not a similar enough situation for the comparison to work.

The "begins play" line does not make any sense as anything other than a description, trying to explain how a new character who takes his first level as an initiator works. As a proscription, it would not mean that your first stance has to be 1st-level — that's not what it says it. It says "begins play". So if you "begin" the game at 15th level as a Crusader 15, you have one single 1st-level stance. You cannot have more until you level up, in the game. That's what that description says. This makes no sense; personally I would never play with a DM who "enforced" this non-rule. It's a description, a clarification, not a rule.


A wizard begins play with a spellbook containing all 0-level wizard spells (except those from her prohibited school or schools, if any; see School Specialization, below) plus three 1st-level spells of your choice. For each point of Intelligence bonus the wizard has, the spellbook holds one additional 1st-level spell of your choice. At each new wizard level, she gains two new spells of any spell level or levels that she can cast (based on her new wizard level) for her spellbook. At any time, a wizard can also add spells found in other wizards’ spellbooks to her own.

You were saying?

Begins play is synonymous with takes first level of the class. A level 15 Warblade starting the game at level 15 is still leveled up through those level and gains all of the benefits.

[Veyr]

You were saying?
Misunderstood what you meant. The massively different mechanics between the two classes still makes it a terrible comparison.


Begins play is synonymous with takes first level of the class.
This is false. It's simply not true. There is nothing, anywhere, that I can see, that says this. Taking a level in Wizard outside of ECL 1 does not give you a free spellbook out of thin air. Nor does taking a level of initiator apply a senseless restriction on your stances.

[dextercorvia]

Misunderstood what you meant. The massively different mechanics between the two classes still makes it a terrible comparison.


This is false. It's simply not true. There is nothing, anywhere, that I can see, that says this. Taking a level in Wizard outside of ECL 1 does not give you a free spellbook out of thin air. Nor does taking a level of initiator apply a senseless restriction on your stances.

Then what, in your opinion, spells known does level 1 of Wizard give you @ECL2?

[Veyr]

If you have a Spellbook, seems most reasonable to say that you get 2 spells of the highest level you can cast, which should probably be 1st. You don't get a free Spellbook, and you don't get the extra free spells.

I'd probably houserule it to allow you to get the free spells once you got a Spellbook, though.

[herrhauptmann]

The problem with comparing it to a wizards spellbook, is that a ToB class gets half initiator level for non-ToB classes. So the Fighter14/Warblade1 has an initiator level of 8. So he can take higher level maneuvers/stances. But those stances have prereqs of their own. Generally they require you to take a few lower level maneuvers/stances.

Casters don't get that half progression, a character who's Anything14/Wiz1 still has just a caster level of 1, and can only take first level spells.

[Graha013]

I decided no two level dips, this guy has the attention span of a spoo-

If his attention span is that bad, might he forget that he already dipped once in one and dip again? Double dipper!

[Dragonsoul]

But I've already Tried duskblade, it's booooring! At first I thought I'd all cool like Drizz't in that story where he kills those guys.....//.... Hey that's a cool guy< Buys "Dread Necromancer's for dummies"

[dextercorvia]

The problem with comparing it to a wizards spellbook, is that a ToB class gets half initiator level for non-ToB classes. So the Fighter14/Warblade1 has an initiator level of 8. So he can take higher level maneuvers/stances. But those stances have prereqs of their own. Generally they require you to take a few lower level maneuvers/stances.

Casters don't get that half progression, a character who's Anything14/Wiz1 still has just a caster level of 1, and can only take first level spells.

That's not exactly true. An Elven Generalist 1 with Precocious Apprentice (or choose a different method if you prefer) can cast second level spells, but he should only get to add 1st level spells to his spellbook for free at that level. It is less elegant to do this with a Wizard than an Initiator, but the comparison is remarkably apt.

[Mathemagician7]

If you're willing to suffer a 2 lvl dip in Divine Oracle from Complete Divine (very easy casting requirements) you get full caster progression (unspecified if I remember correctly) for each level but more importantly you get:

Prescient Sense: It's basically evasion but it works in armor (even heavy) unlike the rogue & monk versions.

With such awesome saves that one might be worth picking up.

Final note, while it probably isn't worth the feat investment, this ability synergizes very well with dive for cover, prone attack, and lightning reflexes (prereq for prone attack anyway).

So if you ever do roll a 1, just reroll, but go prone . . . which has no penalties with these feats, and you get the option to stand back up as a free action (read: no AoO) if you succeed on an attack.

[Veyr]

That's not exactly true. An Elven Generalist 1 with Precocious Apprentice (or choose a different method if you prefer) can cast second level spells, but he should only get to add 1st level spells to his spellbook for free at that level. It is less elegant to do this with a Wizard than an Initiator, but the comparison is remarkably apt.
Though you do say so yourself....

But "begins play" still does not equal "when you take your first level of this class". The two phrases are different. They have different meanings. Barring some rule that says otherwise, you cannot claim to have a strict, no-ambiguity, this-is-the-RAW interpretation.

And regardless of what the intent was (and I strongly doubt that they intended to have this random restriction), it's still a stupid restriction that has no place in the rules.