Arcane Hierophant from variant Druid

[noparlpf]

The Arcane Hierophant PrC requires the Trackless Step class feature as a prerequisite. Would anybody allow a Druid variant (I'm thinking Dragon Magazine variants) that doesn't have Trackless Step to enter the PrC?

[Daftendirekt]

This is really one of those things you ask your DM when it comes up, not a random bunch of people on a forum.

[flumphy]

This is really one of those things you ask your DM when it comes up, not a random bunch of people on a forum.

I agree. Personally, I don't think I'd let it fly, but I'm sure a lot of DMs would.

[noparlpf]

I'm just asking to see whether people think it's a balanced idea. I'd rather not ask a DM for something I don't feel sure about in the first place, so I want multiple opinions first.

[tyckspoon]

Balance wise, it shouldn't be a problem (although I'd probably want to see the specific Druid variant you had in mind just to check for any unusual interactions the base Druid wouldn't have.) The Trackless Step requirement basically just means "druid level 3"; basically the same function as if they wrote 'divine spells level 2', but druid-specific and harder to cheat.

[noparlpf]

Wouldn't it just be easier to write "Druid level 3" as a requirement then?

[Waker]

The class was meant to allow a Ranger to enter it as well, though they screwed up and put Trackless Step rather than Woodland Stride. Also most PrCs tend to stay away from explicitly stating you must be this class in order to enter it. The only exception I can think of off the top of my head is Master Specialist.

[Curmudgeon]

I'd follow the rules, so no. Trackless Step lets Scouts and various PrC members (Nightsong Infiltrator, Holt Warden, & c.) enter this as well; all of these are much lower on the power curve than Druids.

My thinking about the appropriateness of this is that Druids start with Tier 1 strength. If you want something extra (class variant or whatever) you're beginning from the highest levels of character power. Asking for favors in that position is just greedy.

[tyckspoon]

I'd follow the rules, so no. Trackless Step lets Scouts and various PrC members (Nightsong Infiltrator, Holt Warden, & c.) enter this as well; all of these are much lower on the power curve than Druids.


Technically true, but I can't see any justifiable reason you would want to; if your entry classes don't contain Wildshape and an Animal Companion Arcane Heirophant is largely the same as Mystic Theurge, only you burnt extra class levels getting Trackless Step so you could enter. It's very much meant to be a Druid prestige class (and maybe ye olde Wild Shape Mystic Ranger standby could make decent use of it as well), and I don't think there's any harm in altering it so a different kind of Druid can also make use of it.

[noparlpf]

See, not every Druid is the woodsy type. I'm currently playing a desert-themed Druid, so I used one of the variants (I forget the exact name offhand) that seemed more waste/desert-compatible. This one doesn't have Trackless Step.
Now I think of it, I've never even seen Track used in a game here anyway, so I feel like the DM might be lenient regarding Trackless Step being removed as a prerequisite.