Beguiler Prestiging?

[Chrono22]

I know there are many threads about this topic, but there are some DM-set limits that make prestiging out of beguiler much harder for me.
I'm not optimization-crazy, but I realize that the campaign I'm in may not last for another 5 levels. If I'm going to take a prestige class, I'll need to start working to meet its requirements now.
Here are some ground rules:

1. I can't multiclass- I can only work with beguiler levels to qualify for a prestige class.
2. I can only enter a prestige class once- I can't use one prestige class to meet the requirements for another.
3. I can't use campaign setting specific material (dragon marks, shadow weave magic, etc).
4. He has an expansive list of sources (more than I can remember off the top of my head) but here are some that aren't included: Tome of Magic, Tome of Battle, Magic of Incarnum, any Psionics book, Complete Mage. Complete Arcane is included, as are the BoED and the BoVD. The Draconomicon too. Other sources, I'm iffy on.

Here are some pertinent details:
Race: Human (draconic heritage).
Class: Beguiler
Level: 4
Abilities: Str 8, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 15, Wis 10, Cha 12
Feats: Obtain Familiar, Combat Expertise, Improved Feint.
Skills (trained): Bluff, Concentration, Disguise, Hide, Move Silently, Search, Disable Device, Sleight of Hand, Spellcraft, Use Magic Device

I've considered Mindbender, but I'm not sure the Telepathy ability is worth the hit to skills and class features... and I definitely wouldn't keep taking it, the spellcasting loss is too much.

So, to reiterate- low entry requirements, but it needs a decent payoff for losing beguiler class features. It need not be a ten-level prestige class.
Thanks in advance, for anyone who can offer me some advice.

[industrious]

Take a 1 level dip in Mindbender all the same. It delays Advanced Learning by a level, so you can get a higher spell level.

[Wings of Peace]

If he has Lords of Madness then after you dip Mindbender take the Mindsight feat.

[Sstoopidtallkid]

Take a 1 level dip in Mindbender all the same. It delays Advanced Learning by a level, so you can get a higher spell level.

Then use Telepathy to qualify for Mindsight from LM. The saved Spot skill ranks should make up for the prerequisites, and render you immune to ninjas.

[Chrono22]

Good point. I'm not sure if Lords of Madness is an available source though, so if anyone has other advice I'm all ears.

[Sstoopidtallkid]

You want to delay your advanced learning with a 1-level dip so you can grab Shadow Conjuration. If you want to continue in Fatespinner or whatever after that, fine, but Shadow Conjuration is a must.

[Chrono22]

I can only take one prestige class.

[Sstoopidtallkid]

I can only take one prestige class.

I meant continuing in the same PrC. Beguiler 6/FS 1/Beguiler 1/FS 3 or similar.

[Biffoniacus_Furiou]

As many have already said, you want to go Beguiler 5/ Mindbender 1/ Beguiler +14.

Another great trick is to take the feat Versatile Spellcaster from Races of the Dragon. This may allow you to gain early access to the next higher level of spells, depending on how your DM interprets its interaction with when a Beguiler gains knowledge of the next higher level of spells. Ideally, you'll be able to spend two spell slots of your highest level available to cast any spell on the Beguiler spell list of the next higher level. This will also allow you to choose spells of one level higher for Advanced Learning. In this case, considering the Mindbender dip, your Advanced Learning spell levels would be 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 9th in that order. My choices for spells at those levels would be Ray of Stupidity, Shadow Form, Greater Shadow Conjuration, Greater Shadow Evocation, and Superior Invisibility.

[Chrono22]

Thanks for the advice all! I'll ask the DM if he's allowing Lords of Madness. Mindsense or not, I'll be taking Mindbender to delay my advanced learning.

[SaintRidley]

Good choice. I hope your DM allows Mindsight. In my mind, it is one of the absolute best feats you can pick up.

[AirGuitarGod32]

if im not wrong, then beguiler is an illusionist?

if so, then gnome is your saving grace.

i forgot what book, but gnome illusionist is a prestige class that rox. theres another that makes illusion spells "real"

[Eloel]

On a semi-related note, anyone know which book Beguiler (race) is from?

[Gnorman]

On a semi-related note, anyone know which book Beguiler (race) is from?

Shining South. FR-specific.

[Mongoose87]

if im not wrong, then beguiler is an illusionist?

if so, then gnome is your saving grace.

i forgot what book, but gnome illusionist is a prestige class that rox. theres another that makes illusion spells "real"

He's human, and I think you're thinking of the Gnome Illusionist racial substitution levels, which are only for the specialist wizard.

[Veeda Vidlak]

He's human, and I think you're thinking of the Gnome Illusionist racial substitution levels, which are only for the specialist wizard.

Actually, I believe he's talking about the Shadowcraft Mage prestige class from Races of Stone. Its gnome only and lets you substitute image spells for shadow conjuration/evocation effects which is really strong.

[dspeyer]

Mage of the Arcane Order is handy. It lets you pick spells from the entire sor/wiz list a few times a day. Not often, but can make a big difference. It costs two useless feats to enter, but gives one back as a bonus metamagic feat at second level.