Bard/Arcane Archer Questions

[Drow4d20]

If I am making an arcane archer using bard levels for arcane spells; do I need to have 11 charisma to take arcane archer?

Even though nwn2db.com doesn't seem to care that I dumped CHA (leaving it at 8) I am wondering if the nwn2 program itself will register 2nd bard level, with only 8 CHA, as meeting the prerequisite requirements for Arcane Archer: "Ability to cast 1st level arcane spells" since technically a level 2 bard with 8 CHA shouldn't be able to cast any spells at all based on their class's requirements of 10+1 CHA having to be equal to the spell circle you wish to cast from. Am I understanding that correctly?

And if I do dump CHA for this character will I still be able to use bard inspire courage?

Thanks everyone

[Tsidkenu]

8 CHA with +3 CHA item = 11 CHA, meaning you can cast 1st level spells and should let you qualify (yes, I do believe this one of the few exceptions where an item lets you qualify for a PRC)

[Deathgrowl]

You need to have 11 base charisma to be a bard, yes.

At least if you start as bard on level 1. I don't know if it is the case if you start with something else.

Arcane archer has no ability requirements at all.

[Drow4d20]

AA has no ability reqs, but it does require you to be able to cast 1st level spells. Bards do have an ability req of 10 cha +1/spell level you wish to cast. So technically you should need 11 cha in order to qualify for 1st level spells. So you would need 11 cha minimum to take arcane archer as a bard. First guy got it me thinks. But i still dont know if inspire courage will work with such low cha. It doesnt really matter cuz I'm only putting minimum req of 3 levels, just a nice little courage boost for lower levels.

[Deathgrowl]

I am currently playing a bard arcane archer, and I'm only going to end up with 4 levels of bard. It's perfectly fine to use that inspire courage. It does require you to have 3 ranks of perform, I think, but not any charisma (unless you indeed do need 11 charisma to start on bard even after level 1).

[Drow4d20]

Well according to what Tsidkenu said above, I may be able to dump CHA and just equip a +3 CHA item when I want to take the first arcane archer level. I've never done it so I'm not sure. I literally just want the 3 bard levels for arcane spells and a little courage boost. Wizard seems utterly pointless to only take 3 levels of. I guess a familiar would be cool though lol

[Sun Wukong]

(unless you indeed do need 11 charisma to start on bard even after level 1).

You do not. Only at first level, after that, the game doesn't care for your ability scores.

[Drow4d20]

Cool so I can totally dump CHA (8), take my arcane archer levels, and still use courage song for the little +1 boost? Will that +1 magic damage stack with Arcane Archers magic arrows?

I'm playing a Cleric right now, but looking to create a couple alts for when I've looted everywhere I can. Gonna do this half-drow arcane archer and a svirfneblin bard too because I have no life. Lol...

[Sun Wukong]

It stacks.