[RPG] Can a character meet prerequisites using a magic item

dnd-3.5e

Just as the title says, I'm wondering if a character can meet the prerequisites of a particular choice (feat, prestige class, etc.) by using a magic item that grants the prerequisite?

As an example: Xyitol is a Wizard 10/Rogue 1. He wants to take a level of Arcane Trickster. He meets most of the prerequisites, but he only does +1d6 sneak attack damage, when the class requires +2d6. He takes a trip down to the local magic item shop and picks up a rogue's vest (MIC 130), which grants an extra +1d6 sneak attack damage. Can Xylitol take a level of Arcane Trickster once he's wearing the vest?

I am aware of the line in Complete Warrior that says that you can lose access to a prestige class by "the loss of a magic item that granted an important ability". This line is sort of an oblique reference; it describes what happens if you lose an item that grants a prereq, but it doesn't actually say that you can use benefits gained from magic items as prerequisites. Is there anywhere that states positively that you can use magic items as prerequisites?

The difference between this question and this question is that I'm not looking for an answer on how to run magic item prerequisites in the game, I'm looking for rules citations that support or deny using magic items for prerequisites.

Best Answer

Yes. Unfortunately, the only place it does so is the FAQ, which doesn't have errata power. However, the prerequisite system nowhere bans magic items from being used to satisfy prereqs and there is no reason to think (especially given corroborating evidence like the passage from Complete Warrior) that they can't be used to do so. Thus the FAQ here is, for once, within its RAW legal bounds to clarify obscurities. The specific passage is:

A feat sometimes requires you to have a certain ability score, which is the case with Two-Weapon Fighting (it requires Dex 15). A character has, say, Dex 13, but wears an item, in this case gloves of Dexterity +2, and now her Dex score is 15. Can she take the feat and have it be active only when she wears the item?

Actually yes, she could take the feat, but she would lose the use of the feat if, for whatever reason, she loses the bonus from the item.

A case of particular note in optimization is the use of scrolls and wands to access certain high-power prestige classes.

Please note this answer is from a RAW point of view, as requested. Implementing the Rules as Written in this case without discussion is likely to result in an upset GM and myriad other problems.

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