Splash

A term used in game to denote a form of multiclassing a character by taking low levels in one or more classes, with higher levels in a main class.

Splashes are done to gain specific class abilities and features that will help the character at the cost of prevent access to the higher levels of the main class.

Any splash removes access to powerful final core enhancements as they require 20 levels in their core class. Exceptions to this include universal trees such as the Inquisitive enhancements or racial Elven Arcane Archer enhancements. Elven Arcane Archer will require character level 25 to access its final core enhancement.

Common classes and levels to splash:

• Artificer 2 for Rune Arm Use, some spells, first level also grants Medium armor, Trapfinding, Rapid Reload (for use with crossbows), and proficiency with all the exotic crossbows.
• Barbarian 2 for fast movement, Damage Reduction, Medium armor, all Martial weapons
• Cleric, Dark Apostate, Favored Soul, or Paladin 1 for Divine Might enhancement
• Dark Hunter 2 for Two Weapon Fighting and trap skills.
• Druid 2 for Wild Shape some spells, and Medium armor. However, if you want to use these you are subject to the Druidic Oath, no metal armor, metal shields, or rune arms.
• Fighter 1 or 2 for bonus feats, and proficiency in Heavy armor, Tower shields, all Martial weapons
• Monk 1 or 2 while centered you get an increase to your attack bonus and a 2% dodge bonus, and additional martial arts feats at both levels. At level 2 you gain Evasion and you may add your wisdom modifier to your AC while unarmored and not using a shield. (see monk armor class bonus)
• Paladin 2 or 3 for Divine Grace at second level and for Fear Immunity, Divine Health and Aura of Courage at the third.
• Ranger 1 to 6 levels are common. 1 level gets bow strength, and can choose a favored enemy. Second level gets Rapid Shot and Two Weapon Fighting. Third level gets diehard. Fourth level gets precise shot. Fifth gets another favored enemy. Sixth get Improved Two Weapon Fighting and Manyshot. Many of the feats granted will have bypassed the prerequisites one would need to obtain the feat otherwise.
• Rogue 1 or 2 for class skills such as Use Magic Device, Search, Disable Device, and Open Lock. At level 2 rogues get Evasion
• Warlock 1 for Eldritch Aura enhancement to combine with Arcane Warrior feat
• Wizard 1 for a wizard bonus feat, arcane scrolls and wands

Note: Many of these classes also grant access to some enhancements that may also make splashing quite tempting. There are some nice survivalist related enhancements in the early triers of Frenzied Berserker and Occult Slayer for example.

Historically there were Capstone enhancements one could access at level 20, these are now represented by the final core enhancements noted above.