Instant Reload question

Ok, so here's a question for the rules gurus out there. The Instant Reload feat from the Epic Level Handbook; it essentially makes it so you can reload any crossbow as a free action allowing you to use you full-attack action with it. Yes? Also Iv'e always been unclear on something, do you have to be 20+ level to gain a feat from the Epic Level Handbook even if you could theoretically gain it earlier? For example, Instant Reload requires Quick Draw and Rapid Reload. Theoretically as a human fighter you could gain Instant Reload at 1st level. Is this wrong?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Myrddin0001

Ok, so here's a question for the rules gurus out there. The Instant Reload feat from the Epic Level Handbook; it essentially makes it so you can reload any crossbow as a free action allowing you to use you full-attack action with it. Yes? Also Iv'e always been unclear on something, do you have to be 20+ level to gain a feat from the Epic Level Handbook even if you could theoretically gain it earlier? For example, Instant Reload requires Quick Draw and Rapid Reload. Theoretically as a human fighter you could gain Instant Reload at 1st level. Is this wrong?

---

You do need to be in epic levels (21+) to take an epic feat.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Myrddin0001

Also Iv'e always been unclear on something, do you have to be 20+ level to gain a feat from the Epic Level Handbook even if you could theoretically gain it earlier? For example, Instant Reload requires Quick Draw and Rapid Reload. Theoretically as a human fighter you could gain Instant Reload at 1st level. Is this wrong?

---

The point of having an [epic] tag is to note that those are only accessible in epic levels. So no, a human fighter is completely unable to gain Instant Reload until level 21.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tuggyne

The point of having an [epic] tag is to note that those are only accessible in epic levels. So no, a human fighter is completely unable to gain Instant Reload until level 21.

---

An ancient dragonwrought kobold, however...

Indeed, however our group tends to think epic feats that you would otherwise qualify for should be accessible, aside from a few exceptions (epic Will, Reflex, Fort). I mean, if the only thing that bars you from taking it is the [epic] tag then we see no reason why you shouldn't be able to take it.

So RAW no. But honestly I would ask your DM.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Darrin

An ancient dragonwrought kobold, however...

---

I debated whether or not to mention the cheese, and went with "not" in the end. But yes, creatures of the Dragon type ignore [epic] tags once they reach a certain age category, which DWKs get around the time others hit Venerable age.

You can be epic by having 11 levels in a 10-level PrC. If you are a wizard you can be epic by level 14 by taking Master specialist at level 4.

Maybe there is a way for a fighter to do the same.

Sorry, my bad. But hey! It is monday morning here and my brain is still starting.

To be able to take 11 levels in a 10 lvl prestige you have to be over lvl20. you can't jsut make an 11th lvl just because you want to. You have to use levels from actual classes till level 20 so, no, not even a 14th lvl Master specialist could take it, he would have to find 6-7 levels in another class till 20 and then take the 11th level

Seige engine section explicitly calls out ballistas as Huge Heavy Crossbows. I forsee fun times in the future.

Only if it is wielded as a personal weapon by an epic troll.

You can take epic feats only if you have at least 21 levels or 21 HDs (pretty much the same) or by being an ancient dragon*. If I remember correctly, you can't take them if your ECL is 21 unless you meet at least one of the former prerequisites.

*Ancient DW kobolds can actually take epic feats pre-epic, but that's cheesy.

There are lots of ways to reload a crossbow instantly.

Hand Crossbow Focus, from DotU, gives weapon focus: hand crossbow (essentially) and makes reloading them a free action (allowing you to full attack with a hand crossbow - or even cooler-ly, dual wield the bastards).

The Aptitude weapon enhancement from ToB makes any weapon count as the weapon required for a feat that requires one specific weapon - do you see where I am going with this.


Alternatively, the Quick-Loading weapon property from MiC works pretty good.

Or a Wand Bracer of the Ghostly Reload spell.