Custom Racial Class - Do I HAVE to spend 4 points in non-race categories?

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1

So, this only just occured to me. But, as written, it sounds like you HAVE to spend 4 points in the 5 non-race categories before you apply up to ANOTHER 4 points solely in the Race category.

But the examples for the Elven Spellsword suggest that this ISN'T the case... except then one of them does. PC p83-84 basically uses the Spellsword as an example for how to figure saving throws, magic item usage, and stronghold determination. For saving throws and magic items, it says the Spellsword was HD 1, Fighting 2, Elf 4. Then in strongholds it says the Spellsword is HD 1, Fighting 2, Arcane 1, Elf 3. 

So, I'm not sure which read is correct. Whether or not one must spend the initial 4 points before Race will have a radical effect on some of the Racial Classes I'm trying to build. Any input would be appreciated.

2

The Gnomish Trickster is Fighting 1, Gnome 4. So precedent indicates that you do not need to spend all four points.

(Which is also my personal reading of the text, but I am not an Autarch!)

3

[quote="Aryxymaraki"] The Gnomish Trickster is Fighting 1, Gnome 4. So precedent indicates that you do not need to spend all four points. (Which is also my personal reading of the text, but I am not an Autarch!) [/quote]

That's useful info and a good example supporting the way I was reading the text, too.

4

The official answer is that "a custom racial class must be created with 4 build points unless the Judge permits an exception to be made".

 

5

Excellent. So at least 4 points TOTAL, but some of those 4 points can be spent in the Race category. Just wanted to make sure that it was reasonable to do it that way.