"+1 caster level"

[Gaiden]

Can a PrC granting +1 caster level (of any type) be used to gain the bonus caster level of a mystic theurge thus granting both +1 divine and +1 arcane spellcaster levels? From my reading, the ability: "+1 caster level" means you add those levels granting that ability to whatever spellcasting class you were a member of before you joined the class (choosing a class when you have more than one spellcasting classes). The levels of mystic theurge are added to both one divine and one arcane spellcasting class. It does not seem to violate the rules to thus have a PrC add levels to the mystic theurge which in turn adds levels to two other classes.

I know this question comes across as a complete powergamer munchkin question, but please believe me that the reason I ask is completely descriptively motivated. I am trying to make an elder druid for a Shanarra campaign and really want to dip into both druid and sorcerer spell lists. It just seems to make sense for the concept I am after.

The build I am going after is: Ranger 2, Druid 3, Sorcerer 4, Mystic Theurge 1, Elder Druid 10.

My concept for this character is in every way a sorcerer except for the adaptability to natural environments. The description of the sorcerer even has options for gaining access to spells not normally on the sorcerer list. However, the lack of anything remotely nature related is what is lacking. I also envision the character having some combat ability, even if it is limited.

I rolled up fantastic ability scores, so am actually able to pull off a character who has to dip into so many different abilities.

Ultimately, I want a character with some combat abilities, versatile spellcasting, access to the Elder Druid PrC, and an affinity for nature (be it skills, feats, or spells). If anyone has any suggestions in the event I have fumbled with the use of Mystic Theurge, I would love to hear them.

 

[Korak]

If anyone has any suggestions in the event I have fumbled with the use of Mystic Theurge, I would love to hear them.

The only thing I will say to this, unless your DM is very far from the norm, you will do better trying to suggest some for of alternate druid that picks spells known and has spontaneous spells per day in a manner similar to sorcerer. I'll let others address your proposed (ab)use of the already questionable Mystic Theurge. I will not pass judgement on your motives, though I think some of my feelings about that class have wormed their way into this post. YMMV.

 

[Thaniel]

Can a PrC granting +1 caster level (of any type) be used to gain the bonus caster level of a mystic theurge thus granting both +1 divine and +1 arcane spellcaster levels?

No. You cannot choose Mystic Theurge as the focus of the "+1 caster level" because Mystic Theurge itself does not have a caster level. This was stated in errata I believe. A class does not qualify for the "+1 caster level" unless it has a spell-progression and spell list of its own. Mystic Theurge has neither of this and so does not qualify.

 

[DarkMaster]

Can a PrC granting +1 caster level (of any type) be used to gain the bonus caster level of a mystic theurge thus granting both +1 divine and +1 arcane spellcaster levels? .

Mystic Theurge doesn't grant spell in itself, then I say yes you can but you won't gain more spell than if you had applied it to a fighter level.

I have such a hard time with those fighter w/sorcerer x/cleric y/rogue z/PrC1 a/PrC2 b/PrC3 c/Prc4 d/.... but that is another story

 

[jgsugden]

No. You cannot choose Mystic Theurge as the focus of the "+1 caster level" because Mystic Theurge itself does not have a caster level. This was stated in errata I believe. A class does not qualify for the "+1 caster level" unless it has a spell-progression and spell list of its own. Mystic Theurge has neither of this and so does not qualify.

This is 100% correct. MT allows you to advance your spellcasting ability from other classes. It does not grant spellcasting ability for itself as a class.

 

[Gaiden]

The only thing I will say to this, unless your DM is very far from the norm, you will do better trying to suggest some for of alternate druid that picks spells known and has spontaneous spells per day in a manner similar to sorcerer. I'll let others address your proposed (ab)use of the already questionable Mystic Theurge. I will not pass judgement on your motives, though I think some of my feelings about that class have wormed their way into this post. YMMV.

I am unaware of alternate druids - where is there info on switching spells and getting spontaneous casting?

 

[James McMurray]

There were soe alternate druids in a recent dragon magazine, but IIRC none of them were spontaneous casters. There was an Evanelist, which was a spontaneous cleric. It still used wisdom for spellcasting though.

 

[evileeyore]

Just ask your DM to grant you Druid spells for the Sorceror instead of the Sorc/Wiz list.

Unless you are powergaming and want the entire druid package (shapechanging, animal companion, druid specials) along with the Sorceror firepower.

Another alt suggestion would be to use the sorceror spell known and cast list instead of the druids, then drop sorc altogether. I'd probably go for that as a GM (I might drop one spell castable per day, thus moving it down to 5 top out for the levels... but hey).

TTFN--EvilE

 

[Balgus]

I am unaware of alternate druids - where is there info on switching spells and getting spontaneous casting?

OA has shamans that can spontaneously cast divine and arcane spells. Actually, it has a p[retty cool mix of it. But like sorc, spells known is very limited.

 

[Cam Banks]

Just ask your DM to grant you Druid spells for the Sorceror instead of the Sorc/Wiz list.

Alternately, ask your DM if you can play a Favored Soul with the druid spell list instead of the cleric spell list as the source of spells known. One of the characters in my campaign is a favored soul of Habbakuk, the good god of nature in the Dragonlance setting, and I made this switch for him.

Cheers,
Cam