+1 cl and Sorcerer spell swap

[Chronosome]

Hey, all.

I don't have a copy of the 3.5 DMG yet, so I haven't had a chance to read any of the changes (if any) to the fundamentals of prestige classes. I'm wondering this:

When a level in a prestige class grants "+1 level of spellcaster" to a sorcerer, does this count as a level increase for the "spell swaps" they get at 4th level and every even-numbered level beyond it? Or is it something those arcane pretty boys have to give up...?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Xarls Taunzund]

As far as I know, no. Unless it specifically states that it does it doesn't. I am saying this because that is the typcal stance WotC takes with this kind of thing. However I personally would house-rule in favor of allowing it.

 

[jgsugden]

This was asked back when 3.0 came out. The response from Andy Collins was that the spell swapping is written up as a part of the spell description under sorcerer, so an increase of +1 level of spellcasting should include the spell swapping.

At the time, his response seemed to indicate that they had not considered this aspect when making the change to sorcerers. So he was just ruling based upon the way it was written up.

 

[Chronosome]

Cool...I'll go with Andy Collins. Thanks, peeps.

 

[Staffan]

Personally and off the cuff, I would rule that sorcerers do not get the spell-swap if they take prestige classes. The reason is that spellcasting is pretty much the only thing a sorcerer gets, and most prestige classes don't give up much of that and they ought to give up something in exchange for PrC bennies. OK, there's the familiar too, but still. Wizards give up bonus feats, clerics give up undead-turning, and druids give up a ton of abilities. Why should the sorcerer get off free?

 

[Pax]

This was asked back when 3.0 came out. The response from Andy Collins was that the spell swapping is written up as a part of the spell description under sorcerer, so an increase of +1 level of spellcasting should include the spell swapping.

Excuse me?

Swapping out old spelsl was never a part of the 3.0 Sorceror. It's new for v3.5!

FWIW, I wouldn't let the Sorceror swap out spells due to a Prestige Class' bonus to caster level; it's one more (small) reason not to get a PrC, if you're a sorceror.

 

[jgsugden]

Excuse me?

Swapping out old spelsl was never a part of the 3.0 Sorceror. It's new for v3.5!

FWIW, I wouldn't let the Sorceror swap out spells due to a Prestige Class' bonus to caster level; it's one more (small) reason not to get a PrC, if you're a sorceror.

I meant 3.5. Andy wasn't talking much back in the 3.0 days. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[the Jester]

I'd rule no. I've long held that prestige classes a sorcerer loses nothing for entering are lame. Now sorcerers have a (small) reason to stay the course.

 

[Kender42]

I'd rule no. I've long held that prestige classes a sorcerer loses nothing for entering are lame. Now sorcerers have a (small) reason to stay the course.

If we step out of the 'rules' for a moment, and look at the theory behind what IS a Sorceror (one who has innate abilities in magic - as opposed to a Wizard who has to memorize each day..) it would make sense that he should be able to continue on in his spell-swapping ability class with a level of PrC that gave him a +1 to his spellcasting caster level.

Now, rules-wise, it is a bit unbalancing, and I would agree that it would be a reason to make them walk the straight and narrow path of sorcerorness.

So, my take on it would be it's up to the DM in question. I'd personally allow it.