Divine Sorcerer

[Herzog]

I would like your opinion on the following custom class I created:
(NB: using 3.5 rules)

Divine Sorcerer

Base-class: Sorcerer.
Changes:

Spellcasting ability based on Wisdom instead of Charisma
Gets Animal companion as druid instead of familiar
Uses Druid spell list instead of sorcerer/wizard spell list

Class skills:
As sorcerer, with following changes:
Heal instead of bluff
Knowledge ( Nature ) instead of Knowledge( Arcana )

 

[Li Shenron]

It looks nice, but perhaps you may consider a little boost somewhere due to the druid spell list being inferior to the sorcerer list.

What about one domain power?

 

[Herzog]

I disagree about the limited spell choice.

As stated in the sorcerer's class description, newly aquired spells do NOT have to come from the basic source list.

So, if a (Devine) sorcerer would happen to find a (clerical) scroll (or even an arcane scroll, if the DM would allowit ) he/she can learn that spell as soon as he/she gains the possibility to learn new spells.


This devine sorcerer is actually the result of an idea I had earlier, which consisted of a sorcerer using the druid spell list as basic list (based on the mentioned rule for sorcerers). After a while I realised this still wouldn't make a real devine sorcerer, and I started to make some additional changes, with the devine sorcerer as a result.

Herzog.

 

[vulcan_idic]

Sorry to be a grammatic nitpicker, but do you possibly mean Divine Sorcerer rather than Devine Sorcerer?

 

[Li Shenron]

As stated in the sorcerer's class description, newly aquired spells do NOT have to come from the basic source list.

So, if a (Devine) sorcerer would happen to find a (clerical) scroll (or even an arcane scroll, if the DM would allowit ) he/she can learn that spell as soon as he/she gains the possibility to learn new spells.

That's something which you may find 3-4 people on this board to agree with, and the remaining few thousands will tell you that it's a house rule and not an official rule.

If you use this rule, it of course depends on how many scrolls are available in your setting, which I cannot know.

 

[wuyanei]

I'd give him druid BAB, d6 hit dice, druidic language, druid weapon proficiencies, light armor proficiency, light shield proficiency, the entire list of druid class skills (replaces of sorcerer's class skills), 4 skill points per level, free knowledge of the Summon Nature's Ally spells at each level (not that he'll use them all that often, what with the 1 round casting time), plus Wildshape as a druid of 3/4 his level (so he starts at 7th level and never gets elemental wildshape). Of course, he must also respect nature and obey all druidic restrictions when using armor/shields.

As a divine caster, he will be able to wear armor while casting.

Sorcerers are the weakest class skill and special-feature wise (they DO match wizards in spellcasting, but lose every where else). A druid is very powerful, but her spell list does not measure up to the others. You are combining the weakest features of both classes -- I think you can afford to tone your divine druid up a bit.

The result is more akin, mechanically, to a druid-flavored bard. Compaired to the bard, I might have overdone it a bit, especially with divine spells + armor -- not that any self-respecting bard wouldnt just get himself a mithril shirt... but bardic music is quite powerful... maybe you should use bard spells known / spells per day instead... nah. As long as you don't powergame it TOO much, I think this one should be alright.

 

[wuyanei]

... and yes, as a HOUSE RULE, I allow sorcerers to pick up any spell they want -- as an arcane spell (Spell Failure chance always applies).

However, my sorcerers also get 4 skill points, Eschew Materials at 1st level, bonus feats (as wizard, but metamagic and draconic feats only), UMD plus all Cha skills, but they have no spell list of their own. This is to prevent scroll and wand/staff crazyness. It works well, it think, and I do recommend it, but I don't think it is what you want.

 

[Herzog]

@vulcan_idic:
You are absolutely right. Changed it.

@Li Shenron: I don't think this is the place to discuss the RAW. Let's say I'll let the DM decide.

@wuyanei:
I have noticed a tendency on this board to write off the Sorcerer as an underpowered class, as well as a tendency to create new classes that vastly overpower existing ones.
Maybe I underpowered my Divine sorcerer as a result.

Of course, as a divine caster the divine sorcerer can pick up an armour proficiency feat whenever he/she feels like it without spellcasting failure. But that's a choice, not an automatic bonus.

I did think of expanding the class skill list, and I am also considering adding either additional druidic extra's or bonus metamagic feats as per wizard.

I'll think about it.

Herzog

 

[wuyanei]

Okay!

Do remember to share the result with us!

 

[Li Shenron]

@Li Shenron: I don't think this is the place to discuss the RAW. Let's say I'll let the DM decide.

Sure, but then why did you specifically mention that it uses the Druidic spell list? That's why I suggested to give the class a small extra, but you disagreed because you say its allowed to take spells from other lists (that's fine if you use this rule, but how could I know before?).

Anyway, I completely forgot about the no-ASF! With that in mind I don't think the class needs any extra at all. It's a very good feature, and it's not even necessary to spend feats on proficiencies if the divine sorcerer is not using spells that need an attack roll.