FEAT: Versatile Spellcaster ...

[Jeff Wilder]

Practiced Spellcaster adds up to 4 to a multi-classed caster's "effective caster level," subject to a limit of character level. I know there's been some discussion on it, but I haven't really paid much attention. I don't even know what the arguments are about. To the extent that anything I missed bears on the below, feel free to point me to a link.

I'm considering replacing Practiced Spellcaster IMC with "Versatile Spellcaster," which would do exactly the same thing, except that players could divide the +4 "boost" up as they see fit among their spellcasting classes, subject to the same "character level" limitation. I've already convinced my DM to allow me to use it for my PC, subject -- as always -- to later over-rule if it doesn't work out.

As I examine it, I really don't think it's unreasonable, considering the immense power hit multi-classed spellcasters take. Are there hidden drawbacks or ways to abuse this -- or Practiced Spellcaster, for that matter -- that I'm not seeing?

 

[Vrecknidj]

So, could a Wiz2/Clr2 have taken Versatile Spellcaster at 3rd level and now be casting spells as though he were a Wiz4 and a Clr4? I don't see this as overpowered, all it really means is that the Cure Light Wounds does 2 more hp healing, and that the Magic Missile does another 1d4+1 damage than it would otherwise, and this probably keep this person's power level in keeping with the other 4th level characters.

That said, there have been some other useful threads on a similar topic--using something equivalent to BAB for spellcasting ability and then dispensing with the need for feats.

Dave

 

[Thanee]

Sounds fine to me.

The only potential problem I see is, that it allows the Mystic Theurge to get along with only one feat instead of two, but since I am of the opinion, that the Mystic Theurge can need every help they can get, that's fine, really.

However, how do you do the split-up? Can you change it? Probably not.

I'd do it like this. You have these four potential "+1's" and whenever you gain a level in another class (or retroactively, if you gain the feat later) you can apply them (permanently from that point on) to a single spellcasting class (seperately, but once applied they are fixed forever).

I'd also consider to make this a 1st level only feat, which would add a little disadvantage to cover the advantage it has over Practiced Spellcaster.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Jeff Wilder]

That said, there have been some other useful threads on a similar topic--using something equivalent to BAB for spellcasting ability and then dispensing with the need for feats.

Yeah, I've seen those threads. It's a little complicated for me, so I'm generally okay with burning a feat for the benefit.


Jeff