Well, the problem I have is they're really not balanced in relation to each other past a few levels in each.
Let's say you have a Cleric and a Wizard, each are 16th level, and each take four levels of their respective prestige class. Each take two levels of Spell Power, and Divine/Arcane Reach. So, at 20th level, each is casting at 22nd level for spell penetration, range, damage, etc. and can cast touch spells at 60' range. Now, let's examine the opportunity cost for each.
The wizard loses a bonus metamagic feat and his/her familiar doesn't improve. The cleric's turning and domain powers don't advance. OK, that's what happens in prestige classes.
Spellcasting... here's where it differs. In comparison to a Wiz20, the Wiz16/Arch4 loses two 5th level and two 7th level slots. In comparison to a Clr20, a Clr16/Heir4 loses one 4th level, one 5th level, one 6th level, one 7th level, two 8th level and four 9th level spells and one 9th level domain spell. For the equivalent level of 'bang' for the prestige class abilities, the Heirophant has to sacrifice a LOT more power.
Let's see, cast Blasphemy at two levels higher, or cast four Miracles? Cast Destruction at one creature with 5' more range, or Implosion at four over the course of four rounds with a higher save DC? It really doesn't make sense.
You can say that it's silly for a Heirphant to 'divide' the powers that way, and it'd be better to get for levels of Spell Power, but the problem is still the same... 9th level spells are so bloody powerful that all things being equal the Archmage loses far less than the Heirophant does.
Let's say you have a Cleric and a Wizard, each are 16th level, and each take four levels of their respective prestige class. Each take two levels of Spell Power, and Divine/Arcane Reach. So, at 20th level, each is casting at 22nd level for spell penetration, range, damage, etc. and can cast touch spells at 60' range. Now, let's examine the opportunity cost for each.
The wizard loses a bonus metamagic feat and his/her familiar doesn't improve. The cleric's turning and domain powers don't advance. OK, that's what happens in prestige classes.
Spellcasting... here's where it differs. In comparison to a Wiz20, the Wiz16/Arch4 loses two 5th level and two 7th level slots. In comparison to a Clr20, a Clr16/Heir4 loses one 4th level, one 5th level, one 6th level, one 7th level, two 8th level and four 9th level spells and one 9th level domain spell. For the equivalent level of 'bang' for the prestige class abilities, the Heirophant has to sacrifice a LOT more power.
Let's see, cast Blasphemy at two levels higher, or cast four Miracles? Cast Destruction at one creature with 5' more range, or Implosion at four over the course of four rounds with a higher save DC? It really doesn't make sense.
You can say that it's silly for a Heirphant to 'divide' the powers that way, and it'd be better to get for levels of Spell Power, but the problem is still the same... 9th level spells are so bloody powerful that all things being equal the Archmage loses far less than the Heirophant does.
Last edited:
