New Feat for Multiclassed and "Half Level" Spellcasters

[FireLance]

Hi all, I was thinking about how multiclassed and "half level" spellcasters like the Paladin and the Ranger are disadvantaged at higher levels. In the first place, they have problems getting through spell resistance compared to a dedicated spellcaster of equal level. Secondly, their spells are weaker overall because of the other level-dependent variables.

It could be argued that it is a consequence of choosing to play a multiclassed or "half level" spellcaster, and that such characters have other abilities to compensate. However, I personally feel that part of the fun of playing a spellcating class is seeing your spells having a signifcant effect in play. Hence, I propose the following feat:

Spellcasting Compensation

Prerequisites: Ability to cast 2nd-level spells

Benefit: Choose one spellcasting class. You gain an effective caster level in this class equal to your caster level plus the modifier for the attribute that the spells in this class are based on (e.g. Intelligence for Wizards, Charisma for Bards and Sorcerers, Wisdom for Clerics, Druids, Paladins and Rangers). Your effective caster level affects all level-dependent variables of the spells you cast, including caster level checks to penetrate spell resistance and the DC of checks to dispel your spells. It does not affect your number of spells per day or spells known. Your effective caster level cannot exceed your character level.

Special: The character can gain this feat multiple times. The effects do not stack. Each time the character takes the feat, it applies to a new spellcasting class.

This feat is a "compensating" feat and is probably slightly more powerful than average. In fact, a multiclassed spellcaster would probably find it more advantageous to take this feat than Spell Penetration. However, it is balanced by the fact that a dedicated spellcaster would have no reason to take this feat. An analogy would be Weapon Finesse vs Weapon Focus for a character with a high Dexterity score.

Comments?

 

[RangerWickett]

I can see it working for multiclass folks, but how many spells do rangers or paladins use that even allow spell resistance?

 

[FireLance]

I can see it working for multiclass folks, but how many spells do rangers or paladins use that even allow spell resistance?

Yes, most paladin and ranger spells don't allow spell resistance, but they would benefit from the higher caster level, e.g. longer duration of spells, increased effectiveness of Cure spells, etc.

 

[Maximillian]

I'm cool with this. Especially in regard to the multiclassing casters. Assassins might get a lot of use out of this, same for other specific-progression PrCs. Also, if you take this, there's no reason you can't take Spell Penetration or suchlike afterward, increasing it further. This feat serves to raise your "effective caster level," rather than giving you a bonus. (Similar to, continuing your metaphor, taking both weapon finesse and weapon focus.) The text there seems pretty bulletproof, I don't see any loopholes. I've considered things like this in the past. I also like that it's based on a skill modifier. It allows for some progression as the character gains level based ability modifiers or picks up magic to enhance stats.

 

[Malin Genie]

I proposed a Feat a while ago that was similar in flavour but perhaps slightly less powerful, designed for multiclassed spellcasters (who are severely scr*wed by the rules as they stand)

Versatile Caster (General)

Prerequisite: Able to cast spells as a member of two or more different Core classes.

Benefit: Choose a non-Prestige spellcasting class you belong to. Your spells of that class are cast as if having a caster level equal to the average of your character level and your level in that class (rounded down.) In the case of spellcasting classes whose caster level is based on half their class level, the average is determined as (character level + class level)/4

You do not gain any other advantages of having an increased caster level (class features, spells/day or spells/known).