One-level-only multiclassing

[candidus_cogitens]

Everybody knows that if you multiclass, it often works really nice at low levels but there is a risk that it doesnt turn out to be as powerful at higher levels. Of course, in some cases, this is not a problem. Like, if you are a fighter/ranger, or fighter/barbarian ... no problem. But if you're a wizard, why would you want to take one level in cleric?!

Rogue can be a nice class to just take one level in--but its better to do it at first level, because only then do you get the advantage of 4 x 8 skill points.

Bard is questionable, if you ask me. Of course, if you're other class is rogue or monk you still have Perform as a class skill and you can continue to get new bardic music abilities even if you never take another level as a bard.

Fighter can be a nice choice because you get that bonus feat, and of course, if you dont already have martail weapons proficiencies you would get that.

Sorcerer might be alright, if you select your spells properly.

What about the psionics classes? Do any of them work well as one-level-only multiclass choices?

What do you think would be wise or unwise choices for this kind of multiclassing strategy?

 

[Mr Fidgit]

i'm not sure about the psi-classes...

1 level of cleric would give access to two domain abilities, and if they weren't level-dependant, they'd be great additions to a character (like the domains that grants feats)

in the case of rogues, i would take at least two levels in most cases. evasion and synergy bonuses are too good to pass up

 

[Ravellion]

What about the psionics classes? Do any of them work well as one-level-only multiclass choices?

Well, Psions have no ASF, yet some powers are just as powerful. The burst talent (cantrip, 0th level power, whatever) can really help out a melee char. with the +10 movement for one round. Several other powers spring to mind. Plus, you get a psicrystal, most likely giving you an extra +2 to either your Fort or Will save.

Beyond that, you get access to psionic feats, so Psions are pretty good choices for 1 or few level multiclasses.

Rav

 

[candidus_cogitens]

Good point about clerics. I had overlooked that. Another nice thing about clerics is that they have TWO strong saving throws. One factor in choosing a second class is saving throws. It would be a big plus to get a class that gives you bonuses in your weak categories.

By the way, my character is a wizard. I'd love to have advice about something that would complement a wizard. My stats are 10, 14, 12, 18, 10, 10. I am especially interested in whether the psi classes would be good, because I am not yet familiar with them. It would be good to get advice from someone who is.

 

[candidus_cogitens]

Re: Re: One-level-only multiclassing

Well, Psions have no ASF, yet some powers are just as powerful.

What is ASF?

Do you think the Psion's abilities might be useful enough to equal the advantages of advancing a level as a wizard?

 

[CRGreathouse]

Re: Re: Re: One-level-only multiclassing

What is ASF?

Arcane spell failure -- if you were going to wear armor, psion is likely better than wizard for 'splashing' a single level.

 

[Ravellion]

Re: Re: Re: One-level-only multiclassing

What is ASF?

Do you think the Psion's abilities might be useful enough to equal the advantages of advancing a level as a wizard?

ASF=Arcane Spell Failure. A level of Wizard? No. Never mix two classes which are mostly focussed on spellcasting/manifesting of powers. Ever.

I do think Psions mix far better with Rogues and Fighters (and Paladins as well) than wizards do though.

Rav

 

[Mr Fidgit]

isn't there a feat that allows a psi-PC to have mage armor all the time? (like, as long as you have psychic energy (points) left, it automatically gives a bonus to armor class)

 

[Ravellion]

isn't there a feat that allows a psi-PC to have mage armor all the time? (like, as long as you have psychic energy (points) left, it automatically gives a bonus to armor class)

Inertial armour. You only need 1 pp in your reserve, and you'll have +4 armour bonus to AC (force). However, since this does not stack with Mage armour, Bracers of Armour etc. etc. it usually not that useful, except for low level monks.

Rav

 

[psionotic]

The main problem with taking one level of a psionic class is psychic combat. Having 0-1 defense modes and almost no powerpoints makes this character extremely vulnerable to psionic attacks now that their mind is 'open'.

Of course, the two groups I play in are yet to use psionic combat (other than the occasional mind blast) and we have had a few psions and psychic warrior characters.


The most popular one-level multiclass by far is ranger, followed by cleric, rogue, and monk.