Prestige classes, caster levels and domain spells

[andrew_kenrick]

I assumed I knew the answer to this, but one of my players has just queried it and now I'm unsure.

Many prestige classes (i'm talking divine disciple and runecaster here) grant +1 spellcaster lvl, advancing caster lvl, spells per day and spells known, without advancing any other class abilities. But, does this include domain spells? I always assumed that you continued to gain domain spells at the same rate as a cleric, but one of my players thinks otherwise.

So, which is it? Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Pax]

Yes, as far as casting spells goes, you continue to get access tohigher level domain spells,and one domain spell slot per spell level per day.

A Cleric(10)/Contemplative(7) is a 17th level caster, has access to 9th level spells, and yes has a 9th level domain slot, which he can fill with any spell from any of his domains, regardless if he got the domain as a Cleric or as a Contemplative.

Essentially, casting domain-gained spells (including domain slots, access to higher levels of spell from each domain, range, duration, etc, etc) is based purely on your caster level, not your cleric level.

However, you do NOT neccessarily gain any increased effect for Domain powers. (my personal rule of thumb is, any PrC which grants one or more domains, stacks in terms of level-of-effect for all domains, past present and future ... so a Cleric(10)/Contemplative(10) uses his orher domains the same as a Cleric(20) would). This is because domain powers are tied to cleric level, not caster level (unlike the spells).

 

[andrew_kenrick]

Thanks for clearing that up Pax.

So, that begs the question, is there any point in not taking a spellcasting prestige class if you're a cleric? As far as I can tell, the only thing that suffers is your turning.

 

[Spatula]

Turning, and domain powers (if applicable). If your domains are Strength and Destruction, you may want to remain a normal cleric.

That's assuming the PrC has d8 HD, medium BAB, and good Fort/Will saves (or better). The Loremaster, for example, has full casting but only d4 HD, poor BAB, and poor Fort saves, so a cleric is definately losing something by taking levels in it.

 

[sledged]

So, that begs the question, is there any point in not taking a spellcasting prestige class if you're a cleric? As far as I can tell, the only thing that suffers is your turning.

And that's not a big loss given that there are many feats that allow you to use your turning attempts in ways that aren't dependent on your cleric level.

It almost begs clerics to take levels in PrCs, doesn't it? Divine PrCs are 3E/3.5E equivalent to Specialty Priests in 2E, which is why many require a specific patron deity. I see the loss of benefits for taking cleric levels (which can be trivialized) in favor of levels in PrCs as gods trying to mold their clergy into more ideal suckers--SERVANTS!

I didn't say suckers...

I meant servants...

 

[Pax]

That is true, sledged. IMC, I plan to make all the truly "this costs you very little" divien PrCs either Epic PrCs, or deity-specific. Maybe even subsect-specific. ^_^

 

[andrew_kenrick]

Or impose harsher prerequisites - not mechanics related, but roleplay related. So to become a divine disciple you might have to go on spiritual retreat up a mountain for 6 months, or undertake a pilgrimage to a plane holy to your god.

Thus, superficially a pr class looks more appealing, but a PC really has to earn it!