Quick question regarding Epic Progression and PrCs

[UltimaGabe]

Hey, everyone. As we all know, Epic progression is weird. However, I seem to have reached something I'm not sure how to deal with.

As we all know, you can't begin a class's Epic progression until you've completed 20 levels of that class. For example, a 10th-level Rogue/10th-level Shadowdancer can't take the Epic progression of Rogue until he takes 10 more levels of Rogue, since he's only got 10 levels of rogue, and the epic progression pics up at 21st level of Rogue.

Well, here's a question: Let's say you're a 15th-level Wizard, and you take 5 levels of a prestige class that advances your spellcasting each level (like Archmage). You're now 20th-level, and you've completed all of your pre-epic spellcasting. But you can't take Epic Wizard yet- as you've got 5 more levels. If you then take 5 more levels of Wizard, do you get anything spell-wise?

What if the character in this case had 13 levels of Wizard, 5 levels of a prestige class, and 2 levels of Monk? If he took another 7 levels of Wizard, would he gain progression for the first two, considering he's above 20th-level?

 

[Rystil Arden]

Hey, everyone. As we all know, Epic progression is weird. However, I seem to have reached something I'm not sure how to deal with.

As we all know, you can't begin a class's Epic progression until you've completed 20 levels of that class. For example, a 10th-level Rogue/10th-level Shadowdancer can't take the Epic progression of Rogue until he takes 10 more levels of Rogue, since he's only got 10 levels of rogue, and the epic progression pics up at 21st level of Rogue.

Well, here's a question: Let's say you're a 15th-level Wizard, and you take 5 levels of a prestige class that advances your spellcasting each level (like Archmage). You're now 20th-level, and you've completed all of your pre-epic spellcasting. But you can't take Epic Wizard yet- as you've got 5 more levels. If you then take 5 more levels of Wizard, do you get anything spell-wise?

What if the character in this case had 13 levels of Wizard, 5 levels of a prestige class, and 2 levels of Monk? If he took another 7 levels of Wizard, would he gain progression for the first two, considering he's above 20th-level?

First case: No more progression, but his caster level goes up.

Second case: Progression for the first two, then no more, although his caster level goes up.

Nothing weird about it at all: You cap the progression at effective class level of 20.

 

[Crothian]

Well, here's a question: Let's say you're a 15th-level Wizard, and you take 5 levels of a prestige class that advances your spellcasting each level (like Archmage). You're now 20th-level, and you've completed all of your pre-epic spellcasting. But you can't take Epic Wizard yet- as you've got 5 more levels. If you then take 5 more levels of Wizard, do you get anything spell-wise?

No, you do gain th e two new spells per level that all wizards get and his caster level increases. You just never cast more spells. You can take epic feats though that you qualify for with your 21st level and 24th level feats.

What if the character in this case had 13 levels of Wizard, 5 levels of a prestige class, and 2 levels of Monk? If he took another 7 levels of Wizard, would he gain progression for the first two, considering he's above 20th-level?

He would pick up his 19th and 20th levels of spellcaster. His spellcaster level continues to increase as above.

 

[Rystil Arden]

Hmmm...he said the same thing I did after I said it...does that mean I actually interrupted Crothian's post with my post. Wow!

 

[Wonko the Sane]

For example, a 10th-level Rogue/10th-level Shadowdancer can't take the Epic progression of Rogue until he takes 10 more levels of Rogue, since he's only got 10 levels of rogue, and the epic progression pics up at 21st level of Rogue.

But he can start the epic progression for Shadowdancer, right?

 

[Rystil Arden]

But he can start the epic progression for Shadowdancer, right?

Yes, that is correct.

 

[UltimaGabe]

Ah. It appeared the scenario seemed more confusing in my head than it actually was. Oh well. Thanks for the info.

 

[Rystil Arden]

Ah. It appeared the scenario seemed more confusing in my head than it actually was. Oh well. Thanks for the info.

No problem. The important thing is that you now you can play with the rules without a problem. That's all that matters.

 

[Jdvn1]

That's why you take Practiced Spellcaster and start dipping into other classes. Wis to AC and Cha to saves is nice. Or pick up some Fighter feats (Improved Toughness is nice for casters). The only things that give you more spellcasting is feats, so unless you're worried about caster level, starting multiclassing/PrCing like mad.

 

[Rystil Arden]

That's why you take Practiced Spellcaster and start dipping into other classes. Wis to AC and Cha to saves is nice. Or pick up some Fighter feats (Improved Toughness is nice for casters). The only things that give you more spellcasting is feats, so unless you're worried about caster level, starting multiclassing/PrCing like mad.

This is generally a very good paradigm when you can't take levels that give Epic Bonus Feats. Of course, if you can take levels that give Epic Bonus feats, that's often a better idea (although that Wis to AC and Cha to Saves is very tempting).