Sorcerer or Wizard for a monk?

[Wolffenjugend]

We've got an 11th-lvl monk character who is about to become 12th-lvl. He wants to take either Sorcerer or Wizard. He plans to take 3 levels of Sor/Wiz and then go back to monk or something else. His Cha is 9 (but he can get it to 12 if he wants) and his Int is 12.

Taking into consideration that he only wants 3 levels of spellcasting, which would you recommend and why? He's not interested in any other spellcasting options or prestige classes, just Sor or Wiz.

 

[Altamont Ravenard]

Why exactly 3 levels?

If it's absolutely 3, I'd suggest Wizard just so he may get some 2nd-level spells.

AR

 

[Lu Wei Fong]

I'd say he's crazy for wanting to diverge from the Monk. Monks absolutely rock!
Besides, he couldn't switch anyways, the Monk's multi-classing restrictions don't allow it unfortunately.

 

[Chronosome]

With a higher Intelligence, I'd say wizard. DCs, bonus spells and all...

Wizards are a good "splash" class--they get a free feat (Scribe Scroll) and can add lots of spells to their spellbooks. Sorcerers are great for their famed versatility.

The Arcane Strike feat (CW) is great deal for a melee mage...you may want to consider it...

Is the DM allowing a switch back to monk afterward? I'm curious as to why...I love the idea of different monk orders allowing certain multiclasses (like they do Faerun).

 

[Ukyo the undead]

I'd say he's crazy for wanting to diverge from the Monk. Monks absolutely rock!
Besides, he couldn't switch anyways, the Monk's multi-classing restrictions don't allow it unfortunately.

By the tone of the question, I assume his game dont have this limitation.

I would take the 3 levels in wizard: I want 2 level spells.

Or take 2 levels in sorcerer and 1 in wizard: I want a lot of 1st-level spells. Some I will cast every time( shield, True strike), but i want to have some options ( spider climb, expeditious retreat, etc).

 

[Altamont Ravenard]

Monks absolutely rock!

I haven't seen too many monks in action. That's because in the games I've played in, they rarely survived the 1st adventure... But I agree that it would be better not to diverge from the monk class for a few measly spells.

AR

 

[Felon]

I haven't seen too many monks in action. That's because in the games I've played in, they rarely survived the 1st adventure...

Ok, how about "Monks absolutely rock...starting at about 12th level!"

 

[Wolffenjugend]

Ok, how about "Monks absolutely rock...starting at about 12th level!"

It's only 3 levels b/c it's Dragonlance and he would have to become a Wizard of High Sorcery to advance beyond 3rd (which he doesn't want to do).

He wants a splash of spells to supplement his monk abilities as he acts as the P's scout. We considered Assassin for a bit but that didn't pan out so we dropped it.

In all honesty, I had forgotten the restrictions on monks returning to the class after taking a new one, but I might waive the restriction because it suits the campaign.

One thing we've noticed is that monk grapplers are obscene. He can basically nullify any BBEG just by grappling him. IMO, the touch attack (vs. a regular attack) to start grappling is too much. All he has to do is get a hold of the bad guy and the bad guy spends the rest of the battle trying to get out of it. It's a lot like real-world grapplers; in 1-on-1 fights, the grappler just needs to get ahold of the guy and its pretty much just a matter of time 'til he wins. But anyhoo, I got off topic...

 

[Ottergame]

You can level up to 4th level as a wizard or 5th level as a sorc before being considered a renegade by the High Towers.

Edit: You can keep leveling as either class past that. The Towers of High Scorery aren't exactly in any position to enforce it's laws.

 

[Wolffenjugend]

You can level up to 4th level as a wizard or 5th level as a sorc before being considered a renegade by the High Towers.

Sorry, we use house rules for WoHS that sets the limit at 3rd.