Archivist/Theurge dilemma. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Archivist/Theurge dilemma. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
cophos
02-09-06, 04:55 AM Hello everyone,
I'm playing a level 3 Archivist atm in a 3/4 member group. I chose the archivist to provide versatile magic abbilities since I'm the only "real" mage in our group.
The question: I like the mystic theurge PrC but I'm not sure if the Achivist/Wizard build's effective enough since the archivist can get most arcane spells anyway (as domain spells). On the other hand a combination of different spellcasters would grant me lots of spells per day and since my 3rd level archivist is pretty light on 'em atm: it would be a nice addition. So: which path to go? Most people will probably point out that high level spells > lots of spells /day (especially later) and I 100% agree with that. However don't forget that our group's at level 3 atm an I have to go through every single level, (Not just level 20 power builds) therefor the "spell slot boost" might be a very good addition for the whole group.
What's your take on this?
Discuss. ;)
SigmaJargon
02-09-06, 05:25 AM I wouldn't, if I were you.

There are several reasons not to do as you suggest. The first will be a HUGE drop in power over the next ~5-7 levels, at least. In the very short run, going into wizard and getting a few extra 1st level spells will seem nice, but by the time you hit 7th level, you will really be feeling the sting - you'll still only be casting second level spells when you could be casting 4th level spells. The difference is immeasurable, and playing through such a huge power sink is going to be drain on the rest of the party.

The second is that you won't gain much for what you lose. If you want to use your arcane spells, you'll have to watch what armor you wear - not a concern normally for the divine Archivist. That's a drop of at least 4-5 in your AC right there. You also don't gain too much in spell versatility, but you do lose out on the higher HD, skills, and amazing class abilities of the Archivist.
jstorrie
02-09-06, 05:29 AM If you have to play all twenty levels out, definitely avoid multiple spellcasting classes. They're an absolute horror until around level 15, and having multiple spells that do very little is definitely not as good as having a few less spells that actually solve encounters. If you're set on playing a double threat, your best bet is to mix in skills or melee, rather than arcane spells (which, as you've said, you already essentially get). I'd recommend skills, since you likely have a stellar Int on this character; there are a few classes that progress divine spellcasting and grant good skills, such as Church Inquisitor, Loremaster, Seeker of the Misty Isle and Divine Trickster - check those out.
cophos
02-09-06, 05:47 AM If you have to play all twenty levels out, definitely avoid multiple spellcasting classes. They're an absolute horror until around level 15, and having multiple spells that do very little is definitely not as good as having a few less spells that actually solve encounters. If you're set on playing a double threat, your best bet is to mix in skills or melee, rather than arcane spells (which, as you've said, you already essentially get). I'd recommend skills, since you likely have a stellar Int on this character; there are a few classes that progress divine spellcasting and grant good skills, such as Church Inquisitor, Loremaster, Seeker of the Misty Isle and Divine Trickster - check those out.

Archivist/Church Inquisitor/Sacred Exorzist was more or less my first intention thus there's no lack of good divine builds. ;) Also I know about the weaknesses of the Arch/Wiz/MT build, but I was looking for benefits I was missing, but if there aren't any ... ;)
Belneus
02-09-06, 01:14 PM Best buiild I have come across with the Theurge and Archivist really requires starting as a wizard (levels 1-5), one level archivist, then one level rainbow servant, and then mystic theurge (1-10). The only problem is you are lopsided on spell progression in favor of the wizard.

You can use the wizard slots for cleric spells at upper levels, plus you get some domain abilties. Another wizard/arcane prc level gets you 17th level caster, and then you can add in a divine prc or more archivist. But you need to start wizard or deal with major suckage for lack of mid-level power.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
cophos 02-09-06, 04:55 AM	Hello everyone, I'm playing a level 3 Archivist atm in a 3/4 member group. I chose the archivist to provide versatile magic abbilities since I'm the only "real" mage in our group. The question: I like the mystic theurge PrC but I'm not sure if the Achivist/Wizard build's effective enough since the archivist can get most arcane spells anyway (as domain spells). On the other hand a combination of different spellcasters would grant me lots of spells per day and since my 3rd level archivist is pretty light on 'em atm: it would be a nice addition. So: which path to go? Most people will probably point out that high level spells > lots of spells /day (especially later) and I 100% agree with that. However don't forget that our group's at level 3 atm an I have to go through every single level, (Not just level 20 power builds) therefor the "spell slot boost" might be a very good addition for the whole group. What's your take on this? Discuss. ;)
SigmaJargon 02-09-06, 05:25 AM	I wouldn't, if I were you. There are several reasons not to do as you suggest. The first will be a HUGE drop in power over the next ~5-7 levels, at least. In the very short run, going into wizard and getting a few extra 1st level spells will seem nice, but by the time you hit 7th level, you will really be feeling the sting - you'll still only be casting second level spells when you could be casting 4th level spells. The difference is immeasurable, and playing through such a huge power sink is going to be drain on the rest of the party. The second is that you won't gain much for what you lose. If you want to use your arcane spells, you'll have to watch what armor you wear - not a concern normally for the divine Archivist. That's a drop of at least 4-5 in your AC right there. You also don't gain too much in spell versatility, but you do lose out on the higher HD, skills, and amazing class abilities of the Archivist.
jstorrie 02-09-06, 05:29 AM	If you have to play all twenty levels out, definitely avoid multiple spellcasting classes. They're an absolute horror until around level 15, and having multiple spells that do very little is definitely not as good as having a few less spells that actually solve encounters. If you're set on playing a double threat, your best bet is to mix in skills or melee, rather than arcane spells (which, as you've said, you already essentially get). I'd recommend skills, since you likely have a stellar Int on this character; there are a few classes that progress divine spellcasting and grant good skills, such as Church Inquisitor, Loremaster, Seeker of the Misty Isle and Divine Trickster - check those out.
cophos 02-09-06, 05:47 AM	If you have to play all twenty levels out, definitely avoid multiple spellcasting classes. They're an absolute horror until around level 15, and having multiple spells that do very little is definitely not as good as having a few less spells that actually solve encounters. If you're set on playing a double threat, your best bet is to mix in skills or melee, rather than arcane spells (which, as you've said, you already essentially get). I'd recommend skills, since you likely have a stellar Int on this character; there are a few classes that progress divine spellcasting and grant good skills, such as Church Inquisitor, Loremaster, Seeker of the Misty Isle and Divine Trickster - check those out. Archivist/Church Inquisitor/Sacred Exorzist was more or less my first intention thus there's no lack of good divine builds. ;) Also I know about the weaknesses of the Arch/Wiz/MT build, but I was looking for benefits I was missing, but if there aren't any ... ;)
Belneus 02-09-06, 01:14 PM	Best buiild I have come across with the Theurge and Archivist really requires starting as a wizard (levels 1-5), one level archivist, then one level rainbow servant, and then mystic theurge (1-10). The only problem is you are lopsided on spell progression in favor of the wizard. You can use the wizard slots for cleric spells at upper levels, plus you get some domain abilties. Another wizard/arcane prc level gets you 17th level caster, and then you can add in a divine prc or more archivist. But you need to start wizard or deal with major suckage for lack of mid-level power.